Monitoring air loss in pneumatic systems.

Emerson’s new Aventics AF2 flow sensor monitors air consumption, enabling rapid intervention in the event of leakage, preventing excessive cost and machine breakdown

The Aventics AF2 pneumatic systems flow sensor, introduced by Emerson, monitors energy losses, helping to prevent machine breakdowns and the costs associated with excessive air consumption. The sensor continuously monitors the air consumption in pneumatic systems, enabling compliance with the Energy Management standard DIN ISO 50001. Suitable for use in many industries, the device is just one of many components available from Emerson for networked plants in factory automation, known as the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT).

“The Aventics AF2 series flow sensor is ideally suited to those companies aiming to control and optimise their energy usage,” said Andreas Kliewe, expert for energy management with Emerson’s machine automation business. “The device records the flow rate and compressed air consumption in a system, sending a signal to the controller when pre-set levels are exceeded. This helps avoid excessive energy loss and enables rapid intervention in the event of an issue. After all, the share of energy unit costs in the gross production value is two to three percent – so it’s worth saving here.”

An Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display on the AF2 provides local indication of all relevant operating and diagnostic data. The flow sensor is available as a NO (normally open) and NC (normally closed) version. Analogue outputs can be switched with a signal from 4 to 20 mA. These signals can be interpreted directly by many controllers.

Another possibility for communication is the IO-Link capability of the sensor and the Ethernet interface, enabling customers to use the optimum device to communicate with existing controllers. OPC UA (Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture) and MQTT (Message Queueing Telemetry Transport), the preferred communications protocols for industry 4.0, are integrated into the AF2 sensor. In addition, the AF2 has a web-based dashboard showing real-time data for the users.

Modular construction ensures easy installation, and small dimensions mean it can be installed where space is limited. The Aventics AF2 is delivered pre-calibrated together with its filter. This saves space as no separate stabilisation distance is required. Furthermore, the sensor-filter combination can be configured in any maintenance unit. The flow sensor is suitable for all common applications and industries such as food and beverage or packaging.

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