With the race towards Industry 4:0 on, progressive cavity (PC) pump specialist SEEPEX is assisting SME customers, particularly those starting from a ‘low tech’ baseline, to think ahead and utilise Smart pump technology to boost process productivity.
“All processes, no matter how simple, can benefit from preparation for Industry 4.0 or ‘future proofing’,” states Lesley Eaton, Business Development and Marketing Manager for SEEPEX UK. “There’s a general misconception that enhanced connectivity, Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4:0 are for big operations with ultra-sophisticated data capture strategies. Yet, like most decisions in business, whatever your size or sector, it’s about thinking smarter, selecting the right pumping equipment for the job and factoring in current and future demands.”
Sensors and sensibility
Smart PC pumps offer a perfect example of how embedded technology can help even the most common and straightforward equipment to optimise processes. ‘Smart’ doesn’t mean more data is being generated; the data just becomes more accessible and relevant.
An example of one application could be using transducers as pressure or level controls which speed up and slow down the PC pump, varying the flow rate as required. Rather than using an on/off response when fill levels are reached, these pressure transducers send a variable signal to a PLC integrated to a variable speed drive, that will increase or slow the speed at which the product is delivered accordingly. This reduces the wear rate of the pump, extending the service life and lowering the total cost of ownership (TCO).
