Vacuum Loading Control System is CAN bus based.
Press Release Summary:
Simplifying installation, operation, and expansion of vacuum loading system, FlexBus(TM) CAN-Bus (FB) System uses single cable to connect vacuum pump with one or many individually controlled receivers. It includes pump control that provides power for entire network, onboard controls for all receivers in system, CAN bus cable, T connectors for each receiver wiring junction along cable, and hand-held pendant that provides advanced functions for pump and receivers.
Original Press Release:
Central Vacuum Loading Control System Combines Networking Simplicity with Localized Receiver Controls
Easy to Set Up and Operate, New FlexBus(TM) CAN-Bus (FB) System Can Be Installed for One or a Few Receivers, then Quickly Expanded to Include More
BALTIMORE, MD, U.S.A., September 16, 2008: An ultra-streamlined vacuum loading control system based on the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus concept uses a single cable to connect a vacuum pump with one or many individually controlled receivers and readily accommodates the addition of more, it was announced today by NOVATEC, Inc.
The basic components of the new FlexBus(TM) CAN-bus control system are a pump control, onboard controls for all receivers in the system, CAN bus cable, "T" connectors for each receiver wiring junction along the cable, and a hand-held pendant that provides advanced functions for the pump and receivers.
"The FB network simplifies the installation, operation, and expansion of a vacuum loading system, saving time and plant space and providing greater versatility than complex, wiring-intensive conventional systems," said Chuck Morgan, resin handling business director. "Because the network instantly recognizes and communicates with each added receiver, and because connections typically are plug-and-play, a processor can make an initial investment with the assurance that, down the road, the system can easily be modified or enlarged."
Morgan added that he expects the FB system to be expandable to include "dozens" of pumps, receivers, and other devices, though the upper limit depends on pump and receiver size, throughput requirements, and other factors. "Particularly for larger systems, we recommend that customers consult with NOVATEC about the selection, arrangement, and installation of all devices in a FlexBus system," he said.
FlexBus(TM) CAN-Bus (FB) System Is Designed for Fast, Easy Deployment
The FB system processes calls for vacuum power from each receiver on a first-come, first-served basis. Details on components of the system are as follows:
Pump control provides the power for the entire network and includes an alarm in the event of pump overload to enhance pump life and system performance.
Receiver control is available as a built-in part of NOVATEC's new GlassVu(TM) series receivers (see below) or as a fully enclosed onboard component on other types of receivers. The control requires no special instructions for making and changing on/off and load-time settings and it incorporates a no-load alarm. It is fitted with a CAN bus connector for plugging into the communications network.
Pendant (optional). This hand-held device plugs into the receiver control and provides an advanced level of control over purging, proportioning, monitoring, and changing of loading functions. Since changes to a receiver control made with the pendant are stored in that receiver, the pendant can be used with multiple receivers. It can also plug into the pump control to make changes in vacuum breaker timing.
CAN bus cable. For plug-and-play capability, the customer can order sets of cable in specific lengths, along with T connectors. Alternatively, cable can be purchased in bulk, cut to length during installation, and field-wired in special terminal boxes that are connected to the receivers via drop cables.
Background on the GlassVu(TM) loading system:
Introduced by NOVATEC in 2007, the new GlassVu system includes cylindrical loaders, receivers, and machine-mount hoppers, all of which have large wrap-around glass mid-sections that provide a clear view of the filling process to ensure proper operation and aid in setup. Loaders and receivers have slanted lids that allow full access to the interior without disturbing material or vacuum lines; flat bottoms that provide large openings for resin evacuation; and slanted bottom panels inside the loaders and receivers that are pneumatically opened and closed, functioning as slide-gate valves for efficient discharge. The loaders and receivers are modular in construction, comprised of non-ferrous metals and tough, 5-mm thick borosilicate glass sections.
NOVATEC, INC. is a leading supplier of resin drying, blending, and pneumatic conveying systems to plastics processors. The company specializes in custom-engineered material handling systems that meet specific process and production requirements. Its range of dryers is the broadest in the industry, including desiccant and hot air systems and infrared systems for crystallizing and drying PET, as well as the patented NovaDrier(TM) membrane dryer, the NovaWheel(TM) desiccant wheel dryer, and the NovaVac II(TM) vacuum dryer.
NOVATEC, Inc. is headquartered at 222 East Thomas Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21225 U.S.A. Tel: 410-789-4811. Fax: 410-789-4638. Email: sales@novatec.com.
