TPI March 2024

A sophisticatedly programmed automatic valve “also increases protection against unauthorised interventions in the process sequences”. System availability is improved by digitised actuators, controls and valves and maintenance costs are reduced thanks to higher quality and productivity is increased. The controller, equipped with suitable communication technology, is part of the future smart factory. Proper data management will allow for reduced emissions, improved recycling processes and minimised production waste. Sensor and actuator profiles Digitalisation is taking automation to a new level: as such, the aim is to further optimise the IO-Link – as a communication system for linking intelligent sensors and actuators to an automation system. The goal is an even broader and more efficient use of IO-Link in automation. This has already been achieved through the development of the smart sensor profile (SSP). This standard allows a 1:1 exchange of similar devices from different manufacturers with their basic functions – without the need to adapt any function blocks. “Thanks to digital transmission via IO-Link, conversion errors are a thing of the past,” the IO-Link community spokesperson explained. Now for the next step: “We are currently working on creating a smart actuator profile, because users also wish to see uniform profiles in actuator technology,” the IO-Link community spokesperson added. Automation for projects As evidenced by countless projects, automation is in higher demand than ever. Valmet for instance is providing automation for a UK energy-from-waste project in Sandwell and Dudley in the West Midlands. Among others, this order includes a DNA automation system, integrated controllers and an electrical control system. The start of full operations is planned for 2025. Another order was received by Valmet from Kuwait, to retrofit the automation system of the Sabiya energy and water distillation station – the commissioning will be completed in autumn 2024. Emerson provides automation solutions for safety and reliability of the first large-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power project in New Zealand. The order includes a decentralised process control system and controllers. The aim is to minimise the impact of fluctuations and interruptions in PV power generation. Great savings potential Great progress has been made, but the industry is already eying up the next development milestone: the use of artificial intelligence (AI). According to the Federal Association of German Industry (BDI), a 20 per cent improvement in plant use is possible if AI maintenance work is carried out proactively.

In addition, a systematic cooperation of robots and employees will make a 20 per cent higher productivity of individual work steps feasible. “AI can make quality monitoring 50 per cent more productive – for example, through automatic visual error detection for products,” said the BDI spokesperson. In certain areas, a waste reduction of up to 30 per cent is possible. The potential of digitalisation and artificial intelligence for automation is therefore enormous, while at the same time there is a great need to catch up. Openness towards technology could therefore become a recipe for success for companies trying to master current challenges. Further trends and highlights from the rapidly evolving valve industry can be experienced at Valve World Expo taking place from 3-5 December 2024 in Düsseldorf, Germany. As a digital enablement tool for smart field devices, Emerson’s AMS Device Manager connects to thousands of systems and millions of devices worldwide via standard protocols such as Hart ® , Foundation™ Fieldbus, WirelessHart ® , and Profibus. The AMS Device Manager Data Server enables users to “unleash the full potential of data from these smart field devices for advanced aggregation and analysis so to drive digital transformation and bundle operational systems,” explained a spokesperson from Emerson

Valve World Expo 2024 www.valveworldexpo.com

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TUBE PRODUCTS INTERNATIONAL March 2024

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