Controller package for Bran + Luebbe pumps

The possibilities of emerging control, monitoring and communications technologies are now being harnessed by SPX Process Equipment for its Bran + Luebbe pumps

Announcing the Novaflow pump concept, Bran + Luebbe UK Systems Manager Mike Scott says that the controller package replaces the need for a separate control panel and skid system.

"All that the customer requires is mounted on the pump; set flow rate, monitor, start and stop.

This is because the Novaflow has built in motor speed control and 24 volt power supply fed from a single 240 volt supply from the customer.

It also adds a remote I/O function for customers with existing PLC control systems, which allows automated setting of all the functions, complete with feedback".

In contrast to many other monitoring systems, which detect vibration in bearings to let the system know there is a problem, Novaflow monitors the exact parameter in which the customer is interested, namely flowrate.

Mike Scott explains: "For example the customer tells us the recipe they require, we then set the pump to deliver that recipe, then monitor it via the flowmeter, to make sure it is being achieved.

If it is not, we can trim the pump to deliver the correct quantity.

Built in diagnostics can detect if we cannot self-correct the error, thereby alerting the operator to check the fault".

According to Bran + Luebbe, customers buying this new unit can forget about linking in other components in order to get the control to work.

"All we need is the customer to send us a set point and acknowledge a confirmation back; we take care of everything else.

The beauty of the controller is that it can be easily integrated into existing systems with discrete I/O," says Mike Scott: "The controller will enable users to select any one of the following control options: Discrete: 4-20mA flow rate required input and 4-20mA flow rate actual output or Comms: Ethernet, Profibus DP, Devicenet, Interbus, MODbus or CANbus." There are also benefits for OEMs who can buy the unit and link it seamlessly into a master control, be it a PLC or SCADA system, as the control unit will be available with all communication link options.

All information concerning the status and operation of the pump attached to the controller will be available to the OEM master system, with Bran + Luebbe taking care of controlling the flow.

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