Getting food companies pumped up about 4.0 potential

With the race towards Industry 4:0 on, progressive cavity (PC) pump specialist SEEPEX is assisting food producers, particularly those starting from a ‘low tech’ baseline, to think ahead and utilise Smart pump technology to boost process productivity.

“There’s a general misconception that enhanced connectivity, Smart Manufacturing and Industry 4:0 are for big operations with ultra-sophisticated data capture strategies,” states Lesley Eaton, Business Development and Marketing Manager for SEEPEX UK. “Yet, like most decisions in business, whatever your size, it’s about thinking smarter, selecting the right pumping equipment for the job and factoring in current and future demands.”

‘Smart’ doesn’t mean more data is being generated; the data just becomes more accessible and relevant. For example, using pressure transducers which send a variable signal to a PLC integrated to a variable speed drive will speed up or slow down the PC pump, varying the flow rate as required. This reduces the wear rate, extending the service life and lowering TCO.

Similarly, replacing sensors using IO-Link interface capabilities with variable sensing technology reduces reliance on remote data processing, enabling intelligent analysis of performance. And using flow meters linked to variable frequency drives (VFDs) allows for real time feedback and speed control of motors, achieving accurate product flow and enabling predictive maintenance schedules.

A properly selected PC pump can also collect data to provide diagnostic tools for the entire system. For example, an unexpected pressure increase could signal a product change or pipework obstruction, while an increase in measured flow could indicate narrowed pipework.

However, when selecting pump technology, it’s equally important to consider existing technology infrastructures. Used either as a standalone item or integrated easily into SCADA systems, SEEPEX’s smart dosing PC pumps maintain accurate flow using continuous real time feedback and adjustment. Pump and system protection can also be managed using temperature and pressure sensors linked to the integral PLC.

Even a simple pump becomes exponentially more valuable when connected. Data from one sensor can be combined with data from another and linked with cloud intelligence to make smarter, even autonomous, business decisions. Data connectivity has the potential to revolutionise how we work.

Tel: 01935 472376
www.seepex.com