Equipment: The Patented Electronic Flow Controller
The problem
First, pneumatically-actuated positioners tend to fail because the pressurized air often carries with it moisture and contaminants, which interfere with the operation of the actuator. In certain cases, the moisture can even travel from the actuator through an electrical conduit down to the control panel, causing a short or other malfunction. Indeed, for compressed air systems that do not otherwise require a dryer, pneumatically-actuated positioners are unworkable, since the excess moisture will cause routine failure.
Second, these systems are prone to "hunting" or oscillation of the valve as its searches for the proper position to maintain set point pressure. "Hunting" results from a disparity between the relatively fast response time of the electronic means that are used to sample downstream pressure, and the relatively slow response time of the pneumatically-actuated positioner and valve.
Thus, there is a need for a flow controller that is not subject to failure resulting from contaminants in the pressurized air, and that is able to find and maintain the proper valve position without undue valve oscillation.
The solution: The Patented Electronic Flow Controller
The electronic flow controller is an electrically-actuated flow controller, comprised of an electrical actuator, an optional bypass assembly, a valve, and an electronic control panel with sampling means. Because the actuator is electrically and not pneumatically actuated, it is not subject to failure due to air contaminants.
Additionally, because the response time for the actuator is commensurate with the response time for the electronic control panel, unnecessary valve oscillation is greatly reduced.
The present invention also may include a battery back-up, to allow continued operation of the flow controller in the event of a power interruption. If a battery back-up is not used, then an optional bypass assembly may be provided instead.
Lastly, the electronic flow controller can be retrofitted into your current compressed air or vacuum system.
The benefits of the patented Electronic Flow Controller
- Reduced maintenance and repair costs. Less moving parts mean less to rebuild and repair. There are no moisture and contaminant issues, nothing to drain or diaphragms to replace or rebuild.
- Reduced system downtime. A backup battery can be installed in the event of a power outage. Less repair time and maintenance will keep your operations running and productive.
- Reduced energy bills. The electronic flow controller will respond quicker to fluctuations from your plant air system needs. This keeps your compressors running optimally. This translates into reduced power consumption and greatly improves the bottom line of your operation.