Digital transformation: how pneumatic conveying systems enable you to digitalise your business
Smart technologies for production in accordance with the 4.0 model
As part of the Transition 4.0 project in support of the digital transformation of companies, there are still a number of beneficial opportunities.
Today it is more important than ever to be resilient in the face of dynamically changing economic conditions.
Digitalising your company means not only taking advantage of available tax credits, but also gaining full control over your production processes through the ability to collect automated data in real time.
Pneumatic conveying systems as enablers of Industry 4.0 change
Pneumatic conveying systems are able to connect with each other and with the other components of a production plant in order to create a perfectly integrated processing flow. This makes it possible to achieve a high level of efficiency and optimise production costs.
These machines, developed for data exchange and remote assistance, are among the enabling technologies for Industry 4.0.
Let’s take a detailed look at the requirements for their inclusion among the functional assets for the technological and digital transformation of companies, according to the Transition 4.0 model:
- Automation control by means of a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller).
The PLC is a highly versatile tool that today allows perfect integration in automated systems. The HMI (Human Machine Interface) allows machine functions to be controlled and working parameters to be modified by the operator.
Through appropriate protocols, information can be exchanged with existing supervisory systems (SCADA) for even greater integration.
- Interconnection with factory computer systems with remote loading of instructions and/or part programmes and communication with other machines in the production cycle.
Each plant has its own characteristics and often requires IT adaptation to existing installations.
Air-Tec System conveying systems provide parameters that can be set through the HMI and selected through data exchange according to the protocol chosen for integration.
- Simple and intuitive interface between man and machine.
The HMI operator panel makes the information needed to control the system usable and immediately available.
This operator panel is the main interface for normal use of the machine, during maintenance, or simply for changing the working parameters.
- Occupational safety, health, and hygiene parameters.
Air-Tec System’s plants comply with EC regulations and the Machinery Directive.
If potentially explosive products are to be handled, the measures prescribed by ATEX regulations will be implemented.
- Remote maintenance and/or remote diagnostics and/or remote control systems.
Remote assistance is one of the crucial points of Industry 4.0 integration, whereby every piece of equipment must be remotely accessible.
The operator panel provided by Air-Tec System optionally enables the remote assistance service.
Alternatively, dedicated remote assistance modules can be provided when heavy-duty use is foreseen or when the connection must be ensured by a SIM card.
- Continuous monitoring of working conditions and process parameters.
In Air-Tec System’s systems, each of the physical quantities involved is monitored by means of specific transducers such as pressure switches, vibration and/or capacitive levels, and optionally load cells and/or flow sensors for monitoring consumption.
These sensors allow more accurate monitoring, optimising performance, given the variability of the products that can be handled.
Applications involving pneumatic conveying alone are not covered by Industry 4.0. standards; however, when they are integrated into systems that comply with the standards, they become part of the production process and acquire the necessary requirements.
In the planning stages of a production system, the advice of Air-Tec System engineers is aimed at ensuring effective integration to fulfil regulatory requirements.