Bayer Crop Science Division sviluppa ingredienti attivi per la protezione delle colture e i relativi processi di produzione. Per produrre più velocemente e in modo più individuale, il produttore voleva combinare i processi necessari sotto lo stesso tetto. In qualità di specialista dell'automazione e partner commerciale di lunga data, Festo è stata inclusa nella pianificazione in una fase iniziale.
Il progetto si è rivelato un compito impegnativo per gli ingegneri: Bayer ha progettato il nuovo sistema in modo tale che i sottosistemi e le apparecchiature esistenti possano essere collegati e gestiti in modo flessibile tra loro. Il sistema di controllo del processo è suddiviso in 67 sistemi di automazione, in modo che anche il controllo del processo possa essere adattato in modo flessibile. Allo stesso tempo, c'erano requisiti più stringenti per la protezione dalle esplosioni: Bayer tratta liquidi infiammabili per scopi operativi in questa struttura multiuso e lo sviluppo continuo del processo richiede anche numerose interfacce e punti di intervento, poiché i processi cambiano frequentemente. L'intero sistema è stato quindi classificato in zone 1 e 2 a rischio di esplosione.
The more reliable the ICE components are, the more efficiently the process system functions. Even if a process engineering system has already been largely optimised, increased output is still possible with a system without downtime. Tried and tested ICE components, certified to IEC 61508, reduce inspection cycles and inspection time to a minimum and ensure that no unplanned downtime occurs due to repairs. As a result, the entire facility remains productive continuously.
Bayer is not the only company that is very satisfied with our products. The multi-purpose facility has demonstrated that this faith in our products is justified. More than 1500 solenoid valves from the VOFC series were installed, in safety-related as well as other control circuits. To date, none of these components has failed, nor is there even the slightest indication that they will. 14 of these valves were also subjected to an endurance test in 2015, the results of which have led the German Technical Control Board TÜV-Rheinland to issue a new certificate. Since then, Festo is the first company to be able to forego any reference to a limitation of the valves' service life. Of course, you always must implement the necessary precautions to avoiding errors, and ambient conditions also have to be taken into consideration. But in principle, you, as the system operator, specify the duration of use of our certified solenoid valves VOFC yourself.
Another Festo product that has been paying off for Bayer for many years is the polyurethane tubing in combination with the push-in fittings NPQH. It is used as compressed air supply lines for the solenoid valves. It is quick to assemble and flexible in installation. The tubing clip mechanism in the fitting has an integrated sealing ring which prevents the loss of compressed air and can be quickly released if necessary.
Other advantages for Bayer are the tubing’s strong resistance to UV radiation and its resistance to chemicals. We can supply tubing in various colours, making identification by the customer unnecessary if nitrogen is used in addition to compressed air. Thanks to our bulk packs, there is no need for connector fittings even when long tubing lengths are required. This reduces the possible number of leaks to an absolute minimum.
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