Innovative automation solutions –
so that your bulk materials keep flowing

Optimally matched components for more efficiency

We optimally adjust the components to your requirements and thus achieve an efficient and high-quality result.

Festo components

• are particularly sturdy, explosion-proof and suitable for SIL applications,
• reduce your product and installation costs by up to 42%,
• are available globally and "from a single source" – including services

Products for your bulk material application in the online catalogue

Is a single valve or valve terminal better?

With Festo, you can automate your bulk materials processes using two concepts: individual valves or valve terminals. Individual valves are still widely used in the market nowadays. Even in many cases where the use of valve terminals would offer clear advantages:

• Lower investment costs
• Compact design
• Realisation of additional functions, such as proportional valves
• Flexibility through fieldbus, easy integration and expandability
• Maximum system availability thanks to system diagnostics
• Lower overall production and installation costs of up to 40%

Our white paper objectively presents both solutions side-by-side

Modular automation based on the Lego principle

The same applies to bulk material processes: intelligent automation solutions increase the efficiency and the quality of the results of the production system. To be able to offer such solutions in as flexible, individual and maintenance-friendly way as possible, Festo relies on modularisation in line with the Lego principle. We call that: modular automation.

Whereas in the past, the entire system was centrally controlled by a single process control system, modular automation makes the system virtually scalable, expandable and adaptable by simply integrating autonomous modules into the existing system. By strictly observing and implementing the NAMUR recommendation "NE 148", you also have the assurance of knowing that the complexity and costs of your plant and system will be efficiently reduced.

The most important advantages at a glance:

• Automated modules operate autonomously and in a network
• Reduced software complexity
• Process control system becomes leaner
• Standardisation of the modules possible
• Numbering up/down instead of scaling up/down
• Plug & produce

Read more about modular automation in the white paper

Practical example AZO „Decentralised control in bulk material handling”

Digitalisation with the Festo Motion Terminal

By using apps to decouple software and hardware, the Festo Motion Terminal enables numerous new functions that go far beyond today's possibilities. Where previously a great number of components, such as valves, pressure sensors and flow controls, were needed to achieve certain functions, everything is now integrated. Intelligent sensors for open- and closed-loop control, diagnostics and self-learning tasks will eliminate the need for additional components. A function can be changed at the push of a button, as all functions are stored decentrally on apps. This also enables you to operate a large number of different functions on your system via the Festo Motion Terminal.

The most important advantages at a glance:

• Self-monitoring and predictive maintenance
• Improving energy efficiency (TCO)
• Lower life-cycle costs
• Reducing standstills
• Further digitalisation options (VTEM, dashboards, etc.)

Find out more about the benefits of digitalisation