The VEMD uses a thermal mass flow sensor that has already been implanted in in Festo’s pneumatic flow sensor to much success in industrial automation. This technology measures the mass of gas flowing through the sensor regardless of temperature and pressure of the gas. This is an advantage over many flow meters that use pressure instead of mass flow. The sensor is integrated with a proportional solenoid valve to provide closed loop control of various gases in a compact module. The VEMD family covers flow ranges from 10 to 200 SLPM.
The VEMD also supports a wide range of gases, including oxygen, which is critical for life sciences applications. Accuracy and repeatability are competitive, with accuracy of 1.3% value + 0.7% full scale and response times under 50 ms, making it suitable for dynamic and sensitive processes. As well, the VEMD has comprehensive communication options. All devices come equipped with analog interfaces (0-10 V, 1-5 V, and 4-20 mA) as well as digital interfaces supporting RS232/485 with Modbus RTU and Ethernet with Modbus TCP protocols. This ensures seamless integration into diverse automation systems and easy communication for monitoring and control.
From an application standpoint, the VEMD is well-suited for life sciences, biotechnology, and other industries requiring precise gas flow control. Its compact size, energy efficiency, and quiet operation make it ideal for integration into laboratory and medical equipment.
The production and filling of single and multi-chamber infusion bags requires maximum process reliability. To protect the bags from degenerating, they are flooded with the inert gas nitrogen when they are being filled. Throughout this process, the flow rate must be adjustable to prevent spraying during injection. This is where the VEMD comes into play, since it consistently meets the high requirements for reproducibility.
With build-up welding, the material is applied in layers. This is done with the help of a laser that applies layer after layer of metal or plastic powder and fuses them. These additively manufactured, complex components can be produced as a single, cohesive piece. The shape no longer matters.
The powder is transported using argon. When dosing the powder in the laser, an appropriate amount of argon is therefore added. The VEMD is suitable for this task when it is recalibrated for use with argon. By choosing this solution, which is significantly more cost-effective than conventional mass flow controllers, enormous cost savings can be achieved per machine.
The amount of air mixed with the ice is critical for preventing ice crystals from forming.
The control of step-controlled needle valves has in some cases proven not to be consistent enough to ensure uniformly high product quality. The excellent ratio of high precision and low costs of the VEMD is impressive, since it ensures a high level of enjoyment for customers.