Indication units
The Alfa Laval Indication unit - Inductive is an electrical feedback unit that offers cost-effective operation and standard functionality for automated indication on the inductive side of Alfa Laval butterfly valves. Straightforward and easy to use, this indication unit provides information about valve operating status 24/7 while boosting productivity.
Basic information about the position of valves used in hygienic applications
- Durable and cost-effective
- Precision operation
- Long service life
- Easy to operate
This inductive indication unit is compatible with any programmable logic controller (PLC) with a PNP/NPN
interface. The electrical indication unit is designed with inductive sensors for use with Alfa Laval butterfly valves in hygienic applications across the dairy, food, beverage, biotechnology, pharmaceutical and many other industries.
Safe, reliable and economical indication
Alfa Laval indication units are cost-effective digital devices with up to two feedback signals that are mounted directly on the valve yoke, which provide feedback on the valve’s open/closed position. These valve position indicators (Side indicator and brackets) may be used on any Alfa Laval valve, but are especially competitive solutions for Alfa Laval SSV Single seat valves,and mixproof valves (brackets), and butterfly valves.
Four types of valve indications
Alfa Laval offers these standard valve position indicators for hygienic industries:
Inductive proximity sensor
Based on principles of electromagnetic conductivity and metallic detection, this non-contact electronic sensor is inherently resistant to dust, humidity and oil in industrial environments. This increases operational safety and reliability.
Hall proximity sensor
Based on principles of electromagnetic conductivity and magnetic detection, this non-contact electronic sensor provides safe and accurate detection of valve position compared to conventional proximity sensors. It provides enhanced reliability and longer service life for valve position sensing in any operating environment.
Namur sensor
This inductive proximity sensor, complete with bracket for butterfly valves, requires minimal energy to operate. It is an ATEX-certified device designed for intrinsically safe applications and may be used in hazardous and potentially explosive environments.
Individual brackets and inductive sensors
Alfa Laval offers an extensive portfolio of brackets and inductive sensors for use with any Alfa Laval valve that requires special support or an alternate sensing interface.
For more information, please refer to Documentation.
Product benefits
- Cost-effective digital devices
- Precision operation
- Long service life
How it works
Operating principles
Inductive proximity sensor
This non-contact proximity sensor consists of an oscillator, which creates high-frequency electromagnetic fields that radiate from the sensing face. Each time a conductive metal (damping target) approaches the sensor, it reduces the electromagnetic field, thus changing the voltage of the oscillator. A trigger circuit converts this analog signal into an on/off digital signal and amplifies the output to 24VDC.
Hall proximity sensor
This non-contact proximity sensor consists of a Hall transistor, convert this Hall sensing into an on/off digital signal and amplifies the output to 24VDC . The sensor indicates the valve position by using a magnetic field (North Pole) to measure the distance from the relative position of the indication pin on the valve stem.
Namur sensor
NAMUR is most associated with two wire DC proximity sensors. Such sensors must be wired to isolator barriers or intrinsically safe devices in order to be used in hazardous environments. The NAMUR proximity sensor's operation is similar to that of a variable resistor. As a metal target approaches the face of the NAMUR sensor, a change in impedance in the sensor occurs and, therefore, the current draw of the sensor is reduced. This triggers the galvanic isolator's amplifier, which activates the isolator's switch and thereby into an on/off digital output signal to the PLC system.
Options
Sensors with and without fixed cable and side indicators with M12, 5-pin plug connectors, including the plug counterpart, are available for connection to AC/DC power supply.
Part of a broad automation range
Alfa Laval offers a comprehensive range of automation intended for hygienic applications in the dairy, food, beverage,home care, personal care, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals.
For a broader automation range, explorer the different product categories: control unit and indication units.
Food Logic
Alfa Laval's hygienic equipment combines high performance with gentle handling to preserve sensitive ingredients and keep up with the food industry trends. The equipment addresses four key challenges; supplying food products to consumers at a competitive price, getting the most from raw materials, reducing waste and emissions, and delivering safe and hygienic food products.
Close at Hand Catalogue
Alfa Laval's hygienic equipment product catalogue "Close at hand" includes product leaflets, performance curves, links to animations, brochures and lists for ordering purposes.
CAD portal
Download the product models in Neutral or Native CAD file formats. It is also possible to download 3D PDF files.
Animations
Visit the animations site and take a look inside a product to see and understand how it works.