Pneumatics specialist SMC unveils new energy saving components
1 min read
Global pneumatics specialist SMC has unveiled a new range of energy saving components in recognition of the need for energy efficiency in automated manufacturing processes in a European economic environment wherein it says inflation, led by soaring energy costs, has accelerated at its fastest pace in almost two years.
The new components are specifically developed for handling or transfer applications – its Series ZL112/212 energy-saving multistage ejectors and Series ZP2V vacuum saving valves.
Series multistage ejectors are designed with a triple stage diffuser which effectively increases the suction flow rate by 250% when compared to a conventional single stage ejector. The amount of compressed air required to generate this increased vacuum pressure is reduced by 20%.
Sebastian Fabio Agnello, development manager of SMC´s European energy saving programme, says: "Recently we installed a ZL112 ejector to a vacuum packaging application for a leading soft drinks manufacturer who were using a number of ejectors that were producing far more vacuum than was necessary to transport internal carton packaging. By replacing their existing ejectors with our multistage technology ZL112, we immediately saved our customer several thousand Euros a year in wasted energy costs and their investment on this energy saving initiative was recovered in just 12 weeks."
According to Agnello, "by replacing a single stage ejector with one of our multistage technology ejectors, the air consumption required for vacuum generation is normally reduced by around 60%, which enables vacuum users to consider the benefits of even retro-fitting their machines as the savings are considerable as the payback on this investment is relatively short".
The new ZP2V range of vacuum saving valves was initially developed for the semiconductor market and are designed to shut down the suction line when any leakage is detected from the vacuum pad not being fully aligned with the work piece, or even when the work piece is simply missing. By effectively stopping the air suction when the system recognizes any irregularities, the energy used in making this vacuum is kept to a minimum.
Agnello concludes, "Some of the largest consumers of industrial energy in Europe are in engineering and manufacturing and recent research indicates that these sectors are currently spending around 20% of their total energy costs in the manufacture of compressed air. In today's economic climate, the need to use this energy efficiently has never been more important and our energy saving products can literally mean the difference between making a profit or a loss".
