Emerson recently launched a new air flow sensor that helps prevent energy losses in factories. The Aventics AF2 series of flow sensors continuously monitors air consumption in pneumatic systems and allow operators to quickly identify leaks and repair equipment in a timely fashion. It also helps to avoid costly breakdowns and wasted energy.
AF2 sensors comply with standards for energy management systems like DIN ISO 50001, which defines a process for achieving continuous improvement in energy performance. The sensors feature network connectivity for central monitoring in automated factories, reporting actionable data as a node, in the industrial internet of things (IIoT). They are equipped with organic light-emitting diode displays for local readout of operating parameters, which highlight flow pressures and temperatures as well as the volumetric flow rate.
Communication capabilities include IO-Link or a variety of direct outputs including NO or NC switch, analog 4 to 20 mA, frequency or pulse. Communication is also available over Ethernet, compatible with industry 4.0 protocols like Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture and Message Queuing Telemetry Transport.
The AF2 sensors operate with air temperatures in the range of -20° C to 60° C, at pressures ranging from 0 to 16 bar. They measure flow in the range of 5 L/min to 4,326 L/min with an accuracy of ± 3% of the measured value plus 0.3% of the full scale value, and a repeatability of ± 1.5% of the measured value. Flow rates up to 6,490 L/min can be measured at reduced accuracy. Protection is available up to IP67.
Image Source: Emerson