News

Danfoss Reveals New MBS 1600 Pressure Transmitter for the Plastics Industry

June 23, 2020 by Alessandro Mascellino

Multinational engineering firm Danfoss just released a new pressure transmitter optimized for the plastics industry.

The new MBS 1600 offers electric protection against electric noise caused by VFDs and other direct-coupled electrical fast transients from valves and relays. The ultimate goal of the new pressure transmitter is to reduce material waste and loss of production hours caused by a VFD, optimizing the production process, and increasing revenue at the same time.

 

A Danfoss employee operating the company’s plastic manufacturing machinery. Image used courtesy of Danfoss.

 

Tackling Electric Noise Issues

Generally speaking, VFDs can work using the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) method to feed low voltage industrial motors in applications that involve speed variation operations. PWM variable frequency drives work as an interface between the energy source (typically an AC power line) and the induction motor. The VFD then generates the AC by switching the main circuit elements, thus creating the principle of operation generally referred to as the noise source.

 

There are various types of noises generated by VFDs, but the most common ones are the following:

  • Noise radiated from the cables connected to the VFD and VFDs main circuits (I/O)
  • Noise-induced electromagnetically and electrostatically from the signal cables of the peripheral devices near the main circuit power supply
  • Noise transmitted through the power supply cables

There are various filters designed to counter VFD-generated noise, including radio noise filters, line noise filters, and noise-cutting transformers.

 

The MBS 1600 Pressure Transmitter 

The new MBS 1600 pressure transmitter by Danfoss would be reportedly able to withstand the above types of noise without the need for additional filters.

“We worked closely with the plastics industry and machine builders to deal with the problem of VFD-induced electric noise and other direct-coupled electrical fast transients from valves and relays once and for all,” commented Danfoss Product manager Lars Baunsgaard.

“We know how important it is that the lines are running without interruption and that our customers' products live up to quality specifications”, he added.

 

Danfoss MBS1600 pressure transmitter

The MBS 1600 Pressure Transmitter. Image used courtesy of Danfoss.

 

In terms of specifications, the MBS 1600 comes in two different versions, the MBS 1600 without pulse-snubber, and the MBS 1650 equipped with pulse snubber. Both versions are protected against cavitation and liquid hammering and have a fast time constant of < 1 msec 10 to 90% step response.  They are also vibration and shockproof and can operate between -40 and 125 °.

 

Built for Diversified Uses

The MBS 1600 pressure transmitter is currently used by Danfoss to control hydraulic processes, including injection pressure, clamping force, and servo pump. The device is also built to resist hydraulic system failures caused by pressure peaks, liquid hammer, cavitation, vibration, and other mechanical impacts.

Commenting on the news, Baunsgaard highlighted the MBS 1600 was built with the plastic industry in mind. “Our expertise in plastics processing allows us to offer a unique product portfolio customized to the industry’s needs,” he explained. According to the Danfoss manager, the new product will complete the company’s portfolio to help companies save on plastic waste in the production cycle.

“The new MBS 1600 is an addition to our existing product range that helps enhance performance and lower life-cycle costs in the plastics industry”, Baunsgaard said. However, pressure transmitters are not used exclusively in the plastic industry. In fact, these devices are generally utilized to measure the pressure or level of industrial liquids and gases to then transmit the output to a control system.

Such control systems can be found in a variety of industrial scenarios, including hydraulic and automation-focused applications. Considering this, it is not implausible that Danfoss will decide to expand the use of the new pressure transmitter beyond the plastic industry.

 


 

What do you think about the new MBS 1600 Pressure Transmitter?