SMC Releases New Condensation Checker and Flow Controller for Water

SMC is well known for its pneumatic components, and recently, the company has added even more products to its portfolio. SMC has released a moisture checker for pneumatic systems and a flow controller that can regulate the flow of water in proportion to electrical input signals.

 

SMC’s new PSH Series 3-screen display digital temperature and humidity switch. Image used courtesy of SMC

 

Moisture in Pneumatic Systems

Pneumatic systems are known for having moisture in their lines. This moisture comes from the compression function of the air compressor and the humidity of the source air to the compressor. Hard-piped compressed air lines typically have a valve at the lowest point to allow maintenance staff to drain the water from the lines. Pneumatic devices such as control valves or pneumatic cylinders will not properly function if there is excessive moisture within the pneumatic system. Adding a device such as SMC’s new PSH moisture checker could prevent damage to downstream devices if moisture in a system rises unexpectedly.

 

The PSH condensation checker monitors temperature and humidity to prevent excessive moisture in equipment. Image used courtesy of SMC

 

PSH Series Condensation Checker

The PSH Series condensation checker is a 3-screen display digital temperature and humidity switch. This device is made to be installed into pneumatic systems and will constantly monitor the temperature and humidity of the air. 

There are two models of the PSH Series: an IO-Link/switch model, which also comes with two digital outputs along with the IO-Link communication, and a standard model, which comes with two digital outputs and one analog voltage output. Each model can function as NPN or PNP outputs and has a max load current of 10 mA with 30 VDC. 

The PSH Series’ display shows the relative humidity along with an indicator of when output 1 and or 2 is on. A sub-display section will show the set value, humidity peak/bottom value, temperature peak/bottom value, or IO-Link communication status, configured using the soft buttons at the bottom of the unit.

 

SMC’s FC3W Series flow controller for water. Image used courtesy of SMC

 

Flow Control

Controlling the flow of water in a system can be done in many ways; operators can manually open or close a valve part-way to reduce the flow or use a motorized valve and timed step signals to open or close the valve until the desired flow rate is reached. These methods are an open-loop system and require constant monitoring and adjustment as downstream pressures change. SMC’s new FC3W Series water flow controller uses a closed-loop system to regulate the output flow based on electrical signals and constant monitoring. 

 

The FC3W flow controller regulates the flow of water in proportion to electrical input signals. Image used courtesy of SMC

 

FC3W Flow Controller For Water

The new FC3W comes in various models. The two main models have a flow rate range of 0.5-4 L/min and 2-16 L/min. After selecting the correct flow range, there are models for different sizes and thread types for the incoming and outgoing ports. Operators have an option for the electrical input to be voltage 1-5 VDC, current 4-20 mA, or voltage 0-10 VDC. The output will match the input selection. 

The controller can be ordered with electrical leads or an M12 connector, and there is an option for mounting brackets and an option to ship with an operational manual or not. The operation of the controller is quite simple; as the input signal ranges from minimum to maximum, the flow rate will change from minimum to maximum. A simple linear equation can be used to target specific flow rates. The controller will regulate itself to ensure the correct flow rate is maintained. The FC3W can only be used with clean water between 0 and 50°C.