Safe and smart positioning: IP8101-X419 series positioner controls cylinders remotely

Pneumatic drives such as cylinders are used in all branches of industry. In some cases, they cannot be controlled directly at the actuator – whether due to a lack of space, particularly high or low temperatures or vibrations. For such cases, SMC has developed the intelligent positioner of the IP8101-X419 series, which enables the control of a cylinder from a safe distance by means of an electrical position signal. Users also benefit from simple and time-saving installation without the need for a special power supply, high environmental resistance thanks to IP65 protection and a housing with an integrated LCD screen that displays the control status.
Across the industry, the focus is on space-saving and thus cost-effective machines and systems. However, it may not be possible or desirable to control cylinders directly on the drive due to a lack of space – this also applies in cases where there are strong vibrations, large temperature differences or contamination. SMC has therefore developed the IP8101-X419 series: An intelligent positioner that allows cylinders to be positioned remotely. The positioner can also be installed easily and quickly without a special power supply, has IP65 protection itself and has an LCD screen from which the control status can be read directly. Designers thus benefit in many ways in terms of plant control and development.

Remote, but not far-fetched

Instead of a mechanical one, the positioner of the IP8101-X419 series processes an external electrical position signal, which makes it possible to separate the positioner from the actuator. The input current is in the range of 4 to 20 mA (2-wire, does not require a separate voltage source). The feedback signal at the input is in the range between 4 ±1 to 20 ±1 mA DC – the minimum operating current is 3.85 mA. Also for the monitoring function, the power supply at the analogue output is in the range 4 to 20 mA DC with two points for the alarm point output function. For the supply pressure, 0.3 to 0.7 MPa is required. While the sensitivity is ±0.2 % F.S., the repeatability is ±0.5 % F.S.

With a cable length of max. 10 m (outer Ø of 8 mm, inner Ø of 5 mm), users can remotely control positioning in a control loop that includes actuators such as valves, drives and decentralised control systems. On the one hand, this realises the control of difficult-to-access installation locations and enables the construction of more compact machines and systems. On the other hand, safe positioning can be ensured under extreme environmental conditions such as particularly high or low temperatures, vibrations or dirt.

Simple and quick installation

The intelligent positioner of the IP8101-X419 series can be installed with little effort using 1/4 female thread (Rc, NPT, G) for the compressed air connection and 1/2 female thread (G, NPT) or M20 x 1.5 female thread for the electrical connection. As there is no mechanical coupling to the pneumatic actuator, neither a swivel lever nor a shaft are required here, which saves further space. There is also less susceptibility to dirt on the lever or feedback functions. Overall, the risk of accidents is reduced due to fewer components on the actuator, which at the same time simplifies and speeds up assembly in the field. Additional process safety is provided by the IP65 protection class, which protects the positioner against dust ingress and water jets.

Equipped with two pressure gauges for checking the compressed air and weighing a total of around 2.6 kg, the aluminium injection-moulded housing also features an LCD display that allows users to read the control status directly. Suitable for an ambient temperature of -20 to 80 °C, the intelligent positioner of the IP8101-X419 series is the ideal partner for safe positioning of cylinders remotely. Optionally, users can also obtain a cylinder with a built-in external sensor for position sensing from SMC. This additionally supports the positioner in the version with external input signal (remote sensing).

For more information, please visit: https://www.smc.eu/en-eu