Alfa Laval ThinkTop® DeviceNet Sensing and control

Introduction

The Alfa Laval ThinkTop® DeviceNetTM is a modular valve control

unit that offers reliable, cost-effective operation and standard

functionality for automated sensing and control of hygienic

valves. ThinkTop DeviceNet provides real-time information about

valve operating status 24/7 while boosting productivity and

securing traceability.

Application

The ThinkTop DeviceNet is designed to control the fluid handling

process in hygienic applications across the dairy, food, beverage,

biotechnology, pharmaceutical and many other industries.

Benefits

• Reliable and accurate valve sensing and control

• Proven and inherently safe design

• Low total cost of ownership

• Watertight design

• Easy to operate

Standard design

The ThinkTop DeviceNet valve sensing and control unit consists of

a proven no-touch, set-and-forget sensor system with light

emitting diodes (LEDs), solenoid valves, and valve control sensor

board for connection to any programmable logic controller (PLC)

system with a DeviceNet interface. It fits on all Alfa Laval hygienic

valves; no adapter is required.

Installation is straightforward. No special expertise or tools are

required. To initiate manual setup, simply press a push

button startup sequence. Or set up without dismantling the

control unit using the optional infrared (IR) keypad for remote

control.

Working principle

The sensor system accurately detects valve stem movement, the

position of the valve at any given time, with an accuracy of

± 0.1mm through the use of microchip sensors. To locate the

current valve position, sensor chips inside the sensor board

calculate the angle between the axial magnetic field produced by

an indication pin mounted on the valve stem.

The solenoid valves receive signals from the PLC system

to activate or deactivate the air-operated valve. It then transmits

feedback signals indicating up to four valve positions and

conditions back to the PLC system.

In the control unit, up to three electric solenoid valves can

physically convert compressed air into mechanical energy to

activate or deactivate the pneumatic valve actuator.

Each control unit fits any Alfa Laval hygienic valve and

provides a tolerance band for valves to prevent product

contamination and failure. This eliminates the need to re-adjust

the sensors and boosts productivity.

LEDs conveniently display all the valve positions, solenoid

activation, setup and local fault indication on the control unit.