SMC's next-gen compressed air management

SMC ANZ has recently introduced the next-generation AMS20/30/40/60 compressed air management system series to the market – designed to reduce CO2 emissions and cut energy consumption by up to 62 per cent.

Research shows that many plants are still privy to air leakage rates of between 20 to 50 per cent, and this is where SMC’s energy saving mandate comes in.

Energy wastage at manufacturing and process plants is largely attributable to factors such as poor control of air consumption, undetected leaks and processes which are unoptimized for standby and shutdown times.

The three key benefits of the AMS include:

1. Problem-solving technology through visualisation

With its combination of regulator, wireless hub and residual pressure relief valve, the AMS is designed to monitor air consumption, pressure and the temperature in air lines – anywhere, everywhere and all at once.

The data collected forms the basis for defining preventative actions and maintenance tasks.

The AMS series is compatible with OPC UA, PROFINET, EtherNet/IP and EtherCAT.

2. Higher efficiency, less CO2

The AMS series features an iintuititive standby mode feature. Standby mode senses changes in the machine’s status – such as an air drop – and reduces the air pressure to reduce energy consumption.

Using programmable, automatic pressure reduction and shut-off times, the AMS series allows customers to reduce both compressed air and energy consumption, improving process efficiency and reducing CO2 emissions.

3. A scalable solution

Along with improved maintenance capabilities, customers also benefit from a digitalised installation for higher levels of control. This capability leverages the advantages of innovative wireless technology, which is easy to integrate and avoids the need for communication cables.

Wireless capabilities helps negate the need for electrically complex solutions. The AMS series promotes both time and cost savings through shorter installation and commissioning time, less wiring and fewer connectors.

The decentralised system is compatible with OPC UA for direct data communications connection without the need of a PLC, as well as Ethernet I/P, Profinet, EtherCAT, and IO-Link devices. Using a single AMS20/30/40/60 hub, customers can connect up to 10 remote units with a maximum communication distance of 100 m radius.

The AMS can be used across all industries and is complete with an IP rating of either 65 or 67, depending on the type of regulator deployed.