The compact Alfa Laval ThinkTop V50 and V70 are the second-generation of the leading sensing and control units for hygienic valves. Source: Alfa LavalGlobal supplier of products and solutions for separation, heat transfer and fluid handling, Alfa Laval has announced that its ThinkTop V50 and V70 hygienic valve control units now include an IO-Link to enhance communication between the valves and Industry 4.0 automation systems.

According to the company, its point-to-point IO-Link communication protocol connects sensors and actuators, regardless of fieldbus, to automation systems. This connection enables real-time data exchange, which improves diagnostics and simplifies configurability and control. The ThinkTop IO-Link is intended for use in the dairy, food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.

The company explained that customers will have all the benefits of newly reengineered Alfa Laval ThinkTop in addition to valuable benefits like increased data, higher productivity and higher yields. Other benefits include shorter installation times due to the M12 connectors and automatic recording of the hygienic valve stroke duration. Smarter time adjustments are enabled by the ability to assign priority to critical data and flexibility is enhanced with the capability to change data and process parameters from a remote automation system.

Visible LEDs, optimized valve cleaning and a pressure shock counter for almost immediate detection of valve movements are also included.

Visit the Alfa Laval website for more information.