WFC upgrade: flow control retrofit – simple and inexpensive
18.06.2019
With a WFC retrofit, both existing and newly purchased WITTMANN flow controllers from the series 101, 301 and 200/230 can be equipped with automatic control of flow quantity and temperature at moderate expense. In other words: an existing simple flow controller can be converted into a low-cost, high-grade control system.
As standard, the WITTMANN flow controllers from the 101, 301 and 200/230 series – known around the world – come with only a simple visual flow control system (floats) and a bimetallic thermometer. With this standard equipment, it was previously not possible to collect the relevant flow quantity and temperature data digitally and pass them on to the injection molding machine. With the new WFC retrofit-kit, this has now become history.
The conventional flow tubes used for the above-mentioned series can now be replaced very easily by the new measuring units. To this end, special adapter elements made of brass are inserted inside the flow controller housings in the top and bottom parts, in which the measurement units the liquids flow through are anchored. Here, the proven method of vortex flow measurement is applied, which makes possible digital analysis of both flow quantities and temperature development.
The manual adjustment valves installed in the flow controller enable optimal adjustment of the flow quantity. A tolerance margin can be set on the control unit. Via a potential-free alarm contact, the status of this margin can be passed on to the injection molding machine. This can also be executed by using a special interface available as an option. In this way, targeted digital monitoring and analysis of the flow parameters are ensured. If the actual value falls below or exceeds the set tolerance margin, the control unit, which is mounted directly on the flow controller with modest space requirements, will issue an alarm signal if desired. Another interesting feature is the optional mains adapter, which makes it very easy to use the WFC retrofit kit as a stand-alone solution.
The retrofittable flow control is inexpensive and extremely simple to handle. If necessary, it can also be assembled and installed easily by in-house personnel.
Standard equipment
- 7-segment display showing both set and actual values.
- Flow quantity and temperature monitoring.
- Control valves in mold forward line and return line.
- Isolated alarm contact.
Options
- Interface: P2 protocol, 20 mA hardware.
- Power supply: 230 V – 50/60 Hz – 24 V.
Vortex flow measurement
- Measurement range 1.3 to 20 or 2 to 40 l/min.
- Measuring precision 1.5% of max. value.