ThinkTop®

How do the ThinkTop® DeviceNet work?

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.

Sturdy and durable

Engineered for operation in virtually any environment, ThinkTop® DeviceNet features a robust, durable and reliable valve sensing and control assembly. Its hygienic design withstands the effects of physical impact, pollution, frost, UV radiation and temperatures up to 85°C while supporting continuous production.

Completely watertight and IP66/IP67-compliant, ThinkTop® DeviceNet features the superior GORE™ protective venting technology, which prevents water condensation and the penetration of dust, water and other particles into the control head. The control head can therefore be hosed down with water or cleaning fluid without putting important settings at risk. This contributes to maximum hygiene and effectively eliminates problems associated with corrosion and external contamination.

The standard valve control 

ThinkTop® DeviceNet combines Alfa Laval quality with standard functionality for automated sensing and control of sanitary valves. ThinkTop® DeviceNet offers a durable watertight design, a proven and inherently safe design, low total cost of ownership and is available in DeviceNet versions.

Tough and effective valve automation

The reliable and automated design of the ThinkTop® DiveceNet contributes to process safety:

• No-touch, set-and-forget sensor system with up to three solenoid valves. Detects both the condition and position of the valve stem with an accuracy of ± 0.1 mm. Set-up parameters are stored but, for greater flexibility and ease of operation, can easily be re-programmed. Because the microchip sensors are moulded directly into the control head, they are less sensitive to the effects of temperature, vibration and pressure shock.
• Tolerance band. No manual adjustment of the feedback sensors is required. Valve tolerance bands as well as tolerance bands with a preconfigured default setting of ±5mm for the set-up parameters ensure operational reliability on any Alfa Laval sanitary air-operated valve.