Watson-Marlow pumps now feature EtherNet/IP control

• Industry 4.0 connectivity offers fast and easy access to pump data with EtherNet/IP Enhanced network control allows pump users to improve process performance and reduce operating costs

The industry-leading range of 530, 630 and 730 peristaltic pumps from Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group (WMFTG) is now available with EtherNet/IP™ control. The availability of this increasingly popular, non-proprietary industrial network protocol provides pump users with access to fast, accurate performance data and seamless connectivity to modern PLC control systems and the IoT (Internet of Things).

Intelligent network control

Advances in digital technologies are changing the way manufacturing and process plants are controlled. EtherNet/IP™ is highly popular as it adapts the Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) to standard Ethernet, supporting easy network integration, and enabling more data sharing and diagnostics. In addition, real-time communication makes processes secure and flexible.

EtherNet/IP™ is supported by a wide range of automation and industrial process solution providers. The protocol offers all the benefits of modern digital networks, such as enhanced process control, lower running costs and minimised downtime. As a result, pump users no longer need digital gateways or expensive PLC interface cards, and can enjoy reductions in system cost, footprint and complexity.

EtherNet/IP™ enabled Watson-Marlow pumps are fully compatible with advanced, distributed control systems and leading brands of PLC, including Rockwell Automation, Emerson (Delta-V) and Schneider. Set-up is quick and easy with an electronic datasheet and a Rockwell Automation ‘add-on-profile’ that provides simple network attribute tabs.

The pumps also include a direct interface to third-party pressure and flow sensors, which provides network access to sensor data. Users can select from a list of industry leading sensor brands including Sonotech, Pendotech and Krohne.

Performance monitoring

As a further advantage of note, operators can set local limits on pump operation. This useful feature offers a simple, cost-effective solution for safeguarding process integrity by independently monitoring performance. The sensors can bring the pump to a safe stop should the pre-defined limits ever be exceeded.

Three Watson-Marlow models are offered in the series, the 530En, 630En and 730En, providing different flow rates (up to 55 l/min), operating pressures and speed control ranges to suit almost all industrial and process applications. IP66 ingress protection rating is available for wash-down environments. In addition, the pumps come with a five-year warranty.