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New compact flow controller for water from SMC: FC3W series

New compact flow controller for water from SMC: FC3W series

We are delighted to present the brand new, compact flow controller for water from SMC! Thanks to its slim design of just 38 mm, the FC3W fits easily into almost any application – a real all-rounder!

Thanks to the precise and stepless control of the water flow, which is proportional to the electrical signal, impressive accuracy is achieved – a real highlight!

And the best thing about it: the flow rate is measured using the revolutionary Karman vortex method! But that’s not all: all wetted parts are grease-free, which further increases efficiency.

The integrated LED display function provides you with all the important information on the current status directly on the device at all times.

Advantages of using a flow controller vs. manual valve control

Say goodbye to manual valve control – pressure fluctuations are no longer a problem, the FC3W ensures stability and energy efficiency in your system.

The innovative technology automatically adjusts the flow in each line, even if there are pressure fluctuations in the upstream system. Even if several flow regulators are used in the same system, the regulators do not influence each other and there is no oscillation in the application.

The FC3W series can be used for a wide range of applications!
Whether mould cooling, cooling of printing rollers or use in wafer production – the possibilities are endless! The FC3W series is the ideal solution for anyone who needs a precise and stable water flow!

Available versions
There are currently two different flow ranges available, one from 0.5 to 4 l/min and the other from 2 to 16 l/min.
You can also choose between different input and output specifications as a voltage or current signal.

New compact flow controller for water from SMC: FC3W series

Would you like to find out more about our FC3W series flow controllers for water? 
Please contact us – our team will be happy to answer your questions.

Product
Temperature control unit with Peltier element / compact version – HEF

Temperature control unit with Peltier element / compact version – HEF

The advantages of the temperature control unit with Peltier element are that small designs can be realised and there are no moving parts as with compressor units. In addition, the temperature of the circulating medium can be precisely controlled within ±0.1°C, which is often required in laboratory applications.

Thanks to the refrigerant-free and therefore environmentally friendly design of the HEF, which delivers a cooling capacity of 220W or a heating capacity of 500W, there are no problems with F-gas regulation. Thanks to the low noise level of only 37dB at low load, operation of the temperature control unit is not disturbing.

The operating temperature range is between 10°C and 60°C.

What does a Peltier element do?

A Peltier element is able to transport heat with the help of the Peltier effect. Inside the Peltier element, the Peltier effect generates a temperature difference between two sides when current flows.

Depending on the direction of the direct current flow, Peltier elements can be used for cooling and heating without changing the connections or the mechanical structure. The current supplied to the Peltier element is controlled by a TEC controller.

Space saving thanks to compact design

Thanks to the compact design, the product volume has been reduced by 88% compared to the previous product HEC002. The small dimensions have significantly improved the product’s carbon footprint and the small dimensions also mean that the cooling unit can be easily set up as a table-top unit next to the applications.

Application examples for compact temperature control devices

The use of these compact devices covers a broad spectrum, from the cooling of optical, physical and chemical devices to diode lasers and oscillators to the cooling of power supply components. There are virtually no limits to the areas of application.

Operation and maintenance

The intuitive and user-friendly control panel makes the HEF easy to operate, even without prior knowledge. Maintenance is facilitated by easy-to-clean and replaceable dust filters. The use of stainless steel, resin and rubber for wetted parts makes the unit very low maintenance.

Would you like to find out more about our compact temperature control units from the HEF series?
Please contact us – our team will be happy to answer your questions.

Product
SMC media pumps

SMC Fluid Control Lab: New flyers and interesting videos

SMC media pumps are compact, pneumatically operated diaphragm pumps that can pump a variety of liquid media. Here are some of our top models:

💪 PA series: These diaphragm pumps are available in different versions:

  • with integrated solenoid valve (suction power controlled via valve frequency)
  • with integrated solenoid valve and pulsation dampening to minimize vibrations and foam formation.

💪 PB: The SMC PB series is a compact, single-acting diaphragm pump. There are two models for promoting different media:

  • with integrated solenoid valve
  • as a compressed air-operated variant

💪 PAF: The PAF diaphragm pump was specially developed for industrial needs. It consists of non-metallic housing parts and is resistant to high-purity chemicals – in two versions:

  • automatically controlled
  • compressed air controlled

💪 LSP: The LSP liquid dosing pump enables precise dosing with a volume of up to 200 µl and a repeatability of ±1%1.

Sounds interesting?

🚀 More information: SMC website or our new flyer

youtube - Process Pump

Playlist: Process Pumps

Do you already know our SMC Fluid Control Lab on YouTube? This is all about improvements and solutions in the area of ​​SMC media pumps. Your advantage? We share our knowledge about the best tests, application improvements and hacks. You shouldn’t miss this 💡 Some highlights on our channel:
  1. SMC Fluid Control Lab Intro: Get an insight into our work and how we can support you with your goals. In focus: not just our products, but above all solutions. For your competitive advantage!  Intro
  2. Quick & Easy Startup of SMC Process Pumps: See for yourself how easy it is to put SMC process pumps into operation. Find out more on the SMC Fluid Control website.
If you would like to learn more about SMC products, you can also visit SMC’s YouTube channel with animations and videos about products, solutions and expert interviews. 🚀
youttube Kanal - SMC Automation and Fluid Control Lab
Precise flow control with the new JSP proportional control valve from SMC

Precise flow control with the new JSP proportional control valve from SMC

SMC presents the new proportional control valve JSP, which ensures precise and continuous control of the flow rate of liquids and gases. The innovative valve impresses with its versatility, robustness and energy efficiency.

Versatile use: The JSP valve is suitable for both water and gases and is available in various sizes with connection sizes from 1/8″ to 3/8″. The flow rate can be precisely regulated continually up to 3 l/min (water) and up to 300l/min (compressed air) using a current signal (or PWM).

Robust and durable: The valve housing is made of stainless steel and offers high resistance to environmental influences due to protection class IP67. This makes the JSP valve ideal for use in harsh environments.

Energy-efficient and compact: With a power consumption of just 4 watts (for JSP10), the valve is extremely energy-efficient. The compact design enables space-saving integration into existing systems.

Further advantages of the JSP valve:

– Fast response time: the valve reacts quickly to control signals, enabling precise control of the flow rate.

– Low maintenance: The valve requires little maintenance and has a long service life.

– Low pressure loss: The valve is characterized by low pressure loss, which leads to energy savings.

The JSP valve is the perfect solution for applications that require precise and continuous flow control. Whether in mechanical engineering, in the packaging industry, in the semiconductor industry or in medical technology – the JSP valve impresses with its versatility, robustness and energy efficiency.

Precise flow control with the new JSP proportional control valve from SMC
Precise flow control with the new JSP proportional control valve from SMC

Would you like to find out more about our new JSP valve and its possible applications?

Contact us – our team will be happy to answer your questions.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The pinch valve from SMC - LPV

Small but powerful: The pinch valve from SMC – LPV

Pinch valves are essential in many areas when it comes to controlling fluids. From the medical and food industries to water and wastewater treatment, these valves have numerous uses.

What is a pinch valve?

A pinch valve is a valve that regulates the flow of a liquid through a flexible tube. It works by mechanically compressing, or ” pinching”, the tube to stop the flow of liquid.

Advantages of pinch valves

Pinch valves offer many advantages that make them the preferred choice in your industry:

  1. hygienic and easy to maintain: pinch valves are easy to clean and therefore ideal for applications in the food and pharmaceutical industries. They are also easy to maintain thanks to the simple replacement of the tube.
  2. versatility: pinch valves are used in a wide range of applications, e.g. for dosing, transferring, emptying, and filling.
  3. minimal contamination: as the medium only comes in contact with the tube, the risk of contamination is minimized.
  4. minimum space requirement: with a compact width of only 20 mm, the LPV can be easily integrated into existing systems.

Application area of the LPV

The pinch valve is used in many industries:

  • Food and beverage industry: dosing of ingredients.
  • Pharmaceutical industry: controlling pharmaceutical ingredients.
  • Chemical industry: control of chemical solutions and reaction processes.
  • Environmental technology: water treatment, wastewater purification and environmental protection applications.
  • Biotechnology: cultivation of microorganisms and cell cultures.
  • Medical technology: precise control of liquids in medical devices.

The pinch valve LPV from SMC offers a reliable solution for all these applications and many more.

Would you like to find out more about our new LPV valve and its possible applications?

Contact us – our team will be happy to answer your questions.

We look forward to hearing from you!

SF gas filter for clean room applications

SF gas filter for clean room applications

Our SF series filters in various designs are made for clean room applications. They filter even the finest particles from pure gas that can be created by moving parts in the line, such as when opening and closing valves.

The SF filters round off our product ranges in the (ultra pure) gas and high vacuum segments. In these two areas in particular, the purity requirements are extremely high – it is important to avoid particles as much as possible.

SF filters undergo several tests

SF series clean gas filters are available in different versions: disposable, reusable and sieve versions. All parts of the filter are washed in a clean environment with ultrasound or deionized, ultra-pure water and assembled, tested and double-packed in the clean room. For the insert versions, a 0.1 µm purity test and a leak test are carried out; for the disposable version, a 0.1 µm purity test, a helium leakage test and a pressure retention test are carried out. We only release 100 percent tested and approved clean gas filters for shipping.

Membrane or sintered metal for the filter elements

When it comes to filter elements, you can choose between membrane or sintered metal. The membrane model has a filtration of 0.01 µm (99.9 percent efficiency) and a maximum flow of 26 l/min to 300 l/min. The filtration of the sintered metal model is 120 µm (optional: 1-100 µm) and the maximum flow is 400 l/min. Models with and without a replaceable filter element are available. 

The highest purity is required in the semiconductor industry

When microchips are manufactured, tiny structures are made that can be destroyed even by extremely fine particles. In order to protect the respective product, the use of filters is essential in production.

To produce a microchip, the wafer must first be manufactured. A wafer is the approximately one millimeter thin disk made of a semiconductor material, which is the starting product for chip production. Further steps include so-called doping, in which the wafer is seeded with foreign molecules, and lithography, in which lacquers are applied, exposed and thus hardened. This is how structures are generated on the wafers. Another technique is etching, which can be carried out in several ways.

All of these processes use corrosive chemicals or gases. All media required to process the wafer must be supplied in highly pure systems, as even the slightest traces of metal can cause short circuits in the thin tracks.

Would you like to find out more about the different versions and areas of application of our SF series clean gas filters?

Contact us – our team will be happy to answer your questions.

Environmentally resistant temperature control unit for harsh environments

Environmentally resistant temperature control unit for harsh environments

Our temperature control unit for circulating media of the HRS-R series is extremely environmentally resistant. With its completely metal housing, it is specially made for environments with harsh conditions such as dust particles or splash water.

Optionally, the housing is also available in stainless steel, as is required, for example, within the food industry (milk and beer production as well as food packaging industry).

The electrical unit (circuit boards and other components) is surrounded by an IP54 enclosure, which guarantees high shock resistance and good protection against moisture.

Large tank for easier maintenance

In order to simplify the maintenance process, the capacity of the container for the reflux of the circulating medium has been extended. Optionally, the HRS-R  Chiller can be equipped with a 12-liter tank to absorb more liquid.

 

The inclined filler neck makes iteasier to refill the circulation medium – even if two  chillers are on top of each other. By means of a display, the filling level can be checked at a glance.

A separate, lidded opening also makes it easier to clean the container.

Practical functions of the HRS-R series temperature control unit

Timer function: A setting in 0.5 hour increments up to 99.5 hours is possible and can be made in such a way that, for example, on a Saturday a stop and am Monday morning a restart takes place.

With the function to switch the display unit, the units for temperature and pressure can be changed.

The auto-restart function allows the automatic restart after a stop due to a power lossor similar, without having to press a button. Remote operation is also possible.

The freeze protection function prevents the circulation medium from freezing by the pump starting automatically with the conveyance of the medium and heating it with its own waste heat as soon as the medium approaches the freezing point.

Features of the HRS-R Chiller

Summarizes the specifications of our environmentally friendly temperature control unit of the HRS-R series at a glance:

  • Cooling capacity: 1.7 kW to 4.5 kW
  • Temperature stability +/- 0.1°C
  • Ambient temperature: 5 to 45°C
  • Metal housing, optionally made of stainless steel
  • Optional increased tank volume of 12 litres (instead of 5 litres as with the HRS device) for the circulation medium
  • With heating function: hot gas of the refrigerant is used instead of a heating element
  • Self-diagnosis function and display of up to 31 alarm codes
  • Electrical unit protection: IP54
  • Fewer maintenance intervals of the pump (no external leaks occur due to the use of a magnetic pump)
  • Compatible with mains voltages in Europe, Asia, Oceania, North, Central and South America
  • Very user-friendly due to large digital display

Would you like to learn more about the areas of application and specificationsof our environmentally friendly temperature control units of the HRS-R series?

Contact us – our team is looking forward to answering your questions!

New Fluid Control Laboratory in Korneuburg: SMC offers more than just products

SMC, the world’s leading supplier of industrial automation, has set up a new fluid control laboratory as part of its site expansion. The laboratory is equipped with a wide range of measurement tools and enables application-oriented tests for customers from various industries. This highlights SMC’s competence as a provider of solutions, offering not only products, but also a wide range of services.

Discover our new Fluid Control Laboratory

The Fluid Control Laboratory is an SMC facility dedicated to the analysis and optimization of processes related to temperature control, gas & fluid and valve automation. The laboratory has various test facilities that can be used to simulate different application scenarios. For example, the effects of different pressures, temperatures and/or flow rates on the specific customer application can be tested with our valves and pumps.

In our lab, we also shoot our product videos on pump maintenance & servicing and our application videos for our YouTube channel. There you can see how our products work and how they can help you improve your processes.

 

Why is the Fluid Control Lab important?

The Fluid Control Lab adds value for SMC customers who want to make their processes more efficient and sustainable. Through application-oriented testing, we can work with the customer to make the optimal product selection and find the best possible solution for your requirements. In addition, customers benefit from the know-how of SMC experts who support them with application analyses, product training and the calculation of TCO (“Total Cost of Ownership”) & ROI (“Return on Investment”).

Would you like to know more about our laboratory and services to optimize your processes accordingly?

Contact us – our team will be happy to answer your questions.

We look forward to your enquiry!

Cooling Line: Products for all components

Products for all components

Temperature control units are used in many processes in the industrial sector where heat is generated. With us, however, you not only get the chillers, but all the products you need for your entire cooling line.

A cooling line not only consists of the connecting hoses, but also includes all components that are installed between the temperature control unit and the customer’s application.

The bypass

If the minimum flow rate cannot be guaranteed via the temperature control unit, a bypass is required. Too low flow rate can occur due to small cross-sections of the lines or applications and also if solenoid- or manualshut-off valves are installed. In this case, bypasses prevent damage to the chiller due to defective solenoid valves or accidentally closed manual shut-off valves.

Filters and pressure sensors

While filters protect the entire cooling system from contamination, pressure sensors can take over the monitoring of the filter elements.

One of the many possible applications is, for example, an automatic switching between two or more filters. As a result, your temperature control devices can run through during filter replacement.

Our FQ1 Series Filters allow filter elements to be replaced in less than two minutes, including draining the medium. In addition, no tools are required for the filter replacement.

The pressure sensor (ZSE20/ISE20 series digital pressure switch) allows the measured value to be checked during the setting process. The response time is a maximum of 1.5 ms.

 

Filters and pressure sensors
Filters and pressure sensors

Manifolds and flow meters

With our PF3W manifolds, your tempered water can be distributed exactly. Our manifolds  are configurable: with needle and shut-off valves, flow sensors, temperature meters and a variety of digital- and analog outputs.

 

The digital flow sensor for water (PF3W series) detects problems before they even occur, improves machine availability (integrated temperature sensor for measuring media temperature, flow control valve and IO-Link compatible) and lets you keep track of all process data (simultaneous display of the current flow rate and definable parameters like temperature).

  • Usable media: water, aqueous ethylene glycol solution, deionized water
  • Integrated display: 3-color / 2-piece display
  • Integrated temperature sensor
  • Mounting for multi-connection plate available
  • Nominal flow ranges: from 0.5 to 250 l/min

Drip-free couplers

If you unplug water-carrying hoses – for maintenance purposes or if you want to change the application – drip-free couplers are recommended. These couplers allow you to lock hoses without water leaking, and you don’t have to refill or drain the pipes.

Features of our drip-free couplers of the KKA series:

  • Housing material completely made of stainless steel
  • Sealing material made of special FKM
  • can be used for water and air
  • Operating temperature range: -5 to +150°C
  • Pressure: up to 10bar
  • Low pressure drop via coupler
  • Flow optimized
Drip-free couplers

Would you like to learn more about our cooling line components and their specific properties?
Contact us – our team will be happy to answer your questions.

HED thermo-con

Direct temperature control of chemicals using HED thermos-con

With our HED thermo-con series, the temperature of chemicals and high-purity media can be controlled directly.

Direct temperature control of chemicals with the SMC thermos-con ensures temperature stability of +/- 0.1° Celsius. The part which are in contact with the chemicals are made of chemical resistant plastic PFA, which prevents contamination from metal ion leaching.

A compact design and low weight are the result of the specially developed heat exchanger, which we have specially adapted to the shape of the Peltier elements.

 

Peltier-technology for cooling and heating

A Peltier element is an electrothermal converter that generates either a temperature difference when current flows through it or a current flow when there is a temperature difference. Peltier elements are suitable for cooling and for heating (with current direction reversal).

The biggest advantages of Peltier elements are their small size and light weight, as well as enabling fast switching and precise temperature control.

The Peltier effect is based on the contact of two semiconductors whose conduction bands have different energy levels. With increasing current, the efficiency decreases, with good supply and dissipation of heat, it increases.

 

Applications of the HED thermos-con

Applications of our thermo-con series HED are mainly in the semiconductor industry, for example in cleaning devices, coating systems and wet etching systems. But chemicals tanks can also be tempered with it.

Anwendungen des HED Thermo-Controllers

Chemical processes require stable temperatures

In the semiconductor industry in particular, the requirements for stable temperatures in chemical processes are becoming increasingly demanding. The structures, which are constantly becoming smaller, require maximum purity and precise processes.

Conductive molecules, i.e. metals, must not get onto the wafers (thin silicon discs that are processed into microchips). To do this, all the media required to process the wafer must be fed into UHP (Ultra High Purity) systems. Since even the smallest traces of metal in the thin tracks cause short circuits, these fine structures are manufactured in clean rooms.

 

Applicable media for direct temperature control

Examples of media hat can be tempered directly using the SMC thermos-con series HED are:

  • Pure water
  • Hydrofluoric acid
  • Sulfuric acid (except fuming)
  • Copper sulphate solution
  • Ammonia hydrogen peroxide solution
  • Sodium hydroxide
  • Ozone water

The operating temperature range for the media mentioned is between 10 and 60° Celsius.

 

Would you like to find out more about our HED series thermo-controller and its possible applications?

Get in touch with us – our team will be happy to answer your questions and work out solutions that are precisely tailored to your needs.