Good energy management with SICK's new flow sensor for leakage detection

The little big saver. Energy efficiency and energy transparency are playing an increasingly important role in factory automation. What is already an established driver of innovation for process automation in the face of immense energy costs is also having an impact on the small scale. SICK is reacting to this development and launching the FTMg, a multifunctional sensor for compressed air, which reliably displays three parameters at once by measuring the flow, pressure and temperature. In doing so, it saves money due to improved energy management mainly thanks to the reliable detection of leaks.

The Flow Thermal Meter for gases (FTMg) is lightweight, compact and easily surveyable. It is also suitable for installation in tight spaces. With high measurement dynamics and low pressure loss, it measures non-corrosive gases with high efficiency. The FTMg also measures the gas flow and temperature as well as the process pressure, making it a cost-saving multi-functional device.

Leakage detection

All users with an energy management system in accordance with EN ISO 50001 can now also observe their energy consumption and make it more transparent for optimisation. The integrated data monitoring lasts for up to seven days, therefore supporting the efficient search for even the smallest leaks in pneumatic systems. This is what makes targeted detection and localisation of exceptional pressure loss possible.

The high measurement dynamics for detecting changes to the consumption system also make an important contribution. Measurement data can be interpreted unequivocally due to the presentation as a diagram on the contrast-rich display with quick changes or jumps and the correspondingly flat or steep edge of the pressure curve. For operators of pneumatic drives, an important argument besides savings due to leakage location is low-cost operation. The constriction-free design of the FTMg is a guarantee for low pressure loss since it guarantees nearly loss-free flow of gases through the sensor.

The first triad — three functions at once

For SICK, it is the first time that three parameters can be measured in one sensor. This results in noticeable savings both in installation and maintenance. The combined triad delivers a complete overview on the status of the cable, therefore increasing system reliability.

Clear images and text

The OLED color display offers a crystal-clear display of several measured values as a text and progress diagram. The simple operation also allows intuitive and simple parameterisation during commissioning — another factor that saves time and money.

Interfaces to the PLC and the cloud

The transparency created by the multifunctional sensor generates added value for the user, especially due to the fact that it can be viewed through various interfaces and is therefore immediately usable. Whether on the computer, a mobile device or through the controller, users are immediately informed as to whether the system is working trouble-free or showing abnormalities. All measurement data can be transferred via IO-Link or with switching and analog signals.

The Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) sensor has an integrated web server that enables simple operation by computer and standard browser. The PoE sensor also provides the OPC UA and MQTT protocols. This means that the sensor is ready for the Industry 4.0 world with room to grow.