Alfa Laval ThinkTop V20 valve-sensing unit

The ThinkTop V20 from Alfa Laval is a valve-sensing unit that is maintenance-free and does not require manual adjustment or programming. It enables 360° LED visual status indication from all directions, and also provides control-room monitoring of the real-time status of Alfa Laval hygienic valves.

Purpose-designed to digitalise essential on-off valve monitoring, the product is said to have a 40% faster set-up than previous valve indication units. Sensors automatically recognise the valve type and size, calibrate and record valve opening and closing distances, and complete set-up without requiring manual interaction. Replacing or hot swapping the valve top is easy without disrupting production. No expertise, training, adapters or special tools are required.

The unit shares the same look, maintenance-free housing and enhanced 360° LED visual status indication as the ThinkTop V-series control tops. Its compact, robust design makes it suitable for tight installations. Manufacturers select the communication protocol — digital, AS-Interface or IO-Link — that best suits their processing needs.

The product is hermetically sealed to prevent the risk of water, dust and other unauthorised access into the unit. Using the point-to-point IO-Link communication protocol allows the connection of sensors to automation systems. IO-Link also makes access to meaningful real-time data easier, improving diagnostics and simplifying configurability and control while supporting Industry 4.0.