Bogdan Rosca
June 26, 2024, Cluj-Napoca – Emerson Romania
In Cluj-Napoca, Emerson operates one of the largest production facilities in Eastern Europe, producing pressure and temperature measurement and control systems for any type of industrial installation that works with liquid and gaseous fluids (methane gas, oil, etc.) and solid materials with flow properties (grains, various powders, etc.). The activities on June 26 were divided into: a visit to the production units and participation in an industrial measurement course and a workshop where the entire UPBAIR team conducted five laboratory works using the most modern equipment for measuring levels in industrial installations.
The members of the UPBAIR team who participated in the Emerson Travel and Learn tour are Niculescu I Alex-Cosmin, Rosca D Bogdan (second year, Robotics), Ifrim V. Robert-Matei, Ivan I.M. Codrin-Ștefan, and Barbosu C Dan-Alexandru (first year Robotics). The scientific research activities of these students are presented on the laboratory’s website www.smartpneumaticslab.eu.
It is noteworthy that the initiative to organize this tour started from a meeting between Mr. Mihai Ghinea, director of Smart Pneumatics Lab, and Mr. Sebastian Ferecuș, General Director of Emerson Romania, last year, during the organization of the Emerson Roadshow Truck event at UPB, when a truck specialized in presenting industrial equipment launched by Emerson in 2023 was hosted on the university premises on July 6-7, 2023.
…
June 25, 2024 – Debrecen – Emerson National Instruments
Around the world, National Instruments is recognized as a leader in the field of specialized PCB production for industrial control. Recently, the company was acquired by Emerson Global. The visit was specially designed for our team, as the company usually has restricted access, with visits not allowed on the production lines. Mr. Marton Frigyes, the representative from Emerson Romania, who was present throughout the team’s journey on this Travel and Learn tour, introduced us to the new controllers produced by Emerson National Instruments, used in conjunction with the LabView software application. It is worth noting that in our SmartPneumatics Lab, we use a recent generation controller (MyRio 1900), with which we have conducted specific research on controlling pneumatic equipment used in industry.…
The multinational company Emerson Romania has been a partner of the Smart Pneumatics Lab at the Robotics and Production Systems Department since 2020, when it acquired the German company Aventics, the organizer of the international academic aircars competition – Pneumobile. Through our partnership, Emerson has aimed to create a program of support activities and sponsorships for the UPBAIR team of the university, with clear objectives in improving the students’ applied research capacity. Travel and Learn Edition I represents the first step through which the aforementioned collaboration is elevated to a new level. The period from June 23 to 27 was dedicated to a trip to three of Emerson’s major production facilities in Eastern Europe, namely: Aventics Eger, Hungary, a pneumatic equipment manufacturer, National Instruments Debrecen, a newly acquired company in the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) manufacturing sector, and Emerson Cluj-Napoca, a manufacturer of measurement and control equipment in the field of fluid engineering. A special objective of the trip was also the participation in the discussion regarding the reorganization of the international academic aircars competition Pneumobile, which this year was interrupted due to the new conditions desired in the competition’s regulations by Emerson Headquarter Europe. The discussion was complex, with the UNSTPB team making a contribution considered useful and interesting by the moderators and the competition jury. On June 24, 2024, in Eger – Emerson Aventics, the first working day, namely June 24, was devoted to visiting the Aventics factory and participating in the two seminars proposed by the program, one related to the new automation technologies implemented in the Aventics factory and the other related to high-level technological products produced by Emerson’s new acquisition, the German company AFAG.
Building on the success of last year’s participation, we are thrilled to share that our team was once again part of the annual Productica conference, this time for its 2024 edition held on May 24-25, 2024. As always, this significant event took place under the auspices of the Polytechnic University of Bucharest and the Municipality of Mioveni.
Celebrating its sixteenth year, Productica 2024 continues to be a focal point for scientific innovation, organized by the Center for Creativity Development. The conference remains a vibrant platform for demonstrating the latest scientific advancements from leading universities, research institutions, and companies.
The conference started with a visit at the Delta Invest factory in Mioveni. They presented the lasted technologies for plastic injection moulding, automation and CNC milling. This factory produces plastic car parts for Renault Dacia factory with the highest precision. After the factory tour, the conference started at the Central of Education Pitesti.
This year our team presented four difference research papers:
1. Methods of reducing mechanical vibrations in FDM
In the rapidly evolving field of 3D printing, achieving high-quality prints at accelerated speeds presents a unique set of challenges, primarily due to the issue of vibrations. These vibrations can significantly degrade the quality of the final product, manifesting as inaccuracies and flaws that compromise the structural integrity and aesthetic of the prints. Recognizing the critical nature of this issue, our recent presentation focused on testing various solutions designed to mitigate these disruptive vibrations.
During our comprehensive study, we explored the effectiveness of implementing linear guide rails and silicone dampers in 3D printing setups. Linear guide rails offer enhanced stability and smooth motion for the printing head, which is crucial when operating at high speeds. They provide a more rigid and controlled movement compared to traditional rod-based systems, which tend to wobble and produce errors in the print due to their less stable design.
Silicone dampers, on the other hand, serve as a buffer between the moving parts of the printer and its frame. These dampers absorb and dissipate the energy generated by the motion, reducing the transfer of vibrations to the crucial components of the printer. This absorption is vital for maintaining the alignment and precision of the print head during the printing process.
In addition to linear guide rails and silicone dampers, our tests also included various other enhancements such as advanced motor drivers that offer better control over the stepping of motors, and modified firmware settings tailored to optimize speed and movement precision. Each of these components was evaluated for its contribution to reducing vibrations and improving print quality.
The results of our experiments showed a marked improvement in print quality with the integration of these modifications. The linear guide rails significantly reduced lateral movements that often lead to errors in layers, while the silicone dampers effectively minimized the vibrations throughout the printing process. These findings underscore the potential of these technologies to revolutionize high-speed 3D printing by allowing for faster production times without sacrificing the quality of the prints.
Our ongoing research and development in this area are aimed at refining these solutions further, exploring new materials and technologies that can contribute to even more significant advancements in the field of 3D printing. By continuing to innovate and test new approaches, we hope to overcome the current limitations of speed and quality, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in 3D printing technology.
2. Pneumatic software simulations compared to real life experiments
In our latest research endeavor, we embarked on an in-depth exploration to ascertain the accuracy and reliability of simScale, a leading pneumatic simulation tool. Our primary objective was to evaluate how closely simScale’s simulations mirror real-world phenomena, particularly focusing on the simulation of pressure drops of compressed air within a tubing run.
To conduct this analysis, we utilized simScale’s sophisticated modeling capabilities to recreate detailed pneumatic conditions and monitored the resulting pressure changes as air traveled through various tubing configurations. This approach allowed us to gather critical data on the dynamics of airflow and pressure alterations within the system, providing insights into the potential performance of pneumatic systems in practical applications.
Furthermore, our research extended into the realm of system efficiency within automated setups. Utilizing Automation Studio, a premier tool for simulating and designing automated systems, we investigated the operational efficiency of key pneumatic components, including cylinders and distributors. The simulations in Automation Studio were meticulously set up to replicate real-life conditions as closely as possible, allowing us to analyze how these components perform under different scenarios and workloads.
The combination of simScale and Automation Studio enabled a comprehensive assessment of both the individual component behavior and the overall system efficiency. This dual-simulation approach not only reinforced our understanding of each tool’s capabilities but also provided a robust framework for predicting the performance of pneumatic systems before physical prototypes are constructed.
This research is instrumental for industries relying heavily on pneumatic systems, as it offers a reliable method of predicting system behavior, optimizing design, and enhancing operational efficiencies, thereby reducing both time and cost in system development. The findings of this study are expected to contribute significantly to the field of pneumatic systems engineering, offering new perspectives and methodologies that can be applied in various industrial applications.
3. Analysis of the results obtained by two different methods of measuring the performance of pneumatic cylinders
In this research paper, we investigated the vibrations of pneumatic cylinder in mechanical systems using the second derivative to find the acceleration of the cylinder and an accelerometer placed at the tip of the cylinder.
By using two different methods of measuring the acceleration we can better see unwanted variations in acceleration in different scenarios.
We first tested the role of adjustable cushioning in pneumatic cylinders. Having more cushioning results in less vibrations because the rod stops with a constant acceleration. Lack of cushioning does make the cylinder do more cycles in the same period of the time, but at the end of each cycle, the violent and sudden stop of …
Participating at the InnoVeTAS 2024 event a few weeks ago, to present our research paper on “Methods of Improving FDM Prototyping Using Methods of Industry 4.0” was a new and interesting experience for us. Even if we were present online, we felt welcome right from the start as our presentation was well received, with the audience showing interest and providing valuable feedback about their thoughts on some of the different topics we covered, which we will use to better our research to come. These questions and engagement from attendees made us truly feel part of the event, even though we couldn’t be there physically.
The first thing was an opening Plenary session on “Pneumatic Piston Control Optimization”. The presentation was very informative and engaging and got the conference off to a great start. The presentation in this session was very good and useful for us as it was well done and provided concrete information and insight that is relevant to our work. We liked the opportunity to gather more information about topics we care about and hear from others in the field.
We enjoyed the interactions during this event, and we felt welcome thanks to the efforts of the Chair, László Berényi. We are sorry that we could not attend the conference physically but would have liked to join in person and be part of the event. To show our gratitude for having us and to share our results we are providing the research paper at the end of this post. We hope that these exchanges and collaborations will continue in the future.…
Robotics Student.
He came in from the FTC robotics team in high school and now he understands fluid dynamics and fluid simulation in cfd programs. He also tests different system configurations to improve the efficiency pneumatic system.…
Robotics Student.
He came in not knowing very much but now he understands fluid dynamics and fluid simulation in cfd programs. He also tests different system configurations to improve the efficiency pneumatic system. …
Between 18-20 April 2024, the Polytechnic University of Bucharest proudly hosts the annual Polifest educational fair. Now in its 23rd edition, Polifest continues to champion education, innovation, and technology, promoting a symbiotic relationship between academia and industry and providing a vision of the evolving engineering profession amidst technological advancements.
This year, our university will present two exciting demonstrations on augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), showcasing the cutting-edge applications of these technologies in engineering. In addition to these demonstrations, attendees will have the opportunity to learn about our latest scientific research, further bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical technological application.
The three-day event will offer access to scientific conferences, workshops, and exhibitions of state-of-the-art equipment and new technologies. Educational offerings and job opportunities will be presented, along with unexpected surprises, prizes, and interactive games arranged by the organizers.
More than 70 companies, alongside representatives from faculties and student associations, will participate in Polifest. This interaction promises a comprehensive exposure for future engineers to the industry and potential career paths.
We invite all interested to join us at the Politehnica University Rectory from 18-20 April, from 10 AM to 4 PM, to experience the innovative spirit of Polifest and explore the contributions of our university to the fields of AR, VR, and beyond.
What is PID tuning and how it works
First, we printed a calibration cube, and we identified that there appeared to be inconsistent layer heights, and after verifying the Z screws were moving freely and without a problem, we the first weakness of our printer, the fluctuating temperatures, so we used the PID tuning feature of Klipper (see Pranav, 2022) to solve this issue.
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| Fig. 1 Bed temperature fluctuations (blue) |
PID controller stands for Proportional Integral Derivative Controller and in our case, it’s a digital temperature controller application, and its job is to take and maintain a steady state for a particular function (Microcontrollerslab, n.d.). It’s a closed-loop feedback system that continuously measures the error in your system and tries to correct it (Microcontrollerslab, n.d.). An error like the one seen in Fig. 1, where the temperatures fluctuate above and below the target.
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| Fig. 2 Klipper PID tuning routine |
After running the PID_CALIBRATE
HEATER=heater_bed TARGET=60 and
SET_HEATER_TEMPERATURE HEATER=extruder TARGET=210 commands in the console, as 210°C for the extruder and 60°C for the bed are the temperatures we’re usually printing at, the software runs a heat cycle routine (seen in Fig. 2) for the heated bed and the extruder that will generate the PID values and correct the fluctuations seen before while trying to hold a steady temperature (Klipper 3D Printer Firmware, n.d., b).
After saving the generated values by the commands in the configuration of the printer, we tested to see if it held a steady temperature, and it did. As that wasn’t enough proof we printed another calibration cube after the changes to see if there is any visible quality improvement.
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| Fig. 3 Cube before PID (left) next to cube after PID tuning (right) |
The tuning has completely removed the horizontal rings that appeared on the cube on the left, as shown in Fig. 3, but this enabled another printing error to be more visible. The repeated horizontal patterns and lines are known as ringing or ghosting. That 3D printing quality issue results from vibration in layers, too high of a printing speed, high acceleration, or a displacement in the printing area (Klipper 3D Printer Firmware, n.d., e). …
Considering the importance of the information that AllDay needs in order to fulfill its goal, the website’s database requires a number of layers of protection, resulting in the exploration and development of the cybersecurity field.
First of all, as any service that uses user authentication, it is imperative that the means in which the data transferred and stored are safe. To provide safe navigation from the session to the database the code uses JWT (JSON Web Token), which assures the database that the connection is safe, acting as a session token and a way of mapping every request. Storing passwords directly into the database can be a big security risk, which is why the back-end uses encryption before storing, so even if someone can access the information in the database, they can not exploit it. Because any risks have to be eliminated, the IP addresses are stored in the same way.
Second of all, a more complex and scientifically intriguing manner of using cybersecurity at its fullest is the way in which the algorithm acquires users’ IPs. Because of high-risk security reasons, websites can not get information about the device that is using them, so other ways had to be found to communicate with the user. For example, making a low-level session between the server and the device (by hosting a page from the website locally) can get the information needed. Of course, before taking any form of action, the users will be notified.
This shows the paths that should be followed in order to ensure the cybersecurity of this website (with tokens and encryptions), as well as some ways of displaying the capabilities of this field, by developing unique methods of communication.
Born 14th January 1970
Current position (2003 – present): Co-founder and IT Director at Impro-Media srl a multimedia production and software development company providing solutions in the following domains: customized online applications, streaming solutions, development of multimedia applications, video production and 3D graphics. Cofounder & CTO at 8agora Inc. (2022-present)
PhD thesis at University Politehnica of Bucharest (2021) – Material and information flow coordination platform in industry. 4.0
Managerial Communication graduate master (2014-2016) – Training techniques in virtual environment, University Politehnica of Bucharest.
Master thesis (2016): Theoretical and experimental research on new devices used in virtual and augmented reality applications.
Degree in technological equipment (1990-1995), Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Baia Mare
Competences: graphic design, programming languages in the virtual environment and web platforms: JavaScript, NodeJs, AngularJS, CSS, jQuery, HTML5, WebRTC, Open CV, advanced user of After Effects, Cinema 4D, 3D Max, Adobe Premiere, Photoshop. Skills: video/ photo shooting and editing, color correction, designing for physical space, 3D design, motion graphic design and animation.…
Current position (2003 – present): Co-founder and General Manager at Impro-Media srl. Her position duties are company administration, project implementation in advertising and activities of advertising agencies, software and multimedia production. Development of web applications and online platforms, object-oriented software programming, multimedia application development, AI.
PhD thesis at University Politehnica of Bucharest (2021) – Maintenance platform in Industry 4.0
Master thesis at University Politehnica of Bucharest (2016) – Theoretical and experimental researches regarding software development strategies for AR & VR platforms
IBM course (2018) – Fundamentals of scalable data science – Corusera
Stanford University course (2018) – Machine Learning – Coursera
IBM course (2019) – Advanced machine learning and signal processing – Coursera
Digital competencies: Web Design (HTML CSS PHP JavaScript Bootstrap Laravel), software CRM (Customer Relationship Management), web technologies (html, css, javascript, node.js, json), Database (SQL, MySql, Oracle), Machine Learning and Deep Learning: Tensorflow and Keras Java, JavaScript, JSF, JPA, JSP, WebServices (SOAP, REST), JavaScript, JQuery Algorithms and Data strctures for AI, Python programming, Websites programming (Macromedia Dreamweaver), Adobe (Adobe Photoshop Adobe InDesign Adobe Illustrator).…
In the vibrant landscape of industrial innovation, Smart Pneumatics Lab stands as a beacon of progress, pioneering advancements at the intersection of technology and manufacturing. Like a coiled spring ready to unleash its potential, our laboratory is committed to unraveling the complexities of Industry 4.0.
1. Predictive maintenance on conveyor
In a recent meeting, we delved into the intricacies of four groundbreaking research projects poised to redefine the industrial landscape. One project focuses on a mechanical conveyor system interwoven with an array of sensors, paving the way for predictive maintenance strategies that optimize operational efficiency and minimize downtime.
We have designed a conveyor system to be powered by our Aventics Cylinders by a pinion-rack system going back and forth. This way we can have a heavy load going along the whole conveyor. This load with put wear on the bearings, on the rollers, on the pinions, on the belts etc.
We will use A LOT of sensors along side the IOTIA predictive maintenance app to see HOW each part will degrade over time.
Also, the actuating equipment will also be kitted out with sensors. From pressure sensors to vibration sensors to see if tubes are cut or to see if bearings need to be changed.
2. Simulation vs Real Life
Another endeavor explores the dynamic realm of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation versus real-world simulation, illuminating the nuances and benefits of each approach in industrial contexts.
Our team, Ivan Codrin and Robert Ifrim, has taken on the important task of exploring the subject of energetic efficiency in pneumatic systems.
We started by doing some research that would give us a brief idea of what we were getting ourselves into. The approach we decided on was crucial for the outcome of our research and after further discussions with our teammates, we agreed that the most suitable way to find the energetic efficiency of a whole system would be to take the main components it was made out of and put them to test by using pneumatic sensors and the equipment of our laboratory.
Using the results of the real-life experiment, we will correlate them and put them in comparison to simulations in specialized CFD (computational fluid dynamics) software, so that the combination of the two could help us trace common energy loss causes and methods we can use in order to minimise them.
3. MPU6050 Accelerometer vs Magnetic Linear sensor for vibration analysis on Pneumatic Cylinders
Meanwhile, our investigation into the disparity between linear sensors and accelerometers for vibration analysis promises to unearth invaluable insights into machinery health monitoring, offering clarity amidst the noise of industrial operations.
Sensors play a crucial role in monitoring the behavior of various applications. Two commonly used sensors are the linear position sensor and the accelerometer. While both of these offer a valuable insights, they differ in key aspects, making them more suitable for different uses.
A linear position sensor directly measures the distance of an object relative to the initial position along a single axis, without any additional noise. The acceleration can be calculated from these precise movement differences, offering a high accuracy. By knowing this, the linear sensor is well suited for predicable and controlled environments.
An accelerometer measures the acceleration of an object in each one of the 3 axis. This makes it excellent at detecting rapid movements, and vibrations, making them ideal for dynamic situations. The accelerometers have a higher polling rate than the linear position sensor, that cause them to have a higher noise in readings. Furthermore, they need to be calibrated before using them, while the linear position sensors don’t need to.
4. AllDay: Productivity measurement and sensor availability tool
Lastly, we delve into the realm of human-machine interaction with an innovative application designed to monitor personnel productivity, streamline meeting scheduling, and ensure the seamless operation of MQTT sensors throughout our laboratory environment.
Starting as a small, over the winter break project, the local WI-FI tracker is now the subject of a case study, regarding the power of locally transmitted information packages. The base concept is centred around how one can determine who is connected to the local network and what can be done with that information.
The project was divided into two smaller appliances, first of which is now ready and working, a presence tracker website with smart data analysis called AllDay. Users create an account which will allow them to see who is present in the router’s proximity at any time and then can analyze metrics such as: productivity, best hours for meetings, presence in the past and much more.
The next, more ambitious, project will build on the base AllDay created, making it a software offering centralized data gathering and instantaneous maintenance for any IIoT device available in the workspace.
As we embark on this journey of discovery, Smart Pneumatics Lab remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technological possibility, driving progress, and catalyzing transformation in the realm of Industry 4.0.…
A freshman at Polytechnic University of Bucharest studying Robotics.
He is a former Olympian in mathematics and is a hard working student. Currently, he is trying to better understand the field of vibrations.
Personal Research Activity
On February 10th, the Smart Pneumatics Lab team experienced a highly productive day. In the morning session, as part of an inspiring workshop hosted by the Open4Business NGO, our team members embarked on an engaging journey towards innovative entrepreneurship. Guided by Ramona Cantaragiu, the facilitator of this unique experience, we delved into pertinent inquiries commonly faced by individuals considering entry into the entrepreneurial sphere (“How does one become an entrepreneur?”, “What strategies are employed in industry analysis?”, “How can funding be secured?”, etc.). After a two hours break, the workshop transitioned into a Q&A session and an interactive “game” involving the simulation of constructing a business plan. Through active participation, we gleaned valuable insights from instructional sessions and discussions, aiding in the clarification of our vision and the formulation of our developmental strategies.
Following that, we closely followed the presentation of the outline of a scientific article by our colleague, Niculescu Cosmin, under the mentorship of SPL Director, Mihalache Ghinea. This endeavor equipped each team member with foundational knowledge and the confidence necessary to embark on similar projects.
In conclusion, our engagement in both activities proved transformative, equipping us with the tools and wisdom essential for the pursuit of our entrepreneurial and engineering ambitions in the future.…
This SYSTEM of valves is an amazing way to control pneumatic actuators in a system. It is an elegant and flexible way to add a lot of distribution valves while minimising the space used and decreasing the complexity of air tubes.
AVENTICS R42210242 5/2-directional valve
A pneumatic valve for automation
- Has 5/2 switching
- 300 l/min flow
- -0.9 to 10 bar pressure
- 24 V DC voltage
- single solenoid
- soft seal
- spool valve
- plate connection
- spring return
- base plate blocking
- Can be modular
AVENTICS R422102429 5/3-directional valve
A 5/3-directional valve, part of the Series AV03 of pneumatic valves and valve systems from Emerson. It is designed for efficient and reliable automation solutions, especially for compact handling systems and complex automation applications.
The technical specifications of aventics R422102429 are as follows:
- Activation: Electrically
- Switching principle: 5/3
- Version: Closed Center
- DC operating voltage: 24 V
- Manual override: without detent
- Actuating control: Double Solenoid
- Sealing principle: Soft Seal
- Pilot: External (In this scenario, pilot means the external source of compressed air that is used to shift the valve piston. The pilot valve is a small valve that controls the flow of the pilot air to the main valve. The pilot air acts as a signal to change the position of the valve spool, which in turn changes the direction of the fluid flow in the system.)
- Connection type: Plate connection
- Return: With spring return
- Control pressure: 3 to 8 bar
- Ambient and medium temperature: -10 to 60 °C
- Medium: Compressed air
- Max. particle size: 40 µm
- Oil content of compressed air: min. 0 mg/m³
https://www.emerson.com/en-us/catalog/aventics-sku-r422102429
AVENTICS R422102431 2×3/2-directional valve
A 2×3/2-directional valve, part of the Series AV03 of pneumatic valves and valve systems from Emerson. It is designed for efficient and reliable automation solutions, especially for compact handling systems and complex automation applications.
The technical specifications of aventics R422102431 are as follows:
- Activation: Electrically
- Switching principle: 2×3/2
- Version: NC/NC
- DC operating voltage: 24 V
- Manual override: without detent
- Actuating control: Double Solenoid
- Sealing principle: Soft Seal
- Pilot: External (In this scenario, pilot means the external source of compressed air that is used to shift the valve piston. The pilot valve is a small valve that controls the flow of the pilot air to the main valve. The pilot air acts as a signal to change the position of the valve spool, which in turn changes the direction of the fluid flow in the system.)
- Connection type: Plate connection
- Return: With spring return
- Blocking principle: Base plate principle, multiple
- Control pressure: 3 to 8 bar
- Ambient and medium temperature: -10 to 60 °C
- Medium: Compressed air
- Max. particle size: 40 µm
- Oil content of compressed air: min. 0 mg/m³
https://www.aventics.com/pneumatics-catalog/pdf/pro.813494_en_EU_R4.pdf
Aventics R422102427 5/2-directional valve
A 5/2-directional valve, part of the Series AV03 of pneumatic valves and valve systems from Emerson. It is made of high-performance polymers, reducing the weight and energy consumption of the system. It has a nominal flow of 300 l/min and a working pressure range of -0.9 to 10 bar. It also has smart features for machine safety and connectivity. Some of the technical specifications of aventics R422102427 are:
- Activation: Electrically
- Switching principle: 5/2
- DC operating voltage: 24 V
- Manual override: without detent
- Actuating control: Double Solenoid
- Sealing principle: Soft Seal
- Pilot: External (In this scenario, pilot means the external source of compressed air that is used to shift the valve piston. The pilot valve is a small valve that controls the flow of the pilot air to the main valve. The pilot air acts as a signal to change the position of the valve spool, which in turn changes the direction of the fluid flow in the system.)
- Connection type: Plate connection
- Blocking principle: Base plate principle, multiple
- Control pressure: 3 to 8 bar
- Ambient and medium temperature: -10 to 60 °C
- Medium: Compressed air
- Max. particle size: 40 µm
- Oil content of compressed air: min. 0 mg/m³
It is used to graph and monitor the data stored in InfluxDB.
Basic graphing data
In the dashboard, click on the top bar of a graph and select edit.
In the lower half of the screen there will be an area to change the rules for the graph. Click on the pencil on the right side and delete the default code.
Replace it with:
SELECT * FROM “DataTypeToGraph”This will graph the data added to the database by a single InfluxDB node in Node-RED using the tag it was defined with.
Basic tabling data
In a new dashboard, under the sql code, from the dropdown select “Table”. After that select Table view from the tab on the right called Format. This should table each entry in the database instead of graphing it.
Use this SQL code to show only the last value recorded:
SELECT last(value) FROM “Data”Show average in table
SELECT sum("value") / count("value")
FROM "Data"
WHERE $timeFilter
Node-RED is a visual programming tool that allows users to create and connect hardware devices, APIs, and online services. It uses a web-based flow editor to drag and drop nodes, which represent different functionality, to create automated workflows. It simplifies the process of building Internet of Things (IoT) applications by providing a user-friendly interface for connecting and controlling devices.
Debug Node
The debug node is a built-in Node-RED node that allows users to view the message passing through the nodes in real-time. It is useful for troubleshooting and understanding the flow of data through a flow.
Users can view the contents of the message, filter messages by type or topic, and output messages to the console in the sidebar. It is easy to use by simply dragging and dropping it into the flow and connecting it to other nodes.
The green square on the right means it will debug. Pressing it will stop the node from debugging without deleting it.
Debug On:
Debug Off:
Aventics Node
This node is used to access the sensors and values in the system.
The node looks like this:
Aventics Node Modules
- 01 Valve driver 4 valves – Controls the pneumatic distributors.
- 03 IO-Module dig. (8DI8M8) – Digital sensors module. It is connected to 8 magnetic sensors each situated at the end of every piston on the stand. Each address of the module is a different sensor output. In the software they are numbered from 1 to 8 but on the plastic module they are labeled from 0 to 7.
- 04/05 IO-Module ana. (2AI2M12-E) – Analog sensors module. Each module has 2 analog sensor inputs.
Parameters:
- Topic – Cosmetic name of node for internal use only. It doesn’t affect other functionality.
- Function – Determine how the data should be pulled from the sensor.
- From – Select which sensor it pulls data from. Each address is a different sensor in the selected module.
- Poll interval – The minimum delay between each reading. The sensor sends data each time it changes states. This will only delay the next reading. For x seconds it will not send any data after some data was sent.
Function Node
This node uses Javascript to transform data or use any other js function.
To access the value in the input use msg.payload and change it for output value. Use return msg to output.
Airflow function
After the aventics node that takes data from the airflow sensor (04 IO-Module, address 01) place a function with this code. It will output the current airflow in L/min.
Sensors give an analog signal to node red, usually from 0 to 32767. Each sensors needs to be calibrated. Our sensors outputs 0 when there is no airflow and using the built-in settings of the sensors we can see the max airflow going through the sensors was 315,43 L/min and it outputted a values of 2742. So by dividing it we can calculate a transfer equation.
msg.payload *= 0.115;
return msg;
Speed function
After the aventics node that takes data from the linear analog sensor (05 IO-Module, address 2), place a function node with this code. It will output the current speed of the cylinder in cm/s.
// This function node counts the time between two signals that are equal to 1
var lastTime = context.get('lastTimestamp');
var lastPos = context.get('lastDistance');
if(msg.payload 3200) {
msg.payload = (msg.payload - 3200.0) / (29750.0 - 3200.0) * (51.1 - 7.13) // cm/s
if (!lastTime) {
// Store the timestamp of the first 1 signal
lastTime = new Date().getTime();
lastPos = msg.payload;
context.set('lastTimestamp', lastTime);
context.set('lastDistance', lastPos);
} else {
if (lastPos == msg.payload)
return
// Calculate the time difference between the first 1 signal and the current 1 signal
var deltaTime = new Date().getTime() - lastTime;
var deltaPos = msg.payload - lastPos;
context.set('lastTimestamp', null);
context.set('lastDistance', null);
msg.payload = (deltaPos)/(deltaTime);
return msg;
}
}
return null;
InfluxDB Integration
The simple InfluxDB node takes whatever data it is given and along with a tag it is sent to the database along with a time stamp.
Select the second Server for data to be logged.
Each time a new piece of data is added to the database it will automatically get a timestamp when it was logged.
Parameters:
- Measurement – Name of the date stored and used for identification with SQL.
Join Node
Every connection between the nodes sends a message msg with different parameters. Two of the most important ones in this node are msg.payload and msg.topic.
msg.topic = “Name of the variable transported”
msg.payload = value of the variable transported
Using the Join Node, we can combine multiple variables into a single object. Like a json, each item in the object has a name (from the topic) and a value (from the payload).
With this node, we can combine all the data and send it to a single influxDB node as a single table entry instead to keep the data organized.
Parameters:
- Mode – Automatic, Manual (usually preferred option)
- Combine each – Choose which parameter to be the value of each item
- to create – Output type of the node (usually Object)
Manual Mode parameters:
- using the value of – name of each item in the Object
- After a number of message parts – Number of item the node should wait for to output an object
AVENTICS™ Series AS2 Air Preparation Units
In the following, our team will present how an AVENTICS™ Series AS2 Air Preparation Unit works, what components our team possess, how we use and the way we have installed them.
In the pictures underneath one can see the parts that together build our air preparation unit.
You can find the general brochure that includes all the general information about the unit here.
It contains a multitude of different pieces and sets that Emerson makes and in the next part, the UPBAir team will present its equipment.
AVENTICS™ 3/2-shut-off valve, mechanically operated, Series AS2-BAV R412006257
The shut-off valve is used to power the system with compressed air from the tank or compressor.
Unlike a normal faucet, this aventics valve also removes the pressurised air from the system using a hole in the back of the module through a silencer.
AVENTICS™ Precision pressure regulator, Series AS2-RGP R412006148
A pressure regulator has the purpose of limiting the pressure at which the air is entering the system.
Using the black knob on the top, like a screw, the user can decide how much pressure to let into the system. The analog barometer indicates in real time the air pressure exiting the module.
AVENTICS™ Series AF2 flow rate sensor, IO-Link R412027176
The first such component we will present is the AVENTICS™ Series AF2 flow rate sensor, IO-Link R412027176. A flow meter (or a flow sensor) is type of flow instrument that is used to indicate the amount of gas moving through a pipe or conduit by measuring linear, non-linear, mass, or volumetric flow rates.
The way it can be assembled can be found here, while the instructions here.
To introduce the new recruits to the world of engineering and the activities of SPL, they were assigned an interesting task aimed at enriching their knowledge in the field of pneumatics. The team leader, Bogdan Rosca, provided them with challenging topics to be addressed in the form of scientific articles. These topics included energy efficiency in pneumatic systems, safety in pneumatic systems, vibration control in pneumatic systems, and pneumatic control systems. Additionally, they were required to deliver an oral presentation demonstrating their thorough understanding of the chosen topic based on their research. Each recruit received valuable advice from the laboratory director, Mihalache Ghinea. The event proved to be beneficial for the team’s development, and its members, and we will certainly organize such meetings again in the future.…