Sensor combines pressure and flow monitoring in a single unit 

The new SFAM, from industrial automation specialist Festo, is a pressure and flow sensor combined in one compact unit. Equipped with IO-Link, the SFAM sensor enables data-driven insights and reduces the number of components required, so system designers and machine builders can save time, space and cost. It also simplifies stocking and provides greater design flexibility.

The SFAM’s built-in pressure sensor and temperature measurement combination offers a wide range of options for process monitoring and control. For example, the SFAM can measure compressed air pressure, flow and consumption to offer a complete insight into the compressed air system using a single device. Fluctuations and anomalies in compressed air consumption can be conveniently monitored via IO-Link to optimise energy efficiency and machine performance. The SFAM also makes leakages easier to identify, even in large systems with high flow rates. The data insights provided by the SFAM mean that energy consumption – and CO2 consumption – can be evaluated at plant level, contributing towards a more efficient, sustainable and safer system. In addition to compressed air, the SFAM is capable of measuring argon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which makes it ideal for inert gas monitoring.

Depending on the model specified, the SFAM can reliably measure flow rates up to 15,000l/min. It provides an adjustable volume pulse for measuring consumption at control level and delivers outputs of volume and mass flow rate, as well as energy measurement. The SFAM features a high-contrast display and new, updated operating components for convenient and reliable operation, even in an industrial environment.

The in-built IO-Link interface allows data to be collected seamlessly from the SFAM sensor and transferred to the control system. Advantages include minimal wiring effort, convenient remote parameterisation and a cost-effective, standardised connection cable. IO-Link also enables faster commissioning and maintenance, thanks to a replicating parameters function. A changing colour display gives at-a-glance visualisation of the switching status and parameters.

Offering maximum flexibility, the SFAM can be configured as PNP or NPN, normally open or normally closed (NO or NC) and offers a choice of voltage or current outputs, which can be switched using software. It even has built-in memory in case the power is inadvertently shut off. Volume and mass flow rate measurements are available in all standard units and minimum and maximum values can be selected as triggers.

The SFAM is modular and easy to integrate in service units from the Festo MS series on new or existing machines. When combined with the MS6 and MS9 service units, it only requires one additional branching module, to assure a laminar flow. This saves installation space whilst also reducing installation effort. 

The SFAM is also available as a stand-alone unit with laminar flow inlet.