Gas mixing turnkey package for international university

Bürkert’s expanding global network, combined with the constant optimisation of our processes across all segments, allows it to exchange experience directly and develop joint solutions more quickly and effectively, even across oceans.

The Bürkert Singapore office internally approached the Bürkert Australia Systemhaus, located in Sydney, for assistance in providing a solution to one of their local universities.

The university laboratory had a requirement to mix and batch various types of gases including NH₃, MG₁, MG₂, CO₂ and N₂. The prerequisite was to have a system installed that would allow the university to enter in the gas volumes and simply press a button to then monitor the various stages of the mixing cycle. It was also expected to read flow, totaliser, gas temperature, controller faults and other diagnostic data from each mass flow controller (MFC).

Bürkert’s two offices worked closely together with local technicians to investigate the most appropriate options, through design and installation, which would provide the university with a solution customised specifically for their needs, within their budget and expected timeframes.

The solution provided by Bürkert was to use their Industry 4.0 designed MFCs with Profibus DP. This allowed Bürkert to offer a full Siemens PLC/HMI package, simplifying the wiring of each MFC.

Due to the tight space where this unit would eventually reside, Bürkert had to provide this solution in a cabinet that was constructed to the university’s specific dimensions. Never one to back away from a challenge, Bürkert designed and built a series of manifolds for the MFCs and valves. The system consisted of three stainless steel blocks fully designed and drafted in CAD, all machined locally by the Sydney Systemhaus. The result allowed all of the fluidics to be mounted on one side of the panel, while allowing enough room for the control system components inside.

To meet the complexity of the mixing and batching sequences, the Bürkert solution required the use of a full PLC/HMI combination. Everything was then connected via Profibus DP and Profinet, which reduced the use of excessive wiring.

Pre-commissioning was performed in the Sydney Systemhaus, which included sequence and leak testing. Due to nature of the project, in that it was to be installed in another country, Bürkert needed a way to ensure that they had full remote monitoring and control after it left the workshop. Therefore, as part of the finished product, Bürkert included a rugged Industrial PC (IPC) and modem for internet access.

Bürkert Singapore and Australia worked very closely with the customer at all stages of the project. Partnering in this way with a customer is unique to Bürkert, in that they see the benefit it provides to ensure delivery of a successful solution; from conceptual design through to installation. This is achieved through regular meetings to keep the project on track and, in the end, the customer receives a true turnkey package from a single partner.

Bürkert’s superior ability to adapt to existing system requirements and predetermined platforms gives them an added advantage compared to others in the market. With their local Australian Systemhaus in Sydney, Bürkert can provide customers within APAC closer proximity to hands-on consultations and testing environments, as well as direct access to Bürkert product solution experts, technical and design team.

Bürkert’s availability, technical support, superior product, futureproof solutions, flexibility and adaptability is once again showcased by this project’s successful outcome.

Precise Gas Control with Bürkert’s MFCs.