Control head

The 8681 control head was developed for decentral automation of pneumatically controlled hygienic process valves like seat valves, butterfly valves and ball valves for the food/beverage and pharmaceutical industries. It is easy to clean, features time-tested IP protection and is made of chemical-resistant materials, suited for use in hygienic applications. Within the framework of decentral automation concepts the 8681, as a central unit, performs all pneumatic actuation, feedback and diagnostic functions, as well as bus communication. Depending on the process valve, as many as three pneumatic actuator chambers can be controlled separately. The switching speed of each driver chamber can be set individually for both directions of movement by means of a restrictor function integrated in the pilot valve. In addition, a non-return valve prevents faulty switching of the process valves due to back pressure. Independent of the power supply, each pilot valve can be switched manually by means of a mechanical hand control. The patented magnetically coded manual control allows switching of the main actuator from outside a completely enclosed device – ensuring full IP protection also during maintenance on the process valve.