June 17, 2024
Introduction
Maintaining equipment efficiency and hygiene in processing plant operations is crucial to production quality. Even with their advanced electrically actuated intermittent spraying capabilities, BETE’s Electric HydroPulse (EHP) automatic nozzles are easy to maintain.
Design Features of EHP Nozzles
The EHP nozzles boast several design features that make them ideal for food processing and other hygienic precision spray applications:
- Hygienic Design: Ensures compliance with food safety standards.
- Interchangeable Spray Tips: Allows for easy customization and maintenance.
- High-Cycling Capability: Cycles on/off up to 150 times per second.
- Hydraulic Spray: No compressed air source required.
- Dual Liquid Connections: Facilitates in-series setup for complex spraying operations.
- Pulse Width Modulation (PWM): Paired with the FlexFlow® precision spray control system, PWM enables precise control of spray flow rates by adjusting the duty cycle without altering supply pressure, ensuring consistent spray performance.
Maintenance Guidelines
Maintaining EHP nozzles is straightforward and essential for ensuring long-term performance and hygiene. The following steps outline the recommended maintenance process:
- Safety First: Always wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and follow proper lockout/tagout procedures when working with electrical equipment.
- Disassembly:
- Use an adjustable wrench or specific wrench sizes to remove the backplate screws.
- Remove the backplate, spring, and solenoid carefully to avoid damaging the connector.
- Remove the cap nut, spray tip, plunger, and O-rings, then unscrew the orifice from the body.
- Cleaning:
- Place all stainless-steel components in an ultrasonic cleaner. Ensure the cleaner is compatible with stainless steel to prevent corrosion.
- Do not submerge the solenoid coil in the cleaner.
- Reassembly:
- Follow the disassembly steps in reverse, or refer to the video below for detailed guidance.
The FlexFlow Advantage
The FlexFlow 1000 and 2000 spray systems significantly enhance the functionality and flexibility of EHP and EHPI automatic nozzles. Designed to modernize industrial and hygienic manufacturing processes, FlexFlow panels provide exceptional precision spray control and operational efficiency for coating, cooling, lubricating, and moistening applications.
FlexFlow 1000 Spray System
- HMI Touch Screen: Intuitive operation and diagnostics for easy troubleshooting.
- Control Capabilities: Can operate up to 12 nozzles, divided into two zones with up to six nozzles each.
- Independent/Synchronous Settings: Zones can be programmed independently or synchronously.
- Power Supply: A 24VDC power supply accommodates a wide input range from 85-264VAC.
- Password Protection: Available for enhanced security.
- Compatibility: Designed to control BETE EHP and EHPI electrically actuated nozzles, a standard adaptor kit allows you to control BETE XA air atomizing nozzles and PHP pneumatically actuated nozzles.
FlexFlow 2000 Spray System
- Offers all functions of the FlexFlow 1000, plus:
- Scalable Models: Available in three versions (2010, 2016, 2020) to operate 10, 16, or 20 nozzles.
- Enhanced Flexibility: Manages up to 20 nozzles across 20 independently controlled zones.
- Speed Matching Functionality: Matches spray volume to conveyor speed for optimal efficiency.
- Ethernet Port: Facilitates process integration and control.
Pulse Width Modulation (PWM)
FlexFlow spray systems utilize PWM to control the nozzle’s spray flow rates. By adjusting the ON versus OFF dwell time ratio at high frequencies, PWM maintains constant fluid supply pressure and delivers uniform spray coverage. This sophisticated control method ensures optimal resource use and consistent product quality. FlexFlow controllers can adjust the flow rate (duty cycle) without a change in inlet pressure or spray characteristics to fine-tune the application rate.
Conclusion
Maintaining BETE Electric HydroPulse (EHP) spray nozzles ensures reliable performance and cleanliness for applications in Food Processing, Personal Care, and other industries. FlexFlow spraying system controllers enable superior operational efficiency and product consistency with cutting-edge features and benefits.
Are you curious about whether BETE spray technology can benefit your business? Our Systems and Fabrication experts are ready to provide you with a quote, technical support, or a free on-site plant evaluation.
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