APV / SPX Hygienic Valves
CU4plus APV SPX – Intelligent Valve Control Unit
CU4plus APV SPX – Intelligent Valve Control Unit
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Product Type:
Control Units
Description
The CU4plus control unit delivers advanced automation and smart connectivity for hygienic valve operations. Compatible with ASi-3, ASi-5, Direct Connect, and IO-Link technologies, it ensures precise, reliable, and efficient control in sanitary processing environments. Designed for modern fluid management systems, the CU4plus optimizes communication across your process lines and contributes to enhanced performance, streamlined integration, and reduced downtime.
Features and Advantages
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Highly Accurate Valve Stem Measurement
Contact-free stem sensing ensures precise valve positioning, improving process control and minimizing errors. -
Teach-In Function
Simplifies calibration with quick setup of feedback positions, reducing commissioning time and effort. -
Bright LED Indicators
Ultra-bright LEDs clearly show valve position, power, and solenoid status to improve operator visibility. -
Manual Override and Adjustable Solenoids
Manual actuation is possible via override function, with an adjustment screw for air flow fine-tuning. -
Easy Retrofit
Compatible with existing valve installations, allowing seamless system upgrades without major overhauls. -
Toolbox Software
Offers powerful diagnostics, monitoring, and control tools for optimal valve management. -
Advanced Communication
Supports 24VDC Direct Connect, IO-Link, ASi-3, and ASi-5 protocols for integration with various automation systems.
CU4plus ASi-5 Highlights
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Expanded Capacity: Controls up to 96 devices on one network — 36% more than ASi-3.
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Fast Process Response: Operates up to 4× faster than ASi-3 for improved performance.
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Real-Time Maintenance Alerts: Monitors air pressure and valve parameters, notifying PLC of service needs instantly.
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Rich Data Transfer: Up to 32 bytes of data per control unit allow detailed status insights.
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Auto Configuration Storage: Remembers settings and restores them during service, minimizing downtime.
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CIP Efficiency: Reduces CIP leakage by up to 80% through advanced seat-lift pulsing.
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Cost Reduction: Lower installation, maintenance, and operating costs.
CU4plus IO-Link Highlights
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Simple Integration: IO-Link ensures fast setup across protocols and systems.
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Proactive Maintenance: Tracks valve usage by time, cycles, or air pressure to prompt timely maintenance.
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Reduced Downtime: Stores configuration in IO-Link master for seamless replacement.
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Optimized Cleaning: Pulse seat-lifting minimizes CIP time, fluid loss, and disposal cost.
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Smart Monitoring: Includes built-in pressure sensor and real-time diagnostics for enhanced sustainability and performance.
Theory of Operation
The CU4plus valve control unit is designed to provide precise valve automation and real-time monitoring, serving as a robust and intelligent solution for hygienic process control. It governs the opening and closing of sanitary valves using non-contact sensing technology and advanced data integration, ensuring dependable performance in demanding industrial environments.
At the heart of its functionality is a contactless valve stem sensor that delivers accurate, continuous feedback on valve position. This sensor avoids mechanical wear, enhancing both measurement precision and long-term durability. The intuitive Teach-In function enables fast, user-friendly calibration during setup or system updates, streamlining configuration.
The CU4plus supports modern industrial communication standards such as ASi-5 and IO-Link, allowing seamless integration into automated systems. Through ASi-5, it can connect and control up to 96 devices within a single network—boosting process responsiveness and scalability. IO-Link connectivity enables continuous data flow between devices and the control layer, providing real-time status updates and early warnings for issues like pressure drops, which helps avoid unscheduled downtime.
Additionally, the CU4plus offers automatic configuration and diagnostics. It stores key settings and firmware locally, which can be quickly restored during maintenance or replacements—minimizing disruption and simplifying servicing. Whether integrated into an existing infrastructure or part of a new installation, CU4plus delivers enhanced efficiency, reliability, and intelligent process control.