IndiTop Valve Position Indicator

The IndiTop^® is a simple indication unit used in conjunction with all kinds of pneumatic processing valves. It is used to provide indication of the valve’s position by means of an electronic signal. Mounted on top of the valve, the IndiTop senses the valve’s position and sends feedback signals to the PLC to indicate whether the valve is open, closed, or outside of those two set positions.

IndiTop is a great choice when feedback is all you need. Its simple, enclosed design provides reliable feedback with minimal maintenance and installation requirements.

Related Industries:

Processed Foods, High-Acid Foods, Dairy, Beverages, Brewery, Home & Personal Care, Pharmaceutical, Biotech, Chemical

Accurate Alfa Laval Set-and-forget sensor system

For straightforward real-time monitoring, the IndiTop provides accurate visual indication of valve position and status as well as power-supply status through the use of light-emitting diodes. Its universal fit makes it a natural choice for valve indication of any Alfa Laval air-actuated sanitary valve.

With its streamlined, low-maintenance design, IndiTop is ideal for use in new and existing plants. IndiTop does not use any solenoid valves, but relies on the use of basic indication signals. Compatibility with all major PLC system having a digital PNP/NPN interface.

Valve cluster illustration caption: Combining the use of automated ThinkTop control heads and IndiTop valve position indicators provides a smart solution for cost-effective control of your plant.

Effective valve indicator

Reliable valve indication based on proven ThinkTop design contribute to process safety:

No-touch, set-and-forget sensor system.Detects both the condition and position of the valve stem with an accuracy of ± 1 mm. Set-up parameters are stored but, for greater flexibility and ease of operation, can easily be re-programmed.
Pre-set tolerance band. No manual adjustment of feedback sensors is required. Valve tolerance bands with preconfigured default setting of ±5mm ensure operational reliability on any Alfa Laval sanitary valve.
Two PNP/NPN feedback signals offer basic functionality to indicate energized and de-energized main valve positions. The PNP/NPN interface are selected by connecting one appointed wire to either the plus or minus terminal.

Sturdy and durable

With its hardy hygienic design, IndiTop ensures the effects of physical impact, pollution, frost, UV radiation and temperatures up to 80°C while supporting continuous production.

Completely watertight and IP66/IP67-compliant, IndiTop prevents water condensation and the penetration of dust, water and other particles into the unit. The unit can be hosed down with water or cleaning fluid without putting important settings at risk. This contributes to maximum hygiene and effectively eliminates problems associated with corrosion and external contamination.

Construction

IndiTop consists of a valve indication housing, proven no-touch, set-and-forget sensor system with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and valve control sensor board for connection to the PLC (Programming Logic Controller) system.

Operating principle

The sensor system calculates the angle between the axial magnetic field produced by an indication pin mounted on the valve stem. This provides indication with an accuracy of ± 1mm of the position of the valve at any given time through the use of microchip sensors.

The IndiTop unit transmits status and condition to any PLC system using one of two DC/AC or PNP/NPN digital feedback signals. LEDs display the current main valve position and on/off power status at all times.

Options

Three versions based on fixed cable lengths are available for connection: 5 m, 10 m or 0.5 m with an M12, 5-pin stainless steel plug connector including the plug counterpart.

Ease of installation

Installation is straightforward; no special expertise, adapters or tools are required. IndiTop fits onto all Alfa Laval sanitary actuators equipped with mushrooms. Simply press a five-button startup sequence to initiate foolproof manual setup. Or facilitate setup using the optional remote control wire function in combination with the PLC system. No dismantling is required.

Applications

Compatible with all major PLC (programmable logic controller) compatible valve control sensors digital input cards, the IndiTop is ideal for use in food, dairy, and brewery installations as well as biopharmaceutical applications.

Working Principle

Alfa Laval Set-and-forget sensor system utilizes a magnet (supplied with the unit), which is threaded onto the valve stem. The magnet’s target sensor is integrated into the IndiTop unit. This unique no-touch system eliminates the need for mechanical adjustments, as no mechanical switches are used.

The unit is mounted while its target is threaded onto the valve actuator “mushrooms” with two Allen screws on the valve stem. Once set up—either by the quick and easy 5-push setup or remotely from the PLC—the unit will be able to send feedback about the valve position through a fixed cable. This process establishes the “open” and “closed” positions of the valve with an accuracy of ± 0.04 inches.

Key Features

Works with both DC and AC supply voltage (8-30V DC/AC)
Two PNP/NPN digital DC/AC feedback signals
Quick and easy 5-push setup through push-buttons
Remote setup from the PLC
Keeps the setup during power outages
Visual indication through LEDs
16 foot fixed cable
No mechanical adjustments
± 0.2 inch tolerance for saved positions

Feedback Signals

IndiTop is capable of providing two PNP/NPN digital feedback signals in both DC and AC. Selection of PNP or NPN is done by wiring. Visual indication through LEDs constantly display the current valve position and power (ON/OFF).

Materials

Plastic Parts	Nylon PA 6 and POM
Rubber Parts	SEBS
Metal Parts	Stainless steel DIN 914 A2 brass

Technical Data

Sensor Accuracy	± 0.04 inch
Distance to Magnet	0.2 ± 0.12 inch
Stroke Length	0.24 – 3.17 inch
Power Supply Voltage	8 – 30 VDC/AC
Power Supply Current*	Max 45 mA
Electrical Interface	5m 0.2 inch ø fixed PVC cable with (6) 26 AWG conductors
Protection Class	IP66/67

*The initial current during power-on is higher. The actual shape of the current pulse depends on the power supply used. Typical values are 150 mA RMS during 13 ms (regulated PS) to 360 mA RMS during 8 ms (unregulated PS).

The fulfilling of the UL requirements in UL508 requires that the unit is supplied by an isolating source complying with the requirements for class 2 power units (UL1310) or class 2 and 3 transformers (UL1585).

IndiTop Valve Position Indicator