Wall bracket for AUMA actuator controls

Muellheim, December 20, 2004

If an actuator is installed in a place with limited space, it is useful to mount the respective controls with operating elements and programming interface separately from the actuator in a place that can easily be accessed.   For several decades, AUMA has been offering a wall bracket solution for separate installation of actuator and controls.   This wall bracket solution is from now on also available for the Non-intrusive version without the former distance restriction of 10 m. The cable length between the actuator and the controls may now be up to 100 m.   The actuator can now be operated and set over long distances – no direct access required.   The wall bracket solution is also approved for the use in explosion-proof areas.

AUMA actuators come with direct torque indication

Muellheim, October 20, 2004

For AUMA actuators in version AUMATIC, the torque available in the valve for the entire valve travel can directly be read from the display of the actuator (either in Nm or ft. lbs.). When setting the tripping torque, it is no longer necessary to convert the desired torque value into a percentage of the maximum setting range. In general, the torque signal can be transmitted to the control room and may be integrated into a maintenance concept, for example.

Process control with AUMA actuators

Muellheim, October 13, 2004

AUMA actuators can be used to implement so-called stand-alone process control.

Therefore, the actuators are equipped with a PID controller. Wherever – and no matter how far from the next control room – flow or level control is required, this is possible without having to configure, install or program a PLC.

The actuator only requires a sensor to provide the actual and a nominal value, which is either externally determined or stored as parameter within the actuator. The actuator can thus perform level and flow control entirely on its own.

AUMA celebrates the 40. company anniversary - Part II

After the first celebration in July in Nellingen, where the company was founded, the celebration at the headquarters in Muellheim took place on September 17 and 18, 2004. The weather was perfect: bright sunshine. For two days, AUMA celebrated what has so far been its biggest celebration ever, and it was also the AUMA event with the largest tent.

400 suppliers, customers, company founders, managing directors, the current and the former mayor and AUMA representatives from all over the world came to take part in the celebration which lasted all Friday long and included guided tours, technical presentations, speeches, artists and culinary treats.

The AUMA family came together on Saturday: not only the relatives of the Muellheim staff but also the colleagues from all German locations, service centers and the SIPOS and GFC companies, which are also part of the AUMA group, met each other. Many of them for the first time in their life!

In the evening, 700 AUMA colleagues were given a special treat: a gala dinner, music and acrobatics. And one of the two company founders, Werner Riester, received his well-deserved "standing ovations".

AUMA actuators with integral bypass management

Muellheim, September 14, 2004

Bypass valves are used if valves are exposed to high differential pressures. They help to avoid the water hammers which were otherwise to be expected.

A simple rule defines that the main valve must not be operated unless the bypass valve is completely opened.

Two AUMA actuators with integral bypass management ensure that this rule is observed. The actuator on the main valve is directly connected to the actuator on the bypass valve.

During normal operation, the bypass management consists of a simple interlock; i.e. an operation command to the main valve will only be executed if the bypass valve is opened; otherwise a fault signal will be sent to the control room.

In case of emergency operation, e.g. Emergency-Close, the actuators automatically co-ordinate their operations. The bypass valve will be opened first and after the main valve has been closed, the bypass valve will be closed.

AUMA part-turn actuator in aluminium-free version

Muellheim, September 7, 2004

AUMA part-turn actuators of the SG 05.1 – SG 12.1 type range are from now on also available in aluminium-free version. All outside parts including the handwheel are either made of cast iron, spheroidal cast iron or stainless steel.

The actuator version is designed for use in atmospheres which are highly corrosive to aluminium. This includes atmospheres with high humidity and maritime climate such as those present onshore, offshore or in desalination plants.

AUMA actuators feature a new display type

Muellheim, August 20, 2004

Since mid 2004, the AUMATIC actuator control has been equipped with a new display type to improve readability.

White characters on a blue background have increased the contrast and the display is permanently illuminated.

Additionally, pushbutton controls change the display to Full Power Mode to further enhance the contrast which is a particular advantage in outdoor installations where actuators are exposed to the sun.
Automated controls ensure that the display automatically reverts to idle mode lighting after the required period.

Improved bus connection for AUMA actuators

Muellheim, August 13, 2004 AUMA customers are set to benefit from an enhancement to AUMA actuators’ fieldbus connection. An increase in both the diameter and depth of the actuators’ terminal compartment means that four cable glands can be mounted for redundant bus cable versions and mounting in the interior of the actuator will be easier. The increased diameter enables larger bending radii for fibre optics and, using AUMA’s unique plug and socket connector, the bus connection can still be completely removed from the actuator without interrupting the bus operation. The new connection is compatible with all AUMA actuators and can be easily retrofitted if required.

AUMA celebrates the 40. company anniversary

On 2nd and 3rd July 2004, AUMA celebrated the 40. company anniversary at the place of its foundation, the plant at Ostfildern. On Friday, customers, suppliers, local dignitaries and other guests of honour visited AUMA. The table of events included tours of the factory, a technical lecture and a dinner with artistic entertainment.

On Saturday, the employees were able to show their families around their workplace. Supporting acts of artists and special foods thereby represented the different continents on which AUMA is present.

AUMA gets sun powered

On May 19, 2004 the solar roof on the new plant III was officially commissioned.

AUMA now has one of the largest photovoltaic plants in the Freiburg region. The roof space amounts to more than 1,500 sq metres and boasts more than 1,000 solar panels. It is expected to generate 156,750 units (kWh) of clean PV electricity.

AUMA presents itself as modern, environmentally friendly company.