FOCUS-1

FOCUS-1 is the first smart meter valve specifically developed for the process industry 4.0. This multifunctional smart flow control instrument – developed by FOCUS-ON, a SAMSON and KROHNE company – combines sensors, actuator and control functionality in one device. By measuring flow, pressure and temperature simultaneously and regulating its valve function independently, all specified set points for control tasks such as pressure, flow or even external control variables can be accurately and reliably achieved. This makes FOCUS-1 the ideal smart control unit for processes that need to be controlled autonomously. It is equally suitable for greenfield projects as well as a drop-in replacement of conventional valves in existing brownfield applications.

FOCUS-1 provides extensive diagnostics. In addition to many device diagnostics, the module features “smart cavitation control” which enables it to identify, monitor and alarm different kinds of cavitation caused in a pipeline. This allows operators to carry out predictive maintenance measures, allowing them to avoid increased stress and wear of valve and piping ahead of time as well as to prevent unplanned downtime. Given its redundant flow measurement, FOCUS-1 can also detect possible wear of the valve seat and thus leaks.

Due to its advanced algorithms, the smart meter valve can also create a “digital twin”. This allows modelling the measured data in such a way that device function and operation can be maintained even in the event of a sensor failure. With the help of the digital twin, plant operators implement redundancy and thus permanently increase the reliability, safety and availability of their plant.

The combination of sensors, valve and controller with extensive diagnostic features translates into less engineering effort, reduced sourcing and installation costs, a more simple and compact measuring set-up as well as more efficient life cycle management and maintenance. This simplifies processes, reduces system complexity and sustainably reduces capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operational expense (OPEX).