Using ValveInsight for smart valve monitoring and efficient process management

More than just valves – using AI for process optimisation

ValveInsight from Bürkert consistently leverages artificial intelligence (AI) for smart monitoring and digital optimisation of your processes.

Identifying blocked valves quickly – an example from the field

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Blocked valves are often hard to identify, especially if they are still allowing certain types of media to pass through. Production might be continuing to run, but quality is dropping. By the time the problem has been identified, valuable time might have been lost and expensive production issues might have cropped up. With ValveInsight, the valve reports directly to the controller that something has gone wrong – so you can intervene right there and then. It doesn’t just tell you that one of the valves has stopped activating correctly, however – you’re also immediately told which valve is affected, allowing you to swap it out quickly and keep maintaining high quality standards in your production activities.

How does valve diagnostics with ValveInsight work?

Valves with electrodynamic actuators (such as Bürkert Whisper Valves) offer a unique diagnostic option that enables early detection of faults due to their intrinsic properties alone. It is especially possible to use the actuator as a sensor, where the time dependency of the inrush current is monitored. Intelligent machine learning algorithms analyse the current and can help to answer specific questions in different applications. The implementation of this diagnostic option is cost-effective and robust, as no additional sensor is needed on the valve.

All integrated diagnostics functions are summarised under the term ValveInsight at Bürkert, as they offer a deeper insight into the function of the valve.

The advantages at a glance

Smart without sensors

ValveInsight makes equipment intelligent – without any additional components, for simple and cost-effective process monitoring.

Document process data

ValveInsight enables not only real-time monitoring, but also seamless documentation of process data – for easy analysis and rapid fault identification.

Increase process reliability

ValveInsight enables reliable, stable process management thanks to real-time data directly from the components – without the need for any additional sensors.

Maintenance with a vision

ValveInsight detects fault sources early on and provides support for efficient planning and execution of maintenance work – ensuring less downtime and more productivity.

Simple integration

Thanks to open-source algorithms and integration instructions from Bürkert, ValveInsight can be integrated extremely quickly, flexibly and inexpensively into existing processes and equipment.

Go easy on resources

With ValveInsight, faulty production processes in laboratories, biotechnology and pharmaceutical production can be identified early on – reducing scrap, conserving valuable reagents and minimising waste that is harmful to the environment.

Want to test out ValveInsight for yourself? 

Contact us to get a demo kit that will give you a quick and simple way to test ValveInsight in your analysis or production processes. It’s an easy way to get started. 

You can download the operating instructions for the demo kit here:

Can ValveInsight be used with any Bürkert valve?

ValveInsight is designed for our unique Whisper Valves, whose patented Lorentz force actuator makes it possible to monitor the valve inrush current with precision. This is what allows valve diagnostics to take place. Our Whisper Valve series contains the following valves:

2/2 or 3/2-way Whisper Valve with media separation

Type 6724

• Ultra‑compact 8.9 mm design combined with outstanding chemical resistance
• Optional diagnostic function via ValveInsight
• DN 0.8 mm (vacuum up to 5 bar) and 1.2 mm (vacuum up to 3 bar)
• Very fast, almost silent switching with < 20 dB (A) and very low power consumption
• High back-pressure tightness, excellent cleanability and 100% duty cycle

To product filter

2/2 or 3/2-way Whisper Valve with media separation

Type 6757

• Very fast switching at a low noise level <45 dB(A)
• High pressure range up to 16 bar with nominal diameter DN 1.4 mm
• Highest chemical resistance
• Compact design with 18 mm installation width
• High back pressure tightness

To product filter

Innovations for a sustainable future – Bürkert honoured with the BW Environmental Technology Award

Since 2009, the Baden-Württemberg Environmental Technology Award has been given every two years in recognition of outstanding technical solutions that make a measurable contribution to resource efficiency and environmental conservation. Awarded by the Ministry for the Environment, Climate and Energy Sector, it honours market-ready products whose environmental credentials are scoring points and setting new standards – in the categories of Energy Efficiency, Material Efficiency and Resource Conservation, Circular Economy and Prevention of Environmental Pollution, plus Digitisation, Artificial Intelligence, and Measurement, Control and Regulating Technology. 

For Bürkert, receiving the award for its ValveInsight technology is a particular honour. The intelligent diagnostics function for valve is a shining example of the company’s innovative spirit and dedication to sustainability. ValveInsight reduces the need for additional electronic components and optimises processes. The additional intelligence in the equipment makes it possible to identify faults quickly and reduce scrap as a result – a real bonus for the environment and industry alike. This award illustrates how Bürkert is putting sustainable transformation efforts into practice within its own company and in conjunction with its customers.

Read the full press release here

White paper: Reliable analysis devices thanks to diagnostics with ValveInsight

The operation of devices in analytical and medical technology must be monitored, as malfunctions may have serious consequences. This can be a critical process step for reagent dosing in analytical equipment, for example. With ValveInsight, you can precisely monitor valves with electrodynamic actuators and diagnose faults in the process quickly and reliably. Want to know more about the technical and physical background? 

Download the white paper now!

Industries in which ValveInsight can be used:

In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) solutions: Precision, automation and increased throughput

The precision and accuracy of the analyses determine the diagnosis. These requirements apply in particular to critical applications such as haematology, clinical chemistry, flow cytometry, immunology or histology. At the same time, the speed and the space required for the device in the laboratory are essential for in-vitro diagnostics due to the rapidly increasing need for tests. Bürkert has the right solution for both.

Individual solutions for the life science industry are part of our DNA

Even in highly sensitive production processes such as gene analysis, DNA analysis or oligosynthesis, precision is no longer the only thing that matters. Speed, productivity and reproducibility with increasingly sophisticated and complex methods are the decisive criteria for making reliable investigation possible.

All bio pharmaceutical production under control

Like many sectors, the pharmaceutical industry is also undergoing digital change. Medicines have to be manufactured in ever faster time-to-market cycles, and pharmaceutical plants have to work more efficiently, more sustainably and more intelligently. Without jeopardising the highly sensitive process reliability.