Rummel FlowBasicHot: circuit-by-circuit monitoring on the hot mold
FlowBasicHot is the high-temperature version of FlowBasic. In molds controlled with pressurized hot water up to 160 °C, it measures the flow and temperature of every circuit electronically, displays them on screen and records them. The operating pressure limit rises to 15 bar; this is a margin consistent with the pressure needed to keep water liquid above 100 °C. The system can be used in open and closed circuits.
Why per-circuit monitoring at high temperature?
In technical plastics processed with hot molds, the mold surface temperature directly determines the crystallinity, surface gloss and dimensional stability of the part. When the flow of one circuit drops, that zone stays at a different temperature from the others; the result is local gloss differences, warpage or dimensional deviation. Scaling also speeds up at high temperature. FlowBasicHot shows this narrowing as a drop in flow before the temperature difference becomes visible on the part.
Measurement and control
The flow is measured with a vortex piezoceramic sensor element; the measuring range is 1.0–18 L/min per circuit. The temperature is measured in every circuit, and pressure measurement is optional. The circuits are set with manual shut-off ball valves; the system measures the flow and raises an alarm when it goes out of limits.
The visualization terminal has a touchscreen and graphics. Process data are collected, evaluated and stored; parameterization and status monitoring are done on the screen, and mold parameters are saved.
Gains on the process side
Removing the hose bridges lowers the pressure loss and raises the flow per circuit; heat transfer improves. Thanks to the separate circuits, a faulty circuit is located exactly and a specific zone of the mold can be adjusted on its own. Every temperature control circuit is regulated and monitored; process stability and traceability increase.
The system can be installed close to the mold, so the hoses stay short and the heat loss from the hot hose surface falls. It is insensitive to pressure surges and can be extended step by step as needs grow.
Technical data
| Feature | Value |
|---|
| Circuit control | Manual shut-off ball valves |
| Measuring principle | Vortex – piezoceramic sensor element |
| Measuring range | 1.0–18 L/min |
| Main distribution connection | 1" female thread |
| Mold circuit connection | 1/2" female thread |
| Material | Parts in contact with the medium in brass and stainless steel |
| Seal | FKM (Viton) |
| Medium | Water |
| Max. temperature | 160 °C |
| Max. operating pressure | 15 bar |
| Modular design | Manifold with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 stations; up to 100 circuits by cascade connection |
Comparison with FlowBasic
| FlowBasic | FlowBasicHot |
|---|
| Max. temperature | 120 °C | 160 °C |
| Max. operating pressure | 10 bar | 15 bar |
| Measuring range | 1.0–20 L/min | 1.0–18 L/min |
If you run on water above 160 °C, the FlowHot with mechatronic measurement goes up to 180 °C. For the temperature control unit side, see the water temperature control units page.
