Emerson Showcases Packaging Solutions Advance Future of Automation at PACK EXPO 2024

Global technology, software and engineering leader Emerson exhibited its latest Floor to Cloud packaging solutions at PACK EXPO in Chicago, Nov. 3-6, 2024. Advancing the boundless future of automation, Emerson factory automation solutions and its Floor to Cloud approach empower smarter packaging lines and more efficient processes that make it possible for manufacturers to continuously improve plant productivity, sustainability and safety.

Visitors to North Building Level, Booth 5345, viewed highlights from the extensive portfolio, which includes AVENTICS, Branson, Movicon, PACEdge and PACSystems solutions. Packaging automation experts demonstrated how a Floor to Cloud approach unlocks trapped data and connects islands of automation, giving manufacturers the visibility and control to solve critical challenges and ambitious goals. Attendees will learn how to accelerate net zero progress, raise overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) asset by asset, and empower teams with data to drive continuous improvement across the factory floor.

Presentation and event highlights

In addition to showcasing its innovative packaging automation solutions, Emerson also sponsored two events, the annual Packaging & Processing Women’s Leadership Network (PPWLN) breakfast and the Amazing Packaging Race.

All women registered for PACK EXPO Chicago were invited to the free PPWLN breakfast and program on Tuesday, November 4, at 7:30 a.m. in West Building, Room W-375. Following the breakfast, attendees had the opportunity for a private show floor tour and participate in a Q&A with Lisa Propati, vice president and general manager of Weiler Labeling Systems, as well as other packaging executives.

As part of the Amazing Packaging Race, teams from U.S. colleges, trade schools and universities raced to complete tasks and solve problems at booths across the PACK EXPO show floor.

Product highlights

Emerson Energy Manager
The Energy Manager is a pre-engineered hardware and software solution designed to simplify energy monitoring from quick set up to intuitive operation. Ready out of the box, the Energy Manager monitors asset energy use in real time, allowing manufacturers to gain deeper insight into energy consumption and operating costs. Through its easy-to-use dashboard, operators can access asset-specific consumption, associated costs and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions for up to 10 end points (expandable to 50 with a license). This level of immediate visibility can empower facility teams to reduce packaging utility costs, lower carbon dioxide emissions and maximize energy and operational efficiency. For more extensive media and utilities monitoring, the Energy Manager can be paired with the Emerson Compressed Air Manager. The combined solution provides a streamlined view of energy costs and compressed air usage across a packaging line, factory and site.

AVENTICS Series XV Pneumatic Valves
Next-generation AVENTICS Series XV Pneumatic Valves provide greater automation flexibility and optimized flow for packaging lines, including compact handling systems and complex automation solutions. Series XV valves feature multiple interoperable valve sizes, higher flow rates in a compact design and an extensive portfolio of accessories. With broad connectivity, Series XV valves support leading fieldbus protocols to simplify integration into machine control networks. They come in multiple pneumatic connection directions with metal threads, parallel wiring and aluminum base plates that make Series XV valves easier to integrate into equipment designs. Simple to commission, engineers can use the AVENTICS online configurator to quickly design valves to specification and speed up machine development.

AVENTICS Series Advanced Electronic System (AES) With Integrated OPC UA
The award-winning AVENTICS Series Advanced Valve (AV) system with Advanced Electronic System (AES) is the first pneumatic valve system with an integrated Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture (OPC UA). The AES helps interoperability challenges and accesses data more easily, while the digital twin integration improves productivity efficiency and reduces costs.

AVENTICS Series AF2 Flow Sensor
AVENTICS Series AF2 Flow Sensors have helped plants around the world successfully reduce compressed air consumption and improve energy efficiency. By monitoring air consumption in pneumatic systems, AF2 sensors enable rapid intervention if leaks occur, helping optimize energy consumption, reach net-zero targets, prevent machine downtime and reduce costs. Emerson now offers a high flow model of this advanced sensor that propels compressed air monitoring beyond individual machines to benefit larger air lines and systems. This expanded capability allows users to easily optimize energy consumption across an entire packaging facility and improve overall plant sustainability.

Multimedia Monitoring Solution
The multimedia monitoring solutions, including CoreTigo wireless communication, analyze water, compressed air, gases, electricity, steam (WAGES) and other utilities. The Edge Analytics Dashboard measures efficiency, optimizes productivity and avoids or reduces downtime. Emerson experts will demonstrate the multimedia monitoring cabinet solution and the insights it offers, which will support meeting sustainability goals.