In a move to highlight the importance of fieldbus technology for young engineers, Burkert Fluid Control Systems has supported two of the UK’s main training centres by donating a selection of Profibus and AS-i products. Manchester’s Metropolitan University, which is the UK Profibus Centre of Excellence, runs a number of courses including a Profibus Engineers Course, Profibus Installers Course and an AS-i Course. The courses are recognised by the UK’s Profibus and AS-i User Groups. Eight sets of training equipment have been donated, with products including AS-i cable plugs, angle seat process valves with type 8633 AS-i control heads, temperature switches with integral AS-i control AND type 6519 on/off valves.
Burkert has previously donated a quantity of Profibus PA product and a number of actuated valves. Two courses being run by University of South Wales College Newport are training engineers to install Profibus and AS-i products and networks using a section of a virtual factory donated by Burkert. The process demonstration unit was exhibited at the 2002 AS-iTec exhibition and built as a joint venture between Burkert, Tyco, IFM, Group Schneider and Woodhead Connectivity. The virtual network includes process control – for which Burkert was responsible – automation, robotics and power handling. It can be used as a stand-alone fieldbus network or as a single Profibus node.
