The new FlexBus control system, based on the CAN-bus network concept, uses a single cable to connect a vacuum pump with one or many individually controlled receivers and easily accommodates addition of more stations. Introduced by Novatec, Inc., Baltimore, FlexBus consists of a pump control, onboard controls for each receiver, CAN-bus cable, T-connectors for each receiver wiring junction along the cable, and an optional hand-held pendant that provides advanced control over purging, proportioning, monitoring, and changing of loading functions.

 

Changes to a receiver control made with the pendant are stored in that receiver, so the pendant can be used with multiple receivers. It also plugs into the pump control to adjust vacuum breaker timing. The FlexBus network reportedly simplifies installation, operation, and expansion of a vacuum loading systems, compared with more complex, wiring-intensive conventional systems. Connections are plug-and-play, and the network instantly recognizes and communicates with each added receiver.