Cutting-Edge Gas Pump Drive Technology Made in Europe

Completely developed and built in-house, engineered for maximum performance and ready for the highest degree of flexibility, the new KNF MI Motors bring diaphragm gas pump technology to the next level. The new motor series sets new industry standards in terms of intelligence, digital customisation, compactness, efficiency as well as lifetime and offers many more advantages unparalleled to previous pump motor technology. Available for various pump series ranging from single-headed pumps to four-headed pumps, many different applications benefit from the new drive technology. 

Redefining Intelligence in Diaphragm Pump Technology

The newly developed MI Motors take diaphragm pumps to new frontiers in maximising efficiency and control. They provide the option to read out parameters and access important data such as motor speed, voltage and power which allows for precise diagnostics and maintenance. For increased safety, they can fulfil several functions like motor temperature and current monitoring or motor blockage detection. This can be used to shut off the pump before damage occurs.

 

The advanced MI motors provide precise pump control for optimum efficiency and adaptation to variable loads or operating conditions. The advanced controllability allows for flexible and full adaptation of the control characteristic. This includes the ability to use customisable speed ramps for smooth ramp-up and ramp-down, which can eliminate peaks, reduce wear and extend life.

 

To address potential resonance issues, the motor speed can be limited or fixed, and the direction of motor rotation can be changed to allow rotation of the pump head. All of these extensive digital customisation options are made possible by the proprietary integrated Brain Module, which is not found in off-the-shelf motors. 

MI Motors Make System Integration Easy

The new MI Motors provide several digital and mechanical properties for easy system integration. The Brain Module for example enables flexible connection to digital and even analogue control applications, making integration into existing systems simple and seamless. Digital communication to enable digital control can be done via UART (Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter), which is a common communication protocol used for transmitting and receiving data. To make system integration as flexible and easy as possible, the MI Motors can be controlled via UART, PWM or a control voltage. The motor output can be transmitted via PWM, a tachometer signal with 6 pulses per revolution or an FM signal with 60 pulses per revolution.

 

Mechanical installation of pumps equipped with an MI Motor is also extremely easy. Mounting via threaded holes in the motor housing is possible as well as using a special mounting plate that allows for even more flexible installation options. In addition, the motor housing can be rotated in 90° increments relative to the pump head, so that the pump orientation in a system can be optimised. Connecting the pump electrically to a system is also easy thanks to Molex or Amphenol connectors directly at the housing which lock the cable in place and secure the connection against vibration. Thus, the pump’s mechanical, electrical, and pneumatic interfaces can be easily customised. This makes the pump a simple plug-in unit for the customer system. 

Get a Closer Look

Built-in Intelligence
Electrical Connections
Integrated Motor Controller
Motor Housing
Bearings and Bearing Plate
Built-in Intelligence

The integrated Brain Module makes the MI Motors truly advanced, maximising efficiency and control. It provides increased safety by monitoring various parameters and simplifies system integration by allowing connection to analogue and digital interfaces. These advanced properties enable sophisticated pump control that is unparalleled in diaphragm pump technology. 

Electrical Connections

Pumps using the new MI Motors can be easily connected to the customer’s system using Molex and Amphenol connectors. These connectors are widely available and allow for plug-and-play installation, which is a major advantage for field installation, greatly reducing installation time and minimising downtime. Safety disconnect latches provide protection during maintenance, repair or emergency situations. 

Integrated Motor Controller

The integrated advanced motor controller enables outstanding pump properties. It simplifies the wiring process by reducing the number of cables, saving installation time and minimising the potential for failure. This also optimises space efficiency and reduces costs. The new MI Motors also ensure system compatibility which speeds up the setup process, further enhancing overall efficiency. 

Motor Housing

The durable and corrosion-resistant motor housing is made from high-quality anodised aluminium alloy. It provides IP20 protection and offers flexible mounting options for easy pump installation in customised setups. 

Bearings and Bearing Plate

A specially developed bearing plate holds the bearings and allows for flexible customisation. By choosing ball bearings that perfectly fit the diaphragm pump requirements, KNF significantly increases pump lifetime. The special ball bearings are also extra-light and compact providing an even clearer advantage in comparison to off-the-shelf motor solutions. 

MI Motors Excel in Many Areas

With their state-of-the-art performance and flexibility, the new MI Motors stand out in many industries like vacuum technology, spectroscopy, and diagnostics. Analytical instruments in particular benefit from high energy efficiency, which minimises heat generation, and as well as from the outstanding reliability, which ensures that the pump will not unintentionally stop and disrupt analyses. For applications like ophthalmology, the option for soft start and stop can be a great advantage, minimising pressure and flow peaks, extending pump lifetime and increasing efficiency. 

Important Features at a Glance

Important Features at a Glance
Important Features at a Glance
Important Features at a Glance

Get to Know All Pumps with KNF MI Motors

Several pump series use the innovative MI motors. These pumps cover gas applications from compression, transfer, aspiration or vacuum generation. 

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