Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re new to FOCUS-1, this short introduction video is the best place to begin. It gives you a clear picture of what FOCUS-1 is and how it can make a difference in your plant. Already familiar with the basics? Then dive straight into the FAQ below to find detailed answers to your technical questions.
How easy is it to install the FOCUS-1 in my existing setup?
The FOCUS-1 is designed with standard installation lengths in mind. For DN80 and DN100, the device matches the installation length of a traditional globe control valve, and for DN50 it matches a flow meter. This makes it straightforward to replace existing equipment without redesigning your setup. In addition, the device adapts to industrial communication standards, so integration into your current infrastructure is simple.
Which communication protocols does the FOCUS-1 support?
FOCUS-1 comes standard with 4–20 mA plus HART. It also supports Profinet, Ethernet/IP, and Modbus TCP, and has been successfully integrated with Siemens and Rockwell systems. This ensures smooth communication with existing PLCs and DCS environments.
Can software updates for FOCUS-1 be done remotely?
Technically yes, but due to cybersecurity regulations we recommend keeping updates local. Our approach: FOCUS-ON provides the update, and your team installs it directly. This ensures security while keeping your device up to date.
Is it possible to customize the internal controller of FOCUS-1?
Yes, if your application requires a different PID control then flow, pressure or delta pressure, we can adapt the internal controller to fit. Since these are specialized cases, this is always handled in direct consultation with our engineering team.
Can I adjust PID settings on the FOCUS-1 dashboard?
Yes, the PID settings can be adjusted directly via the dashboard, even remotely if your cybersecurity setup allows it. However, FOCUS-1’s built-in autotuning minimizes the need for manual adjustments, as the system continuously optimizes itself.
What are the product application details of the FOCUS-1 smart meter valve?
The FOCUS-1 is built for demanding industrial applications such as cooling systems, boiler feed water, and heat exchangers. Its specifications and limits are:
- Diameters available: DN 50, DN 80, DN 100 (2”, 3”, 4”)
- Body material: 1.4408 / ASTM stainless steel
- Trim material: 1.4404 / 316L stainless steel
- Seat bore size: 24 – 100 mm
- KV values: 10 – 160 m³/h
- Flow measurement: Ultrasonic transducers
- Pressure sensors: Thin film
- Temperature sensors: PT 100
- Fail action: FTC / FTO
- Power supply: 85–250 VAC or 18–32 VDC
- Industrial communication: 4–20 mA analogue + HART, PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, or Modbus TCP
Operating limits:
- Pressure: Up to 40 bar (PN 16/40 – Class 150/300)
- Process temperature: –40 °C to 180 °C
- Ambient temperature: –20 °C to 55 °C
- Liquid media: Suitable up to 100 cSt (Newtonian fluids), tolerating up to 2% gas and 5% solids
The FOCUS-1 is ATEX and IECEx certified for use in hazardous areas, combining safety with flexibility.
In which applications can I use the FOCUS-1?
The FOCUS-1 is ideal for liquid media such as cooling water, boiler feed water, oils and edible oils… and much more! Please get in touch with the FOCUS-ON business development team to see if your application is a good fit.
What sizes are available for the FOCUS-1?
It is available in DN 50, DN 80, and DN 100 (2”, 3”, 4”).
Will FOCUS-1 work with my existing plant systems?
Yes. FOCUS-1 supports 4–20 mA, HART, Profinet, Ethernet/IP and integrates with existing PLCs and DCS. No major infrastructure changes are needed.
What about hazardous area?
FOCUS-1 is ATEX and IECEx certified, making it suitable for hazardous areas.
Do operators need retraining to use FOCUS-1?
No. It’s designed to work with the standards your team already uses, so minimal training is required. We designed the dashboard in a intuitive way so that it is easier to use then the most common displays of equipment on the market.
What happens if one part of FOCUS-1 fails?
Because it combines multiple components, this is a common concern. FOCUS-1 is built from proven SAMSON and KROHNE technology, and diagnostics allow early detection of wear so you can schedule maintenance before failure. Also, we have integrated a digital twin that can continue control in case a measurement will fail. FOCUS-1 has been build in a modulair way, making it possible for maintenance to replace components in case of failures. An example of the replace you can find below and can be found on our youtube channel.
Is FOCUS-1 field-proven or just new technology?
It combines a SAMSON 3241 valve, a KROHNE Optisonic flowmeter and P/T sensors of KROHNE, components trusted in process plants for over 40 years.
What is the ROI of switching to FOCUS-1?
FOCUS-1 reduces downtime, simplifies maintenance, and saves around 33% on loop build costs compared to traditional setups.
Is FOCUS-1 better suited for new plants or existing ones?
It’s especially valuable in Greenfield projects, where replacing separate devices with one smart valve saves space and installation cost. But most of our devices are used in brownfield to upgrade existing plants with more insights and predictive capabilities. So in both Greenfield and Brownfield a FOCUS-1 can be of added value.
How fast can FOCUS-1 be installed?
In practice, replacement can be done in under 2 hours when replacing a control valve.
Case studies
At Ardo in the Netherlands, steam produced in a boiler is used to cook spinach before its frozen, this to maintain the quality and extend shelf life. During operations an optimal control and monitoring of the boiler feed water is crucial for several reasons. By replacing the existing control valve with FOCUS-1, Ardo gains comprehensive control and monitoring capabilities, offering valuable insights into the boiler operation.
Ardo
Netherlands, Zundert
Explore how Dynea, a leader in Europe's wood adhesives sector, revolutionized boiler efficiency and sustainability with FOCUS-1, the world’s first smart meter valve.
George Borst
BDL, FOCUS-ON
Discover how a global agriculture and food industry leader optimized their gas scrubber operations with FOCUS-1. Learn about improved control, real-time data insights, and increased efficiency in this case study.
George Borst
BDL, FOCUS-ON
An essential aspect of the biorefinery process involves steam production. Their careful regulation of water and steam production is geared towards reducing energy consumption and ensuring a responsible carbon footprint. A crucial element of achieving this lies in the efficient management of condensate return lines, which transport condensate back to the boiler. A important factor for this process is its safety aspects. FOCUS-1 ensures that the boiler feed water tank with the correct amount of water to maintain safe operating conditions.
George Borst
BDL, FOCUS-ON
Discover how Special Refining Company (SRC) transformed its oil cooling process with FOCUS-1, the first Smart Meter Valve, boosting efficiency and control in edible oil refinement.
Edwin Loos
Product and Technical Manager
