CU4plus Valve Control Unit Overview

Smart Control for Hygienic Valve Operations

The CU4plus unit enhances the performance, safety, and reliability of APV® and Waukesha Cherry-Burrell® air-operated sanitary valves. Ideal for dairy, beverage, food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical applications, it delivers precision control and seamless monitoring.

Core Features and Advantages

Advanced Monitoring and Feedback

• Highly Accurate Valve Stem Measurement: The contact-free valve stem measuring system ensures precise positioning, improving process accuracy and reducing operational errors.
• Teach-In Function: Simplifies the feedback adjustment process, making setup fast and efficient.
• Clear LED Indicators: Ultra-bright LEDs provide clear, immediate feedback on valve position, power status, and solenoid activation, aiding in smooth operations.
• Manual Overrides and Adjustable: Solenoids include manual override functionality, with an adjustment screw to easily control actuator air flow.
• Retrofitting Capability: Easily adaptable to existing valves, allowing for seamless upgrades without the need for major system overhauls.
• Toolbox Software: Offers advanced monitoring, control, and diagnostic tools to help maintain optimal valve performance.

Connectivity and Protocol Support

CU4plus supports 24VDC Direct Connect, IO-Link, ASi-3, and ASi-5 technologies for flexible integration.

CU4plus ASi-5 Variant

Next-Generation Performance

Built on ASi-5 standards, the CU4plus ASi-5 variant improves connectivity, control, and scalability in automated valve systems.

Key Benefits

• Increased Productivity: Controls up to 96 devices on a single network, handling 36% more devices than ASi-3.
• Fast Response: Delivers process control four times faster than ASi-3, improving efficiency and performance.
• Quick Maintenance Response: air pressure and valve parameter monitoring alarm indicates service needs in real-time in the PLC, enabling improved operating efficiency.
• Comprehensive Data: Transfers up to 32 bytes of process data per control unit, ensuring detailed monitoring.
• Automated Configuration: Stores and reloads configurations for fast system recovery during valve service.
• Enhanced Sustainability: Reduces cleaning-in-place (CIP) leakage by up to 80% through advanced seat-lift pulsation technology.
• Reduced CAPEX / OPEX: Reduced installation costs, maintenance and downtime compared with other protocols.

CU4plus IO-Link Variant

Industry 4.0 Connectivity and Maintenance Optimization

The IO-Link version connects directly to all APV valves via an IO-Link master. It delivers real-time data, preventative maintenance insights, and pressure monitoring without requiring major system upgrades.

Key Benefits

• Ease of Installation: IO-Link enables quick integration across multiple protocols.
• Improved Uptime: Real-time data monitoring updates valve limits and triggers maintenance based on hours, cycles or air pressure.
• Reduced Downtime: Automated configuration storage in the IO-Link master ensures fast, error-free system restoration during replacements.
• Enhanced CIP & Sustainability: on-off pulse seat lifting reduces cleaning-in-place (CIP) time, fluid waste, and disposal costs.

Supporting Resources

IO-Link Device Description File

Download the CU4plus IO-Link IODD file here.