If I understand the situation, it sounds like the valves have 'smart' positioners, with a Foundation Fieldbus control signal.
Are these positioners all of the same make and model and firmware version?
Are the 'problem' positioners all on the same FF communications link?
Further, several positioners periodically, but at the same time, fail to respond to a DCS position command. Correct?
Further, by disconnecting a positioner control wire in a field junction box and then reconnecting the wire, a valve positioner can be forced back into proper operation. Does disconnecting/reconnecting the wire solve the problem for more than one positioner at once? Like all the positioners on the comm link?
Would you agree with these restatements of your situation?
What brand and model positioners?
Dan