Test Bench Question

[toastedhead]

OK, so Im setting up a test bench in my facility. One of the parameters is to hold a certain level of vacuum for a period of time.

My plan is to use a gate valve hooked to a linear actuator but my question is how can I do it on the cheap? We do not need really precise postionion of the valve to attain the vacuum level desired. So I was thinking about getting a cheaper linear actuator that doesnt require a servo drive and just use some PLC programming to position the linear actuator - you know if vac is too high adjust this way - if vac is too low then adjust the other way. Im trying to avoid spending thousands on the servo and driver if at all possible.

Sometimes I miss the obvious. Is that the case here?

 

[itsmoked]

That is a very tough problem. As the valve's open their CV changes dramatically giving the control algorithm fits.

Can you just find a regulator?

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[toastedhead]

You lost me. Im not monitoring the velocity at this point though. Couldnt I program a buffer into logic - for instance if between -20 and -21 hold position - this would then "calm" the algorithm?

Pipe size is 4". Dunno if I can find a 4" pressure reg.