Usage of digital valve controller in lieu of SOV
Usage of digital valve controller in lieu of SOV
(OP)
Hello,
I am exploring the idea of using a so called "digital valve controller" (a.k.a. positioner) instead of SOVs for on/off valves.
Multiple manufacturers offer what is known as a "digital valve controller" which is a programmable electro-mechanic signal converter that controls the air flowing into the valve actuator.
Reading through the vendors information (such as ABB and Emerson) my understanding is that these positioners have a built-in module that controls the air flow which makes the usage of the SOV unnecessary.
Link to Emerson DVC6200
Link ABB EDP300
I would like the opinion of the community since I believe I can reduce the total installation cost for a new facility by eliminating the SOVs. Are these positioners reliable? How easy is it to implement a shutoff function in a positioner that is typically used for valve throttling?
Regards.
I am exploring the idea of using a so called "digital valve controller" (a.k.a. positioner) instead of SOVs for on/off valves.
Multiple manufacturers offer what is known as a "digital valve controller" which is a programmable electro-mechanic signal converter that controls the air flowing into the valve actuator.
Reading through the vendors information (such as ABB and Emerson) my understanding is that these positioners have a built-in module that controls the air flow which makes the usage of the SOV unnecessary.
Link to Emerson DVC6200
Link ABB EDP300
I would like the opinion of the community since I believe I can reduce the total installation cost for a new facility by eliminating the SOVs. Are these positioners reliable? How easy is it to implement a shutoff function in a positioner that is typically used for valve throttling?
Regards.
RE: Usage of digital valve controller in lieu of SOV
xnuke
"Live and act within the limit of your knowledge and keep expanding it to the limit of your life." Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged.
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Usage of digital valve controller in lieu of SOV
That's a good perspective.
Based on your current designs where you include an SOV already with at positioner, do you install the SOV in series with the output port of the positioner?
Reading through the manual of these positioners, apparently when the positioner loses communication to the PLC or loses power it also has a "fail-safe" action that cuts the air supply and vents the compressed air making the SOV unnecessary. Did I read this right?
The reason I can think of the positioner bring value is because of the so called diagnostics built-in.
Will most definitely do the math since I have already prepared a list of valves with SOVs.
Thanks for the input.
RE: Usage of digital valve controller in lieu of SOV
I can see the value of diagnostics provided when using on throttling valves, especially those in critical systems, but not on/off valves.
xnuke
"Live and act within the limit of your knowledge and keep expanding it to the limit of your life." Ayn Rand, Atlas Shrugged.
Please see FAQ731-376: Eng-Tips.com Forum Policies for tips on how to make the best use of Eng-Tips.
RE: Usage of digital valve controller in lieu of SOV
If it is diagnostics you are seeking, there are several manufacturers of limit switches that include the solenoid valve and output diagnostic data such as number of cycles, speeds of operation, valve torque over time, etc. Generally the same data that digital positioners output. Check out StoneL Axiom, TopWorks, and Westlock for smart limit switches that include the solenoid valve.
RE: Usage of digital valve controller in lieu of SOV