The Advancement of the Valve Automation Industry

An increasing dependence on the use of digital valve positioners has made numerous changes in the valve automation industry over the past decades of being relatively unchanged.

With the advancement of our technology these days that made the whole world shift enormously to digital platforms, the industry has no excuse to not pay attention to those changes that may surely affect the industry big time. As a result, many plants now have the opportunity to take full advantage of the benefits offered by digital valve automation.

One of the major changes that the technology has influenced in the valve automation industry is the boom of its wireless capabilities. Because of the wireless technology there are a number of plants replacing more traditional methods of wireless valve control. Monitoring applications have been created for enhanced reliability, safety, environmental compliance, maintenance, and even personnel efficiency.

For this, there are two basic types needed for control: open loop and closed loop. In both cases, it becomes possible to reduce the alignment time, minimize worker exposure to chemicals and ladders that pose risks, and prevent human error that can result in lost batches or environmental spills. With wireless valve automation, making valves automated during the project planning phase is much easier.

Valve automation is broken down into a number of categories, each with unique services. These include electric actuators, fluid power actuators, manual actuators, limit switches, positioners, network capabilities, and more. Based on the type of industry and work involved, the appropriate application is used.

Key Benefits

Among the most immediate benefits that customers are able to glean from digital valve automation is the capability for auto-calibration. Additionally, customers have the ability to capture data in a much easier manner by utilizing a microprocessor. Basic data captures includes ambient temperature, valve odometer, operating pressures, and the histogram. While this kind of data was previously available with analog products, transitioning to digital technology has made it possible to benefit from greater positioning feedback.

Numerous options are also provided to the operator interface. Bus systems and local keypads are perfect examples. With all of these options, the operator has the ability to make quick, accurate, and efficient changes to a variety of different parameters such as close time, open time, flow characteristics, and dead band.