The new Metso Valve Manager represents state-of-the-art valve diagnostics capable of processing the collected diagnostics information to visualise the condition of the valve in question with five different indices: control performance, valve condition, actuator condition, positioner condition and environmental conditions.
With processed and visualised diagnostics information the maintenance managers and engineers and process operators are capable of making educated decisions concerning control valve maintenance without extensive valve knowhow. Unexpected shutdowns can be avoided and the control valve performance can be maintained at an optimum level by continuously monitoring the condition of the installed base at the plant or mill, and by taking the necessary preventive actions based on the available diagnostics information. Also, with the help of the diagnostics, the available maintenance resources can be more efficiently allocated during shutdowns.
When a preventive or schedule based maintenance strategy is followed, many valves are often needlessly maintained during shutdowns. By focusing the maintenance actions on the valves really needing maintenance, significant cost savings can be achieved through reduced spare part purchases and reduced need for maintenance resources.
The new Valve Manager is available for the Neles ND9000 series intelligent valve controllers. The ND9000 series include several in-built sensors that measure various internal parameters. Based on this data and on the wide installed base and extensive service experience, our experts have developed mathematical algorithms to calculate the indices in the performance view.
Future development areas
The third generation diagnostics are already available for control valves. The same level of information cannot be received from on-off or from ESD valve performance yet, but Metso is developing its valve solutions further to bring these features available for the on-off and ESD valves as well. The technology benchmark devices on the on-off side, such as Neles SwitchGuard intelligent on-off valve controller, already include diagnostics features that are especially designed for on-off applications.
The industry standard for on-off valve control is presently more or less using solenoid valves to control the on-off movement. One of the downsides with the solenoids is clearly that they cannot provide any diagnostics data on the on-off valve performance. Thus it can already be seen with ESD valves, which are the most critical type of on-off valves, that in new greenfield projects smart partial stroke testing (PST) devices are being implemented.
The state-of-the-art smart PST devices, such as Neles ValvGuardTM, are used to conduct different tests for the ESD valves, both online and offline, providing diagnostics information on the ESD valve condition. The next step would be to have the smart PST devices analyse the data further and provide similar indices that are presently already available for control valves.
For other on-off applications, besides the ESD, Metso has brought integrated solenoid and limit switch combinations to the market. An example of such a device is Neles Axiom on-off valve controller, which can also provide basic diagnostics by giving fault alerts of possible changes in the on-off valve condition. Some customers have already identified the need for diagnostics on the process critical on-off valves and the integrated devices can be seen as a first step towards this direction.
High-flow solenoid valve Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson has introduced the new ASCO Series 327C solenoid valve, which features a direct-acting, high-flow design that provides superior flow-to-power ratio. It permits high flows at minimum power levels, making it ideal for use in power plants, refineries, and chemical processing facilities.
Read more...Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...Inspection system for leak detection in valves in hazardous areas Extech Safety Systems
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Leaking valves in industrial plants not only lead to loss, safety risks and possible contamination and pollution, but also result in high economic costs. Therefore, valves in hazardous areas require regular proper inspection and preventive maintenance to ensure their functionality.
Read more...Control head for automation of hygienic process valves Burkert South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Burkert’s Type 8681 control head is optimised for decentralised automation of hygienic process valves. Thanks to its universal adapter, it can be combined with all normal commercial butterfly valves, ball valves and single- and double-seated valves.
Read more...Hydroformed tube valve body Burkert South Africa
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
One of the most common necessities for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverages are diaphragm valves. What used to be a dull two-way race between forged and cast body variants is now being challenged by an exciting, ground-breaking technology. The hydroformed, light-weight diaphragm tube valve body will change the way you think about plant design and operation.
Read more...Global pumping giant ready to support hydrogen economy
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
With abundant sunshine and wind, southern Africa is perfectly positioned to become a global powerhouse in green hydrogen production. Two key projects are already in advanced stages of development in Namibia. KSB has identified the vast potential of these types of projects in southern Africa, and through its KSB Pumps and Valves subsidiaries in Namibia and South Africa is investing heavily in bringing the right skills to the region.
Read more...Compact valve position indicator Emerson Automation Solutions
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Emerson’s new TopWorx DVR Switchbox is an entry-level addition to the DV Series of valve position indicators. It combines a durable resin enclosure, compact size, and a patented cam design that provides a reliable valve position feedback for water and wastewater systems, food and beverage production lines, and industrial utilities.
Read more...Precision, control and performance in regulators and control valves Valve & Automation
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
Cashco has long been a trusted name in industrial control solutions, offering a broad range of regulators and control valves designed to meet the rigorous demands of various industries. There are two key Cashco product lines, its regulators and the Ranger QCT control valve.
Read more...Advanced solutions for valves Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Valves, Actuators & Pump Control
BMG delivers state-of-the-art valve solutions to diverse industries across Africa, in collaboration with InterApp, a global leader in the design and manufacture of high-quality valves.
printer friendly version