How to Select Positioners for Control Valves to Measure Position and Control
Selecting the right positioners for your control valves can be confusing.
Not sure which type of positioner to choose for your control valve? Confused about how they work? Don’t worry, we’re here to help.
In this article, we’ll explain the basics of positioners and how they work. We’ll also give you some tips on selecting the right positioner for your needs.
Let’s dig deeper into the steps:
Step 1. Determine the Type of Positioner That Best Suits Your Application.
It is important to consider what each type of positioner can and cannot do when you are choosing one for your control valves. Pneumatic positioners can offer cost-effective solutions for simpler applications.
These can include those requiring less precise control or when using an existing pneumatic line.
Electric-pneumatically operated positioners are good for more complicated automation systems. They work quickly and accurately in response to different types of signals. You can choose a positioner that meets your requirements.
But also fits your budget by being careful and choosing what you need based on the application.
Step 2. Consider the Valve Type Being Used
There are various types of positioners available for use with control valves, and it’s important to select the one that will best meet your needs. It all depends on the type of valve being used.
This is because different valve types require different kinds of actuators. For instance, if you’re using linear valves then a linear actuator is more suitable than an angle-type actuator.
Furthermore, ensuring you get a positioner that is compatible with your process controller can help improve performance, precision, and overall outcomes.
When choosing a positioner, make sure it will work well in the environment where you will use it. Test it to be sure.
Thoughtful selection made in advance will save lots of time down the line when setting up control valves.
Step 3. Calculate the Flow Rate Requirements
Selecting the right positioner for control valves is essential to ensuring accurate measurements and proper control. Choosing a positioner that meets your flow rate requirements is key to achieving optimal results.
Therefore, it is important to perform a calculation that takes into account the process and environmental conditions such as pressure and temperature changes.
This will help ensure the positioner can handle the various operating scenarios and offer precise measurements.
Step 4. Choose a Positioner
Selecting the right valve positioners is crucial when it comes to measuring position and control in control valves. Since space can often be a limiting factor, make sure that the positioner you choose fits in the available space.
If needed, double-check the width or height requirements to ensure everything fits perfectly.
Not all positioners are compatible with all control valves, so ensure that you’re buying a unit that will properly connect with yours.
Keep in mind also that some positioners will require special adapters for installation if your valve requires it.
A little research beforehand can go a long way in making sure you’ve chosen the best possible positioner for your process needs.
Step 5. Analyze the Feedback Systems
Selecting the right positioner for a control valve application is an important aspect of ensuring that it functions properly. Analyzing the feedback systems available is key to finding an optimal match.
Considerations should include whether analog or digital veers are better suited, and the type of output they yield – such as 4-20mA outputs or pushbutton switches.
It can be challenging to pinpoint which feedback system will best meet the needs of the application, but with careful research and discernment, you can find exactly what you need for optimal performance.
Step 6. Think About Safety Features
When selecting positioners for control valves, safety should be a top priority. Choose positioners that offer emergency shutdown functions in order to reduce the risks associated with hazardous applications.
Different positioners come equipped with a wide variety of shut-downs so you should factor your specific needs into your decision when making the selection.
Once the shutdown feature has been taken into consideration, you can then move on to deciding the other core criteria for selecting a suitable positioner.
Such criteria may include material properties, the operational environment, and process needs. If safety is given the right attention in this process, any subsequent control and measurement will be much more effective and efficient.
Step 7. Test the System
When selecting positioners to measure and control your valves, it’s important to remember that you won’t know if the system is reliable and precise until it has been tested.
Testing the system allows you to make sure there are no leaks and that all of its parts are working correctly.
Try running simulations or trial exercises with the system in place before launching it into full production, so that you can tweak any necessary settings for optimal performance.
Doing this will ensure that your positioner provides accurate measurements and maintains optimal levels of control for as long as possible.
Step 8. Monitor the Performance
To ensure the positioner is functioning properly, it should be monitored regularly. Positioners measure the amount of a change and adjust accordingly, so monitoring the change should be done frequently.
If something does not look right, pay attention to it. It could be a sign that the positioner needs to be adjusted or repaired.
By being vigilant you will benefit greatly. By taking any necessary action to prevent further issues, you can reduce unplanned downtime. But also any unnecessary maintenance costs in the future.
Follow the Steps
By following these steps, you can be sure that you have selected the best positioner for your control valve system.
It is important to know how to select positioners when installing a control valve. This way, you can get the best results.
The right mix of people who know what they are doing and have the right technical skills. Combining this with the right selection of positioners and devices will help.
It will create an efficient and effective solution for your process requirements.
Make sure you are prepared and have done your research when deciding on what type of positioners to use to get the best results!
Are You Clear on How to Select Control Valves?
When it comes to control valves, the positioner is one of the most important parts. By understanding how they work and what to look for when selecting one, you can ensure that your process is up and running smoothly.
If you need help finding the right positioner for your application or have any other questions, our team of experts is here to help. Contact us today to get started.