As we continue to see a generational shift in the manufacturing industries, I like to highlight educational videos developed across the Emerson business groups.
Our group managing Fisher Valves & Instruments products has recently posted a 2:51 YouTube video, What are I/P Transducers?
This video, developed by the Valves, Actuators & Regulators educational services team, opens by defining the “I” and the “P”. The “I” stands for an electrical current signal and the “P” stands for a pneumatic or pressure signal.
The I/P transducer converts an electronic signal, typically from a control system, to a pneumatic signal used to control a valve. This signals from the control system are typically analog signals in the range of 4 to 20 milliamps. These signals are not compatible with control valves outfitted with pneumatic actuators.
The video displays an animation showing how this process works converting an electrical input signal to a pneumatic output signal to drive the valve’s actuator. Starting at the 1:18 mark of the video, the animations shows the process of how the 4-20mA electrical signal, electromagnets and beam, nozzles and flappers assemblies in the I/P transducer convert the electrical signal into 3-15psig pneumatic signal.
The electromagnets control the movement of the beam to open and close the nozzles and flappers to control the pneumatic pressure within the 3 to 15 psig range.
This pneumatic signal goes to the valve actuator which controls the position of the valve in a range from close to open.
You can learn more about the training available for valves, actuators and pressure regulators on Emerson.com.
Also, join us in San Antonio, Texas, October 1-5 for the Emerson Exchange conference for some great Educational Services courses, such as Blended Learning: FIELDVUE Digital Valve Controller using ValveLink.