Valve controllers play a vital role in industrial processes, ensuring that control valves are positioned accurately under changing process conditions. Building upon fifty years of valve controller improvements, the new Fisher™ FIELDVUE™ DVC7K digital valve controller offers unparalleled performance and data analytics, as discussed in my article in the January 2024 edition of Industrial Automation Asia, titled Next Generation Digital Valve Controller.
Valve controller history
As plant automation advanced in the 1970s, it became clear that control valves needed some form of local control to ensure they reached their commanded position, even as process conditions and air pressure changed.
That need was met with the Fisher™ 3582i pneumatic valve positioner introduced in 1975. The 3582i monitored the analog signal from the control system and the actual valve position and adjusted the actuator pressure as necessary to make the valve position match the commanded setpoint.
In the following decades, subsequent valve controllers introduced additional features, including digital valve position feedback, modular designs for ease of maintenance, and elimination of unreliable mechanical linkages.
Though valve controllers have come a long way, there are still opportunities for improvement. Current top-tier digital valve controllers collect a wide variety of valve performance data, but without external analytic software to receive it, most of this data is quickly discarded. These controllers can also provide diagnostics and partial stroke testing for safety on/off valves, but they are often prohibitively expensive for this use case.
Introducing the DVC7K
Fisher’s DVC7K builds on thirty years of digital valve controller innovation and performance, incorporating edge computing and advanced diagnostic capabilities. It gathers and stores data locally for access via a built-in user interface, or through communication protocols, including HART and Emerson Secure Bluetooth™.
The Fisher FIELDVUE DVC7K incorporates next generation data collection and troubleshooting analytics into the industry’s leading digital valve controller.
Onboard diagnostic technology continuously analyzes valve performance and alerts staff of problems with a prominent status LED, as well as via notifications to connected systems. Advice at the Device™ provides actionable suggestions to identify, troubleshoot, and repair problems before they impact plant performance.
All this advanced functionality is built on a valve positioner hardware platform that has over 10 billion hours of runtime.
The DCV7K is easy to install and retrofit, with a variety of connection kits for direct mounting on many actuators.
On/off valve applications
A separate version of the DVC7K specifically designed for critical on/off valves is offered at a lower price point. In addition to advanced diagnostic capabilities, this version features integrated partial stroke testing, potentially extending proof test intervals to increase staff productivity.
Closing
The DVC7K goes beyond essential valve controller functionality, offering built-in diagnostics and actionable guidance to improve valve reliability and performance. In doing so, it leads the way in transforming the abstract promises of digital transformation into tangible benefits.
Visit the DVC7K eBook and DVC7K 360 Product Demo to know about its flexible connectivity, easy-to-use interface, and how it can allow you to analyze data in real-time to evaluate performance and reliability enabling your operation to run closer to setpoint, improving product quality with more accurate control.
