Intelligent actuators

Drawing on the expertise of its El-O-Matic and Hytork subsidiaries, Emerson Process Management has introduced what it says is the first intelligent actuator series for automated on/off and modulating pneumatically operated quarter-turn valves.

Forming part of Emerson's PlantWeb digital plant architecture, the FieldQ actuators deliver predictive, diagnostic data about both the operating performance and health of the device itself. Actuator break time, travel time and cycle counter as well as electronics health are all reported - facilitating predictive maintenance and giving tighter control.

The FieldQ series features a 'plug and play' modular design that has eliminated the complex arrangement of actuator, switch boxes and mounting brackets more commonly associated with quarter-turn automation.

Actuation is still via a rack and pinion design but solenoids, switch boxes and coils are now safely protected from corrosion within the robust FieldQ housing construction.The design incorporates three new patents. The first is the IPT Technology covering the way in which the controls have been integrated into the actuator. The second concerns the poppet valve design controlling the pneumatic supply to the actuator, while the third is an innovative non-contact valve position sensor.

In addition to maintenance savings, Emerson says FieldQ can reduce installed costs by up to 15 per cent. Moreover, push-button automatic initialisation saves time when installing and commissioning.

Integrated controls consist of a pneumatic control module and, for the initial FieldQ, an on/off module. A modulating positioner module will be available late next year.