VALVE MAGAZINE Spring 2025

VALVE AUTOMATION FOR EMERGENCY SHUTDOWNS

Conclusion Partial stroke testing has come a long way from relying on mechanical jammers. Though the traditional methods still exist, the availability of smart technology has completely changed the way data can be gathered and used in the preven tion of emergency shutdowns. The evolution of this tech nology has resulted in the reversal of how valve data is used, bringing advanced predictive diagnostics to the multitude of discrete automated valves in the plant. The data generated by digital control transmitters provides plant operators with valuable information that can help prevent unplanned shut downs, organize maintenance resources for planned turn arounds and reduce inventory. Just as every other industry is and has been benefitting from the introduction of smart tech nology, so too is fluid handling with the introduction of digital position control transmitters.

position control transmitters allows operators to use the collected data for predictive diagnostics, rather than in hindsight. These transmitters focus on securing the data that provides the best insight on the probability of failure, for example break pressure to close or break pressure to partial stroke setpoint time. They then use that data to determine which automated/discrete valves are healthy and which are not during plant turnaround, before an emer gency shutdown event occurs, saving the user from expen sive and unnecessary service. In cases where an emergency shutdown event does occur, critical data is collected to analyze what happened and the historical graph is available for documentation and evaluation of valve performance. Additionally, critical data, such as break pressure and travel time, is analyzed and compared to previous baseline data to determine if automated valve system health is acceptable for reinstatement into service. When providing diagnostics of online valve performance, some digital control transmitters have the ability to store up to seven full stroke tests in nonvolatile memory. Of the seven tests, five are for diagnostics, including baseline tests, dynamic baseline tests and maintenance tests which retain the four most recent valve travels. The remaining two tests are used to document history: the integrator test, which documents the function of the valve assembly as manufac tured by the automation supplier or OEM; and the installer test, which documents the function of the valve assembly after being installed in the field by the contractor.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jason Moorehead serves as the Engineering Manager at Westlock Controls, bringing over 22 years of expertise in valve technology. Known for his passion for innovation and engineering excellence, he leads a dedicated team in designing advanced valve monitoring and control systems that set industry standards.

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SPRING 2025

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