Partial-stroke valve testing system integrates software platform
A system for partial-stroke valve testing has been integrated with an automation software platform that can more readily incorporate related information. As part of an ongoing technology partnership, ABB Inc. and Metso Automation Inc. announced that Metso's Neles ValvGuard product has been "Industrial IT Enabled."
By Control Engineering Staff
A system for partial-stroke valve testing has been integrated with an automation software platform that can more readily incorporate related information. As part of an ongoing technology partnership, ABB Inc . and Metso Automation Inc . announced that Metso's Neles ValvGuard product has been "Industrial IT Enabled." The Neles partial-stroke testing and monitoring system for emergency valve applications helps ensure that emergency shutdown (ESD) and emergency venting (ESV) valves will operate as required despite long periods of idle service, the companies say.
Many safety systems require testing while the process is shut down; Neles says its ValvGuard system allows testing of valve performance on-line, anytime, without disturbing the process. The system reportedly monitors safety valve performance trends and automatically provides a warning so that simple low-cost actions can be implemented before a dangerous situation occurs. Because valve condition is known at all times, maintenance periods can be extended, avoiding unnecessary process shutdowns and repairs. Integration with ABB's System 800xA High Integrity Safety Instrumented System (SIS) improves process availability and reliability while reducing risk to overall plant operation by providing one environment for production control, safety supervision, and production monitoring.
Traditional solutions between system providers and device suppliers can only configure the device and read process and diagnostic data, suggests Mark Taft, group VP, control systems business, ABB Inc. The Metso-ABB integration provides ability to alarm based on diagnostics, seek potential problems, and alert plant personnel, he says; active monitoring allows action before a problem is detectable by other means, helping improve overall process safety and operations efficiency.
ABB says Industrial IT Enabled certification verifies plug-and-produce integration of value-added third-party software and hardware with Extended Automation System 800xA. Other certified integrations include SAP, IFS, and MRO maintenance systems, Meriam Technologies device management system, Intergraph SmartPlant Instrumentation, and Matrikon's ProcessGuard alarm management.
—Edited by Mark T. Hoske, Control Engineering editor in chief,
MHoske@cfemedia.com
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