Total valve management—The key to better process plant operations

Looks at a system for diagnosing valve performance which works by measuring or inferring dynamic parameters such as valve travel, friction,seat load, seat contact and supply pressure by using sensors attached to the valve instrumentation. The system, which can be used in a factory or to taken to a valve on site, interprets the results and stores the test data. Gives application examples in the fertiliser and paper industries and continues that the next step will to embed diagnostics within the valve instrumentation itself. Concludes that the concept of “total valve management” in reducing costs helping plants operate more effectively will become increasingly important to manufacturers in coming years.