Valve Positioner

Product Overview

 

The DVP-Series valve positioner is a microprocessor-based electro-pneumatic control instrument engineered for linear and rotary pneumatic actuators in industrial process loops. It processes standard 4-20 mA control commands from distributed control systems (DCS) and dynamically modulates pneumatic pressure to actuator diaphragms or pistons. Incorporating a non-contact magnetic position sensor and a high-speed piezoelectric pilot valve, the unit eliminates mechanical feedback linkage wear, ensuring precise stem positioning under continuous heavy industrial vibration and variable process loads.

 

 
 
Working Principle & Configuration
 

The DVP-Series relies on a closed-loop digital control architecture:

Signal Comparison

The embedded 32-bit CPU continuously compares the 4-20 mA / HART setpoint against actual valve travel measured by the magnetic position sensor.

Dynamic Modulation

Control deviation generates a pulse-width modulated (PWM) electrical signal to the piezoelectric pilot stage, instantly regulating airflow into the actuator chambers.

Automated Setup

Local pushbuttons or HART communication execute automated zero and span calibration, mapping travel endpoints without manual mechanical adjustments.

Workflow Sequence

  • DCS / Controller sends 4-20mA / HART signal to the microprocessor and control algorithm.
  • Microprocessor receives feedback from the non-contact magnetic position sensor.
  • Microprocessor triggers the piezoelectric pilot valve and pneumatic relay.
  • Modulated air supply is delivered to the pneumatic actuator and control valve.

 

Key Features
 

Non-Contact Feedback: Utilizes magnetic position sensing, removing mechanical feedback arms, linkage backlash, and wear points exposed to plant vibration up to 2g @ 500 Hz.

 

Low Air Consumption: Steady-state air consumption stays below 0.015 scfm (under 0.02 Nm3/h at 1.4 bar supply), lowering compressor utility loads across large instrument air headers.

 

Corrosion-Resistant Housing: Copper-free die-cast aluminum enclosures feature an epoxy-polyester powder coat, withstanding 1,000-hour salt-spray exposure per ASTM B117.

 

On-Board Diagnostics: Real-time tracking of travel deviation, cycle counts, operating hours, and valve friction trends facilitates proactive maintenance scheduling.

 

Universal Mechanical Interfaces: NAMUR VDI/VDE 3845 (rotary) and IEC 60534-6-1 (linear) direct-mounting patterns eliminate custom mounting bracket fabrication.

 

Technical Specifications

 

Parameter

Specification Details

Input Signal

4-20 mA DC, 2-wire; Load voltage <= 8.5 VDC (425 ohms at 20 mA)

Communication Protocol

HART compatible (optional FOUNDATION Fieldbus / Profibus PA)

Air Supply Pressure

1.4 to 7.0 bar (20 to 100 psi), instrument air filtered to ISO 8573-1 Class 3.4.3

Air Delivery Rate

130 L/min (4.6 scfm) at 1.4 bar supply; 300 L/min (10.6 scfm) at 6.0 bar supply

Linear Travel Range

10 mm to 150 mm

Rotary Travel Range

0 degrees to 90 degrees (up to 120 degrees configurable)

Control Performance

Linearity: <= plus or minus 0.5 percent FS

Hysteresis: <= 0.3 percent FS

Repeatability: <= 0.2 percent FS

Explosion-Proof Ratings

Flameproof (Ex db IIC T6 to T4) and Intrinsically Safe (Ex ia IIC T6 to T4)

Enclosure Protection

IP66 / NEMA 4X

Ambient Temperature

-40 degrees C to +85 degrees C (LCD operational down to -30 degrees C)

Pneumatic Connections

Supply/Output: 1/4 in. NPT (or G 1/4); Gauge ports: 1/8 in. NPT

Electrical Conduit Entry

M20 x 1.5 or 1/2 in. NPT

 

Fisher DVC6200 Digital Valve Controller

 

Applications

Oil & Gas Pipelines: Pig launcher valving, emergency shutdown (ESD) bypass lines, and compressor fuel gas skids.


Petrochemical Refining: High-temperature catalyst feed control, reactor pressure relief loops, and acid washing skids.


Power Generation: Boiler feedwater regulation, main steam pressure reduction stations, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) slurry control.


Water Treatment: High-capacity municipal raw water intake valves and chemical dosing packages.

 

 
Manufacturing & Quality Control
 
01/

Machining Tolerances: Housing components are CNC-machined from precision ADC12 aluminum die-castings on automated transfer lines, holding positional tolerances within plus or minus 0.02 mm.

02/

Pressure Decay Testing: Every assembled spool valve block undergoes a 100 percent automated nitrogen pressure decay test at 8.0 bar for 120 seconds prior to electronic integration.

03/

Thermal Burn-in & Calibration: Units endure a 24-hour thermal cycle test (-20 degrees C to +70 degrees C active operation), followed by automated calibration mapping on test benches traceable to national metrology standards.

04/

Traceability Package: Shipments include individual factory calibration test reports, material certificates upon request, and compliance documentation.

 

 

Product Selection & ConfigurationStructure Definition

DVP (Digital Valve Positioner)
Action Type: L (Linear) or R (Rotary)
Communication: H (HART) or P (Profibus)
Explosion-Proof: EXD (Flameproof) or EXI (Intrinsically Safe)
Pneumatic Port: N (1/4 in. NPT) or G (G 1/4)
Ordering Code Example: DVP-R-H-EXD-N
DVP: Digital Valve Positioner
R: Rotary Action (NAMUR standard mount)
H: 4-20 mA with HART Protocol
EXD: Flameproof Enclosure
N: 1/4 in. NPT Pneumatic Connections

 

FAQ

 

 

Q: How does the non-contact magnetic position sensor withstand continuous compressor vibration?

A: An external diametrical magnet mounts directly onto the actuator shaft while the internal magnetic position sensor measures magnetic flux changes without physical contact. This approach bypasses gear backlash, potentiometer carbon-track friction, and mechanical fatigue typical in lever-arm feedback linkages exposed to continuous vibration up to 2g.

Q: What compressed air quality is mandatory to prevent internal pilot valve clogging?

A: Instrument air must meet ISO 8573-1 Class 3.4.3 specifications (maximum particle size <= 5 micrometers, pressure dew point <= +3 degrees C, oil concentration <= 1.0 mg/m3). An integral 40-micron filter regulator is factory-installed at the supply inlet to trap pipe scale during initial plant commissioning.

Q: Can technicians calibrate the positioner locally without a handheld communicator?

A: Yes. Three sealed local pushbuttons enable operators to execute span calibration, view real-time valve opening percentages, and adjust control parameters (direct/reverse action, split range) directly on the LCD screen without opening the flameproof housing in hazardous classified areas.

Q: How do you verify long-term control repeatability and zero drift during manufacturing?

A: During final testing, every positioner completes 500 continuous full-stroke cycles under simulated load. The internal microprocessor logs return-to-zero deviation; units showing zero or span drift exceeding 0.1 percent of the full scale are rejected before packing.

Q: What mounting hardware ships standard with rotary pneumatic actuator models?

A: Each rotary unit includes a VDI/VDE 3845 stainless steel mounting bracket (adjustable height options: 20mm, 30mm, 50mm) and a universal NAMUR shaft coupling fork, fitting standard actuator pinion shaft dimensions without custom machining.

Q: What is the standard production lead time for batch orders of certified units?

A: Standard manufacturing lead time is 3 to 4 weeks for quantities up to 100 units. Factory stock of unconfigured enclosures and modular electronics allows expedited 5-working-day assembly for urgent plant turnaround requirements.

With abundant experience, we are one of the most professional valve positioner suppliers in China. Please feel free to buy high quality valve positioner in stock here and get quotation from our factory. Good service and low price are available.