IT in Manufacturing


Digital valve controller with embedded edge computing

January 2024 IT in Manufacturing

Emerson has announced the Fisher FIELDVUE DVC7K digital valve controller, a new design improving upon 30 years of field-proven innovation. The DVC7K features Advice at the Device technology, with embedded computing and analytics that convert raw data into actionable information locally, with Bluetooth capability within the device. This means maintenance personnel can receive the data wirelessly via their phone, tablet or computer without having to be in a control room at the plant location. The new valve controller technology improves the performance, reliability and uptime of both on-off and control valves − and by extension an entire process plant or facility − in a wide variety of process industry applications. It also provides the information required to create streamlined work processes.

Digital valve controllers are available as accessories for control and on-off valves to provide local analysis of valve data, digital communications with host systems, and other features. These features improve uptime by alerting personnel to developing problems; reduce maintenance costs by providing the actionable information required for proactive rather than reactive maintenance; and cut troubleshooting time in the event of an issue by providing recommended corrective actions. For example, a control valve may be reacting slowly to commands requiring it to move, which is often an early sign of impending issues. The DVC7K will recognise this type of condition, alert personnel and provide recommendations for fixing the problem.

The DVC7K interprets data to create an optimised path to action by combining patented technology, experience-based algorithms and continuous real-time analytics with flexible connectivity and easy integration. It uses powerful, real-time, onboard edge computing to analyse issues and create actionable information, providing real-time awareness of valve health by analysing data locally via its onboard diagnostics. If analysis reveals a problem, an alert is created, which can be viewed locally or remotely, providing the information required to create streamlined work processes that save time and money. All alerts include recommended actions to fix the problem, a feature that is new for digital valve controllers, and unique to the industry.

Previously, digital valve controller data had to go to a host system to be processed and prepared for viewing. However with the intelligence of this system, data is now accessible without requiring access to the host software. All information can be easily viewed. This can be nearby at the DVC7K’s local user interface via Emerson Secure Bluetooth wireless technology, or remotely after it is transmitted via a wired digital network to a host, such as a distributed control or asset management system.

The local user interface provides an indication of valve health at a glance via LEDs, and users can drill down from the interface home screen to find more information. Emerson Secure Bluetooth enables access to one or more digital valve controllers at distances up to 10 metres from any device capable of supporting Bluetooth, such as a smartphone or tablet. Whether the information is viewed locally, nearby, or remotely, plant personnel can use it to drive awareness of valve health.

With increased remote connectivity and Advice at the Device, local diagnostics flexibility increases, providing the information needed for fast decisions and quick action to address arising issues. The DVC7K can be specified for all new valve purchases, and it can be retrofitted to most existing valve installations. In either case it can be quickly and easily commissioned via the local user interface. With over three million FIELDVUE units sold and ten billion hours plus of field operation, long-term reliability and performance is proven in use, This is a key requirement as Fisher and other Emerson valves are often used in critical process industry applications.


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Optimising the product design process
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
OPmobility is partnering with Siemens to adopt its Teamcenter X Product Lifecycle Management software. OPmobility’s increasingly complex products now include electronics and software, to create energy storage systems, which include battery and hydrogen electrification solutions and fuel tanks.

Read more...
Smart milling for resilient, sustainable food production
IT in Manufacturing
As the global demand for food continues to rise due to increasing urbanisation, the milling industry faces the challenge of balancing efficiency with sustainability. Bühler is committed to making milling more energy-efficient while maintaining high operational performance. Its solutions allow mills to reduce energy costs and ensure long-term sustainability.

Read more...
The evolving landscape of data centres in the age of AI
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
The data centre industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven primarily by the explosive growth of AI. It’s clear that the demands of AI are reshaping the very foundations of data infrastructure. This isn’t merely about incremental upgrades; it’s a fundamental shift in how we design, power and operate these critical facilities.

Read more...
SA Food Review
IT in Manufacturing
Food Review is a monthly trade journal for South Africa’s food and beverage manufacturing industry, for industry professionals seeking detailed information on trends, technologies, best practices and innovations.

Read more...
Keeping an eye on oil consumption with moneo
ifm - South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies in the metal industry need oils and other fluids that are consumed by their machines. To make this consumption transparent and to establish a link to the ERP system, Arnold Umformtechnik relies on the IIoT platform, moneo, in combination with the SAP-based software solution Shop Floor Integration (SFI) – both from ifm.

Read more...
AI accelerates energy transformation
RJ Connect IT in Manufacturing
With the rapid expansion of generative AI applications, data centre power demand is reaching unprecedented levels.

Read more...
Revolutionising mining operations with MineOptimize
IT in Manufacturing
Now more than ever, mining and mineral processing companies need to boost productivity, ensure safety, and protect the environment. ABB’s comprehensive electrification, automation and digital solutions portfolio is ideally positioned to meet these challenges across all mining processes, from mine to port, transforming performance in a digital world.

Read more...
Buildings in Africa’s urban evolution
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Africa is now an urban continent. How does the continent mobilise to accommodate urban dwellers and maintain and implement critical infrastructure that allows for this expansion? Building management systems provide a tangible solution to optimise resource use, lower operations costs and ultimately contribute to a growing continent that also employs green practices.

Read more...
TwinCAT Vision functionality extended
Beckhoff Automation IT in Manufacturing
The image processing and camera integration capabilities of Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 Vision software have been expanded.

Read more...
Automation software to future-proof your operations
Adroit Technologies IT in Manufacturing
As the official partner of Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation, Adroit Technologies empowers businesses with cutting-edge solutions that reduce costs, improve quality and increase productivity.

Read more...