Neles SwitchGuard is the latest addition to Metso Automation's Smart Solutions product range. It is a controller that operates on many valve actuators in a wide range of industries. The new controller meets the demanding requirements of process critical high-cycle switching applications in which excellent reliability and large air capacity are called for. Since SwitchGuard is an integrated solution, it reduces installation costs by eliminating the need for external solenoid valves and by minimising the engineering work.
The controller's features and embedded diagnostics guarantee high availability in on/off applications. It analyses the operation of an automated on/off valve online and stores this diagnostics data for further use. With open communication technology, such as FDT/DTM, and with Metso Automation's FieldCare field device configuration and condition monitoring tool, this information can be used to plan maintenance activities. This in turn ensures high availability in switching applications and high reliability in valves.
This controller allows valve opening and closing with ramp profiles to be controlled. The valve opening and closing times, as well as the stroking ramp profile can be defined. This feature is especially useful in minimising the pressure impacts on piping (water hammer). As an example, the valve closing can be defined to take place in 3 seconds, first very fast and then much slower after the flow medium starts to flow through the valve. The opening is also done independently without a connection to the closing configuration.
For more information contact Metso Automation, +27 (0) 31 502 9350/+27 (0) 16 430 7290, nsdu@metso.com
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