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:

Transforming battery manufacturing processes
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens and Hirano Tecseed, a Japanese machine builder, are partnering to transform battery manufacturing processes.

Read more...
From Trojan takeovers to ransomware roulette
IT in Manufacturing
Cisco’s Cyber Threat Trends Report offers a comprehensive and overview of the evolving cybersecurity landscape, leveraging its vast global reach through the analysis of DNS traffic.

Read more...
The road to decarbonisation in mining
IT in Manufacturing
The mining industry is a key player in global carbon emissions, and ABB’s eMine is at the forefront of efforts to drive the sector’s decarbonisation.

Read more...
Siemens democratises AI-driven PCB design for small and medium electronics teams
Siemens South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is making its AI-enhanced electronic systems design technology more accessible to small and mid-sized businesses with PADS Pro Essentials software and Xpedition Standard software.

Read more...
Siemens’ PAVE360 to support new Arm Zena Compute Subsystems
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software is expanding its longstanding relationship with Arm and adding support for the newly launched Arm Zena Compute Subsystems in its PAVE360 software, designed for software-defined vehicles

Read more...
Empowering OEMs in industrial automation
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
Organisations are increasingly focusing on empowering OEMs within the industrial automation sector

Read more...
Fortifying the state in a time of cyber siege
IT in Manufacturing
In an era where borders are no longer physical, South Africa is being drawn into a new kind of conflict, one fought not with tanks and missiles, but with lines of code and silent intrusions. The digital battlefield is here, and cyber space has become the next frontier of conflict.

Read more...
Levelling up workplace safety - how gamification is changing the rules of training
IT in Manufacturing
Despite the best intentions, traditional safety training often falls short, with curricula either being too generic, too passive, or ultimately unmemorable. Enter gamification, a shift in training that is redefining how businesses train for safety and live by those principles.

Read more...
Reinventing data centre design: critical changes to meet surging
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing
AI technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible which, in turn, is presenting data centres with a whole new set of challenges. Fortunately, several options are emerging which include optimising design and infrastructure for efficiency, cooling and management systems

Read more...
Watts next - can IT save the planet
IT in Manufacturing
The digital age’s insatiable demand for computing power has collided with an urgent and pressing need for sustainability. As data centres and AI workloads consume unprecedented energy, IT providers are pivotal in redefining how technology intersects with environmental stewardship.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved