RCS A
Chopper Valve Guidance: A Case Study
An engineering firm reached out to Valin to help support a major California refinery during its turnaround process. During the course of their work, the engineering firm discovered the refinery needed new emergency safety shut-off valves (also known as chopper valves) as part of their regeneration process. At this point, the firm reached out to our team for guidance, so we held a strategic session with all interested parties.
We concluded that the refinery would be best served with process valves for its chopper valve application. Needing redundant solenoid valves to pilot them, chopper valves can have a much higher rate of failure if not designed properly. There can be an increased risk of explosions, which, in turn, increase the likelihood of safety concerns or an unplanned shutdown.
RCS A
Redundant Control System by Emersons ASCO
To avoid this issue, the valves must be periodically tested to ensure that stiction does not turn into a failure-inducing problem. The only way to test these valves, however, is to bring it through a single cycle. And the only way to do that is to take the SIS offline. This exercise can often make operators cringe, as it inevitably causes costly downtime. To mediate this concern, the solution devised was to add a second solenoid valve to the design. This allows us to test each individually and the controller can be programmed to run tests both periodically and automatically.
To meet the customer’s needs, we assembled a valve package that included a proprietary redundant control system. It is the only pilot valve system that does not contain a single point of failure that would result in an unanticipated closure of the process valve. The system achieves a higher level of both process safety and reliability. By integrating two solenoid valves into the SIS, the refinery ensured enhanced safety and operational reliability, safeguarding both its equipment and personnel.
We broke down all of our work with this customer in an article published last year by Hydrocarbon Processing Magazine. We go over contributions to this project in a bit more detail and outline how we were able to add third party Class 1 Div. 2, Group B, C and D certifications on the solution. Click here to read the full article.
Real-Time IIoT Data with OPC UA and MQTT: Discover Acromag’s NT Series Ethernet I/O Modules
Acromag’s newly enhanced BusWorks® NT series Ethernet I/O modules brings the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) capabilities to the forefront. These modules simplify connectivity, offering robust options for industrial automation and data sharing. Here’s how they can drive value and innovation for your business.
Seamless Cloud Connectivity for Complex Industrial Networks
With the integration of OPC UA and MQTT protocols, Acromag’s NT series modules offer a streamlined approach to industrial data communication. Users can now seamlessly connect their industrial networks to the cloud, making real-time data readily accessible across IIoT applications. By combining traditional Ethernet protocols (Modbus TCP/IP, Ethernet/IP, PROFINET) with IIoT capabilities, these modules offer unparalleled flexibility, making it easier to manage and monitor operations in complex environments.
Key Benefits of Acromag’s IIoT-Enhanced Ethernet I/O Modules
- Flexible, Secure Data Exchange
With support for OPC UA and MQTT, the NT series modules facilitate secure and standardized data sharing. This integration allows users to transfer both real-time and IoT data over a single network cable, simplifying connectivity and enhancing the speed and accuracy of data exchanges. - Effortless Protocol Integration
Users can utilize an abstract data object model, removing protocol-specific hassles and simplifying data interaction. This feature ensures that fieldbus I/O tags, inputs, outputs, and configurations closely resemble typical I/O tags, reducing setup time and increasing ease of use. - Versatile I/O Configurations for Diverse Applications
Each NT module offers up to 16 input or output channels, enabling control over a range of signals such as voltage, current, temperature, and relay controls. With the ability to connect up to three additional NTX expansion I/O modules, businesses can manage up to 48 channels from a single IP address. - Powerful Edge-to-Cloud Capabilities
Data from remote equipment is now available for advanced applications on edge gateways or in the cloud. This feature supports critical applications such as predictive maintenance, energy management, and status monitoring, allowing businesses to make data-driven decisions in real time. - Reliable, High-Speed Communication
With Acromag’s i2o® peer-to-peer communication, data can transfer between modules directly without a master or host in between, ensuring rapid, seamless data exchange. Conditional logic capabilities also allow for user-defined control operations, further enhancing system efficiency.
Designed for Real-World Industrial Applications
Acromag’s NT series Ethernet I/O modules are built for high-performance industrial applications, including remote data acquisition, actuator control, status monitoring, and process control. With a web-based configuration interface, setting up and monitoring your modules is as straightforward as possible, even in the most demanding environments. Plus, Acromag’s dual-port Ethernet and flexible I/O options make it ideal for various industries, from manufacturing and energy to water treatment and transportation.
If you'd like to speak to one of our automation experts today, call (855) 737-4716 or fill out our online form and someone will get back to you.