One-size-fits-all digital positioner from ABB

Adapts at the push of a button

Published: 3rd December 2012 | Issue 23 Share article:

The new PositionMaster EDP300 digital positioner from ABB offers a single control solution to suit any control valve with an air-driven actuator. The new unit features built-in intelligence that enables it to adapt to different valves at the push of a button.

Designed for flexible mounting, the EDP300 can control linear or rotary actuators in the same footprint as the previous ABB TZIDC positioner. An optional stainless steel housing means it can be used in corrosive environments, so it’s suitable for tough applications in industries such as chemicals and offshore oil and gas.

The one-size-fits all nature of the EDP300 means that users only need to stock one type of spare to satisfy any positioner failure.

ABB’s human machine interface (HMI) offers timesaving menu-driven programming and control options, while on-board diagnostics support optional pressure sensors to monitor actuator performance in real time for predictive maintenance and improved reliability. Up to five valve signatures can be saved in the device, which can be compared so that valve diagnostics can be performed for the purpose of preventive maintenance. Other innovative features include partial stroke testing, which is used to check the function of ESD (emergency shutdown) valves.

The positioner also includes the options of fast travel in applications with low pressure changes, and slow travel where it’s needed to avoid potentially dangerous occurrences such as water hammer.

The heart of the PositionMaster is its powerful pneumatics. Compressed air is generally 10 times more expensive than electricity and the new positioner needs only 0.03kg/h of compressed air to keep it in steady state. This makes it extremely cost-effective to run.

The new positioner is flexible enough to handle air supply pressures ranging from 1.4 bar (20 psi) to 10 bar (140 psi) and overload-proofing of 12 bar (170 psi). This eliminates the need for a separate pressure regulator and simplifies the overall control loop, which reduces the chances of failure and improves availability. The positioner’s air capacity ranges from 5 mg up to 50 kg/h, enabling the EDP300 to work with very small actuators, as well as high-volume models without installing separate volume boosters. Higher air volumes mean more moving power, higher speed and increased force or torque.

Air, nitrogen or natural gas can all be used to power the PositionMaster.

The DTM (Device Type Manager) for the PositionMaster EDP300 is based on FDT/DTM technology (FDT 1.2/1.2.1) and can be either integrated into a control system or loaded on a PC with DAT200 Asset Vision Basic. This allows work to be completed in the same user interface in the commissioning phase, during operation, and for service tasks involving monitoring the device, setting parameters, and reading out data.

Communication is via 4~20mA and HART protocol. Reading data out from the device has no effect on active operation. Configuration can be carried out with ABB’s new DHH805 hand terminal, certified for use in hazardous areas and with 80 hours of continuous battery life. Newly set parameters are saved in the non-volatile memory directly upon download to the device, and become active immediately. Certification is provided for ATEX, IECEx, as well as SIL 2 applications.

For more information on the PositionMaster EDP 300 email moreinstrumentation@gb.abb.com or call 0870 600 6122 ref: ‘EDP300’.

ABB Measurement Products
Tel: 01925 741111
www.abb.co.uk

Search related articles:   ABB LimitedIssue 23Positioners

Recent magazine news articles