Engineered to Eliminate Complex System Integration
ValveWatch is designed as a fully independent remote monitoring system, proven in the harshest environments. Operators prefer its stand-alone design which eliminates complex integration into existing platform systems. As an option, an OPC1 interface to a client’s DCS2 can be provided. Once installed, the system can be expanded to include additional valves.
Major Components
A typical ValveWatch system for up to eight valves consists of:
1 |
Surface mounted to the yoke adapter between valve and actuator. Monitors thrust or torque applied during valve movement. Useful for detecting valve & actuator mechanical problems. Full bridge; 5000 ohm; full scale output 1 mV/V nominal; epoxy bonded attachment.
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2 |
Installed on actuator supply line after solenoid. Monitors pressure inside the actuator. Useful for detecting valve & actuator problems and supply pressure problems. Full bridge 2000 ohm; 10mV/V FS sensitivity; pressure rating 30 – 10,000 psi for air or hydraulic actuators. NPT female threaded connection.
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3 |
Installed into a port downstream of the valve. Monitors valve for seal leaks. For some valves, an additional sensor installed into a port for the valve cavity monitors for seal leaks with the valve open. Dynamic measurement range +/- 20 psi. at 48 mV/psi.; sampling frequency 250 – 1000 Hz.; NPT male threaded connection; 8,000 psi rated stainless steel construction. ATEX rated intrinsically safe.
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4 |
Located near each valve. Converts sensor data from analog to digital for transmission to HUB Assembly. May house three strain/AC modules to monitor up to six sensors. Power requirements: 2 watts @ 9 – 23.3 VDC; Nominal data rate 31.25 kbps wired, 40 kbps RF; IP66 stainless steel enclosure.
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5 |
Located in a safe area for system control and safe power supply. Receives digital data from each LDAU and sensor package located at the valve. Transmits digital data to server. Contains intrinsic safe barriers, and power supply to safely power each LDAU & sensor package. Power requirements: 100 – 240 VAC @ 3 Amps; RJ45 10BaseT Ethernet output; 19” rack mountable.
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1The OPC Foundation, a non-profit corporation, maintains a set of standard OLE/COM interface protocols intended to foster greater interoperability between automation/control applications.
2Distributed Control System
System Architecture
Strain and actuator pressure sensors are installed at each valve. If leakage is being monitored, two dynamic sensors or an ultrasonic sensor is/are installed for each valve. These sensors transmit valve data to the LDAU mounted near the valve over a shielded cable. Modules within the LDAU record the data and digitize it for transfer to the HUB Assembly and Server located securely in a facility’s equipment room. Data is transferred via the client’s network or a ValveWatch specific network from the server at the facility to the server in the Monitoring Center. Once the data is stored on the Oracle web server, authorized users can access the data from anywhere on the client’s network.
Wired or Wireless
ValveWatch can transmit data between each LDAU and HUB Assembly over a traditional cable connection, or by using wireless data transmission. The wireless option is ideal when cable installation problems are a factor.
Modular Design
ValveWatch offers the flexibility of a modular design. Valves can be instrumented with one or more sensors depending on its design and monitoring requirements. Once installed, a ValveWatch system can be expanded to monitor additional valves with the addition of minimal hardware.
Intrinsically Safe
Intrinsically safe, and approved for harsh environments
Ex II 1G, EEx ia IIC T4 Ga -40°C ≤ Ta ≤ +70°C
Harsh Environments
Currently operating from the Arctic to the Equator, Valvewatch is a proven performer in the harshest environments. Originally designed for offshore applications, its components offer maximum protection against temperature and humidity extremes. All exterior components are fully sealed and protected against salt spray and corrosion.
