Valve Automation Systems

Patented Integration of Actuation, Control & Feedback
The installation, commissioning and maintenance of separate components are no longer required -- since both control and feedback are offered as integrated modules, combined with the actuator.

Compact & Modular Design
Modular construction also ensures flexibility, fast assembly, and quick and easy future upgrades.

Push Button Auto-Initialization
Automatic setting of the position indication switches in a matter of a few seconds at the push of a button.

Expands the Reach of your Bus
Digital communications are available for AS-interface, Profibus DP, Profibus PA and FOUNDATION™ fieldbus.

Intelligent Diagnostics
Provides alerts on actuator/valve condition and makes maintenance easier to schedule.

Intelligent Position Tracking
Accurate and reliable continuous information is provided regarding the valve position for improved process control.

Dual Stroke Adjustment
Provides precise adjustment of both valve end-positions.

Visual Position Indication
Large full scale indication at a glance, which can be turned 90o for in-line and across-line mounting.

Balanced Pinion Design
This design uses seals with low surface pressure, low wear, and ultimately low maintenance in high-cycle applications.

Easy
This pre-engineered "Plug-and-Play" solution reduces engineering complexity and time by integrating controls into the actuator. The push-button auto-initialization allows easy and fast set-up.

Flexible
The flexible functions are delivered through modular and scalable design. The splined inserts and the standardized mounting pads allows direct mounting to a wide range of rotary valves and ensures backwards compatibility.

Reliable
The FieldQ is built on proven technology (installed base of over 2 million units) and designed for superior and safe performance over time with more than 1 million open/close cycles of performance.

Intelligent
The microprocessor-based modules have built-in function-specific electronics that use low-power technology. This integrated technology enables bus communication and auto-initialization. On top of this the FOUNDATION™ fieldbus and Profibus-PA modules offer diagnostics alerts.

Cost-effective
Installed cost savings can be achieved by this pre-engineered, integrated solution. The FieldQ reduces cost on engineering (no accessory bracket or coupling required) and procurement (single source of supply). The ease of setting up the FieldQ reduces cost of installation and commissioning. Inventory cost savings can be achieved due to modular, scalable design. Finally, through enhanced operating performance and reliability, life-cycle cost savings can be achieved. The need for maintenance is reduced, and increased plant and process availability are realized.

IPT -- The smart solution to integrated control.

Patented Technology
IPT Technology allows the integration of controls and feedback in a single product -– providing continuous position tracking, with contactless position sensing and feedback (patented by Emerson). In the past, position feedback was provided by a separate switch box. This has been replaced by an integrated sensor on the pinion, which measures linear movement, so that position feedback can be communicated to the Function Module and back to the control room. Both Conventional feedback and Smart feedback are available.

Reduces Plant Downtime
Since downtime is very expensive (costs can exceed $100,000 per hour for a chemical or pharmaceutical plant), Emerson recognizes the need to keep plants running as long as possible and to keep installation time to a minimum. The FieldQ range has been designed with this in mind.

Easier and Faster Installation
The Smart, micro-processor based, version with Push Button Auto-Initialization provides easier and faster installation and commissioning -- ensuring fast start-up and the minimum of disruption to operations. LED indication ensures easy set-up and provides reassurance that initialization has been successfully completed.

Ultimately, by integrating control and feedback accessories in one product, end users can benefit by standardizing on a single supplier for all their requirements.

Choose the right functionality for you.

Function Modules
The Actuator and Pneumatic Modules can be supplemented with a variety of Function Modules, which provide the flexibility to select the right functionality for your application and upgrade to digital communications in the future.

Conventional Function Modules
The Conventional FieldQ modules enable users to install the unit into their existing system without making drastic changes. When the plant is later upgraded, the Function Module makes this transition easy. Conventional modules can be upgraded with Smart or Bus modules by simply plugging in the desired module.

Bus Communication
The process industry faces increasingly greater demands for plant safety and process control. This means an increasing need for more and better process information, which in turn drives the need for digital communication protocols. As part of Emerson's PlantWeb digital plant architecture, FieldQ uses FOUNDATION™ fieldbus digital communications to provide enhanced diagnostic information -- something few pneumatic rack-and-pinion actuators can do. This FieldQ version is AMS aware and provides seamless integration into the DeltaV system of Emerson Process Management, making the information easy to access and easy to use. FieldQ also supports diagnostics through Profibus PA, as well as on/off control through AS-i.

Scalable
Future upgrades to a variety of digital communication protocols can also be achieved by simply replacing the Function Module.

Enclosure
Most failures are caused by damaged solenoid housings, exposed switchboxes, and exposed coils -- but by housing the controls internally within the robust FieldQ unit, no vulnerable parts are exposed. The enclosure is rated to IP65 and NEMA 4X, while variations for hazardous areas are available that are certified to meet ATEX, CSA, and FM requirements. For easy installation and commissioning, the Function Module can be electric pre-wired to provide a quick connection.

Reliable Design
The patented reliable diaphragm/poppet design offers a high air-volume capacity, suitable for the entire FieldQ range, without requiring a booster for larger sizes. Whereas the tolerance requirements of conventional spool or solenoid valves demand a high air quality, this proven FieldQ technology allows a relatively lower air quality and therefore delivers cost savings through reducing the chance of getting stuck. This poppet valve design can operate with dirtier air by the use of static seals. This also causes less wear and therefore more reliability.

Trouble-free Operation of the Actuator
The large diaphragm ensures reliable opening and closing of the poppet and consequently ensures trouble-free operation of the actuator -- even at sub-zero temperatures. Moisture in the air has the potential to freeze and block in the case of spool valves, but the FieldQ is able to overcome this problem through the use of the diaphragm/poppet design. This concept also enables the use of a low-power pilot valve (1.3W) while still maintaining a fast response time.

Integrated Breather
Other beneficial features include integrated breather functionality. This provides protection of the actuator spring chamber in applications where the actuator is located in a corrosive atmosphere. Without this safeguard, the corrosive atmosphere would be sucked into the actuator during the spring stroke and could result in long-term damage and failure.

Integrated Speed Control
Integrated speed control is supplied as an option with single acting versions, while double acting versions can be equipped with standard G1/4" or 1/4" NPT throttles.

Durable and Safe
High-precision gear cutting methods provide close tolerances and ensure minimum gear backlash. Together with the 3-point guiding system of the pistons, this ensures an extremely long working life. For the ultimate in safety, the FieldQ also features an anti-blowout pinion. This means the teeth of the piston keep the pinion inside the housing -- eliminating any danger of "blowout" under pressure.

Pressure Equipment Directive
The actuators have approval of the European Community's Pressure Equipment Directive (PED), which allows Emerson Process Management to affix the CE Mark and provide a Declaration of Conformance to all categories. These include: I, II, and SEP (Sound Engineering Practice).

Covering the Most Popular Torque Requirements
A wide range of actuator sizes is available covering the most popular torque requirements. These range from 40 up to 1600Nm (355 to 14100 Lbf In). Modular spring packages are available for safe maintenance and easy adjustment to a wide variety of supply pressures, while spring return versions are supplied as "On air failure Closing" or "On air failure Opening."

Flexible and Cost-effective Valve Mounting
A range of inserts is available to enable the actuator to be directly mounted to suitable valves and to eliminate the need for a bracket and coupling type mounting kit. The use of direct mounts significantly cuts the cost of the valve/actuator assembly. The standard actuators are fitted with square drive inserts in accordance with ISO 5211 or DIN3337, but a variety of other inserts are also available. Special inserts have oversize or undersize squares, with double-D or pinion key way forms. Where direct mounts are not possible -- for instance, on valves with exposed grand packing -- the use of inserts simplifies the design of the mounting kit.

Outstanding Finish
To ensure long-term reliability in aggressive atmospheres, the actuator also features a corrosion-resistant finish that has passed a 500-hour salt spray test (in accordance with ASTM B117)

Meeting Customer Demands
FieldQ has been developed to meet increasing customer demand for valve automation systems with integrated control accessories and digital communications possibilities. The introduction of FieldQ provides customers with an integrated, modular, cost-effective and intelligent pneumatic valve automation package that is suitable for:

• Hazardous areas

• Applications where position sensing and feedback are required

• Applications where there is a need for bus control and communication

• Installations requiring a small footprint

This intelligent solution is capable of meeting the tough demands of both the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, where reliability and high standards of performance are critical. The highest attention to quality of design and manufacture ensures that the FieldQ can withstand extremes of temperature, harsh duty, and corrosive atmospheres.