Hydraulic Positioner solution
What is a Hydraulic Positioner?
A hydraulic positioner is a device that takes an electronic signal and converts it into a defined valve or cylinder rod travel.
The Intelligent Hydraulic Positioner (IHP24) from Val Controls can control solenoid operated on/off valves to move an actuator to a requested set point. This can be modulating open/close, in between function or stepping for choke valves. The IHP24 is designed specifically for moving hydraulic operated objects. Once installed and configurated the IHP24 auto calibrate and determine the fully open or fully closed state of the obturator.
Hydraulic Positioner solution
What is a Hydraulic Positioner?
A hydraulic positioner is a device that takes an electronic signal and converts it into a defined valve or cylinder rod travel.
The Intelligent Hydraulic Positioner (IHP24) from Val Controls can control solenoid operated on/off valves to move an actuator to a requested set point. This can be modulating open/close, in between function or stepping for choke valves. The IHP24 is designed specifically for moving hydraulic operated objects. Once installed and configurated the IHP24 auto calibrate and determine the fully open or fully closed state of the obturator.
Use case
Challenge
A large company is constructing a new oil rig and are looking for a solution which safely and intuitively enables them to control the flow of their oil pipline.
It is a requirement that the modulating valves can be controlled from the control room. Furthermore, the hydraulic positioner must be in a flameproof container (Ex d).
The pipeline is controlled by solenoid-based valves, the controller must therefore be compatible with this.
Solution
An intelligent hydraulic positioner (IHP24) was installed to control the flow of their oil pipeline. The unit controls the solenoid valves at the platform making it a perfect fit for the end-user.
Using the 4-20mA communication protocol the IHP24 solution offered a high performing and reliable solution resulting in a seamless control of the pipeline without any issues after more than 1 year of usage.
Value
- User friendly interface and calibration
The IHP24 offers market leading performance and user friendly interface, combining it in a very compact enclosure.
- High performance control
Using the 4-20mA communication protocol the IHP24 offers high performance control, ensuring a fast call to action time.
- Reliable and field proven product
The IHP24 range is based on decades of research and development, making it a reliable and field proven product.
How does it work?
The IHP24 uses Solenoid Operated on/off Valves, SOV, to move the actuator to the requested set point. It has 4 or more outputs to control SOV’s depending on the model. The IHP24 is designed so it can use any solenoid valve on the market. The unit will automatically adapt the regulator to the performance of the complete system, during an automatic calibration. The desired position of the valve is sent to the IHP24 via the 4-20mA control loop or a communication protocol. The actual position is measured by the IHP via a potentiometer or a 4-20mA sensor. The set point and position signal is compared and the actuator is moved to the requested position.
See the schematic below for an example on how the IHP24 can be used with a standard regulator.
Communication
The IHP24 comes as standard with the following control and communication:
- 4-20mA Control loop with HART
- 4-20mA Position feedback
Its is possible to add the following communication buses:
- Foundation Fieldbus
- Modbus
Power supply
The IHP24 is powered through a 24VDC power supply.
This power supply also feeds the solenoid valves and the sensors.
Position feedback
The IHP24 uses a signal from the actuator/cylinder to know where it is. The IHP24 accepts the following signal types:
- 4-20mA - 2-wire
- 4-20mA - 4-wire
- 3-wire potentiometer
Hydraulic system
All our typical designs controls 2 solenoid operated valves, but some of the IHPs can control up to 4 solenoid valves. The positioner is also easily adapted to any already existing control systems or other designs.
SR - Opening
When the IHP24 is requested to open the valve, both solenoids are energized.
The OPEN SOV is opening for the hydraulic oil or air to fill the actuator chamber and compress the spring.
The CLOSE SOV is blocking the hydraulic oil or air to exit the actuator chamber and controls.
The Valve will open.
SR - Closing
When the IHP24 is requested to close the valve, both solenoids are de-energized.
The OPEN SOV is blocking for the hydraulic oil or air to enter the actuator chamber.
The CLOSESOV is opening for the hydraulic oil or air to be released from the actuator chamber and controls.
The Valve will close.
SR - Stay-put
When the IHP24 is requested to place the valve in stay put position, the CLOSE SOV energized.
The OPEN SOV is blocking for the hydraulic oil or air to enter the actuator chamber.
The CLOSE SOV is blocking for the hydraulic oil or air to be released from the actuator chamber and controls.
The valve will stay put.
DA - Opening
When the IHP24 is requested to open the valve, the OPEN SOV solenoid is energized.
The OPEN SOV is opening for the hydraulic oil or air to fill the actuator chamber.
The CLOSE SOV is leading the hydraulic oil or air to exit the actuator chamber.
The Valve will open.
DA - Closing
When the IHP24 is requested to close the valve, the CLOSE SOV solenoid is energized.
The CLOSE SOV is opening for the hydraulic oil or air to fill the actuator chamber.
The OPEN SOV is leading the hydraulic oil or air to exit the actuator chamber.
The Valve will close.
DA - Stay-put
When the IHP24 is requested to place the valve in stay put position, both solenoids are de-energized.
The valve will stay put.