Valmet Automation Oy

Metso Flow Control Oy

Neles Finland Oy

Metso Oyj

Valmet Flow Control Oy

Mats Friman

Harri Happonen

Joona Nikunen

Jouni Pyötsiä

Tommi Bergström

Pasi Heikkinen

Mika Karaila

Ville Hietanen

Harri Cederlöf

Timo Harju

Kalle Pokki

Hannu Paunonen

Jouni Pyötsiä{umlaut Over ( )}

Jouni PYÖTSIÄ

Fault diagnostics utilize an embedded tracking digital twin of a valve assembly physical part in a microprocessor system of the valve positioner. The digital twin has simulation model parameters including a fault-related simulation model parameter. The digital twin receives a control signal representing a real control of the at least part of the valve assembly, and generates simulated measurements relating to the simulated control result. The digital twin compare the simulated measurements with real measurements that relate to the real control result, to track an error between the results of simulated operation and the real operation of the valve assembly to adjust the fault-related simulation model parameter in a sense that the error is decreased. The fault-related simulation model parameter relates to a specific physical fault in the physical part of the valve assembly, and it is detectable and identifiable based on the simulation model parameter adjusted value.

Valve positioner and diagnostic method

A controller for controlling a pneumatic or hydraulic actuator of a process device includes a position feedback signal input for receiving a measured position signal representing a position of the actuator or the process device, an actuator pressure output, and a pressure sensor for measuring the actuator pressure. The controller is configured to operate in a measured position feedback mode and a simulated position feedback mode. In the measured position feedback mode the actuator is controlled dependent on a setpoint position and the measured position, and in the simulated position feedback mode the actuator is controller based on the setpoint position and a simulated position of the actuator or the process device. The simulated position is derived from the measured actuator pressure by a simulation model.

Actuator of a process device having a controller configured to operate in a measured position feedback mode and a simulated position feedback mode

A pumping energy savings estimator is provided which, based on valve opening data collected for a control valve of a pump-valve system operating in an industrial process, determines an actual maximum (&#x394;p, &#x2dc;50% open) of valve operating region of the control valve of the pump-valve system. User can select a new maximum (&#x394;p, &#x2dc;70% open) of valve operating region for the control valve. Then the estimator, based on the determined actual maximum of valve operating region and the selected new maximum of valve operating region, energy saving potential (&#x394;p) in the pump-valve system. The potential energy savings may be put into practice by replacing the original pump with a new smaller pump, or more preferably, replacing or processing the impeller of the original pump, such that the control valve will operate with the selected new optimal maximum opening of valve operating region.

Performance monitoring of pump-valve system

A system having a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader and at least one passive RFID sensor tag, the RFID reader sends a radio frequency interrogation signal from to the passive RFID sensor tag having a sensor that provides a sensor value. The RFID reader receives from the passive RFID tag a backscattered radio frequency signal carrying the sensor value. An interrogation rate of the sensor tag, an accuracy of interrogation and/or a power of the radio frequency interrogation signal transmitted to the sensor tag is controlled based on a statistical analysis of the multiple received sensor values, multiple interrogations and/or a signal-to-noise ratio.

Adaptive RFID reader

A plurality of real control inputs and real process measurements provided by a real automation system controlling an industrial process are continuously stored continuously storing in a historian database. At the same time, a plurality of forecast control inputs and process measurements provided by a virtual automation system based on a simulation model are continuously stored in a futurian database. Both the past operation of the industrial process up to present time based on data from the historian database and the forecast future operation of the industrial process from the present time onwards based on data from the futurian database are displayed on the operator screen.

Method of monitoring an industrial process

A control loop includes a process controller for controlling a field device in a process. A remote measurement transmitter measures a desired process variable and transmits the measured variable as a wireless measurement signal to a wireless interface unit on the controller side. The interface unit passes the received measurement signal, and a trigger signal indicating a reception of a new measurement, to an adaptive estimator. When triggered by a trigger signal from the wireless interface, i.e. when a new measurement value is received, the adaptive estimator outputs the new value measurement value to the process controller. Otherwise, between consecutive trigger signals, the adaptive estimator generates an estimated measurement value that gradually moves towards a setpoint according to a predetermined estimation algorithm or process.

Wireless control for process automation

In the method and apparatus of the invention, the process point is taken into account when the condition and performance of a control valve are monitored. In the condition monitoring of the valve, process measurements are used in addition to measurements inside the valve in such a manner that the process measurements identify the operating point at which the valve operates, and the measurements inside the valve are observed at these operating points to detect changes and to determine the condition of the valve. According to an aspect of the invention, the variables representing the operating point of an industrial process are considered when changes in the friction load of the valve and/or the load factor of the actuator are observed.

Growing community of inventors

Tampere, Finland

Mats Friman