Digital valve controller offers embedded edge computing to streamline workflows, optimise performance

Emerson has announced the Fisher FIELDVUE DVC7K Digital Valve Controller. The DVC7K features Advice at the Device technology with embedded computing and analytics that convert raw data into actionable information locally with Bluetooth capability, within the device. This means maintenance personnel can receive the data via their phone, tablet, or computer wirelessly without having to be in a control room at the plant location. The new valve controller technology improves the performance, reliability, and uptime of both on-off and control valves — and by extension an entire process plant or facility — in a wide variety of process industry applications, and provides the information required to create streamlined work processes. 

Digital valve controllers are available as accessories for control and on-off valves to provide local analysis of valve data, digital communications with host systems, and other features. These features improve uptime by alerting personnel to developing problems, reduce maintenance costs by providing the actionable information required for proactive rather than reactive maintenance, and cut troubleshooting time in the event of an issue by providing recommended corrective actions. For example, a control valve may be reacting slowly to commands requiring it to move, which is often an early sign of impending issues. The DVC7K will recognise this type of condition, alert personnel, and provide recommendations for fixing the problem.

The DVC7K interprets data to create an optimised path to action by combining patented technology, experience-based algorithms, and continuous real-time analytics with flexible connectivity and easy integration. It uses powerful, real-time, and onboard edge computing to analyse issues and create actionable information, providing real-time awareness of valve health by analysing data locally via its on-board diagnostics. If analysis reveals a problem, an alert is created, which can be viewed locally or remotely, providing the information required to create streamlined work processes that save time and money. All alerts include recommended actions to fix the problem, a new feature for digital valve controllers, and unique to the industry. 

Previously, digital valve controller data had to go to a host system to be processed and prepared for viewing. However, with the intelligence of this system, data is now accessible without requiring access to the host software. All information can be viewed at the DVC7K’s local user interface, nearby via Emerson Secure Bluetooth wireless technology, or remotely after it is transmitted via a wired digital network to a host, such as a distributed control or asset management system. 

The local user interface provides indication of valve health at a glance via LEDs, and users can drill down from the interface home screen to find more information. Emerson Secure Bluetooth enables access to one or more digital valve controllers at distances up to 30 feet from any device capable of supporting Bluetooth, such as a smartphone or tablet. Whether the information is viewed locally, nearby, or remotely, plant personnel can use it to drive awareness of valve health. 

With increased remote connectivity and Advice at the Device local diagnostics, flexibility increases, providing the information needed for fast decisions and quick action to address arising issues. The DVC7K can be specified for all new valve purchases, and it can be retrofitted to most existing valve installations, in either case quickly and easily commissioned via the local user interface. With over three million FIELDVUE units sold and ten billion hours plus of field operation, long-term reliability and performance is proven in use, a key requirement as Fisher and other Emerson valves are often used in critical process industry applications.