Power Engineering - Emerson begins operation of new PlantWeb Dynamic Performance Lab

MARSHALL TOWN, IA, Sept. 19 2003 -- Emerson's Fisher valve division has begun full operation of its newest PlantWeb Dynamic Performance Lab at the division's Marshalltown, IA research and engineering complex.

The lab is dedicated to the study of control valve performance as experienced under dynamic flow conditions. Use of dynamic flow testing best simulates the actual process control conditions found within valve users' manufacturing facilities. The findings of these simulation studies are utilized in the development and refinement of control valves and their flow control components.

The dynamic performance labs also allow head-to-head comparisons of purportedly equivalent valve designs. Differences in ability to control are identified and analyzed as part of ongoing programs to improve valve effectiveness.

Presently there are five control valve dynamic performance laboratories in the world; all are owned and operated by Emerson's Fisher valve division. The labs make extensive use of digital field devices, systems and software to conduct and document the performance tests. DeltaV automation systems control the dynamic performance loops, flow lines and hot air test systems in the labs. Each lab site utilizes HART@ and FOUNDATIONTM fieldbus communication protocols.

The PlantWeb Dynamic Performance Labs also are used in the development of on-line, in-service predictive maintenance systems for control valves. The resulting predictive diagnostics software, marketed as AMS ValveLink@, can detect and identify more than 200 fault conditions that can occur in control valves. The software is utilized with Emerson's FIELDVUE Digital Valve Controller to detect, diagnose and recommend corrective action, which is an industry first and an exclusive capability.

Emerson Process Management (www.emersonprocess.com), an Emerson business, helps businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. The company combines superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Its brands include PlantWeb@, Fisher@, Micro Motion@, Rosemount@, DeltaVTM, Ovation@, AMS, MDC, and CSI.

St. Louis-based Emerson (www.aotoemerson.com) brings technology and engineering together to provide solutions to customers in process control; electronics and telecommunications; industrial automation; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and appliance and tools. Sales in fiscal 2002 were $13.8 billion.

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