Using smart positioners in emergency shutdown applications

摘要

Traditionally, without a bypass, safety systems require testing while the process is completely shut down. Testing the safety system requires an expensive pneumatic panel and highly skilled technicians. This paper describes using a smart positioner in an emergency shutdown application. Using a smart positioner lowers base equipment cost and reduces the testing time and manpower requirements. It also allows testing the safety valve while the process is operating. The valve can be moved a small amount (10%) to confirm that it's working without disrupting production. The diagnostic capability of the smart positioner reports the health of the valve, thus reducing the need for scheduled maintenance and increasing process availability.