Valves go ATEX: Where Hazardous Duty Meets Digital Hydraulic Control

Related Vendors

DÜPERTHAL Sicherheitstechnik GmbH & Co. KG

TURCK GmbH

Donadon SDD Srl

Moog GmbH

The application evolved over time as more functionality of the Digital Valve was used. Initial models provided a proportional flow control with a 4–20 mA analog interface. Later, configurations used more advanced valve features with combined flow and pressure control (pQ control) and the Profibus-DP fieldbus interface. The pQ configured valve is capable of a closed-loop speed control through the hydraulic motor’s encoder and closed loop pressure control through a pressure sensor within the valve for active control of the motor’s output torque.

The manifold package and internal passages were modelled in 3D, which we used for fluid velocity and internal stress validation to insure we could maintain calculated pressure drops and a 4-to-1 factor of safety. Once validated, the customer directly imported the detailed, solid model into their higher level system schematics.

How Does the ATEX DIV work?

We completely integrated control electronics within the ATEX valve, incorporating a microprocessorbased system for executing all keyfunctions via an embedded software. This offers flexibility for the valve to adapt to a wide range of operating conditions, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and repeatability. In particular, it enables highly optimized system performance even with significant variations in pressure and temperature.

Since a customer may download control parameters using the fieldbus or a high level PLC program, operators can tune the valve control function during the machine operating cycle. Integrated continuous monitoring of a range of important valve and system functions and remote diagnostics are possible.

With an electrically isolated fieldbus interface, operators can change valve parameters on site or remotely. The built-in fieldbus interface (e.g., CANopen, Profibus- DP or EtherCAT) enables adjustment of operating parameters, controlling the valve and monitoring of performance. In a safe, private or virtually private network, we worked with the energy systems company that could communicate directly with the valve from anywhere in the world. These valves are also available in a version without a fieldbus interface that is controlled using analog inputs and includes a service connector for setting parameters.

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