Metso Neles ValvGuard VG9000 safety valve controller with HART

Metso has the launched the HART version of its Neles ValvGuard VG9000 safety valve controller. The safety-valve controller and automatic partial-stroke testing (PST) device is for both emergency shutdown (ESD) and emergency venting valves (ESV). The VG9000 is therefore now available in both HART and Foundation Fieldbus versions and can be used with both single- and double-acting actuators. The HART version supports also both safety AOs and DOs. TÃœV Rheinland has certified VG9000 as compliant with IEC61508, up to SIL3.

Plant safety targets can be reached more economically with the controller than with traditional solutions. As well as PST, the safety-valve-testing capabilities include internal pneumatics testing and emergency trip testing. Safety-valve condition can be constantly monitored using the diagnostics data gained from the tests the controller performs. In addition, it is able to collect valve diagnostics during trip situations.

There is no need to mount extra instrumentation and parallel limit switches, as the controller has the option of internal limit switches. The reduced number of safety-related components also increases plant safety.

The diagnostics information collected is presented in an easily understandable form via a graphical FDT/DTM interface, such as Neles FieldCare. Because the diagnostics information enables predictive maintenance, potential valve failures can be detected and corrected before they have any impact on process or plant safety.