OPTIMIZING VALVE-ACTUATOR PARAMETERS TO ENHANCE CONTROL VALVE PERFORMANCE

The market demands for higher quality products have increased the need for reduced process variation. One factor in the quality of the final end product is the improvement of the control loop performance. A cri tical component in the loop is the final control element, the control valve package. Optimized actuator parameters play a vital role in the dynamic performance of the control valve. This paper reviews the pneum atic actuator and positioner parameters that effect the control packag e performance. This is done through the use of a control valve package computer model to assess the dynamic performance. The attributes of s pring return versus double acting actuators are illustrated. The effec ts of supply pressure, step size, load margin, and flow, actuator volu me and design style are investigated through the use of mathematical s imulations of control valve dynamic performance. Copyright (C) 1996 El sevier Science Ltd.