VALVE AUTOMIZER
history can be recorded , making it useful as an edge device for collecting various data , such as the usage status of equipment equipped with the valve . This contributes to DX promotion , such as optimizing maintenance intervals and future technological development and operation .
3 . Operation in hazardous areas and rapid response to emergencies : Valves in hazardous locations that are inaccessible to humans can be operated remotely to ensure safety . The system can also respond quickly to emergencies , enabling safe operation and preventing the spread of damage .
4 . Manpower-saving operation of the valve : Valves that were previously operated manually can now be remotely operated and automated , enabling multiple manual valves to be operated and monitored by a small number of people . Additionally , the system reduces the workload of operators , as it eliminates the need for specialized skills and can be easily operated by anyone . The Valve Automizer can be operated by pressing the open , close and stop buttons and does not require any training , thus accommodating a wide range of operator skill levels .
5 . Labor-saving installation work and reduced man-hours : The valve can be electrically operated without removing the manual valve , so it can be installed without needing to carry out incidental work such as removing and restoring pipework .
6 . Miniaturization : The volume is less than half that of a conventional motorized drive unit , which reduces layout restrictions associated with installation and minimizes interference with peripheral equipment , allowing the unit to be installed without major changes to the layout . The retrofit automation device Valve Automizer has the following common features :
• Compatibility with various valves ( four types have been developed , as shown in Figure 2 , supporting both multi-turn and part-turn valves ).
• Add-on : Automation by retrofitting existing valves .
• Easy installation : Easy to install , remove , and set up .
• Automation : Automation of operation and monitoring of status ( remote monitoring , recording of operation history ).
• Network : Intelligent remote and autonomous control , realizing new functions as a valve system .
The following additional functions have also been developed for environments where manual valves have been installed in the past :
• Submersible performance : The valve can remain usable for 72 hours under a 7-meter water head pressure due to flooding at the installation site .
• Impact resistance
• Explosion-proof construction
Technical Issues and their solutions
In the retrofit automation device Valve Automizer , various issues were identified to realize each function , and the following new developments were made to address these issues : 1 . Automation through the use of servomotors and unique load and displacement control
Manual valves have individual differences , and the operating force varies depending on factors such as fluid type and pressure . For example , when closing a valve , the operator needs to make manual adjustments , such as determining the amount of force to apply and the stopping position , considering the closing state of each individual valve . Additionally , valves that have been installed and operated for a long time exhibit various differences due to manual operation , with changes in shaft resistance and closing position over time . The manual adjustments performed by humans when opening and closing valves are replaced by servomotors and independently developed load and displacement control , making it possible to accommodate individual differences and age-related changes in the valves .
2 . Realization of add-on and easy installation by downsizing the system
The servomotor control circuit has been developed independently , achieving compactness , including the network function and an attached battery to cope with abnormalities , facilitating add-on and easy installation .
3 . Swarm control technology
Swarm control technology can be applied to valve networks by integrating the control and sensors of each valve in a network . By developing original
Figure 2 : Four types of Valve Automizers
software , autonomous control through swarm control allows multiple valves to cooperate to meet the required values in response to changes in ambient conditions and demand , improving response capability in the event of an abnormality .
Summary
This report was prepared to examine the application of mechatronic systems across various fields and to explore the foundational knowledge and techniques for integrating these systems with IoT and AI technologies . The following findings were obtained from the study using the Valve Automizer , a retrofitting automation device developed by Automize Lab . Co ., Ltd .
1 . Increased flexibility
The Valve Automizer is a unique retrofit automation device for valves . Its ultracompact and lightweight design enables retrofitting . The ‘ retrofit automation ’ of valves is a new function not available in conventional machines ( valve actuators ), providing increased flexibility .
2 . Compactness , lightness and high reliability
The servomotor control circuit of the Valve Automizer was developed independently and is about one-tenth the volume of commercially available servomotor control circuits . This significant reduction in size and weight , along with a decrease in the number of parts , leads to higher reliability .
26 Valve World November 2024 www . valve-world . net