HEIDENHEIM, Germany,
Sept. 30, 2009
(Press Release) -
Voith Paper Automation GmbH & Co. KG and ABB Automation Products GmbH signed a framework agreement in 2008 covering the field instrument segment. Since then, ABB has been producing select positioners and differential pressure transducers exclusively for Voith. During the decision-making process for the products careful attention was paid to ensuring their optimum suitability for use in the papermaking process. Voith Paper uses these products from the stock preparation, to the approach flow system, all the way to the steam and condensate system.
A detailed test conducted at the Voith Paper Technology Center (PTC) in Heidenheim recently demonstrated the technical advantages of the OnC ValvePos 500 positioner. When used in the subsequent starch dilution, it was possible to improve the control accuracy and quality considerably.
In the original installation, there was a continual oscillation of the flow rate in the range of 20 L/min which made a constant readjustment necessary.
The same valve in the same installation location but with the Voith OnC ValvePos 500 positioner demonstrated considerably more stable control behavior. Here, the flow rate control was not modified.
The high precision and fine step size of the OnC ValvePos 500 cuts down the need for control interventions both in the travel distance as well as on the time axis. Thus, the flow rate value fluctuated only in the range of 2 L/min. With the OnC ValvePos 500 it was possible to reduce fluctuations by a factor of 10.
Retrofitting the Voith OnC ValvePos 500 positioner therefore increases stability and accuracy in the paper-making process. In addition, the cost of maintenance is reduced since the life of the control fittings is extended considerably. As a result, maintenance costs can be greatly reduced over the life of the field instruments. Furthermore, there is a significant potential to save energy, mainly in the steam circuit.
These results have encouraged Voith Paper Automation to continue collaborating exclusively with companies that are on the cutting edge of technology. Since 2007, Voith Paper Automation has extended the product portfolio with the "Field Instrument Initiative" and offers a variety of valves and sensors. All important field instruments can therefore be provided by a single supplier. In addition to the technological advantages, the modular designed valves and sensors offer savings advantages as well. In this way it is possible, for example, to use identical positioners, limit switches and actuators for a variety of control and on/off valves (ball valves, hard and soft-seated butterfly valves, ball segment valves). In turn, this reduces the need for spare parts, making the procurement of the spare parts more cost-efficient overall.
