Part II: What are Smart Meter Valves?

In factories and industrial plants, the traditional process control loop plays a vital role in control systems, utilising multiple components such as a process sensor, controller, and final control element (FCE) to achieve a desired process variable. However, these components take up a lot of space and are prone to failure. The recent emergence of smart meter valves is transforming this space, introducing advanced technology that improves efficiency and reduces costs.

In this series, we will explore the transformative impact of smart meter valves and highlight their distinct benefits and key differences from conventional process control. Last time we discussed why traditional process control setups fall short. Today Part II: What are Smart Meter Valves and what are their advantages?

What are Smart Meter Valves?

Smart meter valves, also known as intelligent or digital control valves, leverage computing power, sensors, control valve, and communication to optimise industrial processes. At their core a smart meter valve exists out of a control valve with integrated flow meter, pressure, and temperature sensors and a robust computer. This innovative setup simplifies process control compared to traditional methods, offering precise regulation of flow rates, pressure and other process variables.

What are the advantages?

These advanced valves offer several benefits, enhancing operational efficiency and optimising resource utilisation while maintaining consistent product quality. Utilising cutting-edge technology, the use of smart meter valves simplifies the process control loop by installing and connecting a single device.

Build, Calibrated, and Initialised Device:

• The smart meter valve is specifically designed to perform control on the measured process value.
• It can control flow or pressure directly with exceptional accuracy.

Autonomy and Automation:

• The smart meter valve allows for autonomous control of the required process variable using a computer as the controller.
• Alternatively, it can be integrated into an automation structure with a PLC, where the setpoint is sent for the desired process variable.

Streamlined Process Control Loop:

• With an integral approach, the smart meter valve simplifies the construction of a process control loop, significantly reducing complexity.

Data Accessibility and Analysis:

• Access to data from the smart meter valve enables predictive maintenance, ensuring timely interventions.
• It also facilitates regulatory compliance and provides valuable data for process improvement analysis.

How to apply?

Smart meter valves find applications across various industries, controlling parameters such as pressure, flow, level, and temperature. Their versatility and effectiveness contribute to making industrial processes smarter and more efficient.

To learn more about Focus-ON's smart meter valves and how they can benefit your operations, click on this link.

Key Differences ‘Traditional’ and Smart Meter Valves

Smart meter valves represent a significant advancement in industrial automation, offering several key advantages over traditional valves. Let's explore these differences in detail:

1. Easy Installation and Setup

Unlike traditional valves that require complex engineering and setup, smart meter valves simplify the process by integrating all components into one device. This streamlined setup reduces the need for extensive engineering work, making installation quick and straightforward.

2. User-Friendly Controls

Smart meter valves feature a intuitive connection option like the use of smart devices, making them easier to operate compared to traditional components. Operators can adjust settings and issue commands with ease, resulting in smoother and faster operation.

3. Better Control and Accuracy

Smart meter valves excel at precise control, leveraging advanced methods and real-time data to ensure smooth operation. They can accurately regulate flow rates and pressure, enhancing overall process efficiency and reliability. A Smart meter valve is able to do this more accurate & faster then the most common traditional setup.

4. Built-In Diagnostics and Maintenance

Smart meter valves come equipped with diagnostic tools that can detect problems and collect data without manual intervention. These tools monitor valve performance and alert operators or maintenance team to issues, facilitating proactive maintenance and reducing downtime.

5. Backup Plans with Digital Tech

In the event of sensor failures or malfunctions, smart meter valves utilise digital models and algorithms to maintain operation smoothly. This backup system ensures continuity in operations, minimising disruptions and downtime.

In summary, smart meter valves offer significant advantages in terms of ease of installation, user-friendliness, control accuracy, diagnostics, and backup systems. By leveraging these benefits, industries can enhance process efficiency, productivity, and reliability.

Benefits of Switching to Smart Meter Valves

1. Precision Control

Smart meter valves offer precise control over critical factors such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature. This ensures consistent product quality and maximises resource utilisation across industrial processes.

2. Advanced Monitoring and Diagnostics

Equipped with built-in monitoring and diagnostics, smart meter valves provide real-time insights into system performance. This enables operators to quickly identify and resolve issues, minimising downtime and optimising asset management which can lead to saving more costs.

3. Cost-Efficiency

Trough a integrated setup it is more simple and cost effective to install a smart meter valve compared with a traditional setup. Its is easier to build in and connect to a PLC system without the need to build a control loop algorithm.

4. User-Friendly Design

Featuring intuitive interfaces and configuration, smart meter valves enhance operational efficiency and minimise errors. This user-friendly design caters to all levels and functions within a process plant so that all personal do not need specific skill levels to interact with a smart meter valve, facilitating smoother and more streamlined processes.

5. Future-Proofing

By embracing smart meter valves, industries position themselves for future automation trends. This ensures sustained relevance and competitiveness in the long term, enabling organisations to adapt to evolving technological advancements seamlessly.

In summary, smart meter valves offer precision control, advanced monitoring, cost-efficiency, user-friendly design, and future adaptability. Leveraging these benefits, industries can elevate operational performance, drive efficiency, and maintain competitiveness in the market.

Would you like to see how Smart Meter Valves are used in practice? Then stay tuned for part III: Examples from the energy & chemical industries.