Industry’s first integrated valve automation package delivers reduced costs, simpler cabling and ease of use.WALLER, TEXAS (December 12, 2003) -- Monsanto, a leading supplier of agricultural chemicals and products, has tested Emerson Process Management’s FieldQ® actuator on a demanding application at their Antwerp site, and found it offers advantages over other valve automation packages. Benefits recognized include simplified cabling requirements, and a reduction in the number of individual components being ordered, all owing to the self-contained design of the actuator. Monsanto will next employ the diagnostics module of the new intelligent actuator that expands the diagnostics and maintenance savings benefits. “I am impressed with FieldQ,” said Jos Aerts of Monsanto. “The main advantage we have found is that it is easy to work with because everything is self-contained. The solenoid and switch box are integrated, so all we need do is connect the power supply and air pressure; we do not need to add lots of separate components. Previously we had to obtain position feedback by installing a separate switch box. With FieldQ, a sensor on the shaft provides position feedback to the function module and from there to the control system.”Four years in development, the FieldQ actuator is an integrated automation solution capable of addressing both the present and future needs of the end user. Designed to eliminate the need for separate components to be engineered and purchased, FieldQ consists of a pneumatic actuator, solenoid, switch box and various function modules that can be added according to the customers’ needs. The different function modules also enable the valve to be controlled with analog or digital communication technologies such as FOUNDATION™ fieldbus. The Intelligent Position Tracking (IPT®) technology includes contactless position sensing on the shaft to measure the actuator position and provide conventional or Smart feedback. The integrated approach saves time and money for the end user, providing significant reductions on total installed costs through quick and simple push-button initialization, reduced inventory, easier procurement and significantly less engineering. The FieldQ actuator has performed well at Monsanto, in a demanding application and while being exposed to the elements. The valve that has been automated is situated on the top of a reactor that produces “Roundup,” a herbicide. Located 30 meters up and in an open construction, the valve opens twice an hour to rinse a demister that becomes fouled by the dry powder product. “We will be trying the Smart version of the FieldQ at a later date,” said Jos Aerts. “We currently achieve cost reductions by using the diagnostic capabilities of the Emerson FIELDVUE® digital valve controllers and AMS ValveLink software. In the future we would like to benefit from the significant diagnostic possibilities that FieldQ has to offer.” Adding diagnostic functions can be achieved very simply by adding or exchanging plug-in modules. About Emerson Process ManagementEmerson Process Management (www.emersonprocess.com), an Emerson business, is a leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, food and beverage, pharmaceutical and other industries. The Valve Automation Division (www.emersonprocess.com/valveautomation), one of Emerson’s family of final control businesses, consolidates a vast array of valve automation products and services, bringing together well-known industry names Bettis®, El-O-Matic®, Hytork, Shafer, and Dantorque. Its best-in-class technology and expertise play a key role in Emerson’s combining of superior products and technology with industry-specific engineering, consulting, project management and maintenance services. Emerson brands include PlantWeb®, Fisher®, Daniel, Micro Motion®, Rosemount®, DeltaVTM, Ovation®, and AMS™ Suite.About EmersonEmerson (www.gotoemerson.com) is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers in process control; electronics and telecommunications; industrial automation; heating, ventilating and air conditioning; and appliance and tools. Sales in fiscal 2003 were $14 billion.PlantWeb, FieldQ, Fisher, FIELDVUE, Micro Motion, Daniel, Rosemount, DeltaV, Ovation, and AMS are marks of Emerson Process Management. Other marks are property of their respective owners.
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