Spring diaphragm actuator

Figure 7.120 is a simplified view of a spring diaphragm actuator. The actuator receives a pneumatic signal from the controller via a booster flow enlarger or a valve positioner and can be adapted in the form of an air-to-open or an air-to-close mechanism. 

Fig. 7.120. Spring-diaphragm actuator (a) air-to-open (direct) mechanism (6) air-to-close (inverse) mechanism...

Single-acting (for pneumatic spring-diaphragm actuators) or double-acting (for pneumatic springless piston-type actuators)... 

FIG. 8-70 Spring and diaphragm actuator w ith an up fail-safe mode. Spring adjuster allow s slight alteration of bench set, (Cmiiiesij Fislwr-Biismnoiinl.)... 

Transducers The ciirrent-to-pressiire transducer (I/P transducer) is a conversion interface that accepts a standard 4-20 rnA input current from the process controller and converts it to a pneumatic output in a standard pneumatic pressure range (normally (),2-L0 bar [3-15 psig] or, less frequently, 0,4-2,0 bar [6-30 p.sig]). The output pressure generated by the transducer is connected directly to the pressure connection on a spring-opposed diaphragm actuator or to the input of a pneumatic valve positioner. 

FIG. 8-75 Frequency response curves for a pneumatic positioner/actuator (a) input signal to stem travel for a 69-inch spring and diaphragm actuator with a 1.5-inch total travel and. 3-15 psig input pressure (h ) dynamic stiffness for the same positioner/actuator. 

Devices mounted on the control valve that interface various forms of input signals, monitor and transmit valve position, or modify valve response are valve control devices. In some applications, several auxiliary devices are used together on the same control valve. For example, mounted on the control valve, one may find a current-to-pressure transducer, a valve positioner, a volume booster relay, a solenoid valve, a trip valve, a limit switch, a process controller, and/or a stem position transmitter. Figure 8-80 shows a valve positioner mounted on tne yoke leg of a spring and diaphragm actuator. 

The amplifier network provides signal conversion and suitable static and dynamic compensation for good positioner performance. Control from this block usually reduces to a form of proportional or proportional plus derivative control. The output from this block in the case of a pneumatic positioner is a single connection to the spring and diaphragm actuator or two connections for push/pull operation of a... 

Requiring tight shutoff in large valves is particularly expensive in applications where spring and diaphragm actuators are preferred or where positioners normally would not be required. This is due to the necessity of changing to piston actuators in order to get the necessary thrust. 

Eressure difference—see Fig. 8-71). Dynamic stiffness is usually igher with piston designs than with spring and diaphragm actuators see Positioner/Actuator Stiffness. Failsafe action, if necessary, is achieved without a spring through the use of additional solenoid valves, trip valves, or relays. See Valve Control Devices. ... 

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