Industrial process control systems. Methods of evaluating the performance of intelligent valve positioners with pneumatic outputs mounted on an actuator valve assembly

2Scope / Description

This part of IEC 61514 specifies design reviews and tests intended to measure and determine the static and dynamic performance, intelligence level, and communication capabilities of single-acting or double-acting smart valve positioners. These tests can be applied to positioners that accept standard analog electrical input signals (as specified in IEC 60381) and/or digital signals via a data communication link and have pneumatic outputs. As defined in Section 3, a smart valve positioner is an instrument that uses digital technology for data processing, decision-making, and bidirectional communication to perform its function. It may be equipped with additional sensors and features to support its primary function. Performance testing of smart valve positioners is performed with the positioner installed and connected to the actuator/valve assembly with which it will be used. Specific characteristic parameters of these combinations, such as size, travel, friction (hysteresis), packing type, spring assembly, and pneumatic supply pressure, should be carefully selected and reported, as positioner performance is highly dependent on the actuator used. The evaluation methods presented in this standard are intended for use by test laboratories in verifying device performance specifications. Smart positioner manufacturers are encouraged to apply this standard during the early stages of development. This standard is intended to provide guidance for the design and evaluation of intelligent valve positioners through: a structured review checklist for their hardware and software designs; test methods for measuring and qualifying their performance under various environmental and operating conditions; and methods for reporting the resulting data. When a complete evaluation according to this standard is not necessary or possible, the required tests should be performed and the results reported according to the relevant sections of this standard. In such cases, the test report should indicate that it does not include the full number of tests specified herein. Additionally, omitted items should be mentioned to provide a clear overview to the report reader. This standard also applies to non-intelligent microprocessor valve positioners without a means of two-way communication. In such cases, the evaluation should be simplified to a limited performance test procedure and a brief structural review.