An Electro-Pneumatic positioner is a device that is directly mounted to a pneumatic actuator through a Namur interface to convert a control signal (4~20mA input) to a proportionally controlled pneumatic output signal (Air supply to pneumatic actuator).This pneumatic output signal then allows for the valve to be opened and closed to the desired position. This type of modulating control is particularly advantageous in applications where a precise media flow rate and accurate valve control are essential. Our pneumatic positioners are available in both an Analogue and Digital control style for both Rotary and Linear actuators.

A Digital Smart Electro-Pneumatic Positioner is a pneumatic positioner that is mounted to a pneumatic actuator to provide precise control over the installed valve. It uses a 4~20mA control input signal to give a proportional output pneumatic signal (Air supply) to the actuator, along with a 4~20mA output feedback. A digital smart positioner cuts down the set up and calibration process time through its ability to self intialize settings and parameters which are optimised to the valve. Additional in-built features are accessible through the digital interface, as well as adjustments which can be made to the self initialised settings. These digital smart positioners are self powered through the 4~20mA input signal meaning no additional external power supplies are required.

A Digital Smart Electro-Pneumatic Positioner takes a 4~20mA control input signal and outputs it into a proportional pneumatic signal which is then sent to the pneumatic actuator to move the valve into the desired position. As the position of the valve changes in relation to the set point, the digital smart positioner will adjust the input pneumatic signal to the actuator to maintain the set point. This is achieved through a potentiometer connected to the output shaft of the actuator. The digital smart positioner is able to self calibrate it’s settings through an initialisation process to optimise the valve’s response to changes in setpoint. Utilising a Namur interface mount means that the one positioner is able to suit a wide range of actuator sizes with a quick installation. A 4~20mA feedback signal is also available for the user to integrate into their control system.

Whilst both the Analogue and Digital positioners allow for modulating control of the valve’s position, there are a few differences between the two in how they process the input signal and their capabilities for positioning. An analogue positioner utilizes mechanical parts such as levers and springs in combination with a proportioning valve to create a proportional pneumatic output signal (Air supply to pneumatic actuator) from the control input. A drawback to this process is that there is a constant air bleed to facilitate this control, which leads to greater air consumption of the system.

Digital positioners are able to self calibrate to the specific valve with minimal air bleed and allows the user to ultilize additional functions over a standard analogue positioner. During this self calibration, the positioner will hone it’s settings to ensure the positioner’s performance is optimized for the valve. Unlike the standard Analogue positioners, the Digital positioner can be mounted to both Rotary and Linear actuators with selection being made through the menus. Additional settings can be activated for functions such as Fail Position and Alarms as well as adjusting calibrated settings.

Using the provided bracketry, the positioner is assembled to the pneumatic actuator utilising the Namur mounting interface. The positioner is then plumbed to the actuator and the signal wiring connected. It is recommended as best practise to use a 5 micron filter for the air inlet connection as this ensures a clean air supply to the positioner. After all physical connections have been made, the self initialization process can be activated where the valve will calibrate the positioner to the optimal settings for the valve. After the self initialization, the valve and positioner are ready to be commissioned. This entire process is covered in our Installation and Calibration manual which can be found here. The calibration process is also covered in our video which can be found here.

This depends upon where you are based and the freight method chosen. If the express freight option is selected it is usually next day delivery to metropolitan areas in Australia for under 5kg. If free freight has been selected it will go by road freight which can be anywhere from 1 to 10 days depending upon your location. It usually averages 3 days.

All of our products come standard with a 12 month warranty. The good news is we have very strict quality controls and all valves leave our warehouse tested (full material and testing certificates to API598 are available) and inspected so there are rarely any issues. Also once your valve is in and operating it will most likely continue to do so for a very long time.