Collecting data and integrating it across multiple protocols and standards allows for insight into  workflow and control valve maintenance needs.

Data Integration

No matter which technology is used, it is crucial to aggregate the data collected and with analytical software, transform the data into actionable information for real-time asset management.  The data also must be presented not in its raw state, which requires interpretation by plant personnel, but as information that can be readily used to assess the vital signs of a control valve’s health.

The integration can be done using digital communication protocols such as HART^™, FOUNDATION^™ Fieldbus or PROFIBUS^™, or using wireless signals such as Wireless HART or ISA100.11a.  Because these protocols and signals are open standards and are omnipresent within a plant’s infrastructure, they allow valve diagnostic information to be seamlessly integrated into the facility’s asset management software.

Workflow

Einstein said “The world we have created is a product of our thinking; it cannot be changed without changing our thinking.”  When it comes to control valve maintenance, technology can certainly make a difference, but work practices must also simultaneously evolve.

For plants that have traditionally followed reactive maintenance practices, this requires a paradigm cultural shift.  Personnel must move from a mindset of waiting for problems to occur to one of proactively monitoring asset health.

Recent technological advances have made this cultural change easier.

At Setpoint IS we harness these technological advances everyday in our Integrated Technology Center. For more information on how we develop our expertise click on the Vimeo player to the right, or click here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Setpoint Integrated Solutions’ Black Tie and Distribution Territory for Flowserve Extends into Houston Market

Baton Rouge, LA (March 9, 2017) – Setpoint Integrated Solutions (Setpoint IS) is pleased to announce the expansion of its distribution contract for the Flowserve heritage product lines Durco, Atomac and Automax. The new agreement will authorize the Setpoint IS La Porte facility to become a “Black Tie Authorized Repair House” for the Durco/Atomac product lines and will expand the company’s distribution reach into the greater Houston area. Setpoint IS has been a valued Flowserve distributor since 1957, and the areas covered under the new agreement will now encompass all Setpoint IS branch locations in Texas and Louisiana.

“We are pleased to extend the reach of our long-standing relationship with Setpoint Integrated Solutions. Like Flowserve, they have a service-focused approach that will align nicely with our Flowserve route-to-market in that area,” said Paul Velardo, Flowserve Flow Control Sales Manager, Gulf Coast.

In addition to the territory expansion, this agreement demonstrates Setpoint IS’ commitment to the new Durco TX3 Triple Offset Valve (TOV). As a complimentary product to the existing Flowserve engineered valve portfolio, the Durco TX3 offers excellent shutoff capabilities, with low torque and reduced wear benefits users expect from a triple offset design. The laminated disc seal, in conjunction with the triple offset geometry, results in a design that can provide bi-directional, bubble-tight shutoff.

“By extending the distribution territory in which we offer Flowserve products and adding a fifth ‘Black Tie Authorized Repair House,’ we will be better equipped than ever to successfully meet the needs of our customers. This demonstrates both our growth in the Houston market, as well as our commitment to investing in our manufacturing partners. Setpoint IS is excited about the benefits this expanded agreement with Flowserve will present to the industries we serve,” said Jeff Kelley, Vice President, Sales, Setpoint IS.

About the Flowserve Durco, Atomac and Automax Heritage Product Lines 

Durco, founded in 1912, is recognized as an innovative flow-control brand whose comprehensive portfolio of butterfly and plug valve products are designed to handle the most difficult and demanding applications.

Atomac valves, founded in 1964, provide bubble-tight shutoff, low maintenance, no-leak stem seals and the safety assurance of a blowout-proof stem assembly.

Automax valve automation systems, founded in 1984, provide full-service valve and damper automation, and actuation accessories.

About Flowserve

Flowserve Corp. is one of the world’s leading providers of fluid motion and control products and services. Operating in more than 55 countries, the company produces engineered and industrial pumps, seals and valves as well as a range of related flow management services. More information about Flowserve can be obtained by visiting the company’s website at www.flowserve.com.

About Setpoint Integrated Solutions

Setpoint Integrated Solutions (IS) is a leading integrated solutions and services provider in the process control industry. Setpoint IS engineers, sells and services products ranging from control valves and process automation equipment to relief valves and industrial filtration, and provides a full range of site services and immediate technical support. Setpoint Integrated Solutions, headquartered in Baton Rouge, La., is a subsidiary of Pon Holdings B.V. of the Netherlands. For more information on Setpoint IS’ products, services and locations, please visit www.setpointis.com.

CONTACT:

Wyatt Link, Marketing Specialist, Setpoint Integrated Solutions

Phone: (225)-612-1167 wlink@SetpointIS.com

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Technologies used to detect valve performance issues can be divided into two categories:  “direct” technologies that are determinative for the type of problem detected and “indirect” technologies that infer a problem based on indirect measurements or peripheral symptoms.  Each category includes tools that can detect problems without disturbing operation of the control valve (“real-time” tools) and those that are intrusive and cannot be used while the process is running (“offline” tools).

The ideal choice, of course, is a technology that is direct and real-time – able to detect problems determinatively during normal process operation.  Vibration monitors and acoustic sensors are two such tools.  Monitoring vibration of a control valve can flag mechanical problems related to the stem and plug.  Acoustic sensors can uncover such issues as cavitation, flashing and leakage to atmosphere.  These technologies are costly, however, and highly specialized training and extensive experience are required to correctly interpret the data they provide.  As a result, implementing them on a permanent basis is impractical for most facilities.

Digital Valve Positioners (DVPs), however, are an effective, budget-friendly and easily implemented direct/online tool. They have become the dominant brain of control valves and therefore, already found in many facilities.  The built-in sensors (input signal, position, pressure and temperature) combined with analytical software measure operating performance and will detect performance problems.  Their ability to capture and trend historical runtime data also provides leading indicators of valve performance degradation.

DVPs can help detect a wide variety of common control valve performance problems, including shutoff of upstream pressure, damage of internal parts from cavitation and flashing phenomena, fluid leakage to the atmosphere, high friction, actuator spring failure, air leaks from tubing or the actuator diaphragm, positioner contamination and positioner feedback.

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