Samson AG’s (Frankfurt, Germany; www.samson.de) control valves can be integrated into all common process control systems. The detailed functioning is demonstrated by the Smart Valve Integration Center (SVIC), which was recently set up at the company’s headquarters in Frankfurt. At the Center, smart valve assemblies can be integrated into commonly used control, engineering and asset management systems to monitor their functioning while a process is running. The Center works in close cooperation with R&D and the test facilities department ensuring all the requirements for optimal integration of smart Samson devices.
An additional task covered by the Center involves the implementation of process or plant-specific setups in laboratory conditions to optimize device technology or to monitor unique plant conditions by performing individual system integration tests.
Device integration methods, such as EDDL and FDT/DTM, allow for vendor-independent integration into process automation systems. Sound knowledge of widely used systems and the performance of extensive system integration tests are necessary. The Center, therefore, functions as both training and test facility. Remote access to the systems makes the Center accessible from all over the globe. A powerful video and audio system ensures unrestricted communication during training and support sessions.
Like the R&D test facilities, the Center is at the heart of Samson’s research and development activities. One of the main fields of activity entails research into new technologies, such as wireless data transmission for diagnostics.
Additionally, studies of new technologies and methods for devices and diagnostics are performed to provide end users with even more detailed condition monitoring of control valves and to continuously reduce life cycle costs in the future. Further duties of the Center include optimization of commissioning and initialization functions, including device replacement, diagnostic functions, alarm management and handling, monitoring, long-term tests as well as preparing certification tests.
To coincide with the opening of the Center, the SVIC Academy was launched. It offers practice-oriented training, e.g. advanced positioner training. This training focuses on parameterization and configuration, diagnostic and status data logging as well as servicing, replacing and commissioning Samson’s smart field devices. Additional courses offered include basic training for HART, Profibus PA and Foundation fieldbus networks.