White paper: Automating on/off process valves
A comparison of actuation methods for pneumatic actuators
On/off process valves can be automated in different ways using pneumatics. This white paper looks at automation using an individual valve, a valve terminal and a digital valve terminal, and compares the three actuation methods in terms of:
• Required hardware/components and the installation
effort involved
• Investment costs
• Potential for compressed air savings and increased
energy efficiency
• Diagnostic and maintenance options
• Potential for function integration
• Possible applications in safety-related circuits
• Possible applications in potentially explosive areas
