Festo introduces smart positioner for process valve control

Nov 05, 2023

By Rachael Pasini | September 20, 2022

Festo has reimagined pneumatic process valve position control through the new CMSH smart positioner and VTOP modular installation platform.

The CMSH shown here is mounted on a quarter-turn actuator via the VTOP modular platform.

The CMSH contains a host of features, including HART communications protocol and integrated safety functions that can provide customers with up to 30% in savings. The attach-and-play VTOP ‒ with any combination of filter regulator, booster, or fail-safe ‒ eliminates the time, expense, and risk of plumbing add-ons to the process valve assembly and can provide an additional 30% savings on the installation process.

Festo also provides one point of contact for world-class process valve assemblies and solutions, including online configuration tools that lower engineering overhead.

CMSH smart 2-wire positioner

The CMSH delivers a highly dynamic, low-wear positioning system with high air output and long service life. The positioner is designed for fast precision control of actuators – large or small, linear or rotary, and single-acting or double-acting. CMSH features 2-wire technology (analog and digital), HART communication, condition monitoring, fail-safe modes, and a modular system with many variants. With an ambient temperature range from -40 to 80° C, it is suitable for applications in the chemical industry, mining and mineral processing, and in energy, biotech, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, water, and bulk goods.

Festo CMSH smart positioner

An onboard setup wizard for common application parameters allows fast, efficient, and easy commissioning and initialization. Integrated pressure sensors provide intelligent diagnostic functions, including continuous monitoring of breakaway pressure, pressure-assisted partial stroke tests, and reliable leak detection. Status messages, such as failure, outside specification, function test, and maintenance required, can be viewed on the CMSH liquid crystal display or via a remote device.

The CMSH also features numerous configuration options for different applications, including the addition of onboard pressure gauges for additional pressure monitoring, digital end-position feedback, and a bank of unassigned inputs and outputs that give the user the freedom to add functionality. CMSH can be ordered for single-acting or double-acting actuators and can also be customized via an exchangeable sub-base so that one model can serve many different applications.

VTOP modular installation platform

Process valve assemblies consist of the valve, quarter-turn actuator, and oftentimes a positioner. The three-unit solution often requires additional components because of the need for air boost, safety venting, air filter, or pilot valves. The VTOP platform makes it fast and simple to add any combination of these functions through a series of attach-and-play modules. VTOP eliminates the need for external piping that takes time, adds to the footprint, and is susceptible to faults and leaks.

The Festo VTOP modules can be arranged in any configuration. Modules shown here left to right: CMSH mounting and pneumatic interface, fail-safe, booster, filter regulator, and end plate.

The modular design of the VTOP, which features patented, integrated air routing, enables the individual modules to be combined as needed for the customer's specific requirements. VTOP modules can be extended and retrofitted at any time. The platform is more compact than conventional solutions where the individual components connect by pipes in a complex process – a pneumatic control board, for example. VTOP modules feature VDI/VDE 3845 and 3847 1 and 2 component mounting plates.

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