METSO - NELES ValvGuard - VG9000 Series - VG9215FE6

The Metso VG9000 series works by using a microcontroller (μC) to control a prestaged pneumatic valve (PR), which in turn operates a spool valve (SV) to direct airflow to an actuator. The microcontroller uses data from various sensors, including a position sensor and pressure sensors, to perform partial stroke tests (PST) and other diagnostics. In a safety-critical event, the safety signal is lost, de-energizing the prestage valve and allowing the spring-loaded spool valve to immediately shift to its fail-safe position.

Operating principle

• Normal operation: The microcontroller receives an input signal (e.g., 4-20 mA) and, along with data from sensors, uses the prestage valve to modulate the airflow to the spool valve. The spool valve then moves the actuator to the desired position.
• Partial stroke testing (PST): The microcontroller uses its control over the prestage valve to move the spool valve partially from its normal position towards the fail-safe position. This test is performed to verify the valve's readiness without a full shutdown.
• Fail-safe action: In an emergency, the safety signal (e.g., 24 V DC) is removed. This de-energizes the prestage valve, which allows the spring to force the spool valve into its designated fail-safe position, immediately and independently of the microcontroller.
• Diagnostics: The VG9000 continuously monitors various parameters, such as input signal, actuator pressures, and valve position, to perform self-diagnostics. This diagnostic information is available through interfaces like Metso Valve Manager or FieldCare software, enabling predictive maintenance.
• Communication: The device can be equipped with different communication protocols. The HART version operates on a 4-20 mA loop, while the FOUNDATION fieldbus version uses a separate 24 V DC signal for its safety functions.

The Metso (now Valmet) Neles ValvGuard VG9000 series is an intelligent safety solenoid that operates on a
microcontroller-based pneumatic principle to control emergency shutdown (ESD) and emergency venting (ESV) valves, while performing automatic partial stroke testing (PST) and diagnostics.

Core Operating Principle

The operating principle is based on a pneumatic solenoid valve (SV) and a prestage (PR) unit, all controlled by a powerful 32-bit microcontroller μC.

• Normal Operation: In its normal state, the device (when energized) uses the prestage and spool valve to maintain the air supply to the actuator, keeping the main valve in its normal operating position.
• Safety Action (Trip): When a safety signal (loss of 4-20mA signal in HART versions, or loss of 24 V DC signal in FOUNDATION fieldbus versions) is received, the safety part of the device de-energizes. This causes the spool valve to move to its fail-safe position (typically via spring force), which vents the air from the actuator (or supplies air, depending on configuration) and causes the main process valve to move to its safe state (fully open or fully closed).
• Microcontroller Control: The microcontroller continuously reads data from various integrated sensors (valve position, supply pressure, actuator pressures, device temperature). It uses this information for diagnostics and to control the position during testing, but it can never prevent the safety action (emergency trip) from occurring, ensuring safety integrity up to SIL 3 certification.

Key Features and Functionality

• Partial Stroke Testing (PST): The primary feature of the VG9000 is the automatic or manual PST, which involves moving the valve partially towards the fail-safe position without disrupting the process. This tests the mechanical and pneumatic integrity of the valve assembly on-line, increasing safety and reliability.
• Diagnostics: The device performs continuous self-diagnostics, online diagnostics, and performance diagnostics. The data is available via HART or FOUNDATION fieldbus communication and can be viewed using software like Neles FieldCare for predictive maintenance.
• P-option (PST only): A specific version (VG9000H_P), identified by a green cover, is designed for PST only and must be used with a separate external solenoid valve for the actual fail-safe action. This version provides additional protection against spurious trips.
• Pneumatic Capacity: The device has high pneumatic capacity, which often eliminates the need for additional instrumentation.

 Full Datasheet

Positioner Transmitter Feature  

• Manufacturer: Metso - VG9000 Series
• Product No. : VG9215FE6                                              
• PRODUCT GROUP - VG - Neles ValvGuard VG9000F, Intelligent Safety Solenoid. TÜV Rheinland SIL 3 certified according to IEC 61508.
• Series Code: 9 - Series 9000 intelligent safety solenoid with universal shaft and attachment face according to standard VDI/VDE 3845.
• ENCLOSURE: 2 - SStandard epoxy coated anodized aluminium enclosure.
• SPOOL VALVE / CONNECTIONS : 15 - SPOOL VALVE Standard capacity. Stroke volume of actuator > 0.6 dm3.. / CONNECTIONS S, C1, C2 = 1/4 NPT
• COMMUNICATION / INPUT SIGNAL RANGE: F - FOUNDATION fieldbus, physical layer according to IEC 61158-2
• APPROVALS FOR HAZARDOUS AREAS: E6 - ATEX and IECEx certifications: (see datasheet)

There are several Model of positioner, for more details read the PDF below 

Basic Ordering Information