This UL-approved Singer Valve multi-process control panel with touch screen is used to control a 36-inch 106-2SC-PCO-MV valve in parallel with a 24-inch 106-2SC-PCO-MV. The panel controls both pressure and flow for each individual valve. It is also equipped with a UPS battery backup and a thermoelectric dehumidifier. |
A digital input is usually used to remotely control an option on the panel. For example, a remote input can be used to open and close the valve or to turn on and off a specific control sequence. A digital output of the system is usually configured as an alarm or status indicator. The most common uses of this feature are to indicate signal loss from a feedback device or to indicate whether the system is currently idle or running a control sequence.
Installation and Power Source
The last questions to ask are, "Where is the best installation location?" and "Where is a power source?" A control panel can be designed for either AC or DC input supply voltages. The environment in which the panel will be installed will also need to be considered. Installation locations can vary, from mounting a panel next to the valve in a chamber where moisture may be a concern to mounting a panel aboveground out of a chamber where sun may be a concern. A control panel can accommodate both indoor and outdoor installations.
In some applications, an internal door, which holds the touchscreen display and any other buttons or indicators, is installed to minimize exposure to the elements and prevent damage to sensitive components.
When choosing your panel, consider the following checklist:
- Type of control
- Sensor inputs
- SCADA/remote inputs
- SCADA/retransmission outputs
- Alarm outputs
- Supply voltage
- Indoor/outdoor use
When all parts of the checklist are answered, the work on the control panel can begin. A valve manufacturer can supply both the control panel and the control valve it integrates with. The best way to think of a control valve and its panel is as a control package. With the checklist complete, the manufacturer can turn the control sequence into PLC logic to program the panel to your specifications. Depending on the application, the turnaround time on a small panel can be as quick as four weeks.
If you are a novice with electronics, your best option is to have a valve manufacturer come to the site and start up and commission the control panel. Start-up of the control panel includes commissioning of the valves, sensor setup, system input checks, and a full magnitude of testing, as well as complete training on the system. A good control panel is designed to be as user-friendly as possible. Once it's set up and training has been provided, you will be fully capable of taking over control of your panel. However, over time, if you feel the need for more training or want to make changes to the panel, your valve manufacturer will have records of your panel and code (usually based on a serial number tagged on your control panel).
A good, customized control panel can save a municipality many man hours, prevent loss of water, avoid potential disaster from an unknown situation, and offer peace of mind that the system is operating as it should 24 hours per day -- all with live feedback and the ability to make system parameter changes instantly at your fingertips. As the world around us becomes increasingly electronic in nature, so too can valve systems enjoy the freedom and security of electronic automation.
About the Author: Ryan Spooner is the automation and instrumentation engineer for Singer Valve. He has a degree in Mechatronics Engineering and has a deep understanding of electronics and a solid background in valve mechanics. Spooner designs and builds customized control panels, commissions and integrates systems with Singer valves and runs operator training sessions onsite.
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