70 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
70 lines
3.8 KiB
Markdown
# Valve Group Control Node
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The Valve Group Control Node is an intelligent software component that manages multiple valves as a single coordinated group. It acts as the “master controller” for all valves in a group, automatically distributing total flow, monitoring pressure drops, and optimizing system performance and safety.
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## What Processes Can It Connect With?
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Control Modules: Receives total flow setpoints or operational commands and orchestrates all connected valves to deliver the required process conditions.
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Equipment Monitoring: Monitors the real-time status, position, and pressure drop (deltaP) of each valve, detecting problems or imbalances early.
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Data Analysis: Aggregates valve data for dashboards, system analytics, and compliance reporting.
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Other Nodes: Integrates with rotating machine nodes, measurement nodes, or other group controllers to support system-wide coordination and optimization.
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## Inputs / Outputs
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### Inputs:
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Total flow setpoint (from operator, automation, or higher-level control)
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Operational commands (sequences, emergency stop, status checks)
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Configuration settings (operational modes, allowed sources, group properties)
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Real-time data from all connected (child) valve nodes
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### Outputs:
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Calculated flow assigned to each valve, based on Kv value and position
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Max deltaP across the valve group (critical for diagnostics and protection)
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Group state and operational status
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Real-time events for dashboards, alarms, and connected systems
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## Key Capabilities
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Automatic Flow Distribution: Divides total flow among all connected valves in proportion to their Kv (capacity) and actual position.
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Pressure Monitoring: Continuously calculates the highest (max) deltaP in the group, providing a single indicator for potential issues or maintenance needs.
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Flexible Control: Supports sequences (open/close cycles), emergency stops, and other automation strategies for coordinated valve management.
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Event-Driven Updates: Reacts instantly to flow changes, setpoint adjustments, or changes in valve positions—keeping the system in sync at all times.
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Child Valve Integration: Registers and manages all connected valves, directly updating each child valve with new flow assignments as process needs change.
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Configurable Modes: Can operate in different modes or accept control from multiple sources, depending on plant requirements.
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## Why is this relevant:
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Balanced Process Control: Prevents overloading or starving any single valve, extending equipment life and maintaining process stability.
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Fault Detection: Makes it easy to spot when one valve is experiencing excessive pressure drop, helping to avoid costly failures.
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Easy Integration: Plug-and-play with any number of valves or control strategies; adapts easily to system upgrades or expansions.
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## Potential Use Cases
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Aeration Systems: Controls multiple air valves in parallel to distribute air across tanks or zones.
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Distribution Networks: Manages groups of water, gas, or chemical valves to meet variable demand.
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Critical Processes: Ensures redundancy and reliability by automatically balancing flows across backup or parallel valves.
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Operator Dashboards: Aggregates and simplifies complex valve group data for real-time process monitoring.
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### Summary Table
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Feature Description
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Input Total flow setpoint, commands, configs, valve data
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Output Assigned flow per valve, max deltaP, group state
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Connects To Valve nodes, measurement nodes, controllers, dashboards
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Smartness Auto flow split, pressure monitoring, event-driven sync
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Setup Configurable per group, handles any number of valves
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Benefit Optimized, reliable, and easy valve group management
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If you operate systems with multiple valves working together, the Valve Group Control Node automates flow balancing and monitoring—improving efficiency, reliability, and process transparency. |