Methods and apparatus for bypassing a positioner in an active control loop

摘要

Methods and apparatus for bypassing a positioner in an active control loop are described. An example actuator assembly includes a pneumatic actuator and a transfer station. The transfer station includes a body defining flow paths that enable fluid to flow between a supply pressure, a valve positioner, and the pneumatic actuator and between the supply pressure and the pneumatic actuator to bypass the valve positioner without disrupting a process loop including the valve positioner. The transfer station also includes a plurality of fluid flow control devices to control the fluid flow through the flow paths.

主权项

1. An apparatus, comprising:
a single-body manifold configured as a coupling interface between a pneumatic actuator and a valve positioner, the manifold defining first, second, and third flow paths and first and second ports coupled to the second flow path, the first port to be coupled to a first pressure gauge, the second port to be coupled to a second pressure gauge, the first flow path to enable fluid to flow between a supply pressure and the valve positioner, the second flow path to enable fluid to flow between the valve positioner and the pneumatic actuator and the third flow path to enable fluid to flow between the supply pressure and the pneumatic actuator to bypass the valve positioner without disrupting a process loop including the valve positioner; and first, second, and third fluid flow control devices positioned within the manifold to control the fluid flow through the respective first, second, and third flow paths, the second fluid flow control device positioned between the first and second ports.