APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ACTUATOR PERFORMANCE MONITORING IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM

摘要

A method, apparatus, and computer program are provided for actuator perfo rmance monitoring. A test of an actuator (116-124) in a process control syst em (100) can be initiated, such as when a break in the operation of the actu ator (116-124) or a machine (102) associated with the actuator (116-124) is detected. The test could include providing a varying control signal (such as a varying pressure signal) to the actuator (116-124). A response of the act uator (116-124) to the control signal is analyzed to determine if the actuat or (116-124) is suffering from one or more faults. Analyzing the response co uld include generating a first pressurization curve identifying how a pressu re in the actuator (116-124) varies over time in response to the pressure si gnal. Analyzing the response could also include comparing the first pressuri zation curve to a second pressurization curve, such as a baseline pressuriza tion curve generated when the actuator (116-124) was first commissioned in t he process control system (100).