EN 61514:2002

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-september-2002
Industrial-process control systems - Methods of evaluating the performance of
valve positioners with pneumatic outputs
Industrial-process control systems - Methods of evaluating the performance of valve
positioners with pneumatic outputs
Systeme der industriellen Prozesstechnik - Methoden der Beurteilung des
Betriebsverhaltens von Ventilstellungsreglern mit pneumatischen Ausgängen
Systèmes de commande des processus industriels - Méthodes d'évaluation des
performances des positionneurs de vannes à sorties pneumatiques
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 61514:2002
ICS:
23.060.40 7ODþQLUHJXODWRUML Pressure regulators
25.040.40 Merjenje in krmiljenje Industrial process
industrijskih postopkov measurement and control
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 61514
NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 2002
ICS 23.060;25.040.40
English version
Industrial-process control systems -
Methods of evaluating the performance of valve positioners
with pneumatic outputs
(IEC 61514:2000, modified)
Systèmes de commande Systeme der industriellen Prozesstechnik -
des processus industriels - Methoden der Beurteilung
Méthodes d'évaluation des performances des Betriebsverhaltens
des positionneurs de vannes von Ventilstellungsreglern
à sorties pneumatiques mit pneumatischen Ausgängen
(CEI 61514:2000, modifiée) (IEC 61514:2000, modifiziert)
This European Standard was approved by CENELEC on 2001-12-01. CENELEC members are bound to
comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national standards may be obtained on
application to the Central Secretariat or to any CENELEC member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other
language made by translation under the responsibility of a CENELEC member into its own language and
notified to the Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CENELEC members are the national electrotechnical committees of Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic,
Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands,
Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.
CENELEC
European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation Electrotechnique
Europäisches Komitee für Elektrotechnische Normung
Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 35, B - 1050 Brussels
© 2002 CENELEC - All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved worldwide for CENELEC members.
Ref. No. EN 61514:2002 E
Foreword
The text of the International Standard IEC 61514:2000, prepared by SC 65B, Devices, of IEC TC 65,
Industrial-process measurement and control, together with the common modifications prepared by
SR 65B, was submitted to the formal vote and was approved by CENELEC as EN 61514 on 2001-12-01.
The following dates were fixed:
- latest date by which the EN has to be implemented
at national level by publication of an identical
national standard or by endorsement (dop) 2002-12-01
- latest date by which the national standards conflicting
with the EN have to be withdrawn (dow) 2004-12-01
__________
Endorsement notice
The text of the International Standard IEC 61514:2000 was approved by CENELEC as a European
Standard with agreed common modifications as given below.
COMMON MODIFICATIONS
1 Scope and object
Replace the first paragraph by :
This European Standard specifies tests designed to determine the static and dynamic performance of
single-acting or double-acting analogue positioners. The tests may be applied to positioners, which
receive standard analogue input signals (as specified in IEC 60381 and IEC 60382) and have a
pneumatic output.
Positioners with pulsed or digital input signals, positioners with digital controllers and positioners with
pulsed outputs are outside the scope of this standard.
Delete the note.
- 3 - EN 61514:2002
Annex ZA
(normative)
Normative references to international publications
with their corresponding European publications
This European Standard incorporates by dated or undated reference, provisions from other publications.
These normative references are cited at the appropriate places in the text and the publications are listed
hereafter. For dated references, subsequent amendments to or revisions of any of these publications
apply to this European Standard only when incorporated in it by amendment or revision. For undated
references the latest edition of the publication referred to applies (including amendments).
NOTE When an international publication has been modified by common modifications, indicated by (mod), the relevant EN/HD
applies.
Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 60050-161 1990 International Electrotechnical --
Vocabulary (IEV) -
Chapter 161: Electromagnetic
compatibility
IEC 60068-2-1 1990 Environmental testing EN 60068-2-1 1993
Part 2: Tests - Tests A: Cold
1)
IEC 60068-2-2 1974 Part 2: Tests - Test B: Dry heat EN 60068-2-2 1993
IEC 60068-2-6 1995 Part 2: Tests - Test Fc: Vibration EN 60068-2-6 1995
+ corr. March 1995 (sinusoidal)
2)
IEC 60068-2-31 1969 Part 2: Tests - Test Ec: Drop and EN 60068-2-31 1993
topple, primarily for equipment-type
specimens
IEC 60068-2-56 1988 Part 2: Tests - Test Cb: Damp heat, HD 323.2.56 S1 1990
steady state, primarily for equipment
IEC 60381-1 1982 Analogue signals for process control HD 452.1 S1 1984
systems
Part 1: Direct current signals
IEC 60382 1991 Analogue pneumatic signal for process EN 60382 1993
control systems
IEC 60529 1989 Degrees of protection provided by EN 60529 1991
enclosures (IP Code) + corr. May 1993
IEC 60902 1987 Industrial-process measurement and--
control - Terms and definitions
3)
IEC 61000-4-3 1995 Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) EN 61000-4-3 1996
(mod) Part 4-3: Testing and measurement
techniques - Radiated, radio-frequency,
electromagnetic field immunity test

1)
EN 60068-2-2 includes supplement A:1976 to IEC 60068-2-2.
2)
EN 60068-2-31 includes A1:1982 to IEC 60068-2-31.
3)
EN 61000-4-3:1996 is superseded by EN 61000-4-3:2002 which is based on IEC 61000-4-3:2002.

Publication Year Title EN/HD Year
IEC 61000-4-4 1995 Part 4-4: Testing and measurement EN 61000-4-4 1995
techniques - Electrical fast
transient/burst immunity test
IEC 61000-4-5 1995 Part 4-5: Testing and measurement EN 61000-4-5 1995
techniques - Surge immunity test
IEC 61000-4-8 1993 Part 4-8: Testing and measurement EN 61000-4-8 1993
techniques - Power frequency magnetic
field immunity test
4)
IEC 61010-1 1990 Safety requirements for electrical EN 61010-1 1993
(mod) equipment for measurement, control
and laboratory use
Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61032 1997 Protection of persons and equipment by EN 61032 1998
enclosures - Probes for verification
IEC 61187 1993 Electrical and electronic measuring EN 61187 1994
(mod) equipment - Documentation + corr. March 1995
IEC 61298-4 1995 Process measurement and control EN 61298-4 1995
devices - General methods and
procedures for evaluating performance
Part 4: Evaluation report content

4)
EN 61010-1:1993 is superseded by EN 61010-1:2001 which is based on IEC 61010-1:2001.

NORME
CEI
INTERNATIONALE IEC
INTERNATIONAL
Première édition
STANDARD
First edition
2000-04
Systèmes de commande des processus industriels –
Méthodes d’évaluation des performances
des positionneurs de vannes à sorties
pneumatiques
Industrial-process control systems –
Methods of evaluating the performance of
valve positioners with pneumatic outputs
© IEC 2000 Droits de reproduction réservés ⎯ Copyright - all rights reserved
Aucune partie de cette publication ne peut être reproduite ni No part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in
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For price, see current catalogue

61514 © IEC:2000 – 3 –
CONTENTS
Page
FOREWORD . 7
Clause
1 Scope and object . 9
2 Normative references. 11
3 Definitions. 13
4 General conditions for tests . 19
4.1 Environmental test conditions . 19
4.1.1 Recommended limits of ambient conditions for test measurements . 19
4.2 Supply conditions. 19
4.2.1 Reference values . 19
4.2.2 Tolerances. 21
5 General testing procedures . 21
5.1 Test equipment . 21
5.2 Test methods. 21
5.3 Testing precautions . 21
5.4 Basic test arrangement . 23
5.4.1 Positioner tested independently of an actuator . 23
5.4.2 Positioner tested in conjunction with an actuator. 25
5.5 Initial setting-up . 27
5.5.1 Positioner tested independently of an actuator . 27
5.5.2 Positioner tested in conjunction with an actuator. 27
6 Test procedures. 27
6.1 Gain characteristic. 27
6.1.1 Positioner tested independently of an actuator . 29
6.1.2 Positioner tested in conjunction with an actuator. 29
6.2 Travel characteristic . 31
6.2.1 Positioner tested independently of an actuator . 31
6.2.2 Positioner tested in conjunction with an actuator. 31
6.3 Accuracy related terms . 31
6.3.1 Inaccuracy . 31
6.3.2 Measured error . 33
6.3.3 Conformity error or linearity error (non-conformity/non-linearity) . 33
6.3.4 Hysteresis. 33
6.3.5 Repeatability error (non-repeatability) . 33
6.4 Dead band . 35
6.4.1 Dead band – Input path. 35
6.4.2 Dead band – Travel path. 37
6.5 Airflow data. 39
6.5.1 Airflow characteristic. 39
6.5.2 Steady-state air consumption. 43

61514 © IEC:2000 – 5 –
Clause Page
6.6 Effects of influence quantities . 45
6.6.1 Supply pressure . 47
6.6.2 Ambient temperature. 47
6.6.3 Relative humidity . 49
6.6.4 Mounting position. 51
6.6.5 Mechanical shock . 51
6.6.6 Vibration . 53
6.6.7 Power-frequency magnetic field . 55
6.6.8 Radiated electromagnetic field interference. 57
6.6.9 Electrical fast transients (burst). 57
6.6.10 Surge voltage immunity. 59
6.6.11 Series mode interference . 61
6.7 Input over-range . 63
6.7.1 Positioner tested independently of an actuator . 63
6.7.2 Positioner tested in conjunction with an actuator. 63
6.7.3 Common text for positioners tested independently of an actuator/
with an actuator . 63
6.8 Drift . 63
6.8.1 Start-up drift. 63
6.8.2 Long-term drift . 65
6.9 Accelerated life test . 67
6.9.1 Positioner tested independently of an actuator. 67
6.9.2 Positioner tested in conjunction with an actuator. 67
6.9.3 Common test for positioners tested in conjunction with/independently
of an actuator. 67
6.10 Dynamic response . 67
6.10.1 General considerations . 67
6.10.2 Basic test arrangement . 69
6.10.3 Frequency response . 71
6.10.4 Step response. 73
7 Other considerations. 77
7.1 General. 77
7.2 Safety . 77
7.3 Degree of protection provided by enclosures . 77
7.4 Documentary information . 77
7.5 Installation . 77
7.6 Routine maintenance and adjustment . 79
7.7 Repair. 79
7.8 Protective finishes . 79
7.9 Design features . 79
7.10 Variants . 79
7.11 Tools and equipment . 79
8 Test report and documentation. 79

61514 © IEC:2000 – 7 –
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INDUSTRIAL-PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS –
Methods of evaluating the performance of valve positioners
with pneumatic outputs
FOREWORD
1) The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of the IEC is to promote
international co-operation on all questions concerning standardization in the electrical and electronic fields. To
this end and in addition to other activities, the IEC publishes International Standards. Their preparation is
entrusted to technical committees; any IEC National Committee interested in the subject dealt with may
participate in this preparatory work. International, governmental and non-governmental organizations liaising
with the IEC also participate in this preparation. The IEC collaborates closely with the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO) in accordance with conditions determined by agreement between the
two organizations.
2) The formal decisions or agreements of the IEC on technical matters express, as nearly as possible, an
international consensus of opinion on the relevant subjects since each technical committee has representation
from all interested National Committees.
3) The documents produced have the form of recommendations for international use and are published in the form
of standards, technical specifications, technical reports or guides and they are accepted by the National
Committees in that sense.
4) In order to promote international unification, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC International
Standards transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional standards. Any
divergence between the IEC Standard and the corresponding national or regional standard shall be clearly
indicated in the latter.
5) The IEC provides no marking procedure to indicate its approval and cannot be rendered responsible for any
equipment declared to be in conformity with one of its standards.
6) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this International Standard may be the subject
of patent rights. The IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61514 has been prepared by subcommittee 65B: Devices, of IEC
technical committee 65: Industrial-process measurement and control.
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
65B/394/FDIS 65B/403/RVD
Full information on the voting for the approval of this standard can be found in the report on
voting indicated in the above table.
This publication has been drafted in accordance with the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 3.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged
until 2006. At this date, the publication will be
 reconfirmed;
 withdrawn;
 replaced by a revised edition, or
 amended.
61514 © IEC:2000 – 9 –
INDUSTRIAL-PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS –
Methods of evaluating the performance of valve positioners
with pneumatic outputs
1 Scope and object
This International Standard specifies tests designed to determine the static and dynamic
performance of single-acting or double-acting positioners. The tests may be applied to
positioners which receive standard analogue input signals (as specified in IEC 60381 and
IEC 60382) and have a pneumatic output.
NOTE For positioners with pulsed or digital input signals, equivalent criteria may be applied. The methods
described may not fully apply to positioners with digital controllers or positioners with pulsed outputs.
Testing may be conducted either on a positioner alone, independently of an actuator, or on a
positioner mounted and connected to a specific actuator, as a combined unit. The text makes
clear where different approaches are required.
The methods of evaluation given in this standard are intended for use by manufacturers to
determine the performance of their products, and by users, or independent testing establish-
ments, to verify manufacturers' performance specifications.
The closest liaison should be maintained between the evaluating body and the manufacturer.
Note should be taken of the manufacturer's specifications for the instrument when the test
programme is being decided, and the manufacturer should be invited to comment on both the
test programme and the results. His comments on the results should be included in any report
produced by the testing organization.
This standard is intended to provide definitions of positioner elements, actions, and
characteristics, to specify uniform methods of measuring performance errors and effects of
influence quantities on those characteristics, and to describe methods of reporting and
evaluating the results of the measurement data obtained.
The test conditions described in this publication (for example range of ambient temperatures
and power supply) relate to conditions which commonly arise in use. Consequently, the
values specified shall be used where no other values are specified by the manufacturer or
user. If other values are used, they should be stated. It is recognized that the manufacturer's
specifications and instructions for installation and operation should apply during all steps.
The tests specified in this standard are not necessarily sufficient for instruments specifically
designed for unusually arduous conditions. Conversely, a reduced series of tests may serve
adequately for instruments designed to perform within a more limited range of conditions.
When a full evaluation, in accordance with this standard, is not required or possible, those
tests which are required should be performed and the results reported in accordance with the
relevant parts of this standard. In such cases, the test report should state that it does not
cover the full number of tests specified herein.

61514 © IEC:2000 – 11 –
2 Normative references
The following normative documents contain provisions which, through reference in this text,
constitute provisions of IEC 61514. For dated references, subsequent amendments to, or
revisions of, any of these publications do not apply. However, parties to agreements based on
IEC 61514 are encouraged to investigate the possibility of applying the most recent editions
of the normative documents indicated below. For undated references, the latest edition of the
normative document referred to applies. Members of IEC and ISO maintain registers of
currently valid International Standards.
IEC 60050(161):1990, International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) – Chapter 161: Electro-
magnetic compatibility
IEC 60068-2-1:1990, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Test A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2:1974, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Test B: Dry heat
IEC 60068-2-6:1995, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Test Fc: Vibration (sinusoidal)
IEC 60068-2-31:1969, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Test Ec: Drop and topple,
primarily for equipment-type specimens
IEC 60068-2-56:1988, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Test Cb: Damp heat, steady
state, primarily for equipment
IEC 60381-1:1982, Analogue signals for process control systems – Part 1: Direct current
signals
IEC 60382:1991, Analogue pneumatic signal for process control systems
IEC 60529:1989, Degree of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60902:1987, Industrial-process measurement and control – Terms and definitions
IEC 61000-4-3:1995, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques – Section 3: Radiated, radio-frequency electromagnetic field immunity test
IEC 61000-4-4:1995, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques – Section 4: Electrical fast transient/burst immunity test
IEC 61000-4-5:1995, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques – Section 5: Surge immunity test
IEC 61000-4-8:1993, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4: Testing and measurement
techniques – Section 8: Power frequency magnetic field immunity test
IEC 61010-1:1990, Safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control,
and laboratory use – Part 1: General requirements
IEC 61032:1997, Protection of persons and equipment by enclosures – Probes for verification
IEC 61187:1993, Electrical and electronic measuring equipment – Documentation
IEC 61298-4:1995, Process measurement and control devices – General methods and
procedures for evaluating performance – Part 4: Evaluation report content

61514 © IEC:2000 – 13 –
3 Definitions
For the purpose of this standard, the definitions given in IEC 60902 and IEC 60050(161) shall
be applied, in addition to the following definitions.
3.1
positioner
position controller connected to the moving part of a final control element or its actuator;
automatically adjusts its output signal Y to the actuator in order to maintain a desired travel
signal X that bears a predetermined relationship to the input signal W
NOTE In this standard, only positioners with pneumatic output signals Y are considered. The input signal W may
be an air pressure (pneumatic positioner), or an electric current or voltage (electro-pneumatic positioner), or a
pulse or digital signal.
3.1.1
single-acting positioner
positioner (see figure 1a) having one output signal Y which acts on one side of the actuator.
The returning force for the actuator is usually provided by springs
3.1.2
double-acting positioner
positioner (see figure 1b) providing two output signals Y and Y connected to opposite sides
D R
of the actuator diaphragm or piston
Actuator
Output
signal
Y
Input signal W
Travel
Positioner
signal
X
Supply
Friction
P
s
IEC  340/2000
Figure 1a – Single-acting positioner/actuator
Actuator
Output
signal
Output
Y
D
signal Y
R
Input signal W
Travel
Positioner
signal
X
Friction
Supply
P
s IEC  341/2000
Figure 1b – Double-acting positioner/actuator
Figure 1 – Single- and double-acting positioner/actuator

61514 © IEC:2000 – 15 –
3.2
input signal W
reference input signal which represents the desired position of the associated control element
3.3
travel signal X
signal which results from the linear or angular travel caused by movement of the final control
element or its actuator
3.4
output signal Y
air pressure delivered to the actuator of the final control element
3.5
supply pressure P
s
air pressure at the supply connector of the positioner
3.6
action
action is direct when the output signal Y increases as the value of the input signal W
increases. The action is reverse when the output signal Y decreases as the value of the input
signal W increases
3.7
split ranging
special adjustment in which the full travel of the actuator is achieved from only part of the
whole input range (for example 0 % to 50 % or 50 % to 100 %)
3.8
gain characteristic
relationship between input signal W and output signal Y with travel signal X kept constant (i.e.
locked stem); see figure 2
Incremental gain ∆Y/∆W varies with pressure and the related pressure shall be stated.
3.9
proportional (average) gain factor K
p
gain over the full range of the actuator. The proportional gain factor for a single-acting
positioner may be derived from the gain characteristic (figure 2a):
Y
max
K
=
p
W
max
where ∆W is the change of input signal W as a percentage of span required to change the
max
output signal over the whole range (∆Y for 100 %). In this case ∆W (%) corresponds to
max max
the proportional band X (%). The output signal range ∆Y is taken to be the nominal range
p max
stated by the manufacturer.
For a double-acting positioner, a gain factor for each output may be derived separately (see
figure 2b):
∆Y ∆Y
max max
K = K =
pD pR
∆W ∆W
D max R max
61514 © IEC:2000 – 17 –
The proportional gain factor K for a double-acting positioner may then be calculated as the
p
summation of the two individual gain factors, i.e.:
= +
K K K
p pD pR
or derived from the differential pressure characteristic (Y – Y ); see figure 2b.
D R
The balance pressure Y is the cross-over point of the direct Y and reverse Y charac-
B D R
teristics. Generally, this value depends on the supply pressure applied to the positioner.
∆W
Rmax
100 %
100 %
Y
D
Y
∆Y R
max
Y
Y
B
Y
(Y - Y )
DR
∆W
0 %
max
0 %
W
∆
Dmax
W
W
IEC  342/2000 IEC  343/2000
Figure 2a – Single-acting positioner Figure 2b – Double-acting positioner
Figure 2 – Gain characteristic
3.10
proportional band X
p
the proportional band X is defined as
p
100 %
X (%) =
p
K
p
3.11
local gain factor K
l
slope of the gain characteristic at a specific input value
3.12
travel characteristic
closed-loop relationship of a positioner/actuator between the input signal W and the travel
signal X
The intended relationship between input signal W and travel signal X (for example linear or
equal percentage) determines the ideal characteristic.
3.13
travel factor U
ratio between the travel span and the corresponding input span. This may be adjustable.

61514 © IEC:2000 – 19 –
3.14
maximum measured error
largest positive or negative value of error of the average up-scale or down-scale value at each
point of measurement
4 General conditions for tests
4.1 Environmental test conditions
The tests shall be performed under the ambient test conditions recommended below:
Table 1 – Environmental conditions
Atmospheric test conditions Temperature Relative humidity Atmospheric pressure
°C % kPa
Standard reference 20 65 101,3
atmosphere
Recommended limits 15 to 25 45 to 75 86 to 106
Referee measurements a: 20 ± 2 65 ± 5 86 to 106
b: 23 ± 2 50 ± 5 86 to 106
The test values shall be corrected back to the standard reference atmosphere conditions
listed above. The standard reference atmosphere is equivalent to the normal reference
operating conditions commonly identified by the manufacturer.
It is recognized that there may not be a factor to correct for humidity. When measurements
within the recommended range of ambient conditions are unsatisfactory, and the correction
factors to adjust parameters to the standard atmosphere are unknown, repeat measurements
(referee measurements) may be conducted under the conditions listed in table 1, a or b, or
other reference operating conditions identified by the manufacturer.
NOTE Special equipment may be required to maintain the basic test conditions within the limits specified.
4.1.1 Recommended limits of ambient conditions for test measurements
Electromagnetic field: value to be stated, if relevant.
Maximum rate of change of ambient temperature permissible during any test: 1 °C in 10 min,
but not more than 3 °C/h.
4.2 Supply conditions
4.2.1 Reference values
Electrical supply: the values specified by the manufacturer.
Pneumatic supply: the values specified by the manufacturer, or a supply pressure of 4,0 bar
(400 kPa).
61514 © IEC:2000 – 21 –
4.2.2 Tolerances
The tolerances given below apply, unless closer tolerances are agreed between user and
manufacturer.
a) Electrical supply
– Rated voltage: ±1 %.
– Rated frequency: ±1 %.
– Harmonic distortion (a.c. supply): less than 5 %.
– Ripple (d.c. supply): less than 0,1 %.
b) Pneumatic supply
– Rated pressure: ±3 %;
– Supply air temperature: ambient temperature ±2 °C.
– Supply air humidity: dew-point at least 10 °C below device body
temperature.
– Oil and dust content
–6
• oil: less than 10 by weight;
• dust: absence of particles greater than 3 µm in
diameter.
5 General testing procedures
5.1 Test equipment
When the accuracy rating of the reference measuring means is one-tenth or less than that of
the device under test, the accuracy rating of the reference measuring means may be ignored
in calculations, but shall be reported. When the accuracy rating of the reference measuring
means is one-third or less, but greater than one-tenth of that of the device under test, the
accuracy rating of the reference measuring means shall be stated in the report.
5.2 Test methods
Specific test methods and test configurations are described separately in clause 6.
5.3 Testing precautions
Unless affecting the influence condition being tested, the following conditions shall apply.
An adequate time, as specified by the manufacturer, shall be allowed after switching on the
power supply in order to allow stabilization of the positioner and/or associated test equipment.
In the absence of a manufacturer specification, a period of at least 15 min shall be allowed (at
least 30 min for electrical supplies).
Prior to recording observations, the device under test shall be exercised by three or more full
range traverses in each direction.

61514 © IEC:2000 – 23 –
The measurement points used to determine the relevant performance characteristic should be
distributed over the range. They should include points at or near (within 10 %) the lower- and
upper-range values. There should be at least six measurement points, and preferably more.
The number and location of these measurement points should be consistent with the degree
of precision required and the characteristic being evaluated. Each measurement point should
be reached avoiding any overshoot of the input signal.
At each point being observed, the recording shall be made after the device becomes
stabilized at its apparent steady-state value.
Tapping or vibrating the device under test is not allowed unless the performance
characteristic under study requires such action.
All testing should be conducted with positioner covers in place.
Any mechanical stops should be adjusted so that they do not interfere with the
measurements.
All tests shall be conducted with the device in an agreed mounting position(s), which shall be
stated in the report.
Characteristics and data which are dependent on the supply pressure value (for example air
consumption, flow capacity, etc.) should be measured at minimum and maximum values of the
specified supply pressure range.
Positioners fitted with a cam shall be tested with input/travel characteristics which are
normally linear.
5.4 Basic test arrangement
The basic test arrangements are shown in figures 3a and 3b.
5.4.1 Positioner tested independently of an actuator
Tests carried out on a positioner, tested independently of an actuator, are conducted with the
output Y of the positioner connected only to a dummy load (sometimes referred to as "open-
loop" operation).
Unless otherwise agreed, a 1 000 cm volume shall be connected to the output. In this way,
the performance of the positioner is not affected by the performance of the actuator.
This is the only test method which provides positioner data independent of an actuator, and
may be useful in comparing the performance of one positioner with another, or in checking a
manufacturer's specification for a positioner.
The travel adjustment can be made manually or by using an actuator (manually controlled).
The input signal W can be manually adjusted to obtain the required re-balance of output
signal Y, or a loop between output signal Y and input signal W can be arranged if desired, i.e.
automatic re-balance.
61514 © IEC:2000 – 25 –
Dummy
load
Output
signal
Y
Travel
signal
Positioner
X Input signal W
Supply
P
s
IEC  344/2000
Figure 3a
Travel
Positioner
signal
Input
X
signal W
Output
signal
Y
P/E
Supply
P + I
P
s
W
IEC  345/2000
Figure 3b
Figure 3 – Basic test arrangement
NOTE 1 With positioners possessing an additional integral mode (i.e. PI control action) it is necessary to use an
automatic re-balance loop to achieve stable measurements. In this case, the output Y of the positioner is
connected to the input (+) of the pneumatic rebalance device (for example summing relay or PI controller), whose
output is fed back to the input W of the positioner. In cases where the input W is an electrical signal, a
pressure/electrical convertor must be included in the circuit, after the re-balance device. The arrangement for this
additional test is shown in figure 3b.
NOTE 2 The input signal W can be a pressure or an electrical signal. The output signal Y is a pressure. The
normal test procedure will be to set the travel input signal X to some desired position and then to adjust the input
signal W sufficiently to balance a change in output signal Y.
5.4.2 Positioner tested in conjunction with an actuator
Tests carried out in conjunction with an actuator are conducted on a positioner when it is
mounted on and connected to an actuator, as a complete positioner/actuator assembly.
The positioner may be fitted to any commercially available actuator with which it is
compatible. The selected actuator is the choice of the user or the manufacturer. Generally,
the results of tests may be affected by performance of the actuator used for the test.
Therefore, supporting information about the actuator used (such as friction, inertia, type of
packing material, etc.) should be included in the presentation of the test report (see clause 8).
NOTE 1 The input signal W can be a pressure or an electrical signal. Some means of accurately measuring the
travel X is necessary. The normal test procedure will be to set the input signal W to some desired value and then to
read the corresponding value of the travel signal X.
NOTE 2 Since the output pressure signals Y (or Y and Y for a double-acting positioner) are connected to the
D R
actuator (sometimes referred to as "closed-loop" operation) and since their actual values are only an internal
signal, they need be measured only if specifically required.

61514 © IEC:2000 – 27 –
5.5 Initial setting-up
The positioner shall be adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.
5.5.1 Positioner tested independently of an actuator
Where the gain of the positioner can be altered, it should be set at a value K = 50 or at a
p
proportional band X = 2 %. If this is not convenient, another value recommended by the
p
manufacturer may be used.
If required, some characteristics and data may be measured at minimum or maximum K (X )
p p
values.
Adjust the travel span and input range as required. When a positioner can be set for a travel
span of 25 mm or 90° for a rotary-actuating positioner, this is preferred.
The output pressure range for a single-acting positioner will be 0,2 bar to 1 bar. For a double-
acting positioner it will be ±0,4 bar from the balance pressure Y . Other values may be
B
specified by the manufacturer.
With the normal characteristics (i.e. without splitting) the lower range point is determined
by 0 % input and 0 % travel, the upper range point is determined by 100 % input and 100 %
travel.
5.5.2 Positioner tested in conjunction with an actuator
With a single range (i.e. not split) the lower range point is determined by 0 % input and 0 %
travel, and the upper range point is determined by 100 % input and 100 % travel.
Normally, the gain of the positioner should be set as high as possible in order to minimize the
deviations, but otherwise the gain shall be kept low enough to avoid "hunting" in the closed
loop. If a positioner with a fixed gain is under test, some other means of damping may be
used to avoid "hunting". If the positioner provides additional adjustment means (for example
integral control action), this should be adjusted as specified by the manufacturer. The set
values of the gain and/or other adjustment means should be reported.
6 Test procedures
6.1 Gain characteristic
Adjust the positioner input signal W to bring the output signal Y to 0 % of its range. Then
slowly vary the input signal W so that the output signal Y will successively assume values of
20 %, 40 %, 60 %, 80 %, and 100 % (or other sufficiently small increments) and back to 0 %.
At each setting, measure the input signal W and the output signal Y. Plot the values of the
output signal Y against the input signal W. A typical plot is shown in figure 2a.
From the gain characteristic (see figure 2) can be measured the proportional band X or gain
p
K , and if required the local gain factor K may be derived as the differential quotient.
p l
dY
K =
l
dW
61514 © IEC:2000 – 29 –
Where the gain of the positioner can be adjusted, minimum and maximum K (or X ) values
p p
as specified by the manufacturer should be measured.
In order to check if the gain of the positioner is dependent on the supply pressure, the
influence of the supply pressure change on the gain value shall be measured.
The influence should be reported as the maximum change in gain per 0,1 bar change in
supply pressure.
When a single-acting positioner has options for direct and reverse action, the gain of each
shall be measured.
The same procedure as specified above may be used for a double-acting positioner, plotting a
separate gain characteristic for each output. A typical plot is shown in figure 2b.
6.1.1 Positioner tested independently of an actuator
Adjust the travel X to its mid-range (50 %) and secure it in this position. If required, the gain
characteristic may, in addition, be measured at travel X settings of approximately 10 % and
90 % of its range.
NOTE For positioners that include an additional integral mode (i.e. PI control action), the integral action should
be switched off or set to minimum effect.
6.1.2 Positioner tested in conjunction with an actua
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