Industrial process control systems - Part 2: Methods of evaluating the performance of intelligent valve positioners with pneumatic outputs mounted on an actuator valve assembly

IEC 61514-2:2013 specifies design reviews and tests intended to measure and determine the static and dynamic performance, the degree of intelligence and the communication capabilities of single-acting or double-acting intelligent valve positioners. The tests may be applied to positioners which receive standard analogue electrical input signals (as specified in IEC 60381) and/or digital signals via a data communication link and have a pneumatic output. This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004 and constitutes a technical revision. The significant changes with respect to the previous edition are: The standard has been optimized for usability and the test procedures have been reviewed regarding applicability for use in test facilities. Impractical test procedures were removed or modified.
This publication is to be read in conjunction with IEC 61514:2000.

Systèmes de commande des processus industriels - Partie 2: Méthodes d'évaluation des performances des positionneurs de vanne intelligents à sorties pneumatiques montés sur un ensemble actionneur/vanne

La CEI 61514-2:2013 spécifie des revues de conception et des essais destinés à mesurer et à déterminer les performances statiques et dynamiques, le degré d'intelligence et les capacités de transmission de données des positionneurs de vanne intelligents à simple et double effet. Les essais peuvent être appliqués à des positionneurs qui reçoivent des signaux analogiques d'entrée électriques normalisés (tels que spécifiés dans la CEI 60381) et/ou des signaux numériques par l'intermédiaire d'une liaison de transmission de données et qui disposent d'une sortie pneumatique. Cette deuxième édition annule et remplace la première édition parue en 2004, dont elle constitue une révision technique. Les modifications significatives sont: la norme a été optimisée pour une facilité d'utilisation et les procédures d'essai ont été revues concernant l'applicabilité pour une utilisation dans des installations d'essai. Les procédures d'essai non réalisables en pratique ont été supprimées ou modifiées.
Cette publication doit être lue conjointement avec la CEI 61514:2000.

General Information

Status
Published
Publication Date
26-Jun-2013
Current Stage
PPUB - Publication issued
Start Date
27-Jun-2013
Completion Date
30-Jun-2013
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Standard
IEC 61514-2:2013 - Industrial process control systems - Part 2: Methods of evaluating the performance of intelligent valve positioners with pneumatic outputs mounted on an actuator valve assembly
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IEC 61514-2 ®
Edition 2.0 2013-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Industrial process control systems –
Part 2: Methods of evaluating the performance of intelligent valve positioners
with pneumatic outputs mounted on an actuator valve assembly

Systèmes de commande des processus industriels –
Partie 2: Méthodes d’évaluation des performances des positionneurs de vanne
intelligents à sorties pneumatiques montés sur un ensemble actionneur/vanne

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IEC 61514-2 ®
Edition 2.0 2013-06
INTERNATIONAL
STANDARD
NORME
INTERNATIONALE
Industrial process control systems –

Part 2: Methods of evaluating the performance of intelligent valve positioners

with pneumatic outputs mounted on an actuator valve assembly

Systèmes de commande des processus industriels –

Partie 2: Méthodes d’évaluation des performances des positionneurs de vanne

intelligents à sorties pneumatiques montés sur un ensemble actionneur/vanne

INTERNATIONAL
ELECTROTECHNICAL
COMMISSION
COMMISSION
ELECTROTECHNIQUE
PRICE CODE
INTERNATIONALE
CODE PRIX W
ICS 23.060; 25.040.40 ISBN 978-2-83220-834-2

– 2 – 61514-2 © IEC:2013
CONTENTS
FOREWORD . 4
INTRODUCTION . 6
1 Scope . 7
2 Normative references . 7
3 Terms and definitions . 9
4 Design review . 10
4.1 General . 10
4.2 Positioner identification . 11
4.2.1 Overview . 11
4.2.2 Power supply unit . 11
4.2.3 Sensor/input assembly . 11
4.2.4 Auxiliary sensor assembly . 11
4.2.5 Human interface . 12
4.2.6 Communication interface . 12
4.2.7 Data processing unit . 12
4.2.8 Output subsystem . 12
4.2.9 External functionality . 13
4.3 Aspects of functionality and capabilities to be reviewed . 13
4.3.1 Checklist. 13
4.3.2 Reporting . 19
4.4 Documentary information . 19
5 Performance testing . 21
5.1 General . 21
5.2 Reference conditions for performance tests . 21
5.2.1 Overview . 21
5.2.2 Valve characteristics . 21
5.3 General testing procedures . 23
5.3.1 Test set-up . 23
5.3.2 Testing precautions . 24
5.4 Initial observations and measurements . 24
5.4.1 Overview . 24
5.4.2 Mounting procedure . 24
5.4.3 Configuration procedures . 24
5.4.4 Stem position calibration procedure. 25
5.4.5 Stem position tuning procedure . 25
5.5 Performance test procedures . 26
5.5.1 General . 26
5.5.2 Effects of influence quantities . 29
6 Other considerations . 35
6.1 Safety . 35
6.2 Degree of protection provided by enclosures . 35
6.3 Electromagnetic emission . 35
6.4 Variants . 35
7 Evaluation report . 35
Annex A (normative) Vibration test set-up . 37
Bibliography . 38

61514-2 © IEC:2013 – 3 –
Figure 1 – Positioner model in extensive configuration . 11
Figure 2 – Basic design for positioners with analogue outputs . 13
Figure 3 – Basic design for positioners with pulsed output . 13
Figure 4 – Basic test set-up . 24
Figure 5 – Examples of step responses of positioners . 28
Figure A.1 – Test set-up for vibration test . 37

Table 1 – Functionality (1 of 2) . 14
Table 2 – Configurability . 16
Table 3 – Hardware configuration . 17
Table 4 – Operability . 17
Table 5 – Dependability (1 of 2) . 18
Table 6 – Fail safe behaviour . 19
Table 7 – Reporting . 19
Table 8 – Document information . 20
Table 9 – Test under reference conditions (1 of 3) . 26
Table 10 – Matrix of instrument properties and tests (1 of 6) . 30

– 4 – 61514-2 © IEC:2013
INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION
____________
INDUSTRIAL PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS –

Part 2: Methods of evaluating the performance of intelligent
valve positioners with pneumatic outputs mounted
on an actuator valve assembly
FOREWORD
1) The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is a worldwide organization for standardization comprising
all national electrotechnical committees (IEC National Committees). The object of 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, IEC publishes International Standards, Technical Specifications,
Technical Reports, Publicly Available Specifications (PAS) and Guides (hereafter referred to as “IEC
Publication(s)”). 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. 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 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 IEC National Committees.
3) IEC Publications have the form of recommendations for international use and are accepted by IEC National
Committees in that sense. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure that the technical content of IEC
Publications is accurate, IEC cannot be held responsible for the way in which they are used or for any
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4) In order to promote international uniformity, IEC National Committees undertake to apply IEC Publications
transparently to the maximum extent possible in their national and regional publications. Any divergence
between any IEC Publication and the corresponding national or regional publication shall be clearly indicated in
the latter.
5) IEC itself does not provide any attestation of conformity. Independent certification bodies provide conformity
assessment services and, in some areas, access to IEC marks of conformity. IEC is not responsible for any
services carried out by independent certification bodies.
6) All users should ensure that they have the latest edition of this publication.
7) No liability shall attach to IEC or its directors, employees, servants or agents including individual experts and
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other damage of any nature whatsoever, whether direct or indirect, or for costs (including legal fees) and
expenses arising out of the publication, use of, or reliance upon, this IEC Publication or any other IEC
Publications.
8) Attention is drawn to the Normative references cited in this publication. Use of the referenced publications is
indispensable for the correct application of this publication.
9) Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this IEC Publication may be the subject of
patent rights. IEC shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
International Standard IEC 61514-2 has been prepared by subcommittee 65B: Measurement
and control devices, of IEC technical committee 65: Industrial-process measurement, control
and automation.
This part of IEC 61514 is to be used in conjunction with IEC 61514:2000.
This second edition cancels and replaces the first edition published in 2004. This edition
constitutes a technical revision.
The significant changes with respect to the previous edition are as follows:
– The standard has been optimized for usability.
– The test procedures have been reviewed regarding applicability for use in test facilities.
Impractical test procedures were removed or modified.

61514-2 © IEC:2013 – 5 –
The text of this standard is based on the following documents:
FDIS Report on voting
65B/868/FDIS 65B/872/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 2.
A list of all parts of the IEC 61514 series, published under the general title Industrial process
control systems, can be found on the IEC website.
The committee has decided that the contents of this publication will remain unchanged until the
stability date indicated on the IEC web site under "http://webstore.iec.ch" in the data related to
the specific publication. At this date, the publication will be
• reconfirmed,
• withdrawn,
• replaced by a revised edition, or
• amended.
– 6 – 61514-2 © IEC:2013
INTRODUCTION
New instruments for process control and measurement including valve positioners are mainly
equipped with microprocessors, thereby utilising digital data processing and communication
methods and/or artificial intelligence, making them more complex and giving them a consider-
able added value.
Modern intelligent valve positioners are no longer only controlling the valve position, but they
are in many cases also equipped with various facilities for self-testing, actuator/valve condition
monitoring and alarming. The variety of added functionalities is large. They can no longer be
compared with the single function "cam-type" positioners. Therefore, accuracy related
performance testing, although still very important, is no longer sufficient to demonstrate their
flexibility, capabilities and other features with respect to engineering, installation, maintain-
ability, reliability and operability.
In this standard the evaluation considers performance testing and a design review of both
hardware and software. The layout of this document follows to some extent the framework of
IEC/TS 62098. A number of performance tests described in IEC 61514 are still valid for
intelligent valve positioners. Further reading of IEC 61069 is recommended.

61514-2 © IEC:2013 – 7 –
INDUSTRIAL PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS –

Part 2: Methods of evaluating the performance of intelligent
valve positioners with pneumatic outputs mounted
on an actuator valve assembly
1 Scope
This part of IEC 61514 specifies design reviews and tests intended to measure and determine
the static and dynamic performance, the degree of intelligence and the communication
capabilities of single-acting or double-acting intelligent valve positioners. The tests may be
applied to positioners which receive standard analogue electrical input signals (as specified in
IEC 60381) and/or digital signals via a data communication link and have a pneumatic output.
An intelligent valve positioner as defined in Clause 3 is an instrument that uses for performing
its functions digital techniques for data processing, decision-making and bi-directional
communication. It may be equipped with additional sensors and additional functionality
supporting the main function.
The performance testing of an intelligent valve positioner needs to be conducted with the
positioner mounted on and connected to the actuator/valve assembly the positioner is to be
used on. The specific characteristic parameters of these combinations such as size, stroke,
friction (hysteresis), type of packing, spring package and supply pressure for the pneumatic
part, should be carefully chosen and reported, since the performance of a positioner is greatly
dependent on the used actuator.
The methods of evaluation given in this standard are intended for testing laboratories to verify
equipment performance specifications. The manufacturers of intelligent positioners are urged
to apply this standard at an early stage of development.
This standard is intended to provide guidance for designing evaluations of intelligent valve
positioners by providing:
– a checklist for reviewing their hardware and software design in a structured way;
– test methods for measuring and qualifying their performance under various environmental
and operational conditions;
– methods for reporting the data obtained.
When a full evaluation, in accordance with this standard, is not required or possible, the tests
which are required should be performed and the results should be 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. Furthermore, the items omitted should be
mentioned, to give the reader of the report a clear overview.
The standard is also applicable for non-intelligent microprocessor-based valve positioners
without means for bi-directional communication. In that case an evaluation should be reduced
to a limited programme of performance testing and a short review of the construction.
2 Normative references
The following documents, in whole or in part, are normatively referenced in this document and
are indispensable for its application. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments)
applies.
– 8 – 61514-2 © IEC:2013
IEC 60050 (all parts), International Electrotechnical Vocabulary (IEV) (available at
http://www.electropedia.org)
IEC 60068-2-1:1990, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Tests A: Cold
IEC 60068-2-2:1974, Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests. Tests 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 60068-2-78:2001, Environmental testing – Part 2-78: Tests. Test Cab: Damp heat, steady
state
IEC 60079 (all parts), Electrical apparatus for explosive gas atmospheres
IEC 60529:1989, Degrees of protection provided by enclosures (IP Code)
IEC 60534-1, Industrial-process control valves – Part 1: Control valve terminology and general
considerations
IEC 60654 (all parts), Operating conditions for industrial-process measurement and control
equipment
IEC 60721-3, Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3 Classification of groups of
environmental parameters and their severities
IEC 61000-4-11, Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) – Part 4-11: Testing and measurement
techniques – Voltage dips, short interruptions and voltage variations immunity tests
IEC 61010-1:2001, 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 61069 (all parts), Industrial-process measurement and control – Evaluation of system
properties for the purpose of system assessment
IEC 61158 (all parts), Digital data communications for measurement and control – Fieldbus for
use in industrial control systems
IEC 61298 (all parts), Process measurement and control devices – General methods and
procedures for evaluating performance
IEC 61298-1:2008, Process measurement and control devices – General methods and
procedures for evaluating performance – Part 1: General considerations
IEC 61298-2:2008, Process measurement and control devices – General methods and
procedures for evaluating performance – Part 2: Tests under reference conditions
IEC 61298-3:2008, Process measurement and control devices – General methods and
procedures for evaluating performance – Part 3: Tests for the effects of influence quantities

61514-2 © IEC:2013 – 9 –
IEC 61298-4:2008, Process measurement and control devices – General methods and
procedures for evaluating performance – Part 4: Evaluation report content
IEC 61326-1:2005, Electrical equipment for measurement, control and laboratory use – EMC
requirements
IEC/PAS 61499 (all parts), Function blocks for industrial-process measurement and control
systems
IEC 61514:2000, Industrial-process control systems – Methods of evaluating the performance
of valve positioners with pneumatic outputs
IEC/TS 62098, Evaluation methods for microprocessor-based instruments
CISPR 11, Information technology equipment – Radio disturbance characteristics – Limits and
methods of measurement
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the terms and definitions given in IEC 61514:2000 and
IEC 60050-351, as well as the following apply.
3.1
intelligent valve positioner
position controller based on microprocessor technology, and utilising digital techniques for data
processing, decision-making and bi-directional communication
Note 1 to entry: It may be equipped with additional sensors and additional functionality supporting the main
function.
Note 2 to entry: In this standard, only positioners with pneumatic output signals are considered, as defined in 3.1
of IEC 61514:2000. The input signal may be an electric current or voltage, or a digital signal via a fieldbus.
Note 3 to entry: For non-intelligent microprocessor-based position controllers without bi-directional communication
an evaluation is reduced to a limited amount of performance testing and an abridged design review of the
construction.
3.2
configuring
process of implementing the functionality required for a certain application
3.3
configurability
extent to which an intelligent positioner can be provided with functions to control various
applications
3.4
calibration
process of adjusting the range of travel to the required value for acquiring a defined input-to-
travel characteristic
Note 1 to entry: The adjusted travel can either be from stop to stop or to a value in between as defined by the valve
manufacturer.
Note 2 to entry: Instruments may exist that are provided with an automatic procedure for travel range adjustment,
which may then be addressed with the term auto-calibration.
3.5
tuning
process of adjusting the various control parameters for a certain application

– 10 – 61514-2 © IEC:2013
Note 1 to entry: The stem tuning procedure can range from "trial and error" to an automatic proprietary procedure
provided by the manufacturer and often addressed as auto-tuning.
3.6
set-up
process of configuring, calibrating and tuning a positioner for optimal controlling of a specific
actuator/valve assembly
3.7
travel cut-off
point close to the extreme end (low or high) of the characteristic curve at which the positioner
forces the valve to the corresponding mechanical stop (fully closed or fully open)
3.8
stroke time
time required to travel between two different positions under a defined set of conditions
3.9
dead band
finite range of values within which reversal of the input variable does not produce any
noticeable change in the output variable
3.10
operating mode
selected method of operation of the positioner
3.11
setpoint
input variable, which sets the desired value of the controlled variable (travel)
Note 1 to entry: The input variable may originate from an analogue source (mA or voltage) or from a digital source
(fieldbus) or local keyboard).
3.12
balance pressure
average of the pressures on the opposite chambers of a double acting actuator in steady state
condition
Note 1 to entry: The balance pressure shall be expressed as a percentage of the positioner supply pressure to
evaluate the stiffness of the double acting system.
4 Design review
4.1 General
The observations of Clause 4 shall be based on open literature (manuals, instruction leaflets,
etc.) provided to a user on delivery of the instruments and whatever the manufacturer is willing
to disclose. They shall not contain confidential information.
The design review is meant to identify and make explicit the functionality and capabilities of the
intelligent valve positioner under consideration in a structured way. As intelligent positioners
appear in a great variety of designs a review has to show in a structured way the details of
– their physical structure;
– their functional structure.
Subclause 4.2 guides the evaluator in the process of describing the physical structure of
intelligent positioners through identifying the hardware modules and the I/Os to the operational
and environmental domains.
61514-2 © IEC:2013 – 11 –
Thereafter the functional structure is described using the checklist of 4.3. The checklist gives a
structured framework of the relevant issues, which have to be addressed by the evaluator
through adequate qualitative and quantitative experiments.
4.2 Positioner identification
4.2.1 Overview
The structured identification process, based on the following considerations, leads to a
blockscheme and a concise description of the positioner under test, which shall be included in
the evaluation report. It may be enhanced with photographs or drawings of important details.
The instrument, schematically shown in Figure 1, can have the following main physical
modules and provisions for connection to the external world:
To external system
Supply voltage
Power supply Communication
Supply pressure
unit interface
Current input
Data
Sensor/input Output
E
Feedback from actuator processing
assembly subsystem
Output pressure
P
unit
to actuator
Pos. output pressure
Aux. sensor
pos. internal temp.
assembly
Human
Upstream line pressure
mA position output
interface
Diff. pressure
Stuffing box
over valve
leakage
detector
To human operator
IEC  1305/13
Figure 1 – Positioner model in extensive configuration
4.2.2 Power supply unit
Instruments that require a separate connection to an a.c. or d.c. supply voltage may exist.
However, the majority of instruments are "loop powered" which means that they receive power
either through the current input for instruments that need an analogue (mA) setpoint, or
through the fieldbus when the setpoint is a digital signal.
4.2.3 Sensor/input assembly
The main sensor/input assembly is that part of the positioner to which the analogue setpoint is
connected and which also receives the feedback signal from the actuator/valve assembly (stem
movement). It supports the primary function of the positioner. Parts of the assembly may be
distributed at physically different locations in the positioner. In instruments that receive a digital
setpoint, the current input as shown in Figure 4 does not exist. The feedback signal is
generated by a mechanical interface (linkage) between the positioner and the valve stem.
4.2.4 Auxiliary sensor assembly
The auxiliary sensor assembly is for the electronics part integrated with the main sensor input
assembly. Many positioners are equipped with a pressure sensor in the pneumatic output
circuit and a temperature sensor inside the electronics housing. Their signals may be used in
the stem position control algorithm. For safeguarding and condition monitoring of the valve a

– 12 – 61514-2 © IEC:2013
positioner may be equipped with additional sensors. It may also be equipped with circuits for
digital inputs from switches.
4.2.5 Human interface
A positioner can be classified as intelligent only when data produced by the positioner can be
communicated to the external world. The human interface is an important tool for
communication. It consists of integral means at the instrument for reading out data (local
display) and provisions for entering and requesting data (local pushbuttons). It may appear that
some instruments are not equipped with a human interface. In these cases access is provided
via the data communication interface and an external device (handheld terminal or PC).
4.2.6 Communication interface
Positioner intelligence is further supported by the communication interface, which connects the
positioner to external systems. Through the interface and a fieldbus, data transfer (setpoint,
configuration and process data) takes place between the positioner and the external system.
There are also hybrid instruments, which require an analogue input for control data where the
data communication interface is integrated in the input circuit and has no separate point of
connection for the fieldbus. The digital information is superimposed on the analogue input
current. There may be instruments which do not have a communication interface. Then
configuration and read-out of data take place via the human interface.
4.2.7 Data processing unit
The data processing unit provides the instrument with a number of functions that may vary
considerably from make to make. The functions that can be implemented include:
– control function;
– configuration;
– calibration;
– tuning;
– valve condition monitoring (valve diagnostics);
– external process control function;
– self-testing;
– trending and data storage;
– part of the functionality may be located in external devices that are temporarily or
continuously connected to the data communication interface (e.g. configuration, trending).
4.2.8 Output subsystem
In the single acting version the output subsystem converts the digital information via an electro-
pneumatic converter (E/P) into the pneumatic signal for controlling the actuator.
In the double acting version the output subsystem is equipped with two oppositely operating
E/P converters. In balanced (steady) position the converters provide pressures that, apart from
the friction force to the valve stem, are equal. The relation between the balance pressure and
the supply pressure determines the stiffness of a double acting system.
With respect to the pneumatic unit, the following two designs are, among others, commonly
used:
– analogue techniques of conventional E/P converters as shown in Figure 2;
– electronically controlled two-state pilot valves.
Moreover, the output subsystem can also be provided with isolated analogue signal outputs
proportional to one (or more) of the measured or calculated data and/or one or more

61514-2 © IEC:2013 – 13 –
configurable output relays for alarm purposes. Such outputs usually require a separate power
supply.
Figure 2 – Basic design for positioners with analogue outputs
Control signal Control signal
open close
Pilot Pilot
valve 1 valve 2
Supply
Venting
pressure
output
Actuator
Stem travel
IEC  1307/13
Figure 3 – Basic design for positioners with pulsed output
4.2.9 External functionality
Through the data communication interface and the fieldbus the instrument communicates with
PCs, handheld devices and DCS systems. In many cases a part of the functionality of the
positioner may reside in these devices. This may include the following functions:
– (Remote) configuration tool.
– Data storage (configuration, position trend, valve condition).
– Parts of the calibration and stem tuning procedure.
– Automated valve condition monitoring and alarming.
In an evaluation the external functionality (if present) shall be considered as well.
4.3 Aspects of functionality and capabilities to be reviewed
4.3.1 Checklist
The following Tables 1 through 5 shall serve as a checklist for the determination of the
functions and capabilities implemented in the positioner under consideration. An example of
the reporting format can be found in 4.4.

– 14 – 61514-2 © IEC:2013
Table 1 – Functionality (1 of 2)
Function/capability Aspects to be considered during evaluation
Suitable for rotary valve If so, also indicate the stroke range and describe the accessories required for
mechanical linkage.
Suitable for linear stroke valve If so, also indicate the stroke range and describe the accessories required for
mechanical linkage.
Direct/reverse action Check whether choice of direct/reverse action is possible and describe how
the mechanism operates.
Double acting version Check one of the following:
– always included
– can be retrofitted
– available with different order number
– not available
Stem position control algorithm For each control parameter give:
parameters
– name
– adjustment range if user-adjustable
– default values if applicable
– check whether invalid values are recognised and rejected
– check whether negative values are accepted, if so observe behaviour on
instability after step change
– check if outputs of internal sensors are used in the stem position control
algorithm and check whether and how backup is provided in case of sensor
failure
– some designs have a double set of control parameters for upscale or
downscale movement, verify
– what value defines indefinite (‘99999’ or ‘0’)?
Other parameters affecting For a number of parameters (supply pressure, valve and actuator data, etc.)
control values may be requested to be entered during configuration. They might be
used in the stem position control algorithm. Check whether they are indeed
used in the stem position control algorithm or are informative only.
Operating modes List the available operating modes, their hierarchy, span of control, switching
order (also check availability of bumpless transfer), degree of authorised
access to positioner database (configuration, control parameters, secondary
parameters).
Operating modes could be:
– out of service or standby
– automatic control
– manual control (local or remote)
Split range application Is split range operation possible?
If so, state the adjustable value range.
Stroke time Check whether the stroke time is user-adjustable. State the adjustable value
range.
Travel cut-off Cut-off is usually possible at the lower end of the characteristic (also known as
tight shut-off), but also cut-off at the upper end can be present. Indicate which
option is available and whether cut-off values are user-configurable.
Check whether a dead band is implemented and operational between
activation and release. Indicate whether it is related to the input signal or to
the feedback position signal.
Filters If filters are provided, are they analogue or digital?
External (process) control Can function blocks (according to IEC 61499) for an external control loop be
implemented?
Special functions Indicate if special functions are available (e.g. pressure sensor in actuator,
leak detection, flow measurement).

61514-2 © IEC:2013 – 15 –
Table 1 (2 of 2)
Function/capability Aspects to be considered during evaluation
Valve diagnostics Check whether implemented Valve Diagnostics cover the following aspects:
– change in performance of control valve (dead band, resolution, etc.)
– change of friction
– wear of plug
– wear of stem
– packing leakage
– seat leakage
– break of stem
– cavitation
– broken actuator spring
– air leakage at actuator
– valve stuck
– torn diaphragm at actuator
– detection of reduction of performance by plugging of pneumatic
Other aspects
Checks on extent of and tools for Check how the aspects mentioned above are diagnosed, tested, stored,
valve diagnostics reported and presented by the positioner or the host system.
Does the diagnostic tool provide direct automatic interpretation by the
instrument or does it require a specific level of human expertise. For each
aspect check which of the tools (tests) mentioned below are used, check per
tool the following points:
– whether the diagnostic tests can be performed in-service
– whether it is an on-line automatic test or an operator-initiated
– check intervals between automatic tests
– check user-adaptability of test parameters
– check whether test affects the stem position
– indicate whether data can be stored and where (local or in PC)
– check whether there is a related direct alert/alarm message or whether it
has to be deduced by the user from other information given by the
positioner. (Example: Many positioners are equipped with a user-adjustable
alarm indicating that the valve is not reaching its position in a certain time.
Break of stem, and broken spring will most probably trigger this alarm)
– check the action of the positioner on appearance of diagnostic alarms
Tools (tests) that can be present are amongst other things:
– high/low position alarms
– rate of change alarm
– cycle counter/accumulator
– ravel accumulator
– valve signature test
– step response test
– time to settle exceeds the set limit
Accumulator for time close to zero

– 16 – 61514-2 © IEC:2013
Table 2 – Configurability
Function/capability Aspects to be considered during evaluation
Fieldbus compatibility Check whether the instrument under test is suited for either: ®
– HART
– PROFIBUS PA
– PROFIBUS DP
– FOUNDATION™ FIELDBUS H1
– FOUNDATION™ FIELDBUS HSE
– Other (state details)
Configuration tools Check if the instrument can be configured:
– from local controls (human interface) on instrument
– remotely from PC or a host computer
– via handheld communication unit to be connected temporarily
– other
On-line (re)configuration Check whether parameters can be changed in control mode, if so whether the
position of the valve stem is unacceptably affected.
Check whether there is a security mechanism that prohibits on-line access to
all or some parameters.
Off-line configuration Check whether it is possible to set up and store configurations for a number of
positioners on a separate (off-line) PC, which is not connected to a positioner.
Up/download to/from PC Check if configuration upload is possible. Check if download of off-line
prepared configurations is possible.
Configurable travel Mention user-selectable characteristics that reside in the instrument, such as:
characteristics
– linear
– equal percentage (IEC 60534-1) 1:50; 1:30; 1:25, etc.
– equal percentage proprietary
– quick opening
– segmental (user defined travel characteristic), mention number of
segments
NOTE The equal percentage characteristic is sometimes realised by
segmental approach. It is important to state the number of segments and their
size and to evaluate the maximum errors with respect to the theoretical equal
percentage characteristic.
Configurable “fail-safe” position Check the availability of a configurable fail-safe position. Note the behaviour
for the different failure modes.
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