Proven reliability

• What is the cost of downtime in your plant?
• Proven reliability you would expect from Emerson
• Fully integrated accessories eliminate common failure points
• Predictive diagnostics prevent unplanned downtime
• Plug-and-play functionality enables speedy repair and upgrades

Based on proven technology – with an installed base of over two million units – and designed for superior and safe performance over time, FieldQ has been subjected to over 1 million open/close cycles. The balanced pinion design uses seals with low surface pressure and low wear, effectively reducing the maintenance requirements.

The large diaphragm poppet design ensures reliable opening and closing, even at sub-zero temperatures where moisture in the air has the potential to freeze and block other pilot valve designs. The revolutionary design enables the use of a low power pilot valve, while still maintaining a fast response time.

Corrosion resistance increases service life

An integrated breather function provides protection of the actuator spring chamber from any corrosive elements in the atmosphere being sucked into the actuator during the return stroke, preventing spring corrosion. Anodized internals and a corrosion resistant polyester powder coat finish ensure long-term reliability in aggressive atmospheres, exceeding a 1000 hour salt spray test (ASTM B117).

Many failures are caused by external damage. By housing all the controls internally within the robust FieldQ unit, no vulnerable parts are exposed. The enclosure is rated to IP65 and NEMA 4X, while variations for hazardous areas are available that are certified to meet ATEX, CSA and FM requirements.

For easy installation and commissioning, the Control Module can be pre-wired to provide a quick connection. FOUNDATION Fieldbus™ modules can be initialized digitally by the bus system. Together with quick connectors this eliminates the requirement to open the Control Module for wiring and initializing. This also saves time ensuring that the Control Module interior is kept clean.

Predictive diagnostics minimize downtime

The process industry is facing demands for improved safety, plant availability and process control. This is driving the need for more and better process information. Accurate and timely information is key to addressing these challenges yet few pneumatic rack and pinion actuators are capable of providing the enhanced diagnostic information needed. FieldQ is just the latest of Emerson’s intelligent field devices that are key elements of PlantWeb digital plant architecture. FieldQ offers exciting possibilities for device diagnostics via FOUNDATION Fieldbus™ and Profibus, in addition to the more basic functions offered by AS-i bus.

As downtime is very expensive (costs could exceed $100,000 per hour for a chemical or pharmaceutical plant), Emerson recognizes the need to keep plants running for as long as possible and the important role that predictive maintenance plays to achieve that goal. Diagnostics information is essential in enabling this move towards predictive maintenance.

Imagine the benefit to you in knowing “in advance” when a final control element will be in need of repair and, if it does need repair, what will need to be repaired. Running diagnostics on valves equipped with FieldQ Pneumatic Valve Actuators enables you to make sound, predictive maintenance decisions.

Alerts provide immediate feedback

Diagnostic alerts can signal implied or actual problems with the final control element. These alerts can be continuously scanned, providing immediate feedback to operations while the valve is still controlling the process.
FieldQ powers PlantWeb® by capturing diagnostic data from all the components of the final control element and delivering it to the easy to use interface of AMS Suite: Intelligent Device Manager software. This enables the user to configure, calibrate, monitor, perform diagnostics and maintain records for virtually any FieldQ equipped valve in the plant, all from a single central location. Diagnostics provided include:

• Travel times
• Cycle counts
• Time in position
• Various internal electronic health tests
• Module temperature
• PlantWeb® Alerts

The FieldQ pneumatic valve actuator has been tested by the Fieldbus FOUNDATION and is registered as having passed the latest interoperability test of the FOUNDATION. FieldQ contains one Discrete Output (DO), two Discrete Input (DI) and two Analogue Input (AI) for ON-OFF applications. The function blocks can be assigned to various parameters including position, temperature, and control, to name a few. 

Cost-effective maintenance

The compact modular design of FieldQ comes into its own if maintenance is required. If a Control Module, or one of the accessories fails the plug-and-play functionality enables a quick change out. In addition, upgrades -such as a change to the communications protocol, or backwards integration by adding Namur solenoid valves or switches – can be easily undertaken by changing or adding modules.