Electropneumatic Valve Positioner Offering Precise Control, Smooth Operation, and Fast Response

Features of the Kinetrol EL positioner (click on image for larger view).

The Kinetrol EL is one of the valve automation industries best performing electro-pneumatic positioners available. It combines the precision and adaptability of a digital electronic control circuit with the smoothness and efficiency of Kinetrol's proven proportional servo valve, to give the best available 4-20mA positioning performance from rotary pneumatic actuators.

To compliment this unbeatable performance, the EL combines the easiest available setup procedure, easiest access to all functions and options, easy connectivity, and a compact all-metal housing, unique easy-set isolated angle retransmit, and limit switch options inside the same enclosure.

The EL positioner is designed to smoothly and precisely drive a rotary or linear actuator to a position set by the 4-20 mA input signal, and then accurately hold it there until the signal changes.

Inside the EL, a microprocessor in the loop powered 4-20 mA positioner circuit reads signal via one channel of a 12-bit A-D convertor, reads the position voltage from tie pot via the second channel of the A-D convertor, and compares the two. If an error between desired position and actual position exists, the EL changes it's output to the servo valve in order to drive the actuator in the direction required to eliminate the error.

In sync with the movement of the actuator, the feedback pot voltage changes, and the microprocessor continually calculates how to adjust the servo valve in order to guide the actuator accurately into position. Because the servo valve is a fully proportional device, it can be adjusted precisely and smoothly to slow the actuator to a stop exactly at the required position.  Programmed in the microprocessor is an advanced algorithm that allows this critical dynamic valve adjustment to be made correctly, giving optimal results with any actuator/load combination. Slow or fast responding, high friction or low friction, high inertia or low inertia, all can be optimized by PGAIN and DAMP parameters via the positioner circuit pushbuttons. The 12-bit A-D conversion gives the amazing resolution of approximately 1/40 of a degree angular.

For more information, contact Kinetrol USA by calling 972-447-9443 or visit their web site at https://kinetrolusa.com.

New EL Positioner Installation Video from Kinetrol USA

The video below is new from Kinetrol USA and provides detailed instructions on how to install a Kinetrol model EL electro-pneumatic positioner.

The EL positioner controls airflow to an actuator and moves it to a position determined by a 4-20mA signal and using a unique low power proportional servo valve. The combination of EL positioner and Kinetrol vane actuator provide fast, smooth and precise control for industrial valves and dampers.

https://kinetrolusa.com
972-447-9443

Accuracy, Smooth Operation, and Efficiency Key to Industrial Valve Postioner

EL electro-pneumatic positioner

The EL electro-pneumatic positioner combines the precision and adaptability of a digital electronic control circuit with the smoothness and efficiency of Kinetrol's proven proportional servo valve, to give the best available 4-20mA positioning performance from rotary pneumatic actuators. This unbeatable performance is combined with the easiest available setup procedure, easiest access to all functions and options, easy connectibility, and a truly compact all-metal enclosure, plus unique easy-set isolated angle retransmit and limit switch options inside the same enclosure.

The EL positioner is designed to drive a rotary or linear actuator to a position set by the 4-20 mA input signal, and then hold it there until the signal changes.

The microprocessor in the loop powered 4-20 mA positioner circuit reads signal via one channel of a 12-bit A-D convertor, reads the position voltage from tie pot via the second channel of the A-D convertor, and compares the two. If it detects a position different from that required by the signal, it changes its output to the servo valve in order to drive the actuator in the direction required to reach the correct position. As the actuator moves, the feedback pot voltage changes, and the microprocessor continually calculates how to adjust the servo valve in order to guide the actuator accurately into position. Because the servo valve is a fully proportional device, it can be adjusted precisely and smoothly to slow the actuator to a stop exactly where it should be.  The microprocessor is programmed with a sophisticated but compact algorithm which allows this critical dynamic valve adjustment to be made correctly to give optimal results with any actuator/load combination - slow or fast, low friction or high friction, low inertia or high inertia, all can be optimized by PGAIN and DAMP parameters via the positioner circuit pushbuttons. The 12-bit A-D conversion gives resolution of about 1/40 degree.

EL positioner curve

The relationship between the input signal and desired position (the "characteristic") is stored in the microprocessor's memory. It can be set to follow any one of eleven pre-programmed curves between its two endpoints. The endpoints (each a combination of a signal value and a position) are set by the user via the pushbuttons. One of the eleven curves is a linearly proportional characteristic - this characteristic only can be selected to give movement of the actuator for signals extrapolated below the low endpoint and above the high endpoint, or to stop dead on signals below the low and above tie high endpoint. The "stop dead" behavior is the only option for the other ten non-linear curves.

The settings entered by the user are stored in non - volatile memory, and are retained even if power (i.e. signal) is lost.

Troubleshooting & Set Up Guide for Kinetrol EL Positioners

Kinetrol EL Positioner

The Kinetrol EL Positioner operates by modulating the percent opening / closing of a valve or damper by converting an electrical signal to a pneumatic output, which in turn, regulates the position of a pneumatic actuator.

In terms of response and accuracy, the EL Positioner is arguably one of the best electro-pneumatic positioners in the world,  particularly when used in tandem with a Kinetrol vane actuator.

The document below provides an illustrated troubleshooting and set-up guide for the EL electro-pneumatic positioner and is available to support the all the units installed in chemical, petro-chemical, water treatment, power generation and other applications across the world.

Illustrated Troubleshooting & Set Up Guide for Kinetrol EL Positioners from Kinetrol USA

An Extremely Accurate and Precise Valve Positioner

The EL electropneumatic positioner combines the precision and adaptability of a digital electronic control circuit with the smoothness and efficiency of Kinetrol's proven proportional servo valve, to give the best available 4-20mA positioning performance from rotary pneumatic actuators. 

This unbeatable performance is combined with the easiest available setup procedure, easiest access to all functions and options, easy connectibility, and a truly compact all-metal enclosure, plus unique easy-set isolated angle retransmit and limit switch options inside the same enclosure.

Features

• Fast, smooth and precise control from a digital circuit and proportional servo valve 
• Simple time saving field set up
• Quick calibration via push buttons and LED feedback and easy reversal of rotation sense (clockwise/counter clockwise) without special tools or parts change. 
• Universal application
• The unit can be mounted in any orientation on to any quarter turn or linear application by connection via a NAMUR or Kinetrol square interface. 
• Loop powered
• No separate power needed, just a 4-20mA signal plus air supply. 
• Integral options - easily retrofitted modules include:
• Two wire 4-20mA isolated angle retransmit 
• Mechanical or inductive position indicator switches (general or hazardous areas) 
• Clear Cone high visibility indicator 
• Threaded conduit entries or DIN plugs for external connection.
• Intrinsically safe approved options 
• Weatherproof, compact and robust metal housing 
• Zero backlash coupling with easily adjustable switch strikers 
• Vibration and shock resistant to 4G 
• Built in gauge ports/external connections

Louver and Damper Control with Vane Actuators

Besides pneumatic valve actuation, Kinetrol vane actuators are used widely on controlling industrial and commercial louvers and dampers.

The video below gives you a short visual demo of a louver being opened, closed and positioned with a Kinetrol vane actuator and electro-pneumatic positioner.

Louvers and dampers are used to stop or regulate the flow of air inside a duct, chimney, air handler, or other air handling equipment.

Some varieties of dampers are:

• Louvered Inlet Box Dampers
• Radial Inlet Dampers
• Variable Inlet Vane (VIV) Dampers
• Vortex Dampers
• Discharge Dampers

Industries that use dampers include:

• Petrochemical
• Oil & gas
• Power generation
• Construction industries

Kinetrol Pneumatic Rotary Vane Actuator Product Selection

Here is an easy-access, online vane actuator catalog from Kinetrol that includes pneumatic actuators, spring return units, positioners, indicators, limit switches, solenoid valves, and other valve actuation equipment.

Kinetrol Rotary Vane Actuator Catalog from Kinetrol USA

EL Electropneumatic Positioner

The EL positioner controls airflow to an actuator and moves it to a position determined by a 4-20mA signal and using a unique low power proportional servo valve.

The microprocessor in the loop-powered 4- 20mA position circuit reads the signal via one channel of a 12-bit A-D converter, reads the position voltage from the feedback potentiometer via the second channel of the

A-D converter, and compares the two. If it detects a position which is different from that required by the signal, it changes the output to the servo valve, in order to drive the actuator in the direction required to reach the correct position. As the actuator moves, the feedback potentiometer voltage changes and the microprocessor continually calculates the adjustments required for the servo valve in order to guide the actuator accurately into position. The microprocessor is programmed with a sophisticated but compact algorithm which allows this critical dynamic valve adjustment to be made correctly. This in turn gives optimal results with any actuator/load combination - slow or fast, low or high friction, low or high inertia. All can be optimized by tuning the PGAIN and DAMP push buttons via the positioner circuit push buttons.