Control valves: Project to advance flow control research

By Control Engineering Staff January 16, 2007

Marshalltown, IA —A multi-million-dollar renovation and expansion project is expected to culminate in one of the largest and most advanced flow control research facilities in the industry. The effort, launched by Emerson Process Management , will create the Fisher Technology Development Center. Construction is expected to begin later this year.

The facility will be staffed by employees of Emerson’s current R&D group, plus 15 more R&D engineers. According to the Fisher division, the new building will:

Quadruple current air and water flow rate capabilities to permit testing of valves for larger and higher pressure applications;

Increase pressure and flow sub-systems to support noise abatement research and product development;

Provide new flow sciences research labs to support multi-phase, cavitation, and real-world fluid control problems;

Expand dynamic performance test loops to accommodate larger valves;

Support all new product development; and

Improve customer demonstration and customer witness testing capabilities.

“Construction of this facility will allow us to continue to develop the innovative control valve technologies that help our customers maximize the performance of their plants,” said Terry Buzbee, president of the Fisher division of Emerson. Fisher control valves are described as managing the flow of materials through process systems in such industries as power, refining, chemical, and oil and gas production. Emerson says this renovation and expansion project continues work begun in 1880 when the Fisher Governor Co. began operating. “Process manufacturers have been relying on Fisher valves for well over 100 years, and this expansion will enable us to broaden our global reach to better meet the needs of our global customers,” added Buzbee.

— Control Engineering Daily News DeskEdited by Jeanine Katzel , senior editor