IEC 61508: First control valves certified SIL3

Emerson Process Management says it is the first control valve manufacturer to get independent third-party SIL 3 certification to IEC 61508 standards for several ranges of valves. Certification helps end-users and system integrators....

By Control Engineering Staff June 16, 2008

Au stin, TX – Pre-certified control valve may make things a little easier for end-users and system integrators. Emerson Process Management says it is the first control valve manufacturer to achieve independent third-party SIL 3 certification of several ranges of valves to IEC 61508 standards.Such certification is expected to eliminate the need for prior use methodology while proving that the company’s design process, engineering, and testing comply with IEC 61508. Certification enables users to boost plant availability and safety by using Fisher GX, Vee-ball, easy-e and HP valves in Safety Instrumented Systems in up to SIL 3 loops, per IEC 61508.The four control valve ranges have been certified by independent third-party safety professionals EXIDA for on/off operation within a SIL 3 safety-instrumented function. Valves can be packaged with the SIL 3-certified Fisher Fieldvue DVC6000 SIS digital valve controller that enhances the safety function and monitors the health of the final control assembly, a component of the smart SIS complete safety loop offering, the company says.The experience of end-users with Fisher valves bear testimony to quality and reliability in general service applications as well as more demanding severe service applications, according to Emerson; when designing SIS functions, choosing the appropriate control valve is the first pre-requisite.Smart SIS safety management is an extension of the company’s PlantWeb digital plant architecture; it provides an integrated approach to safety loops, from sensor to logic solver to final control element. Components include Fisher certified valves or SIL-PAC final control solution with Fieldvue DVC6000 SIS, plus Rosemount and Micro Motion-certified devices, the DeltaV SIS system, and the AMS Suite: Intelligent Device Manager.–  Control Engineering News Desk Register here and scroll down to select your choice of eNewsletters free .