Monsanto tests, recommends Emerson’s intelligent actuator

Waller, TX—Monsanto, a leading supplier of agricultural chemicals and products, recently tested Emerson Process Management’s FieldQ intelligent actuator on a demanding application at its Antwerp site, and reports the actuator has several advantages over other valve automation packages.

By Control Engineering Staff December 23, 2003

Waller, TX— Monsanto, a leading supplier of agricultural chemicals and products, recently tested Emerson Process Management ’s FieldQ intelligent actuator on a demanding application at its Antwerp site, and reports the actuator has several advantages over other valve automation packages. Monsanto’s staff found that FieldQ simplified cabling requirements, and reduced individual components that had to be ordered because of the actuator’s self-contained design. Monsanto will next employ the actuator’s diagnostics module, which expands its diagnostics and maintenance benefits and savings.

“The main advantage we found is that it is easy to work with because everything is self-contained,” says Jos Aerts, of Monsanto. “The solenoid and switchbox are integrated, so all we need to do is connect the power supply and air pressure. We don’t need to add lots of separate components. Previously, we had to obtain position feedback by installing a separate switchbox. With FieldQ, a sensor on the shaft provides position feedback to the function module and from there to the control system.”

Control Engineering Daily News DeskJim Montague, news editor jmontague@reedbusiness.com