Efficiency check

Users of pneumatic valve positioners can assess the energy efficiency of their valve installations with ABB's new compressed air calculator app for the Apple iPhone and iPad.

Based on the amount of compressed air consumed by conventional positioners, the app shows how using the latest smart positioner technology can help operators reduce energy costs Easy-to-follow instructions show the parameters needed to calculate any potential savings. The user is prompted to enter the number of pneumatic positioners on site, air cost per standard cubic foot and the percentage of time spent at a steady state to calculate compressed air energy costs.

These are then compared to the potential savings that could be achieved using ABB's TZID-C and EDP300 intelligent positioners, where compressed air is only consumed when required.