Common Classifications of Valve Positioners
Release time:
2026-04-07 15:22
With the advancement of technology, a wide range of auxiliary devices are continuously being developed, and valve positioners are designed to ensure more reliable positioning of control valves. At the same time, there are many different types of valve positioners; however, many people still lack a thorough understanding of them. In what follows, we will provide a detailed introduction to several common types of valve positioners.
When classifying valve positioners, we typically do so based on the type of input signal, which can be broadly categorized into pneumatic, electric, and smart types. Pneumatic valve positioners receive standard pneumatic signals and use a pneumatic actuator to deliver compressed air, thereby controlling the valve’s opening and closing and adjusting its position in proportion to the input signal. In contrast, commonly used electric valve positioners accept standard current or voltage signals. These devices provide feedback on the actuator’s stroke, enabling the actuator to achieve precise positioning in accordance with the control signal.
Secondly, there are the commonly used smart valve positioners. These devices convert the current signal from the control room into a pneumatic signal that can drive the control valve. At the same time, they compensate for the unbalanced forces caused by fluctuations in medium pressure by accounting for the stem friction generated during valve operation. As a result, the valve opening is directly proportional to the current signal output from the control room.
2020-01-19