In 1997, Saudi Aramco asked Fisher to enhance its original FIELDVUE design to facilitate partial stroking and on-line testing of final control elements used in emergency shutdown (ESD), blow down, venting, emergency isolation, or critical on-off applications. Typically, these valves, known as Emergency Isolation Valves (EIVs), remain in one position for extended periods and move only in an emergency. Because an EIV typically remains fixed, users question whether it will operate successfully upon demand. In safety instrumented system applications, a valve failure could lead to an explosion, fire, or other undesirable consequence.

In response to Saudi Aramco’s request, Fisher design engineers launched a product development effort that made the FIELDVUE "smart instrument" technology appropriate for safety-instrumented systems and block-valve applications. Saudi Aramco accepted the improved FIELDVUE instrument and became the first international Oil & Gas industry organization to apply the new technology in an operating facility. In late 1999, the first FIELDVUE ESD solutions were installed at the Shedgum Gas Plant and the Yanbu Refinery in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Aramco personnel were pleased with the results. Both applications have improved the EIV’s overall performance, enabling periodic, partial-stroke testing while the valve is in service. Fisher’s enhanced FIELDVUE DVC design also enables 1) limited valve stem travel, 2) valve diagnostics and monitoring, and 3) documentation, analysis, and on-line test results comparisons using AMS ValveLinkÒ software.

Patrick Flanders, the Saudi Aramco engineer who championed the "Smart ZV" concept and encouraged its development, said: "Before this DVC ESD concept evolved, it was difficult to functionally test these valves and very difficult to document any meaningful test results. Now, thanks to Fisher’s FIELDVUE instruments, it is possible, secure, less-costly, more efficient and flexible."

Saudi Aramco is expanding its use of Fisher FIELDVUE instruments. A recent project at the Yanbu¢ Refinery included more than 40 DVC-based ESD valves, which were applied to a fired-heater upgrade. Other active projects include plans to install DVC-based "Smart ZVs" as the standard operator interface across the facility.

Saudi Aramco led the industry using Fisher Control’s approach to safety-system applications. The technology is gaining acceptance and momentum in the worldwide marketplace.

Fisher engineers continue to enhance their FIELDVUE product. The FIELDVUE DVC6000 Emergency Shutdown Device, for example, adds double-acting, quick response, and easy tuning capabilities to emergency-valve applications --- without compromising safety.

Emerson Process Management, a part of Emerson, is a world-leading supplier of control valves, regulators, transmitters, analyzers, process management systems, software, and related services. It combines intelligent field devices with open communications standards and software to significantly enhance process and business performance.