PSA program issue: abnormal operation of the programmable valve

The valve position indication of a programmable valve is usually provided by data from a valve position sensor, which is essential for programs to control the opening degree of the valve. If there is a problem with the valve position sensor, it may cause incorrect displays, thereby affecting the proper operation of the programmable valve. Replacing it with a new or high-performance valve position sensor can help ensure accurate feedback on the valve’s position, thereby improving the performance of the programmable valve. In summary, replacing the valve position sensor is helpful for fixing programmable valves with abnormal operation. .

For PSA program-controlled valves, the purpose of valve position detection is to determine whether the program-controlled valve is operating, so as to identify any faults with the valve and ensure that the control program can still operate the valve to open and close it. Some manufacturers use the valve position detection signals in their control programs to implement interlocks, such as interlocked switching control procedures, in order to isolate the tower equipped with the faulty control valve and ensure the proper operation of the PSA system. If the control program features such a sequential shutdown mechanism, it is recommended to shut down the adsorption tower containing the faulty valve and replace it after that. If the PSA system program does not implement interlocking of the valve position signal to shut down the tower, then the valve position detection function only serves as an alarm, indicating that the valve may not be operating properly. In such cases, the valve can be replaced online; however, it is important to follow the manufacturer’s maintenance procedures when replacing the valve position detection sensor, in order to avoid any safety incidents – safety comes first.

To conclude first: The programmable valve operates in accordance with the requirements of the program logic, while the valve position sensor merely indicates whether the valve’s operation matches the program requirements; it serves as a basis for operators to determine whether the programmable valve is functioning properly. The proper operation of the valve position sensor has no impact on the actual operation of the programmable valve. At the same time, the valve position sensor is one of the conditions for participating in the program interlock (note that it is not the only condition for interlocking). As for the reasons: 1. The operation of the programmable valve is controlled by a program. The specific process is as follows: the program sends signals based on logical conditions, the solenoid valve changes polarity and thus drives the cylinder of the programmable valve to move, resulting in the operation of the programmable valve. When the programmable valve reaches its intended position, the valve position sensor detects a signal and sends it back to the control room; therefore, the valve position sensor serves merely as a feedback of the valve’s current status. 2. When the program has an automatic tower switching function, the valve position sensor is involved in the interlock mechanism, but it is not the sole determining factor; this is to avoid incorrect judgments by the program due to faults in the valve position sensor itself. 3. If it is a fault in the valve position sensor itself, it will have no impact on the program, nor will it trigger the tower switching procedure. If it is an abnormal state of the programmable valve, combined with the feedback signal from the valve position sensor, it may trigger a programmed interlock to shut down the tower.