Full Stroke Test using HART

Instrumentation
1

A Full Stroke Test (FST) is typically performed on control valves to ensure that they are working correctly. This test involves driving the valve to its full open and full close positions and ensuring that it can travel across its full range of movement without any issues. It helps identify any potential mechanical problems with the valve, such as sticking, excessive friction, or inability to reach the full open or close positions.

HART (Highway Addressable Remote Transducer Protocol) is a communication protocol widely used in process control systems. HART-enabled devices, including control valves, can communicate with a central control system or a handheld communicator, allowing operators to configure, control, and diagnose the device.

Full Stroke Test using HART

Here’s a simplified process for performing a Full Stroke Test using HART:

  1. Safety First: Ensure that it is safe to perform the full stroke test on the valve. In some process conditions, moving the valve to its full open or close position may not be safe.
  2. Connect the HART Communicator: Connect your HART communicator to the HART-enabled control valve. This could be a handheld communicator or a PC-based software tool.
  3. Navigate to the Full Stroke Test Function: Use the HART communicator to navigate through the device’s menu. Look for a function like “Perform Full Stroke Test” or “Valve Diagnostic Tests”. The exact name and location of this function can vary depending on the device manufacturer and model.
  4. Perform the Test: Follow the prompts to perform the full stroke test. The device should drive the valve to its full open and close positions, and it may perform this cycle several times.
  5. Check the Results: After the test, the device should provide a result or a report. This can tell you whether the valve was able to reach its full open and close positions, how long it took, and whether it encountered any problems.

Remember to always consult the device’s user manual or manufacturer’s documentation for the correct procedure to perform a Full Stroke Test, as the exact steps can vary depending on the specific device and configuration. Also, always consider the safety implications of performing a Full Stroke Test, as it can potentially disrupt your process.