V-MAP^® The System

V-MAP^® G3 dedicated sensors are located on the valve, actuator and on the adjacent piping. The sensor types typically selected are:

• Acoustic Emission leak detection and quantification sensors
• Strain gauges to monitor the torque or force required by the valve
• Pressure transmitters to monitor the actuator fluid power requirement
• Position transmitter to monitor the valve stroke

The V-MAP^® G3 sensors are continuously logged by bespoke data acquisition units (MIDAS^® DAUs). On detection of a valve operation, the V-MAP^® G3 server either directly outputs results in standalone installations, or - in fully integrated installations – it downloads the information from the MIDAS^® DAU and typically requests the following input from the installation’s automation databases:

• Process pressures and temperatures
• Actuator limit switch and solenoid status and timestamps
• ESDV event timestamps

Once the server has collected the raw data from the various sources, it is processed in the Score bespoke Signal Processing Unit (MIDAS^® SPU) and stored. The following functions can then be performed to transform the data in to information:

• Manipulation to obtain derived data
• The derived data is then analysed by use of proprietary V-MAP^® software, with algorithms for:
  • Raising of alerts if performance characteristics exceed pre-set alarm or notification levels
  • Comparison and trending with previous readings, benchmarks and design calculations
  • Comparison of sensor outputs to detect sensor drift or malfunction
  • Provision of summary reports