Industrial Positioners: Ensuring precise actuator & valve control
Positioners are essential components in industrial automation, ensuring precise control of actuators and valves for enhanced efficiency and performance. Based on a setpoint signal, industrial positioners adjust the valve or actuator accordingly, optimising fluid flow, pressure, and other critical process variables. Whether used in complex industrial processes or routine applications, positioners provide superior control accuracy, reducing system inefficiencies and minimising downtime.
This guide explores the functions, types, applications, and advantages of SMC Positioners, which deliver high-performance actuator control and valve control for a wide range of industries.
Types of Positioners: Pneumatic and Electro-Pneumatic Positioners
Positioners come in various types to cater to the diverse needs of modern industrial applications:
Pneumatic Positioners
- Operate using air pressure to control valve movement.
- Ideal for environments where compressed air is readily available.
- Highly durable, cost-effective and reliable for many industrial applications.
- Examples: IP200 Series, IP5000/5100 Series
Electro-Pneumatic Positioners
- Use electrical signals to control actuators.
- Offer precise and adaptable performance for advanced systems.
- Compatible with digital control systems for enhanced automation.
- Examples: IP8000 Series, IP8100 Series
Both options come with features like feedback control and proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control to ensure that actuators respond accurately to the setpoint.
Typical applications for Industrial Positioners
Positioners are used across a wide range of industries. Their primary application lies in controlling the opening and closing of valves in automated systems, which impacts everything from fluid flow control to pressure regulation.
SMC positioners are typically used for the following industries and applications:
- Oil & Gas – Regulating flow control and pressure in pipelines, drilling operations, and refinery processes.
- Chemical & Petrochemical Processing – Ensuring stable and precise control in chemical reaction processes where accurate valve positioning is required.
- Power Generation – Managing steam and gas flow in turbines, boilers, and power plant valve control loops.
- Water Treatment – Controlling valve operation in filtration, purification, and wastewater treatment systems.
- Pharmaceutical & Food Processing – Ensuring accurate material handling and fluid regulation in pharmaceutical manufacturing and food production.
SMC Positioners are engineered for maximum reliability in these high-demand applications, offering superior control solutions for diverse industrial requirements.
Why choose SMC Positioners?
SMC offers high-performance positioners designed for seamless integration and maximum reliability. Available for both pneumatic and electro-pneumatic systems, they ensure precise control, durability, and fast response times.
Backed by decades of engineering expertise and innovation, SMC positioners excel in demanding environments, enhancing automation accuracy and operational efficiency. By reducing downtime and maintenance costs, they provide a cost-effective, precision-driven control solution.
Whether upgrading an existing system or building from scratch, SMC positioners deliver unmatched actuator and valve control, making them an essential tool for engineers at any expertise level.
Need help choosing the right positioner? Get in touch with our experts for guidance on selecting the best SMC positioner for your application.
