14-08-2024

Neles NDX valve controller reaches wider global acceptance with availability of North American certifications

There are many advantages to the Neles NDX valve controller that have our existing customers very pleased with the results after installing it on their valve assemblies. Most recently there has been much excitement about the North American approvals and the energy savings realized from the reduced air consumption. Mark Buzzell, Director of Valve Controls and Actuators for North America has worked closely with customers for almost two decades and is a knowledgeable expert with this product. We asked Mark to share his insights about the product’s history, innovative development, and sustainability benefits and explain what it means that this one universal controller can do it all.

When was the Neles NDX developed?
The first generation Neles NDX valve controller has a development history based on over 60 years of valve controlling experience. It was released in 2016 and has a significant installed based around the world. Over the years, this innovative, digital valve controller has received incremental improvements and in November 2022, the more versatile, next generation version with universal performance was released. That is the Neles NDX 2.0 valve controller which has North American Class I, Division 1 and Class I, Division 2 certifications for non-incendive and intrinsically safe installations. With these new certifications, the Neles NDX is suitable for even more applications than ever.

How did the 2.0 version valve controller come about?
Technology is always advancing for digital valve controllers and new trends are developing in Centralized Control Systems architecture. At Valmet, we stay informed of process automation advancements from bus networking technology to user interface options to hazardous and nonhazardous area requirements. Since the release of the original Neles NDX valve controller, it has had significant enhancements with the Local User Interface (LUI), electronics module, enclosure design, diagnostics, and valve speed options. Over the past 20+ years, the goal has been to develop a single valve controller with universal valve control performance. We acheived that goal with the 2.0. This was a considerable accomplishment designing one model that supports various sizes and types of actuators, single- or double-acting, without the need for additional instrumentation. This is the reason for the release of the Neles NDX 2.0 valve controller, because this one controller can do it all.

What makes this device a universal valve controller?
In a word, versatility. This is a modular device that is easy to install and use. It can be mounted on practically any valve or actuator. Process plants that have standardized on the Neles NDX valve controller were able to minimize and simplify their inventory, reducing operational complexities. It is also designed to improve reliability. The components handle harsh environments. The exhaust adaptors in the unit protect the internals of the actuator, and the premium diagnostics are constantly evaluating the health of the valve assembly and reporting that back to the asset management system (AMS). It is easy to see how this latest generation valve controller provides a sustainable solution for accurately controlling all valves, regardless of application or industry.

Explain more about what makes installation and use easy?
Consider an installation where the valve controller is being mounted to a linear valve. This has traditionally been challenging and time consuming. Now it is relatively simple because the Neles NDX uses a magnet and bracket making installation easy and there is no guesswork because it has an alignment tool. The standard LUI can be accessed with the cover on. Just follow the built-in Guide Startup and with the push of a few buttons commissioning is reduced from minutes to seconds, even for first time users. This ultimately leads to improved efficiency and savings for both the distributor and the end customer.

What makes a valve controller a sustainable solution?
There are many contributing factors to a sustainable solution. The ability for simple installation and easy commissioning directly translates into enhanced reliability and cost savings. The versatile “one for all” solution reduces inventory and enhances order lead times. By ensuring customers have the right product when needed, their plant experiences more uptime, which contributes toward sustainability. In fact, sustainability and energy savings is at the heart of Neles NDX’s patented pneumatics design. Imagine reducing air consumption by up to 90% while still having ten times the air capacity? Substantial savings in air directly translate to less energy and subsequently reducing CO2 emissions. Use our valve controller energy saving calculator to discover your energy savings.

Whether you need a valve controller for a new installation, upgrade, or replacement, our Valmet experts and trusted partners will work with you to ensure you have the best solution for your application.

Mark Buzzell
Director, North America Valve controllers & Actuators
Valmet Flow control business line