Data acquisition system for capturing dynamic transients in a control valve

This work presents the development of a data acquisition (DAQ) system to be used in conjunction with fuzzy modelling to derive a dynamic mathematical model of a control valve. Characterising the behaviour of a control valve or any other mechanical device, either requires expert knowledge of the device and its subcomponents or real-world data thereof. Capturing real-world data not necessarily requires expert device knowledge but requires some from of post-analysis with either neural networks or fuzzy logic systems to derive a mathematical model. In order to capture valve specific physical data, different tests need to be conducted with the intent of capturing transient specific data embedded within the temperatures, mass flow rate, pressures and corresponding valve opening. The dynamic mathematical model will be used in a simulator to predict the behaviour of the device within the system. An accurate DAQ system and modelling procedure needs to be in place to ensure the development of reliable mathematical models of such mechanical devices. Once all relevant data have been acquired it can be used to derive a mathematical model for the control valve which includes static, dynamic, choke and nonchoke characteristics.