Bulletin 62.

1:VL2000
April 2002

FIELDVUE Instrumentation
VL2000 Series ValveLinkR Software

H Communicate with both HART R and H Decrease repetitive actions by setting up

FOUNDATION R Fieldbus FIELDVUE R batches
instruments with the same software
H Integrate into your existing DCS using the
application
Modbus capabilities
H Configure, calibrate, and diagnose multiple
H Scan multiple FIELDVUE instruments for
FIELDVUE instruments from one location
alerts and log them for ISO9000
H Use the Performance Tuner to automatically compliance
tune your valves optimally
H Perform diagnostics on single- and
H View operational trends of your valve double-acting actuators
D102227X012

www.Fisher.com
Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

AMS ValveLinkR software gives you the ability to work with HARTR
and FOUNDATIONR fieldbus FIELDVUE instruments. ValveLink VL2000 Series
software provides an easy-to-use environment on a personal computer for
configuring, calibrating, and diagnosing the operating characteristics of
DVC5000, DVC6000, and DVC5000f Series digital valve controllers.
Using VL2000 Series software, an instrument engineer, maintenance
technician or operations supervisor can obtain the information needed to spot
problems before they affect the process. VL2000 Series software lets you
determine which control valves need to be rebuilt during turn-arounds. VL2000
Series software operates in conjunction with Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT and
2000 on a personal computer to present the FIELDVUE instrument information
with easy-to-interpret, customizable windows displays. Context-sensitive help
screens are available for every window and for most individual fields. These
on-line help messages explain the various options available and show you how to
complete the tasks.

CUSTOMIZE PARAMETERS
FOR MONITORING ON
STATUS DISPLAYS

VIEW CRITICAL
PARAMETERS ON BAR
GRAPH DISPLAYS FOR
INSTANT COMPARISON

Customizable display keeps track of operational parameters and alerts

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Communicate with both HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus

FIELDVUE instruments with the same software
VL2000 Series software remotely communicates with HART FIELDVUE instruments
(DVC5000 and DVC6000 Series) over the existing 4-20 mA signal wiring
using the HART communication standard. The same VL2000 Series software also can
remotely communicate with FOUNDATION fieldbus FIELDVUE instruments (DVC5000f
Series) over the fieldbus H1 segment. Information for all series of instruments is
presented in a consistent, easy-to-interpret interface that provides:

H A device connection view of all connected instruments

H Monitoring of instrument operational parameters and alerts
H Review and comparison of diagnostic graphs
H Instrument setup and calibration
H Tag group organization
H User security
H Data import and export

USE TOOLBAR, MENU

SELECTION, OR CONTEXT
MENU TO EASILY
SELECT ACTIVITIES
SUCH AS TRENDING,
DIAGNOSTIC TESTS
AND ALERTS

INDICATES NETWORK
CONNECTION
INDICATES VALVE TYPE

Device connection view provides easy access to all network and database instruments

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Reduce device commissioning time

Save time by performing these commissioning
tasks online:

H Perform loop checks (wire wring-out) online

H Automatically calibrate travel
H Automatically tune instruments using
Performance Tuner
H Verify dynamic response to input changes

VL2000 Series software includes a Setup

Wizard that walks you step-by-step through The Setup Wizard makes setting up your valves fast and easy
instrument setup and calibration. Setup Wizard
asks basic questions about the valve and actuator to simplify and speed commissioning.
You can even customize the Setup Wizard so that:
H Instrument configurations are optimized for specific applications
H Manual entry is eliminated
H Alert points, travel cutoffs, travel limits and characterization are consistently applied

Reduce process variability

With the Step Response test you can evaluate how well the valve tracks an input change. By minimizing dead
time, dead band, and overshoot, process control is greatly enhanced. With the Step Response test you can:
H Validate your current tuning parameters
H Obtain a numerical analysis for
overshoot, hysteresis, dead time,
t63, and t86
H Define up to 30 steps
A Performance Step test provides a
predefined sequence of 29 steps. This
test allows the user to quickly evaluate
valve and actuator response to signal
change and determine
maximum deadband.

Use the step response test to verify instrument

tuning and valve response to signal changes

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Increase field device effectiveness through

access to real-time status and
diagnostic data

With access to the device

status and diagnostics such
as Dynamic Error Band,
Drive Signal, and Step
Response, you can identify
emerging valve problems
quickly and accurately. Using
the Valve Signature test, you
can determine:
H Valve friction, dead band, ZOOM IN TO EXAMINE
VALVE MOVEMENT AND
and shutoff capability OTHER DETAILS

H Actuator spring rate

and bench set
H Potential packing
problems

A high resolution (up to 8000

points) graphical presentation
makes it easy to see the
degradation in equipment
permitting better scheduling Diagnostic tests help you spot emerging valve repair requirements
of maintenance intervals. before they impact performance. This enables you to set up a schedule
to do predictive maintenance rather than preventative maintenance

Use Signature Series tests to benchmark valve performance

Current diagnostic tests also can be overlaid with Signature Series tests taken when the valve was new.
ValveLink Signature Series tests are performed on Fisher control valves equipped with the FIELDVUE digital
valve controller. Tests may be ordered prior to or after shipment of the valve. By importing Signature Series data
into ValveLink software, you can compare as-shipped performance with the valve’s current operating condition.

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Monitor valve performance during process operation

VL2000 Series software can help you keep your facility working optimally with valve trending
capabilities. Trending provides an easy visualization of valve response to a control system
output using an electronic strip chart the user can
configure. Trending provides the ability to:

H Trend input current, actuator pressure, travel and

temperature
H Zoom graph in critical areas
H Save all four variables so that the trend may be
viewed at a later date
H Trend multiple valves simultaneously
H View cycle counter and travel accumulation vs time
H View travel histogram
VL2000 Series software lets you trend parameters
H Archive up to 30 days of trend data such as input current, actuator pressure, travel,
and temperature

The Travel Histogram shows you

where the valve spends the majority of
its time. This can help you determine if
the valve is sized correctly

VL2000 Series Performance Diagnosticst tests

provide continuous monitoring of critical
performance parameters during normal process
operations. The operator does not have to take
the valve out of service to perform this
diagnostic. Performance Diagnostics tests
can determine:

H Friction (sliding stem)

H Torque (rotary)
H Dead band

Trending of these values is an additional feature

provided by ValveLink software. This allows the Performance Diagnostics tests are available upon user
user to better determine a maintenance interval request or a pre-selected daily, weekly, biweekly, or
for the valve. monthly schedule without user intervention.

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Setup and Test FIELDVUE Instruments for ESD applications

Use VL2000 Series software to setup and test the final
control element in emergency shutdown applications.
The ESD feature provides:

H A Setup Wizard that correctly sets up the digital

valve controller for use in a Safety Instrumented System

H The capability to initiate a partial stroke test of the final

control element without requiring a process shutdown.
Without disturbing the process, you can run a partial stroke
test to prove the valve will respond on demand.

H Documentation for statutory authorities. Every event

performed with ValveLink software is logged with a time At the same time the instrument performs the
and date stamp to prove that tests were run and the partial stroke test, VL2000 Series software also
equipment responded correctly. gathers diagnostic data. Use this data to evaluate
valve performance and determine if maintenance
H Diagnostic information to allow predictive maintenance is required.
of the final control element. No need to unnecessarily shutdown
the process to perform maintenance on the safety shutdown valve.

Maintain a central database and keep it up-to-date

DataSync is a tool that allows you to merge multiple VL2000 Series software databases.
This gives you the ability to:
H Keep maintenance and operator databases synchronized
H Replace, skip duplicate tags, merge and purge tags you are synchronizing
H Synchronize over your LAN
H Synchronize using a cable connecting two computers
H Import Valve Spec sheet from Fisher FirstVue sizing and specification software

DataSync is a database tool that allows you to synchronize multiple databases

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Automatically optimize valve performance

The Performance Tuner lets you easily adjust a
digital valve controller for optimum performance
on a specific valve and actuator assembly.
When mounting a FIELDVUE instrument to a
Fisher or non-Fisher actuator, Performance
Tuner does all the work for you.
Use the Performance Tuner to automatically tune the
FIELDVUE instrument

Simplify ISO9000 audit requirements

Use VL2000 Series software Audit Log to filter and sort byą
user,ątag, event, dateąor a combination.

Events that occur within VL2000 Series

software are stored in the Audit Log.
Events are logged by user, date and time,
and action.

VL2000 Series software Audit Log captures and logs events

that occur within the software by the user and time/date. Events include
valve and instrument configuration changes, calibration changes, and diagnostic
tests. Audit Log makes a great ISO9000 tool. For security, the log is encrypted.
The viewer can filter the display but cannot delete or modify data.

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Configure, calibrate and diagnose multiple FIELDVUE instruments from one location
Type VL2031H and VL2041H software communicates
through a HART multiplexer such as the HART
Interchange or ELCON multiplexer, both available from
Fisher Controls. VL2000 Series software can also
communicate with DVC5000 and DVC6000 Series
instruments using multiplexers available from other
manufacturers such as MTL and Pepperl and Fuchs.

Multiplexer support allows operators to easily display

key valve parameters. Quality control personnel can
capture critical valve and instrument variables used for
statistical process control. Process engineers and
technicians can quickly change instrument
configurations during commissioning and track the
changes. Maintenance personnel can conduct
diagnostic testing of the instrument and valve from a
centrally located PC during turn-around operations.
Multiplexer support gives the user the ability to monitor
as many valves as required. The user has the ability to With VL2000 Series software and a HART multiplexer you
can communicate with virtually every valve in the plant
decide which valves and which alerts are being equipped with a HART-based FIELDVUE instrument
scanned. Alerts are recorded in the network alert log
for later review.

Connecting the PC running VL2000

Series software to a multiplexer allows:

H Connecting up to 5000 valves

H Continual scanning of multiple valves
for alerts
H Configuring specific valves and alerts
for scanning
H Configuring, calibrating, monitoring
and diagnosing valves from one central
location
H Maintaining a Network Alert Log showing
alert type, time on and time off

Connecting VL2000 Series software to HART-based

FIELDVUE instruments permits continually monitoring
for alerts

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Notify Key People when specified alerts occur on critical valves

Setup Valvelink software to

automatically send an e–mail to key
people when a specified alert occurs
on critical valves. It also may be
possible to have this e-mail trigger
a pager. Thus, key people can monitor
critical valves, no matter where they are.
Configure specific valves and alerts

Email sent when this

condition is exceeded

Valves monitored

Person to
receive email

Automate repetitive actions by

setting up batches

With Batch Runner you can setup VL2000

Series software to automatically run
diagnostic tests, calibrate, or upload
configuration data to multiple valves with a
user specified routine. During a turn-around or
production change, you can upload
configurations, run the Performance Tuner to
optimize tuning, or even reset the instrument
clock without any interaction by personnel.
Batch runner reduces redundancy and
increases consistency by allowing the user to
set up a batch once, then repeatedly run it for
different groups of valves.
Use Batch Runner to automate diagnostic tests and other
repetitive activities

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Maintain system security

VL2000 Series software security enables:
H Individual Name and Password for user log in.
H Assignment to a specific user group with pre-determined privileges. Users can be restricted to
specific valve groups.
H Secure logout. The software can continue to monitor valves in a secure mode. Login is
restricted to authorized users.

Only users with an authorized name and

password can start and use VL2000 Series
software

With VL2000 Series software security you can assign the

privileges necessary for individuals to perform their job

Integrate information from HART-based FIELDVUE instruments

into your existing DCS
VL2000 Series software has the ability to integrate information it receives into your
existing Modbus compatible DCS.
Using the Modbus interface, you can:
H Pass critical monitoring data to a control system
H Display HART alerts on the DCS operator console
H Display HART instrument travel, input current, actuator
pressure, or temperature on the DCS operator console
H Select which valves to view and the information passed to the DCS
H Include valve parameters in DCS system trend displays

AMS ValveLink software is available as a stand-alone product

or as a SNAP-ONt application to the Fisher-Rosemount AMS
product. Using AMS software, an instrument engineer, maintenance
technician, or operations supervisor can determine the status of
any HART device in order to spot problems before they
affect the process. Adding the SNAP-ON application to
AMS provides advanced diagnostic capabilities that
permit you to select only those control valves that
need to be rebuilt during plant turn-arounds.

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Integrate ValveLink software into your DeltaV system

Integrate valve diagnostics capability into your DeltaV system with the Type
VL2021DVf ValveLink SNAP-ON application for DeltaV.

H Setup and calibrate all FOUNDATION fieldbus devices

H Perform diagnostic tests on DVC5000f Series digital valve controllers.

Operation
VL2000 Series software is installed on a personal computer which uses a Microsoft Windows 95/98/NT or 2000
operating system. Start up and operation is very intuitive, making extensive use of graphical representations
with point and click operation.

Start the software by simply double clicking on the ValveLink icon. After logging on, select an
instrument to configure, calibrate, or diagnose by opening its tag. If you know the tag, simply
type it in, select it from the network display, or you can search for the tag.

VL2000 Series software incorporates a tag manager that allows you to:
H Easily search for, open, modify or copy a tag
H Search by tag name, partial name, or assigned group
H Quickly view tag information to make identification fast and easy

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Table 1. VL2000 Series ValveLink Software Capability

Product Type

Capability
VL2005H VL2005f VL2021f VL2021H VL2021fH VL2031H VL2041H VL2021DVf

Initial Database Tags(1) 5 5 125 125 125 125 125 N/A

Modem
HART
Communication Multiplexer (3)
FOUNDATION fieldbus H1
Modbus Interface
Valve Signature Test
Performance Step Test
Step Response Test
Maximum Number of Steps 8 8 30 30 30 30 30 30
Step Response
Test Step Test Analysis
Capabilities
Overlay Step Test Graphs
Dynamic Error Band Test
Drive Signal Test
Trending
DataSync
Batch Runner (2)

Performance Diagnostics Tests

Indicates capability available
1. Number of database tags may be increased to as many as 5000. Type VL2005H and VL2005f may be increased to 75 tags. See Specifications table.
2. HART only
3. Installs on DeltaV workstation.

Product Description
Types VL2005H, VL2021H, VL2031H and VL2041H ValveLink software communicate with FIELDVUE DVC5000
and DVC6000 Series instruments using the HART communication protocol. Types VL2005f and VL2021f
ValveLink software communicate with DVC5000f Series instruments over a FOUNDATION fieldbus H1 segment.
Type VL2021fH ValveLink software communicates with either HART or fieldbus instruments. For all VL2000 series
software, communication with the instrument can occur either remotely by connecting to the instrument field wiring
or locally by connecting directly to the instrument.

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

Specifications (1)
Available Configurations Slave address 1 to 255 (user selectable)
See Table 1 Communication Rate: 300 to 19.2 kbaud
Data Types:
Recommended Minimum Hardware Requirements Function codes 1 & 2—Alert Status
Function Codes 3 & 4—Analog Values
150 MHz Pentium processor IEEE double precision floating point
16 Megabytes RAM (random access memory) Signed integer
Hard disk with 40 Megabytes of free space(2) Scaled integer
Color VGA monitor Electrical Connection to Control System:
Serial Port for HART communications RS-232 or RS-485
PC card slot for FOUNDATION fieldbus H1
Communication Options
CD-ROM drive—4X or higher
Type VL2005H: StepUp to Type VL2021H
Increase database tags from 5 to 25, and 25 to 75
Personal Computer Operating System
Type VL2005f: StepUp to Type VL2021f
Requirements
Increase database tags from 5 to 25, and 25 to 75
ValveLink VL2000 Series software is a 32-bit Type VL2021H: StepUp to Type VL2021f,
application that runs on MS Windows 95, 98, NT, or VL2021fH, or VL2031H
2000 VL2021H, VL2021f, VL2021fH, and VL2031H:
increase database tags from125 to 250, 500, 750,
Modbus Interface 1000, 1500, 2000, or 2500
Modbus Protocol:
RTU or ASCII ValveLink SNAP-ON application for AMS
Function codes 1, 2, 3, 4, and 8 (subfunction 0)
1. Specifications do not apply to Type VL2021DVf or ValveLink SNAP-ON application for AMS
2. For extensive use of trending, 100 Megabytes of free space is recommended.

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Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

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 Bulletin 62.1:VL2000

FIELDVUE, ValveLink, SNAP-ON and Fisher are marks owned by Fisher Controls International, Inc., a business of Emerson Process
Management. The Emerson logo is a trademark and service mark of Emerson Electric Co. All other marks are the property of their respective
owners. HART is a mark owned by the HART Communications Foundation. FOUNDATION is a mark owned by the Fieldbus Foundation.

The contents of this publication are presented for informational purposes only, and while every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy,
they are not to be construed as warranties or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the products or services described herein or their use
or applicability. We reserve the right to modify or improve the designs or specifications of such products at any time without notice.
Fisher does not assume responsibility for the selection, use or maintenance of any product. Responsibility for proper selection, use and
maintenance of any Fisher product remains solely with the purchaser.

Emerson Process Management

Fisher
Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 USA
Cernay 68700 France
Sao Paulo 05424 Brazil
Singapore 128461
www.Fisher.com

EFisher
16 Controls International, Inc. 1995, 2002; All Rights Reserved