Comparison of current state of control valve stiction detection and quantification techniques

Abstract

The process control and automation system is one of the significant features in any process plant. The control valve is considered a fundamental part of the process control system. It regulates the fluid flow by changing the size of the flow passage as directed by the controller. If properly maintained, the control valves can help to reduce process variability and improve product quality, which in turn increases the overall efficiency of the plant. But control valve stiction is an enduring concern within process industries which eventually affects the efficiency of plant operation. Hence, it is extremely essential to detect and quantify stiction at the earliest opportunity, to determine the correct maintenance measures. Numerous methods related to stiction detection and estimation have been carried out so far by researchers. A literature study of the latest publications in stiction detection and quantification discloses that research in the conventional methods of stiction detection and quantification such as limit cycle pattern-based, waveform shape-based, nonlinearity-based, and model-based methods is gradually declining. At the same time, most stiction detection/quantification methods reported in the recent literature are based on artificial neural network and convolutional neural network. This implies that future stiction detection and quantification research will be focused towards machine learning (ML) algorithms. Taking this into consideration, this paper aims to provide a literature review of stiction detection and quantification methods by focusing on the latest research ideas and innovative approaches. This review also aims to compare recent techniques based on ML algorithms with conventional methods by pointing out the relationship among different methods, differences, and possible points of weakness.