MI 018-440

Instruction

January 1985

E69P Current-to-Pneumatic
Valve Positioner
! DANGER
This valve positioner may have agency certification for installation in hazardous
locations or for intrinsic safety. Use of the valve positioner in atmospheres for which it
has not been certified can cause an explosion resulting in death or injury. Refer to
label affixed to the valve positioner for type of certification and observe applicable
wiring practices. For conditions of certification, see Table 1, Product Safety
Specifications.

Introduction
General Description
The E69P Current-to-Pneumatic Valve Positioner (Figure 1) is a yoke-mounted instrument that
converts a dc milliampere input signal to a pneumatic output. The output is calibrated for a specific valve stroke rather than for a pneumatic output signal. The positioner will deliver all the air
required, limited to its supply pressure, to reposition the valve stem to satisfy a given input.
When the positioner is shipped on a valve yoke, it is calibrated for the proper action and stroke.
When shipped separately, it is calibrated for increase-increase air-to-raise action, and for a stroke
of approximately 25 mm (1 in) when used with a P50 Actuator. Recalibration will be required if
not used in the above mode.

Principle of Operation
A milliampere dc input signal is converted to a proportional valve stem position in the following
manner (see Figure 2):
A coil, positioned in the field of a permanent magnet, exerts a tangential thrust proportional to
the direct current input signal flowing through it. This thrust moves the flapper with respect to
the nozzle thereby changing the air output pressure of a pneumatic relay. The output pressure is
applied to the pneumatic actuator which moves the valve stem. The motion of the valve stem is
fed back to the nozzle by a direct mechanical linkage, producing a throttling relationship between
the flapper and the nozzle.

A Siebe Group Company

MI 018-440 January 1985

Introduction

Figure 1.

Figure 2.

Standard Specifications
Input and Output Ranges
Input
(mA)
4 to 20(1)
or
10 to 50(2)
(1)

4 to 12 or 12 to 20 mA
to 30 or 30 to 50 mA

(2)10

NOTE

Output
kPa

psi

5 to 240
5 to 420

1 to 35
1 to 60

To get these inputs, merely recalibrate

positioner.

Ranges are listed in kPa and psi. For alternative ranges in kg/cm2 or bar, divide
applicable kPa values by 100.

Introduction

MI 018-440 January 1985

Input Resistance
4 to 20 mA input: 170
10 to 50 mA input: 27
Approximate Mass
2.3 kg (5 lb)
Air Consumption
With 140 kPa (20 psi) supply pressure:
1.3 m3/h (0.75 cfm) at standard conditions
With all other supply pressures:
1.7 m3/h (1.0 cfm) at standard conditions
Mounting
Vertical on valve yoke
Ambient Temperature Limits
Normal Operating Conditions:
-30 and +60C (-20 and +140F)
Operative Limits:
-40 and +80C (-40 and +180F)
Supply Pressure
Nominal
140 kPa (20 psi)
240 kPa (35 psi)
415 kPa (60 psi)

Limits
130 and 160 kPa
(19 and 23 psi)
225 and 260 kPa
(33 and 38 psi)
400 and 435 kPa
(58 and 63 psi)

Also, supply pressure must be a minimum of 20 kPa or 3 psi above maximum output
signal.
Product Safety
For electrical classification of valve positioner, refer to data plate. For conditions of certification,
refer to Table 1.

MI 018-440 January 1985

Introduction

Table 1. Product Safety Specifications

Testing Laboratory, Types of Protection,
and Area Classification
Conditions of Certification
BASEEFA certified intrinsically safe (Ex) ia 4 to 20 mA input only. Power source must
for IIC, Zone 0 or IIC, Zone 1.
be intrinsically safe and must not exceed
35 V or 0.66 W. Temperature Class T6.
BASEEFA certified nonincendive Ex n for 4 to 20 mA input only. Power source must
IIC, Zone 2.
not exceed 75 V dc or 35 mA.
Temperature Class T6.
CSA certified intrinsically safe for Class I, 4 to 20 mA input only. Connect per
Groups A, B, C, and D, Division 1.
TI 005-105. Temperature Class T6.
CSA certified explosionproof for Class I, 4 to 20 and 10 to 50 mA input.
Group D, Division 1, Class II, Groups E, Temperature Class T6. E69P-T only.
F, and G, Division 1, and Class III.
CSA certified nonincendive for Class I,
Groups A, B, C, and D, Division 2.
CSA certified nonincendive for Class I,
4 to 20 and 10 to 50 mA input.
Groups A, B, C, and D, Division 2.
Temperature Class T6. E69P-B only.
FM certified intrinsically safe for Class I, 4 to 20 mA input only. Connect per
Groups A, B, C, and D, Division 1 and
TI 005-101. Temperature Class T6.
Class II, Groups E and G, Division 1.
FM certified intrinsically safe for Class I, 4 to 20 mA input only. Connect to
Groups C and D, Division 1 and Class II, Honeywell Class 38 Barrier. Refer to
Groups E and G, Division 1.
TI 005-101 for Barrier types and groups.
FM certified intrinsically safe for Class I, Temperature Class T6.
Groups A, B, C, and D, Division 1 and
Class II, Groups E and G, Division 1.
4 to 20 and 10 to 50 mA input.
FM certified explosionproof for Class I,
Groups C and D, Division 1 and Class II, Temperature Class T6. E69P-T only.
Groups E and G, Division 1.
FM certified nonincendive for Class I,
Groups A, B, C, and D, Division 2 and
Class II, Group G, Division 2.
FM certified nonincendive for Class I,
4 to 20 and 10 to 50 mA input.
Groups A, B, C, and D, Division 2 and
Temperature Class T6. E69P-B only.
Class II, Group G, Division 2.
LCIE certified flameproof EEx d for IIB, 4 to 20 mA and 10 to 50 mA input.
Zone 1 (CENELEC).
Temperature Class T6. E69P-T only.
PTB certified intrinsically safe (EEx) ib for 4 to 20 mA input only. Connect to
IIC, Zone 1 (CENELEC).
intrinsically safe circuit with a maximum
current of 90 mA. Temperature Class T6.

Elec. Class.
Code
CS-E/BA-A

CS-E/BN-A

CS-E/CB-A
CS-E/CD-A

CS-E/CN-A
CS-E/FB-A

CS-E/FB-H

CS-E/FD-A

CS-E/FN-A

CS-E/LD-E
CS-E/PB-E

Installation

MI 018-440 January 1985

Table 1. Product Safety Specifications (Continued)

Testing Laboratory, Types of Protection,
Elec. Class.
and Area Classification
Conditions of Certification
Code
SAA certified intrinsically safe (Ex) is for 4 to 20 mA input only. Connect per
CS-E/AA-A
IIC, Zone 0.
drawing 15001EZ, 15001FA, 15001FB,
15001FC, or 15001FM. Temperature
Class T6.
S-COMM (Yugoslavia) certified
4 to 20 mA input only. Connect to SCS-E/YB-A
intrinsically safe (Sib) for IIC, Zone 1.
COMMISSION certified apparatus with a
short circuit current of 90 mA maximum.
Temperature Class T6.

Installation
Dimensions
Refer to Dimensional Print DP 018-440 for positioner dimensions and installation data.

Mounting Positioner on Valve Yoke

Before mounting the positioner, check that the positioner action (specified in sales order) is compatible with the valve actuator action. If necessary, reverse the positioner output (see Reversing
Positioner Output procedure). Mounting details are shown in Figure 3.
NOTE

Positioner is shipped with all mounting hardware.

Figure 3.
! CAUTION
In normal fail-safe action, an increasing input produces an increasing output and
opens the valve. Thus the valve closes on failure of current input or air supply. Proper
action for the specific application must be determined in each case.

MI 018-440 January 1985

Installation

Connecting Positioner to Valve Stem

Depending on valve and actuator used, actuating pin and connection arrangement may vary.
Check that linkage is not obstructed during full stroke of valve. For connection details, see
Figure 4.

Figure 4.

Installation Piping and Wiring

Installation piping and wiring are shown in Figure 5. After the positioner is completely installed
on the valve, it must be calibrated to the valve stroke before being put into operation.

Figure 5.

Calibration

MI 018-440 January 1985

Calibration
For simplicity, the procedure below assumes a valve positioner with a 4 to 20 mA input and a
20 to 100 kPa or 3 to 15 psi output. For other ranges, substitute the applicable values. The specific input and output are listed on the data plate.

Equipment Set-up
Calibration set-up is shown in Figure 6.
NOTE

Accuracy is dependent on accuracy of milliammeter. For 0.5% accuracy use DVM

across a 100 precision resistor in place of milliammeter.

Visual Check
1. Determine if the positioner motor and span pivot assembly (shown in Figure 7) are in
the correct mode of operation per the table below for actuator action desired.
Actuator Action Span Pivot Assembly
Air-to-Raise
Air-to-Lower

Motor

INC-INC
INC-DEC
INC-INC
Air-to-Lower Position
INC-DEC

Air-to-Raise Position

2. If necessary, correct position of motor by referring to Reversing Positioner Output

section.
3. If necessary, correct span pivot position by turning span screw (shown in Figure 7)
clockwise for air-to-lower position and counterclockwise for air-to-raise position.

Alignment Procedure
1. Remove output line and set up equipment as shown in Figure 6.
2. Apply midrange signal input.
3. See Figure 8. Pinch nozzle tubing to drive actuator beyond mid-stroke position. Close
shutoff valve. Bleed air from actuator until stem is at 50%.
NOTE

Circuit and/or actuator may leak slightly. Occasionally check stem position to be
certain stem remains at 50%.
4. Loosen lever clamp screw.
5. Adjust stem nuts (see Figure 8) so that lever is at right angle (90) to stem (as close as
possible).
6. Slowly rotate span pivot assembly (connector shaft) until output pressure is 34 to
90 kPa or 5 to 13 psi. Tighten lever clamp screw.

MI 018-440 January 1985

Calibration

7. Open shutoff valve (stem should not move appreciably) and proceed to Calibration
Procedure .

Figure 6.
NOTE

If pivot assembly was not repositioned (air-to-lower) and this is first time
installation, positioner is now set to the factory calibration (air-to-raise, 25 mm
(1 in) stroke on a P50 Actuator). Pivot assembly should be approximately parallel to
axis of lever.

Calibration

MI 018-440 January 1985

Figure 7.

MI 018-440 January 1985

Calibration

Figure 8.

Calibration Procedure
NOTE

Due to the interaction of zero and span screw adjustments at 0 and 100%, it is
advisable to always re-zero at 50% input prior to checking results of span
adjustments.
1. Apply 50% input to positioner.
2. Adjust coarse and/or fine zero screw so that stem reading is at mid-stroke position. See
Figure 9.

10

Calibration

MI 018-440 January 1985

Figure 9.
3. Apply 0 and 100% input to positioner and note stem positions.
4. If stem positions are not 0 and 100% respectively, adjust span screw per span table.
NOTE

One revolution of span screw influences the stroke by approximately 10%.

Span Table
Actuator
Action
Span Screw
Adj.
Result

Air to Lower Stem

Inc. Stroke

Dec. Stroke

Air to Raise Stem

Dec. Stroke

Inc. Stroke

5. Apply 50% input. If stem is not at mid-stroke, turn zero screw to reposition stem to
50% of travel and check results of previous stroke adjustment. Repeat Steps 3, 4, and
5 if necessary until stroke is correct. Roller must remain in contact with nozzle
assembly arm throughout entire stroke.

Alignment Check
1. Apply approximately 10% input. Close shutoff valve.
2. Change input by 5% in direction to increase output pressure. Output pressure should
increase to within 15 kPa or 4 psi of supply pressure. If not, check that nozzle axis is at
right angle (90) to flapper at 50% input. See Figure 10.
11

MI 018-440 January 1985

Maintenance

Use coarse and fine zero adjustments to achieve right angle (90).

Figure 10.
3. Apply approximately 90% input, close shutoff valve and repeat Step 2.

Maintenance
Relay Maintenance
Relay Removal
Refer to Figure 11. Remove the two large screws and pry off relay. A gasket is supplied with each
replacement relay.
For servicing details, see Instruction MI 011-493 (Model 40G) or MI 011-491 (Model 40D).
! WARNING
If positioner is equipped with explosionproof cover, two flame arresters are present.
Arresters must remain in place for explosionproof protection.

Cleaning Restrictor
Remove relay. See Relay Removal procedure.
Clean restrictor by inserting a 0.1 mm (0.005 in) diameter wire (or Foxboro cleaning wire, Part
No. 0042527) through orifice.

12

Maintenance

MI 018-440 January 1985

Figure 11.

Positioner Modifications
NOTE

Foxboro does not consider the following modifications a field conversion. They are
considered factory modifications due to the complexity of the procedures and the
large amount of time required to perform them. If the modifications must be made
in the field, use the following procedures and contact Foxboro for additional
assistance.

Reversing Positioner Output

The existing action of the positioner is indicated by the marking on the exposed top of motor:
INC-INC (increasing input produces an increasing output), or INC-DEC (increasing input produces a decreasing output). When reinstalling the motor (Step 7), the exposed marking on the
motor must indicate the new positioner action.
This procedure is not required when changing actuator action. To reverse actuator action, refer to
Reversing Actuator Action procedure.
1. Remove positioner from valve.
a. Disconnect input wiring and air piping.
b. Loosen clamp screw at linkage.
c. Remove two bolts holding positioner to valve yoke.
2. Remove the two feedback assembly mounting screws (Figure 12). Disconnect tubing
from connection at case.
Carefully lift out feedback assembly (do not damage nozzle). Spring on bottom of case
will be exposed.
3. Unhook spring from motor bracket.
4. Remove two screws and lift off motor pivot plate (Figure 12).

13

MI 018-440 January 1985

Maintenance

Figure 12.
5. Lift out motor. Note wire routing.
Carefully lift flapper (see Figure 13) straight up from flapper arm on motor. Do not
deform flapper. Holding onto flapper arm on other end of motor while removing will
prevent internal motor flexure deformation.

Figure 13.
6. Remove two screws holding bracket to bottom of motor.
Invert motor and reinstall bracket (on side that was formerly on top).
7. Wind excess wire clockwise around motor and carefully place motor into position in
case assuring that bottom tab is in cavity provided. Make sure that wires will not
interfere with moving parts and pivot is in hole at bottom of motor.
NOTE

Marking on top of motor must indicate new positioner action.

14

Maintenance

MI 018-440 January 1985

8. Reinstall motor pivot plate. Tighten bolts uniformly. Reconnect spring on motor
bracket. Reinstall flapper on flapper arm, maintaining gap as shown. Do not apply
excessive force to arm.
! CAUTION
Flapper contains damping material as shown in Figure 14. If damping material is
removed, positioner will operate erratically.

GAP

Figure 14.
9. Turn fine zero screw fully counterclockwise. Turn span screw so that brass block is
approximately centered on screw on span assembly.
10. Reinstall feedback assembly. Do not tighten mounting screws. Make sure that tubing
is not kinked.
11. To position feedback assembly:
Place thumb on span assembly and forefinger on surface A (Figure 15) near
mounting screw. Gently squeeze fingers together to achieve 90 angle as shown.
Check to make sure span assembly is perpendicular to base of positioner casting.
Tighten feedback assembly mounting screws.

Figure 15.
12. Turn fine zero screw six turns clockwise.
13. Reinstall positioner on valve.
14. Perform Alignment, Calibration, and Alignment Check procedures.

15

MI 018-440 January 1985

Maintenance

Reversing Actuator Action

If actuator action (air-to-lower or air-to-raise) is to be changed, reverse top of actuator (see actuator Instruction MI 012-235) and then calibrate the positioner.
Before calibrating positioner, make coarse span adjustment, as shown in Figure 16. (Turn span
screw to reposition span pivot to correct side of connector shaft center line for desired actuator
action.)
Illustration shows span adjustment positioned for air-to-raise action.

Figure 16.

The Foxboro Company

33 Commercial Street
Foxboro, MA 02035-2099
United States of America
http://www.foxboro.com
Inside U.S.: 1-888-FOXBORO
(1-888-369-2676)
Outside U.S.: Contact your
local Foxboro Representative.
Facsimile: (508) 549-4492

Foxboro is a registered trademark of The Foxboro Company.

Siebe is a registered trademark of Siebe, plc.

A Siebe Group Company

MB 100

Copyright 1985 by The Foxboro Company

All rights reserved
Printed in U.S.A

0185