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Engineering Toolbox/Control Valve Stroke Calibration

Instrumentation & Calibration

Control Valve Stroke Calibration

Record a full five-point upscale and downscale stroke cycle, compare actual travel with expected position, and screen the direction-dependent travel difference at each command.

Test basis

Use the valve/positioner test procedure and acceptance criteria applicable to the job.

±% travel
% travel

No universal acceptance limit is assumed. Enter the project, OEM, maintenance-procedure or site criterion when a PASS/FAIL decision is required.

Observed valve travel

Enter actual mechanical/position-feedback travel at each command point.

CommandSignalUpscale travelDownscale travel
0%4.00 mA
%
%
25%8.00 mA
%
%
50%12.00 mA
%
%
75%16.00 mA
%
%
100%20.00 mA
%
%

What this tells you

The point error is a direct command-versus-travel check of the valve/positioner assembly. The paired upscale/downscale difference is useful for screening direction-dependent behavior associated with friction, backlash, hysteresis or deadband.

It does not isolate formal hysteresis from deadband. A dedicated reversal test or diagnostic valve signature is required when that distinction matters.

Field discipline

Stroke the valve only where the process, bypass arrangement, actuator energy and permit conditions make it safe. Record whether the test is on the bench, in place, online, or isolated. Do not infer fail-open/fail-closed action from the command direction used here.