T 8384-2 EN
Type 3730-2 Electropneumatic Positioner
Series 3730

Application
Single-acting or double-acting positioner for attachment to pneumatic control valves. Self-calibrating, automatic adaptation to valve and actuator.
Set point
Valve travel
Opening angle

4 to 20 mA
3.6 to 300 mm
24 to 100°

The positioner ensures a predetermined assignment of the valve position (controlled variable x) to the input signal (set pointw). It compares the input signal received from a control system
to the travel or rotational angle of the control valve and issues
a corresponding output signal pressure (output variable y).

Fig. 1: Type 3730, direct attachment to Type 3277
Pneumatic Actuator(new design)

Special features• Simple attachment to all common linear and rotary actuators– SAMSON direct attachment (Fig. 1)– NAMUR rib (Fig. 2)– Attachment to rod-type yokes acc. to IEC 60534-6-1– Attachment according to VDI/VDE 3847
– Rotary actuator attachment according to VDI/
VDE 3845 (Fig. 3)

Fig. 2: Type 3730, attachment
to NAMUR rib• Any desired mounting position of the positioner (but notsuspended)• Simple single-knob, menu-driven operation• LCD easy to read in any mounted position due to selectable reading direction• Configurable with a PC over the SSP interface using the
TROVIS-VIEW software

Fig. 3: Type 3730, attachment
according to VDI/
VDE 3845• Variable, automatic start-up with four different initialization modes• Preset parameters - only values deviating from the standard need to be adjusted• Calibrated travel sensor without gears susceptible to wear
• Sub initialization mode (substitution) allows the positioner
to be started up in case of emergency whilst the plant isrunning without the valve moving through the whole travel
range.
• Permanent storage of all parameters in EEPROM (protectedagainst power failure)• Two-wire system with small electrical load between 300
and 350 Ω depending on version (see Table 1)

Fig. 4: Type 3730 · External position sensor with Type 3510
Micro-ﬂow Valve• Adjustable output pressure limitation

SAMSON AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT · Weismüllerstraße 3 · 60314 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
Phone: +49 69 4009-0 · Fax: +49 69 4009-1507 · samson@samsongroup.com · www.samsongroup.com

Edition April 2021

tem (2), an analog i/p module with a downstream air capacity booster and the electronics with the microcontroller (5).
When a set point deviation occurs, the actuator is either vented or filled with air. If necessary, the signal pressure change
can be slowed down with a volume restriction that can beconnected as necessary. The signal pressure to the actuatorcan be limited by software to 1.4, 2.4 or 3.7 bar.
A constant air stream with a fixed set point to the atmosphereis created by flow regulator (9) with a fixed set point. The i/p
module (6) is supplied with a constant upstream pressure by
the pressure regulator (8) to compensate for any fluctuationsin the supply pressure.

• Activatable tight-closing function• Continuous monitoring of zero point• Integrated temperature sensor and operating hours counter• Two standard programmable position alarms• Self-diagnostics; alarms as condensed state conforming to
NAMUR Recommendation NE 107, issued over a fault
alarm contact or optional analog position transmitter• Integrated EXPERTplus diagnostics for control valves(u T 8389-1)
Version–Operation

Type 3730-2 · Electropneumatic positioner for control valves, on-site operation, local communication with SSP interface, EXPERTplus diagnostics

The positioner is operated with a user-friendly rotary pushbutton. The parameters are selected by turning the knob, pushingit activates the required setting. In the menu, all parameters
are listed in one level, eliminating the need to search in submenus. All parameters can be checked and changed on site.
All values are displayed on the LCD. The reading direction of
the LCD can be rotated by 180°.
The closing direction of the control valve is indicated to thepositioner by setting the slide switch "Air to open/Air to close". It assigns the CLOSED position of the control valve to the
0 % reading.
The INIT key activates initialization which is started according
to the ready adjusted parameters (autotune). After initialization is completed, the positioner immediately starts closed-loop
operation.

Additional options
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

Inductive limit contact with proximity switches
Analog position transmitter with two-wire transmitter
Forced venting function with solenoid valve
Binary input
External position sensor (Fig. 4)
Stainless steel housing
Leakage sensor to monitor the seat leakage

Principle of operation
The positioner is mounted on pneumatic control valves and isused to assign the valve position (controlled variable x) to thecontrol signal (set point w). The positioner compares the electric control signal of a control system to the travel or rotational
angle of the control valve and issues a signal pressure (output
variable y) for the pneumatic actuator.
The positioner mainly consists of an electric travel sensor sys-

To configure the positioner with SAMSON’s TROVIS-VIEW
software, the positioner is equipped with an additional digitalinterface to be connected to the RS-232 or USB interface of a
PC.

22

20
SerialInterface

16

13
mm

S

w

4

BE

5

%

A3

15
19

A2

14

A1
14
w

24V DC
17

x

18

PD

11

2

3

12

G

G

6
9
10

8

y
7

Q

1
x

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
22

Control valve
Travel sensor
Controller
A/D converter
Microcontroller
i/p module
BoosterPressure regulator
Flow regulator
Volume restriction
Inductive limit contact (option)
Solenoid valve (option)
Position transmitter or binary input (option)
Software limit contacts
Fault alarm output
Display
Actuation of solenoid valve
Galvanic isolation (option)
D/A converter
Communication interface
Binary input BE (option)

Fig. 5: Functional diagram of Type 3730-2 Positioner

2

T 8384-2 ENTable 1: Technical data for Type 3730-2 Positioner
Type 3730-2 Positioner

The technical data for the explosion-protected devices may be restricted by the limits specified in thetest certificates.

Valve travel

Direct attachment to Type 3277 Actuator

3.6 to 30 mm

Attachment according to IEC 60534-6 (NAMUR)

3.6 to 300 mm

Attachment according to VDI/VDE 3847

3.6 to 300 mm

Attachment to rotary actuators (VDI/VDE 3845)

24 to 100° opening angle

Travel range

Set point w

Adjustable

Adjustable

Adjustable within the initialized travel/angle of rotation of the valve; travel can be restricted to 1/5 atthe maximum.

Signal range

4 to 20 mA · Two-wire device, reverse polarity protection Minimum span 4 mA

Static destruction limit

100 mA

Minimum current

3.6 mA for display · 3.8 mA for operation

Load impedanceWithout explosion protection: ≤6 V (corresponds to 300 Ω at 20 mA) · Explosion-protected versions:≤7 V (corresponds to 350 Ω at 20 mA)

Supply air

Supply pressure

1.4 to 7 bar (20 to 105 psi)

Air quality acc. toISO 8573-1

Max. particle size and density: Class 4 · Oil content: Class 3 · Pressure dew point: Class 3 or at least 10
K below the lowest ambient temperature to be expected

Signal pressure (output)

Characteristic

0 bar up to the capacity of the supply pressure · Can be limited to 1.4 bar/2.4 bar/3.7 bar ± 0.2 barby software

Adjustable

Linear/Equal percentage/Reverse equal percentage
User-defined (over operating software and communication)
Butterfly valve, rotary plug valve and segmented ball valve: Linear/equal percentage

Deviation≤1 %Hysteresis≤0.3 %

Sensitivity≤0.1 %

Transit time

Venting or filling with air adjustable separately up to 240 s by software

Direction of action

Reversible

Air consumption, steady state

Independent of supply air approx. 110 ln/h

Air output ca- to fill actuator with air
pacityto vent actuator

At Δp = 6 bar: 8.5 mn³/h· At Δp = 1.4 bar: 3.0 mn³/h·

KVmax (20 °C) = 0.09

At Δp = 6 bar: 14.0 mn³/h· At Δp = 1.4 bar: 4.5 mn³/h·

KVmax(20 °C) = 0.15

Permissible ambient temperature

Influences–20 to +80 °C (all versions)–45 to +80 °C with metal cable gland
The temperature limits for the explosion-protected devices may be restricted by the limits specified in
the test certificates.

Temperature≤0.15 %/10 K

Supply air

None

Effect of vibration≤0.25 % up to 2000 Hz and 4 g according to IEC 770

Electromagnetic compatibility

Complying with EN 61000-6-2, EN 61000-6-3, EN 61326-1 and NAMUR Recommendation NE 21

Electrical connections

One M20x1.5 cable gland for 6 to 12 mm clamping range
Second M20x1.5 threaded connection additionally available
Screw terminals for 0.2 to 2.5 mm² wire cross-section

Degree of protection

IP 66/NEMA 4X

Use in safety-instrumented systems(SIL)
Emergency venting at 0 mA set point
and using optional solenoid valve
Explosion protection
ComplianceObserving the requirements of IEC 61508, the systematic capability of the pilot valve for emergency
venting as a component in safety-instrumented systems is given.
Use is possible on observing the requirements of IEC 61511 and the required hardware fault tolerancein safety-instrumented systems up to SIL 2 (single device/HFT = 0) and SIL 3 (redundant configuration/
HFT = 1).
See Table 3·

Communication (local)

SAMSON SSP interface and serial interface adapter

Software requirements (SSP)TROVIS-VIEW with database module 3730-2

T 8384-2 EN

3Binary contacts
For connection to

Binary input of a PLC acc. to IEC 61131-2
Pmax = 400 mW or for connection to NAMUR switching
amplifier acc. to EN 60947-5-6

NAMUR switching amplifier acc. to
EN 60947-5-6

Two software limit contacts, reverse polarity protection, floating, configurable switching characteristics (default settings in table below)
Signal state

VersionNo explosion protection

Ex

No response

Effectively non-conducting≤ 1.0 mA

Response

Conductive (R = 348 Ω)≥ 2.2 mA

No explosion protectionEx

One fault alarm contact
VersionSignal state

No fault alarm

Conductive (R = 348 Ω)≥ 2.2 mA

Fault alarm

Effectively non-conducting≤ 1.0 mA

Materials
Housing

Die-cast aluminum EN AC-AlSi12(Fe) (EN AC-44300) acc. to DIN EN 1706 · Chromated and powder
paint coated · Special version: stainless steel 1.4408

External parts

Stainless steel 1.4404/316L

Cable gland

M20x1.5, black polyamide

WeightApprox. 1.0 kg · Special stainless steel version: 2.2 kg

Table 2: Options for Type 3730-2 Positioner
Solenoid valve · Approval acc. to IEC 61508/SIL
24 V DC · Galvanically isolated and reverse polarity protection · Static destruction limit 40 V
Input

Current consumption I =U – 5.7 V
3840 Ω(corresponding to 4.8 mA at 24 V/114 mW)

Signal '0' (no response)<12 V (emergency venting at 0 V)

Signal '1' (response)>19 V

Service life

>5 x 106 switching cycles

KV coefficient

0.15

Analog position transmitterTwo-wire transmitter · Galvanically isolated

Auxiliary power

12 to 30 V DC · Reverse polarity protection · Static destruction limit 40 V

Output signal

4 to 20 mA

Operating direction

Reversible

Operating range–10 to +114 %Characteristic

LinearHysteresis

Same as positioner

High-frequency influence

Same as positioner

Other influences

Same as positioner

Fault alarm

Issued as status current 2.4 ±0.1 mA or 21.6 ±0.1 mA

Pepperl+Fuchs inductive limit contact

For connection to switching amplifier according to EN 60947-5-6.
Can be used in combination with a software limit contact.

SJ2-SN proximity switch

Measuring plate not detected: ≥3 mA · Measuring plate detected: ≤1 mA

4

T 8384-2 EN

External position sensor
Valve travel

Same as positioner

Cable

10 m · Flexible and durable · With M12x1 connector · Flame-retardant acc. to VDE 0472
Resistant to oils, lubricants and coolants as well as other aggressive media

Permissible ambient temperature–40 to +90 °C with a fixed connection between positioner and position sensor · The limits in the test
certificate additionally apply for explosion-protected versions

Immunity to vibration

Up to 10 g in the range of 10 to 2000 Hz

Degree of protection

IP 67

Leakage sensor · Suitable for operation in hazardous areas
Temperature range–40 to +130 °C

Tightening torque

20 ±5 Nm

Binary input · Galvanically isolated · Switching behavior configured over software (e.g. TROVIS-VIEW, DTM)
Active switching behavior (default setting)Connection

For external switch (floating contact) or relay contact

Electric data

Open-circuit voltage when contact is open: max. 10 V
Pulsed DC current reaching peak value of 100 mA and RMS value of 0.01 mA when contact is closed

Contact

Closed, R < 20 Ω ON switching state (default setting)Open, R > 400 Ω OFF switching state (default setting)

Passive switching behavior
Connection

For externally applied DC voltage, reverse polarity protection

Electric data

3 to 30 V · Static destruction limit 40 V · Current consumption 3.7 mA at 24 V

Voltage>6 V: ON switching state (default setting) · <1 V: OFF switching state (default setting)T 8384-2 EN5

Table 3: Explosion protection certificates
Type

Certification
1)

-21

IECEx
KCS
NEPSI
STCC

Number

PTB 00 ATEX 2158

Date

2016-08-17

NumberRU C-DE.HA65.B.00510/20

Date

2020-03-18

Valid until

2025-03-18

NumberIECEx PTB 05.0007

Date

2016-11-29

Number

11-KB4BO-0214

Date

2011-10-24

Valid until

2019-10-24

3730-2

FM

-25

1)

IECEx

-27

STCC

JIS

-28

2)

IECEx
NEPSI
STCC

1)
2)

II 2G Ex ia IIC T6 Gb
II 2D Ex ia IIIC T80°C Db
1Ex ia IIC T6/T5/T4 Gb X
Ex tb IIIC T80 °C Db X
Ex ia IIC T6...T4 Gb
Ex ia IIIC T80°C Db

Ex ia IIC T6/T5/T4

On request
Number

ZETC/16/2018

Date

2018-04-27

Valid until

2021-04-26

Number

1330129Date

2017-05-24

NumberID 3012394

Date

2011-08-11

Number

PTB 00 ATEX 2158

Date

2016-08-17

NumberIECEx PTB 05.0007

Date

2016-11-29

Number

ZETC/16/2018

Date

2018-04-27

-23

CSA

Type of protection/comments

Valid until

2021-04-26

Number

TC18159

Date

2019-11-26

Valid until

2022-11-26

Number

PTB 03 ATEX 2016 X

Date

2016-08-31

NumberRU-C-DE 08 B.00697

Date2014-12-15

Valid until

2019-12-14

NumberIECEx PTB 05.0007

Date

2016-11-29

II 2G Ex ia IIC T6 Gb
II 2D Ex ia IIIC T80°C Db
Ex ia IIC T6, Class I Zone 0
Class I, II, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Class I, Zone 2Class I, II, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Class III; Type 4 Enclosure
Class I, Zone 0 AEx ia IIC
Class I,II,III, Div.1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G
Class I, Div.2, Groups A, B, C, D
Class II,III, Div.2, Groups F, G
Type 4X
II 2D Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db

Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db

II 2D Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db

Ex ia IIC T6

II 3G Ex nA IIC T6 Dc
II 3D Ex tc IIIC T80°C Dc
2Ex nA IIC T6/T5/T4 Gc X
2Ex ic IIC T6/T5/T4 Gc X
Ex tc IIIC T 80°C Dc X
Ex nA IIC T6...T4 Gc
Ex tc IIIC T80°C Dc

On request
Number

ZETC/16/2018

Date

2018-04-27

Valid until

2021-04-26

II 3G Ex nA IIC T6 Gc
II 3D Ex tc IIIC T80°C Dc

EC type examination certificate
Statement of conformity

Refer to Data Sheet u T 8379 for Ex d approvals of Type 3770 Field Barrier

6

T 8384-2 EN

Mounting the positioner
The Type 3730 Electropneumatic Positioner can be attacheddirectly to the Type 3277 Actuator (175 to 750 cm²) over aconnection block. In actuators with “actuator stem extends”
fail-safe action, the signal pressure is routed over an internal
hole in the actuator yoke to the actuator. In actuators with “actuator stem retracts” fail-safe action, the signal pressure is routed to the actuator over ready-made external piping.
Using the appropriate bracket, the positioner can also be attached according to IEC 60534-6-1 (NAMUR recommendation). The positioner can be mounted on either side of the control valve.

A special version of the positioner allows it to be attached according to VDI/VDE 3847. This type of attachment allows the
positioner to be replaced quickly while the process is runningby blocking the air in the actuator. The positioner can be attached directly to the Type 3277 Actuator using an adapter bracket or adapter block. Alternatively, it can be attached to the
NAMUR rib of a control valve using an additional NAMUR
connection block.
A reversing amplifier is necessary for double-acting, springless actuators for the second opposing signal pressure.

A pair of universal brackets is used for the attachment toType 3278 Rotary Actuators or other rotary actuators according to VDI/VDE 3845. The rotary motion of the actuator istransferred to the positioner over a coupling wheel with travelindication.

210

Dimensions in mm

80

M 20x1.5

40

28

58

Supply (9)

86

164

Output (38)14

34

Direct attachment

T 8384-2 EN

7

Pressure gauge bracket
G ¼ or ¼ NPT

or connecting plate

NAMUR attachment
70

58
15

Lever

46

34

200

164

Lever
164

Attachment according to VDI/
VDE 3847

13

164

62

24

62

Attachment to SAMSONType 3277

38

Attachment to NAMUR rib

28

Schild70

External
position sensor

70

8

T 8384-2 ENAttachment to rotary actuators
VDI/VDE 3845 (Sept. 2010)
Fixing level 1
Size AA1 to AA4

Output Y1
Output Y1

Supply (9)

79
59
49

80

52

Connecting plate
G ¼ or ¼ NPT

58
Output Y2

80

50

Type 3710 Reversing
Amplifier (optional)

130
150

Light version

Output Y2

90

Mounting unit
CrNiMo steel bracket

164

Output Y1
Output Y1

Supply (9)

80

52

56

Connecting plate
G ¼ or ¼ NPT

86Heavy-duty version

Output Y2 Type 3710

80
130
166

30
86
Ø 101

Reversing
Amplifier(optional)

Output Y2

Lever
Lever

x

y

z

S

17 mm

25 mm

33 mm

M

25 mm

50 mm

66 mm

L

70 mm

100 mm

116 mm

XL

100 mm

200 mm

216 mm

T 8384-2 EN

z
y
x

16
10...179

Ordering text
Type 3730-2... Positioner–

Without pneumatic connecting rail
(only when directly attached to Type 3277)–

With pneumatic connecting rail ISO 228/1-G ¼–

With pneumatic connecting rail ¼-18 NPT–

Without/with pressure gauge up to max. 6 bar–

Attachment to Type 3277 Actuator (175 to 750 cm²)–

Attachment according to IEC 60534-6-1 (NAMUR)
Valve travel: ... mm, if applicable, rod diameter: … mm–

Attachment according to VDI/VDE 3847
Valve travel: ... mm, if applicable, rod diameter: … mm–

Attachment to Type 3278 Rotary Actuator (160/320 cm²),
mounting unit with CrNiMo steel bracket or heavy-duty attachment–

Attachment to rotary actuators acc. to VDI/VDE 3845,
mounting unit with CrNiMo steel bracket or heavy-duty attachment–

Pneumatic reversing amplifier for double-acting actuatorswith connection acc. to ISO 228/1-G ¼ or ¼-18 NPT–

Adapter M20x1.5 to ½ NPT–

Metal cable gland–Special version: housing made of CrNiMo steel

10

T 8384-2 ENArticle code
Positioner

Type 3730-2

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

0

0

0

x

0

x

0

0

x

0

x

x

0

0

With LCD and autotune, 4 to 20 mA set point, two software limit contacts, one fault alarm contact
Explosion protection
Without0

ATEX

II 2G Ex ia IIC T6 Gb; II 2D Ex ia IIIC T80°C Db

1CSA

Ex ia IIC T6, Class I Zone 0; Class I, II, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G;
Class I, Zone 2; Class I, II, Div. 2, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G;
Class III; Type 4 Enclosure

3

FM

Class I, Zone 0 AEx ia IIC;Class I,II,III, Div.1, Groups A, B, C, D, E, F, G;
Class I, Div.2, Groups A, B, C, D; Class II,III, Div.2, Groups F, G;
Type 4X

ATEX

II 2D Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db

5JISEx ia IIC T6

7

ATEX

II 3G Ex nA IIC T6 Dc, II 3D Ex tc IIIC T80°C Dc

8

Option (additional equipment)
Inductive limit contact
Without

0

SJ2-SN (NC contact)

1

Solenoid valve
Without0With, 24 V DC

4

Analog position transmitter
Without

0

With

1

External position sensor
Without

0

With

0

1

Prepared connection

0

2

0

Leakage sensor
Without

0

With

0

0

1

0

0

0

0

2

Binary input
Without

0With
Diagnostics
EXPERTplus

4

Housing material
Aluminum (standard)0

Stainless steel

01Special application
Without0

Device completely free of paint-impairing substances

1

Exhaust air with ¼ NPT connection, back of housing sealed

2With additional vent hole and VDI/VDE 3847 adapter,without travel pick-off parts

6

With additional vent hole

7

Special version
ohne
IECEx

EAC

Ex ia IIC T6...T4 Gb; Ex ia IIIC T80°C Db

1

1

2

Ex tb IIIC T80°C Db

5

3

4

Ex nA IIC T6...T4 Gc; Ex tc IIIC T80°C Dc

8

1

3

1Ex ia IIC T6/T5/T4 Gb X; Ex tb IIIC T80 °C Db X

1

1

4

2Ex nA IIC T6/T5/T4 Gc X; 2Ex ic IIC T6/T5/T4 Gc X;
Ex tc IIIC T 80°C Dc X

8

2

0

T 8384-2 EN

11

T 8384-2 EN2021-04-15 · English

Specifications subject to change without notice