Abstract: A functional test apparatus for a field device, particularly for a quick-acting gate valve for an emergency system, preferably of a chemical installation, of a gas burner or the like, with the field device configured to change or to be changed to a specific operating mode, particularly a safety or emergency operating mode, in case there is no power supply, comprises at least one device for detection of operating data for the field device, and at least one non-volatile memory for saving the detected operating data, at least one electrical energy buffer is provided which acts on the device for detention of operating data and on the non-volatile memory for supplying them with power, such that the operating data of the field device is detected and is saved in a non-volatile manner at least while the field device is making a transition to the specific operating mode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operational monitoring of an actuator, which has a drive force unit that requires a characteristic time for build-up of the force, the apparatus including at least one position signal generator detecting a rest position of the actuator, a drive switch unit for actuating the drive force unit, and signal connections to an analyzing arrangement having a memory and a comparison unit so that, during operation, the time difference between the actuation of the drive switch unit and the possible response of the position signal generator allocated to the preceding rest limit position of the actuator is monitored, a comparison of the measured quantity to characteristic data deposited in the memory is implemented and a conclusion about the condition of the actuator is obtained from this analyzation.