Configuring APL Vlv2WayL Block Icon State Orientation and Triangle Colors in WinCC

To correct mismatched flow path triangle indications in SIMATIC PCS 7 APL two-way valve icons (Vlv2WayL FB1898)—such as position 0 illuminating the top and right triangles green instead of left and top—create a custom block icon variant in the project template picture. Standard APL block icons in @PCS7TypicalsAPLV8.pdl evaluate status bits (PosState or Status1) to set polygon fill colors for discrete port triangles. Duplicate the typical icon, assign a custom type identifier (e.g., @Vlv2WayL/5), swap the dynamic color connection properties of the target port triangles, and configure the 'type' parameter in the CFC block properties to match.

APL Vlv2WayL Flow Path Architecture and Block Icon Representation

In SIMATIC PCS 7 Advanced Process Library (APL), multi-port diverter and mixer valves are controlled via function block Vlv2WayL (FB1898). These valves route process streams between multiple physical pipe segments (e.g., straight flow, angle flow, recirculation, or isolated shut-off).

The standard APL block icon for Vlv2WayL (delivered in @PCS7TypicalsAPLV8.pdl / @TemplateAPLV8.pdl) visually represents the valve body as multiple vector triangles surrounding a central hub. Each triangle corresponds to a specific pipe connection (Port 1: Left, Port 2: Right, Port 3: Top, Port 4: Bottom). Depending on the valve position feedback (PosState or individual feedback pins FbkPos0, FbkPos1, FbkPos2), the icon evaluates C-scripts or dynamic dialogs to color the active flow triangles green and non-active triangles grey.

Color Dynamics and Graphic Properties of Multi-Port Icons

When a physical multi-port valve is plumbed differently from the Siemens default schematic—for example, if physical Position 0 recirculates fluid from Left to Top, but the default block icon lights Top and Right—engineers must modify the dynamic visual mapping.

In WinCC Graphics Designer, each triangle is an individual polygon or vector object named Poly1, Poly2, Poly3, etc. The background color (BackColor) property is linked to dynamic expressions evaluating the block status tag (.Status1 or .PosState). Rather than attempting to invert feedback bits in controller logic, modifying the graphic object properties preserves consistent status byte integrity between the controller and the OS.

Configuration Matrix for Custom Valve Typicals and Orientation Variants

The table below details standard vs custom block icon configurations for multi-port valves in SIMATIC PCS 7:

Icon IdentifierSource FileActive Flow Path (Position 0)Dynamic Evaluation TagRecommended Application@Vlv2WayL/1@PCS7TypicalsAPLV8.pdlStraight-through (Left to Right).Status1 / .PosStateStandard in-line 2-way diverter valve.@Vlv2WayL/2@PCS7TypicalsAPLV8.pdlRight angle (Bottom to Right).Status1 / .PosStateStandard 90-degree angle diverter valve.@Vlv2WayL/5 (Custom)@PCS7TypicalsAPLV8_Custom.pdlRecirculation (Left to Top).Status1 / .PosStateCustom field piping; swapped Poly dynamic connections.Standard Faceplate@pg_vlv2wayl_overview.pdlMatches block typicalDynamic link to faceplateStandard APL operator dialog window.

Step-by-Step Procedure to Create Custom Typicals and Re-link CFCs

Create Custom Typicals Template: In WinCC Graphics Designer, open @PCS7TypicalsAPLV8.pdl. Save a copy as @PCS7TypicalsAPLV8_Custom.pdl in the WinCC project directory (PCS 7 prioritizes _Custom files over system templates).
Duplicate and Re-number Block Icon:
- Locate the standard Vlv2WayL block icon.
- Copy and paste the icon on the canvas.
- In the Object Properties of the new icon, navigate to General -> type. Change the value from @Vlv2WayL/1 to @Vlv2WayL/5.
Swap Triangle Color Dynamics:
- Ungroup or drill into the internal vector structure of the new block icon.
- Select the Left triangle (Poly_Left) and Top triangle (Poly_Top).
- Open the dynamic dialog under Properties -> Colors -> Background Color.
- Adjust the bitmask expression so that when PosState == 0, both Left and Top evaluate to Green (16#00FF00 or Color Index 11).
- Ensure Right and Bottom evaluate to Grey (16#C0C0C0 or Color Index 0) for Position 0.
Assign Custom Type in CFC:
- Open the CFC chart containing the Vlv2WayL instance.
- Right-click the block -> select Object Properties.
- In the Block Icon field, enter 5.
Execute Create/Update Block Icons: In SIMATIC Manager, select Options -> Plant Hierarchy -> Create/Update Block Icons.... Select the target OS screens. The generator updates the process picture with the customized @Vlv2WayL/5 orientation.

Verification

Verify correct orientation display through the following steps:
1. Open the target WinCC process mimic in Graphics Designer: confirm that the block icon displays the new triangle grouping.
2. Launch WinCC OS Runtime and drive the valve to Position 0 in manual mode.
3. Verify that the Left and Top triangles illuminate in green, accurately indicating active recirculation flow.
4. Drive the valve to Position 1 and Position 2: verify that alternate flow paths illuminate matching the actual field actuator positions.

Limitations and Operational Precautions

Never modify standard @PCS7TypicalsAPLV8.pdl directly without saving as a _Custom file. Any future execution of the OS Project Editor or PCS 7 software update will overwrite @PCS7TypicalsAPLV8.pdl, erasing custom graphics. Furthermore, if the standard APL faceplate (@pg_vlv2wayl_overview.pdl) is also used by operators for detailed diagnostics, verify that the internal faceplate schematic matches the modified block icon orientation to avoid operator confusion.