Product Bulletin

ValveLink Software 62.1:ValveLink Software

D102227X012 October 2017

ValveLink™ Software

ValveLink™ Solo ValveLink™ DTM

ValveLink™ SNAP‐ON™ ValveLink™ PLUG‐IN for PRM®

 Communicate with both HART® and  Scheduler allows you to specify a time and
FOUNDATION™ Fieldbus FIELDVUE™ digital valve date to automatically run tasks on a regular
controllers basis
 Configure, calibrate, and diagnose FIELDVUE  Ability to preconfigure calibration and
instruments from one location diagnostics in the workshop with Batch
 Use Stabilize & Optimize and Performance Runner or setup your own “Macro” file
Tuner to easily optimize tuning  Time saving Concurrent Batch allows
 Performance Diagnostics provide in‐service executing a diagnostic test or Calibration on
diagnostics for monitoring the health of the multiple valves at the same time
valve assembly without disturbing the  Merge Database feature provides the ability
process to automate multiple ValveLink databases
 Diagnostics provide validation of assembly and tags to a single or multiple stations
rebuild and detailed insight into the physical
 ValveLink Express licensing allows you to
condition of the valve/actuator assembly
obtain a free version of ValveLink software
 Setup and test FIELDVUE instruments for that allows FIELDVUE instrument setup,
Safety Instrumented System (SIS) Solutions calibration and verification
 Solenoid Valve Test to test and monitor the  Generate diagnostic, calibration, and
health of the solenoid connected to the valve configuration reports in Microsoft® Word
assembly (SIS only) and PDF format

www.Fisher.com
Product Bulletin
62.1:ValveLink Software ValveLink Software
October 2017 D102227X012

ValveLink Software Product Suite

ValveLink software is available in a variety of configurations to allow you to realize the full benefit of FIELDVUE digital
valve controllers.

ValveLink Solo
ValveLink Solo permits users to perform configuration, calibration, and
diagnostics on HART and FOUNDATION Fieldbus FIELDVUE digital valve controllers.

Integrate ValveLink software into AMS Device Manager

ValveLink SNAP‐ON provides integration with AMS Device Manager to perform
configuration, calibration, and diagnostics. Integration with AMS Device Manager
provides the ability to communicate with FIELDVUE digital valve controllers via
DeltaV, Ovation, PROVOX, HART multiplexers, and HART modems.
Non‐Emerson host integration, including Invensys and Honeywell (HART only)
systems, can be provided through HSI (Host System Integration).

Integrate ValveLink DTM into Field Device Tool - FDT

ValveLink DTM provides integration into a Field Device Tool frame application to
perform configuration, calibration, and diagnostics on FIELDVUE digital valve
controllers. The ValveLink DTM is certified with the FDT group.

Integrate ValveLink Software into the Yokogawa Plant Resource

Manager (PRM)
ValveLink PLUG‐IN for PRM provides integration with the Yokogawa Plant
Resource Manager (PRM). This integration provides PRM users with the ability to
launch the ValveLink PLUG‐IN for PRM directly from PRM and to communicate
with HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus FIELDVUE digital valve controllers through
PRM and the Yokogawa CENTUM CS 3000 R3 and CENTRUM VP.

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 Product Bulletin
ValveLink Software 62.1:ValveLink Software
D102227X012 October 2017

Communicate with both HART and FOUNDATION fieldbus

FIELDVUE digital valve controllers
Integrated or standalone ValveLink software remotely communicates with HART FIELDVUE instruments over the
existing 4‐20 mA signal wiring using the HART communication standard. The same software also can communicate
with FOUNDATION Fieldbus FIELDVUE instruments over the fieldbus H1 segment. Information is presented in a
consistent, easy‐to‐interpret interface that provides the capability to configure, calibrate, and diagnose FIELDVUE
instruments from one location:
 Dashboard of critical instrument information
 A device connection view of all connected instruments
 Monitoring of instrument operational
parameters and alerts, including
Field Diagnostic alerts
 Review and comparison of
diagnostic graphs
 Instrument setup and
calibration
 Data import and export
 Schedule diagnostic tests
 Time-Saving tools such as
Batch Runner and Concurrent
Batch Runner

Trend Travel, Pressure, and Drive Signal

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Product Bulletin
62.1:ValveLink Software ValveLink Software
October 2017 D102227X012

Field Diagnostic Alerts, which follow the NAMUR NE107 Standard, allow categorization of Device Alerts with the
highest severity displayed on the dashboard.

Status Monitor

Device alerts, such as Travel Deviation, are permanently

mapped to a Field Diagnostic Alert in FOUNDATION Fieldbus
applications. Multiple Field Diagnostic categories can be
selected per Field Diagnostic Alerts.

Status Monitor

Alert categorization

HART applications allow one Field Diagnostic

Category per Field Diagnostic Alert

Standalone ValveLink software can use the Emerson USB Fieldbus Interface, as well as the National Instruments
(NI-Fbus) interface to connect to Fieldbus FIELDVUE instruments (DVC6200f and DVC6000f) to configure, calibrate,
and diagnose the device on a bench or in the field:

ON THE BENCH IN THE FIELD

TREND VALVE TRAVEL AND PRESSURE

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 Product Bulletin
ValveLink Software 62.1:ValveLink Software
D102227X012 October 2017

Use the Performance Tuner to easily optimize tuning

The Performance Tuner lets you easily adjust a FIELDVUE digital valve controller for optimum performance. When
mounting a FIELDVUE digital valve controller, to either a Fisher or a non‐Fisher valve, the Performance Tuner can
optimize valve performance for you.

Performance Diagnostics provide in‐service diagnostics for

monitoring the health of the valve assembly without
disturbing the process
Performance Diagnostics (PD) provides predictive in‐service diagnostics for monitoring the health of the valve
assembly and customized diagnostics for advanced troubleshooting. Performance Diagnostics continuously analyze
the valve assembly and passively gather data without disturbing or interrupting the control valve while it is in the
process.

PD may be used to help detect problems with air leakage, valve assembly friction and deadband, instrument air
quality, loose connections, supply pressure restriction, and valve assembly calibration. When a problem is identified,
the diagnostic provides a description and severity of the problem, a probable cause, and recommended action.

In‐service diagnostics for troubleshooting allow custom diagnostics to be set up to collect data at a high‐frequency
collection rate and present the data in a graphical format.

Performance Diagnostics tests are available upon user request or a pre‐selected daily, weekly,
monthly, or yearly schedule without user intervention for HART instruments
Performance Diagnostics are continually running in FOUNDATION Fieldbus Instruments
and do not need to be initiated by ValveLink software

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Product Bulletin
62.1:ValveLink Software ValveLink Software
October 2017 D102227X012

Provide Real‐Time Notification of Current and Potential

Valve and Instrument Problems using Performance
Diagnostics
Performance Diagnostics
enable the use of diagnostics
while the valve is in‐service
and operating without
disturbing the process. Tests
can be performed to identify
problems with the entire
control valve assembly, such
as:

 Red/Yellow/Green
condition indicator
provides a quick visual
indication of the following:

 the physical condition of the FIELDVUE

instrument pneumatic components
 instrument air supply pressure
and volume
 relay adjustment on double acting
piston actuators
 the total air received and used by
the instrument, and
 why a valve assembly is deviating
from the set point

 PD One Button is a sweep of the above tests.

When the sweep is complete, ValveLink software
will show any errors, possible causes, and
recommended actions to resolve the error(s).
 Friction and Deadband Trending

Performance Diagnostics tests are available upon user

request or a pre‐selected daily, weekly, monthly, or
yearly schedule without user intervention for HART
instruments. Performance Diagnostics are continually
running in Foundation Fieldbus Instruments and do
not need to be initiated by ValveLink software. Performance Diagnostics provide on‐line/in‐service
predictive diagnostics to identify faults and list possible
causes and recommended corrective actions for each fault

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 Product Bulletin
ValveLink Software 62.1:ValveLink Software
D102227X012 October 2017

Provide validation of assembly rebuild and detailed insight

into the physical condition of the valve/actuator assembly

Performance Diagnostics monitor the digital valve controller set point and plot valve operation to provide insight into
the dynamic performance of the valve/actuator assembly. Out‐of‐service diagnostics such as valve signature, dynamic
error band, and step response assist in the identification of emerging valve problems quickly and accurately.

Use out-of-service diagnostics to prioritize and plan

maintenance activities when the process is shut down.

The Valve Signature diagnostic is used to:

 Evaluate valve friction, deadband, and

shutoff capability.

 Calculate actuator spring rate and

bench set.

 Identify potential packing problems.

 Compare current condition to previous

baseline condition.

 Signature Analyzer enables rapid analysis of the Valve

Signature to more efficiently manage your plant assets.
Based on default or user defined settings, Signature Analyzer
provides pass/fail results for Maximum Friction, Minimum Friction,
Stem Integrity, and Stick Slip, enabling better documentation
for required maintenance or validation of valve repairs.

Zoom in to examine
valve movement and
other details

BOUNDARY RESULTS Diagnostic tests, such as the Valve Signature Diagnostic

example shown here, help you detect emerging valve
repair requirements before they impact performance

ORIGINAL
TEST

PASS/FAIL RESULT

NEW
TEST

Signature Analyzer Boundary Editor allows you to use

default or customized test criteria

ValveLink software enables simultaneous

multiple overlay of tests (up to ten). This
The Dynamic Error Band diagnostic is used to allows you to trend valve history.
analyze hysteresis, deadband, and dynamic error.

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Product Bulletin
62.1:ValveLink Software ValveLink Software
October 2017 D102227X012

The Step Response diagnostic allows you to evaluate how well the valve tracks an input change. By minimizing dead
time, deadband, and overshoot, process control is greatly enhanced. With the Step Response test you can:
 Validate tuning parameters.
 Obtain a numerical analysis for overshoot,
hysteresis, dead time, t63, and t86.
 Define up to 30 steps.

Select pre-configured Step Tests to evaluate valve

performance.

Use Step Response tests to verify instrument

tuning and valve response to signal changes

Setup and test FIELDVUE instruments for

Safety Instrumented System
(SIS) Solutions
Use ValveLink software to set up and test the final control
element in safety instrumented system applications.
ValveLink software for DVC6200 SIS digital valve controllers
provides:

 A Setup Wizard to set up the digital valve controller for

use in a Safety Instrumented System.

 The capability to initiate a partial stroke test of the final

control element without requiring a process shutdown.
You can run a partial stroke test to prove the valve will
respond on demand.

At the same time the instrument performs the partial

stroke test, ValveLink software also gathers diagnostic
data. Use this data to evaluate valve performance and
determine if maintenance is required.

 ValveLink software enables the

Solenoid Valve Test for SIS instruments.
This is to verify that a solenoid used in
conjunction with a DVC6200 SIS digital valve
controller is operational.

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 Product Bulletin
ValveLink Software 62.1:ValveLink Software
D102227X012 October 2017

Each PST will be scored as Red/Yellow/Green based on

a user selection of acceptance (Abort or Abnormal)
criteria and result criticality. This result will be shown
as an indicator bulb on the graph and in the analyzed
section as PST Result.

 Signature Analyzer that automates diagnostics results

of Valve Signature and Partial Stroke diagnostic data.
The Signature Analyzer uses a set of user configurable
limits to help determine possible issues with the valve
assembly, such as a broken shaft or stem.

 A Trigger event that allows you to log the “Safety

Demand” event and reset valve stroke while storing
pre‐event and post‐event data for additional valve
diagnostics. Trip event data can also be accessed for
an audit and presented to regulatory insurance authorities.

The Trigger functionality allows data to be collected and stored

in the instrument. Trip event data can be accessed for an audit
and presented as required. The trigger will initiate on‐board data
collection based on a change in actuator pressure, valve travel,
input current, pressure differential, travel deviation, or travel
cutoff. The data is retained in the event of a power loss.

Every event performed with ValveLink software is

logged with a time and date stamp to document that
tests were run and how the valve assembly responded.

 Diagnostic information to allow predictive maintenance of the

final control element. No need to unnecessarily shutdown the
process to perform maintenance on the safety shutdown valve.

A Trigger event, based on one of eight process

 The capability to monitor the health of a solenoid valve
variables, documents a “Safety Demand” event
downstream of the digital valve controller. This can when used in a safety instrumented system
improve safety reliability and provide assurance that
the solenoid valve is not stuck in the open position.

 ValveLink Solo Event Messenger capability

to send notification via email, pager, or cell phone
if a specific alert, or set of alerts, occurs on
a predefined set of safety shutdown valves.

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Product Bulletin
62.1:ValveLink Software ValveLink Software
October 2017 D102227X012

Scheduler allows you to specify a time and date to

automatically run tasks on a regular basis
With Scheduler, you can schedule tasks, such as in‐service Performance Diagnostics and SIS Partial Stroke
diagnostics to run on a recurring daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly schedule that you specify. A summary of the
outcome of scheduled tasks is available from within Scheduler and for complete details you can view the resulting
diagnostic graphs and analyses.

Ability to preconfigure calibration and diagnostics in the

workshop with Batch Runner or setup your own “Macro”
With Batch Runner you can setup
ValveLink software to automatically run
diagnostic tests, calibrate, or upload
configuration data from multiple valves
with a user specified routine. During a
turnaround or production change, you
can download firmware, upload
configurations, run the Performance
Tuner to optimize tuning, or even reset
the instrument clock without any
interaction by personnel.

Batch Runner increases efficiency by

allowing you to set up a batch once, and
repeatedly run that set of actions on
different groups of valve assemblies.

Use Batch Runner to automate diagnostic tests and other repetitive activities

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 Product Bulletin
ValveLink Software 62.1:ValveLink Software
D102227X012 October 2017

Time saving Concurrent Batch Runner to run Signature

test, Step-Response test, or Auto-Calibration on multiple
valves at the same time
In addition to the Batch Runner, ValveLink software includes the time-saving Concurrent Batch Runner capability. This
allows executing a diagnostic test or Auto-Calibration on multiple valves at the same time. The diagnostic results from
the tested valves can be collected at the completion of the concurrent batch or at a later time after the tags have been
put back “In-Service”.

The Concurrent Batch Runner is a 2-part process:

1. Executes diagnostic or calibration on multiple valves simultaneously, then,

2. the follow up batch uploads the diagnostic results in ValveLink software either during current outage or once valves
are back “In-Service”.
Key benefits
 Further increase process uptime and improve productivity with up
to 80% time saving when running Concurrent Batch over a Batch
Runner for similar tasks.
 Run up to three tasks in Concurrent Batch for one tag with the
DVC6200 FW7 device only.
 Diagnostics are stored in the instrument after the concurrent batch
is executed, allowing for data retrieval immediately after
completion of the test or at a later time when valve is In-Service.
 Available with all configurations of the ValveLink software suite
(ValveLink SOLO, ValveLink SNAP-ON, ValveLink DTM and ValveLink
PLUG-IN for PRM).
 Supported on DVC6200, DVC6200f, DVC6000, and DVC6000f
instruments.
 Fits into the proactive maintenance strategy of monitoring and
diagnosing problems and correcting root cause sooner by
gathering maximum data in a minimum amount of time.

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Product Bulletin
62.1:ValveLink Software ValveLink Software
October 2017 D102227X012

Merge Database feature provides ability to automate

multiple ValveLink software databases and tags into single
or multiple stations
Available with ValveLink SOLO, ValveLink DTM and ValveLink PLUG-IN for PRM.

Manually or automatically, using scheduler feature, merge multiple ValveLink software databases to a single or
multiple stations, helping to eliminate diagnostic data silos on individual stations.

SOURCE

Merge databases on LAN Network

DESTINATION

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 Product Bulletin
ValveLink Software 62.1:ValveLink Software
D102227X012 October 2017

ValveLink Express—free version of ValveLink software

license designed to setup, calibrate, verify, and configure
alerts on FIELDVUE instruments
ValveLink Express license is available for ValveLink SOLO, ValveLink DTM, and ValveLink PLUG-IN for PRM.

After the 60 days of full functionality temporary license available with each installation, the express license can be
enabled by running the ValveLink License Wizard and requesting a New License using software licensing (Express).

ValveLink Express is designed primarily to allow you to perform key tasks such as setup, calibration, and alert
configuration and to set the instrument In-Service.

The Express license can be upgraded to a full functionality license to add diagnostic capabilities at anytime. Contact
your Emerson sales office or Local Business Partner for further information.

ValveLink Express provides:

 Users and Security Group setup
 Instrument specification sheet update
 Setup, Calibration (Auto, Manual, Partial Stroke
and Hardware)
 Dashboard overview, Multi-Tag status, Status
Monitoring and Alert monitoring
 Instrument Detailed Setup (parameter
modification)
 Instrument Firmware upgrades
 Stroke valve for verification
 Monitor Instrument Alert Event Record
 Allow HART, Fieldbus and Multiplexer
capabilities
 Network Alert Scan capabilities
 Trending

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Product Bulletin
62.1:ValveLink Software ValveLink Software
October 2017 D102227X012

Specifications
Hardware Requirements b) If both ports will be connected to LIVE segments,
Computer and processor: then both ports must be set to “Basic” mode.

1 gigahertz (GHz) processor NI driver software must be installed BEFORE installing

Memory: the NI hardware.
512 megabytes (MB) RAM (Windows XP) Other configurations may result in initialization
1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (All other Operating Systems) failure of the NI Communication Manager software
Hard disk:
No Trending - 65 MB available storage space Supported Languages
Trending - 125 MB available storage space ValveLink Software v13.3 is only available in English
Drive:
CD-ROM Drive Supported Operating Systems
Display:
ValveLink Solo
1024 X 768 resolution
Windows Server 2003 SP2 (32bit)
I/O (ValveLink Solo): Windows XP SP3 (32 bit)
USB Port required for instrument level step-ups Windows 7 Professional SP1 (32 and 64 bit)
Windows 7 Enterprise SP1 (32 and 64 bit)
HART communications require at least one of the Windows Server 2008 SP2 (64 bit)
following interfaces: Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 (64 bit)
HART Modem - Standard RS-232 Port Windows 8 Professional (64 bit)
(requires dedicated interrupt) Windows 8 Enterprise (64 bit)
HART Multiplexer - Standard RS-232 Port Windows 8.1 Professional (64 bit)
(requires RS-485 converter) Windows 8.1 Enterprise (64 bit)
Windows Server 2012 Essential (64 bit)
MACTek VIATOR USB HART Modem - USB Port Windows Server 2012 Datacenter (64 bit)
MACTek VIATOR Bluetooth HART Interface - Windows Server 2012 R2 Essential (64 bit)
Windows Bluetooth Serial Port Profile (SPP) Windows Server 2012 R2 Datacenter (64 bit)
Windows 10 Professional (64 bit)
Modbus communications require the following:
Windows 10 Enterprise (64 bit)
Standard RS-232 Port Windows Server 2016 Standard (64 bit)
Additional HART Interface (see above) Windows Server 2016 Datacenter (64 bit)
FOUNDATION Fieldbus communications require at ValveLink SNAP-ON for AMS Device Manager
least one of the following: Operating systems supported by AMS Device
National Instruments Fieldbus H1 interfaces Manager v11.0, v11.1.1, v11.5, v12.0, v12.5, v13.0,
v13.1.1, v13.5
NI USB-8486
PCI-FBUS/2 and above ValveLink PLUG-IN for PRM
PCMCIA-FBUS/2 Series 2 and above Operating systems supported by Yokogawa Plant
Resource Manager (PRM) v3.12 or newer.
Emerson USB Fieldbus Interface (v3.0)

NI-FBUS Configuration - 2 Port Card

Software Requirements
The following settings are applicable for
configuration of a NI-FBUS 2 Port Card: Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
a) If only one port will be connected to a LIVE Microsoft Windows Installer 3.1 or later
segment, the other port must be set to “LAS” (3.5 recommended; required by
(not “Bus Monitor”) Microsoft .NET Framework)

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 Product Bulletin
ValveLink Software 62.1:ValveLink Software
D102227X012 October 2017

Table 1. ValveLink Software Capability

PRODUCT TYPE
ValveLink ValveLink ValveLink VaveLink ValveLink
ValveLink Solo
SNAP‐ON DTM PLUG‐IN for PRM Mobile Express(8)

VLSOLO-XXXX(1)

VLMOBILE-1(4)
VLDTM-XXXX(1)

VLPRM-XXXX(1)
VLDATA_UNLM
Database Only
CAPABILITY

HART Modem  (2) 

HART Multiplexer  (2) 
WirelessHART Communications (2)
FOUNDATION Fieldbus PC Card  
FOUNDATION USB Interface   
Valve Signature(3) f     
Dynamic Error Band(3) f     
Drive Signal Test(3) f     
Step Response(3) f     
Step Response Analysis f     
Performance Diagnostics

Performance Step Test(3) f     

Graph Overlay f    
Stroke Valve     
I/P & Relay Integrity f     (7)
Travel Deviation f     (7)
Supply Pressure(4) f     (7)
Relay Adjustment(4) f     (7)
Air Mass Flow(4) f     (7)
PD One Button f     (7)
Valve Friction/Deadband Estimation f    
Valve Friction/ Deadband Trend f    
Profiler f     
Triggered Profile f    
Status Monitor f      
Network Scan(5)  
Trending(5) f  
Event Messenger(5)  
Modbus(5) 
Batch Runner   (6) 
Scheduler   (6) 
Merge Database    
Export Tag Data       
Firmware Download(4)    (5)  
Temporary Tiering(4)     
Instrument Level StepUp      
Initial Tag Limit Unlimited 5 25 5 5 Unlimited Unlimited
Max Tag Limit Unlimited Unlimited ---(2) Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited Unlimited
 Indicates capability available
f Indicates diagnostics can be reviewed but not run
1. XXXX indicates tag count.
2. AMS based capability. ValveLink SNAP‐ON does not control or limit this functionality.
3. Diagnostic can only be run when the instrument is out of service.
4. DVC6200, DVC6200f, DVC6000, DVC6000f, and DVC2000 only.
5. HART only.
6. Limited to Host FDT Frame connected devices.
7. Only available through PD One Button.
8. Applies to SOLO/DTM/PRM

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Product Bulletin
62.1:ValveLink Software ValveLink Software
October 2017 D102227X012

Neither Emerson, Emerson Automation Solutions, nor any of their affiliated entities assumes responsibility for the selection, use or maintenance
of any product. Responsibility for proper selection, use, and maintenance of any product remains solely with the purchaser and end user.
Fisher, FIELDVUE, ValveLink, SNAP-ON, DeltaV, Ovation, and PROVOX are marks owned by one of the companies in the Emerson Automation Solutions
business unit of Emerson Electric Co. Emerson Automation Solutions , Emerson, and the Emerson logo are trademarks and service marks of Emerson Electric
Co. HART and WirelessHART are registered trademarks of FieldComm Group. FOUNDATION Fieldbus is a trademark of FieldComm Group. Microsoft, Windows,
Windows Server, and Windows Vista are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries. All other marks are the
property of their respective owners.
The contents of this publication are presented for informational purposes only, and while every effort has been made to ensure their accuracy, they are not
to be construed as warranties or guarantees, express or implied, regarding the products or services described herein or their use or applicability. All sales are
governed by our terms and conditions, which are available upon request. We reserve the right to modify or improve the designs or specifications of such
products at any time without notice.
Emerson Automation Solutions
Marshalltown, Iowa 50158 USA
Sorocaba, 18087 Brazil
Cernay, France 68700
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Singapore 128461 Singapore

www.Fisher.com


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