Online valve diagnostic monitoring system having diagnostic couplings

• US 5,433,245 A
• Filed: 08/16/1993
• Issued: 07/18/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 08/16/1993
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Crane Nuclear, Inc. (Crane Company)
• Original Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Company LLC (Brookfield Asset Management Incorporated)
• Inventors: Prather, Bryan E., Nadeau, Joseph N.
• Primary Examiner(s): RIVELL, JOHN A
• Application Number:
  US08/106,854
• Time in Patent Office: 701 Days
• Field of Search: 137/554, 251/129.12, 73/168
• US Class Current: 137/554
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0083 by measuring valve parameters
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8242 Electrical

Abstract

A motor operated valve monitoring system utilizes two diagnostic couplings with quick disconnect electrical connectors. One coupling is used for monitoring switch actuation on the motor operated valve, and the second is for measuring three phase power to an AC motor on the valve. These couplings are connected in-line with the quick disconnect connectors and allows the user to perform a test without having to remove the limit switch cover from the actuator. These couplings will reduce testing time for conventional valve monitoring systems, and provide for readily mountable sensors for installation of an online valve diagnostic system to an existing valve and valve operator.

Claims

1. A monitoring system in a motor operated valve having a valve operator housing with an electrical connector for supplying electricity to said valve operator comprising:

said electrical connector comprises a quick disconnect connector having socket and pin sides, and

an in-line coupling adapted to be connected between said socket and pin sides of said quick disconnect connector and operable to connect a diagnostic instrument to said valve operator.

2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a connector between said in-line coupling and said diagnostic instrument.

3. The device of claim 1, wherein said quick disconnect connector comprises a plurality of conductors having sockets and pins and wherein a first of said conductors is connected straight through said in-line coupling, a second of said conductors is provided with a parallel connection by said in-line coupling, and the socket of a third of said conductors is connected to said in-line coupling while the pin of said third conductor is isolated from said in-line coupling.

4. The device of claim 1, further comprising:

said quick disconnect connector comprises a connection to three phase power for said valve operator; and

said in-line coupling provides a straight through connection for said three phase power, and a connection to a current probe measuring said power, and a dropped voltage connection to said power.

5. The device of claim 4, further comprising a second quick disconnect connector having socket and pin sides attached to said valve operator and comprising a connection to a limit switch, and further comprising a second in-line coupling adapted to be connected between said socket and pin sides of said second quick disconnect connector and adapted to provide a connection between said limit switch and said diagnostic instrument.