Valve with actuator diagnostics
First Claim
1. A valve system with actuator-based diagnostics, comprising:
- a valve;
an actuator connected to the valve so as to open and close the valve;
a current/voltage monitor connected to the actuator so as to indicate if power is applied to the actuator;
a position sensor connected to the valve; and
a microcontroller connected to the current/voltage monitor and the position sensor; and
wherein;
a first amount of time between an application of power to the actuator and movement of the valve is measured by the microcontroller;
the first amount of time is selected from a group consisting of a delay between initially energizing the actuator and a first change in valve position and a delay between initially energizing the actuator and reaching a final position of the valve;
a second amount of time between a removal of power to the actuator and a movement of the valve is measured by the microcontroller;
the second amount of time is selected from a group consisting of a delay between initially de-energizing the actuator and a first change in valve position, and a delay between initially de-energizing and reaching a final position of the valve;
the microcontroller is configured to adjust the measured first amount of time based on a voltage level of the power applied to the actuator; and
one or more of the first amount of time and the second amount of time have values that indicate a health of the valve.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for detection of degradation of a valve mechanism by measuring, for example, the time between powering an actuator and opening of the valve or the time between un-powering the actuator and closing of the valve. Time measurements may be compared with a predetermined threshold or previous measurements. An indication of a gradual degradation of the valve may be detected by an evaluation of a trend of measurements. Thus, a user may be notified of an impending failure before an actual failure of the valve. Diagnostic analysis may be of one or more items selected from a group consisting of combinations of time delays and distances of valve movement upon application and removal of power to the actuator, and one or more performance issues may be correlated for each of many combinations.
453 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A valve system with actuator-based diagnostics, comprising:
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a valve; an actuator connected to the valve so as to open and close the valve; a current/voltage monitor connected to the actuator so as to indicate if power is applied to the actuator; a position sensor connected to the valve; and a microcontroller connected to the current/voltage monitor and the position sensor; and wherein; a first amount of time between an application of power to the actuator and movement of the valve is measured by the microcontroller; the first amount of time is selected from a group consisting of a delay between initially energizing the actuator and a first change in valve position and a delay between initially energizing the actuator and reaching a final position of the valve; a second amount of time between a removal of power to the actuator and a movement of the valve is measured by the microcontroller; the second amount of time is selected from a group consisting of a delay between initially de-energizing the actuator and a first change in valve position, and a delay between initially de-energizing and reaching a final position of the valve; the microcontroller is configured to adjust the measured first amount of time based on a voltage level of the power applied to the actuator; and one or more of the first amount of time and the second amount of time have values that indicate a health of the valve. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A valve control apparatus comprising:
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an actuator; a position sensor; a valve connected to the actuator and the position sensor; a current/voltage monitor connected to the actuator; and a processor connected to the current/voltage monitor and to the position sensor; and wherein; a voltage is applied to the actuator to result in a movement of the valve; a period of time is measured between an application of the voltage to the actuator and a detection of movement of the valve by the position sensor, the period of time is indicative of a health of the valve; the measured period of time is adjusted based on a voltage level of the voltage applied to the actuator; the period of time is selected from a group consisting of a time delay between an initial application of power to the actuator and initial movement of the valve, an initial removal of power to the actuator and initial movement of the valve, an initial application of power to the actuator and reaching a final position of the valve, and an initial removal of power to the actuator and reaching a final position of the valve; a diagnostic analysis is performed on the period of time to determine the health of the valve; and the processor measures the period of time between an application of the voltage to the actuator and a detection of movement of the valve by the position sensor; the processor performs the diagnostic analysis on the period of time. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification