Methods and apparatus for automatically detecting the failure configuration of a pneumatic actuator
US10619758B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 3, 2016 |
| Grant date | Apr 14, 2020 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16K31/084
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Methods and apparatus are disclosed for automatically detecting the failure configuration of a pneumatic actuator. A control module is operatively coupled to the actuator, and the actuator is operatively coupled to a valve having a flow control member. When a number of pilot valves included in the control module is indicative of a double-acting actuator, the failure configuration of the actuator is determined based on the number of pilot valves. When the number of pilot valves included in the control module is indicative of a single-acting actuator, the failure configuration of the actuator is determined by comparing a first measurement value obtained in response to moving the flow control member in a first direction to a first position and a second measurement value obtained in response to moving the flow control member in a second direction opposite the first direction to a second position.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.