Method and apparatus for on-line detection of leaky emergency shut down or other valves
US6128946A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 12, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 10, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 12, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01M3/24
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for on-line detection of leaky emergency shutdown or other valves in a fluid transport system having an upstream pipe, a downstream pipe and the valve connected between the upstream pipe and the downstream pipe for controlling fluid flow through the system. The valve has at least one upstream seal and at least one downstream seal and an inner cavity effectively isolated by the seals from the fluid flow stream through the system. The apparatus comprises a first transducer in fluid communication with the fluid flow stream at at least one of: a predetermined distance upstream of the upstream seal; and a predetermined distance downstream of the downstream seal. The first transducer is for sensing pressure pulsations resulting from at least one of: dynamic energy due to fluid flow through the transport system; and transient energy within the fluid in the transport system after the valve is closed and for generating representative electrical signals as a function of time. A second transducer is in fluid communication with the inner cavity of the valve for sensing substantially simultaneous pressure pulsations within the inner cavity and for generating second repres…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.