Patent · US Expired

Method for detecting broken valve stem

US6382226B1 · kind B1 · utility

37Cited by
8References
3Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 17, 2001
Grant dateMay 7, 2002
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 17, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10T137/8242
  • WIPO fieldMechanical elements
  • WIPO sectorMechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for providing an indication and alarm of a possible failure in a fluid control valve stem, plug or seat in a process control system having a microprocessor based valve positioner. The drive pressure, drive signal and valve position feedback are monitored. If greater than a predetermined change in the drive pressure or the valve position feedback is detected, then a second series of detection steps is initiated. In the second detection steps the present set point to process value relationship, such as flow rate or other process variable is compared to a stored test cycle derived set point to process value relationship for the same set point. If there is a process value change, then the operator is alerted as this change may indicate there is a damaged valve stem, plug, or seat problem which needs to be inspected.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.