Method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly
US8701703B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 9, 2010 |
| Grant date | Apr 22, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 8, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86413
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.