Method for checking the functionality of a safety valve

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for checking the functionality of a safety valve (310) having a valve member and a position regulator (340) for regulating the position of the valve member. The safety valve (310) is part of a plant on which a process runs with a process medium. The plant has a sensor (350) for monitoring a state or a performance of the plant and / or the process and / or the process medium. Depending on the measured value of the sensor (350), a time is determined at which the functionality of the valve (310) can be checked in a partial stroke test range at the time during the continuous operation of the plant. In addition, the test can be monitored by means of the sensor (350) and the stroke range which is passed at the time is dynamically adapted to the state or the performance. The test can thus be carried out reliably and also with an optimized stroke range in the continuous operation. The method allows the functionality of the safety valve (310) to be checked more frequently and to be described more reliably.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] A regulating valve, or control valve, consists of an actuating mechanism and movable valve components. They are used to adjust the flow rate of fluids. Background Technology

[0002] The actuator rod of a valve component is typically guided outward through the fluid-sealed housing or cover of the valve. A seal (e.g., packing) is formed until the valve-housing-cover seals the actuator rod externally. An external actuation mechanism acts on the actuator rod and moves the valve component. Generally, a fluid actuation mechanism (usually a pneumatic actuation mechanism) serves as the actuation mechanism for moving the actuator rod. The valve type can be either a rotary valve or a lift valve.

[0003] Different types of static and sliding friction occur when valve components move with the aid of a drive mechanism. The causes of friction may be:

[0004] • The seal between the drive rod and the valve-body-cover,

[0005] Friction between the drive rod and the seal of the drive mechanism housing

[0006] Rotary valve: Friction of the rotating parts on the sealing lip.

[0007] • Lift valve: For example, the friction of the slider on the sealing lip,

[0008] • Scale formation due to corrosion or particles in the fluid.

[0009] For this reason, control valves are prone to sticking when the valve components are in or held in one position for an extended period. Increased static friction typically requires a large force in the actuating mechanism. In the case of a pneumatic actuation mechanism, a correspondingly higher pressure is needed to overcome the friction and start or open the valve components. Significant increases and decreases in pressure can be observed in the valve's stroke-pressure curve, until a change in displacement can be detected.

[0010] In safety-related valves or safety valves, a one-way pneumatic actuation mechanism is generally used. When the actuation mechanism is depressurized, i.e., compressed air escapes from the actuation mechanism chamber, the actuation mechanism, preloaded by a spring force on one side, independently moves to the safety position or safe stop. This is accomplished, for example, when a current-to-voltage (I / P) converter or solenoid valve is no longer energized. In the case of a safety valve, the valve is normally open during operation and automatically closes in the event of a fault (e.g., power failure). The compressed air always acts in the opposite direction to the spring force used to preload the actuation mechanism. If the actuation mechanism is now depressurized, the valve begins to close once the spring force overcomes any potential static friction that has actuated the valve components. Naturally, the safety position can also be open when de-energized (actuation mechanism depressurized) and closed when energized (actuation mechanism pressurized).

[0011] To ensure the safe operation of safety valves, in many cases, the valve components or regulating parts are tested after a certain period of time (e.g., periodically or at fixed intervals) to ensure they can fully move to a safe position. Such a full-stroke test fully demonstrates the functionality of the safety valve. However, it often requires interrupting continuous equipment operation and generally involves high costs and expenses.

[0012] To check the functionality of safety valves during uninterrupted continuous operation, a so-called partial stroke test (PST) or partial stroke experiment was developed (see, for example, publications DE19723650A1 or WO2009 / 013205A1 or patent document DE102018103324B3). The regulating element is moved to such an extent that it travels a portion of its stroke until it reaches a safe position (closed or open, depending on the application) without decisively affecting or interfering with the equipment's process.

[0013] Can be combined Figure 1 Let's understand the typical process of a partial stroke test. The relative stroke and pressure of the valve member over time during a partial stroke test on a safety valve are shown there. The safety valve has a one-way pneumatic actuation mechanism including a spring return element. The safety position is de-energized and closed. The theoretical value 110 represents the ideal frictionless stroke process under uniform pressure relief when the valve is closed. The pressure is reduced and the spring force of the actuation mechanism is released, and the valve member moves to the closed position. The actual pressure curve 120 first shows a significant pressure reduction, followed by a change in stroke (actual stroke) 130. The valve member is shown here starting from its open position, where it may have stuck, i.e., encountered static friction. The difference between the initial maximum pressure and the pressure at startup is called the startup pressure 140. The startup pressure is a pressure or force sufficient to overcome static friction and trigger the valve. The pressure in the drive fluid at startup is left as a reserve 150, provided it is greater than 0 bar. If not, the safety valve can no longer fulfill its function. The pressure is readjusted after startup, i.e., increased again, to avoid or reduce over-adjustment. After overcoming static friction and accelerating the stroke, a uniform pressure relief (slow pressure decrease) occurs in the drive mechanism until 90% of the stroke is reached. The actual stroke curve 130 changes approximately linearly and parallel to the theoretical stroke curve 110 within the sliding friction range, thus shifting the sliding friction value in parallel. After reaching 90%, the pressure in the drive mechanism is increased again, causing the valve component to fully open against the spring force. The partial stroke test is now complete.

[0014] By canceling the recorded time and pressure 120 for the journey 130, the following occurred: Figure 2 The stroke-pressure curve. The closing pressure reserve 220 is the pressure reserve left after the safety valve has closed. The closing pressure reserve 220, which occurs during constant motion (sliding friction), can be determined based on... Figure 2 To determine this. Therefore, according to Figure 2 The stroke-pressure curve is further extrapolated before reaching the closed position (stroke = 0).

[0015] Partial stroke tests can be performed during continuous operation. They allow for the inference of the basic mobility of the regulating element, at least within the completed stroke range of the valve component. However, they must be designed so that they do not decisively interfere with continuous operation. Furthermore, the persuasiveness is limited by the completed stroke distance. Partial stroke tests are therefore not a complete substitute for full stroke tests, and thus it may be necessary to interrupt continuous operation at certain intervals to check the overall functionality of the safety valve.

[0016] Partial stroke testing also carries the risk of over-adjustment beyond the predetermined stroke range for the partial stroke test due to static friction caused by scaling or corrosion of the valve components. To avoid such over-adjustment and the resulting adverse effects on continuous operation of the equipment, in the case of a pneumatically driven safety valve, the pressure of the compressed air can be increased after the valve component is activated or opened. When the compressed air pressure is subsequently controlled to decrease, i.e., the drive mechanism is slowly depressurized, a uniform continuation of movement towards the safety position is achieved. After the adjusting element has moved a partial stroke towards the safety position, it returns to its initial position. This method is described in publication DE102011052901A1. Other methods for preventing over-adjustment of the valve component during partial stroke testing can be found, for example, in publication DE102005004477A1 utilizing mechanical stops and in EP15500857A1 specifying electronic stops for this purpose.

[0017] Partial stroke testing methods or partial stroke tests are typically performed within a relatively small stroke range, comprising approximately 5-15% of the stroke distance before the safe position, depending on the user's settings. This is generally sufficient to demonstrate the basic mobility of the valve components and rule out the most frequent functional failures of the safety valve. However, a disadvantage is the lack of indication of whether the regulating element will move further to the safe position with the constant spring force or compressed air pressure in the actuation mechanism. Therefore, DE102018103324B3 proposes recording the stroke-pressure curve during the partial stroke test. Based on the stroke-pressure curve, for example, the pressure reserve of the actuation mechanism can be determined, which infers whether the valve will reliably close under safe conditions.

[0018] The reliability of this inference is limited by the actual travel distance. Obstacles on the untraveled portion of the route to the safe position are generally not considered. Operators of equipment with safety valves must therefore also check the functionality of the safety valves at least at regular intervals throughout the full travel range.

[0019] Partial stroke testing can be performed manually or automatically, i.e., based on time. Manual partial stroke testing can be performed during a static state or during a continuous process. Although partial stroke tests are configured to interfere with the continuous process as little as possible, there is always a risk of starting a partial stroke test during a dangerous phase or state of the process or equipment. Therefore, judgment must always be made based on the specific circumstances. Thus, manual partial stroke testing should not be performed when there is suspicion or when there is no absolute safety regarding whether the equipment is not in such a dangerous phase or state. A similar situation applies to automated partial stroke testing. They must generally be monitored and manually stopped if things appear unfavorable, usually before reaching a noteworthy stroke. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The objective of this invention is to achieve a safer and more reliable inspection of safety functionality and to improve the description of safety valve functionality that can be derived from the inspection.

[0021] The use of the singular should not preclude the use of the plural, and vice versa, unless otherwise disclosed.

[0022] The following details some of the method steps. These steps do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described, and the proposed method may also include other steps not mentioned.

[0023] To accomplish this task, a method for checking the functionality of a safety valve is proposed, wherein the safety valve has a valve member and a position adjuster for adjusting the position of the valve member. The safety valve is an integral part of equipment in which a process operates with a process medium. The equipment has at least one sensor for monitoring the state or performance of the equipment and / or the process and / or the process medium. The method also includes first and second partial stroke tests for checking the functionality of the safety valve, wherein a first stroke of the valve member, pre-set by the position adjuster, is performed for the first partial stroke test. The method further includes the following steps:

[0024] a) Detect at least one measurement from at least one of the sensors;

[0025] b) Starting from at least one of the measurements, determine the moment during a continuous process when a second partial stroke test can be performed, wherein the second partial stroke test has a second stroke of the valve component completed by the position adjuster, the second stroke being greater than the predetermined first stroke of the first partial stroke test and less than or equal to the stroke during the full stroke test. Furthermore, the second stroke is designed such that the second partial stroke test can disrupt the process to at most the expected or predetermined degree;

[0026] c) Perform the second part of the stroke test at the determined time. This method is applicable not only to safety applications of safety valves with on / off operation, but also to adjustment applications with corresponding regulating valves, especially when valve components are held in one position for an extended period, i.e., the valve components do not move for a long time. The term "safety valve" should be interpreted broadly within the scope of this application. The same applies to position controllers, which may be fluid-driven or electrically powered, for example.

[0027] Partial stroke testing or PST is performed using this position adjuster, which moves the valve member for this purpose. Here, the movement of the valve member caused by the position adjuster is collectively referred to as stroke. Stroke generally occurs in the direction of the spring force that preloads the safety valve's drive mechanism. The position adjuster can raise or lower the valve member as needed, depending on the application. Stroke can also be, for example, the rotational movement of the valve member in a disc valve or ball valve, or the movement of the valve member or sliding plate in a spool valve.

[0028] The first part of the proposed method, the stroke test, is based on the partial stroke test of the prior art. It is designed so that it does not decisively affect or interfere with the continuous operation of the equipment or the continuous process, and preferably is independent of the equipment state.

[0029] To overcome the aforementioned limitations of partial stroke testing or partial stroke testing methods, particularly the limited stroke and the restrictive starting conditions that typically depend on independent judgment, the proposed method offers the possibility of performing a second partial stroke test with a larger stroke. However, this is contingent upon waiting for a moment when the larger stroke does not interfere with equipment operation beyond a predetermined extent. For this purpose, at least one sensor is used to observe the equipment, process, and / or process medium to identify the moment when the second partial stroke test can be performed with a larger stroke. In all the most advantageous cases, such as when the process medium within the equipment is not flowing at the specified time, the second partial stroke test can even be completed on a full scale.

[0030] The proposed method therefore allows for performing a second stroke test, up to and including a full stroke test, with a larger range of valve component movement or stroke compared to the first stroke test. This allows for a more reliable assessment of the valve or safety valve's functionality. Additionally, scaling along a larger stroke range than the first stroke test can be identified or prevented.

[0031] The second-part stroke test takes into account the continuous operation of the equipment and the associated process. Unlike the first-part stroke test, which sets the valve component stroke to a fixed value, the stroke completed in the second-part stroke test can be designed or selected such that the performance or corresponding state of the process medium, process, and / or equipment related to the measurements used to determine when the second-part stroke test can be performed can be varied to an expected or predetermined degree, for example, without being greater than or less than the maximum and / or minimum values. Therefore, the stroke range can be adapted to a continuous process.

[0032] The disruption to the process caused by partial stroke testing need not be at the level set to determine when a second partial stroke test can be performed. The actual disruption to the process caused by the second partial stroke test is generally small. This is due, on the one hand, to the safety distance or the buffer zone included within the predetermined extent or stroke range of the second partial stroke test. On the other hand, the predetermined extent is generally determined based on the permanent disruption to the process. Many processes respond to locally limited disruptions, such as partial stroke tests, at least in some states or stages, but with a certain delay or latency. In these cases, it is particularly likely that the test will have ended before it significantly disrupts the process. Generally, process disruptions caused by inertia or latency are weaker than those caused by long-term disruptions considered for determining the predetermined extent.

[0033] The timing of the second-part stroke test is determined based on information about the continuous process. It is determined when the valve component can be moved within a greater stroke range than the first-part stroke test via a position adjuster. This is the case, for example, when the equipment has just stopped, but also includes obvious situations such as when the liquid level in a reservoir, tank, or pipeline allows for rapid closure or at least partial closure of the supply line to the reservoir, tank, or pipeline. Such situations occur, for example, in batch or mass production processes. Other applications are long-distance heating systems or solar thermal equipment, where the temperature of the heat transfer medium at the inlet and outlet of the heat exchanger is monitored by sensors. If the measured temperature is close enough that heating can be temporarily interrupted or at least limited, the second-part stroke test can generally be performed according to the proposed method. A similar situation applies to blast furnace oxygen supply, where similar inferences are allowed during temperature measurement, or to chemical equipment, where the composition, density, or pH of the process medium or product is shown, so that the input line is available for the second-part stroke test at least for a certain period of time.

[0034] The first partial stroke test does not necessarily have to be performed first. It can be performed before or after the second partial stroke test. Furthermore, the second partial stroke test can be repeated, each time with a stroke adapted to the specific situation. Additionally, partial stroke tests can generally be performed more frequently by considering process-related parameters. Therefore, valve components are moved and flexed more frequently. Scale, corrosion, and the resulting friction or frictional forces can be reduced or avoided in this way, thereby improving the availability and functionality of the safety valve or equipment, or reducing the probability of failure. Moreover, maintenance intervals can be extended.

[0035] To avoid unnecessary testing or the resulting burden on safety valves or continuous operation, the shortest time between two partial stroke tests or the maximum frequency for partial stroke testing can be predetermined. Therefore, the second partial stroke test is only repeated after the measured time has elapsed and the test is meaningful.

[0036] The proposed method is a middle ground between manual execution and time-based (periodic) partial stroke testing. It is automated on one hand, but only performed when partial stroke testing is permissible. Therefore, the functionality of the safety valve is no longer determined by individual judgment or personal estimation based on the current condition. Furthermore, dangerous situations that might arise in the process or equipment due to the execution of partial stroke testing can be avoided.

[0037] The second-part stroke test is not necessarily limited to a different stroke range than the first-part stroke test. However, typically, the second-part stroke test is performed with the same parameters or under the same framework conditions as the first-part stroke test. For example, the second-part stroke test may include the same measures to prevent over-adjustment of the valve components as the first-part stroke test. By using the same parameters or framework conditions (disregarding the length of the stroke distance or the size of the stroke range), the test results of the first and second-part stroke tests can be compared with each other. Furthermore, the configuration of the safety valve or position regulator is simplified.

[0038] Parameters or framework conditions are the configuration and abort settings for the PST (Process Targeting System). They represent hard boundaries within which the PST should vary. They consist of predetermined parameters (e.g., parameters for the first part of the travel test) and settings related to the process values ​​(e.g., the travel range within the second part of the travel test range). These settings are always monitored so that tests performed at different times provide similar results. The difference generally lies in the travel range traversed. However, the travel range for the second part of the travel test can also be fixed to achieve better test similarity.

[0039] Parameters for partial stroke testing include, for example, the position or stroke of the valve member at the start of the PST (e.g., stroke at the end position of the valve member) or the maximum stroke of the valve member that should be reached and generally should not be exceeded during the PST. Additionally, the manner in which the stroke range is traversed can be set. Stroke variation within the partial stroke test range can occur abruptly or gradually from the initial position of the valve member (in many cases, the end position) up to the predetermined maximum stroke of the valve member within the test range. An abrupt change occurs within 1 second, while a gradual change is a linear change in the valve member stroke, reaching the expected or predetermined maximum stroke after more than 1 second (up to, for example, 9999 seconds). The corresponding speed or corresponding time interval can be set variably or can be predetermined. In addition to parameters for the stroke or position of the valve member, similar parameters for the medium pressure used to drive the position regulator can be specified. The frequency of performing partial stroke tests or the time between two tests can also be predetermined or adjusted.

[0040] Other parameters can be set within the second stroke test range. This includes a minimum stroke that is always predetermined by the stroke within the first stroke test range. Within the second stroke test range, the valve component must be moved at least by the minimum stroke. If this cannot be met, the test is not even started, or if the test has started but is prematurely stopped, the test is considered unsuccessful. Tests based on slight movement are not convincing evidence of the condition of the regulating device or safety valve. Other parameters or framework conditions include the condition or at least one performance characteristic of the equipment, process, and / or process medium. Thus, settings related to flow rate, temperature, or pressure can be made, for example. High temperature or high pressure of the process medium can, for example, indicate a hazardous state of the process. In this case, PST is not performed, although, for example, the currently measured flow rate value would allow PST.

[0041] In addition to configuring the settings, termination criteria can also be defined to, for example, protect against unpredictable events or disturbances. Such a disturbance criterion could be the longest test duration for which the test is always terminated, or the useless time for which the test is terminated when the valve component cannot move, or a lower or upper limit, tolerance value, or tolerance band for the fluid medium pressure used to position the valve component and / or thereby drive the position regulator.

[0042] The second stroke can be any value within the range between the first stroke and the maximum stroke determined by the maximum process disturbance. Generally, the maximum available stroke range is used, i.e., the second stroke is designed so that the second part of the stroke test can disturb the process to a predetermined degree. This way, the persuasiveness of the second part of the stroke test can be optimized.

[0043] Ideally, the entire travel range can be completed within the second travel test section, or the entire travel range can be traversed to a safe position, by fully utilizing the available travel range, without having to shut down the equipment. Equipment shutdown can be avoided in this way. Furthermore, in many cases, full travel tests can be performed more frequently, thus ensuring a higher level of equipment safety. If full travel testing is unavailable, or at least for an extended period, the method allows for at least general execution or testing of a larger travel range. This eliminates the need for full travel testing in many cases. The time during which full travel testing is not required can be extended.

[0044] The maximum stroke range can be, for example, derived from the current flow rate D0 of the process medium flowing through a pipeline when the valve is fully open (stroke h = 0) and the flow rate D that must be followed. min The predetermined safety distance x (x could be, for example, 1%, 2%, 3%, 5%, or 10%) is calculated. In some cases, the flow rate D is approximately proportional to the stroke h. In this case, the maximum stroke h available for the second part of the stroke test is... max equal

[0045] h max =1-(D min / D0)(1+x),

[0046] Among them, h max =1 corresponds to the full stroke (in this example: the valve is fully closed). This relationship only applies to (1+x)D. min ≤D0. In many cases, although such a linear relationship and / or explicit relationship does not occur, this is generally compensated for by choosing a sufficiently large safety distance x. Other properties or conditions of the equipment, process, or process medium can be considered in a similar manner to determine the timing for the second part of the journey test.

[0047] Using this or a similar idea, the executable route h at this point can be determined. max The time is greater than, for example, 10% of the journey selected for a typical partial journey test. If people find a maximum journey h greater than the predetermined first classic journey during the first partial journey test... max Then, the time when a second-part run test can be performed is determined. In this example, the measured value is the flow rate D0, which is measured to determine the appropriate time for the second-part run test. If the current flow rate is sufficiently higher than the minimum sustaining flow rate, the second-part run test can be performed with a larger run.

[0048] Based on this inference, modeling, or consideration, the second part of the journey test can be automatically performed within an optimal range under defined framework conditions (see above). The optimal range is defined by several criteria:

[0049] 1. The valve should be allowed to complete as much of a stroke as possible, thereby allowing for thorough checking of its proper functioning across the entire stroke range.

[0050] 2. The process is subject to slight disturbance or no disturbance, wherein slight disturbance is permitted within at least the following range, which also applies to the typical partial stroke test, i.e., the first partial stroke test.

[0051] 3. Pay attention to the framework conditions.

[0052] Through the above considerations or calculations, the effect of the second-part stroke test on the continuous process can be predicted or estimated. In many cases, the partial stroke test may be performed without other measures due to this design. This is particularly applicable in situations and applications where the performance or state of the equipment, process, or process medium varies on a time scale much larger than the time scale used to perform the second-part stroke test. However, this scale can vary during continuous operation. Therefore, the inlet or feed line of a full reservoir or tank may, in many cases, be shut off for the duration of the second-part stroke test, which is not the case when the reservoir or tank is running empty or already empty. A similar situation applies to the first-part stroke test, which, although designed not to decisively interfere with or affect the continuous process, can still cause unexpected interference under adverse conditions. Therefore, in many cases, it is meaningful to monitor, with at least one sensor, whether the process is disturbed to the expected or predetermined extent during the execution of the first or second-part stroke test. If this is not the case, the test can be automatically or manually stopped (due to a system error report). This not only improves the safety of the equipment or process during test execution. It also allows the first or second part of the test to be performed under less clear initial conditions. Therefore, the test can generally be performed more frequently.

[0053] Correlating process measurements with a partial stroke test with variable stroke also allows for the determination of the optimal or maximum possible stroke during test execution. Here, the stroke range of the second partial stroke test can be dynamically adapted to the continuous process using sensors, thus enabling the execution of the largest possible stroke range. In this way, models and estimates regarding the effect of the second partial stroke test on the process medium, process, or equipment can be used only to determine the execution time. However, the actual execution of the test can be performed independently of the models and estimates. Errors due to oversimplification (e.g., assumptions of linearity or proportionality) or due to unknown or uncontrolled disturbances are thus avoided.

[0054] Overshooting of continuous processes can also be prevented by monitoring the performance or state of the equipment, process, or process medium. Such overshooting may occur, for example, due to the nonlinear response of the process to a partial stroke test. While methods for preventing valve component overshooting caused by baking or scaling are described in the prior art to prevent valve damage or process or equipment disturbances exceeding a predetermined level, the proposed method is used to directly and logically link the execution of a partial stroke test to the process response and monitor compliance with a predetermined level of disturbance. The test can be controlled or adjusted accordingly, i.e., performed more slowly or with appropriate countermeasures. Partial stroke tests (first and / or second) can thus be performed more reliably and therefore generally more frequently.

[0055] In addition, information from other sensors (which do not necessarily monitor the state of equipment, processes, or process media, such as position sensors or torque sensors) or information about position controllers or valves is taken into consideration. This method can be implemented in such a way that the predetermined maximum stroke or starting torque is not exceeded.

[0056] Process monitoring using one of the sensors and the resulting dynamic adjustment of the stroke range can generally eliminate the possibility of process interference exceeding the expected or predetermined level. However, there are situations where the degree of interference to the process exceeds the predetermined level. This may be due to feedback effects or spontaneous or unexpected interference (e.g., due to a current failure). In these cases, when at least one sensor detects that the process interference exceeds the predetermined level, the first or second part of the stroke test can be (automatically) terminated. In this way, continuous operation can also be maintained even in such situations.

[0057] For this purpose, termination criteria can be defined to, for example, prevent excessive impact on the medium, process, and / or equipment. In these cases, corresponding upper or lower limits, tolerances, or tolerance bands can also be determined for the state or performance of the equipment, process, and / or process medium monitored by the at least one sensor. Therefore, safety distances, for example, relative to predetermined minimum flow rates or minimum pressures, must generally be observed.

[0058] Following a suspension, a notification can be generated indicating that the suspension criteria have been met or that the first or second part of the travel test has been suspended. The notification may include additional details such as the reason for suspension, at least one measurement or measurement interference from at least one of the sensors, the travel already achieved before suspension, or the framework conditions under which suspension was carried out. This is particularly relevant if the minimum travel, such as the first travel, was not achieved at this point. In these cases, the partial travel test is not only understood as suspended but also as unsuccessful or unqualified.

[0059] If a portion of the trip test is not performed for an extended period and safety functionality is not checked, a notification can be generated to inform the operator. The operator can then take appropriate action.

[0060] In addition to the state or performance of the equipment, process, and / or process medium, the position controller itself can also be monitored. It can be configured, for example, to not exceed a predetermined maximum stroke or the force that causes the valve components to move (e.g., the maximum applied torque when rotating the valve).

[0061] This method is based on at least one measurement obtained by at least one sensor. The at least one measurement may be flow rate and / or flow velocity, liquid level, temperature, pressure, density, pH value, and / or position and / or orientation. Position and / or orientation may be, for example, the position of a regulating mechanism or valve component within a control valve of the equipment. The flow rate may relate to the flow of process media, but may also include cooling media or other liquids in the equipment. Similar considerations apply to measuring temperature or density, measuring pressure, pH value, or liquid level.

[0062] By using process sensors (flow rate sensors, differential pressure sensors, temperature sensors, etc.), the state or performance of a process can be inferred. This applies not only to the state or performance of the entire equipment but also to the state or performance of the process or process medium near the safety valve. The process sensors can then be directly logically associated with the position regulator of the safety valve. The sensors may already be present in the equipment or available for use, or they may be specifically installed to execute the proposed method.

[0063] A state or performance that can be derived from at least one measurement, such as describing the amount of medium at the valve or its upstream inlet and / or downstream outlet, and / or the medium's velocity, temperature, density, pressure, or pH value. Therefore, by considering the determined state or, consequently, the determined performance, one can determine whether the valve can move within a partial stroke test range without interfering with the process to an unexpected or predetermined degree.

[0064] The associated sensor is typically placed in the inlet or outlet or inside the safety valve. It monitors the state or performance of the equipment and / or process and / or process medium there. However, it can also be located in other parts of the equipment. Sensors located inside or near the safety valve often allow for more reliable description of the extent to which partial stroke testing of the safety valve affects the equipment, process, or process medium. Additionally, changes in the state or performance to be measured or monitored by the sensor can be detected more quickly.

[0065] Many devices employ dual or redundant structures to enhance their capacity or operational safety. Devices with safety valves may therefore have an additional safety valve with both an inlet and an outlet, typically installed in a similar location within the device, such as within a parallel pipeline, and performing the same or at least similar functions there. At least one sensor for monitoring the state or performance of the device and / or the process and / or the process medium may be located at the inlet or outlet, or within the safety valve itself. In such cases, a second-part stroke test is always performed when the sensor, or the measurements obtained by the sensor, indicate that the additional structure is functioning or operating within normal parameters. Dual or redundant structures can be used in this way to ensure the functional checks of the safety valve.

[0066] Other sensors can provide supplementary information, where a sensor may be designated or limited to a primary sensor. Partial stroke testing can be tuned to the value of the primary sensor, i.e., by associating a stop criterion with the measurement of the primary sensor. The remaining sensors can be used to make predictions about the expected process disturbances to be passed by the test, or the range within which the state or performance of the equipment, process, and / or process media may fluctuate near the expected disturbances.

[0067] The safety of the tests according to the invention (regarding process disturbances) can be improved by networking various sensors or position controllers, either with each other or through a higher-level control system. Therefore, the current process state or valve position can be interchanged. If the installation location or position of the safety valve within the equipment is considered, fluctuations in the pipeline can be identified in advance and taken into account at the start of the partial stroke test. In emergency situations, the partial stroke test can also be stopped. This also applies to situations where the process progresses unexpectedly.

[0068] The timing for executing the second part of the stroke test can be determined actively or passively. Passive determination does not affect the continuous process or equipment status, but rather uses at least one sensor to monitor whether the second part of the stroke test can be executed based on the status and / or performance of the equipment, process, and / or process medium. In active determination, the equipment is controlled to execute the second part of the stroke test at a predetermined time.

[0069] Active determination can be achieved, for example, using a dual or redundant structure. This dual or redundant structure can be activated at a predetermined time during the second part of the stroke test until the test ends, allowing interference caused by the test of one safety valve to be compensated for by the other. Therefore, it may be particularly sufficient for the dual or redundant structure to prevent the test duration from being used for partial stroke testing, or for it to be appropriately activated or deactivated.

[0070] By proactively determining the nature of the safety valve, the functional checks can be separated from the equipment's operation or status, or the type of continuous process, and thus proactively controlled. These checks can therefore be performed, for example, at predetermined time intervals or according to a maintenance plan or schedule.

[0071] In many cases, it is meaningful to monitor the frequency of partial travel tests. If, for example, a partial travel test is not performed within a scheduled time, an error notification or alarm can be issued or output within the scope of this method.

[0072] The predetermined time can be one day, one week, one month, two months, or one year, depending on the application. The corresponding error notification or alarm may include information about measurements obtained from at least one sensor or the position of valve components. It can also infer whether, in particular, the time when a second-part stroke test can be performed can be determined. The user can therefore analyze why a partial stroke test cannot be performed and initiate appropriate countermeasures.

[0073] The monitoring can be conducted using records of whether and / or when and under what conditions a partial stroke test has been performed. Such records can also be maintained independently of error reporting monitoring or output. They allow users to provide evidence of the safety valve's functionality or to identify potential functional failures early and initiate appropriate countermeasures.

[0074] Furthermore, the method of the present invention may include the following steps. First, instead of merely determining the moment when the second part of the stroke test can be performed, other start conditions and at least one termination criterion are also set for the second part of the stroke test. Before performing the second part of the stroke test, the other start conditions are checked. If the other start conditions are not met, the second part of the stroke test is not performed, and the determination of the moment when the second part of the stroke test can be performed and the check of the other start conditions are repeated. If the moment when the second part of the stroke test can be performed is determined and the other start conditions are met, the second part of the stroke test begins at a predetermined time. During the second part of the stroke test, the movement of the valve component and the state or performance of the equipment and / or process and / or process medium are continuously monitored. Once at least one termination criterion is met, the second part of the stroke test is terminated. When the valve component has reached a stroke greater than the first stroke, the test is recorded as a successful second part of the stroke test, and when the valve component has reached a stroke equal to the first stroke, it is recorded as a successful first part of the stroke test. When the valve component has reached a stroke less than the first stroke, the test is classified as unsuccessful. The method is now re-executed, or in other words, the other start conditions are checked and the process continues.

[0075] Other starting conditions may include checks on the interfaces and logical relationships required by the method. This includes checking that at least one sensor, such as a flow sensor or differential pressure sensor, is logically associated or connected to the position controller, or that at least one measurement can be transmitted to the position controller, either directly or indirectly, through a data processing device. It may also be checked whether the second partial stroke test should be performed, for example, because of a predetermined maximum frequency for performing the test; that is, it may be checked whether a sufficient amount of time has elapsed since the last partial stroke test. It may also be checked whether the first stroke or minimum stroke can be reached, i.e., whether the first partial stroke test can be performed. If the first partial stroke test can be performed but the second partial stroke test cannot, then the first partial stroke test is performed.

[0076] Furthermore, records of performed partial stroke tests can be analyzed and evaluated to ensure that all set or predetermined conditions are met. In this way, information obtained within the prior test range can be utilized. Relatedly, starting torque is an important parameter. It may change over time (e.g., due to corrosion) and is determined within the partial stroke test range. Recording the last determined starting torque, or even its changes, can prevent exceeding the maximum permissible stroke due to excessive force applied when starting the valve components. Furthermore, if the starting torque changes, it can be inferred that the safety valve requires maintenance. If the last recorded starting torque is too high, partial stroke tests may no longer be reliably performed. In this case, checking the other start condition "starting torque" means that partial stroke tests cannot be performed without external intervention or reset. If the algorithm does not run according to the configuration for a user-defined extended period, the user is notified accordingly. The aforementioned start conditions can be used in all methods of the present invention. The same applies to the above-described termination criteria.

[0077] Furthermore, in the method of the present invention described above, the method steps are expressed in the form of program code, thereby enabling the method to be performed on at least one computer.

[0078] Furthermore, this task is accomplished by a computer program containing executable instructions that, when run on a computing unit, microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, or computer or multiple networked units thereof, perform one of several design schemes of the method of the present invention.

[0079] Furthermore, this task is accomplished by a computer program having a program code structure for executing one of several designs of the method of the invention when the program runs on a computing unit, microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, or computer or multiple networked units thereof. In particular, the program code structure may be instructions stored on a machine-readable data carrier.

[0080] Furthermore, this task is accomplished through a data carrier storing a data structure that, after being loaded into the working memory and / or main memory of a computing unit, microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, or computer or multiple networked units thereof, can execute one of several design schemes of the method of the present invention.

[0081] This task is also accomplished by a computer program product having a program code structure stored on a machine-readable medium for executing one of several design schemes of the method of the invention when the program is run on a computing unit, microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, or computer or multiple networked units thereof. Here, a computer program product refers to a program that is a commercially available product. It can exist in any form in principle, and is therefore, for example, based on paper or machine-readable data media, and can be distributed, in particular, via data transmission networks.

[0082] Finally, the task is accomplished by a modulated data carrier signal containing instructions for implementing one of a plurality of design schemes for carrying out the method of the present invention, which can be executed by a computing unit, microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, or computer or multiple such networked units.

[0083] As a computer system for performing the method, consideration is given not only to a single computer or microcontroller, DSP, or FPGA, but also to networks of microcontrollers, DSPs, FPGAs, or computers, such as a closed home internet, or multiple computers connected via the internet. The computer system can also be implemented in a client-server configuration, where a portion of the invention runs on a server and another portion runs on a client.

[0084] Furthermore, this task is accomplished by a position adjuster, which is part of and designed such that the functionality of the safety valve can be checked in one of its design embodiments using the method of the present invention.

[0085] One solution to this task is also a safety valve, which is designed as one of several designs capable of performing the method of the present invention.

[0086] Furthermore, this task is accomplished using a process technology apparatus with a safety valve, wherein the apparatus is designed to check the functionality of the safety valve using one of several design options of the method of the present invention.

[0087] Further details and features will emerge from the following description of preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Each feature may be implemented individually or in combination with others. Possible solutions for accomplishing the task are not limited to these embodiments. Therefore, the scope description always includes, for example, all unmentioned intermediate values ​​and all conceivable sub-intervals. Attached Figure Description

[0088] The embodiments are schematically illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference numerals in these drawings denote the same or functionally identical components, or components that correspond to each other in function, as specifically shown below:

[0089] Figure 1 The stroke-time curves and associated pressure-time curves are shown during a partial stroke test on a typical safety valve.

[0090] Figure 2 The corresponding stroke-pressure curves are shown;

[0091] Figure 3 This shows a portion of a process equipment with a safety valve and a sensor located upstream of the valve;

[0092] Figure 4 This shows a portion of a process equipment with a safety valve and a sensor located downstream of the valve;

[0093] Figure 5 This shows a portion of a process equipment with a safety valve featuring an integrated sensor;

[0094] Figure 6 This shows a portion of a process equipment with a safety valve equipped with two integrated sensors;

[0095] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing a dual structure with a safety valve is provided; and

[0096] Figure 8 A flowchart of the present invention for checking the functionality of a safety valve is shown.

[0097] Figure Labels

[0098] 100 Stroke-Time Curve and its Corresponding Pressure-Time Curve

[0099] 110 theoretical travel value

[0100] 120 actual pressure value

[0101] 130 actual travel distance

[0102] 140 starting pressure

[0103] 150 Start-up pressure accumulator

[0104] 200 stroke-pressure curve

[0105] 210 Start the accumulator

[0106] 220 Shut down the pressure accumulator

[0107] 230 Two points used to determine the interpolation

[0108] 240 interpolation degrees

[0109] Pressure value when the stroke is 0 (250)

[0110] 90% of the 260 journey complete, PST ends.

[0111] 300 Equipment Section

[0112] 310 Safety Valve

[0113] 320 Entrance

[0114] 330 Exports

[0115] 340 Position Adjuster

[0116] 350 sensor

[0117] 360 data cable

[0118] 400 Equipment Section

[0119] 410 Safety Valve

[0120] 420 Entrance

[0121] 430 Exports

[0122] 440 Position Adjuster

[0123] 450 sensor

[0124] 460 data cable

[0125] 500 Equipment Section

[0126] 510 Safety Valve

[0127] 520 Entrance

[0128] 530 Exports

[0129] 540 Position Adjuster

[0130] 550 Overall Sensor

[0131] 560 data cable

[0132] 600 Equipment Section

[0133] 610 Safety Valve

[0134] 620 Entrance

[0135] 630 Exports

[0136] 640 Position Adjuster

[0137] 650 Overall sensor

[0138] 660 data cable

[0139] 700 Equipment section with duplex structure

[0140] 710 Safety Valve

[0141] 720 Entrance

[0142] 730 Exports

[0143] 740 Position Adjuster

[0144] 760 data cable

[0145] 800 Method for checking the functionality of safety valves

[0146] 810 settings

[0147] 820 Check start conditions

[0148] Does 830 meet the start condition?

[0149] 840 Perform partial travel test

[0150] 850 recorded part of the trip test.

[0151] 855 Check the achieved distance.

[0152] 860 exceeds the minimum travel distance?

[0153] 870 Check the achieved distance.

[0154] 880 reaches minimum travel?

[0155] 890 Output error report Detailed Implementation

[0156] Figure 3 A process equipment section 300 with a safety valve 310 is shown. During continuous operation of the equipment, a fluid process medium can be guided through section 300 or valve 310. For this purpose, valve 310 has an inlet 320 and an outlet 330, wherein the process medium is guided into safety valve 310 through inlet 320 and then discharged from safety valve 310 through outlet 330. The flow of the medium is controlled by means of a valve member (not explicitly shown) and a position adjuster 340 that moves the valve member for this purpose. During continuous operation, the valve member is in a position that does not obstruct or barely obstructs the flow of the process medium through valve 310. In the event of a disturbance, safety valve 310 is closed by means of position adjuster 340, that is, the valve member is moved to the closed position by position adjuster 340, so that the process medium can no longer pass through valve 310.

[0157] Part 300 also includes a sensor 350 disposed within the inlet 320 of valve 310, i.e., sensor 350 is located upstream of safety valve 310. In this example, sensor 350 is a flow rate sensor that detects the flow rate of the process medium based on volumetric flow. It transmits its measurement value to position regulator 340 via data line 360.

[0158] The position adjuster 340 is configured to check the functionality of the safety valve 310. For this purpose, it can perform not only a first-part stroke test but also a second-part stroke test. The first test includes a first stroke, which is preferably equal to 10% of the travel distance from the open position to the closed position of the valve 310 and is fixed by the application.

[0159] The second-part stroke test includes a second stroke that can be dynamically adapted to the process being performed on the equipment using sensor 350. To this end, the timing for performing the second-part stroke test is first determined by combining measurements from at least one sensor 350 transmitted via data line 360 ​​to the position adjuster 340. Other start conditions are also checked, particularly whether a predetermined time interval has elapsed between the two partial stroke tests. The latter prevents the second-part stroke test from being performed too frequently.

[0160] For example, a second part of the stroke test can be performed at the moment when sensor 350 transmits the measured value to position adjuster 340. These tests indicate that the process medium flow rate has decreased below a specified level, such as 50% of the maximum possible flow rate (D0 = D). max / 2). In this case, the position regulator 340 can reliably move a portion of the travel distance of the valve component of the safety valve 310 from the open position to the closed position, since the flow rate of the process medium through the safety valve 310 is inherently limited by the continuous process.

[0161] In this example, the throughput D is proportional to the travel distance h. Furthermore, the maximum throughput D... max 25% should not be less than the minimum flow rate D min (D min =D max / 4), where the minimum flow rate D should be observed. min A 10% safety distance. Therefore, the maximum available travel h for the second part of the travel test. max via h max =1-(D min / D0)(1+x)=1-((D max / 4) / (D max / 2))(1+10%)=1-(2 / 4)(1+0.1)=45% is obtained.

[0162] The second part of the stroke test is performed at a predetermined time. Here, sensor 350 is used to monitor the flow rate interference set at the predetermined time. Using sensor 350, the maximum stroke can also be constantly redefined during the test and adapted to the current measurement value or current flow rate. Here, for example, it can be determined from the current flow rate D0 and the flow rate relative to the minimum flow rate D. min The maximum stroke is calculated using, for example, a predetermined safety distance of 10%. If the upstream sensor 350 reports, for example, an increase or decrease in the current flow rate, the maximum stroke can be adjusted to that flow rate.

[0163] Therefore, the second stroke test can be dynamically adapted to the current flow rate. Furthermore, process information from other sensors or information about other position regulators or valves can be taken into account. This method can be implemented such that the predetermined maximum stroke is not exceeded. This and / or other parameters (e.g., starting torque, which would lead to large overshoot) can be ensured by using a torque sensor.

[0164] If the flow rate exceeds the specified value, the flow rate through safety valve 310 should not be further limited by the partially executed stroke test. In this case, position regulator 340 aborts the test. The reached stroke is recorded and further analyzed. If a stroke greater than the first stroke is reached, the second partial stroke test is successfully executed. If the first stroke or minimum stroke has been reached, the test is evaluated to determine whether the first partial stroke test could have been performed. If the minimum stroke has not been reached, the test is considered not executed. In this case, a corresponding error notification will be output.

[0165] With the help of sensor 350, the performed partial stroke test can not only be monitored but also protected against accidental or unexpected interference from continuous process flow. Therefore, the method of the present invention, executed by the position adjuster, can be performed more frequently, especially without requiring detailed checks of process parameters, individual judgments of the current state of the entire equipment, or single limitations.

[0166] In other embodiments, sensor 350 may also measure the flow rate, pressure, temperature, pH value, or density of the medium. A liquid level sensor may also be used.

[0167] Figure 4A process equipment section 400 is shown, featuring a safety valve 410 and a sensor 450. The sensor is positioned in the outlet 430 of the safety valve, meaning the sensor 450 is located downstream of the safety valve 410 within this section 400. The downstream sensor 450 can also be a sensor used to determine the flow rate, velocity, temperature, pH, or density of the working medium. The functionality of the safety valve 410 in this section 400 can, in principle, be checked using the same methods as the operability of the valve 310 in section 300. The difference lies only in the location at which the measurements used to determine the moment of the section's stroke test are recorded, or in other words, the continuous process is monitored. Monitoring of process disturbances during the second / first section stroke test can thus be performed at the location most relevant to the continuous process. This avoids or mitigates delays caused by process or equipment inertia during the monitoring and dynamic adjustment of the section stroke test.

[0168] Figure 5 Part 500 of the process equipment is shown, which includes a safety valve 510 and an integrated sensor 550. Excluding the sensor 550, valve 510 is identical to safety valve 310. Sensor 550 measures the pressure of the process medium within valve 510. It is also logically associated with the position adjuster 540 of valve 510 via data line 560. Position adjuster 540 can check the functionality of valve 510 using the proposed method with the aid of sensor 550. Therefore, this method can be performed both externally and with the integrated sensor.

[0169] Figure 6 A portion 600 of a process apparatus with a safety valve 610 is shown, comprising two integral sensors 650 and a position adjuster 640. Excluding the integral sensors 650, valve 610 is identical to safety valves 310, 410, and 510. The two sensors 650 are connected to the position adjuster 640 via data lines 660. In this example, the sensors 650 measure the process medium pressure at two different locations within the safety valve 610. In this way, differential pressure measurements can be performed, which, for example, indicate pressure loss within valve 610. Here, in many cases, a higher pressure loss indicates interference with the flow of the process medium through the safety valve. If such interference is caused by a partial stroke test, the position adjuster 640 can either adjust the stroke range accordingly or even abort the test. This is another alternative to performing a second partial stroke test according to one method of the invention.

[0170] Figure 7A portion of a device with a dual structure is shown, comprising two safety valves 710 within a parallel conduit. Valve 710, as in the previous example, has a position regulator 740. The position regulators 740 are interconnected via a data line 760. Through the data line, the position regulators exchange information about the positions of valve components or the current state of valve 710. This exchange specifically includes moments when a second partial stroke test can be performed. At this time, the position regulators alternate, so that a partial stroke test on one safety valve is not initiated or performed during a partial stroke test on the other safety valve. Therefore, the position regulator 740 can also be understood as a sensor for its respective other position regulator 740. Finally, they monitor the state or performance of the device or part of the device, namely the safety valves 710.

[0171] In another embodiment, these position regulators can exchange information from integrated sensors, upstream sensors, or downstream sensors, such as information about the flow rate of process media flowing through one of the inlets 720 or outlet 730. A sensor in one pipeline can thus provide a position regulator in the other pipeline with information about a certain flow rate through said pipeline. For this purpose, a partial stroke test can be performed on the other pipeline, for example, at 100% stroke, or vice versa.

[0172] The proposed method is not limited to the device portion shown, but can also be implemented on the device portion as follows, which is... Figures 1 to 5 The combinations of variations shown and / or supplements with other sensors in other locations are not necessarily limited to the portions shown.

[0173] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating a preferred embodiment of the method of the present invention is shown. The method begins with step 810. In particular, step 810 specifies the scale to which the process should be disturbed to the maximum extent. This setting condition is the termination criterion for partial stroke tests performed within the scope of the method. In this embodiment, it is terminated only when the process is actually disturbed to the maximum specified extent. Additionally, a first stroke or minimum stroke that must be reached at least for the partial stroke test to be considered successful is determined. Based on this setting condition, it can be determined in a further process of the method that a partial stroke test can be started or performed at this time with a stroke greater than the minimum stroke. Furthermore, other start conditions are determined, such as the time between two partial stroke tests, and other termination criteria are defined so that the partial stroke tests can be automatically terminated.

[0174] Next, in step 820, it is checked whether a partial travel test can be started. In addition to determining the time to perform the partial travel test, other start conditions are checked here.

[0175] In step 830, the method continues based on the inspection results. If the timing for performing a partial travel test cannot be determined, or if one of the other start conditions is not met, the method continues to step 820. If the timing for performing a partial travel test can be determined and all the start conditions to be inspected are met, the method continues to step 840. The method can also be aborted by the user at this point.

[0176] In step 840, the partial stroke test is started and performed at a predetermined time. During execution, the movement of the valve components and the state or performance of the equipment and / or process and / or process medium are continuously monitored. The partial stroke test is terminated once at least one termination criterion is met.

[0177] In step 850, the process of the partial travel test is recorded and output. In addition to the test process, the start conditions and termination criteria are also recorded.

[0178] In step 855, it is checked whether the minimum stroke can be exceeded before the test is terminated.

[0179] In step 860, it is determined how the method should continue. If at least one of the termination criteria is not met and the partial travel test is not terminated before the minimum travel is exceeded, the test is successful and the method continues to step 820. If at least one termination criterion is met and the second partial travel test is terminated before the minimum travel is exceeded, the method continues to step 870.

[0180] In step 870, it is checked whether at least the minimum stroke has been reached.

[0181] In step 880, the method is determined based on the check in step 870. If the first stroke is reached, the test is evaluated as a successful first-part stroke test and the method continues to step 820. If the first stroke is not reached, the test is recorded as unsuccessful and the method continues to step 890.

[0182] In step 890, an error message is identified to indicate to the user that a partial process test could not be successfully performed. After identifying the error message in step 890, step 820 is then executed.

[0183] Glossary

[0184] equipment

[0185] Equipment represents a well-planned combination of technical components. These components may include machines, instruments, equipment, storage devices, piping or transport routes, and / or control or regulation components. They may be interconnected, wired together, or logically linked in terms of functionality, control technology, and / or safety technology.

[0186] Equipment operates in many different fields for various purposes. This includes, for example, process technology equipment or engineering equipment, which in many cases are considered part of the chemical industry. The term "equipment" also includes refining equipment, long-distance heating systems, geothermal or solar thermal equipment, food production equipment, freshwater supply or wastewater disposal equipment, biogas equipment, and so on.

[0187] Circulation

[0188] Flow rate refers to the amount of fluid medium that moves through a certain cross-section in a specified unit of time. The quantity of the medium can be described in terms of mass. However, for measurement technical reasons, it is often described in units of volume or mass.

[0189] journey

[0190] The stroke of a valve component refers to the distance that the valve component travels when it moves from the first position to the second position.

[0191] process

[0192] (Engineering) technological processes are all the processes within (engineering) equipment. Continuous processes are those that occur directly on the equipment or during normal operation of the equipment. Technological processes can be continuous or sequential (e.g., petroleum refining, long-distance heating or power generation), or discontinuous, or batch processes (e.g., dough production for baking food, pharmaceutical production, coffee roasting).

[0193] Process media

[0194] A process medium is a fluid medium that circulates or is transported within equipment during a process, and may be altered in the process. A process medium can be oil, salt, liquid, or gas.

[0195] Position adjuster

[0196] A position controller is a valve element that operates the valve components to open or close the valve. Position controllers in many cases include electrically driven or fluid-driven mechanisms, the latter being either hydraulically operated or air-operated.

[0197] Valve components

[0198] A valve component is a valve element that can release or close the valve seat and is actuated, for example, by a position regulator to close or open the valve.

[0199] The state of equipment, process, or process medium

[0200] The state of equipment, process, or process medium is defined by one or more instantaneous properties of the equipment, process, or process medium. The state of a process medium can be described by one or more medium properties such as temperature, pressure, density, pH, flow rate, etc. The state of a process includes all process media involved in the process, the properties of the final product, and other properties, such as those characterizing some engineering processes and their interrelationships. The latter includes, for example, properties related to process control, for example, by means of valves or valve components. The state of equipment includes the properties of the process media within the equipment, the properties of the process running on the equipment, and other properties that may be unrelated to the process or process medium. The latter includes the configuration or age of engineered components, and the mechanical loads on engineered components resulting from the process running on the equipment.

[0201] References

[0202] The cited patent documents

[0203] DE19723650A1

[0204] WO2009 / 013205A1

[0205] DE102018103324B3

[0206] DE102011052901A1

[0207] DE102005004477A1

[0208] EP1500857A1

Claims

1. A method for checking the functionality of safety valves (310; 410; 510; 610; 710), in, The safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710) has Valve components and Position adjuster (340; 440; 540; 640; 740) for adjusting the position of the valve component; The safety valves (310; 410; 510; 610; 710) are part of a device that supplies a process medium to a process. The device has at least one sensor (350; 450; 550; 650) for monitoring the state or performance of the device and / or the process and / or the process medium; The method includes a first partial stroke test and a second partial stroke test for checking the functionality of the safety valves (310; 410; 510; 610; 710); Specifically, for the first part of the stroke test, the first stroke of the valve component is set by the position adjuster (340; 440; 540; 640; 740); The method includes the following steps: Detect at least one measurement value from at least one of the sensors (350; 450; 550; 650); Starting from at least one of the measured values, a point in the continuous process is determined at which the second part of the stroke test can be performed; In the second partial stroke test, the valve member has a second stroke via the position adjuster (340; 440; 540; 640; 740), the second stroke being greater than the predetermined first stroke of the first partial stroke test and less than or equal to the stroke during the full stroke test; and The second stroke is designed such that the second part of the stroke test can interfere with the process to a predetermined extent. The second part of the journey test is performed at specified times.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, During the execution of the first part of the stroke test or the second part of the stroke test, the process is monitored for disturbance to the maximum extent said predetermined degree by means of at least one of the sensors (350; 450; 550; 650).

3. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, When the process is detected to be disturbed beyond the predetermined degree by at least one of the sensors (350; 450; 550; 650), the first part of the stroke test or the second part of the stroke test is terminated.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The at least one of the measured values ​​is Flow volume and / or flow velocity and / or Liquid level and / or Temperature and / or Stress and / or Density and / or pH value.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710) has an inlet (320; 420; 520; 620; 720) and an outlet (330; 430; 530; 630; 730); Wherein, at least one of the sensors (350; 450; 550; 650) monitors the state or performance of the equipment and / or the process and / or the process medium within the inlet (320; 420; 520; 620; 720) of the safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710); and / or Wherein, at least one of the sensors (350; 450; 550; 650) monitors the state or performance of the equipment and / or the process and / or the process medium within the safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710); and / or Wherein, at least one of the sensors (350; 450; 550; 650) monitors the state or performance of the equipment and / or the process and / or the process medium within the outlet (330; 430; 530; 630; 730) of the safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710).

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The device includes another safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710); The other safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710) has an inlet (320; 420; 520; 620; 720) and an outlet (330; 430; 530; 630; 730); Wherein, at least one of the sensors (350; 450; 550; 650) monitors the state or performance of the equipment and / or the process and / or the process medium within the inlet (320; 420; 520; 620; 720) of the other safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710); and / or Wherein, at least one of the sensors (350; 450; 550; 650) monitors the state or performance of the equipment and / or the process and / or the process medium within the other safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710); and / or Wherein, at least one of the sensors (350; 450; 550; 650) monitors the state or performance of the equipment and / or the process and / or the process medium within the outlet (330; 430; 530; 630; 730) of the other safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710).

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: the device is controlled to perform the second part of the travel test at a predetermined time.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method has the following steps: if the first part of the trip test and the second part of the trip test are not performed within a predetermined time period, an error notification or alarm is output.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method comprises the following steps: Aside from the specified time when the second part of the travel test can be performed, other start conditions and at least one termination criterion are set for the second part of the travel test; 1) Check the other starting conditions before performing the second part of the travel test; If the other start conditions are not met, the second part of the journey test will not be performed, and the determination of the time at which the second part of the journey test can be performed and the check of the other start conditions will be repeated. If it is determined that the time is suitable for performing the second part of the travel test and the other start conditions are met, then the second part of the travel test begins at the specified time. During the second part of the stroke test, the movement of the valve component and the state or performance of the equipment and / or the process and / or the process medium are monitored. Wherein, the second part of the trip test is terminated once at least one of the termination criteria is met; When the valve component has reached a stroke greater than the first stroke, the test is recorded as a successful second stroke test; When the valve component has reached a stroke equal to the first stroke, the test is recorded as a successful first partial stroke test; The test is classified as unsuccessful when the valve component has reached a stroke less than the first stroke. The method continues with step 1).

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein, The method steps are expressed in the form of program code, and the method can be run on at least one computer using the program code.

11. A data carrier on which a data structure stored is implemented, after being loaded into the working memory and / or main memory of a computing unit, microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, or computer or a networked plurality of such components, the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is performed.

12. A computer program product having a program code structure stored on a machine-readable carrier for performing the steps of any one of claims 1 to 10 when the program is implemented on a computing unit, microcontroller, DSP, FPGA, or computer, or on a networked plurality of such components.

13. A position adjuster (340; 440; 540; 640; 740) for a safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710), wherein, The position adjuster (340; 440; 540; 640; 740) is designed to check the functionality of the safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710) by means of any one of claims 1 to 10.

14. A safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710), said safety valve having a position adjuster (340; 440; 540; 640; 740), wherein, The safety valve (310; 410; 510; 610; 710) is designed to perform the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A process technology apparatus, said process technology apparatus having safety valves (310; 410; 510; 610; 710), wherein, The device is designed to check the functionality of the safety valves (310; 410; 510; 610; 710) using the method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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