Method of operating a valve system, valve system, control unit and computer program product

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for operating a valve system, a valve system, a control unit and a computer program product, in particular to a method for operating a valve system having a valve with a movable stem and a pneumatically operated device. The method for operating comprises a first step of providing the valve in an activated operating state and pre-setting a valve position to be approached. This is followed by a second step of determining a target pressure difference to be set with the pneumatically operated device corresponding to the valve position to be approached. This is followed by a third step of changing a current pressure difference in the pneumatically operated device and detecting the current pressure difference. This is followed by a fourth step of stabilizing the current pressure difference when the absolute value of the deviation between the current pressure difference and the target pressure difference is below a settable threshold value. The invention also relates to a corresponding valve system, a control unit for a valve system designed to carry out the method for operating and a computer program product for simulating the operating behavior of such a valve system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for operating a valve, wherein a pre-set valve position can be approached. The invention also relates to a valve system designed to perform this operating method. Furthermore, the invention relates to a computer program product for simulating a valve system according to the invention. Background Technology

[0002] Patent document US 5,587,536 discloses a valve system having a pneumatically operated piston and a pressure sensor. The pressure sensor is designed to detect the pressure difference between different sides of the piston. From the pressure difference curve, it can be determined whether the piston is in motion during operation or whether the piston has reached its end position after operation.

[0003] A valve with a position sensor is known from reference US 4,976,144. The position sensor determines the position of the valve's lever, which is moved by pressure in a pressure chamber with a diaphragm. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Valves are used in a variety of applications requiring control of media flow. To accurately set the flow rate, higher demands are placed on the operational precision of these valves. Simultaneously, there is a need for compact and low-cost valves that can be easily installed, for example, when retrofitting existing facilities. Furthermore, increased reliability is sought. The object upon which this invention is based is to provide a solution that improves upon at least one of the aforementioned aspects.

[0005] This objective is achieved by an operating method for a valve system according to the invention, the valve system comprising a valve operable by a pneumatically operated device. For this purpose, the valve includes a lever movable via the pneumatically operated device. The pneumatically operated device is detachably connected to the lever. The lever can move between two end positions, wherein a first end position corresponds to an open position and a second end position corresponds to a closed position. The operating method includes a first step in which the valve is provided in an active operating state. Here, the valve is connected to a fluid line having a flowing medium. Similarly, the pneumatically operated device in the active operating state is coupled to the lever of the valve. Furthermore, a valve position to be approached is preset in the first step. This can be achieved, for example, by a user, an algorithm, or a higher-level control unit. A second step follows, in which a rated pressure difference corresponding to the valve position to be approached is determined. A substantially monotonic relationship exists between the valve position to be approached and the corresponding rated pressure difference at the end positions. The determined rated pressure difference can be set by the pneumatically operated device and can achieve the preset valve position.

[0006] The third step involves altering the current pressure difference in the pneumatic operating device to achieve the rated pressure difference. Furthermore, the current pressure difference is detected in this third step to identify the valve position to be approached. The operating method also includes a fourth step, in which the current pressure difference is stabilized. For this purpose, the control operation of the pneumatic operating device can be configured, and the current pressure difference can be kept substantially static. Here, the current pressure difference is stabilized when the absolute value of the deviation between the current pressure difference and the rated pressure difference is below a set threshold. The pressure difference stabilized in the fourth step corresponds to the valve position to be approached.

[0007] The valve position to be approached is essentially achieved through a feedback loop in the operating method according to the invention, where the current pressure difference is compared with the rated pressure difference. This defines a particularly simple circuit in terms of both open-loop and closed-loop control theory, which can also operate with higher accuracy via a simple closed-loop controller. Such a circuit is robust against disturbances and requires reduced computational power. Correspondingly, the operating method according to the invention provides an improved degree of operational accuracy and can be implemented with simple hardware. No additional input variables for approaching the preset valve position are required. This allows for the elimination of additional sensing devices and eliminates the need for construction space to accommodate them. Therefore, the operating method according to the invention allows for the particularly low-cost and compact construction of valve systems. This also allows valve systems operated via the operating method according to the invention to be installed, for example, in automated facilities at locations with reduced construction space.

[0008] In one embodiment of the claimed operating method, at least the second, third, and fourth steps are performed without mechanical, electromechanical, magnetic, capacitive, or optical detection of the current valve position. This includes any direct detection of the current valve position from the orientation or movement of the lever itself, for example, by means of a stroke recorder. The preset valve position can be set, in particular, based solely on detected pressures, such as the pressures of the first and / or second chambers in the pneumatic actuation device, combined with the rated pressure difference determined in the second step. The invention is particularly based on the surprising realization that the pressure difference in the pneumatic actuation device is a variable that is sufficiently accurate for precisely approaching the preset valve position. In particular, no upper structure for a mechanical stroke recorder is required at the lever, which has a significant radial dimension relative to the fluid line. The claimed operating method allows for the use of a valve system with a reduced number of components, which in turn provides an increased degree of robustness. Furthermore, the connection between the lever and the pneumatic actuation device requires a reduced degree of installation precision compared to known solutions. This, in turn, allows for the construction of the pneumatic actuation device and the lever in a simple manner. In particular, this increases the degree of design freedom of the valve system.

[0009] Furthermore, in the claimed operating method, the valve position to be approached is located between the two end positions of the lever, which substantially correspond to the open and closed positions. The valve control device located between these end positions allows for continuous regulation of the flow rate of the medium in the fluid pipeline. With the aid of this claimed operating method, for example, when using the corresponding valve system in an automated facility, the operation of the medium to be dispensed can be precisely set. The claimed operating method allows for surprisingly precise access not only to the lever, i.e., the end position of the valve system, but also to any intermediate position. This broadens the possible applications of the corresponding valve system.

[0010] A pressure difference can be formed based on the pressure of a first chamber and / or a second chamber in the pneumatically operated device. The first and / or second chamber pressures are pressures in two diaphragm-separated regions of the pneumatically operated device, respectively, which can cause movement of the lever. A so-called single-acting pneumatically operated device is achieved by means of a pneumatically operated device that can only operate according to the pressures of the first and second chambers. Here, the current pressure difference is determined from the difference between the pressure of the first or second chamber and, for example, a spring force. The use of the first and second pressure chambers constitutes a so-called double-acting pneumatically operated device. In another embodiment of the claimed operating method, the pressures of the first and / or second chambers are detected at the first or second pressure line of the valve. The first chamber pressure is provided via the first pressure line, and the second chamber pressure is provided via the second pressure line. Therefore, a suitable pressure sensor can be placed at substantially any location on the first or second pressure line. In particular, the pressures of the first and / or second chambers can be detected spatially separate from the valve. This spatial separation also allows the use of valve systems designed to perform the claimed operating method in areas under explosion threat. Components that could cause discharge, such as pressure sensors or control units, can be positioned separately from the pneumatically operated equipment. Therefore, detecting the pressure in the first or second chamber at the first or second pressure line enhances explosion-proof protection. Consequently, no construction space is required in the valve system for at least one pressure sensor, enabling further miniaturization of the valve system. Furthermore, compared to known solutions, connection overhead, particularly in the so-called pressure piping range where the valve system is located, can be reduced. The pressure sensor used to detect the pressure in the first or second chamber can also be placed in an easily accessible location, allowing for faster maintenance of the valve system.

[0011] Furthermore, the pressures of the first and / or second chambers can be determined by means of a pressure sensor having a measurement accuracy up to + / -1.0%, particularly up to + / -0.5%, preferably up to + / -0.1%, and especially preferably up to 0.01%. Thus, pressure differences can be detected with a measurement accuracy up to + / -10 mbar, particularly up to + / -5 mbar, preferably up to + / -1 mbar, and especially preferably up to 0.1 mbar. Pressure sensors with such measurement accuracy can be obtained simply and offset. The invention is particularly based on the unexpected realization that it is already possible to achieve precise proximity to a predetermined valve position using a pressure sensor with such measurement accuracy. For example, it has been surprisingly possible to achieve sufficient accuracy in the claimed operating method using a pressure sensor that provides a measurement accuracy of only + / -10 mbar for pressure differences. With measurement accuracy up to + / -0.1 mbar, a saturation effect occurs, where the drive accuracy gained by improving measurement accuracy stagnates. Furthermore, the pressure sensor for the first and / or second chamber pressures can be constructed as a self-calibrating pressure sensor. Therefore, the pressure sensor can be automatically recalibrated during valve system operation. This allows for compensation against so-called sensor drift during operation. As a result, the required operating procedures can be implemented with consistently improved accuracy based on a simple pressure sensor.

[0012] In another embodiment of the claimed operating method, the threshold value below the fourth step corresponds to 0.1% to 3.0% of the valve rod stroke length. Here, stroke length is the distance between the end positions of the rod. Therefore, in the claimed operating method, the achievable operating accuracy can be preset by the threshold value. From the operating accuracy, we can further determine the accuracy at which the flow rate of the medium through the fluid pipeline can be set. The claimed operating method is based on the principle of indirect function, in which a pressure difference is detected to set the control of the valve to be approached. In particular, by combining the aforementioned pressure sensor, improved operating accuracy can be advantageously achieved while reducing the number of components and space requirements.

[0013] Furthermore, in the second step, the rated pressure difference corresponding to the valve position to be approached can be determined taking hysteresis into account. Here, path dependence during lever operation, such as the lever's direction of operation, can be particularly considered. This hysteresis can be stored in the valve system's control unit. Similarly, in protected operating methods, hysteresis can be determined through automatic calibration. By taking hysteresis into account, the achievable operational accuracy can be further improved.

[0014] Furthermore, in the claimed operating method, at least the second and third steps can be repeatedly executed and can traverse a preset travel profile of the lever. The travel profile includes multiple valve positions and can be preset by the user and / or algorithm. In particular, the travel profile to be traversed can be preset in the first step. The claimed operating method can also be executed quickly with reduced computational performance, allowing the second and third steps to be repeated with reduced additional overhead. Because the pneumatic operating device has a certain degree of flexibility due to the compressibility of the compressed air used, the claimed operating method is suitable for chaining multiple valve positions. This avoids discontinuous transitions when traversing multiple valve positions to be approached. This allows for targeted operation of the valve system, such as continuously delaying valve opening. Therefore, the claimed operating method has a wide range of possible applications.

[0015] In another embodiment of the claimed operating method, at least one of the steps, namely at least one of the first, second, third, or fourth steps, is performed, taking into account the installation orientation of the valve system, the inertial forces acting on the movable parts of the valve system, and / or the frictional forces present in the valve system. The force component along the operating direction of the valve is obtained through the installation orientation, and this force component originates from the weight of the lever. Accordingly, the installation orientation affects the operating behavior of the valve system in the claimed operating method. The installation orientation can be preset at the control unit of the valve system by the user and / or an algorithm. Furthermore, the inertial forces, for example, derived from the mass and wear of the movable parts, can be calculated in a simple manner. In particular, so-called overshoot can therefore be avoided when operating pneumatically operated equipment. This also applies to the speed-dependent frictional forces acting on the movable parts. Alternatively or additionally, the installation orientation, inertial forces, and / or frictional forces can be taken into account by correspondingly calibrating the valve system. The more precisely the installation orientation, the inertial forces of the movable parts, and / or the frictional forces of the valve system, especially the lever, are known, the more precisely it can be positioned in the operating direction.

[0016] Furthermore, the claimed operating method may include self-calibration, which can be performed prior to the first step. Self-calibration involves approaching two end positions of the valve system, where the pressure-time characteristic curve is recorded. Upon reaching the end positions, the pneumatic operating device can be substantially fully vented or ventilated. Specifically, this allows the determination of the first derivative of the pressure-time characteristic curve, from which the reached end positions can be identified. Based on the pressure-time characteristic curve, a preset pressure difference can be approximated with improved accuracy. Moreover, self-calibration can be performed automatically during continuous operation of the operating method, thereby compensating for drift in the valve system, particularly in the pneumatic operating device. For example, such drift can occur due to wear at the valve seat. This allows the identification of wear in the valve system.

[0017] The objective is further achieved by a valve system according to the invention, comprising a valve and a pneumatic actuation device. The pneumatic actuation device is designed to preset a pressure differential at the valve system, by which the valve lever can be moved. The pneumatic actuation device is detachably connected to the valve lever for this purpose. The valve system can be installed at a fluid line through which a medium, such as gas, steam, liquid, suspension, mixture thereof, or viscous substance, such as a paste, can flow. The fluid line defines an axial direction along the fluid line and, consequently, a radial direction. According to the invention, a preset valve position can be set solely via a pressure differential as an input variable, for example, in a control loop. During valve system operation, the preset valve position can be approached. Approaching the preset valve position solely via a pressure differential as an output variable eliminates the need for additional mechanisms, such as mechanical, electromechanical, or optical travel recorders, for detecting the valve position of the lever. Correspondingly, the construction space between the valve and the pneumatic actuation device can be reduced. Therefore, setting the preset valve position solely using a pressure differential in the radial direction, i.e., approaching, saves construction space.

[0018] Therefore, the valve system according to the invention can be constructed in a particularly compact manner, which in turn allows the valve system to be installed in existing automation facilities even in situations with limited space. By eliminating the need for an additional stroke recorder, the number of components is reduced, and cost efficiency is improved. At the same time, the valve system according to the invention provides an increased degree of operational accuracy. Similarly, the valve system according to the invention has a simplified structure, in which additional devices such as drilling and fins are minimized. In particular, the connecting rod has a simple and low-cost structure. Furthermore, the valve system according to the invention can be designed to perform at least one of the above-described operating methods.

[0019] In one embodiment of the claimed valve system, the pressures of the first and / or second chambers in the pneumatic operating device can be set separately via pressure lines. A pressure difference is obtained from the first and second chamber pressures, and the pneumatic operating device moves a lever via this pressure difference. The pressure present in the respective pressure lines corresponds to the first or second chamber pressure. Each pressure line can have a pressure sensor, which can detect the first or second chamber pressure at substantially any location on the respective pressure line. Therefore, the pressure sensors can be placed at the pressure lines in easily accessible locations. Additional construction space at the valve system is not required for the pressure sensors. The piping overhead at the valve system itself is also reduced by providing the first or second chamber pressure via the respective pressure lines. Furthermore, the first or second chamber pressure can be reliably and accurately set via pressure lines, for example, using compressed air. Thus, the claimed valve system is robust and reliable. Alternatively or additionally, at least one pressure sensor can be located on or within the pneumatic operating device.

[0020] Furthermore, the valve system to be protected may have a control unit designed for controlling the valve system. The control unit is designed to detect the pressure difference present in the pneumatically operated equipment and compare it with a preset rated pressure difference. Similarly, the control unit is designed to change the pressure difference. The control unit is adapted to receive the valve position and / or threshold to be approached from the user and / or an algorithm, such as from a higher-level control unit, which can be taken into account when comparing the current pressure difference with the rated pressure difference. According to the invention, the control unit is designed to perform at least one of the above-described operating methods. For this purpose, the control unit may have a computer program product stored on the control unit in an executable manner.

[0021] Similarly, the objectives outlined at the beginning are achieved by a control unit according to the invention. The control unit is designed to operate a lever in a valve system. The valve system can be installed at a fluid line to set the flow rate of the medium through the fluid line. The lever is coupled to a pneumatic operating device, which is also part of the valve system. The control unit is designed to receive a measurement signal of the current pressure of the first and / or second chamber in the pneumatic operating device. Similarly, the control unit is designed to output a control signal for setting the pressure of the first and / or second chamber. Thus, the overall pressure difference in the pneumatic operating device can be detected and changed. According to the invention, the control unit is designed to perform at least one of the above-described operating methods. For this purpose, the control unit can be equipped with a corresponding computer program product. The control unit can be configured as a local control unit connected to the valve system, or as a higher-level control unit connected to the valve system via a communication data connection, such as a network connection, an internet connection, or a mobile radio connection. For example, the higher-level control unit can be configured as a host computer, a network server, or a computer cloud. In particular, the higher-level control unit can be designed to control automated facilities. Alternatively, the control unit can also be configured as a combination of a local control unit and a higher-level control unit.

[0022] Furthermore, this objective is achieved by a computer program product according to the invention, which is designed to simulate the operational behavior of a valve system connectable to a fluid pipeline. Specifically, the computer program product can be designed to simulate the operational behavior of the valve system in such a way that the structure of the valve system is fixedly preset within the computer program product. According to the invention, the valve system that can be simulated via the computer program product is constructed according to at least one of the above embodiments. For this purpose, an image of the valve system can be stored in the computer program product. Alternatively or additionally, the function of the valve system can be stored as a computational model. The computer program product has a physical module by which the behavior of the valve system under variable operating conditions can be simulated. For example, the density, temperature, flow velocity, and / or viscosity of the medium in the fluid pipeline are variable operating conditions. Similarly, variable first and / or second chamber pressures in pneumatically operated devices, through which the valve system's lever can be moved, are also considered variable operating conditions. Furthermore, the flow rate of the medium in the fluid pipeline is an operational behavior, determined based on the current valve position of the valve system, i.e., its lever. For this purpose, the computer program product can have a suitable data interface through which corresponding data can be input by the user and / or preset by other simulation-oriented computer program products. The computer program product can also have a data interface for outputting simulation results to the user and / or other simulation-oriented computer program products. With the aid of the computer program product according to the invention, for example, the reliability of measurement signals sent from a pressure sensor to a control unit can be checked. Thus, for example, a faulty pressure sensor can be identified. The computer program product can be constructed as a so-called digital twin, as described in more detail, for example, in document US2017 / 286572A1. The disclosure of US 2017 / 286572 A1 is incorporated herein by reference. The computer program product can be constructed as a single piece, i.e., implemented entirely on a hardware platform (computer storage medium). Alternatively, the computer program product can be constructed modularly and include multiple subroutines, which can be executed on separate hardware platforms and cooperate via communication data links. Furthermore, the computer program product can be a control device for an automated facility. Moreover, with the aid of the computer program product according to the invention, valve systems and / or operating methods to be performed thereon can be tested and / or optimized. Attached Figure Description

[0023] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. These drawings are to be understood as complementary to each other, provided that the same reference numerals in different drawings have the same technical meaning. Features of the embodiments may be combined with the features described above. The drawings are shown in detail below:

[0024] Figure 1 The structure of a first embodiment of the valve system for which protection is claimed is schematically shown;

[0025] Figure 2 A view showing a first embodiment of the claimed operating method;

[0026] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating a second embodiment of the claimed operating method is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Figure 1 The structure of a first embodiment of the claimed valve system 30 is schematically shown. The valve system 30 includes a valve 10 with a lever 12 movable along an operating direction 17 by means of a pneumatic actuation device 20. The lever 12 is movable between two end positions 27, defined by a stop on the lever 12 at a valve housing 11 and a valve seat 14. The valve 10 is connected to a fluid line 16, the line axis 15 of which is defined. The valve 10 is designed to set the flow rate of the medium 25 through the line 16 according to the current valve position 13, i.e., the position of the lever 12 along the operating direction 17. The pneumatic actuation device 20 includes a diaphragm 23, through which regions having a first chamber pressure 21 or a second chamber pressure 22 are separated. The first chamber pressure 21 is provided via a pressure line 32. The diaphragm 23 deforms according to the first chamber pressure 21, allowing the lever 12 to move along the operating direction 17. Furthermore, the pressure 21 in the first chamber at pressure line 32 can be detected by pressure sensor 34, which can be positioned virtually anywhere along pressure line 32. Pressure sensor 34 has a measurement accuracy up to + / - 10 mbar. This is in Figure 1 The pressure line 32 is symbolically represented by a partially interrupted diagram. The first chamber pressure 21, detected by pressure sensor 34, is transmitted to control unit 40 in the form of a measurement signal 33. Control unit 40 is associated with valve system 30, particularly pneumatically operated device 20. Control unit 40 is adapted to receive and process measurement signal 33. Similarly, control unit 40 is adapted to set the first chamber pressure 21 by means of control signal 35.

[0028] A pressure difference 18 acting on the diaphragm 23 in the operating direction 17 is obtained through the first chamber pressure 21 and the second chamber pressure 22, which positions the lever 12 of the valve 10. Specifically, pressure 19 is obtained through the first chamber pressure 21 and the second chamber pressure 22. The valve system 30 has a radial distance 26 between the valve 10 and the pneumatic operating device 20. The term radial distance 26 should be understood here in the sense of the radial direction 36, which is defined relative to the pipe axis 15. The radial distance 26 between the valve 10 and the operating direction 20 is minimized. In particular, the dimension of the radial distance 26 is determined such that a stroke recorder cannot be placed between the valve 10 and the pneumatic operating device 20. The valve system 30 is constructed without a mechanical, electromechanical, or optical stroke recorder. Thus, the valve system 30 is constructed more compactly in the radial direction 36.

[0029] Valve system 30 is adapted to operate according to operating method 100, which can be implemented via control unit 40. Control unit 40 is configured as a local control unit 42 directly connected to valve system 30. In the first step 110, operating method 100 begins with the valve system 30 in an activated operating state, in which the valve system is installed and usable. In the first step 110, a valve position 24 to be approached is preset via user input 37. A second step 120 is executed via control unit 40, in which a rated pressure difference 28 corresponding to the valve position 24 to be approached is determined. This is achieved by means of numerical tables, algorithms, artificial intelligence, and / or formulas stored in control unit 40.

[0030] Similarly, the third step 130 is executed by the control unit 40, in which the pressure difference 18 present in the pneumatic operating device 20 is detected. For this purpose, a measurement signal 33 is received from the pressure sensor 34, describing the first chamber pressure 21. Similarly, in the third step 130, the first chamber pressure 21 is set so that the current pressure difference 18 matches the rated pressure difference 28. For this purpose, the control unit 40 outputs a control signal 35, which acts on the delivery of compressed air in the pressure line 35. Here, the operating direction of the lever 12 is considered, particularly the hysteresis stored in the control unit 40. The movement of the lever 12 sets the travel profile 43 for the valve 10 and thus also for the valve system 30.

[0031] Furthermore, the operating method 100 includes a fourth step 140, in which the current pressure difference 18 is compared with the rated pressure difference 28 by determining the deviation between the current pressure difference 18 and the rated pressure difference 28. If the deviation between the rated pressure difference 28 and the current pressure difference 18 is lower than a settable threshold 29, the current pressure difference 18 is stabilized. Since the rated pressure difference 28 corresponds to the valve position 24 to be approached, the lever 12 reaches the valve position 24 to be approached in the fourth step 140. Therefore, the lever 12, and consequently the valve 10 and the valve system 30, achieve improved operating accuracy. Figure 1 The structure of the valve system 30 is reflected in the computer program product 60, which simulates the operational behavior of the valve system 30. Therefore, the computer program product 60 is constructed as a digital twin.

[0032] exist Figure 2 Figure 50 illustrates a first embodiment of the claimed operating method 100. The operating method 100... Figure 2 The aspects shown can be applied to according to Figure 1 Operating method 100. Figure 50 has a horizontal time axis 52 and a vertical variable axis 54. Operating method 100 begins in the activated operating state of the first step 110, in which the valve system 30 is installed in a workable manner, the valve system being adapted to perform the operating method 100 described above. During this period, the pressure difference 18 present in the pneumatic operating device 20 of the valve system 30 is substantially constant. At the end of the first step 110, user input 37 is implemented, by which the user input presets the valve position 24 to be approached.

[0033] In the second step 120, the rated pressure difference 28 corresponding to the valve position 24 to be approached is determined by the control unit 40. For this purpose, the control unit 40 has… Figure 2 A numerical table representing symbolic representations. This is followed by a third step 130, which increases the current pressure difference 18 in the pneumatic operating device 20 (not shown in detail). For this purpose, a first chamber pressure 21, which also exists in the pneumatic operating device 20, is determined. The increase in the first chamber pressure 21 causes a change in the current valve position 13 of the lever 12, such as... Figure 1 As shown. The measurement signal 33 is evaluated in the regulation loop 38 and a control signal 35 is generated accordingly to adapt to the current pressure difference 18.

[0034] At the end of the third step 130, the current pressure difference 18 approaches the rated pressure difference 28. A tolerance range 31 exists around the rated pressure difference 28, essentially defined by two thresholds 29, one above and one below the rated pressure difference 28. Reaching the tolerance range is identified when the absolute value of the deviation between the current pressure difference 18 and the rated pressure difference 28 is below one of the thresholds 29. For example, the threshold 29 can be set by the user. The tolerance range 31 also determines the operational accuracy 39 achievable by the valve system 30, i.e., the directional accuracy achievable by the lever 12 after approaching a preset valve position 24. In the fourth step 140, the tolerance range 31 is identified in an outline manner by the pressure difference 18. In the fourth step 140, the current pressure difference 18 is also stabilized so that the current valve position 13 is also stabilized within the range of the preset valve position 24. The function of the described operating method 100 is, for example... Figure 1 The valve system 30 shown can be simulated by a computer program product 60. The computer program product 60 has input and output descriptions. Figure 2 The interface for the data outlined in the document describes the working method. Furthermore, the computer program product 60 is constructed as a digital twin.

[0035] Figure 3 The flowchart of the claimed operating method 100 is illustrated schematically. Operating method 100 begins with a first step 110, in which an active operating state is provided, for example... Figure 1 The valve system 30 is shown. User input 37 is then implemented, pre-setting a travel contour 43 to be traversed. The travel contour 43 includes a first valve position 24.1, a second valve position 24.2, and a third valve position 24.3 to be approached, these valve positions being interconnected. A second step 120 is then implemented, in which a rated pressure difference 28 corresponding to the first valve position 24.1 to be approached is determined for the pneumatic operating device 20 (not shown) of the valve system 30. A third step 130 is then implemented, in which a pressure difference 18 is determined via a measurement signal 33 and compared with the rated pressure difference 28. In the third step 130, the current pressure difference 18 is adapted via a control signal 35. This is achieved by means of a regulating loop 38 in the control unit 40 of the valve system 30.

[0036] The fourth step 140 is then implemented, in which the current pressure difference 18 is compared with the rated pressure difference 28. If the deviation between the current pressure difference 18 and the rated pressure difference 28 is at least lower than the settable threshold 29 in absolute value, the pressure difference 18 is stabilized. The first branch 145 is then implemented, in which it is checked whether the last valve position among the approaching valve positions 24.1, 24.2, and 24.3 has been reached. If at least one of the approaching valve positions 24.1, 24.2, and 24.3 has not been reached, the process returns to the second step 120. Then, the second step 120, the third step 130, and the fourth step 140 are re-executed for the subsequent approaching valve positions 24.2 and 24.3. Otherwise, the first branch 145 is directed to the final state 200 where the operation method 100 ends. The operational behavior of the associated valve system 30 can be simulated in a computer program product 60, which is constructed as a digital twin.

Claims

1. An operating method (100) for a valve system (30), the valve system having a valve (10) with a movable lever (12) and a pneumatic operating device (20), the operating method comprising the following steps: a) Provide the valve (10) in an active operating state and preset the valve position (24) to be approached. b) Determine the rated pressure difference (28) corresponding to the valve position (24) to be approached, the rated pressure difference to be set by the pneumatic operating device (20); c) Change the current pressure difference (18) in the pneumatic operating device (20) and detect the current pressure difference (18); d) When the absolute value of the deviation between the current pressure difference (18) and the rated pressure difference (28) is lower than the settable threshold (29), the current pressure difference (18) is stabilized, the valve position (24) to be approached is located between the two end positions (27) of the lever (12), the operating method (100) includes self-calibration of the valve system (30), and approaching the end position (27) in the self-calibration in order to determine the characteristic curve of pressure relative to time.

2. The operating method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Perform steps b) through d) without mechanical, magnetic, capacitive, or optical detection of the current valve position (13).

3. The operating method (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that, Perform steps b) to d) without electromechanical testing of the current valve position (13).

4. The operating method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The current pressure difference (18) is formed based on the first chamber pressure (21) and / or the second chamber pressure (22), wherein the first chamber pressure (21) and / or the second chamber pressure (22) are detected at the first or second pressure line of the valve (10).

5. The operating method (100) according to claim 4, characterized in that, The pressure of the first chamber (21) and / or the pressure of the second chamber (22) are determined by means of a pressure sensor (34), which has a measurement accuracy of up to + / -10 mbar.

6. The operating method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, The settable threshold (29) corresponds to up to 0.1% to 3% of the stroke length of the pneumatic operating device (20).

7. The operating method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In step b), the corresponding rated pressure difference (28) is determined taking hysteresis into account.

8. The operating method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, In order to travel along the preset travel contour line (43) of the lever (12), steps b) and c) must be repeated at least once.

9. The operating method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, Perform at least one of steps a) to d) while taking into account the installation orientation of the valve system (30).

10. A valve system (30) comprising a valve (10) and a pneumatic operating device (20), wherein a pressure differential is provided in the pneumatic operating device to move a lever (12) of the valve (10), characterized in that, In order to save the construction space of the valve system (30) in the radial direction (36) and to enable the valve position to be preset via the pressure difference as the only input variable, the valve system (30) has a control unit (40) designed to perform the operating method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The valve system (30) according to claim 10, characterized in that, The pressure of the first chamber (21) and / or the pressure of the second chamber (22) can be set via the pressure line (32).

12. A control unit (40) for operating a lever (12) at a pneumatic operating device (20) for a valve system (30), the control unit being designed to receive measurement signals (33) for a first chamber pressure (21) and a second chamber pressure (22), and to output control signals (35) for setting the first chamber pressure (21) and / or the second chamber pressure (22), characterized in that, The control unit (40) is designed to perform the operating method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

13. A computer program product (60) for simulating the operational behavior of a valve system (30) connectable to a fluid pipeline (16), characterized in that, The valve system (30) according to any one of claims 10 to 11 is designed and / or designed to perform the operating method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

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