Method for evaluating sealing properties of elastic or plastic seal on valve element or valve seat, and hydraulic device

Abstract

A method (100) of evaluating a sealing property of an elastic seal (30) or a plastic seal (32) on a valve element (22) or a valve seat (24), the valve element (22) being operated by a hydraulic device (10), in which the valve element (22) is operated between:-a contact state (92) in which the valve element (22) is in contact with the valve seat (24), and-a non-contact state (94) in which the valve element (22) is not in contact with the valve seat (24), in which the valve element (22) is in contact with the valve seat (24), and in which the valve element (22) is in contact with the valve seat (24). The method (100) comprises the steps of:-changing (200) the state from a non-contact state (94) to a contact state (92),-measuring (300) a valve initial contact position (26) in contact with the valve seat (24) wherein the elastic seal (30) or the plastic seal (32) is in contact with the valve element (22) or the valve seat (24); the method comprises the steps of changing (200) a valve initial contact position (26), measuring (300) the valve initial contact position (26) on a computer readable medium (16), storing (400) the valve initial contact position (26) on the computer readable medium (16), repeating (500) the steps of changing (200), measuring (300) and storing (400), and evaluating (600) a sealing property of the elastic seal (30) or the plastic seal (32) as a function of the stored valve initial contact position (26).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method of evaluating the sealing characteristics of an elastomeric seal or a plastic seal on a valve element or a valve seat, thereby identifying degradation or damage of the elastomeric seal or the plastic seal before valve failure.

[0002] The present invention relates to a hydraulic device capable of measuring the sealing properties of an elastic seal or a plastic seal on a valve element or a valve seat, and the present invention relates to a valve system comprising one or more hydraulic devices, wherein the valve system is configured to measure the sealing properties of one or more valves. Background Art

[0003] It is well known that the sealing characteristics of seals used in hydraulic valves change over time and the sealing characteristics deteriorate, and at some point the seals should be replaced to prevent valve failure or valve damage.

[0004] Deterioration can be swelling of the elastomeric or plastic seal, or shrinkage of the elastomeric or plastic seal, or wear of the elastomeric or plastic seal. Depending on the use of the valve and / or the type of seal, this degradation usually lasts for months or years. Currently it is difficult to predict when the seal must be replaced and in most cases manual maintenance is required, where the user checks the seal. This results in valve downtime, which reduces production.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a method and a hydraulic device capable of evaluating the sealing characteristics of a seal. There is also a need for a method and a hydraulic device capable of evaluating the sealing characteristics of a seal during normal operation of the hydraulic device.

[0006] Purpose of the Invention

[0007] The object is to provide a method and a hydraulic device capable of evaluating the sealing properties of a seal. Summary of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is achieved by a method for evaluating the sealing properties of an elastomeric seal or a plastic seal on a valve element or a valve seat, the valve element being operated by a hydraulic device. The valve element is operated between:

[0009] a contact state, in which the valve element is in contact with the valve seat, and

[0010] - A non-contact state, in which the valve element is not in contact with the valve seat.

[0011] The method comprises the following steps:

[0012] -Change the state from non-contact to contact,

[0013] - measuring the initial contact position of the valve with the valve seat, wherein the elastic seal or plastic seal is in contact with the valve element or the valve seat;

[0014] - storing the valve initial contact position on a computer-readable medium,

[0015] - Repeat the steps of changing, measuring and storing, and

[0016] -Evaluation of the sealing properties of elastomeric or plastic seals based on the stored initial contact position of the valve.

[0017] The method can evaluate the sealing characteristics by repeatedly measuring the valve initial contact position a plurality of times, so that it can detect the change of the valve initial contact position over time. Therefore, the method enables the user or the system to estimate when the seal should be replaced.

[0018] In the case of seal expansion, the valve initial contact position will change in one direction over time. In the case of seal contraction or wear, the valve initial contact position will change in a different direction over time.

[0019] Throughout the patent application, when reference is made to a seal, the seal may be an elastomeric seal or a plastic seal.

[0020] The shape of the seal can have many different embodiments, since the seal will be selected according to the specific embodiment of the valve element and the valve seat complementary to the valve element. The seal can be positioned on the valve element or on the valve seat. If the seal is positioned on the valve element, since the seal is considered as part of the valve element, the valve initial contact position is the position where the seal contacts the valve seat, and if the seal is positioned on the valve seat, since the seal is considered as part of the valve seat, the valve initial contact position is the position where the valve element contacts the seal. These two possibilities are equivalent.

[0021] The valve element operates between a contact state in which the valve element contacts the valve seat and a non-contact state in which the valve element does not contact the valve seat. The method collects data when the valve element changes state to the contact state by measuring the valve initial contact position, which is the position where the valve element first contacts the valve seat.

[0022] The valve initial contact position may be measured as the position where the hydraulic device will experience a higher resistance to movement of the valve element, thus causing the velocity of the valve element to change.

[0023] The valve initial contact position is stored on a computer readable medium because the method must be repeated over a long period of time in order to evaluate the sealing characteristics of the elastomeric seal or plastic seal. The computer readable medium can be a local computer readable medium or a server as long as the stored data is accessible when performing the step of evaluating the sealing characteristics.

[0024] The method is to be performed over long periods of time (eg weeks, months or years) and if the state of the valve element changes several times per minute or even per day, the method does not require data from each state change in order to perform the step of assessing the sealing properties.

[0025] Therefore, depending on the sealing characteristics, there may also be a step of replacing the elastic seal or the plastic seal.

[0026] In one aspect, the measuring step may include the valve velocity from contact with the valve seat to a stationary position of the valve element, the storing step may include storing the valve velocity on a computer readable medium, and the evaluating step may include evaluating the sealing characteristics of the elastomeric seal or the plastic seal based on the stored valve velocity.

[0027] The expansion or contraction of the elastomeric seal will cause other material changes of the elastomeric seal. The expansion of the elastomeric seal will generally cause the elastomeric seal to become softer. Contraction will generally cause the elastomeric seal to become harder. Therefore, the valve speed from contact with the valve seat to the rest position will have a different speed profile than before the elastomeric seal expanded or contracted. Therefore, the valve speed is related to the sealing characteristics.

[0028] The method may use an external clock to provide the time, or the hydraulic device may include a clock for providing the time so that the speed can be calculated from the position data.

[0029] In one aspect, the method may be performed during normal operation of the hydraulic device.

[0030] Therefore, the method can be performed when the hydraulic device is in normal operation. Therefore, the downtime of the hydraulic device can be significantly reduced compared to the prior art, because the elastic seal or plastic seal is evaluated based on data retrieved during normal operation.

[0031] In one aspect, the step of evaluating may include the step of predicting the remaining operating time before failure of the elastomeric seal or plastic seal.

[0032] The steps of the method are repeated over time, so that the degradation rate can be estimated, and the remaining operating time before failure of the elastomeric or plastic seal can be estimated continuously and preferably during normal operation. Thus, predictive maintenance can be performed.

[0033] The steps of evaluating and predicting may also be performed based on data collected from a variety of other seals in other hydraulic devices.

[0034] Machine learning can also be used in the evaluation and prediction steps.

[0035] The method may further perform the following step: sending an alert to a user or a server based on the remaining operating time before failure of the elastic seal or the plastic seal.

[0036] In one aspect, the magnet may be mechanically linked to the valve element, wherein actuation of the valve element causes actuation of the magnet along the magnet path.

[0037] The steps of measurement may include:

[0038] - a step of measuring the magnetic field along the path of the magnet; and

[0039] - A step of calculating an initial contact position of the valve based on the magnetic field along the magnet path.

[0040] The actuation of the magnet and valve element can be directly related, where a 1 cm linear movement of the valve results in a 1 cm linear movement of the magnet. This would be the case if the magnet was connected to a piston shaft that actuates the valve element.

[0041] However, the hydraulic device may include a linear actuator driving a rotary actuator, which drives a butterfly valve, which includes a valve element and a valve seat. In this case, the magnet may be connected to the linear actuator, so the movement and position of the magnet is not directly related to the movement and position and / or speed of the valve element, but this can be calculated using basic mathematics. The opposite situation is also possible.

[0042] Therefore, by measuring the magnetic field along the magnet path, the position of the valve can be calculated, and therefore, the valve initial contact position can also be calculated based on the magnetic field along the magnet path.

[0043] In one aspect, the calculating step can include calculating the valve velocity based on the magnetic field along the magnet path.

[0044] Therefore, this solution can detect both the valve initial contact position and the valve speed, and the valve initial contact position will be located at a position where the valve speed starts to change from a constant value.

[0045] The valve velocity may be a valve angular velocity.

[0046] The object of the invention is achieved by a hydraulic device comprising a valve having a valve element and a complementary valve seat, and an elastic or plastic seal on the valve element or the valve seat.

[0047] The valve element operates between:

[0048] a contact state, in which the valve element is in contact with the valve seat, and

[0049] - A non-contact state, in which the valve element is not in contact with the valve seat.

[0050] The hydraulic device also includes:

[0051] - A position detection member adapted to measure a position of the valve element relative to the valve seat, the position comprising a valve initial contact position in which the elastic seal or plastic seal contacts the valve element or the valve seat.

[0052] The hydraulic device also includes:

[0053] - an evaluation module comprising a computer-readable medium for storing at least a valve initial contact position and means for evaluating a sealing property of an elastomer based on the stored valve initial contact position, and / or

[0054] A communication module adapted to perform wired or wireless communication with an external evaluation module adapted to evaluate the sealing properties of the elastomeric or plastic seal based on the stored initial contact position of the valve.

[0055] The shape of the seal can have many different embodiments, since the seal will be selected according to the specific embodiment of the valve element and the valve seat complementary to the valve element. The seal can be positioned on the valve element or on the valve seat. If the seal is positioned on the valve element, since the seal is considered as part of the valve element, then the valve initial contact position is the position where the seal contacts the valve seat, and if the seal is positioned on the valve seat, since the seal is considered as part of the valve seat, then the valve initial contact position is the position where the valve element contacts the seal. These two possibilities are equivalent.

[0056] The valve element operates between a contact state in which the valve element contacts the valve seat and a non-contact state in which the valve element does not contact the valve seat. The method collects data when the valve element changes state to the contact state by measuring the valve initial contact position, which is the position where the valve element first contacts the valve seat.

[0057] The valve initial contact position may be measured by the position detection member, and is a position where the hydraulic device will experience a higher resistance to movement of the valve element and thus cause the speed of the valve element to change.

[0058] The valve initial contact position is stored on a computer readable medium of the evaluation module and / or sent by the communication module to an external evaluation module so that data can be collected over time, wherein the data includes at least the valve initial contact position.

[0059] This will enable a step of evaluating the sealing properties of the elastomeric seal or plastic seal based on the stored valve initial contact position.

[0060] The external evaluation module may collect data from a plurality of hydraulic devices, and the data from the plurality of hydraulic devices may be used in the step of evaluating the sealing characteristics of a specific elastomeric seal or a specific plastic seal.

[0061] External evaluation modules can use machine learning.

[0062] In an embodiment, the position detection means may include a potentiometer or a resistance measurement. The position detection means includes an electrical contact mechanically linked to the valve element so that when the valve element is actuated, the electrical contact is actuated. The electrical contact is in contact with a resistive track so that the output of the measurement is related to the position change of the electrical contact and thus to the valve element. In another embodiment, when the valve element is actuated, the resistive track is actuated, but the final output will be the same.

[0063] In another embodiment, the position sensing member may include a ferrous material mechanically linked to the valve element such that when the valve element is actuated, the ferrous material is sensed, and the position sensing member may include one or more inductive sensors positioned to sense the ferrous material passing near the one or more inductive sensors. By replacing the magnet with the ferrous material and replacing the one or more magnetic sensors with one or more inductive sensors, this embodiment may be used to Figure 4-Figure 7 The embodiments disclosed in or other mentioned embodiments.

[0064] In an embodiment, the position detection member may include a light source configured to send light toward the piston shaft, and the light detection sensor is configured to detect the light, wherein the valve element position and valve speed are calculated based on the flight time of the light. The light source may send light pulses. The light source may be a laser that sends light pulses. The light may be directed to the top of the piston shaft mechanically linked to the valve element, which will be actuated when the valve element is actuated. Based on the change in the flight time of the light, the valve element position or position change can be calculated.

[0065] In an embodiment, the position sensing member may comprise a rotary encoder mechanically linked to the valve element, wherein angular rotation of the rotary encoder's rotation shaft may be used to determine the position, direction and valve speed.The rotary encoder may be of incremental or absolute type.

[0066] In one aspect, the position sensing member may be further configured to measure valve velocity from contact with the valve seat to a rest position of the valve element.

[0067] The expansion or contraction of the elastomeric seal will cause other material changes of the elastomeric seal. The expansion of the elastomeric seal will generally cause the elastomeric seal to become softer, while the contraction will generally cause the elastomeric seal to become harder. Therefore, the valve speed from contact with the valve seat to the rest position will have a different speed curve than before the elastomeric seal expands or contracts.

[0068] Therefore, valve speed is related to sealing performance and speed data will improve the evaluation of sealing performance.

[0069] The hydraulic device may include a clock for providing the time so that the speed can be calculated from the position data.

[0070] In one aspect, the hydraulic device can be adapted to perform a method of evaluating the sealing characteristics of an elastomeric seal or a plastic seal.

[0071] In one aspect, the hydraulic device may include an actuator housing including a first piston chamber having a first piston and a first piston shaft, the first piston dividing the first piston chamber into a first upper chamber and a first lower chamber, the first piston shaft being configured to operate a valve element outside the actuator housing.

[0072] This configuration enables precise control of the piston and thus the valve actuated by the piston shaft, so that the valve element can be moved with high precision when the position detection member measures the valve position with high precision.

[0073] The hydraulic fluid can be hydraulic oil or water.

[0074] In one aspect, the hydraulic device may include one or more linear actuators and / or one or more rotary actuators configured to operate the valve element.

[0075] The hydraulic device may include a linear actuator driving a rotary actuator, wherein the rotary actuator is coupled to the butterfly valve.

[0076] The hydraulic device may include a rotary actuator driving a linear actuator.

[0077] The hydraulic device may include a rotary actuator coupled to the butterfly valve.

[0078] In one aspect, the position detection component may include:

[0079] a magnet which is mechanically linked to the valve element, wherein actuation of the valve element causes actuation of the magnet along a magnet path; and

[0080] - A plurality of magnetic sensors positioned to measure the magnetic field along the path of the magnet.

[0081] This embodiment of the position detection member is capable of detecting the valve element with an accuracy of approximately 10 to 100 μm.

[0082] The magnet is mechanically linked to the valve element so that actuation of the magnet and valve element can be directly related, i.e. a 1 cm linear movement of the valve results in a 1 cm linear movement of the magnet. This would be the case if the magnet were connected to a piston shaft that actuates the valve element.

[0083] However, the hydraulic device may include a linear actuator driving a rotary actuator, which drives a butterfly valve, which includes a valve element and a valve seat. In this case, the magnet may be connected to the linear actuator, so the movement and position of the magnet is not directly related to the movement and position and / or speed of the valve element, but this can be calculated using basic mathematics. The opposite situation is also possible.

[0084] Other embodiments of the mechanical link between the magnet and the valve element are possible.

[0085] In an embodiment, the hydraulic device may include a rotary actuator driving a butterfly valve, the butterfly valve including a valve element and a valve seat. In this case, the magnet is connected to an external part of the rotary actuator, such as a part of the piston shaft of the rotary actuator, which is outside the piston chamber of the rotary actuator. The magnet will then be actuated along a curved or arc-shaped magnet path, and the magnetic sensor is positioned along the magnet path.

[0086] The magnets may preferably be permanent magnets.

[0087] In one aspect, one or more of the plurality of magnetic sensors may be Hall sensors.

[0088] Hall sensors provide sufficient accuracy for measuring the magnetic field and are able to determine the position of the magnet.

[0089] In one aspect, the magnet path can be a substantially straight line and the plurality of magnetic sensors comprises a series of magnetic sensors positioned along the substantially straight line parallel to the magnet path.

[0090] The magnet path being a straight line and the magnetic sensor being positioned parallel to the magnet path simplifies the computational power required to calculate the magnet position and thereby the position and / or velocity of the valve element.

[0091] In an embodiment, the magnet may be incorporated in a magnet holder that includes a first hole complementary to a support rod that extends parallel to the first magnet path and through the first hole to provide support and reduce the play of the magnet. This embodiment will increase the accuracy of the magnet and thus the position of the valve element to an accuracy of 10-25 μm.

[0092] In one aspect, the magnet path can be a curve or arc, and the plurality of magnetic sensors includes a series of magnetic sensors positioned on a curve or arc complementary to the magnet path.

[0093] In embodiments where the magnet path is arcuate or curved, there may be a series of magnetic sensors along the curved or arcuate magnet path to obtain better magnetic field data.

[0094] The object of the present invention is achieved by a valve system comprising one or more hydraulic devices. The valve system comprises a common evaluation module adapted to receive data from one or more hydraulic devices, and the common evaluation module comprises a member for evaluating the sealing characteristics of an elastic seal or a plastic seal according to a stored valve initial contact position.

[0095] The number of hydraulic devices may be 1, or 5, or 10, or 50, or 100 or more. Thus, the valve system will collect data from all hydraulic devices, which data can then be used to improve the evaluation of the individual sealing properties of each elastomeric seal or each plastic seal.

[0096] The hydraulic device may include a communication module adapted for wired or wireless communication with the valve system.

[0097] The valve system may include means for performing a method of evaluating the sealing properties of an elastomeric seal or a plastic seal on a valve element or a valve seat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0098] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a hydraulic device having a position detection member is shown;

[0099] Figure 2 A state diagram showing a valve element operating between a contact state and a non-contact state;

[0100] Figure 3 Two graphs showing seals with different sealing characteristics;

[0101] Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing an embodiment of a hydraulic device controlling two valves;

[0102] Figure 5 A detailed view showing an embodiment of a hydraulic device controlling two valves;

[0103] Figure 6 A detailed view showing an embodiment of a hydraulic device for controlling a butterfly valve;

[0104] Figure 7 shows a detailed view of a position detection member including a magnet and a magnetic sensor;

[0105] Figure 8A valve system is shown; and

[0106] Fig. 9 A method for evaluating the sealing characteristics of an elastomeric seal or a plastic seal on a valve element or valve seat is shown.

[0107]

[0108]

[0109] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0110] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a hydraulic device 10 having a position detection member 40 is shown.

[0111] The hydraulic device 10 comprises an actuator housing 60. The actuator housing 60 comprises a piston chamber 62 having a piston 64 and a piston shaft 68I, the piston 64 dividing the first piston chamber 62I into an upper chamber 66U and a lower chamber 66L, the piston shaft 68I being configured to operate the valve element 22 outside the actuator housing 60. The solution shown is a linear actuator, but the invention is also applicable to a rotary actuator.

[0112] Hydraulic actuation of the piston 64 will cause displacement of the piston shaft 68. The piston shaft 68 is connected to the valve element 22 of the valve 20. The valve 20 also includes a valve seat 24 that is complementary to the valve element 22. The valve 20 also includes a seal (not shown) that is an elastomeric seal 30 or a plastic seal 32. The elastomeric seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 is located on the valve element 22 or the valve seat 24 and is considered to be part of the corresponding valve element 22 or the valve seat 24.

[0113] Actuation will cause the valve element 22 to change state between:

[0114] a contact state 92 in which the valve element 22 is in contact with the valve seat 24, and

[0115] A non-contact state 94 , in which the valve element 22 is not in contact with the valve seat 24 .

[0116] The illustrated embodiment is currently in a non-contact state 94 .

[0117] The position detection member 40 is adapted to measure the position of the valve element 22 relative to the valve seat 24 , including the valve initial contact position 26 , in which the elastic seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 contacts the valve element 22 or the valve seat 24 .

[0118] The piston shaft 68 includes a shaft end that extends out of the actuator housing 60 in a direction opposite to the valve 20 .

[0119] The position detecting member 40 includes a member for measuring the position of the shaft end.

[0120] This can be done with resistivity, where the shaft end is contacted with a resistor and the voltage across it is measured. The position of the shaft end can then be calculated from the voltage, and since the second shaft portion will move in unison with the valve element 42, the position of the valve element 42 can be calculated.

[0121] The magnet 42 may be connected to the end of the shaft so that it can be displaced along the magnet path 44. The position detection member 40 may include a plurality of magnetic sensors 46 along the magnet path 44. Thus, the position of the magnet 42 may be calculated based on the measured magnetic field. In this embodiment, the magnet 42 will move in unison with the valve element 42, so the position of the valve element 42 may be calculated.

[0122] Thus, the hydraulic device 10 can detect a valve initial contact position 26 where the elastomeric seal 30 or plastic seal 32 contacts the valve element 22 or valve seat 24. The hydraulic device 10 can also use the valve position data to calculate and / or measure a valve velocity 28 from contact with the valve seat 24 to a resting position of the valve element 22.

[0123] In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic device 10 further comprises an evaluation module 12 including a computer readable medium 16 for storing at least a valve initial contact position 26 and means for evaluating the sealing properties of the elastomer based on the stored valve initial contact position 26 . Figure 3 Examples of different valve speeds depending on the sealing characteristics are shown.

[0124] In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic device 10 further comprises a communication module 14 adapted for wired or wireless communication with an external evaluation module adapted for evaluating the sealing characteristics of the elastic seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 based on the stored valve initial contact position 26 .

[0125] The valve initial contact position 26 and the valve velocity may be measured during normal operation of the valve 20 , ie, the hydraulic device 10 may evaluate the sealing characteristics using valve position data and valve velocity data stored during normal use of the hydraulic device 10 .

[0126] Figure 2 A state diagram is shown of the valve element 22 operating between a contact state 92 and a non-contact state 94 .

[0127] The valve element 22 operates between:

[0128] a contact state 92 in which the valve element 22 is in contact with the valve seat 24, and

[0129] A non-contact state 94 , in which the valve element 22 is not in contact with the valve seat 24 .

[0130] When changing state between the non-contact state 94 and the contact state 92, the hydraulic device 10 will perform a method or at least part of the method steps according to one or more of claims 1 to 6. The evaluation 600 and storage 400 steps can be performed on an external computer or server, however in some embodiments, the hydraulic device 10 can perform all steps of the method for evaluating the sealing properties of an elastomeric seal or a plastic seal on a valve element or a valve seat.

[0131] The step of changing 200 the state is performed during normal operation of the hydraulic device 10 and therefore requires no operational downtime with respect to checking the seals 30 , 32 , as the seals 30 , 32 are evaluated during use.

[0132] Figure 3 Two graphs (A, B) are shown for seals 30 , 32 having different sealing characteristics. These graphs are based on simulations of possible data for the elastomeric seal 30 .

[0133] Graph A shows the valve speed 28 of the elastomeric seals 30I, 30II, 30III as a function of the valve position. The elastomeric seal 30I shows a new, undamaged elastomeric seal 30I. The position values ​​are relative values.

[0134] If the elastomeric seal 30I becomes softer over time, i.e. the support is reduced, then the valve speed 28 will change towards the valve speed 28 of the elastomeric seal 30III, and since the elastomeric seal 30III will provide less resistance at the valve initial contact position 26, the speed change will be smaller than that of the elastomeric seal 30I.

[0135] If the elastomeric seal 30I becomes stiffer over time, i.e. the support increases, then the valve speed 28 will change towards the valve speed 28 of the elastomeric seal 30II, and since the elastomeric seal 30II will provide greater resistance at the valve initial contact position 26, the speed change will be smaller than that of the elastomeric seal 30I.

[0136] Therefore, the characteristics of the linear seal 30I may be inferred by comparing the valve velocity 28 of the same seal measured over time.

[0137] Graph B shows the valve speed 28 of the elastomeric seals 30I, 30II, 30III as a function of the valve position. The elastomeric seal 30I shows a new, undamaged elastomeric seal 30I. The position values ​​are relative values.

[0138] Curve B shows how the wear of the elastic seal 30I will change the curve. The elastic seal 30I is a new elastic seal that will not cause material wear due to damage. The elastic seal 30II is damaged, so the valve initial contact position 26 is displaced relative to the elastic seal 30I.

[0139] The elastic seal 30II has greater damage, so the valve initial contact position 26 is displaced relative to the elastic seals 30I and 30II.

[0140] The above displacement may also be due to contraction, however, it is possible to recognize that the displacement is due to contraction caused by the change in speed of the valve element 22 as it moves towards rest.

[0141] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of an embodiment of a hydraulic device 10 is shown which controls two valves 20I, 20II. Figure 5 A detailed embodiment of the hydraulic device 10 is shown.

[0142] Each valve 20I, 20II comprises a valve element 22I, 22II and a complementary valve seat 24I, 24II. The first valve element 22I or the first valve seat 24I comprises an elastomeric seal 30 or a plastic seal 32. The second valve element 22II or the second valve seat 24II comprises an elastomeric seal 30 or a plastic seal 32.

[0143] The hydraulic device 10 includes an actuator housing 60, which includes a first piston chamber 62I, the first piston chamber 62I has a first piston 64I and a first piston shaft 68I, the first piston 64I divides the first piston chamber 62I into a first upper chamber 66IU and a first lower chamber 66IL, and the first piston shaft 68I is configured to operate the first valve element 22I outside the actuator housing 60.

[0144] The actuator housing 60 also includes a second piston chamber 62II having a second piston 64II and a second piston shaft 68II. The second piston 64II divides the second piston chamber 62II into a second upper chamber 66IIU and a second lower chamber 66IIL. The second piston shaft 68II is configured to operate the valve element 22 outside the actuator housing 60.

[0145] The second piston shaft 68II extends through the first piston shaft 68I. Each piston shaft 68I, 68II includes a shaft end 69I, 69II that extends out of the actuator housing 60 in a direction opposite to the valve 20I, 20II.

[0146] The hydraulic device 10 further comprises a first position detection member 40I comprising a first magnet 42I mechanically linked to the first shaft end 69I and thereby to the first valve element 22I, wherein actuation of the first valve element 22I results in actuation of the first magnet 42I along a first magnet path 44I.

[0147] The hydraulic device 10 also includes a plurality of magnetic sensors 46 (two are shown), however in most cases there will be at least three magnetic sensors 46. The plurality of magnetic sensors 46 are positioned to measure the magnetic field along the first magnet path 44I. Thus, the position of the first magnet 42I can be determined, because the first magnet 42I is directly connected to the first valve element 22I through the piston shaft 68I, and therefore the position of the first valve element 22I can be determined.

[0148] Therefore, the first position detection member 40I can measure the position of the first valve element 22I relative to the first valve seat 24I (including the valve initial contact position 26) at which the elastic seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 contacts the first valve element 22I or the first valve seat 24I.

[0149] The hydraulic device 10 also includes a second position detection member 40II, which includes a second magnet 42II, which is mechanically linked to the second shaft end 69II and thus connected to the second valve element 22II, wherein actuation of the second valve element 22II causes the second magnet 42II to be actuated along the second magnet path 44II.

[0150] A plurality of magnetic sensors 46 are also positioned to measure the magnetic field along the second magnet path 44II. Thus, the position of the first magnet 42I can be determined, since the second magnet 42II is directly connected to the second valve element 22II via the second piston shaft 68II, and therefore the position of the second valve element 22II can be determined.

[0151] Therefore, the second position detection member 40II can measure the position of the second valve element 22II relative to the second valve seat 24II (including the valve initial contact position 26) at which the elastic seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 contacts the second valve element 22II or the second valve seat 24II.

[0152] Figure 5 A detailed view of an embodiment of a hydraulic device 10 controlling two valves 20I, 20II is shown. The hydraulic device 10 is capable of mixing two fluids. The function of the hydraulic device 10 is described in more detail in EP3374679.

[0153] This embodiment includes Figure 4 An actuator housing 60 is shown, however this will not be discussed in detail.

[0154] This embodiment has the additional feature of enabling the hydraulic device 10 to measure the position and valve speed of the valve elements 22I, 22II of the two valves 20I, 22II.

[0155] Each valve 20I, 20II comprises a valve element 22I, 22II and a complementary valve seat 24I, 24II. The first valve element 22I comprises an elastomeric seal 30 or a plastic seal 32. The second valve element 22II comprises an elastomeric seal 30 or a plastic seal 32.

[0156] like Figure 4 As shown, the first piston shaft 68I is connected to the first valve element 22I, and the second piston shaft 68II is connected to the second valve element 22II. The second piston shaft 68II extends through the first piston shaft 68I.

[0157] The first piston shaft 68I and the second piston shaft 68II include a first shaft end 69I and a second shaft end 69II, the shaft ends 69I, 69II extending out of the actuator housing 60 in a direction opposite to the valves 20I, 20II.

[0158] The hydraulic device 10 further comprises a first position detection member 40I comprising a first magnet 42I mechanically linked to the first shaft end 69I and thereby to the first valve element 22I, wherein actuation of the first valve element 22I results in actuation of the first magnet 42I along a first magnet path 44I.

[0159] The first magnet 42I is incorporated in a first magnet holder 43I, which includes a first hole complementary to a support rod 70, which extends parallel to the first magnet path 44I and passes through the first hole to provide support and reduce the gap of the first magnet 42I.

[0160] The hydraulic device 10 also includes a plurality of magnetic sensors 46. The plurality of magnetic sensors 46 are positioned to measure the magnetic field along the first magnet path 44I. Thus, the position of the first magnet 42I can be determined because the first magnet 42I is directly connected to the first valve element 22I through the piston shaft 68I, so that the position of the first valve element 22I can be determined.

[0161] Therefore, the first position detection member 40I can measure the position of the first valve element 22I relative to the first valve seat 24I (including the valve initial contact position 26) at which the elastic seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 contacts the first valve element 22I or the first valve seat 24I.

[0162] The hydraulic device 10 further comprises a second position detection member 40II comprising a second magnet 42II mechanically linked to the second shaft end 69II and thereby to the second valve element 22II, wherein actuation of the second valve element 22II causes actuation of the second magnet 42II along a second magnet path 44II.

[0163] The second magnet 42II is incorporated in the second magnet holder 43II, which includes a second hole complementary to the support rod 70, which extends parallel to the first magnet path 44I and the second magnet path 44II and passes through the second hole to provide support and reduce the gap of the second magnet 42II.

[0164] Therefore, the second position detection member 40II can measure the position of the second valve element 22II relative to the second valve seat 24II (including the valve initial contact position 26) at which the elastic seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 contacts the second valve element 22II or the second valve seat 24II.

[0165] Figure 6 A detailed view of an embodiment of a hydraulic device 10 is shown controlling a butterfly valve 20. The position and valve speed of the butterfly valve 20 are determined as described in the previously described embodiments.

[0166] The butterfly valve 20 comprises a valve element 22 with an elastomeric seal 30 or a plastic seal 32 and a complementary valve seat 24. The hydraulic device 10 comprises a linear actuator actuating a rotary actuator which actuates the butterfly valve 20.

[0167] The linear actuator includes a shaft end 69 extending in a direction opposite to the butterfly valve 20 .

[0168] The hydraulic device 10 further comprises a position sensing member 40 comprising a magnet 42 mechanically linked to the shaft end 69 and thus to the valve element 22, wherein actuation of the valve element 22 causes actuation of the magnet 42 along a magnet path 44. The position of the magnet 42 is mechanically linked to the position butterfly valve 20 via a linear actuator and a rotary actuator, so that there is a relationship between the position and speed of the magnet 42 along the magnet path 44 and the position and valve speed of the butterfly valve 20.

[0169] The magnet 42 is incorporated in a magnet holder 43 which includes a hole complementary to a support rod 70 which extends parallel to the magnet path 44 and through the hole to provide support and reduce clearance when the magnet 42 moves along the magnet path 44 .

[0170] The hydraulic device 10 also includes a plurality of magnetic sensors 46. The plurality of magnetic sensors 46 are positioned to measure the magnetic field along the magnet path 44I. From this, the position of the magnet 42I can be determined, and since the magnet 42I is connected to the valve element 22 via the shaft end 69, the position of the valve element 22I can be determined.

[0171] Therefore, the position detection member 40 can measure the position of the valve element 22 relative to the valve seat 24 (including the valve initial contact position 26 ) at which the elastic seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 contacts the valve seat 24 .

[0172] Figure 7 A detailed view of a position detection member 40 including a magnet 42 and a magnetic sensor 46 is shown. The embodiment shown may be used Figure 5 or Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment or other embodiments of the hydraulic device 10 .

[0173] The position sensing member 40 comprises a magnet 42 mechanically linked to the shaft end 69 and thus to the valve element 22, wherein actuation of the valve element 22 causes actuation of the magnet 42 along a magnet path 44. The position of the magnet 42 is thus mechanically linked to the position of the valve element 22, so that there is a relationship between the position and speed of the magnet 42 along the magnet path 44 and the position of the valve element 22 and the valve speed.

[0174] The magnet 42 is incorporated in a magnet holder 43 which includes a hole complementary to a support rod 70 which extends parallel to the magnet path 44 and through the hole to provide support and reduce clearance when the magnet 42 moves along the magnet path 44 .

[0175] The hydraulic device 10 also includes a plurality of magnetic sensors 46. The plurality of magnetic sensors 46 are positioned to measure the magnetic field along the magnet path 44. From this, the position of the magnet 42 can be determined, and since the magnet 42 is connected to the valve element 22 via the shaft end 69, the position of the valve element 22 can be determined.

[0176] Therefore, the position detection member 40 can measure the position of the valve element 22 relative to the valve seat 24 (including the valve initial contact position 26 ) at which the elastic seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 contacts the valve seat 24 .

[0177] Figure 8 A valve system 50 including N times M hydraulic devices 10-11, ..., 10-NM is shown, which may include one or more of the aforementioned hydraulic devices 10, such as Figure 5 and / or Figure 6 Embodiments disclosed in .

[0178] The valve system 50 comprises a common evaluation module 52 adapted to receive data from one or more hydraulic devices 10-11, ..., 10-NM and comprising means for evaluating the sealing properties of the elastomeric seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 according to the stored valve initial contact position 26. Thus, when the valve system 50 is running during normal operation, production can be investigated.

[0179] Fig. 9 A method 100 is shown for evaluating the sealing characteristics of an elastomeric seal 30 or a plastic seal 32 on a valve element 22 or valve seat 24. The valve element 22 is operated by a hydraulic device 10, wherein the valve element 22 operates between:

[0180] a contact state 92 in which the valve element 22 is in contact with the valve seat 24, and

[0181] A non-contact state 94 , in which the valve element 22 is not in contact with the valve seat 24 .

[0182] The method 100 comprises the following steps:

[0183] - changing 200 the state from the non-contact state 94 to the contact state 92,

[0184] - measuring 300 the initial contact position 26 of the valve in contact with the valve seat 24 , wherein the elastic seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 is in contact with the valve element 22 or the valve seat 24 ;

[0185] - storing 400 the valve initial contact position 26 on a computer readable medium 16,

[0186] - repeating the steps of 500, changing 200, measuring 300 and storing 400, and

[0187] - Evaluating 600 the sealing properties of the elastomeric seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 based on the stored initial valve contact position (26).

[0188] The step of measuring 300 may include the valve velocity 28 from contact with the valve seat 24 to the rest position of the valve element 22. The step of storing 400 may include storing the valve velocity 28 on the computer readable medium 16, and the step of evaluating 120 may include evaluating the sealing characteristics of the elastomeric seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 based on the stored valve velocity 28.

[0189] The method 100 may be performed during normal operation 90 of the hydraulic device 10 .

[0190] The step of evaluating 120 may include the step of predicting 610 the remaining operating time before failure of the elastomeric seal 30 or the plastic seal 32 .

[0191] Magnet 40 may be mechanically linked to valve element 22, wherein actuation of valve element 22 causes actuation of magnet 42 along magnet path 44. The step of measuring 300 includes the steps of measuring 300 a magnetic field along magnet path 42 and calculating 310 a valve initial contact position 26 based on the magnetic field along magnet path 42.

[0192] The step of calculating 310 may include calculating the valve speed 28 based on the magnetic field along the magnet path 42 .

Claims

1. A method (100) for evaluating the sealing properties of an elastomeric seal (30) or a plastic seal (32) on a valve element (22) or a valve seat (24), the valve element (22) being operated by a hydraulic device (10), wherein: The valve element (22) operates between: a contact state (92), in which the valve element (22) is in contact with the valve seat (24), and a non-contact state (94), in which the valve element (22) is not in contact with the valve seat (24), The method (100) comprises the following steps: - changing (200) the state from the non-contact state (94) to the contact state (92), - measuring (300) an initial valve contact position (26) with the valve seat (24), wherein the elastic seal (30) or the plastic seal (32) is in contact with the valve element (22) or the valve seat (24); - storing (400) said valve initial contact position (26) on a computer readable medium (16), - repeating (500) the steps of varying (200), measuring (300) and storing (400), and - evaluating (600) the sealing properties of the elastomeric seal (30) or plastic seal (32) based on the stored initial valve contact position (26).

2. The method (100) according to claim 1, wherein: The measuring (300) step includes measuring a valve speed (28) of the valve element (22) from contact with the valve seat (24) to a stationary position of the valve element (22), the storing (400) step includes storing the valve speed (28) on a computer-readable medium (16), and the evaluating (120) step includes evaluating the sealing characteristics of the elastomeric seal (30) or the plastic seal (32) based on the stored valve speed (28).

3. The method (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method (100) is performed during normal operation (90) of the hydraulic device (10).

4. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein: The step of evaluating (120) includes the step of predicting (610) the remaining operating time before failure of the elastomeric seal (30) or plastic seal (32).

5. The method (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: A magnet (40) is mechanically linked to the valve element (22), wherein actuation of the valve element (22) causes actuation of the magnet (42) along a magnet path (44), wherein the measuring (300) step comprises: - a step of measuring (300) the magnetic field along said magnet path (42); and - A step of calculating (310) said valve initial contact position (26) based on the magnetic field along said magnet path (42).

6. The method (100) according to claim 5, wherein: The calculating (310) step includes calculating the valve speed (28) based on the magnetic field along the magnet path (42).

7. A hydraulic device (10) comprising a valve (20) having a valve element (22) and a complementary valve seat (24), and an elastomeric seal (30) or a plastic seal (32) on the valve element (22) or the valve seat (24), the valve element (22) operating between: - a contact state (92), wherein The valve element (22) is in contact with the valve seat (24), and a non-contact state (94), in which the valve element (22) is not in contact with the valve seat (24), Wherein, the hydraulic device (10) further comprises: - a position detection member (40) adapted to measure a position of the valve element (22) relative to the valve seat (24), the position comprising a valve initial contact position (26) in which the elastic seal (30) or the plastic seal (32) is in contact with the valve element (22) or the valve seat (24); Wherein, the hydraulic device (10) further comprises: - an evaluation module (12) comprising a computer-readable medium (16) for storing at least the valve initial contact position (26) and means for evaluating the sealing properties of the elastomer based on the stored valve initial contact position (26), and / or A communication module (14) adapted to communicate with an external evaluation module via wire or wireless communication, the external evaluation module being adapted to evaluate the sealing properties of the elastic seal (30) or the plastic seal (32) based on the stored initial valve contact position (26).

8. The hydraulic device (10) according to claim 7, wherein: The position sensing member (40) is further configured to measure a valve velocity (28) from contact with the valve seat (24) to a rest position of the valve element (22).

9. The hydraulic device (10) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein: The hydraulic device (10) is suitable for carrying out the method (10) according to any one of claims 1-6.

10. The hydraulic device (10) according to claims 7-9, wherein: The hydraulic device (10) comprises: - An actuator housing (60), comprising a first piston chamber (62I), the first piston chamber (62I) having a first piston (64I) and a first piston shaft (68I), the first piston (64I) dividing the first piston chamber (62I) into a first upper chamber (66IU) and a first lower chamber (66IL), the first piston shaft (68I) being configured to operate the valve element (22) outside the actuator housing (60).

11. The hydraulic device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein: The hydraulic device (10) comprises one or more linear actuators and / or one or more rotary actuators configured to operate the valve element (22).

12. The hydraulic device (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein: The position detection component (40) comprises: a magnet (42) mechanically linked to the valve element (22), wherein actuation of the valve element (22) causes actuation of the magnet (42) along a magnet path (44); and - a plurality of magnetic sensors (46) positioned to measure the magnetic field along said magnet path (44).

13. The hydraulic device (10) according to claim 12, wherein: One or more of the plurality of magnetic sensors (46) is a Hall sensor.

14. The hydraulic device (10) according to any one of claims 12 to 13, wherein - the magnet path (44) is a substantially straight line, and the plurality of magnetic sensors (46) comprises a series of magnetic sensors (46) positioned along a substantially straight line parallel to the magnet path (44); or The magnet path (44) is a curve or an arc, and the plurality of magnetic sensors (46) comprises a series of magnetic sensors (46) positioned in a curve or an arc complementary to the magnet path (44).

15. A valve system (50) comprising one or more hydraulic devices (10) according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein: The valve system (50) comprises a common evaluation module (52) adapted to receive data from one or more hydraulic devices (10), the common evaluation module (52) comprising means for evaluating the sealing properties of the elastomeric seal (30) or the plastic seal (32) based on the stored valve initial contact position (26).

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