Arrangement for valves in process fluidics

By using conductive elastomer parts in valve sealing elements in process fluid technology, the resistance changes are measured to determine the state and compression stress of the valve, the problem of difficult sealing elements in the prior art is solved, real-time monitoring and fault prediction are achieved, and maintenance costs are reduced.

CN119604709APending Publication Date: 2025-03-11GEMU GEBR MULLER APP GMBH & CO KGAA
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202380056445.9
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2022-07-29
Filing Date
2023-07-31
Publication Date
2025-03-11

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Valve sealing elements in existing process fluid technology are difficult to monitor status and predict faults in real time, resulting in untimely maintenance and increasing production costs.

Method used

The conductive elastomer part is combined with the sealing element, and the valve state and compression stress are determined by measuring resistance changes, real-time monitoring and fault prediction of the sealing element are achieved.

Benefits of technology

The assembly and maintenance of valves are simplified, real-time monitoring and fault prediction of sealing elements are achieved, and unnecessary shutdowns and maintenance costs are avoided.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention relates to a device (10) for a valve (20, 30) in process fluidics, comprising: a sealing element (100) which interacts with a movable shut-off body (32) of the valve (20, 30) or which itself provides said shut-off body, and which comprises a plurality of functional regions (110, 120); at least one electrically conductive elastomer portion (200), which is associated with the sealing element (100) and which is at least partially assigned to one of the plurality of functional regions (110, 120); and an operating unit (300), said operating unit (300) being designed to operate said conductive elastomer part (200).
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Description

[0001] The invention relates to an arrangement for a valve in process fluid technology.

[0002] Strict maintenance schedules and periodic inspections of process plants are the current state of the art.

[0003] The problems of the prior art are solved by a device according to claim 1 and a method according to the independent parallel claim.

[0004] A first aspect of the present specification relates to a valve in process fluid technology, comprising: a sealing element, which interacts with a movable shut-off body of the valve or itself provides the shut-off body, and the sealing element comprises a plurality of functional areas; at least one conductive elastomer part, which is associated with the sealing element and which is at least partially assigned to one of the plurality of functional areas; and an operating unit, which is designed to operate the conductive elastomer part.

[0005] The elastomeric properties allow the elastomeric portion to be arranged in an area subject to static or dynamic mechanical stresses. By measuring the resistance, different states of the sealing element or the valve can be determined. Advantageously, additional functions, such as heating or the state of the sealing element, can be provided at slightly increased production costs.

[0006] Advantages are achieved because the electrically conductive elastomer portion is integrally bonded to the sealing element.

[0007] Thus, assembly is advantageously simplified.

[0008] For example, it is advantageous if the at least one electrically conductive elastomer portion alternately covers the static functional area and the dynamically loaded functional area or alternately extends through the static functional area and the dynamically loaded functional area.

[0009] Advantageously, the position of the conductive elastomer portion is ensured by the arrangement in the static functional area. The influence of the flow movement of the elastomer material caused by mechanical stress is reduced by this process, and the conductive elastomer portion is maintained in its position. Dynamic changes in the sealing element become measurable only by partially passing through the dynamic portion. In this way, the current operating state of the valve can be determined.

[0010] For example, it is advantageous if at least two electrical contacts which are electrically conductively connected to different parts of the electrically conductive elastomer portion are arranged on a narrow side of the sealing element or lead out of the sealing element at tabs protruding from the narrow side.

[0011] Advantageously, the conductive elastomeric portions may be contacted at a single point. For example, a connector may be provided to simplify assembly.

[0012] Advantageously, the operating unit is designed to determine the time course of the electrical resistance of at least one section of the electrically conductive elastomer portion and to determine at least one state of the sealing element or of the valve as a function of the determined time course of the electrical resistance.

[0013] For example, advantageously, the third conductive elastomer portion is at least partially arranged between the first and second conductive elastomer portions, and the resistance of the third conductive elastomer portion drops more sharply under pressure than the resistance of the first and second elastomer portions.

[0014] This advantageously allows the location of the compression to be determined.

[0015] For example, it is advantageous if the sealing element has an elastomeric electrically insulating body, the at least one electrically conductive elastomeric portion being integrally bonded to the body; in particular, the at least one electrically conductive elastomeric portion is glued or vulcanized into the body.

[0016] Advantageously, the electrically conductive elastomer portion is integrated into the sealing element and simplifies assembly compared to multi-component designs.

[0017] Advantageously, the state of the sealing element can be inferred from the measured resistance. This makes it possible to detect critical wear states before the sealing element fails. This makes predictive maintenance possible and avoids unnecessary replacement of sealing elements, which would involve expensive downtime of the processing plant.

[0018] For example, it is advantageous if the operating unit and the electrically conductive elastomer portion are designed to supply the electrically conductive elastomer portion with electrical energy, so that the electrically conductive elastomer portion generates thermal energy.

[0019] Advantageously, the temperature in the region of the sealing element can be increased by the electrically conductive elastomer portion.

[0020] The advantage is achieved because the static functional area is a clamping part designed as a sealing element of the valve membrane, which acts to produce a sealing effect toward the outside, and wherein the dynamic functional area includes a movable deformation zone of the valve membrane, which is located in the clamping part and adjacent to the clamping part.

[0021] For example, it is advantageous if the operating unit is designed to determine the open state of the valve when a signal pattern associated with an opening movement of the valve is detected during the time course of the electrical resistance.

[0022] For example, it is advantageous if the operating unit is designed to determine the closed state of the valve when a signal pattern associated with a closing movement of the valve is detected during the time course of the electrical resistance.

[0023] In another example, it is therefore advantageous if a relative change in the resistance serves as a basis for determining the state.

[0024] Advantageously, drift compensation is thus provided to compensate for changes in signal level that occur when the conductive elastomer is subjected to a voltage load.

[0025] For example, it is advantageous if the operating unit is designed to detect the wear state of the sealing element when a moving average value increases within a predefined period of time.

[0026] The resistance of the conductive elastomer part is subject to drift. Specifically, this means that in the mounted state of the elastomer part, the average value of the resistance value decreases over a longer period of time. With the drift reversal, wear in the area of ​​the elastomer part becomes apparent. Therefore, wear can be determined by detecting such a drift reversal. A rising moving average indicates the drift reversal.

[0027] For example, advantageously, the operating unit is designed to determine at least one multidimensional coordinate from the electrical resistance measurements at the first and second elastomeric body portions, the at least one multidimensional coordinate being characterized by an increased compressive stress.

[0028] Advantageously, this allows the calculation of coordinates associated with the increased compressive stress on the sealing element.This makes it easy to monitor the tightness towards the inside and towards the outside even during operation.

[0029] For example, it is advantageous if the third electrically conductive elastomeric portion is assigned to one of the plurality of functional areas, which in particular is at least 50% located within designated boundaries conceived by the assigned functional area.

[0030] By being assigned to a functional area, the third elastomer portion partially covers this functional area continuously or in a continuous area. Therefore, the pressure-dependent resistance can be reduced simply by pressing the third elastomer portion covering the functional area. This improves the measurement accuracy, because other functional areas are only partially covered or not covered at all, thereby reducing their influence on the measurement.

[0031] An advantageous example is characterized in that the operating unit is designed to determine a fault state associated with the sealing element if the determined compressive stress coordinates lie outside a predetermined multidimensional norm.

[0032] Advantageously, for example, this allows for easy detection of asymmetric compressive stresses.Thus, the detection of undesired compressive stresses on the sealing element in areas where no compressive stresses are expected can also be easily detected as a fault condition.

[0033] A second aspect of the present specification relates to a method for operating at least one conductive elastomer part of a device for operating a valve in process fluid technology, the device comprising: a sealing element, which interacts with a shut-off body of the valve or itself provides the shut-off body, and the sealing element comprises a plurality of functional areas; and at least one conductive elastomer part, which is associated with the sealing element and is at least partially assigned to one of the plurality of functional areas; and the method comprises: operating the conductive elastomer part by means of an operating unit.

[0034] The following text refers to the accompanying drawings.

[0035] Figure 1 A schematic representation of an arrangement 10 for a valve 20 in process fluid technology is shown. The arrangement comprises a sealing element 100 which, in the present case, is designed as a membrane and which itself provides a shut-off body 32. The sealing element 100 comprises a plurality of functional areas 110, 120 and at least one electrically conductive elastomer part 200 which is associated with the sealing element 100 and is at least partially assigned to at least one of the plurality of functional areas 110, 120. An operating unit 300 is designed to operate the electrically conductive elastomer part 200.

[0036] One example involves the operating unit 300 and the conductive elastomer portion 200 being designed to supply electrical energy to the conductive elastomer portion 200 so that the conductive elastomer portion 200 generates thermal energy.

[0037] The at least one conductive elastomeric portion 200 comprises an elastomeric material to which at least one additive or aggregate, such as soot particles or carbon particles, is added to produce electrical conductivity.

[0038] The sealing element 100 has an elastomeric electrically insulating body, to which at least one electrically conductive elastomeric portion 200 is integrally bonded; in particular, the at least one electrically conductive elastomeric portion 200 is glued or vulcanized into the body.

[0039] The mechanical stresses acting on the elastomeric part 200 designed as the measurement path include tensile stress, compressive stress, bending stress, shear stress and torsion stress and are characterized by the action of forces and torques on the designated functional areas 110, 120. They cause mechanical stresses and deformations of the measurement path and are detected via the measured electrical resistance of the elastomeric part 200 and the course of said resistance.

[0040] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 The sealing element 100 designed as a valve membrane is installed in a valve 20 designed as a diaphragm valve. The sealing element 100 is clamped between the valve body 22 and the drive side body 24. The driver 26 rigidly connected to the drive side body 24 is connected to the central part of the sealing element 100 via the valve stem 28 in a force-transmitting manner, and moves the central part toward or away from the valve seat 29 along the actuation axis z.

[0041] Figure 3 and Figure 4 Another example of a device 100 for a shut-off valve as a valve 30 is shown, which uses an example of a sealing sleeve as a sealing element 100. For the remaining features, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 . Figure 3 A schematic section AA is shown in FIG. The section AA extends along the rotation axis R of a rotatable valve flap 32 arranged in a fluid channel 34, wherein the valve flap 32 is arranged in a sealing sleeve and represents a movable shut-off body. Figure 1 In contrast, the electrically conductive elastomer portion 200 extends through the dynamically loaded functional area 190, thereby assuming a semicircular shape. When closed and during the closing movement, the valve flap 32 acts on the functional area 190. The rigid valve flap 32 thus ensures internal tightness. The opening 192 of the sealing sleeve, which is accessible from the outside, extends along the circumference of the sealing sleeve and provides a receptacle for the counterpart of the valve flap body engaged therein. The static functional area 194 of the sleeve, which laterally adjoins the dynamically loaded functional area 190, does not deform during operation, or deforms to a lesser extent than the dynamically loaded functional area 190, and establishes a mechanical connection of the dynamic functional area 190 in the direction of the valve flap body.

[0042] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 Schematic exploded view of the components of the sealing element 100 designed as a valve membrane. In the following, reference is made to the design of the sealing element 100 as a vulcanized membrane, although it is a visual representation before vulcanization. The electrically conductive elastomer portion 200 is integrally bonded to the sealing element 100 .

[0043] In this example, the drive-side end of the film pin 502 is guided after vulcanization through a reinforcement 504 designed as a fabric and a central through-opening of an elastomer layer 506 arranged toward the dry side T. The film pin 502 provides a mechanical interface for the valve stem, thus connecting the valve stem to the internal reinforcement 504, which is moved along the longitudinal axis of the valve stem by the drive. The elastomer layer 512 adjoins the reinforcement 504 toward the wet side N. Therefore, the elastomer part 200 is vulcanized together with the other insulating film layers. The conductive elastomer part 200 is located on the side of the reinforcement that is oriented toward the dry side T.

[0044] As an alternative to the illustrated integrally bonded connection, the electrically conductive elastomer portion is part of a separate sensor layer which is arranged on the dry side of the sealing element. Another alternative example provides for the electrically conductive elastomer portion to be inserted into a recess in the sealing body.

[0045] The elastomeric portion 200 is arranged on that side of the reinforcement element 504 which faces away from the wet side N. Advantageously, the function of the inner sealing region is less influenced by the structuring of the membrane caused by the elastomeric portion 200 .

[0046] Figure 6 Shows Figure 5 A cross section of the sealing element 100 perpendicular to the actuation axis is shown. It is shown that at least one electrically conductive elastomer portion 200 alternately covers the static functional area 110 and the dynamically loaded functional area 120 or alternately extends through the static functional area 110 and the dynamically loaded functional area 120.

[0047] The statically loaded functional area 110 is a clamping portion of the sealing element 100 designed as a valve membrane, which acts to produce a sealing effect toward the outside, wherein the dynamically functional area 120 includes a movable deformation zone of the valve membrane, which is located within and adjacent to the clamping portion.

[0048] The conductive elastomer portion 200 extends in a circular shape and at least a quarter, particularly at least two thirds, particularly at a distance along the circumference of the dynamically loaded functional region 120. The conductive elastomer portion extends through the dynamically loaded functional region 120 by at least 50%, particularly at least 60%, and particularly at least 70%.

[0049] The functional area 110 and the functional area 120 are separated from one another by a sealing boundary or sealing edge 122 .

[0050] In the case of a membrane, the conductive elastomeric portion 200 thus meanders over and along the sealing edge 122 between the statically loaded clamping region and the dynamically loaded clamping region.

[0051] The example shows that at least two electrical contacts 210 , 220 conductively connected to different parts 212 , 220 of the conductive elastomeric part 200 are arranged on the narrow side 106 of the sealing element 100 or lead out of the sealing element 100 at a tab 108 protruding from the narrow side 106 .

[0052] Positioned between each contact 210 , 220 and the designated portion 212 , 220 of the conductive elastomeric portion 200 is a corresponding connecting wire 214 , 224 .

[0053] Figure 7 On the left side, a vulcanized sealing element 100 designed as a valve membrane with a recess 702 is shown, into which a vulcanized elastomer part 200 is received, for example glued or vulcanized. In this case, the surface of the elastomer part 200 can be exposed. Thus, the elastomer part 200 is partially integrated into the sealing element 100. Starting from the tab 108, the recess 702 extends above the static functional area 110 in the direction of the dynamic functional area 120, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 , the recess 702 meanders around the dynamic functional region 120 and then reaches the tab 108 again after passing the static functional region 110 . The recess 702 extends alternately in the functional region 110 and in the functional region 120 , wherein the sealing edge 122 is passed several times.

[0054] The course of the conductive elastomer portion 200 encompasses an angle between 45° and 5°, in particular between 35° and 15°, wherein an imaginary vertical line of the sealing edge is located between the static functional area and the dynamic functional area. Thus, the conductive elastomer portion 200 advantageously does not extend along heavily stressed areas, but rather along areas of the sealing edge that are stressed by tension and pressure in the membrane plane.

[0055] Figure 8 A schematic block diagram of an operating unit 300 is shown. It is shown that the operating unit 300 is designed to determine a time course 900 of the electrical resistance of at least one section of the electrically conductive elastomer part 200 and to determine at least one state Z of the sealing element 100 or the valve 20, 30 based on the determined time course 900 of the electrical resistance.

[0056] When a first signal pattern associated with an opening movement of the valve is detected in the time course 900 of the electrical resistance, the open state Z of the valve is determined.

[0057] For detecting the first signal pattern in the time process 900, for example at least one data set representing the first signal pattern is predetermined and stored. A first filter is used to determine the presence of a time position or to determine the time position of the first signal pattern or a previously determined signal shape in the process.

[0058] In another example, a one-time detection of a rising edge or a falling edge or a predetermined sequence of rising edges or falling edges of process 900 is sufficient to infer an opening motion of the valve.

[0059] When a second signal pattern associated with a closing movement of the valve is detected in the time course 900 of the electrical resistance, the closed state Z of the valve is determined. The first signal pattern and the second signal pattern differ from one another.

[0060] For detecting the second signal pattern in the time process 900, for example at least one data set representing the second signal pattern is predetermined and stored. The presence of the second signal pattern or a previously determined signal shape in the process 900 is determined using a second filter.

[0061] In another example, a one-time detection of a rising edge or a falling edge or a predetermined sequence of rising edges or falling edges of process 900 representing the second signal pattern is sufficient to infer a closing motion.

[0062] Therefore, the operating unit 300 is designed to determine the current state Z of the valve by means of a signal processing step.

[0063] Fig. 9 Shows the use of Figure 7 The process 900 of measuring the resistance R of the conductive elastomer part of the arrangement. The figure shows that the operating unit is designed to determine the open state of the valve 20, valve 30 when the rising edge rE in the time course 900 of the resistance exceeds the specified threshold distance th1. In this example, the rising edge rE occurs within an expected time span of, for example, 0 to 1 second, in particular between 0.25 seconds and 0.75 seconds, but depends on the size of the diaphragm valve and the driver. The rising edge rE represents a first signal pattern associated with the opening movement of the valve, which is detected in the process 900.

[0064] Additionally or alternatively, a limit value Go is determined during operation, which limit value characterizes the open state and to which the value of the resistance tends in the open state of the valve. Based on this, for example, if the resistance is above the limit value Go within a predefined time period (e.g., a few seconds), the open state can be determined.

[0065] The operating unit 300 is designed to determine the closed state of the valve 20, 30 when a further rising edge rE2 in the time course of the resistance follows the falling edge fE (in particular immediately). The edge fE and the edge rE2 represent a second signal pattern associated with the closing movement of the valve, which is detected in the process 900.

[0066] Additionally or alternatively, a previous first limit value Go can be determined for determining the closed state. If the value of the resistance after the edge fE, rE2 remains below the first limit value G2o for a predefined time period of, for example, 1 second to 2 seconds, in particular with an additional distance, then the state of the valve is determined to be closed.

[0067] Additionally or alternatively, a second limit value Gc can be determined during operation, towards which the value of the resistance in the closed state tends. The second limit value Gc is smaller than the first limit value Go.

[0068] To determine the first limit value Go and the second limit value Gc, a predefined function can be used which determines the respective limit values ​​Gc, Go during operation from the time course of the resistance 900. This compensates for the drift inherent in the resistance signal.

[0069] Fig. 9 The process 900 shown in Figure 7 The design of the sealing element 100 is therefore relevant. Therefore, for other geometrical aspects of the orientation of the conductive elastomer portion 200, a different course 900 of electrical resistance is expected, for which a first signal pattern and a second signal pattern different from those previously described are expected.

[0070] Fig.10 The course of the resistance over a number of switching cycles 900 is shown, which is why the graph is shown in bar form. For example, it is shown that the relative change in resistance serves as a basis for determining the state. The relative change in the resistance of the conductive elastomer portion is achieved, for example, by forming an average value 900_M of the resistance values ​​over a period of time including several closing and opening cycles. The deviation of the resistance signal from this average value 900_M is then used as the resistance signal for evaluating the state.

[0071] For example, it is shown that the operating unit is designed to detect the wear state of the sealing element 100 when a moving average value, measured as the average value 900_M, increases within a predefined time period, for example between 30 minutes and 3 hours.

[0072] The moving average measured by the mean value 900_M exceeds the drift compensation threshold 902 at time t1. For example, the threshold 902 follows the value of the mean value 900_M from the past at a fixed distance of 3 kilo-ohms to 10 kilo-ohms. If the mean value 900_M continues to rise after time t1 (at which time the mean value 900_M reaches the threshold 902) until time t2, degradation of the sealing element or the conductive elastomer part is inferred.

[0073] Fig.11An embodiment of a sealing element 100 designed as a valve membrane is schematically shown. Two electrically conductive, mutually insulated elastomer parts 200a, 200b present a crescent-shaped outer contour and extend in the region of the axially extending sealing part 150. Electrical wires are led out from each elastomer part 200a, 200b via a plurality of taps to the electrical contacts 230a, 230b of the corresponding elastomer part.

[0074] For example, the resistance value measured between the contact 210a1 and the contact 210a3 can be used to check the tension of the statically loaded functional area 110 in a specified sub-portion of the elastomeric portion 200a, since the elastomeric portion 200a extends through the functional area 110 or a sub-portion thereof between the above-mentioned taps. This allows checking the tightness towards the outside during operation.

[0075] One or more resistance measurements between contact 230b2 and contact 230b4 are used during operation to characterize, for example, the contact force acting on the seat. In this way, the tightness towards the inside is checked.

[0076] Fig.12 A schematic perspective view of a section of a functional region 110 or a functional region 120 of a sealing element 100 designed as a valve membrane or a sealing sleeve is shown.

[0077] It is shown that the third conductive elastomer part 200c is at least partially arranged between the first conductive elastomer part 200a and the second conductive elastomer part 200b, and the resistance of the third conductive elastomer part drops more sharply under the action of pressure than the resistance of the first elastomer part 200a and the second elastomer part 200b.

[0078] The sealing element 100 responds to pressure which connects the two conductive elastomeric parts 200a, 200b in an electrically conductive manner at places via the elastomeric part 200c and thus forms a voltage divider at which the resistance is measured to determine the coordinates of the pressure application.

[0079] For example, it is shown that the operating unit 300 is designed to determine at least one multidimensional coordinate from the resistance measurements at the first elastomeric portion 200a and the second elastomeric portion 200b, which multidimensional coordinate is characterized by an increased compressive stress.

[0080] The operating unit 300 is designed to determine a fault state Z associated with the sealing element 100 if the determined compressive stress coordinates lie outside a predetermined multidimensional norm.

[0081] Fault states Z include the wear state of the sealing element and assembly errors. Furthermore, operating errors such as obstructions in the fluid channel can also be detected in this way.

[0082] To determine the compressive stress coordinates, for example, a voltage is applied to one of the conductive elastomer portions 200a, 200b. The voltage drops from one edge of the elastomer portion 200a, 200b to the opposite edge. At the compressive stress point, the voltage levels of the two elastomer portions 200a, 200b are the same because the two elastomer portions are electrically connected at the compressive stress point. Two voltages can be measured between the edge of the second elastomer portion 200a and the two opposite edges of the first elastomer portion 200a. If the two voltages are equal, the coordinates of the center between the two edges of the first elastomer portion 200a are determined. The higher one voltage is relative to the other, the farther the location of the compressive stress is from the corresponding edge.

[0083] The two elastomeric portions 200a, 200b extend flat and parallel to each other. On the other hand, the intermediate layer 200c may alternate with electrically insulating portions.

[0084] It is shown that the third conductive elastomer portion 200 c is assigned to one of the plurality of functional areas 110 , 120 , which in particular is at least 50% located within the designated boundaries envisaged by the designated functional area 110 , 120 .

[0085] The arrows pointing to each other indicate the increased pressure on the sealing element in this area. Due to the increased pressure, the conductivity of the third elastomer part 200c increases in the area 202cL and a current flow occurs. This results in the schematically shown ground resistances Ra2, Ra4 and Rb1, Rb3 in the layered elastomer parts 200a, 200b.

[0086] A sharp drop in electrical resistance at the same pressure can be achieved for the third elastomer portion, for example, by increasing the concentration of soot particles mixed into the elastomer material compared to the first and second elastomer portions. Thus, the first and second elastomer portions have a lower concentration of soot particles than the third elastomer portion.

[0087] Fig.13 and Fig.14 A further example of a sealing element 100 designed as a valve membrane is shown. Fig.13 Shows Fig.12The cross section BB of FIG. 1 is a cross section BB of FIG. The first conductive elastomer portion 200i, 200k, 200j extends in a first plane, and the second conductive elastomer portion 200e, 200f, 200g extends in a second plane at a distance from the first plane. The first elastomer portion and the second elastomer portion are linear. The third elastomer portion 200c is arranged in the intersection area between the first elastomer portion 200k and the second elastomer portion 200f. The first to third elastomer portions are embedded in the electrically insulating main elastomer 1300. This arrangement creates discrete spaced-apart areas, each of which responds to pressure. This allows for better determination of the pressure distribution.

[0088] Of course, in addition to the shown course of the conductive elastomer portion, other courses are also conceivable, such as a wave shape, a spiral shape or other shapes.

[0089] Furthermore, the conductive elastomer portion may also be arranged outside the sealing element 100 in a separate sensor layer, or the sealing element may have no direct media contact, such as in the case of a laminated elastomer film with a film shield in contact with the process media.

[0090] The electrically insulating body has a higher electrical resistance per unit volume than the electrically conductive elastomer portion.

[0091] If the conductive elastomer is partially broken, the measured resistance increases towards infinity. This makes the crack measurable. The provided measures are intended to help predict such a break by determining the state and to help initiate early replacement of the membrane.

Claims

1. A device (10) for a valve (20, 30) in process fluid technology, the device (10) comprising: A sealing element (100), the sealing element (100) interacting with a movable shut-off body (32) of the valve (20, 30) or providing the shut-off body (32) itself, and the sealing element (100) comprising a plurality of functional areas (110, 120); at least one electrically conductive elastomer portion (200), the electrically conductive elastomer portion (200) being associated with the sealing element (100) and the electrically conductive elastomer portion (200) being at least partially assigned to one of the plurality of functional areas (110, 120); as well as An operating unit (300) is designed to operate the conductive elastic body portion (200).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein: The electrically conductive elastomer portion (200) is at least partially integrally bonded to the sealing element (100).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one conductive elastomer portion (200) alternately covers the static functional area (110) and the dynamically loaded functional area (120), or alternately extends through the static functional area (110) and the dynamically loaded functional area (120).

4. The device (10) according to claim 3, wherein: The static functional area (110) is a clamping part of a sealing element (100) designed as a valve membrane, which acts to produce a sealing effect toward the outside, and wherein the dynamic functional area (120) includes a movable deformation zone of the valve membrane, which is located within and adjacent to the clamping part.

5. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: At least two electrical contacts (210, 220) electrically conductively connected to different parts (212, 220) of the electrically conductive elastomer part (200) are arranged on a narrow side (106) of the sealing element (100) or on a tab (108) protruding from the narrow side (106).

6. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The operating unit (300) is designed to determine a time course (900) of the electrical resistance of at least one section of the electrically conductive elastomer part (200) and to determine at least one state (Z) of the sealing element (100) or the valve (20, 30) based on the determined time course (900) of the electrical resistance.

7. The device (10) according to claim 6, wherein: The operating unit (300) is designed to determine the opening state of the valve (20, 30) when a signal pattern associated with an opening movement of the valve (20, 30) is detected in the time course (900) of the electrical resistance.

8. The device (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The operating unit (300) is designed to determine the closed state of the valve (20, 30) when a signal pattern associated with a closing movement of the valve (20, 30) is detected in the time course (900) of the electrical resistance.

9. The device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein: The relative change in the resistance is used as the basis for determining the state.

10. The device (10) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein: The operating unit (300) is designed to detect the wear state of the sealing element (100) when the moving average value (900) increases within a predefined period of time.

11. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The third conductive elastomer portion (200c) is at least partially arranged between the first conductive elastomer portion (200a) and the second conductive elastomer portion (200b), and the resistance of the third conductive elastomer portion decreases more sharply under pressure than the resistance of the first elastomer portion (200a) and the second elastomer portion (200b).

12. The device (10) according to claim 11, wherein The operating unit (300) is designed to determine at least one multidimensional coordinate from the results of the electrical resistance measurements at the first elastomeric portion (200a) and the second elastomeric portion (200b), the at least one multidimensional coordinate being characterized by an increased compressive stress.

13. The device (10) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein: The operating unit (300) is designed to determine a fault state associated with the sealing element (100) if the determined compressive stress coordinates are outside a predetermined multi-dimensional specification.

14. The device according to claim 11, 12 or 13, wherein: The third conductive elastomer portion (200c) is assigned to one of the plurality of functional areas (110, 120), and in particular at least 50% is located within a designated boundary conceived by the designated functional area (110, 120).

15. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein: The sealing element (100) has an elastomeric electrically insulating body, to which the at least one electrically conductive elastomeric portion (200) is integrally bonded; in particular, the at least one electrically conductive elastomeric portion (200) is glued or vulcanized into the body.

16. The device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein: The operating unit (300) and the conductive elastomer portion (200) are designed to supply electrical energy to the conductive elastomer portion (200), so that the conductive elastomer portion (200) generates thermal energy.