Hydraulic balance valve testing device

Abstract

The utility model relates to a kind of hydraulic balance valve testing device, comprising: circulating waterway system, including the circulating water tank, frequency conversion water pump, main test pipeline and backwater pipeline by pipeline sequentially connected and constitute closed loop circuit, the inlet end of main test pipeline is provided with main pipeline electric regulating valve, and multiple different nominal drift test branch is connected in parallel on main test pipeline, first electric valve and the standard valve piece installation station for installing balance valve to be measured are respectively equipped on each test branch;Multiple different range flow measurement branch is also connected in parallel on main test pipeline downstream of test branch, second electric valve and flowmeter are equipped on each flow measurement branch;Data acquisition system includes the differential pressure sensor for detecting the pressure before and after valve to be measured;Control system is used to receive test instruction and real-time display test data.The utility model realizes the quick switching of multiple aperture, multiple type balance valve test and the accurate control of working condition, effectively improves test efficiency and accuracy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of air conditioning water system testing technology, and in particular to a hydraulic balance valve testing device. Background Technology

[0002] Hydraulic balancing valves are core components in central air conditioning and heating systems, enabling precise flow distribution and stable pressure control. They are mainly divided into two categories: static balancing valves and dynamic balancing valves. Static balancing valves achieve initial hydraulic balance by manually adjusting the valve opening to change local resistance. Dynamic balancing valves, on the other hand, rely on a self-operated mechanism in the valve core to automatically adjust the opening when system pressure fluctuates, maintaining a constant set flow rate or pressure differential. To ensure reliable performance, balancing valves undergo rigorous testing before leaving the factory and during system commissioning. These tests typically comply with national standards such as GB / T 28636, GB / T 29735, and JG / T383, which clearly specify the pipe diameter, flow range, and pressure differential conditions for the test pipeline.

[0003] Currently, commonly used balancing valve testing devices have the following obvious limitations in practical applications:

[0004] 1) Limited functionality and poor versatility. Most testing equipment is designed only for specific types or nominal diameter valves. For example, some devices can only perform differential pressure tests on statically balanced valves, but cannot meet the performance analysis requirements of dynamically balanced valves under different operating conditions. This leads to the need to configure multiple sets of dedicated equipment when facing various valve type testing tasks, resulting in redundant equipment investment and low resource utilization.

[0005] 2) Fixed test diameter, cumbersome switching. Existing equipment typically uses fixed-size test pipelines. When changing to a different diameter balancing valve for testing, the entire pipeline connection needs to be manually disassembled and reassembled. This process is not only time-consuming and labor-intensive, reducing testing efficiency, but each reinstallation may also introduce new connection errors, thus affecting the final test accuracy.

[0006] 3) The establishment of test conditions relies on manual experience, resulting in low accuracy and efficiency. This is especially true when testing dynamic balancing valves, which require precise setting and stabilization of different differential pressure conditions over a wide range. Current operations largely depend on technicians manually adjusting the operating frequency of the circulating water pump or the valve opening, making it difficult to quickly and accurately achieve and maintain the standard test conditions, leading to poor repeatability and comparability of test results.

[0007] Therefore, there is an urgent need in this field for a new type of testing device that is compatible with different types (static and dynamic) and covers the testing needs of balance valves with various nominal diameters. Utility Model Content

[0008] The purpose of this invention is to provide a hydraulic balancing valve testing device to solve the problems of existing testing devices having limited functionality, poor orifice compatibility, reliance on manual experience for operating condition adjustment, and low efficiency.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a hydraulic balancing valve testing device, comprising:

[0010] The circulating water system includes a circulating water tank, a variable frequency water pump, a main test pipeline, and a return water pipeline, which are connected sequentially by pipes to form a closed loop. The inlet end of the main test pipeline is equipped with a main pipeline electric regulating valve, and multiple test branches with different nominal diameters are connected in parallel on the main test pipeline. Each test branch is equipped with a first electric valve and a standard valve installation position for installing the balance valve to be tested. Downstream of the test branches on the main test pipeline, multiple flow measurement branches with different ranges are also connected in parallel. Each flow measurement branch is equipped with a second electric valve and a flow meter.

[0011] The data acquisition system includes a differential pressure sensor for detecting the pressure across the balance valve under test;

[0012] The control system has its signal input terminal connected in communication with the differential pressure sensor and the flow meter, and its control output terminal connected in communication with the variable frequency water pump, the main pipeline electric regulating valve, each first electric valve and each second electric valve.

[0013] Optionally, the standard valve installation station is connected to a reducing pipe before and after it, and the reducing pipe is connected to the balance valve to be tested via a quick-release chuck.

[0014] Optionally, pressure taps for connecting the differential pressure sensor are provided before and after the standard valve installation station.

[0015] Optionally, the nominal diameter range covered by the test branch is DN15 to DN350.

[0016] Optionally, the circulating water system further includes a Y-type filter disposed between the circulating water tank and the variable frequency water pump.

[0017] Optionally, the main pipeline electric regulating valve is a three-way valve, and the main pipeline electric regulating valve is also connected to the return water pipeline through a bypass pipeline, and a first regulating valve is also provided on the bypass pipeline.

[0018] Optionally, a second regulating valve is also provided between the main pipeline electric regulating valve and the inlet end of the main test pipeline.

[0019] Optionally, the data acquisition system further includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the medium, the temperature sensor being communicatively connected to the signal input terminal of the control system.

[0020] Optionally, the control system includes a programmable logic controller.

[0021] Optionally, the control system may also include a human-machine interface.

[0022] The hydraulic balancing valve testing device provided by this utility model has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0023] 1) Achieved highly efficient automation and precise control for multi-caliber and multi-valve type testing: By using multiple test branches with different nominal diameters connected in parallel, the inherent shortcomings of traditional testing equipment—single functionality and cumbersome caliber switching—are resolved. Operators only need to select the valve caliber on the human-machine interface, and the system can automatically switch test paths, achieving rapid one-click switching for multi-caliber and multi-valve type testing. Simultaneously, combined with integrated control of variable frequency water pumps and main pipeline electric regulating valves, the system can quickly and accurately stabilize test conditions, simplifying the complex testing process into an intuitive automated flow, greatly improving testing efficiency and accuracy, and solving the problems of low efficiency, complex operation, and reliance on manual experience in traditional devices.

[0024] 2) Ensures high-precision measurement across the entire flow range: Addressing the extremely wide flow range tested by balancing valves of different diameters and types, this device innovatively employs parallel multi-range flow measurement branches in its hardware structure. By configuring dedicated flowmeters for different flow ranges and utilizing a second electric valve for selection, it ensures that flow measurement can be performed within the corresponding high-precision range for both small-flow static balancing valves and large-flow dynamic balancing valves.

[0025] 3) Enhanced integration, standardization, and ease of use of testing: This device highly integrates the previously dispersed processes of establishing operating conditions, measuring data, and displaying results through an integrated control and data acquisition system. This integrated design significantly lowers the technical threshold for operators, transforming the testing process from manual operation relying on personal experience into a standardized and reproducible workflow, effectively improving the consistency and reliability of test results. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are provided to better understand the present invention and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of the present invention. Wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a hydraulic balance valve testing device provided in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0028] Figure 2 A test flowchart of a hydraulic balance valve testing device provided in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0029] The attached figures are labeled as follows:

[0030] 110 - Circulating water tank; 120 - First shut-off valve; 130 - Y-type filter; 140 - Variable frequency water pump; 150 - Second shut-off valve; 210 - Main pipeline electric regulating valve; 220 - First electric valve; 230 - Second electric valve; 240 - Flow meter; 250 - Second regulating valve; 260 - Reducing pipe fitting; 300 - Return water pipeline; 310 - Third regulating valve; 320 - Equal diameter tee; 400 - Balance valve to be tested; 500 - Differential pressure sensor; 600 - Control system; 700 - Bypass pipeline; 710 - First regulating valve; 800 - Temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of this utility model. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0032] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this utility model and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0034] Furthermore, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used merely to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Moreover, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such an article or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the article or apparatus that includes said element. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, this utility model embodiment provides a hydraulic balancing valve testing device, including:

[0036] The circulating water system includes a circulating water tank 110, a variable frequency water pump 140, a main test pipeline, and a return water pipeline 300, which are connected sequentially by pipes to form a closed loop. The inlet end of the main test pipeline is equipped with a main pipeline electric regulating valve 210, and multiple test branches with different nominal diameters are connected in parallel on the main test pipeline. Each test branch is equipped with a first electric valve 220 and a standard valve installation position for installing the balance valve 400 to be tested. Downstream of the test branches on the main test pipeline, multiple flow measurement branches with different ranges are also connected in parallel. Each flow measurement branch is equipped with a second electric valve 230 and a flow meter 240.

[0037] The data acquisition system includes a differential pressure sensor 500 for detecting the pressure before and after the balance valve 400 under test;

[0038] The control system 600 has its signal input terminal connected to the differential pressure sensor 500 and the flow meter 240, and its control output terminal connected to the variable frequency water pump 140, the main pipeline electric regulating valve 210, each first electric valve 220 and each second electric valve 230.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the circulating water system is the flow path for the test medium (such as water), and its workflow is as follows: Circulating water tank 110 Variable frequency water pump 140 Main line electric regulating valve 210 Main test pipeline (including parallel test branches and flow measurement branches) 300 return water pipe Return to circulating water tank 110. Circulating water tank 110 is used to store and supply test water, and variable frequency water pump 140 provides a precisely adjustable power source for the system.

[0040] In this embodiment, the circulating water system also includes a Y-type filter 130 disposed between the circulating water tank 110 and the variable frequency water pump 140. The Y-type filter 130 is used to purify the water, protect downstream equipment, and ensure the long-term stable operation of the testing system and the reliability of measurement data. A first shut-off valve 120 and a second shut-off valve 150 are respectively installed between the Y-type filter 130 and the circulating water tank 110, and between the variable frequency water pump 140 and the main pipeline electric regulating valve 210. The function of the first shut-off valve 120 is to isolate the Y-type filter 130 from the circulating water tank 110 when the filter screen needs cleaning or malfunctions. This allows for disassembly and maintenance of the filter without emptying the entire system, ensuring convenient and safe operation. The function of the second shut-off valve 150 is to isolate the water pump. When the variable frequency water pump 140 needs maintenance or replacement, closing this shut-off valve isolates the pump from the entire circulating system, preventing system water backflow and ensuring safe maintenance operations. At the same time, it also serves as a reliable cut-off point for the main road.

[0041] Preferably, the main pipeline electric regulating valve 210 is a three-way valve. The main pipeline electric regulating valve 210 is also connected to the return water pipeline 300 via a bypass pipeline 700, and a first regulating valve 710 is also installed on the bypass pipeline 700. When testing the balancing valve, national standards require testing the valve's performance under different pressure differentials. In some cases, relying solely on the pump frequency and the main pipeline electric regulating valve 210 may not be accurate enough. Therefore, adding a first regulating valve 710 to adjust the system resistance distribution is more effective, allowing the establishment of various pressure differential test conditions required by national standards before and after the balancing valve 400 under test, and verifying the performance of the balancing valve when the system resistance changes.

[0042] In this embodiment, a third regulating valve 310 and an equal diameter tee 320 are provided on the return water pipeline 300, and the equal diameter tee 320 is connected to the bypass pipeline 700.

[0043] Preferably, a second regulating valve 250 is also provided between the main pipeline electric regulating valve 210 and the inlet end of the main test pipeline. This second regulating valve 250 serves as a fine resistance regulating unit of the system, working in conjunction with the variable frequency water pump 140 and the main pipeline electric regulating valve 210 to fine-tune the total resistance of the system, thereby stabilizing the pressure difference across the valve under test at the standard operating point more quickly and accurately.

[0044] In this embodiment, the core innovation of the main test pipeline lies in its multiple test branches with different nominal diameters arranged in parallel. Each test branch is equipped with a first electric valve 220, a reducing pipe fitting 260, a differential pressure sensor 500, and a balance valve 400 to be tested.

[0045] Preferably, the standard valve installation station is connected to the front and rear with a reducing pipe fitting 260. The reducing pipe fitting 260 is used to achieve a smooth transition connection between the main pipeline and the balance valve 400 under test with different diameters. The reducing pipe fitting 260 is connected to the balance valve 400 under test through a quick-release chuck. This design eliminates the bolt tightening steps of traditional flange connection, realizes the quick disassembly and sealing of valves, and greatly improves testing efficiency.

[0046] Pressure taps for connecting differential pressure sensors 500 are provided before and after the standard valve installation station. These taps are used to connect the pressure taps of the high-precision differential pressure sensors 500. The differential pressure sensors 500 are connected before and after the balance valve 400 under test to accurately measure the pressure difference across the valve. It should be noted that, in addition to using differential pressure sensors 500 to measure the pressure difference, a pressure sensor can also be installed before and after the standard valve installation station, and the pressure difference can be calculated based on the pressure measured by the two pressure sensors. This invention does not impose any limitations on this method.

[0047] Preferably, the nominal diameter range covered by the test branches is DN15 to DN350. This range encompasses most common specifications of hydraulic balancing valves in heating and air conditioning systems. Through the parallel branch array, a full range of testing capabilities is achieved, from small-diameter household static balancing valves to large-diameter network dynamic balancing valves, significantly improving the equipment's versatility. In this embodiment, each test branch achieves rapid and seamless switching of the test diameter through the independent opening and closing of its first electric valve 220.

[0048] In this embodiment, multiple flow measurement branches with different ranges are connected in parallel downstream of the test branch on the main test pipeline. Each flow measurement branch is equipped with a second electric valve 230 and a flow meter 240 with the corresponding range. By intelligently selecting to open the flow measurement branches with different ranges, the best measurement accuracy can be obtained from the small flow of the static balancing valve to the fully open flow of the large-diameter dynamic balancing valve. The measurement results are displayed as the output flow in real time.

[0049] Preferably, the data acquisition system also includes a temperature sensor 800 for detecting the temperature of the medium, and the temperature sensor 800 is communicatively connected to the signal input terminal of the control system 600. The temperature data measured by the temperature sensor 800 can be used for temperature compensation calculation of flow rate (because the viscosity of water changes with temperature), or as a key parameter when testing thermal balance valves to further improve test accuracy.

[0050] Preferably, the control system 600 includes a programmable logic controller (PLC). The PLC features high reliability and strong anti-interference capabilities, making it suitable for industrial environments. It is responsible for executing preset control algorithms, such as PID control, to precisely adjust the pump frequency and valve opening, receiving sensor data, and performing logical judgments to achieve a fully automated testing process.

[0051] Preferably, the control system 600 also includes a human-machine interface, typically a touchscreen. Operators can input test parameters (such as valve diameter, type, target differential pressure / flow rate) on the interface, and the system will display test data in real time (such as inlet pressure, outlet pressure, differential pressure, flow rate, and temperature). This clear human-machine interface significantly reduces the technical barrier to operation, making the testing process intuitive and convenient.

[0052] like Figure 2 As shown, the testing procedure for the hydraulic balancing valve testing device is as follows:

[0053] S1. At the start of the test, the operator first selects the diameter of the valve to be tested on the human-machine interface, and then selects the type of valve to be tested. If the valve to be tested is a dynamic balancing valve, the operator can directly set its opening degree remotely through the dynamic balancing valve opening degree selection function on the interface; if the valve to be tested is a static balancing valve, the valve opening degree needs to be manually adjusted on site.

[0054] S2. After completing the type selection and opening setting, the control system 600 executes the parameter settings:

[0055] Automatically open the main pipeline electric regulating valve 210 to its initial opening degree;

[0056] Open the first electric valve 220 of the corresponding diameter test branch;

[0057] Open the second electric valve 230 of the flow measurement branch selected based on the estimated flow rate;

[0058] Drive the variable frequency water pump from 140 to the recommended frequency range to quickly establish the initial test conditions.

[0059] S3. The system begins collecting data such as flow rate, pressure, and temperature, and monitors the pressure difference across the balancing valve 400 in real time. The operator observes the real-time feedback of the pressure difference, output flow rate, and circulating water temperature on the human-machine interface to determine if the pressure difference has reached the target preset value. If not, a closed-loop control is formed by finely adjusting the electric regulating valve 210 on the main pipeline and the frequency of the circulating water pump until the pressure difference is precisely stabilized at the standard operating point. Finally, the system outputs the flow rate of the branch of the valve under test, completing the test at that operating point.

[0060] It should be noted that each module / unit involved in this utility model (such as PLC controller, human-machine interface, sensor, etc.) adopts general-purpose hardware products or existing modules known in the technical field. The improvement of this utility model lies in the specific connection relationship between the above-mentioned existing modules, the cooperative working mode, and the non-obvious technical effects produced in the whole system, and does not involve any improvement to the internal software algorithm or calculation method of any module.

[0061] In summary, the hydraulic balancing valve testing device provided by this utility model achieves rapid and seamless switching of test diameters through a combination of parallel multi-diameter test branches and electric valves. The wide-range flow measurement branch ensures accurate measurement across the entire range, from the small flow rate of a static balancing valve to the large flow rate of a large-diameter dynamic balancing valve. The control system integrates preset control logic; operators only need to select the valve diameter and type through the human-machine interface, and the system will automatically open the corresponding pipeline and set the initial operating conditions. Subsequently, operators can finely adjust the frequency of the circulating water pump and the opening of the electric regulating valve in the main pipeline based on the real-time feedback of the output pressure difference, quickly and accurately establishing and maintaining the standard test conditions. This achieves intelligent and closed-loop control of the testing process, greatly improving testing efficiency and accuracy.

[0062] The above description is merely a description of a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the scope of the present utility model in any way. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present utility model. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present utility model without departing from its spirit and scope. Therefore, if these modifications and variations fall within the scope of the present utility model and its equivalents, the present utility model also intends to include these modifications and variations.

Claims

1. A hydraulic balancing valve testing device, characterized in that, include: The circulating water system includes a circulating water tank, a variable frequency water pump, a main test pipeline, and a return water pipeline, which are connected sequentially by pipes to form a closed loop. The inlet end of the main test pipeline is equipped with a main pipeline electric regulating valve, and multiple test branches with different nominal diameters are connected in parallel on the main test pipeline. Each test branch is equipped with a first electric valve and a standard valve installation position for installing the balance valve to be tested. Downstream of the test branches on the main test pipeline, multiple flow measurement branches with different ranges are also connected in parallel. Each flow measurement branch is equipped with a second electric valve and a flow meter. The data acquisition system includes a differential pressure sensor for detecting the pressure across the balance valve under test; The control system has its signal input terminal connected in communication with the differential pressure sensor and the flow meter, and its control output terminal connected in communication with the variable frequency water pump, the main pipeline electric regulating valve, each first electric valve and each second electric valve.

2. The hydraulic balancing valve testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The standard valve installation station is connected to reducing pipes at the front and rear, and the reducing pipes are connected to the balance valve to be tested via quick-release chucks.

3. The hydraulic balancing valve testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The standard valve installation station is equipped with pressure taps at the front and rear for connecting the differential pressure sensor.

4. The hydraulic balancing valve testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The nominal diameter range covered by the test branch is DN15 to DN350.

5. The hydraulic balancing valve testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The circulating water system also includes a Y-type filter disposed between the circulating water tank and the variable frequency water pump.

6. The hydraulic balancing valve testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main pipeline electric regulating valve is a three-way valve. The main pipeline electric regulating valve is also connected to the return water pipeline through a bypass pipeline, and a first regulating valve is also installed on the bypass pipeline.

7. The hydraulic balancing valve testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A second regulating valve is also provided between the main pipeline electric regulating valve and the inlet end of the main test pipeline.

8. The hydraulic balancing valve testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data acquisition system also includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the medium, and the temperature sensor is communicatively connected to the signal input terminal of the control system.

9. The hydraulic balancing valve testing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control system includes a programmable logic controller.

10. The hydraulic balancing valve testing device according to claim 1 or 9, characterized in that, The control system also includes a human-machine interface.

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