Pneumatic Actuator Accessory Diagnosis via Valve Travel and Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing the operation of pneumatic actuator-regulating accessories in valve assemblies lack standardization, leading to inconsistent results and difficulty in identifying activation and deactivation points, especially when the rate of modifying supply pressure resembles the flow rate through the accessory.
Innovation Solution
A standardized diagnostic method using a field instrument (e.g., FIELDVUE DVC) to perform tests like loss of supply pressure, supply pressure deactivation, and combined diagnostic tests, measuring valve travel rates and pressures to identify the operation points of pneumatic actuator-regulating accessories by comparing normal operating conditions with activated states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flow analyzer tool is used to diagnose pneumatic actuator-regulating accessories, then diagnostic capability is provided, but the results are inconsistent and difficult to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the diagnostic approach by changing the measured parameters from complex flow characteristics to simple, standardized parameters (valve travel rate and supply pressure). By monitoring valve travel rate over time and comparing it against threshold values, the system provides clear, interpretable diagnostic results without the complexity of traditional flow analysis
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow analyzer tool with an electronic control system that uses a processor to analyze valve travel data. This substitution eliminates the need for physical flow measurement equipment and provides consistent, digital diagnostic results that are easier to interpret and store
2Reliability
If supply pressure is modified at a rate similar to the flow rate through the accessory, then realistic operating conditions are simulated, but activation and deactivation points become difficult to identify
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors valve travel rate and compares it against predetermined threshold values. When the travel rate exceeds the threshold, the system immediately identifies this as an activation or deactivation point, allowing for precise identification even when supply pressure changes gradually
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by establishing baseline valve travel rates during normal operation before inducing supply pressure changes. This baseline data is stored and used for comparison during diagnostic tests, enabling clear identification of activation points regardless of the rate of pressure change
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides accurate and consistent identification of activation and deactivation points, enabling precise determination of supply pressures at which pneumatic actuator-regulating accessories activate or deactivate, improving diagnostic reliability and comparability across tests.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing an actuator operatively coupled to the fluid valve
Implementation Method 2
measuring at least one of (1) positions of the fluid valve or (2) an output pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed to diagnose a pneumatic actuator-regulating accessor. An example method disclosed herein includes stroking a fluid valve operatively coupled to a field instrument and a pneumatic actuator-regulating accessory by pressurizing an actuator operatively coupled to the fluid valve. The example method also includes blocking a supply to the pneumatic actuator-regulating accessory and the field instrument, exhausting pressurized air from the actuator via the field instrument, measuring at least one of (1) positions of the fluid valve or (2) an output pressure as the pressurized air is exhausted from the actuator, and identifying a first operation of the pneumatic actuator-regulating accessory based on at least one of a travel rate of the fluid valve or the output pressure, the travel rate of the fluid valve based on the measured positions of the fluid valve.