Check Valve Leak Testing Using Pressure-Zone Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check valve testing systems in fluid supply systems are time-consuming and inconvenient, often leading to undetected leaks and failures, especially in hard-to-reach locations, which can cause property damage during emergency events.
Innovation Solution
A check valve testing system comprising a testable check valve assembly with electronically actuated valves and a pressure sensor system, where a controller monitors pressure zones upstream and downstream of the check valve to detect leaks and faulty operations through automated control signals and notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual testing of check valves is performed, then testing can be done with simple equipment, but testing becomes time-consuming and inconvenient especially in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-testing of check valves through electronically actuated valves and pressure sensors that automatically monitor pressure zones upstream and downstream of the check valve, eliminating the need for manual intervention and making testing convenient even in hard-to-reach locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing with an automated electronic system using electronically actuated valves and pressure sensors controlled by a controller, substituting human operation with automated electronic control to reduce time and improve convenience
2Reliability
If manual testing is performed infrequently, then testing simplicity is maintained, but leaks and failures go undetected leading to property damage
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables continuous or frequent automated testing operations through electronically actuated valves and pressure sensors that can repeatedly test check valve functionality without manual intervention, ensuring leaks and failures are detected promptly while maintaining system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses pressure sensors to continuously monitor pressure zones and provides feedback to the controller, which can detect leaks and faulty operations by analyzing pressure changes, enabling frequent reliable detection without increasing manual workload
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
Enables convenient and frequent testing of check valves without manual intervention, promptly identifying leaks and faulty operations, thereby preventing property damage and ensuring system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor configured to detect a pressure change in a second pressure zone downstream of the check valve
Data Source
AI summary
Check valve testing systems and leak detection methods using the same are disclosed. In embodiments the check valve testing system includes a check valve assembly and a pressure sensor. The check valve assembly includes a first pressure zone upstream of the check valve and a second pressure zone downstream of the check valve. An inlet valve and a drain valve may be fluidly coupled to the first pressure zone, an outlet valve may be fluidly coupled to the second pressure zone. The pressure sensor is configured to detect a fluid pressure in the second pressure zone. The controller is configured to communicatively couple to the pressure sensor, and is configured to determine whether there is a leak through the check valve, a leak downstream of then outlet valve, or a leak through the outlet valve when the inlet valve, drain valve, and outlet valve are in various conditions.