Compressed-Air Valve Testing via Separating Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current compressed-air systems with safety functions face challenges in checking the functional capability of two-channel venting without disrupting the operation of connected loads, particularly in sensitive systems where interruptions are not acceptable, and existing partial stroke tests may result in errors or fail to verify full venting functionality.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a separating device and switching function examination means that allow each working valve to be temporarily separated from the load connection while maintaining fluid communication, enabling a test operation to verify correct switchover to the venting position without interrupting the compressed-air supply, with the venting cross-section being greater than the aerating cross-section to ensure reliable venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If working valves are tested by operating them until the valve member performs a limited partial stroke, then only slight venting takes place causing minor disruption to the load, but the test does not provide indication that the working valve is actually in a position to fully switch over to the venting position
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the testing function from the normal operation by introducing a separating device that divides the compressed air supply into test and operation channels. This allows the working valve to be tested in isolation without affecting the load, as the separating device redirects the compressed air away from the load during testing while maintaining supply during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The separating device acts as an intermediary between the compressed air source and the working valve, controlling whether air reaches the valve for testing or the load for operation. This intermediary mechanism enables full-stroke testing of the working valve while preventing any disruption to the load by redirecting the air flow through different paths.
2Reliability
If cyclical examination of two-channel venting is performed to ensure safety function, then functional capability can be verified, but the operation of the load must be interrupted which is not acceptable for sensitive loads
Solution Approach 1:
The compressed air supply system is segmented into separate test and operation channels through the separating device. This segmentation allows safety examinations to be conducted on one working valve while the other continues to supply the load, enabling cyclical testing without interrupting load operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous supply to the load through redundant working valves while one valve undergoes examination. The separating device ensures that the examination of one valve does not stop the other from operating, thus maintaining continuous useful action and avoiding interruptions to sensitive loads.
3Reliability
If both working valves are used simultaneously for venting to ensure redundancy, then safety is improved, but the complexity of checking functional capability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separating device extracts one working valve from the common compressed air supply and routes it through a separate test channel. This extraction simplifies the examination process by isolating one valve at a time, allowing straightforward testing of each valve's functionality while maintaining the redundant two-channel configuration for safety.
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 allows for uninterrupted examination of the two-channel venting capability, ensuring reliable venting and safety functions without interrupting the load's operation, and allows for the verification of correct switching functionality without affecting the compressed-air supply.
Implementation Method 1
each working valve also has a supply connection connected or connectable to a compressed-air source and optionally is switchable to an aerating position connecting its working connection with its supply connection or to its venting position
Implementation Method 2
in the connection between the two working connections and the load connection a separating device is inserted, allowing a temporary fluid-tight separation optionally of the working connection of the first working valve or of the working connection of the second working valve
Data Source
AI summary
A compressed-air system having a safety function and a method for operating such a compressed-air system. The compressed-air system contains two working valves, which each can selectively assume an aerating position that aerates a load and a venting position that vents the load. Both working valves are redundantly connected on the output side to the load by means of a separating device. The separating device allows one or the other of the working valves to be separated, while the aeration of the load is maintained, in order to subject the one or the other working valve to an examination of the switching function of the one or the other working valve.