Gas Valve Leakage Test via Pressure Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas valve assemblies lack effective methods for detecting leaks and monitoring operational parameters, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety issues in gas-fired appliances.
Innovation Solution
A gas valve assembly with integrated pressure sensors and a valve controller that performs leakage tests by monitoring pressure changes in an intermediate volume, comparing measured pressure rates to threshold values, and outputs signals for leak detection, and also includes features for monitoring fluid flow, consumption, and operational cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If gas valve assemblies are used without integrated pressure sensors and leakage test capabilities, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability and safety of gas-fired appliances deteriorate due to inability to detect leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (gas valve control, pressure sensing, leakage detection, and monitoring) into a single integrated valve assembly. The pressure sensor is incorporated within the valve body, and the controller integrates both valve actuation and leakage detection algorithms, eliminating the need for separate external monitoring devices and reducing overall system complexity while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: regulating gas flow through the valve mechanism, sensing pressure via integrated pressure sensors, detecting leaks through automated testing sequences, and monitoring operational parameters. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated devices for each function, resolving the contradiction between enhanced reliability and device complexity.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of pressure changes is implemented to detect leaks, then the reliability improves, but the use of energy increases due to continuous operation of pressure sensors and controllers
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of continuous monitoring, the system performs leakage tests at periodic intervals or at specific operational stages (e.g., during startup, shutdown, or at scheduled maintenance intervals). The controller executes test sequences that temporarily close valves and monitor pressure changes only during these designated periods, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining adequate leak detection capability through strategic timing of measurements.
3Measurement precision
If automated leakage test sequences are performed with multiple pressure measurements, then the measurement precision improves, but the time required for valve testing and operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing baseline pressure values before leakage tests and pre-configuring test parameters. During actual testing, the controller quickly compares real-time pressure measurements against pre-stored threshold values and baseline data, enabling rapid determination of leak conditions without requiring extended measurement periods. This reduces test time while maintaining precision through comparison against predetermined criteria.
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
Enhances the reliability and safety of gas valve assemblies by accurately detecting leaks and monitoring operational parameters, ensuring efficient operation and reducing the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
One or more pressure sensors may be in fluid communication with the intermediate volume for sensing a measure that is related to a pressure change rate in the intermediate volume
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to valves, and more particularly, to gas valve assemblies. In one example, a valve leakage test may be performed on a valve assembly including a valve body with a first valve and a second valve, where the valves may be positioned across a fluid path in the valve body with an intermediate volume between the valves. A pressure sensor may be in fluid communication with the intermediate volume and may sense a measure that is related to the pressure in the intermediate volume. The pressure sensor may communicate with a controller to determine a measure that is related to a pressure change in the intermediate volume and compare the measure that is related to a pressure change to a first and/or second threshold value. The controller may output a signal if the measure meets and/or exceeds the first and/or second threshold value.