Generating two pneumatic signals to operate an actuator on a valve assembly
AssigneeDresser, Inc.
InventorHarold George Watts
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A controller configured to improve response time on a valve assembly. The controller may have flow modifying structure that couples with a pair of pneumatic outputs, both pneumatically coupled with an actuator on the valve assembly. The flow modifying structure can be configured to convert incoming instrument air into a pair of independent, pneumatic output signals, at least one of which flows directly to the actuator. In one implementation, a volume booster may be used to increase pressure of the other pneumatic output signal upstream of the actuator.
Claims18
A valve assembly, comprising:
- a valve with a closure member moveable relative to a seat;
- an actuator coupled with the valve to move the closure member;
- and
- a controller pneumatically coupled with the actuator via a first pneumatic output and a second pneumatic output, one of which couples directly with the actuator, the controller comprising a pneumatic amplifier with a pair of pneumatic relays, one each coupled with the first pneumatic output and the second pneumatic output, and a volume booster interposed between one of one of the pneumatic relays and the actuator,
- wherein the pair of pneumatic relays use a pneumatic input signal at a first pressure to convert incoming instrument air into a pair of pneumatic output signals at a second pressure that is higher than the first pressure.
A valve assembly, comprising:
- a valve with a closure member moveable relative to a seat;
- an actuator coupled with the valve to move the closure member;
- and
- a controller pneumatically coupled with the actuator via a first pneumatic output and a second pneumatic output, one of which couples directly with the actuator, the controller comprising a pneumatic amplifier with a pair of pneumatic relays, one each coupled with the first pneumatic output and the second pneumatic output, and a volume booster interposed between one of one of the pneumatic relays and the actuator,
- wherein the pair of pneumatic relays use a pneumatic input signal at a first pressure to convert incoming instrument air into a pair of pneumatic output signals at a second pressure that is proportional to the first pressure.
A valve positioner, comprising:
- a signal converter;
- a pneumatic amplifier pneumatically coupled downstream of the signal converter, the pneumatic amplifier comprising a first pneumatic relay and a second pneumatic relay;
- a pair of output ports, one each coupled downstream of the first pneumatic relay and the second pneumatic relay;
- and
- a volume booster coupled downstream of one of the pair of outputs,
- wherein the first pneumatic relay and the second pneumatic relay are configured to use a pneumatic input signal from the signal converter to convert incoming instrument air into a pair of independent, pneumatic output signals, one each to flow to the pair of output ports.
A method, comprising:
- receiving an electronic control signal;
- generating a pneumatic input signal in response to the electronic control signal;
- using the pneumatic input signal to convert instrument air into a pair of pneumatic output signals;
- using the pair of pneumatic output signals to operate an actuator to move a valve;
- and
- flowing one of the pair of pneumatic output signals through a volume booster to increase pressure upstream of the actuator.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.