Analog valve actuator, programmable controller, alarm system, and methods for their combined use

An apparatus, comprising:

• a valve comprising an actuator, the actuator connected to a shaft, the shaft connected to a blade, the valve further comprising a first seat and a second seat opposite the first seat;
• a variable frequency drive configured to operate the actuator;
• wherein the variable frequency drive is programmed to move the blade from contacting the first seat to contacting the second seat, wherein the variable frequency drive is further programmed to accelerate the blade from the first seat toward the second seat and then decelerate the blade before contact is made with the second seat;
• a control computer configured to monitor the variable frequency drive;
• and
• wherein the variable frequency drive is further configured to accelerate the blade from the first seat towards the second seat and then decelerate the blade before the blade contacts the second seat.

A method, comprising:

• providing a valve comprising an actuator, the actuator connected to a shaft, the shaft connected to a blade, the valve further comprising a first seat and a second seat opposite the first seat;
• providing a variable frequency drive configured to operate the actuator;
• providing a control computer configured to monitor the variable frequency drive;
• using the variable frequency drive, accelerating the actuator causing the blade to move from a first position contacting the first seat towards the second seat;
• using the variable frequency drive, decelerating the actuator before the blade contacts the second seat;
• using the variable frequency drive, increasing power to the actuator after the blade contacts the second seat;
• and
• after the blade is in a sealed position against the second seat, applying a brake and cut power to the actuator.

An apparatus, comprising:

• a first valve comprising a first actuator, the first actuator connected to a first shaft, the first shaft connected to a first blade, the first valve further comprising a first front seat;
• a first variable frequency drive configured to operate the first actuator, wherein the first variable frequency drive is further configured to accelerate the first blade from the first front seat towards a first rear seat and then decelerate the first blade before the first blade contacts the first rear seat;
• a second valve comprising a second actuator, the second actuator connected to a second shaft, the second shaft connected to a second blade, the second valve further comprising a second front seat;
• a second variable frequency drive configured to operate the second actuator;
• a control computer configured to control the first variable frequency drive and the second variable frequency drive;
• a first chamber and a second chamber;
• a combustion chamber between the first chamber and the second chamber;
• wherein the control computer is configured to control the first valve and the second valve to periodically alternate positions between a first flow in which process gas enters an intake and flows from the first chamber through the combustion chamber through the second chamber and out an exhaust, and a second flow in which process gas enters the intake and flows from the second chamber through the combustion chamber through the first chamber and out the exhaust.