Generating two pneumatic signals to operate an actuator on a valve assembly
AssigneeDresser, Inc.
InventorHarold George Watts
Life of this patent
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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.
Claims20
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.
A valve positioner, comprising:
- a signal converter;
- flow modifying structure pneumatically coupled with the signal converter;
- and
- a pair of output ports coupled with the flow modifying structure,
- wherein the flow modifying structure is 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;
- and
- using the pair of pneumatic output signals to operate an actuator to move a valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.