Valve system analyzer

A method for testing an hydraulic device of an hydraulic control system, the system having a source of hydraulic fluid under pressure and a fluid reservoir, and the device having a fluid inlet which is releasably coupled to the source when the system is in operation, a fluid outlet which is releasably coupled to the reservoir when the system is in operation, and an element which restricts fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet, said method comprising:

• halting operation of the system;
• providing a portable analyzing apparatus having a supply of hydraulic fluid, an outlet conduit, means for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure from the supply to the outlet conduit, a return conduit communicating with the supply, means connected for monitoring fluid pressure in the outlet conduit, and means connected for monitoring fluid flow through the return conduit;
• disconnecting the fluid inlet of the device from the source and connecting that fluid inlet to the outlet conduit;
• disconnecting the fluid outlet of the device from the reservoir and connecting that fluid outlet to the return conduit;
• placing the means for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure into operation for supplying hydraulic fluid under pressure to the outlet conduit;
• and
• monitoring the fluid pressure in the outlet conduit and the flow of fluid through the return conduit with the monitoring means.