Testing valve assemblies
AssigneeWatts RegulatoryCo.
InventorLester Engelmann
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of determining flow through a valve includes determining a first differential pressure across the valve. The valve is bypassed and a second differential pressure is determined across the valve. A flow decision is determined for the valve based on comparison of the first and second differential pressures. A method of testing a relief valve in a reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly includes determining a first differential pressure across an upstream check valve during a no flow condition. The upstream check valve is bypassed for the purpose of opening a relief valve, and a zone vent is opened.
Claims38
A method of determining flow through a valve, the method comprising:
- determining a first differential pressure across the valve;
- bypassing the valve after determining the first differential pressure;
- determining, after bypassing the valve, a second differential pressure across the valve;
- and
- determining a flow decision for the valve based on comparison of the first and second differential pressures,
- wherein determining the first differential pressure, bypassing the value, determining the second differential pressure, and deterring the flow decision are performed in an automated fashion.
A computer program, residing on a computer-readable medium, for determining flow through a valve, the computer program comprising instructions for causing a computer to perform the following operations:
- determine a first differential pressure across the valve;
- bypass the valve after determining the first differential pressure;
- determine, after bypassing the valve, a second differential pressure across the valve;
- and
- determine a flow decision for the valve based on comparison of the first and second differential pressures.
An apparatus for determining flow through a valve within a housing, the valve defining an upstream side and a downstream side, the apparatus comprising:
- one or more pressure indicators configured to be collectively coupled to the downstream side and the upstream side of the valve;
- a bypass configured to be coupled to the upstream side and to the downstream side of the valve;
- and
- a programmable device coupled to the one or more pressure indicators and to the bypass, the programmable device being programmed to perform the following operations:
- determine a first differential pressure across the valve,
- bypass the valve after determining the first differential pressure,
- determine, after bypassing the valve, a second differential pressure across the valve, and
- determine a flow decision for the valve based on comparison of the first and second differential pressures.
An apparatus for determining flow through a valve, the apparatus comprising:
- means for determining a first differential pressure across the valve;
- means for bypassing the valve after determining the first differential pressure;
- means for determining, after bypassing the valve, a second differential pressure across the valve;
- and
- means for producing a flow decision for the valve based on comparison of the first and second differential pressures,
- wherein determining the first differential pressure, bypassing the valve, determining the second differential pressure, and deterring the flow direction are performed in an automated fashion.
A method of testing a relief valve in a reduced pressure backflow preventer assembly including an upstream check valve, a downstream check valve, and the relief valve, the two check valves defining an upstream side of the assembly, a downstream side, and a zone between them, the relief valve and a vent to atmosphere being coupled to the zone, the method comprising:
- determining, during a no flow condition, a first differential pressure across the upstream check valve;
- bypassing the upstream check valve, after determining the first differential pressure, to allow flow between the upstream side of the assembly and the zone for the purpose of opening the relief valve;
- and
- opening the vent to reduce pressure in the zone.
A method of evaluating a valve, the method comprising:
- determining a first differential pressure across a valve designed to substantially prevent flow in a direction;
- bypassing the valve after determining the first differential pressure;
- determining, after bypassing the valve, a second differential pressure across the valve;
- comparing the first and second differential pressure;
- and
- providing a result based on the comparison of the first and second differential pressures,
- wherein determining the first differential pressure, bypassing the valve, determining the second differential pressure, comparing the first and second differential pressures, and providing the result are performed while an operational level of fluid flow can flow through the valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.