System and method for testing a valve actuator

A method for testing a valve actuator operatively connected to a valve, the valve actuator comprising an electrical motor operatively connected thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a system comprising:
• i) a main motor driver operatively connecting the electrical motor to a primary power source, the main motor driver configured to control the flow of current from the primary power source to the electrical motor,
• ii) a first sensor configured to monitor the voltage of the primary power source,
• iii) a second sensor configured to monitor the flow of current from the main motor driver to the electrical motor,
• iv) a third sensor configured to monitor the angular rotation of the valve,
• v) an emergency shut down (“ESD”) controller operatively connected to the main motor driver, the first sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the ESD controller configured to operate the main motor driver in the event of an alarm condition to actuate the valve to a fail-safe position, and
• vi) an ESD watchdog operatively connected to the ESD controller and the main motor driver, the ESD watchdog configured to operate the main motor driver in the event of the alarm condition to actuate the valve to the fail-safe position;
• b) actuating the valve;
• c) monitoring the angular rotation of the valve;
• and
• d) generating an alarm if the valve does not rotate in response to the step to actuate the valve.

A method for testing a backup power source operatively connected to a valve actuator, the valve actuator operatively connected to a valve, the valve actuator comprising an electrical motor operatively connected thereto, the method comprising the steps of:

• a) providing a system comprising:
• i) a main motor driver operatively connecting the electrical motor to a primary power source, the main motor driver configured to control the flow of current from the primary power source to the electrical motor,
• ii) a first sensor configured to monitor the voltage of the primary power source,
• iii) a second sensor configured to monitor the flow of current from the main motor driver to the electrical motor,
• iv) a third sensor configured to monitor the angular rotation of the valve,
• v) an emergency shut down (“ESD”) controller operatively connected to the main motor driver, the first sensor, the second sensor and the third sensor, the ESD controller configured to operate the main motor driver in the event of an alarm condition to actuate the valve to a fail-safe position, and
• vi) an ESD watchdog operatively connected to the ESD controller and the main motor driver, the ESD watchdog configured to operate the main motor driver in the event of the alarm condition to actuate the valve to the fail-safe position;
• b) disconnecting the primary power source;
• c) actuating the valve with the backup power source;
• d) monitoring the angular rotation of the valve;
• and
• e) generating an alarm if the valve does not rotate in response to the step to actuate the valve.