Device and method for valve signature testing
AssigneeFluke Corporation
InventorJames Dennis Shields
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Systems and methods for testing a valve using valve signatures are provided. An analytical device receives a first valve signature from a portable measurement device. The portable measurement device obtains the first valve signature by causing a plurality of control signals to be applied to the valve and receiving data representing actual positions of the valve corresponding to the applied control signals. The analytical device may generate an image including a graphical representation of the first valve signature and a second valve signature that was measured prior to or after the first valve signature.
Claims24
A method of testing a valve, the method comprising:
- communicating, by a portable measurement device, a sequence of control signals to the valve to cause adjustment of a position of the valve, wherein the sequence of control signals is communicated to the valve at a first measurement time;
- receiving first valve signature data for the valve corresponding to the first measurement time, wherein the first valve signature data includes data values representing positions of the valve resulting from the sequence of control signals communicated to the valve;
- receiving second valve signature data for the valve corresponding to a second measurement time, wherein the second valve signature data includes data values representing positions of the valve that result from communication of the sequence of control signals to the valve at the second measurement time;
- and
- evaluating operation of the valve by determining differences between the data values of the first valve signature data and the data values of the second valve signature data.
A system for testing a valve, the system comprising:
- a portable measurement device configured to:
- measure first valve signature data by causing a plurality of control signals to be input to the valve at a first measurement time and receiving data values that represent valve positions of the valve corresponding to the plurality of control signals;
- and
- measure second valve signature data by causing the plurality of control signals to be input to the valve at a second measurement time and receiving data values that represent valve positions of the valve corresponding to the plurality of control signals;
- and
- an analytical device configured to receive and analyze at least a portion of the first valve signature data to evaluate operation of the valve by comparing data values of at least a portion of the first valve signature data with data values of at least a portion of the second valve signature data.
A system for testing a valve, the system comprising:
- a measurement device configured to:
- communicate a sequence of control signals to the valve at a first measurement time to cause adjustment of a position of the valve and in response thereto, receive first valve signature data for the valve, wherein the first valve signature data includes data values representing positions of the valve resulting from the sequence of control signals communicated to the valve;
- evaluate the first valve signature data to determine whether the data values in the first valve signature data are within an expected range of values, and when the data values in the first valve signature data are not within the expected range of values, provide a valve calibration instruction;
- and
- re-measure the valve signature data after calibration of the valve in response to the valve calibration instruction, by communicating the sequence of control signals to the valve and in response thereto, receiving re-measured valve signature data for the valve, wherein the re-measured valve signature data includes data values representing positions of the valve resulting from the sequence of control signals communicated to the valve.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.