A flow control device is configured to control fluid flow in an HVAC system. The flow control device includes a valve, an actuator configured to open and close the valve, and one or more sensors. The flow control device further includes a fault detection and correction agent configured to receive data from the one or more sensors, analyze the data according to a set of rules, and detect whether one or more faults have occurred. In response to detecting a fault, the fault detection and correction agent is configured to either operate the actuator to open or close the valve or initiate a corrective action to be taken by another device in the HVAC system.

The claimed method and system develops a useful lifetime profile for a component of a process control device, such as a valve, and uses that lifetime profile to determine a projected remaining lifetime for the device component in operation. The lifetime profile is developed from using real world operational data of similar process control devices, used under substantially the same operating conditions as to be experienced during operation. Profiles may be developed for numerous device components, from which a projected lifetime profile for the entire process control device is developed. Based on the projected remaining lifetime, notification warnings may be sent to remote computers and maintenance scheduling may be automatically achieved.

A method for inspecting a component made using an additive manufacturing process, the component having an internal conduit, is disclosed. In various embodiments, the method includes the steps of: attaching a fluid-blocking header to the component, the fluid-blocking header having an internal conformal surface configured to mate with an external conformal surface of the component; introducing a plugging media into the internal conduit; activating the fluid-blocking header to freeze the plugging media in a vicinity of the fluid-blocking header; pressurizing the internal conduit of the component; and analyzing a fluid flow characteristic at an outlet of the component to assess an occurrence of a blockage within the internal conduit.

A method for determining the end-of-travel positions of a diaphragm in a diaphragm valve having an actuator: initiating displacement of the diaphragm into a first end-of-travel position; ascertaining the first end-of-travel position of the diaphragm, wherein said first end-of-travel position is ascertained by monitoring an actuating current value, wherein the first end-of-travel position is reached when a predefined current value is reached; saving the first end-of-travel position; moving autonomously, preferably in the opposite direction, towards a second end-of-travel position of the diaphragm; ascertaining the second end-of-travel position of the diaphragm, wherein said second end-of-travel position is ascertained by means of a predefined travel length (a) of the diaphragm from the first end-of-travel position; saving the second end-of-travel position.

The claimed method and system develops a useful lifetime profile for a component of a process control device, such as a valve, and uses that lifetime profile to determine a projected remaining lifetime for the device component in operation. The lifetime profile is developed from using real world operational data of similar process control devices, used under substantially the same operating conditions as to be experienced during operation. Profiles may be developed for numerous device components, from which a projected lifetime profile for the entire process control device is developed. Based on the projected remaining lifetime, notification warnings may be sent to remote computers and maintenance scheduling may be automatically achieved.

A fluid control system includes a valve, an actuator, a primary valve timing system, and a secondary valve timing system. The valve is operable in an open position and a closed position. The actuator is operable to move the valve from the closed position to the open position. The primary valve timing system is in communication with the actuator and is operable to move the valve from the open position to the closed position after a first period of time. The secondary valve timing system is in communication with the actuator and is operable to move the valve from the open position to the closed position after a second period of time.

The device includes a main valve, first and second auxiliary valves, a valve body and a filter. The main, which has first and second auxiliary valves are mounted on the valve body, which has an air inlet, a cylinder port and an air discharging port. The air inlet is in communication with the main valve through a first air passage, the cylinder port is sequentially in communication with the first and second auxiliary valves, and the main valve through a second air passage. The air discharging port is sequentially in communication with the first and second auxiliary valves and the main valve through a third air passage. The main and the second auxiliary valves are solenoid valves, and the first auxiliary valve is a hand-operated valve. An air outlet of the filter is in communication with the air inlet. The filter is used for filtering out impurities in gas.

The invention relates to a method for diagnosing a diaphragm valve having the following steps: a) providing at least one first quantity that characterizes a valve diaphragm, at least one second quantity that characterizes the diaphragm valve, and at least one third quantity that characterizes operation of the diaphragm valve to a determination device; determining a quantity that characterizes a current state of the valve diaphragm, in particular a current wear, from the first, second, and third quantities by means of the determination device by using at least one algorithm.

A valve system includes a bellows-type pressure relief valve and an attachment assembly. The bellows-type pressure relief valve includes a main housing defining a main chamber, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening, a bonnet housing defining a bonnet chamber and a bonnet vent in the bonnet housing, and a bellows structure defining a bellows chamber fluidly connected to the bonnet chamber. The attachment assembly is coupled to the bonnet vent to selectively plug the bonnet vent. The attachment assembly include a coupling to couple to the bonnet vent, a pressure sensor to detect a pressure in the bonnet chamber, and a vent structure including a vent valve to selectively open in response to an applied force or in response to the pressure sensor detecting a pressure in the bonnet chamber reaching a pressure threshold.

A flow control device is configured to control fluid flow in an HVAC system. The flow control device includes a valve, an actuator configured to open and close the valve, and one or more sensors. The flow control device further includes a fault detection and correction agent configured to receive data from the one or more sensors, analyze the data according to a set of rules, and detect whether one or more faults have occurred. In response to detecting a fault, the fault detection and correction agent is configured to either operate the actuator to open or close the valve or initiate a corrective action to be taken by another device in the HVAC system.