A method for actuating a valve device as a function of a characteristic curve including actuating the valve device with a dither superimposed on a target value (i_EDS) with such a frequency that the operating condition of the valve device follows the actuation corresponding to the characteristic curve (v_kk). The method further includes determining, with the characteristic curve (v_kk), the output values (1, x) which correlate with the target values (i_EDS) at inflection points of a harmonic oscillation impressed upon the valve device with the dither, and determining further output values as a function of the output values (1, x). The amplitude of the dither is predefined such that, during an actuation of the valve device, one of the inflection points lies in a first or second characteristic curve range (v_kk1 or v_kk3, v_kk3 or v_kk5), and another inflection point lies in a third characteristic curve range (v_kk2 or v_kk4).

A valve box assembly includes a pipe within the valve box assembly, a valve coupled to the pipe and a radio-frequency identification tag within the valve box assembly.

A load-sensitive multi-path valve testing device includes the first, second, and third pressure sensors connected to the T, P, and LS ports of the load-sensitive multi-path valve; an oil outlet of an electronically controlled variable displacement pump connected to the P port of the load-sensitive multi-path valve via an oil supply pipeline; a first proportional relief valve and a first flow sensor connected on the oil supply pipeline; control oil ports of each commutation linkage respectively connected to a control oil source by two proportional pressure reducing valves; two working oil ports of each commutation linkage respectively connected to an oil tank by two proportional relief valves; flow sensors and pressure sensors arranged on two working oil ports of each commutation linkage. A testing method includes: using the device for pressure loss tests, micro-motion characteristic tests and flow saturation resistant characteristic tests.

Methods and apparatus to communicatively couple on/off valves to controllers in a process control system are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first interface to receive a command signal from a termination module to be communicatively coupled to a controller in a process control system. The command signal is directed to an on/off valve in the process control system. The first interface transmits a feedback signal to the termination module in response to the command signal. The example apparatus also includes a second interface to receive position information from proximity sensors in a switch box monitoring a state of the on/off valve. The feedback signal is based on the position information. The example apparatus further includes a communication processor to be communicatively coupled to the first and the second interfaces to process the command signal and the feedback signal.

The claimed method and system develops accelerated aging test protocols for a component of a process control device, such as a polymeric component of a valve assembly, where the accelerated aging test protocol is specifically developed in response to expected operating conditions to be used during operation of the process control device in a process plant installation. Test data from the developed accelerated aging tests is analyzed to determine a projected lifetime profile of the component that profiles the component through failure under those expected operating conditions. Particular profiling for polymeric features includes oxidation failure profiling and other fatigue conditions.

A method for actively calculating a capability of an electronically controlled valve is provided. The method including the steps of: a) operating the electronically controlled valve in accordance with a task; b) testing the electronically controlled valve in order to determine a range of movement of the electronically controlled valve in accordance with an initial gain, wherein the testing of the electronically controlled valve occurs after the valve has been operated in accordance with the task; c) determining a new gain required for providing a predetermined range of movement of the electronically controlled valve; and d) repeating steps a-c at least once, wherein the new gain is used to operate the valve in accordance with the task.

A method and apparatus for valve position state estimation within a conduit or conduit network, comprising: acoustically coupling a plurality of acoustic sensors to a fluid disposed within the conduit or conduit network, wherein one of the plurality of acoustic sensors is disposed upstream of a valve under test and one of the plurality of acoustic sensors is disposed downstream of the valve under test; transmitting a structured acoustic signal from a transmitting acoustic sensor to a receiving acoustic sensor, wherein the structured acoustic signal passes through the valve under test between the transmitting acoustic sensor and the receiving acoustic sensor; at the transmitting acoustic sensor, receiving a reflected structured acoustic signal after the structured acoustic signal is reflected from the valve under test; and, using a two-port analysis, characterizing a flow state of the valve under test based on the structured acoustic signal received at the receiving acoustic sensor and the reflected structured acoustic signal received at the transmitting acoustic sensor. The method further comprising coupling an accelerometer sensor to the valve under test and obtaining vibrational measurements from the valve under test.

A target opening degree estimator estimates a target opening degree estimation value as an opening degree of a valve element of a pressure adjustment vacuum valve when a pressure of a vacuum chamber connected to the pressure adjustment vacuum valve reaches a pressure adjustment target pressure based on a correlation between the opening degree of the valve element and the pressure of the vacuum chamber, a current opening degree, and a current pressure.

A solenoid assembly is provided including a housing having a cavity; an enclosure mounted on the housing; an electricity conducting coil surrounding a tubular passageway traversed by a vertical axis, the coil arranged within the cavity; an armature assembly moveable from a first to a second position being forced by a temporary magnetization; a circuit board oriented perpendicular to the vertical axis and at least partially covered underneath the enclosure, the board including a logic circuit and a power regulating circuit.

A method for monitoring health of a valve is presented. The method includes receiving an acoustic emission signal from a sensing device operatively coupled to the valve, selecting a region of interest signal in the acoustic emission signal, determining a plurality of current parameters based on the region of interest signal, and monitoring the health of the valve based on at least the plurality of current parameters, wherein the region of interest signal comprises acoustic emission data generated from initiation of an opening of the valve until the valve is partially opened.