An apparatus provides operator feedback in response to opening or closing of a valve or coupling, The apparatus may comprise: data storage means for storing at least one recommended opening or dosing event of the valve; sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling; and processing means for comparing the sensed actuation of the valve or coupling against the recommended opening or dosing event of the valve or coupling in real-time or near real-time, and outputting at least one operator feedback signal based on the comparison.

A variable orifice flow device controls the flow of refrigerant into a compressor motor housing in a compressor. The variable orifice flow device may include, for example, an electronic expansion valve, a thermal expansion valve, or a shuttling valve controlling the flow of refrigerant into a compressor motor housing. One or more flows of refrigerant may be through a fixed orifice, a valve seat of the variable orifice flow device, or leakage through a seal of the compressor motor housing, providing a baseline refrigerant flow to the inside of the compressor motor housing in addition to the flow through the variable orifice flow device.

A device for controlling the flow of a fluid through a conduit from an upstream side of the device to a downstream side of the device is provided. The device includes an upstream valve casing defining an inlet, a downstream valve casing defining an outlet aperture, and a valve core secured between the upstream valve casing and the downstream valve casing. The upstream valve casing, the downstream valve casing and the valve core are formed as discrete parts. The valve core includes a housing defining a control volume. The valve member is mounted on the housing and positioned on the upstream side of the outlet aperture, the valve member being arranged to move reciprocally to selectively open and close the outlet aperture, thereby controlling flow of the fluid through the outlet aperture.

According to one aspect of the disclosure a steam trap system and a method of operation is provided. The steam trap system includes a steam trap body and a disk operably coupled to the steam trap body, the disk being made from a magnetic material. A cap is coupled to the steam trap body adjacent the disk, the cap being made from a nonmagnetic material. A hall effect sensor operably coupled to the cap, the hall effect sensor being configured to generate a signal in response to movement of the disk.

The present invention utilizes operation of a valve actuator to generate electrical power. A portion of the mechanical energy generated by operation of a valve actuator is converted to electrical energy. The mechanical energy may be converted to electrical energy at the same time as the valve actuator is operating or the mechanical energy may be stored for later conversion. A valve actuator may be operated manually, electrically, pneumatically, or hydraulically. Generated electrical energy may also be stored.

A valve has a valve housing which is connected to an electronics unit. The electronics unit has an electronics unit housing which has an aperture in order to establish electrical contacting with an actuator of the valve. A portion of the actuator may protrude into the aperture. Here, play is provided between the aperture and the portion of the actuator.

An example control unit may include: a processor; an output device; a valve element; an actuator; and a sensor for the position of the valve element. The valve cycles and the processor records a first signal to measure a position of the valve element. The valve cycles and the processor records a second signal to measure a position of the valve element. The processor calculates a degree of wear based on the first value and the second value and the second number of valve cycles. The processor compares the degree of wear to a predefined threshold value and generates an output signal if the degree of wear exceeds the predefined threshold value.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electrically operated valve capable of more accurately detecting the position of a valve body. In order to achieve the above object, the electrically operated valve of the present invention comprises a valve body, a driver configured to move the valve body along a first axis, a rotation shaft configured to rotate the driver around the first axis, a permanent magnet member, and an angle sensor. The permanent magnet member is disposed on the rotation shaft and configured to rotate with the rotation shaft. The angle sensor is configured to detect a rotation angle of a permanent magnet included in the permanent magnet member. The angle sensor is disposed above the permanent magnet.

An object of the present invention is to provide an electrically operated valve capable of more accurately detecting the position of a valve body. In order to achieve the above object, the electrically operated valve of the present invention comprises a valve body, a driver configured to move the valve body along a first axis, a rotation shaft configured to rotate the driver around the first axis, a permanent magnet member, an angle sensor, and a yoke configured to cover a portion of the permanent magnet or a portion of the angle sensor. The permanent magnet member is disposed on the rotation shaft and configured to rotate with the rotation shaft. The angle sensor is configured to detect a rotation angle of a permanent magnet included in the permanent magnet member. The angle sensor is disposed above the permanent magnet.

A valve positioner for use on a process control valve or valve assembly. The process control valve may include a pneumatic actuator and a valve having a closure member coupled with the pneumatic actuator and moveable relative to a seat. The valve positioner may couple to the pneumatic actuator to provide a pneumatic signal to set a position of the closure member relative to the seat. An accelerometer may couple with the valve positioner. The accelerometer may generate data in response to orientation of the valve positioner. In one implementation, the configurations can use this data to ensure proper visualization of data on a display. The data also permits the device to properly manage operating modes, like tight shut-off or fully-opened mode, that may prevail due to orientation issues that cause defects in a measured position for a closure member that regulates flow of material through the valve assembly.