Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a previously unattainable yet desirable function of monitoring at a remote location and/or in a remote (non-intrusive) manner the condition of a valve operator to signal a need for more thorough inspection and for possible maintenance of the valve or valve operator; the method and apparatus including the relating of power parameters such as motor power and motor power factor to the valve operator stem load, setting up a control value for the power parameter based on a maximum allowable operator thrust depletion; and periodically monitoring actual power parameter values at a remote location for comparison to the control value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a previously unattainable yet desirable function of monitoring at a remote location and/or in a remote (non-intrusive) manner the condition of a valve operator to signal a need for more thorough inspection and for possible maintenance of the valve or valve operator; the method and apparatus including the relating of power parameters such as motor power and motor power factor to the valve operator stem load, setting up a control value for the power parameter based on a maximum allowable operator thrust depletion; and periodically monitoring actual power parameter values at a remote location for comparison to the control value.

Abstract: A unique apparatus and method are used to detect and measure movement of a valve spring pack and worm through monitoring rotation of the torque switch control post. A device for measuring the operating characteristics of a valve and its operator and the corresponding imposed valve stem load is attached to the valve operator. The apparatus provides devices for statically calibrating the operator relative to the imposed valve load and provides a device for recording traces of the improved load and associated parameters during dynamic conditions as related to the operation of the operator and valve combined. The apparatus is then used to provide diagnostic dynamic traces at any specified time in the future for the operator and valve. These future traces are used to compare with earlier traces to verify correct performance and most importantly to detect induced or impending damage, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements for the operator and valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a previously unattainable yet desirable function of monitoring at a remote location and/or in a remote (non-intrusive) manner the condition of a valve operator to signal a need for more thorough inspection and for possible maintenance of the valve or valve operator; the method and apparatus including the relating of power parameters such as motor power and motor power factor to the valve operator stem load, setting up a control value for the power parameter based on a maximum allowable operator thrust depletion; and periodically monitoring actual power parameter values at a remote location for comparison to the control value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for isolating certain rotating components within the operator and valve systems and artificially loading those rotating shafts to create and measure torque developed within the valve operator system; and for using the torque measurements to correlate and analyze torque in relation to other valve systems parameters.

Abstract: A unique apparatus and method are used to detect and measure movement of a valve spring pack and worm through monitoring rotation of the torque switch control post. A device for measuring the operating characteristics of a valve and its operator and the corresponding imposed valve stem load is attached to the valve operator. The apparatus provides devices for statically calibrating the operator relative to the imposed valve load and provides a device for recording traces of the imposed load and associated parameters during dynamic conditions as related to the operation of the operator and valve combined. The apparatus is then used to provide diagnostic dynamic traces at any specified time in the future for the operator and valve. These future traces are used to compare with earlier traces to verify correct performance and most importantly to detect induced or impending damage, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements for the operator and valve.

Abstract: A valve analysis and testing system includes various devices for measuring the operating characteristics of a valve and its operator and the corresponding imposed valve stem load, which devices are attached to the valve operator. These devices include a switch position indicating circuit for purposes of detecting the open and close positions of limit and torque switches within the valve operator; which circuit includes a coil wrapped with two independent current conducting wire elements, each wire element in series with a different switch; and one wire element being wrapped about the coil core more times than the other wire, wherein a coil output induced by current flowing through one wire element will be of different magnitude than the coil output induced by current flowing through the other wire element; and, preferably, wherein current flowing through both wire elements at the same time will have an additive effect on the coil output.

Abstract: A Valve Analysis and Testing System includes various devices for measuring the operating characteristics of a valve and its operator and the corresponding imposed valve stem load, which devices are attached to the valve operator. These devices provide for statically calibrating the operator relative to the imposed valve load and provide recording traces of the imposed load and associated parameters during dynamic conditions as related to the operation of the operator and valve combined. The System provides initial dynamic traces after initial assembly, maintenance and/or periodic testing of the operator and valve. The System is then used to provide diagnostic dynamic traces at any specified time in the future for the operator and valve. These further traces are used to compare with earlier traces to verify correct performance and most importantly to detect induced or impending damage, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements for the operator and valve.

Abstract: A system for measuring the operating characteristics of a valve and its operator and the corresponding imposed valve stem load is attached to the valve operator. A unique device and method are used to detect and measure movement of a valve operator spring pack to which access is had from the side of the spring pack. The invention provides initial dynamic traces after initial assembly, maintenance and/or periodic testing of the operator and valve. The invention is then used to provide diagnostic dynamic traces at any specified time in the future for the operator and valve. These future traces are used to compare with earlier traces to verify correct performance and most importantly to detect induced or impending damage, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements for the operator and valve.

Abstract: A means of measuring the operating characteristics of a valve and its operator (16) and the corresponding imposed valve stem load is attached to the valve operator. The device provides a means of statically calibrating the operator relative to the imposed valve load and provides the means for recording traces of the imposed load and associated parameters and during dynamic conditions as related to the operation of the operator and valve combined. The device provides initial dynamic traces after initial assembly, maintenance and/or periodic testing of the operator and valve. The device is then used to provide diagnostic dynamic traces at any specified time in the future for the operator and valve. These future traces are used to compare with earlier traces to verify correct performance and most importantly to detect induced or impending damage, malfunctions, or maintenance requirements for the operator and valve.