Abstract: A method for monitoring a filter installed in a fluid system. The steps include providing a reference region in the fluid system, the region including a chamber having a known volume and releasing a fluid from the chamber configured to flow through the reference region. The method further includes measuring pressure and temperature values at predetermined locations at predetermined time intervals and determining filter permeability values in response to measured pressure and temperature values. The method further includes comparing the filter permeability values to predetermined filter permeability values.

Abstract: A flow metering device includes at least two stackable modular bodies including at least one set of adjacent modular bodies, each modular body having an orifice for modulating fluid flow therethrough. The modular bodies arranged such that the orifices between adjacent modular bodies are offset from each other. Adjacent stacked modular bodies define a chamber for trapping particulates entrained in fluid flow without obstructing fluid flow through the orifices.

Abstract: A control system receives control information generated from reference information received from system sensors of physical parameters. The control system uses the information to control a plurality of control devices. The control system has a second control unit which receives and processes the control information and generates control device output, indicating which control device should be operated. A plurality of physical switches are provided, each of the switches represents one of the plurality of control devices. A first group of selected switches are closed and a second group of nonselected switches are open. A logic array receives the control device output and compares the control device output with the first group of selected switches or the second group of nonselected switches and generates appropriate valve operation outputs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid control system for regulating a fluid. A control device positionable between an inlet and outlet includes a first bellows, a second bellows, a resilient member, a diaphragm and a valve. The diaphragm and valve is each in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet, the valve movable between a closed position and an open position. An adjustment feature is associated with adjusting a force applied by at least one of the first bellows and the second bellows, adjustment of the adjustment feature not requiring disassembly of the control device. In response to a predetermined fluid force applied against the diaphragm by the regulated fluid flowing from the inlet toward the outlet, the first bellows, the second bellows and the resilient member apply a combination of opposed forces to selectably move the valve toward a position for regulating the regulated fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a diaphragm valve includes a valve body having a chamber in fluid communication with a first channel and a second channel. A diaphragm is disposed in the chamber, and a tapered seat member is at least partially disposed in the first channel. A sleeve is compressively disposed in the seat member between the seat member and the first channel to maintain a fluid tight seal between the seat member and the first channel. A valve member is movable to controllably urge the diaphragm into and out of engagement with the seat member to control flow of fluid between the first the first and second channel.