Abstract: A method associated with a valve package having a process valve, an actuator and a controller. The method includes obtaining a baseline signature corresponding to opening or closing the valve as the valve moves from a first position to a second position. The method also includes obtaining an operating signature corresponding to values associated with the baseline signature each time the valve moves from the first position to the second position. In addition, the operating signature is compared to the baseline signature. The method further includes determining if one or more of the values associated with the operating signature is within an acceptable range from the corresponding one or more values in the baseline signature.

Abstract: A micro-power generator is integrated in a pneumatic valve controller, such that the micro-power generator is powered by the same compressed air supply used to operate the valve. The micro-power generator includes a micro-turbine connected to a DC power generator, and a source of compressed air is used to drive the micro-turbine to generate power via the generator. The system may include a valve controller pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply. The valve controller may include electronics for displaying a condition of the controller. The system can include an electronic field device in communication with the valve controller for displaying a condition of the valve controller. The micro-turbine generator can be electrically connected to the field device to provide power to the electronic field device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A device for visually indicating a change in the operational state of a proximity sensor. The device includes a transparent housing having a cavity and a magnet device for generating a magnetic field. In addition, a sleeve is attached to the housing. The magnet device is concealed within the sleeve in a first position to indicate a first operational state. When a target is positioned adjacent the sensor end, magnetic attraction occurs between the target and the magnet device due to the magnetic field to cause movement of the magnet device to a second position within the cavity wherein the magnetic field does not act on the proximity sensor to change the operational state from the first operational state to a second operational state. Further, the magnet device is visible in the second position to indicate the second operational state.

Abstract: A method associated with a valve package having a process valve, an actuator and a controller. The method includes obtaining a baseline signature corresponding to opening or closing the valve as the valve moves from a first position to a second position. The method also includes obtaining an operating signature corresponding to values associated with the baseline signature each time the valve moves from the first position to the second position. In addition, the operating signature is compared to the baseline signature. The method further includes determining if one or more of the values associated with the operating signature is within an acceptable range from the corresponding one or more values in the baseline signature.

Abstract: A device for visually indicating a change in the operational state of a proximity sensor. The device includes a transparent housing having a cavity and a magnet device for generating a magnetic field. In addition, a sleeve is attached to the housing. The magnet device is concealed within the sleeve in a first position to indicate a first operational state. When a target is positioned adjacent the sensor end, magnetic attraction occurs between the target and the magnet device due to the magnetic field to cause movement of the magnet device to a second position within the cavity wherein the magnetic field does not act on the proximity sensor to change the operational state from the first operational state to a second operational state. Further, the magnet device is visible in the second position to indicate the second operational state.

Abstract: A method associated with a valve controller configured to capture dynamic process conditions for monitoring, diagnosing and maintaining a valve assembly through knowledge-based valve performance criteria. The method includes determining the open and closed positions of a process valve. Measuring the peak torque value required by an actuator to open and close the process valve. Measuring the supply and exhaust pressure required by an actuator to open and close the valve. Determining a deviation zone associated with the peak torque value to open the valve where an alarm is triggered when the torque value falls outside the deviation zone. Creating the dynamic baseline over Nth process cycles when the valve is installed in-line.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A micro-power generator is integrated in a pneumatic valve controller, such that the micro-power generator is powered by the same compressed air supply used to operate the valve. The micro-power generator includes a micro-turbine connected to a DC power generator, and a source of compressed air is used to drive the micro-turbine to generate power via the generator. The system may include a valve controller pneumatically connected to the compressed air supply. The valve controller may include electronics for displaying a condition of the controller. The system can include an electronic field device in communication with the valve controller for displaying a condition of the valve controller. The micro-turbine generator can be electrically connected to the field device to provide power to the electronic field device. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a valve including an enclosure that defines first and second chambers, an indicator proximate the first and second chambers, an operating media distribution system that is disposed in the first chamber, and an electronic control unit disposed in the second chamber. The operating media distribution system includes a manifold block that has an exterior surface, and a plurality of operating media distribution cartridges exchangeably disposed with respect to the manifold block. The manifold block defines a plurality of holes, an operating media supply passage and an operating media exhaust passage. Each of the plurality of operating media distribution cartridges is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of holes and includes a cylinder and a spool assembly that is disposed in and displaced relative to the cylinder. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system.

Abstract: A method associated with a valve controller configured to capture dynamic process conditions for monitoring, diagnosing and maintaining a valve assembly through knowledge-based valve performance criteria. The method includes determining the open and closed positions of a process valve. Measuring the peak torque value required by an actuator to open and close the process valve. Measuring the supply and exhaust pressure required by an actuator to open and close the valve. Determining a deviation zone associated with the peak torque value to open the valve where an alarm is triggered when the torque value falls outside the deviation zone. Creating the dynamic baseline over Nth process cycles when the valve is installed in-line.

Abstract: A controller for controlling a valve is disclosed including a manifold assembly, a valve position indicator and a trigger assembly. An operating media distribution system is disposed in the manifold assembly and an electronic control unit is disposed in the controller. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system to activate an actuator which opens or closes the valve. The trigger assembly includes a cylinder adapted to receive an actuator shaft and provide a self setting mechanism corresponding to the stroke length of the actuator shaft.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a valve including an enclosure that defines first and second chambers, an indicator proximate the first and second chambers, an operating media distribution system that is disposed in the first chamber, and an electronic control unit disposed in the second chamber. The operating media distribution system includes a manifold block that has an exterior surface, and a plurality of operating media distribution cartridges exchangeably disposed with respect to the manifold block. The manifold block defines a plurality of holes, an operating media supply passage and an operating media exhaust passage. Each of the plurality of operating media distribution cartridges is disposed in a respective one of the plurality of holes and includes a cylinder and a spool assembly that is disposed in and displaced relative to the cylinder. The electronic control unit operates at least one electromagnetic valve to control operating media flow via the operating media distribution system.

Abstract: A valve position monitor that provides simultaneous visual and electrical signals of valve position is disclosed. A method of monitoring the position of a valve by utilizing the valve position monitor described herein is also disclosed.