Abstract: A method for determining a change in a mass of a fan impeller. The method includes inducing a torque to the fan impeller and determining a change in the angular speed of the fan impeller, induced by the torque. A value for a first parameter representing a present mass of the fan impeller is determined on the basis of the change in the angular speed and the torque. The change in the mass is then determined on the basis of the first parameter and a second parameter representing the reference mass of the fan impeller.

Abstract: A pressure measurement device in a tube (30) of a hydraulic circuit is disclosed, comprising a metal collar (2) provided with n (?3) contact stops (22, 24, 26) made of an electrically insulating material, designed to come into contact with the wall of said tube, preventing the metal of the collar coming into contact with this wall, one of the contact stops (22) comprising a passage (22?) that will connect the atmosphere inside said tube with pressure measurement means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a method for operating a manipulator system having a vacuum manipulator device for manipulating a workpiece and a vacuum generator for generating a vacuum. The vacuum generator has a suction connection for suctioning in order to provide a vacuum supply for the vacuum manipulator device. Further, a diagnosis cycle is executed, including the steps of: provision of a vacuum for the vacuum manipulator device, and suctioning without a workpiece; and measurement of the equilibrium pressure obtained at the suction connection with a suction pressure sensor.

Abstract: A hydraulic cylinder stroke operation diagnosis assisting device includes: movable portions that are sequentially supported by a vehicle body in a rotatable manner; a hydraulic cylinder between the vehicle body and each movable portion or between the movable portions to support the movable portions in a rotatable manner; a stroke sensor in the hydraulic cylinder to measure a stroke length of the hydraulic cylinder; a reset sensor measuring a reference reset point in which a value of the stroke length measured by the stroke sensor is reset; a stroke end detection unit detecting a stroke end position of the hydraulic cylinder; a calibration unit calibrating the measured value of the stroke length when the reference reset point and/or the stroke end position are detected; and a monitor displaying at least the measured value of the stroke length and a calibration state by the calibration unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for performing, verifying, and managing testing of backflow preventers. A method can include aspects directed toward confirming proper performance of tests on a backflow preventer by interrogating an inspector's location and credentials before producing test results. Systems are described to perform aspects of such methods. Further, a mobile device is provided for use by an inspector, the mobile device being directed toward confirming proper performance of tests on a backflow preventer. Aspects can also relate to the management of data related to the tests and backflow preventers.

Abstract: A valve device is provided with a contraction-type high polymer gel actuator which laminates slab-like negative plates and mesh-like positive plates alternately and interleaves high polymer gel between each negative plate and each positive plate, and with a first and a second valve mechanisms driven by the gel actuator. The direction of deformation of expansion and contraction of the high polymer gel actuator is the same as the driving direction of the first valve mechanism and perpendicular to the driving direction of the second valve mechanism. The valve device is composed in such a way as to switch opening and closing of a first fluid passage and a second fluid passage simultaneously by means of deformation of expansion and contraction by controlling voltage applied to the high polymer gel actuator. This allows to compose a valve device that can open and close plural oil passages at an identical timing.

Abstract: A method and a system for monitoring the operational state of a pump including acquiring a set characteristic diagram of the pump, the characteristic diagram of the pump being defined by a functional relationship between a first pump operating parameter characteristic of the operational state of the pump and a second pump operating parameter characteristic of the operational state of the pump. Subsequently, an actual characteristic diagram of the pump is acquired when the pump is installed in a higher-level system, in particular an aircraft system, and is running. Finally, the actual characteristic diagram of the pump is compared with the set characteristic diagram of the pump.

Abstract: A valve that can be actuated by a position controller via a drive, wherein the position controller has a housing and is fastened to the valve by the housing. A first temperature sensor and a second temperature sensor are attached on or in the housing. As a result of the position of both sensors, the temperature measured using the first temperature sensor is more readily influenced by the valve and the temperature registered by the second temperature sensor is more readily influenced by the environment. If a gas leak occurs in the valve, a temperature difference occurs that is evaluated for diagnosis of a leak. The diagnostic system is particularly easy to minor implement with minimal effort.

Abstract: Vibration protection in a compressor system with a variable speed compressor may include operating a variable speed compressor of a compressor system at a first frequency, measuring a vibration of the compressor system at the first frequency, determining whether the vibration exceeds a maximum vibration value, and operating the variable speed compressor at an average frequency equivalent to the first frequency, when the vibration exceeds the maximum vibration value, by identifying an allowed upper frequency and an allowed lower frequency, calculating an upper operating time and a lower operating time, and operating the variable speed compressor at the allowed upper frequency for the upper operating time and the allowed lower frequency for the lower operating time.

Abstract: An automatic speed searching device for a partial stroke test of a control valve includes a spool valve operatively connected to a pilot valve and a blocker valve. An electrical module is operatively connected to the pilot valve, a supply of control fluid, and the blocker valve. In an open position of the spool valve, a first control fluid inlet is fluidly connected to a first control fluid outlet, and in a closed position of the spool valve the first control fluid outlet is fluidly connected to a second control fluid outlet. A method of determining an optimum stroke speed includes iteratively powering a main and secondary solenoid in the electrical module and updating parameters to move a control element of the control valve until movement of the control element is within a desired range.

Abstract: A condition monitoring system for use with a reciprocating device. The condition monitoring system includes at least one pressure sensor that is configured to sense a pressure within the reciprocating device. At least one vibration sensor is configured to sense a vibration of the reciprocating device. A protection system is communicatively coupled to the pressure sensor and the vibration sensor. The protection system is configured to calculate a stiffness value of the reciprocating device based on the sensed pressure within the reciprocating device and the sensed vibration of the reciprocating device.

Abstract: A method of monitoring hydraulic fluid levels in an aircraft includes identifying segments of operation where the aircraft meets a predetermined stability criteria, receiving output from the fluid sensor, calculating hydraulic fluid levels within the at least one hydraulic storage tank, determining a hydraulic fluid value indicative of the amount of hydraulic fluid in the aircraft based on at least the calculated hydraulic fluid level, and providing an indication of the hydraulic fluid value.

Abstract: An ECU determines whether condensed water is present at a rotor and vanes based on an electric current, which flows in an electric motor that drives the rotor. When the condensed water is determined to be present, the ECU drives the motor for a predetermined time period. When the condensed water is determined to be absent, the ECU stores a pressure, which is sensed through a pressure sensor, as a first pressure. The ECU is adapted to sense an abnormality in a pump characteristic based on a value of the first pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum pumping system (10) which comprises: a vacuum pumping mechanism (12) and a motor (14) for driving the vacuum pumping mechanism. Means (16) are provided for determining a cumulative load on the vacuum pumping system over time by monitoring a characteristic of the motor over that time. Means (18) are also provided for activating a maintenance activity on the system when the cumulative load exceeds a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A method of operation analysis of operation of a plurality of sump pumps located at various, separate locations. A plurality of sensors are respectively associated therewith. Each sensor sensing at least one operation condition. A plurality of location communication devices are respectively associated therewith. A master communicating device is located away from the separate locations. The communicated information is received at the master communicating device. The received communicated information is stored in memory. At least one benchmark value is determined concerning an operating condition utilizing the received information for each of the plurality of sump pumps. The received information for each of the sump pumps is compared to the benchmark value. Each sump pumps based is classified based upon each respective comparison.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for testing and maintaining hydraulic tools and, in particular, devices and methods for testing and maintaining hydraulic forcible entry tools that are used to forcibly open locked doors, for example, in emergency situations.

Abstract: Method for individuating the pumping conditions of the centrifugal blowers according to thermo-dynamic conditions (pressure and temperature) and to the gas composition in inlet, comprising the steps of: acquisition of the suction pressure, the suction temperature, the delivery pressure, the delivery temperature, the flow rate, the revolution number and the chemical composition of the gas mixture; calculation of the reduced conditions of the processed gaseous mixture by means of mixing equations; solution of the state equation of the real gases for the calculation of the thermo not dynamic properties of the gas mixture in the current conditions; acquisition of the performance non-dimensional curves of the blower, which express the value of the working coefficient of the blower and of the plytropic yield of the blower; calculation of the blower performance curves on the basis of the non-dimensional curves and according to the blower inlet parameters; determination of the pumping points, individuated as maximum

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stem nut wear in a valve having a threaded valve stem that is positioned to engage the threads of a stem nut. In a preferred embodiment, a tool is mounted on the stem nut, wherein the tool rotates when the stem nut rotates. The tool indicates a measurement of stem nut rotation. An indicator indicates stem movement. The stem nut is rotated and the amount of percent wear is observed. Rotation continues until the stem begins to move. The tool provides a reading when the stem begins to move that indicates an amount of stem nut wear.

Abstract: A system for on-line testing of an emergency shut-off valve includes a first emergency shut-off valve (first valve) and a flow control valve (second valve), with the system being configured to allow the second valve to serve as a combination flow control and second emergency shut-off valve. A subsystem is also provided for testing the first valve without fully closing the first valve in response to a signal from the control. In this subsystem, a solenoid valve bleeds off pressurized fluid to move the first valve from a fully opened to a partially closed position. A bypass around the second valve allows it to be tested as the second emergency shut-off valve, allowing the second valve to close completely without shutting down the process. The use of the two emergency shut-off valves in series wherein either valve can shut down the process provides a level 3 safety integrity level.

Abstract: A method of testing a hydroelectric turbine before the turbine is installed and secured on the seabed, in order to ensure that the turbine is operating as expected, the method involving securing the turbine to a vessel and displacing the vessel through water in order to effect rotation while monitoring one or more operating parameters of the turbine.

Abstract: A test rig for testing blades for a wind turbine includes a fixing structure where a root end of a wind turbine blade can be fixed, a loading mass structure extending from the fixing structure, and an actuation structure which can apply a sinusoidal force to the loading mass structure so that a counterbalanced resonance is established between the loading mass structure and a blade which is fixed in the fixing structure. Due to the counterbalanced resonance, the force from the test rig onto the floor or other building components can be reduced relative to that known from the traditional rigs for blade testing.

Abstract: Provided is a hydraulic test device for head loss of a strainer and a test method thereof, wherein the hydraulic test device comprises a circulation pipe; an inflow container; a container; a debris interceptor; sensors; a circulation pump; a flow meter; a circulation heating heater; and a data acquisition part which stores data sensed by each sensor, flow rate data.

Abstract: A sensor coupler adapted to operatively connect a sensor to a piston-cylinder assembly. The sensor coupler includes a first end member and a second end member. The first end member is disposed on a port of the piston-cylinder assembly, in communication with the sensor, and the second end member is disposed in a cylinder chamber of the piston-cylinder assembly. Further, one or more cables are extending between the first end member and the second end member. The one or more cables are configured to transmit signals indicative of a position of a piston in the piston-cylinder assembly to the sensor. The sensor coupler further includes a biasing member to connect the first end member and the second end member.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring RMS values of burst-fired currents includes a current sensor having a signal output, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter coupled to the signal output of the current sensor, a digital processor coupled to an output of the A/D converter, and a digital memory coupled to the digital processor. Code segments stored in the digital memory are executable on the digital processor and implement a process of: a) initially sampling the output of the A/D converter; b) determining from the initial sampling a burst-fired current pattern; c) sampling the output of the A/D converter N times within a burst-fired current pattern to provide N samples; and d) calculating an RMS value from the N samples.

Abstract: An arrangement in which a valve assembly is provided between the supply air inlet and the magnetic valve that is activated by a position threshold sensor that can be activated by the actuator element and/or a pressure threshold sensor registering the actuating pressure on the magnetic valve and connects the magnetic valve directly to the supply air to increase the availability of the actuator device when the position threshold sensor detects the attaining of a specified operation position of the actuator element or the pressure threshold sensor detects the failure to attain a specified minimum pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting impending pump failure in a hydraulic system is disclosed. The system measures and compares the running and moving volumetric deficiencies of the hydraulic system as a whole and if they are not within range of each other by a predetermined threshold, the system determines that at least one of the pumps in the system is about to fail. If such a determination is made by the system, the pump displacement is at standby of each pump is then calculated and the pump with the greatest displacement at standby is determined to be the pump approaching failure. Once the pump approaching failure is identified, a signal is generated to apprise the operator or other entity to enable corrective action to be taken.

Abstract: A method for partially stroking an emergency valve apparatus is provided. The emergency valve apparatus comprises an actuator (103) and a valve member (101). The apparatus is movable between a first position and a second position. The method comprises the step of initiating a partial stroke movement of the apparatus from the first position towards the second position. A parameter of the fluid acting on the apparatus is measured. Once the measured parameter reaches a threshold value, the partial stroke movement is reversed.

Abstract: A burner for a fire plume generator includes a liquid fuel nozzle directed along a first axis, a peripheral shield extending around the liquid fuel nozzle, the peripheral shield extending substantially along the first axis and defining an upper end and a lower end, and a pilot flame manifold located at or above the upper end of the peripheral shield, the pilot flame manifold defining a plurality of pilot flame outlets. A fire plume generator, a fire safety protection evaluation system, and a method of evaluating a fire safety protection device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for testing a compressor is provided. The system comprises one or more compressors connected together in series to a test compressor wherein an output of the test compressor is connected to an input of a first compressor in the series, forming an overall loop, one or more process fluid coolers in the overall loop, one or more orifices in the overall loop, a control valve in the overall loop, and a first plurality of sensors configured adjacent to a process fluid input of the test compressor and a second plurality of sensors configured adjacent to a process fluid output of the test compressor.

Abstract: A fluid volume measuring device for use in a hydraulic system, includes a conduit element which holds hydraulic fluid, a transfer arrangement axially movably along a displacement path within the conduit element. A contact-free sensor is functionally connected with the transfer arrangement. The sensor detects a displacement of the transfer arrangement along the displacement path relative to the conduit element.

Abstract: A method for sensor operating-state determination of a valve arrangement to control a process medium flow through a pipeline having a valve element, arranged such that it can move axially within a valve housing via a pneumatic actuating drive by application of control pressure, with the control pressure being measured and evaluated in order to determine the sliding friction during the movement. The valve element can be moved at a constant speed over at least a subarea of the travel movement, the value of which speed is measured via a position sensor system for signal processing, with the currently applied control pressure being measured at approximately the same time for signal processing via a pressure sensor system. The current sliding friction of the valve element can be determined as a measure of wear state from both measured values, by an electronic evaluation unit, based on a proportional drive force expressed by the control pressure which occurs when the valve element is traveling at a constant speed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system and method for accumulator banks including at least two pressure accumulators, the accumulator bank is coupled to a device and being adapted to provide a pressurized fluid into the device at pressure reductions in said device. The monitoring system comprises at least one sensor for detecting a chosen parameter in the accumulator bank at chosen intervals of time, and a recording unit for recording the sampled measured parameters, a storage device for storing predetermined characteristic information related to the pressure development in the accumulator bank during pressure reductions at the device and representing different numbers of active accumulators in the accumulator bank, and calculation means for comparing the recorded measured parameters with the stored characteristic information, and determining from this comparison the number of active accumulators in the accumulator bank.

Abstract: Partial Stroke Testing (PST) equipment and methodologies provide PST data for an electromechanical valve, wherein power is withheld from the valve to trigger the vale to move away from a fully open position and power is subsequently applied to reinstate the fully open position immediately following detecting that the test valve has moved away from the fully open position. These operations are performed and monitored to determine whether they are completed within a prescribed period of time and associated data is generated that indicates a health of the valve subjected to the PST.

Abstract: A filter monitoring device which detects variances in pressure of fluid flowing through a filter element in a filter assembly includes (1) an indicator for conveying data of changes in the differential pressure of the fluid in the filter assembly and (2) a temperature sensor for transmitting data showing any changes in temperature of the fluid being filtered. A microcontroller converts data received about changes in differential pressure and temperature sensing means to digital format and transmits the data along two differential digital lines to a driver and output connector.

Abstract: A method for determining a functioning of a gas bleed valve in a primary reservoir for a medium for a hydraulic system includes connecting a testing apparatus with a separate reservoir of the medium to the primary reservoir; pumping the medium from the separate reservoir to the primary reservoir; measuring the volume of the medium pumped from the separate reservoir to the primary reservoir; and determining the functioning of the gas bleed valve by comparing the volume of the medium pumped to the primary reservoir with: a change of the medium volume measured in the primary reservoir, or a change of the pressure of the medium pumped to the primary reservoir.

Abstract: A test device for a compressor has a valve and ducting connected to the valve. A flow nozzle connected to the ducting has a corresponding coefficient of flow. A pressure sensor connected to the flow nozzle measures a pressure of a working fluid, and a flow rate of the working fluid is calculated using the pressure and the coefficient of flow. A method for testing a compressor includes operating the compressor at a first power level, measuring a flow rate of a working fluid at the first power level, adjusting a pressure of the working fluid to equal a first predetermined pressure, and measuring operating parameters of the compressor at the first power level. The method also includes adjusting the pressure of the working fluid to equal a second predetermined pressure and measuring operating parameters of the compressor at the first power level with the pressure of the working fluid at the second predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A system and method for measurement of a polished rod movement in a reciprocating rod pumping system comprising reciprocal motive elements is provided. A proximity sensor target is mounted on the polished rod while a corresponding sensor element, is mounted in fixed relation to the pumping system, for example in fixed relation to the wellhead or ground. The sensor detects passage of the proximity sensor target, and thus the polished rod, as it moves in opposite directions during a single stroke cycle. The time of passage and the speed of the polished rod, as determined from its kinematic relationship with other pumping system components, is used to determine the position of the polished rod at any point during the cycle. The proximity sensor target may be mounted on a walking beam or other reciprocally moving element, with the sensor positioned in a corresponding fixed location.

Abstract: A method for estimating a fluid charge of a hydraulic accumulator includes determining a first accumulator pressure at a first time with a pressure sensor, the first time during accumulator charging; determining a second accumulator pressure at a second time with the pressure sensor, the second time during accumulator charging; determining a first fan speed at the first time; determining a second fan speed at the second time; and estimating the fluid charge of the hydraulic accumulator as a function of the first accumulator pressure, the second accumulator pressure, the first fan speed, and the second fan speed.

Abstract: Valve systems include a valve and a valve actuator assembly for operating the valve. The valve actuator assembly includes a controller that uses stored information and signals from a sensor to open and close the valve. The controller can manipulate, analyze, evaluate, store, and communicate information related to the history of the valve, performance of the valve, valve settings, and the like. The controller can send information to a replacement controller or a replacement valve actuator assembly. Various types of wired and wireless connections can establish communication between the controller and the replacement controller or replacement valve actuator assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring stem nut wear in a valve having a threaded valve stem that is positioned to engage the threads of a stem nut. In a preferred embodiment, a tool is mounted on the stem nut, wherein the tool rotates when the stem nut rotates. The tool indicates a measurement of stem nut rotation. An indicator indicates stem movement. The stem nut is rotated and the amount of percent wear is observed. Rotation continues until the stem begins to move. The tool provides a reading when the stem begins to move that indicates an amount of stem nut wear.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for detecting wear of a pump are disclosed, which pump is controlled with a frequency converter providing rotational speed and torque estimates, characteristic curves of the pump being known. An exemplary method includes obtaining a value representing the operating point of the pump by measuring the flow (Qact) or the head (Hact) produced by the pump; estimating the operating point of the pump by using a calculation based on the characteristic curves of the pump, the estimated rotational speed (nest) of the pump, and the estimated torque (Test) of the pump; calculating an estimation error from the value representing the operating point and from the estimated operating point; repeating the above steps during the use of the pump; and detecting the wear of the pump from the amplitude of the estimation error.

Abstract: In a flow rate estimation device of a blood pump, a general flow rate estimation formula which includes a correction term is formed based on a plurality of blood pumps. Measured data obtained from an objective blood pump implanted inside a patient is substituted into the correction term, thus forming a flow rate estimation formula of the objective blood pump. The flow rate Q of the objective blood pump is estimated based on the flow rate estimation formula and the values of the rotational speed N and the consumption current I of the motor of the objective blood pump, and the attribute data Z of the blood of the patient.

Abstract: An actuating device for an on/off valve having a pneumatic drive that is connected to a compressed air supply by a solenoid valve, wherein when driven with a control voltage, the solenoid valve ventilates the pneumatic drive with the compressed air and, when the control voltage is not present, vents the pneumatic drive. The pneumatic drive moves the on/off valve into an operating position during ventilation and moves it into a safety position during venting. To permit the performance of partial-stroke tests in the simplest way possible, a device for performing the partial-stroke test includes a controllable switch which is closed in a quiescent state, and in this case supplies the control voltage to the solenoid valve. The controllable switch is opened by a control signal that is generated to perform the partial-stroke test.

Abstract: Wear of a pump is estimated using a process that involves operating the pump to drive a hydraulic actuator that moves a member. The actual speed of the member is determined and the speed of the pump is sensed. Pressure of fluid conveyed from the pump to the hydraulic actuator also is sensed. A predicted speed of the member is calculated based on the speed of the pump and the pressure of the fluid. The predicted speed is compared to the actual speed and the result is employed to provide an indication of a degree of wear of the pump. The difference between the predicted speed and the actual speed increases as the pump wear increases.

Abstract: A linear position sensor is installed inside the pressure vessel of a hydraulic accumulator to provide positional information for the moveable element inside of the accumulator. The positional information provides accumulator charge condition data for use in hydraulic systems such as vehicular regenerative braking systems and generalized industrial accumulator systems. Charge condition data allows for optimized control and operation of the hydraulic system.

Abstract: A system for on-line testing of an emergency shut-off valve includes a first emergency shut-off valve (first valve) and a flow control valve (second valve), with the system being configured to allow the second valve to serve as a combination flow control and second emergency shut-off valve. A subsystem is also provided for testing the first valve without fully closing the first valve in response to a signal from the control. In this subsystem, a solenoid valve bleeds off pressurized fluid to move the first valve from a fully opened to a partially closed position. A bypass around the second valve allows it to be tested as the second emergency shut-off valve, allowing the second valve to close completely without shutting down the process. The use of the two emergency shut-off valves in series wherein either valve can shut down the process provides a level 3 safety integrity level.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a position measuring device for a fluidic cylinder, which includes a cylinder jacket and a piston rod longitudinally movable in the cylinder jacket, wherein the position measuring device includes an evaluation unit which determines the position of the piston rod with respect to the cylinder jacket with reference to the intrinsic capacitance of the capacitor formed by cylinder jacket, piston rod and a dielectric fluid acting as a dielectric.

Abstract: Generally, a system and method consistent with the present disclosure may provide a relatively low cost, relatively robust data acquisition and analysis system useful for condition-based maintenance. The system may be useful for condition-based maintenance in industrial applications, e.g., of equipment and/or machinery. The industrial monitoring system may be used, for example, to monitor a condition of rotating machinery, e.g., a wind turbine. The system and method may include data analysis that may be useful for anticipating a need for maintenance, repair and/or replacement of one or more components.

Abstract: A system for on-line testing of an emergency shut-off valve includes a first emergency shut-off valve and a control for initiating a test on the first emergency shut-off valve. The system also includes a fluid actuator for opening and closing the first emergency shut-off valve. A subsystem is also provided for testing the first emergency shut-off valve without fully closing the shut-off valve in response to a signal from the control. In this system, a second solenoid valve bleeds off pressurized fluid to move the emergency shut-off valve from a fully opened to a partially closed position functions as a second emergency shut-off valve. A second emergency shut-off valve is also provided in series with the first emergency shut-off valve and a bypass around the second emergency shut-off valve allows the second emergency shut-off valve to be tested by being fully closed without shutting down the process.

Abstract: A local logic solver that operates with a local smart valve controller to control, test and monitor performance characteristics of a local field-mounted emergency isolation valve device, outputting a local indication of trouble on the device, which is mounted in the field away from the facility's central control panel for the process. The local logic solver includes a recording function and memory for retrieval of detected faults that are time-stamped and recorded locally to generate documentation and to track the elapsed time, starting when the degraded state of the device was detected and first signaled as a problem; other performance data is also recorded. Accordingly, the operation of the overall system is simplified by eliminating the need for an external computer to diagnose any problems.