초록 ▼

A valve actuator control system, although suitable for many control functions, is especially adapted for remote control of plug-type valves utilizes a unique configuration providing a unitary explosion-proof container to house all electrical components and also providing a manifold assembly that is

A valve actuator control system, although suitable for many control functions, is especially adapted for remote control of plug-type valves utilizes a unique configuration providing a unitary explosion-proof container to house all electrical components and also providing a manifold assembly that is adapted for either a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator motor with relatively minor modification. The manifold assembly is designed to accept all utilized control valves, relief valves, check valves, flow control devices, and manually operable override controls thereby simplifying installation and maintenance and reducing attendant costs. Three independent solenoid valves, responsive to mechanical feedback provided through the plug-valve\s operating stem and integrated into the manifold within the explosion-proof container, provide for actuator motor control including a novel dual speed capability for enhancing plug-valve performance while precluding costly premature wear. A unique manual override safety feature comprising automatic motor power bypass within the manifold, assures personal safety despite unexpected reapplication of previously interrupted electrical and hydraulic or pneumatic power.

대표청구항 ▼

An improved remotely controllable actuator control system primarily for use with a plug-type valve and an operator for changing the flow configuration of the valve in response to a source of motive power, the actuator of the type having a source of motive power, means for activating the motive power

An improved remotely controllable actuator control system primarily for use with a plug-type valve and an operator for changing the flow configuration of the valve in response to a source of motive power, the actuator of the type having a source of motive power, means for activating the motive power source in response to a remotely initiated command for changing the flow configuration of the valve, means for sensing the actual flow configuration of the valve and means for deactivating the motive power source when the actual flow configuration of the valve has been changed in accordance with the remotely initiated command; the improvement comprising: a manifold connected to said motive power source for selectively initiating motion in said source in either of two directions, said manifold having means responsive to said command for initiating motion in said source in a selected one of said two directions, said manifold also having means responsive to said flow configuration of said valve for stopping said selected motion of said source when said flow configuration has changed in accordance with said command; said flow configuration responsive means comprising at least two independent switching devices; said command responsive means comprising at least two independent power source control devices; respective switching devices being connected to respective power source control devices to form at least two switching device-control device pairs, each such pair being operative to sequentially initiate and terminate an opposite change in valve flow configuration; said source of motive power comprising a hydraulic pressure operated device having a rotatable shaft; said power source control devices comprising solenoid operated hydraulic valves, one such valve connected to a clockwise input hydraulic pressure line of said hydraulic pressure operated device and one such valve connected to a counterclockwise input hydraulic pressure line of said hydraulic pressure operated device; said switching devices comprising electrical switches, each such switch connected to one of said solenoid operated hydraulic valves for closing said hydraulic valves respectively, upon actuation of a switch, for blocking hydraulic pressure to said hydraulic pressure operated device; said remotely initiated command comprising an electrical energy transmitted to each said electrical switch for opening said hydraulic valves respectively, for passing hydraulic pressure to said hydraulic pressure operated device; said flow configuration responsive means further comprising a mechanical feedback member connected to said plug-type valve for emulating the configuration of the plug of said plug-type valve, and at least two switch paddles, each such paddle being attached to said feedback member and positioned relative to one of said switches, respectively, for actuating said one switch when said plug is configured for a first flow status through said plug-type valve and for actuating the other of said switches when said plug is configured for a second flow status through said plug-type valve; said solenoid operated hydraulic valves, said switches, said switch paddles and all interconnecting wiring being contained within a unitary explosion-proof container; said switches being mounted to a unitary bracket also contained within said container; said manifold further comprising means for receiving a source of hydraulic fluid pressure and a replaceable filter element disposed within the path of said hydraulic fluid pressure within said manifold; two manually operable hydraulic valves, each such manually operable valve being connected in parallel with a respective one of said solenoid operated hydraulic valves whereby the flow configuration of said plug-type valve may be changed by manually enabling hydraulic pressure to said hydraulic pressure operated device; a first flow control valve connected to said manifold in series with said source of hydraulic fluid pressure for limiting the hydraulic flow applied to said hydraulic pressure operated device; a second flow control valve connected to said manifold in parallel with said flow control valve and in series with an additional solenoid operated hydraulic valve for selectively limiting the hydraulic flow applied to said hydraulic pressure operated device to any of at least two levels; and an additional electrical switch connected to said additional solenoid operated hydraulic valve, and an additional switch paddle being attached to said feedback member and positioned relative to said additional switch for automatically changing the level of the hydraulic flow applied to said hydraulic pressure operated device during a change in the flow configuration of said plug-type valve.