Patent ID: 6550314
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: F16K,F17D,G01M,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for detecting leaky valves in a fluid transport system wherein said fluid transport system includes at least an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe; an isolation valve; a pressure sensor; a vent valve; and an exit vent;and wherein said isolation valve further comprises a valve body; a fluid flow diversion means; a plurality of seals; and a vent port; the method for detecting leaky valves comprising: partially closing said isolation valve by moving said fluid flow diversion means to a position such that said plurality of seals no longer effectively isolates process pressure from said inner cavity, thereby causing diverted process pressure to accumulate within said inner cavity; returning said isolation valve to a fully opened position by moving said fluid flow diversion means such that said inner cavity is again isolated from said fluid flow by said plurality of seals, thereby effectively isolating said accumulation of process pressure in said inner cavity; opening said vent valve so that the accumulated process pressure isolated within said inner cavity is vented to an external environment; closing said vent valve; and then monitoring the resulting inner cavity pressure for a predetermined time period using a pressure sensor to determine a leak rate indicative of fluid re-pressurization within said inner cavity as a function of time.