Patent ID: 8958996
Filing Date: 2015-02-17
Classification: F16K,G01D,G01F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method for monitoring operation of one or more pressure relief valves, each relief valve containing an internal flow passage with a valve seat and valve plug disposed therein, the method comprising: sensing a temperature of a fluid in the internal flow passage downstream of the valve seat; generating a valve temperature signal representative of the temperature of the fluid downstream of the valve seat; monitoring the valve temperature signal to detect a rate of change in the temperature of the fluid downstream of the valve seat; sensing, by a pressure sensor, an internal pressure of an inlet pressure line connected to the internal flow passage upstream of the valve seat; generating, by the pressure sensor, a line pressure signal representative of the internal pressure of the inlet pressure line; comparing, by a computing device, the line pressure signal against at least one expected line pressure value to determine a line pressure status; and determining, by the computing device, operational status of the pressure relief valve based on the comparison of the detected rate of change of the fluid temperature downstream of the valve seat and an expected rate of change in temperature for a predetermined pressure relief valve, and based on the line pressure status.