Patent ID: 8695620
Filing Date: 2014-04-15
Classification: E03D,G01L,G01N,G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of detecting wear in a flush valve comprising: providing a valve including a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet and a main valve element adapted for movement to allow water flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet based on a pressure differential across a portion of the main valve element, the valve comprising a vent system for venting water from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet to establish a pressure differential across a portion of the main valve element to cause the main valve element to open thereby causing operation of the flush valve, the vent system comprising a control chamber in flow communication with the fluid inlet of the valve, and a vent outlet in flow communication with the fluid outlet of the valve; sensing the water pressure within the vent system at a predetermined time after operation of the flush valve to provide a sensed water pressure, the predetermined time based at least partially on a known time required to close the valve with water pressure during normal operation; comparing the sensed water pressure with a predetermined water pressure threshold representative of a typical water pressure value for normal operation of a flush valve; and determining, by a device in communication with the vent system, that the valve requires servicing or replacement when the sensed water pressure is lower than the typical water pressure value for a normal operation of a flush valve.