Method and apparatus for measurement of valve stem thrust

Claim 1

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve seat and valve stem being disposed within a housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible externally to the housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means and a transmission assembly which are positioned in a housing, the apparatus comprising force measuring means positioned for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; means for mounting the force measuring means to the housing of the actuator means and independently of the transmission assembly; means for coupling the force measuring means to the externally accessible end of the valve stem to provide an instantaneous measurement of the axial force on the stem; and means for terminating the operation of the actuating means whenever a predetermined actuator means operating state is reached.

Claim 2

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve seat and valve stem being disposed within a housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible externally to the housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means and a transmission assembly which are positioned in a housing, the apparatus comprising force measuring means positioned for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; means for mounting the force measuring means to the housing of the actuator means and independently of the transmission assembly; means for coupling the force measuring means to the externally accessible end of the valve stem to provide an instantaneous measurement of the axial force on the stem; and means for terminating the operation of the actuating means whenever a predetermined actuator means operating state is reached.

Claim 9

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve seat and valve stem being disposed within a housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible externally to the housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means, the apparatus comprising force measuring means positioned for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; means for mounting the force measuring means to the actuator means; means for coupling the force measuring means to the externally accessible end of the valve stem to provide an instantaneous measurement of the axial force on the stem, wherein the coupling means include a rod having a first end shaped for mounting to the externally accessible end of the valve stem, and a second end; adaptor means, one end of which is attached to the force measuring means and the other end of which is coupled to the second end of the rod, for adjustably coupling the rod to the force measuring means, the adapter means being adjustable to provide a coupling between the rod and the force measuring means which is moveable between a first position in which the rod slides freely through the adapter means and a second position in which the rod is tightly coupled to the adapter means; and means for terminating the operation of the actuating means whenever a predetermined actuator means operating state is reached.

Claim 10

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve seat and valve stem being disposed within a housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible externally to the housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means, the apparatus comprising force measuring means positioned for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; means for mounting the force measuring means to the actuator means; means for coupling the force measuring means to the externally accessible end of the valve stem to provide an instantaneous measurement of the axial force on the stem, wherein the coupling means include a rod having a first end shaped for mounting to the externally accessible end of the valve stem, and a second end; adaptor means, one end of which is attached to the force measuring means and the other end of which is coupled to the second end of the rod, for adjustably coupling the rod to the force measuring means, the adapter means being adjustable to provide a coupling between the rod and the force measuring means which is moveable between a first position in which the rod slides freely through the adapter means and a second position in which the rod is tightly coupled to the adapter means; and means for terminating the operation of the actuating means whenever a predetermined actuator means operating state is reached.

Claim 11

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve seat and valve stem being disposed within a housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible externally to the housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means, the apparatus comprising force measuring means positioned for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem and including a plurality of compression load cells; means for mounting the force measuring means to the actuator means, wherein the mounting means comprise a first platform shaped to rest upon the actuator means and having a first aperture through which the valve shaft can extend; a second platform disposed above the first platform and shaped for attachment to the coupling means, the plurality of compression load cells being positioned between the first and second platforms and in contact therewith so that movement of the valve stem into the valve housing is transferred to the second platform which, in turn, compresses the compression load cells; means for coupling the force measuring means to the externally accessible end of the valve stem to provide an instantaneous measurement of the axial force on the stem; and means for terminating the operation of the actuating means whenever a predetermined actuator means operating state is reached.

Claim 12

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve seat and valve stem being disposed within a housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible externally to the housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means, the apparatus comprising force measuring means positioned for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem and including a plurality of compression load cells; means for mounting the force measuring means to the actuator means, wherein the mounting means comprise a first platform shaped to rest upon the actuator means and having a first aperture through which the valve shaft can extend; a second platform disposed above the first platform and shaped for attachment to the coupling means, the plurality of compression load cells being positioned between the first and second platforms and in contact therewith so that movement of the valve stem into the valve housing is transferred to the second platform which, in turn, compresses the compression load cells; means for coupling the force measuring means to the externally accessible end of the valve stem to provide an instantaneous measurement of the axial force on the stem; and means for terminating the operation of the actuating means whenever a predetermined actuator means operating state is reached.

Claim 14

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat. the valve body. valve stem and valve seat being disposed within a housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the housing, the accessible end being bored and tapped to accept a threaded member, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means and a transmission assembly which are positioned in a housing, the apparatus comprising actuator torque limiting means for terminating the operation of the actuating means whenever a predetermined operating state of the actuator is attained; a tension load cell positioned for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; a non-yieldable rod having a threaded first end and a threaded second end, the first end being threaded into to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; an adapter for coupling the second end of the rod to the tension load cell; and a mounting stand for supporting the tension load cell on the housing of the actuating means and independently of the transmission assembly so that the resultant forces present on the valve stem with respect to the valve housing can be measured.

Claim 15

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat. the valve body. valve stem and valve seat being disposed within a housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the housing, the accessible end being bored and tapped to accept a threaded member, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means and a transmission assembly which are positioned in a housing, the apparatus comprising actuator torque limiting means for terminating the operation of the actuating means whenever a predetermined operating state of the actuator is attained; a tension load cell positioned for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; a non-yieldable rod having a threaded first end and a threaded second end, the first end being threaded into to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; an adapter for coupling the second end of the rod to the tension load cell; and a mounting stand for supporting the tension load cell on the housing of the actuating means and independently of the transmission assembly so that the resultant forces present on the valve stem with respect to the valve housing can be measured.

Claim 16

A method of measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve stem and valve seat being disposed in a valve housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the valve housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means by way of a transmission assembly, said actuating means and transmission assembly being positioned in a housing; the method comprising the steps of positioning a force measuring device for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting the force measuring device to the housing of the actuating means and independently of the transmission assembly; coupling the force measuring device to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; energizing the actuating means to supply actuating force to the valve stem; deenergizing the actuating means when a predetermined state of the actuating means is reached; and observing the indication of the force measuring means at the point at which the operation of the actuating means was terminated.

Claim 17

A method of measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve stem and valve seat being disposed in a valve housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the valve housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means by way of a transmission assembly, said actuating means and transmission assembly being positioned in a housing; the method comprising the steps of positioning a force measuring device for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting the force measuring device to the housing of the actuating means and independently of the transmission assembly; coupling the force measuring device to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; energizing the actuating means to supply actuating force to the valve stem; deenergizing the actuating means when a predetermined state of the actuating means is reached; and observing the indication of the force measuring means at the point at which the operation of the actuating means was terminated.

Claim 18

A method of measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve stem and valve seat being disposed in a valve housing wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the valve housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means, wherein the actuating means is disposed in an actuator housing which is mounted to the valve housing; the method comprising the steps of positioning a force measuring device for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting the force measuring device to the actuating means, wherein the mounting step includes the steps of fastening one end of the force measuring means to a plate which is positioned above the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting the plate to one end of a support structure; and fastening the other end of the support structure to the actuator housing; coupling the force measuring device to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; energizing the actuating means to supply actuating force to the valve stem; deenergizing the actuating means when a predetermined state of the actuating means is reached; and observing the indication of the force measuring means at the point at which the operation of the actuating means was terminated.

Claim 19

A method of measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve stem and valve seat being disposed in a valve housing wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the valve housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means, wherein the actuating means is disposed in an actuator housing which is mounted to the valve housing; the method comprising the steps of positioning a force measuring device for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting the force measuring device to the actuating means, wherein the mounting step includes the steps of fastening one end of the force measuring means to a plate which is positioned above the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting the plate to one end of a support structure; and fastening the other end of the support structure to the actuator housing; coupling the force measuring device to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; energizing the actuating means to supply actuating force to the valve stem; deenergizing the actuating means when a predetermined state of the actuating means is reached; and observing the indication of the force measuring means at the point at which the operation of the actuating means was terminated.

Claim 22

A method of setting valve stem thrust in a valve in which a valve stem applies thrust to the valve body to seat the valve body against a valve seat, wherein the valve body and the valve seat are contained within a valve housing, the valve stem having an end which is externally accessible, and further wherein actuating means supply an actuating force to the valve stem by way of a transmission assembly, the method comprising the steps of positioning a force measuring device for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting one end of the force measuring device to the valve housing and independently of the transmission assembly of the actuating means; coupling the other end of the force measuring device to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; applying the actuating force to the valve stem; terminating the valve stem actuation when the actuating means reaches a predetermined operating state; comparing the indication of the force measuring means to a predetermined value; adjusting the terminating means so that the valve actuation will be terminated at an operating state in which the difference between the force measuring means indication and the predetermined value tends toward zero; and repeating the force application, comparison and termination adjustment steps until the indicated force measurement approximately equals the predetermined value.

Claim 23

A method of setting valve stem thrust in a valve in which a valve stem applies thrust to the valve body to seat the valve body against a valve seat, wherein the valve body and the valve seat are contained within a valve housing, the valve stem having an end which is externally accessible, and further wherein actuating means supply an actuating force to the valve stem by way of a transmission assembly, the method comprising the steps of positioning a force measuring device for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting one end of the force measuring device to the valve housing and independently of the transmission assembly of the actuating means; coupling the other end of the force measuring device to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; applying the actuating force to the valve stem; terminating the valve stem actuation when the actuating means reaches a predetermined operating state; comparing the indication of the force measuring means to a predetermined value; adjusting the terminating means so that the valve actuation will be terminated at an operating state in which the difference between the force measuring means indication and the predetermined value tends toward zero; and repeating the force application, comparison and termination adjustment steps until the indicated force measurement approximately equals the predetermined value.

Claim 24

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve stem and valve seat being disposed within a valve housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the housing, and further wherein actuating means, positioned in a housing, supply an actuating force to the external end of the valve stem by way of a transmission assembly, the actuator means being supported by the valve housing, wherein actuator torque limiting means which are communicatively coupled to the actuating means deenergize the actuator means whenever a designated operating state of the actuating means is attained, the apparatus comprising force measuring means; mounting means for positioning the force measuring means for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem and for mounting the force measuring means to the housing of the actuator means and independently of the transmission assembly; and means for communicatively coupling the force measuring means to the externally accessible end of the valve stem, so that the valve stem is moveable between a first position in which the force measuring means are disengaged from communication with the valve stem and a second position in which the force measuring means are in communication with the valve stem, wherein in the second position the force measuring means supply the loading to the valve stem to cause the actuator torque limiting means to deenergize the actuating means.

Claim 25

An apparatus for measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve stem and valve seat being disposed within a valve housing, wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the housing, and further wherein actuating means, positioned in a housing, supply an actuating force to the external end of the valve stem by way of a transmission assembly, the actuator means being supported by the valve housing, wherein actuator torque limiting means which are communicatively coupled to the actuating means deenergize the actuator means whenever a designated operating state of the actuating means is attained, the apparatus comprising force measuring means; mounting means for positioning the force measuring means for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem and for mounting the force measuring means to the housing of the actuator means and independently of the transmission assembly; and means for communicatively coupling the force measuring means to the externally accessible end of the valve stem, so that the valve stem is moveable between a first position in which the force measuring means are disengaged from communication with the valve stem and a second position in which the force measuring means are in communication with the valve stem, wherein in the second position the force measuring means supply the loading to the valve stem to cause the actuator torque limiting means to deenergize the actuating means.

Claim 26

A method of measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve stem and valve seat being disposed in a valve housing wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the valve housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means; the method comprising the steps of positioning a force measuring device for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting the force measuring device to the actuating means; coupling the force measuring device to the externally accessible end of the valve stem, including the steps of screwing one end of a high tensile strength rod into the externally accessible end of the valve stem the valve stem end being bored and tapped to receive the high tensile strength rod; and coupling the other end of the high tensile strength rod to the force measuring means so that any force present at the valve stem is transmitted directly to the force measuring means; energizing the actuating means to supply actuating force to the valve stem; deenergizing the actuating means when a predetermined state of the actuating means is reached; and observing the indication of the force measuring means at the point at which the operation of the actuating means was terminated.

Claim 27

A method of measuring the actual thrust supplied by a valve stem to a valve body and associated valve seat, the valve body, valve stem and valve seat being disposed in a valve housing wherein one end of the valve stem is accessible external to the valve housing, and further wherein an actuating force is applied to the valve stem by actuating means; the method comprising the steps of positioning a force measuring device for coupling to the externally accessible end of the valve stem; mounting the force measuring device to the actuating means; coupling the force measuring device to the externally accessible end of the valve stem, including the steps of screwing one end of a high tensile strength rod into the externally accessible end of the valve stem the valve stem end being bored and tapped to receive the high tensile strength rod; and coupling the other end of the high tensile strength rod to the force measuring means so that any force present at the valve stem is transmitted directly to the force measuring means; energizing the actuating means to supply actuating force to the valve stem; deenergizing the actuating means when a predetermined state of the actuating means is reached; and observing the indication of the force measuring means at the point at which the operation of the actuating means was terminated.