NZ729098B2 - Operator feedback of valves - Google Patents
Operator feedback of valves Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ729098B2 NZ729098B2 NZ729098A NZ72909815A NZ729098B2 NZ 729098 B2 NZ729098 B2 NZ 729098B2 NZ 729098 A NZ729098 A NZ 729098A NZ 72909815 A NZ72909815 A NZ 72909815A NZ 729098 B2 NZ729098 B2 NZ 729098B2
- Authority
- NZ
- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- wkh
- operator
- opening
- actuation
- Prior art date
Links
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 5
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000035939 shock Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 abstract description 13
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 abstract description 13
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 abstract description 13
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 7
- 230000001105 regulatory Effects 0.000 description 5
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 239000003814 drug Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 3
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 3
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 3
- MTLMVEWEYZFYTH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 1,3,5-trichloro-2-phenylbenzene Chemical compound ClC1=CC(Cl)=CC(Cl)=C1C1=CC=CC=C1 MTLMVEWEYZFYTH-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 241000229754 Iva xanthiifolia Species 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229940079593 drugs Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 239000000428 dust Substances 0.000 description 2
- MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydrogen peroxide Chemical compound OO MHAJPDPJQMAIIY-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000002093 peripheral Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000002002 slurry Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003826 tablet Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- NZLLFTZORMKXLC-GQAQTOSXSA-N (9R,10S,13S,14S,17S)-17-[(E,2R,5R)-5,6-dimethylhept-3-en-2-yl]-17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl-2,4,5,6,9,11,12,14,15,16-decahydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]phenanthren-3-one Chemical compound C1C(=O)CC[C@]2(C)[C@@H](CC[C@@]3([C@]([C@H](C)/C=C/[C@H](C)C(C)C)(O)CC[C@H]33)C)C3=CCC21 NZLLFTZORMKXLC-GQAQTOSXSA-N 0.000 description 1
- FNUXVHZLPOXMCA-WARQNWORSA-N PDNHV Chemical compound C([C@]1(O)C(=O)C(C)=C[C@H]1[C@@]1(O)[C@H](C)[C@H]([C@]2(C(C)(C)[C@H]2[C@@H]1C=1)OC(=O)CCCCCCCC)OC(=O)CCCCCCCC)C=1COC(=O)CC1=CC=C(O)C(OC)=C1 FNUXVHZLPOXMCA-WARQNWORSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229940035295 Ting Drugs 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004458 analytical method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000560 biocompatible material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001413 cellular Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005352 clarification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000011109 contamination Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229920005994 diacetyl cellulose Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004973 liquid crystal related substance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005259 measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000000825 pharmaceutical preparation Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000003825 pressing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001681 protective Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
- F16K31/44—Mechanical actuating means
- F16K31/60—Handles
- F16K31/602—Pivoting levers, e.g. single-sided
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
- F16K37/0025—Electrical or magnetic means
- F16K37/0041—Electrical or magnetic means for measuring valve parameters
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
- F16K37/0058—Optical means, e.g. light transmission, observation ports
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
- F16K37/0075—For recording or indicating the functioning of a valve in combination with test equipment
- F16K37/0083—For recording or indicating the functioning of a valve in combination with test equipment by measuring valve parameters
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
- G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/8158—With indicator, register, recorder, alarm or inspection means
- Y10T137/8225—Position or extent of motion indicator
- Y10T137/8242—Electrical
Abstract
apparatus provides operator feedback in response to opening or closing of a valve or coupling, The apparatus may comprise: data storage means for storing at least one recommended opening or dosing event of the valve; sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the valve or coupling; and processing means for comparing the sensed actuation of the valve or coupling against the recommended opening or dosing event of the valve or coupling in real-time or near real-time, and outputting at least one operator feedback signal based on the comparison. ssing means for comparing the sensed actuation of the valve or coupling against the recommended opening or dosing event of the valve or coupling in real-time or near real-time, and outputting at least one operator feedback signal based on the comparison.
Description
(12) Granted patent specificaon (19) NZ (11) 729098 (13) B2
(47) aon date: 2021.12.24
(54) OPERATOR FEEDBACK OF VALVES
(51) aonal Patent Classificaon(s):
F16K 37/00
(22) Filing date: (73) Owner(s):
2015.07.30 CHARGEPOINT TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
(23) Complete specificaon filing date: (74) Contact:
2015.07.30 AJ PARK
(30) Internaonal Priority Data: (72) Inventor(s):
GB 1413711.1 2014.08.01 BARTON, d Athol
(86) Internaonal Applicaon No.:
(87) Internaonal Publicaon number:
WO/2016/016650
(57) Abstract:
An apparatus provides operator feedback in response to opening or closing of a valve or coupling,
The apparatus may comprise: data storage means for storing at least one ended g
or dosing event of the valve; sensing means for sensing or actuaon of the valve or
coupling; and processing means for comparing the sensed actuaon of the valve or coupling
against the recommended opening or dosing event of the valve or coupling in real-me or near
real-me, and outpung at least one operator feedback signal based on the comparison.
729098 B2
2015/052203
OPERATOR FEEDBACK OF VALVES
This invention relates to a system and method for ing operator feedback. In
particular, this invention relates to a system and method for providing operator
feedback for manual operation of valves, in particular, but not exclusively, to valves for
controlling, charging, discharging and/or regulating the flow of powders, liquids,
slurries, tablets and/or fluids.
, such as split butterfly valves, are ble in many designs and used widely for
processes where product nment is required to prevent product exposure to the
environment and to personnel working in close proximity to the product. Split butterfly
valve designs allow the valve to be split open into two units, commonly known as active
and passive units. The valve design is such that when split, the two halves keep the
contents on either side sealed and contained.
In the manufacture of pharmaceuticals, chemicals, biological material and food,
effective containment is essential for the safe and hygienic handling of such
compounds and materials. At each stage of the manufacturing process, handling must
be controlled and d to provide optimum tion for the operator and for
maintaining the integrity of the product.
The material being handled is often hazardous to health, owing to the increasing
potency of many new pharmaceutical ingredients. Pharmaceutical and bio-
manufacturing products are often ctured under strict controls against t
contamination. This is because the products are often for human consumption and the
industries are heavily regulated by bodies like the FDA (Food and Drug Administration)
in the United States and the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory
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PCT/G82015/052203
The front face of the hub 20, Le. the face that is visible to the operator, is generally
circular in shape.
As best shown in Figure 2, the hub 20 includes a lly annular housing 36 into
which a printed t board (PCB) 30 and power source or battery 32 is secured via
fixing screws 34. A colour liquid crystal display (LCD) 38 is positioned inside the
aperture in the housing 36, opposite the PCB 30. The colour LCD display 38 is then
secured in a screen sub-assembly 40 which es a protective, transparent screen
or window 42 at its centre and operation or function buttons 44 positioned around the
radius of the screen sub-assembly 40 for ease of access. The buttons 44 include a
power on/off button, standby and/or one or more function buttons.
As the valve-actuating handle 10 is intended to be used in environmentally-challenging
conditions, including containing, regulating and controlling hazardous powders, dust,
granular and semi-solid ingredients, the housing 36 and screen sembly 40 are
secured er using assembly screws 46 and internal O-ring seals 28 which secure
the housing 36 and screen sub-assembly 40 to the hub 20 against a circumferential
seal 26.
To provide opening and/or closing feedback to the operator of the split valve assembly
50, the PCB 30 es various hardware, re, sensors and components, as best
illustrated schematically and described in detail in relation to Figure 5.
Figures 1 and 2 show how the present invention can be embodied in a valve-actuating
handle 10 for manual operation of a valve or coupling, and particularly a split valve
ly 50 for containing, regulating and controlling ous powders, dust,
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
WO 16650 PCT/GBZOIS/OSZZOS
granular and semi-solid ingredients. In use, the rear face of the hub 20, Le. the face
that is placed in contact with the split valve assembly 50, includes a socket 48 which is
dimensioned to t with the square spigot 52 on the split valve assembly 50, as
shown in Figures 3 and 4. Operator rotation of the valve-actuating handle 10 controls
respective pivotally-mounted valve closure members (not shown) inside the split valve
assembly 50.
In an alternative embodiment, the hub 20 would be secured to the split valve assembly
50, with the valve-actuating handle 10 being rotatable within the body of the hub 20 to
rotate socket 48. In this manner, the LCD display 38, and the operation and/or function
buttons 44 positioned around the radius of the screen sembly 40, are positioned
in a fixed orientation for the user.
As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the split valve ly 50 comprises two valve portions,
an upper, passive valve portion 56 and a lower, active valve n 54. The passive
valve portion 56 defines a valve housing 57 which is lly annular in shape. The
active valve portion 54 defines a valve g 55 which is also generally annular in
shape. The two valve portions 54, 56 are complementarily shaped such that one can
sealingly engage and co-operate with the other to allow the movement of material
therethrough. Although not shown in Figures 3 and 4, each valve potion includes valve
closure members which are pivotally-mounted within the housings 55, 57. Each valve
closure member is in the form of an annular disc, and each is ed with spindles by
means of which each valve closure member is pivotally rotatable.
Although not shown in Figures 3 and 4, the spindle of the lower, active valve portion 54
is connected to, or is integrally formed with, spigot 52. Thus, rotation of the spindle is
moved by rotation of the spigot 52. The spindle of the upper, passive valve portion 56
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
PCT/G82015/052203
is connected to spigot 52. A mechanical safety interlock ensures the safe operation of
the split valve assembly 50. When the two valve portions are correctly docked, the
mechanical interlock pin 60 on the active valve portion 54 releases the profiled release
pin 62 on the active valve portion 54 which allows the valve disc to be opened by
rotation of the spigot 52.
The valve closure members are seated on annular valve seats (not shown) defined
inside the valve housings 55, 57. The valve seats are resiliently deformable and are
generally located in respective recesses for receipt of the seat which, in use, is adapted
to engage t a solid portion of the valve housings 55, 57.
The valve closure members are d to be pivotable through 90° or beyond, thus
when in its fully open on the profile of the face of the valve closure members
corresponds with the profile of the through bore of the valve h0usings 55, 57, and
thereby es minimalrestrictions for the flow of fluid or other material.
Figures 3 and 4 also show that the two valve portions 54, 56 of the split valve ly
50 are able to be locked and unlocked via rotation of a handle 58. This can only occur
when the split valve ly 50 is in a closed configuration.
The two valve portions 54, 56 of the split valve assembly 50 are mountable on a vessel
(not shown) for containing material, conveyance means, such as a hose, for conveying
material and/or other process equipment known to the art. The means for mounting the
valve portions may comprise any means known to the art, such as for example a screw
thread, interference fit, bayonet ment etc. Alternatively, the valve portions 54, 56
may be integrally formed with a vessel or conveyance means.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
PCT/G82015/052203
Whilst the foregoing describes how the present invention can be embodied in a valve-
actuating handle 10 for manual operation of a valve or ng, and particularly a split
butterfly valve assembly 50, the skilled person will appreciate that the invention can be
ented in any manner of transfer valve or coupling, such as, for example, split
sliding gate , split ball valves, twin valves, rapid transfer ports and alpha beta
ports.
Figure 5 is a schematic diagram g how the system and method for providing
opening and/or closing feedback to an operator of a valve or coupling is implemented
in a small, self-powered unit that includes a low power microcontroller 100. As shown
in Figure 5, the microcontroller 100 receives a number of inputs generally indicated in
the right hand side of this figure.
The microcontroller 100 can be considered a self-contained system with a processor,
memory and peripherals and can be used to provide g and/or closing feedback
to the operator via a number of outputs generally indicated in the left hand side of this
figure.
Figure 5 is a tic diagram and, in order to aid clarification, many other circuit
elements are not shown. For example, gh not shown in Figure 5, the analogue
signal received from one or more environmental sensors 104 embedded on the printer
circuit board 30 is first converted to a digital form by any suitable type of analogue-to-
digital convertor (ADC) available in the art. Equally, one or more of the digital outputs
of the microprocessor 100 can be converted to analogue form using any form of digital-
to-analogue tor (DAC) available in the art. For example, such an analogue
output signal could be used to energise an audible output 116.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
2015/052203
In ion, a set of instructions or algorithm written in software in the microcontroller
100 are configured to program the microcontroller 100. The microcontroller 100,
including the processor, memory and peripherals, are firstly placed in a low power,
standby mode, awaiting a wake-up signal. The wake-up signal can be received from
the user input buttons 102 and/or from one or more environmental sensors 104
embedded on the printer circuit board 30 and/or from one or more equipment s
106. In its most basic mode of operation, the microcontroller 100 can be effectively
woken-up from standby mode by the operator pressing the on/off or standby button 102
located on the screen sub-assembly 40.
In on or alternatively, the microcontroller 100 could effectively be woken-up from
low power standby mode by the operator simply grasping the handle shaft 22 or knob
24. In a preferred embodiment, one of the equipment sensors 106 located on the
printed circuit board 30 is a positional sensor which senses the rotational position of the
handle 22 ve to the split valve assembly 50. In use, the positional sensor is a
three-axis accelerometer, and which is ive to small input stimuli including
rotation, pulse, shock, impact and/or vibration to firstly awaken the microcontroller 100.
When the microcontroller 100 has been woken-up, it then senses the output of the
three-axis accelerometer to determine the orientation and position of the rotation of the
valve—actuating handle 10. Since the position of the valve-actuating handle 10 controls
the position of the lly-mounted valve e members inside the split valve
assembly 50. the microcontroller 100 is able to determine the position of the lly-
mounted valve closure members inside the split valve assembly 50 in real-time or near
real-time.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
PCT/G82015/052203
In a basic mode of operation, the LCD display 38 can be used to display actions,
movements or commands to the user, e.g. by displaying the words “OPEN” or
“CLOSE”. In addition, or alternatively, as opposed to ying actions, movements or
commands to the user, the state of the valve can be displayed. For example, the
display 38 would indicate that the valve closure members are fully open by displaying
the word “OPENED” or “0°”, or simply displaying a green screen. Equally, if the
microcontroller 100 determines that the pivotalIy-mounted valve e members are
fully-closed against their respective valve seats, the y 38 would indicate that word
“CLOSED” or “90°”, or simply y a red screen.
For detection of position of the valve closure members n fully-open and fully-
closed, the angle between 0° and 90° or beyond is displayed, if the valve closure
s are ed using an "over-rotation” method of cleaning the valve closure
members and/or valve seats (as described in the applicant’s published application WO
2012/007732 A1) is employed. Equally a percentage representative of the position of
the valve closure members, between fully-open and fully-closed, can be displayed. For
example, the display would indicate “100%” if the valve e members are fully-
open, and "0%” if fully~closed, and other percentages displayed for the sensed angles
etween.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the position of the valve closure members
relative to some predetermined or recommended opening or closing profile of the valve
assembly is sensed, and at least one operator feedback signal is outputted based on
the comparison.
The skilled person will appreciate that when operating the valve assembly 50 for
controlling, charging, discharging and/or ting the flow of liquids, slurries, tablets
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
PCT/G82015/052203
and/or hazardous fluids and potentially life-threatening pharmaceutical dusts and
powders, it is imperative that a good seal is made between the valve closure member
and the valve seat on each of the valve portions 54, 56. This is achieved, in practice,
by operating the valve assembly according to a predetermined or recommended
opening and/or closing profile, which is n in software in the microcontroller 100.
The predetermined or recommended opening and/or closing condition or event can
involve, for example, fully closing or opening the valve closure member over a certain
timescale, eg. 10 seconds, or closing the valve closure member to a certain
predetermined first angle then opening the valve e member to a second angle
before fully-closing the valve e member. This operation has the effect of
removing excess powder from the valve closure members. Equally, performing an
over-rotation of the valve closure member beyond 90° with respect to the plane of the
valve seat can help to ensure that a good seal is made. The over—rotation beyond 90°
allows the valve closure member to scrape off any residual material, such as powder,
that may be disposed at the sealing surface of the valve seat to ensure that when the
valve closure member is subsequently in its closed configuration, perpendicular to the
valve seat, there is a good seal therebetween. Further detail of performing an over-
rotation of the valve closure member beyond 90° can be found in the applicant’s earlier
ation A1.
Split valve assemblies 50 can be sterilised or decontaminated via a number of known
s, which e aving. passing steam through the open valve, or passing
other gases, such as vapourised hydrogen peroxide, through them prior to any
pharmaceutical product coming into contact with the internal es or product
contact parts. Such Steam-ln-Place (SIP) sterilisation often necessitates a
predetermined or recommended g and/or closing condition or event of the valve.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
PCT/G82015/052203
The skilled person will appreciate that the operator could initiate an optimised or
recommended g or closing profile by firstly ing an appropriate user input
button 44, for example, by ing a simple open, close or SIP. The microcontroller
100 then compares the sensed rotational position of the valve closure member in real-
time or near real-time ve to the recommended opening or closing condition or
event of the valve. The microcontroller 100 then outputs at least one operator
ck signal based on this comparison. The operator feedback signal can include
one or any combination of, output signals to the visual display unit 118, an audible
output or alarm 116 or some form of haptic feedback 114.
In one embodiment, as the user closes or opens the valve, a simple traffic light mode is
employed y it the valve-actuating handle 10 is rotated at or near the
recommended opening or closing condition or event of the valve, then the at least one
operator feedback signal might be to illuminate the display 38 as green. If the operator
closes the valve either too fast or too slowly, the y 38 will shift to orange or red
indicating to the operator that valve is being operated incorrectly or carelessly.
In combination with these visual colour signals, various terms could be displayed to the
operator, such as, "SLOW DOWN”, “SPEED UP”, “CORRECT” etc. An audible output
116 or alarm signal can also be used where the pitch or volume changes to indicate the
comparison between the sensed rotational position of the valve closure member
relative to the recommended opening or closing condition or event of the valve. Haptic
ck 114, eg. vibration transmitted through the handle 22, can also be used to
indicate to the operator that the valve-actuating handle 10 is being rotated at or near
the recommended opening or closing condition or event of the valve.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
WO 16650 PCT/G82015/052203
As well as the ontroller 100 outputting at least one operator feedback signal
based on the comparison n the sensed rotational position of the valve e
member relative to the recommended opening or closing condition or event of the
valve, it is envisaged that this information can be stored in local memory for analysis.
This feedback information can be accessed locally and/or transmitted back to a central
server (not shown) using a communications unit 112 which may be a suitable wired or
wireless communication protocol, including for example, Bluetooth, ZigBee, or over a
cellular network.
It is also ged that the microcontroller 100 could also include or has embedded
therein a GPS location module 108 which records the actual location of the valve
assembly 50, along with other environmental sensors which record conditions such as
external/internal temperature, light intensity, humidity, atmospheric pressure, force
measurement and operation time 110. These parameters can be stored in local
memory and transmitted back to a central server (not shown) using the
communications unit 112.
It is desirable that the wireless network has low power consumption, enabling several
years of ion n battery changes.
As an alternative to the wireless network described hereinbefore, transmission of the
data may occur over a WiFi k.
Also by measuring the environmental condition of the valve assembly 50, for example,
if it was subject to excessive ion or impact, pressure from the process, solvents,
excessive forces from surrounding equipment etc., then such information can also be
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
PCT/G82015/052203
used, with the operator feedback to predict and prevent critical failure or ned
maintenance.
The device is battery-powered and sealed to the environment (i.e. ingress ted)
and safe for used in hazardous and/or potentially ive environments (e.g. ATEX
rated). The microcontroller 100 utilises low power components so that the system is
designed to provide a long battery life.
s alterations and modifications may be made to the present invention without
departing from the scope of the invention. For example, although particular
embodiments refer to implementing the present invention on a split valve assembly,
this is in no way ed to be limiting as, in use, the present invention could be
implemented in any machine or equipment where or feedback is desired. The
invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiments. For example, the
manually-operable handle may be replaced with a different actuator, such as
pneumatic, electrical or other, then their state could also be sensed to provide
guidance for maintenance or service.
SUBSTITUTE SHEET (RULE 26)
Claims (23)
1. An apparatus for ring and providing operator feedback in response to opening or g of a valve, further comprising: 5 data storage means for g at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve, the data storage means implemented in a low power microcontroller; sensing means positioned on an actuator and configured for sensing operator actuation of the valve; n the actuator comprises an elongate shaft with one end of the shaft being 10 dimensioned to form a central hub having a first face and a second face opposite the first face, wherein the opposite second face is visible during an operation of the valve; wherein the central hub comprises an r housing having an embedded printed circuit board; wherein the first face of the central hub further comprises a socket dimensioned to 15 connect with a square spigot on the valve and configured for connection to the valve; wherein the g means is selected from the group consisting of multi-axis accelerometer or rotational encoder or an on/off ; and wherein the sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the valve senses the rotational position of a valve closure member relative to a valve g; 20 processing means implemented in the low power microcontroller, wherein the processing means is configured to compare the sensed actuation of the valve against at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve in real-time or near real-time; and means for outputting at least one operator feedback signal based on the comparison. 25
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve is a powder transfer valve.
3. An apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the valve is ed from the group consisting of split butterfly valve, split sliding gate valve, split ball valve, twin valve, rapid transfer port and alpha beta port.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein operator actuation of the valve is selected from the group consisting of manually-operable actuation, pneumatic actuation and electrical actuation. 10
5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding , wherein the other end of the shaft is dimensioned to form a knob
6. An apparatus as claimed in any of the preceding claims, wherein the central hub defines a lly circular body into which a printed circuit board, battery and liquid 15 crystal y which is visible h the second face is contained.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the central hub defines a sealed, ingress protected enclosure. 20 8. An apparatus as d in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the data storage means, sensing means and processing means are located on the printed circuit board.
An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processing means es a wake-up signal from user input buttons and/or from the sensing means for g operator actuation of the valve and/or from one or more sensors embedded 25 on or remote to the printed circuit board.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the processing means receives a wake-up signal from input stimuli including rotation, pulse, shock, impact and/or vibration detected by the sensing means for sensing operator actuation of the 5 valve.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one operator feedback signal is selected from the group consisting of audio-visual, alphanumeric and haptic feedback.
11. An apparatus as d in claim 8, wherein at least one operator feedback signal is an alarm signal.
12. An apparatus as claimed in claims 9 or 10, wherein at least one operator 15 feedback signal is displayed on a colour display means.
13. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one operator ck signal ys the angle the valve closure member makes relative to a valve housing or a percentage entative of the position of the valve closure 20 member between open and fully-closed.
14. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve defines opening or closing the valve closure member over a ermined timescale, and/or or closing the valve closure member 25 to a predetermined first on then opening the valve closure member to at least a second position before fully-closing the valve e member, and/or opening the valve e member to a predetermined first on then closing the valve closure member to at least a second position before fully-opening the valve closure member. 5
15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one recommended g or closing event of the valve defines moving the valve closure member to a predetermined maintenance, cleaning or sterilisation position or sequence.
16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein at least one recommended closing 10 event of the valve defines an over-rotation of the valve closure member beyond 90° with respect to the plane of the valve housing.
17. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve, the sensed operator actuation of the valve and/or at least 15 one operator feedback signal is recorded displayed for local or remote access.
18. An apparatus as claimed in any of claims 9 to 15, wherein the at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve, the sensed operator actuation of 20 the valve and/or at least one or feedback signal is transmitted back to a remote server using a wired or wireless communications unit.
19. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means 25 es a GPS location module which records the location of the valve.
20. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the processing means includes a unique product identifier. 5
21. A method of monitoring and providing opening or closing ck in a valve, comprising: configuring a data e means for storing at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve; configuring a axis accelerometer or a rotational encoder or an on/off sensor for 10 sensing and determining operator actuation of the valve; comparing the sensed actuation of the valve against at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve in ime or near real-time; and outputting at least one operator feedback signal based on the ison. 15
22. A computer-implemented system for monitoring and providing opening or closing feedback in a valve, having a computer program able on the system comprising: means for configuring a data e means for g at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve; means for sensing and determining operator actuation of the valve wherein the sensing 20 means is selected from the group consisting of multi-axis accelerometer or rotational encoder or an on/off sensor, and wherein the sensing means is oned on an actuator and configured for sensing operator actuation of the valve; means for processing the sensing and comparing the sensed actuation of the valve against at least one recommended opening or closing event of the valve in real-time or near real- 25 time; and means for providing an output of at least one operator feedback signal based on the comparison.
23. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1413711.1A GB2528891A (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2014-08-01 | Operator feedback of valves |
| GB1413711.1 | 2014-08-01 | ||
| PCT/GB2015/052203 WO2016016650A1 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2015-07-30 | Operator feedback of valves |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| NZ729098A NZ729098A (en) | 2021-08-27 |
| NZ729098B2 true NZ729098B2 (en) | 2021-11-30 |
Family
ID=
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