Measuring and testing – Instrument proving or calibrating – Fluid pressure
Reexamination Certificate
2005-03-08
2005-03-08
Williams, Hezron (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Instrument proving or calibrating
Fluid pressure
C073S001710, C251S129090, C251S129150, C137S557000, C137S559000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06862914
ABSTRACT:
A variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus is provided having both high safety availability and high plant reliability that does not require a plant system to be bypassed during testing. Also provided is a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus wherein initiation of a safety action will occur only if each of a pair of operatively associated solenoid-operated valves in the apparatus are actuated, and wherein either of the solenoid valves can singly default to a pre-designated safety action without inadvertently actuating the process valve and isolating or venting the process fluid. Also provided is a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus wherein either a “1 out of 1 with hot stand-by” operational mode or a “2 out of 2 with high diagnostics” operational mode may be selected by an operator using a logic control system depending on the technical requirements of a given plant environment. Also provided is a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus, wherein a plurality of pressure sensing devices are incorporated to detect failure of either of a pair of operatively associated solenoid-operated valves so as to prevent inadvertent initiation of a safety action, and wherein a bypass switch is provided to allow on-line maintenance of the device should one of the solenoid valves fail during operation or when a failure is detected during a testing cycle. Finally, a variable function voting solenoid-operated valve apparatus is provided, wherein diagnostic information on the performance of the safety action, a partial movement of the process valve can be executed to prove the process valve is capable of actuating to the safe state, can be ascertained with either operational mode using a logic control system depending on the technical requirements of a given plant environment.
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Summers Angela E.
Zachary Bryan A.
Arnold & Ferrera LLP
Ferrera Raymond R.
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