Method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly

摘要

The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly. In at least one embodiment, the assembly is configured to drive its shut-off valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting a valve closure condition. The assembly in one or more embodiments operates as an intelligent node in an AMR network, and it interprets a received closure command as a closure condition. Additionally, or alternatively, the assembly detects abnormal operating conditions as the closure condition. Advantageously, the assembly performs initial closure verification, based on detecting movement of the valve into the closed position, and performs subsequent closure verification, based on monitoring downstream gas pressure. In the same or other embodiments, the assembly provides enhanced stand-alone reliability and safety by incorporating one or more valve clearing/cleaning routines into its operations.

主权项

1. A method of controlling gas flow via a gas shut-off valve assembly, said method comprising:
detecting a valve closure condition; activating a motorized drive to move a valve from an open position to a closed position, in response to detecting the valve closure condition, said valve configured to permit gas flow when in the open position and to prevent gas flow when in the closed position; initially verifying valve closure, based on directly or indirectly detecting movement of the valve into the closed position; and subsequently verifying valve closure, based on monitoring gas pressure on a downstream side of the valve subsequent to said initially verifying valve closure, and interpreting stable low-pressure readings or declining pressure readings on the downstream side of the valve as a verification that the valve remains closed.