US 12,468,314 B2
Computer-implemented method for operating a shut-off device for a fluid and a corresponding shut-off device
Cornelis Johannes Hogendoorn, Spijk (NL); and Stefan van Caspel, Rotterdam (NL)
Filed by FOCUS-ON V.O.F., Dordrecht (NL)
Filed on Aug. 12, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/819,477.
Claims priority of application No. 21191276 (EP), filed on Aug. 13, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0050903 A1, Feb. 16, 2023
Int. Cl. G05D 7/06 (2006.01); G05B 19/416 (2006.01)
CPC G05D 7/0623 (2013.01) [G05B 19/416 (2013.01); G05D 7/0635 (2013.01); G05B 2219/37371 (2013.01)] 11 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A computer-implemented method for operating a shut-off device for a fluid, with a housing conducting the fluid, with an inflow opening for the fluid, wherein the inflow opening is provided in the housing and with an outflow opening for the fluid, wherein the outflow opening is provided in the housing, with a flow channel formed in the housing for the fluid between the inflow opening and the outflow opening, and with a blocking device arranged in the flow channel with an adjustable flow cross-section for the fluid in the blocking device and thus in the flow channel and with a control and evaluation unit for actuating the blocking device, the method comprising:
using a first pressure sensor to acquire a first pressure of the fluid on the inflow opening of the shut-off device;
using a second pressure sensor to acquire a second pressure of the fluid on the outflow opening of the shut-off device;
using ultrasonic sensors to detect a flow velocity of the fluid within the shut-off device;
using a mathematical model to calculate a current static fluid pressure at a location of interest within the shut-off device as a function of the first pressure of the fluid on the inflow opening of the shut-off device, the second pressure of the fluid on the outflow opening of the shut-off device, and the flow velocity of the fluid within the shut-off device;
determining a vapor pressure of the fluid;
comparing the current static fluid pressure with a cavitation limit value which is dependent on the vapor pressure of the fluid;
determining the current static fluid pressure is below the cavitation limit value dependent on the vapor pressure of the fluid; and
in response to determining the current static fluid pressure is below the cavitation limit value dependent on the vapor pressure of the fluid, signaling a presence or expected presence of cavitation at the location of interest of the shut-off device and actuating the blocking device.