Integrated check valve testing system

Abstract

Integrated check valve testing system includes a method and apparatus for non-intrusively testing a check valve which includes using an ultrasonic transducer externally connected to the check valve to direct ultrasonic sound waves through the check valve casting and through the transported fluid to the check valve disk to then detect the ultrasonic sound waves reflected off of the check valve disk. An ultrasonic controller controls the ultrasonic transducer and generates location signals based on the amount of time between each direction of an ultrasonic sound wave and the resulting reception of a reflected ultrasonic sound wave. A system controller analyzes the movement of the check valve disk and calculates certain test data which is compared to previously obtained baseline data. The preferred embodiment of the present invention also includes using two accelerometers externally connected to the check valve to monitor acoustic emissions generated by the check valve. The accelerometers generate emission signals and communicate them to the system controller. These emission signals are analyzed, and data is generated and compared to previously obtained baseline data. Both the ultrasonic transducer and the accelerometers are used separately and simultaneously to verify that the check valve is travelling through a complete stroke and to calculate other test data based on both types of signals which is compared to previously obtained baseline data.