Best techniques for controlling valves on board ships

In order to find out if a valve is working properly with ultrasound, measurements should be taken upstream of the valve, on the valve’s body and downstream of the valve.

By following the below equation, it can easily be found out if the valve is fit for duty or not.

In case a series of similar valves have to be checked, it is possible to check them by comparing measurements as follows:

Check that the valve is closed (supposed tight), take a measurement upstream, on the body and downstream of the valve. Create a leak by slightly opening the valve until a leakage is noted and confirmed by the readings (as per the above method). Record the readings upstream, on the body and downstream of the valve. Then, check the remaining valves in the system by comparing them with your “standard” set of readings.

When assessing the condition of valves by comparing measures, it is important to remember that measurements should be taken in the same measurement location, with the same sensor and that the piping systems are the same. (Special care should be taken if a change of flow direction can take place in the system).

In a more advanced or sophisticated mode, the specialized UAS3 software allows to record and analyze the ultrasonic signals. Also routes, thresholds and alarms can be easily set up and all these will add to facilitating the monitoring process.