AUTOMATIC VALVE TESTING ASSEMBLY
A test assembly for a valve is provided that comprises a test frame with a bubble catch plate that directs bubbles generated during a valve test towards a gas capture tube where gas flow is directly measured.
1 . A valve test assembly comprising:
a test frame;
a torque motor secured to the test frame;
an actuator shaft coupled to the torque motor;
a torque sensor that measures the amount of torque applied to the actuator shaft;
a valve attachment area on the test frame;
a bubble catch plate secured to the test frame between the valve attachment area and the torque motor; wherein the bubble catch plate comprises a funnel surface facing the valve attachment area, further wherein the bubble catch plate comprises a gas tube orifice connected to a gas capture tube on a side of the bubble catch plate opposite the valve attachment area.
2 . The valve test assembly of claim 1 wherein the funnel surface comprises an angled surface.
3 . The valve test assembly of claim 1 wherein the funnel surface comprises at least one groove.
4 . The valve test assembly of claim 1 further comprising a gas flow meter coupled to the gas capture tube.
5 . The valve test assembly of claim 1 further comprising a valve attached to the valve attachment area of the test frame.