How can you install a counter on a gate valve?

[mishaal]

i am wondering if there is a practical way to install a counter on a gate valve, or valves in general. that can count the number of times the valve was opened or closed. this can help determine how many times have the valve been operated in a month or week. then it can be incorporated in the draining and flushing programs in the plant. (e.g. flushing dead legs)
thx.

 

[MDP]

Hello Mishaal,

You don't mention if the valve is remotely operated or not.

If so, the stroke count can be done into the PLC program which is controlling the valve.

If not, you have 2 other solutions :
1- you can install open or/and closed limit switches on the valve handwheel
2- install a blade flow switch downstream if it is a pipe
In these 2 cases a contact/pulse counter module can be installed locally but require an external power supply.

Hope this help.

MDP

 

[Joesteam]

I am assuming these are manual valves. If they have rising stems, you can put a small counter on the yoke and a pin on the stem that will do the count. It may look something like the product whose link is below, however you may have to use something else.

http://www.redingtoncounters.com/catalog/Page11.html