CONTROL VALVE FAULT DETECTION MONITORING SYSTEM USING ACOUSTIC EMISSION

Control valve is a power operated device which modifies the fluid flow rate in a
process control system. It consists of a valve connected to an actuator mechanism that is
capable of changing the position of a flow controlling element in the valve in response to
a signal from the controlling system. The objective of this project is to develop control
valve fault detection monitoring system using acoustic emission. Acoustic emission
(AE) technique will be used as a sensor to detect the fault and also as a monitoring
system. The aim is to predict the cause of unhealthy valve, hence improving the life span
of the valve. The project started with literature survey mainly about the maintenance of
the control valve in the past, present as well as in the future follow by the significance of
the project. The focus of this study is to monitor the fault encountered by the control
valve and how it can be detected using acoustic emission sensor. The project continues
to elaborate more on the methodology session which starting with analysis technique in
solving the problem follow by the materials, equipment, and software used to conduct
the experimental setup. The acoustic emission (AE) sensor will be attached onto the
body of the valve where the fluid flows. The noise emitted from the source will be
captured by using AE sensor. The signal retrieved from the AE sensor will then be
connected to DAQ (Data Acquisition Card) which is link to a computer. The function of
the sensor is to convert the acoustic wave energy emitted by the source into usable
electrical signal typically voltage time signal. The characteristics of the waveform ,~;n
then be compared and analyzed to predict whether the signal given is healthy or
unk:<ilihy. ;;; ri0r<mt type of control valve with different kind of faults and without any
fault will be tested throughout the project by using MATLAB software and the results
Will be placed in the database tor monitoring and reference purpose"-- This munii,;cing
system using AE technique will give advantages to the manufacturers as the fimlt Cful be
detectt:U ai the early stage to prevent any malfunction or breakdown condition lo happen.