We have developed a new system for
automatically testing Pressure Balancing Valves that conform to
ASSE (American Society of Sanitary Engineering) Standard 1016.
Pressure-balancing valves
A new technology for showers involves
valves for balancing temperature and volume. These valves are
either pressure-balancing or thermostatic, but both are
designed to prevent the user from getting a blast of hot or
cold water. Pressure-balancing valves track pressure changes in
the hot or cold lines and adjust the water pressure
accordingly. Thermostatic valves monitor pressure and
temperature changes.
Leak-test
After the operator loads the valve into
the test fixture, the system automatically starts the
hydrostatic leak test and continues to test the valve
functionally by automatically manipulating the incoming
pressure while monitoring flow with a controlled back pressure.
Upon successful completion of the test sequence, the system
will illuminate a green light, date stamp the part, and allow
the part to be removed. However, if the valve does not pass,
the operator will be required to remove the part from the
fixture. Using standard off the shelf components for increased
reliability, the system utilizes an Allen Bradley programmable
controller (other controllers can be substituted) and Allen
Bradley PanelView operator interface to aid in the setup and
operation of the system.
