Valve operator including a fugitive emissions detector, and a method of detecting fugitive emissions from an industrial valve

摘要

A valve operator for a valve includes a valve operator housing defining at least one cavity and positioned to be at least partially contiguous with a valve stem passage of the valve. The cavity has a fixed volume and is sealed from the exterior environment. The valve operator includes a fugitive emissions detector having at least one sensor for measuring the pressure and temperature of the fluid within the interior of the cavity. The detector also includes a processor having an input for receiving data from the at least one sensor, a processing unit connected to the input to receive the data from the input and monitor changes in the amount of substance within the cavity by comparison of changes in temperature and pressure within the cavity and an output for providing an indication of fugitive emissions when the processor indicates an increase in substance within the cavity.