How Does The Lo-Co SMART Valve Function?

We have received many inquires regarding "How" the Lo-Co SMART ValveTM can tell the difference between a flow surge during normal operation and a line break, as well as, "How" the Lo-Co SMART Valve can be placed directly in the system's pressure supply line. Unfortunaltely, following Our live product demonstration at MSOE's Annual Alumni Event, We have signed a "publication agreement" with the International Journal of Fluid Power which prohibits Us from publishing Our Valve's technical specifications and test data on our web site. The article authored by Dr. Medhat K. Bahr Khalil, Shajan John, MSOE, and Donald M. Loper, Lo-Co Safety Valve, LLC, is expected to be published in the Fall of 2007 or the first quarter of 2008.  In the interm, We know that many industry experts are extremely curious about Our Lo-Co SMART ValveTM design. Therefore, if you have a specific technical question or would like to discuss whether Our Lo-Co SMART Valve could be useful for a particular application, please contact Us directly by using the "Contact Us" form or "Email" form on Our web site.

What Is The Difference Between The Lo-Co SMART Valve and a Velocity Fuse or Hose Break Valve?

A “Velocity Fuse” is primarily used to offer upstream protection to equipment sub-systems, such as cylinders, as shown in US Patent 4,819,688. "Velocity Fuses" typically offer "upstream" protection because they would be unreliable if placed in the pressure supply line to protect the system from a “downstream” line break. Since most systems use “Open Center” control valves, a "Velocity Fuse" placed in the pressure supply line would be subject to the constant flow surges that occur every time work is performed. Current "Velocity Fuses" would "trip" every time the operator switched the valve out of neutral to lift or lower a load. This would render the system inoperable until the operator could restart the equipment. A "Hose Break Valve" eliminates uncontrolled movements of the actuator in case of line rupture. When the supply line is ruptured, the valve typically closes when a pre-set flow rate is reached. Like “Velocity Fuses,” Hose break valves can NOT be used in systems where valves are constantly switched. If closing actions occur during normal operation, the setting of the hose break valve is not suitable for the operating parameters of the system. The hose break valve must be replaced by a new one with a modified setting. In order to prevent hose break valves from reacting to flow rate fluctuations inherent in the system, e.g. due to switching of directional valves, the actuating flow rate should be at least 20% above the normal maximum system flow rate. If high viscosity fluctuations occur, the valves must be set to a higher actuating flow rate to ensure trouble-free operation at high viscosity. (Reference: http://www.hydacusa.com/literature/valves/hose_break.pdf Unlike "Velocity Fuses" and "Hose Break Valves" which are NOT designed to be used in a systems where “Switching valves, repeated closing actions and flow surges" occur. The Lo-Co SMART Valve is designed to act as a primary flow shut-off valve, similar to the “Main Circuit Breaker” of a home. The Lo-Co SMART Valve is designed to function in Open Center and Closed Center Control Valve systems, regardless of flow surges, viscosity and temperature changes that are inherent in the system. Additionally, unlike some valves, the Lo-Co SMART Valve never needs adjustments. If a flow surge occurs during normal valve switching, the Lo-Co SMART Valve continues to allow fluid to flow through the valve. If a line break occurs, the valve senses the hazard and immediately shuts-off flow so pressurized fluid is not released into the atmosphere. Please download the Dynamic (recommended) PowerPoint Presentation of Our Lo-Co SMART Valve on the "Download" page of Our web site.