Manifold systems for fluid delivery

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of fluid handling systems and discloses a manifold system (300) for fluid delivery. The system (300) includes a first set of solenoid valves (SOVs) [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)], a second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)], a plurality of isolation valves [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)], at least one first shuttle valve [(S1), (S4-S6)], and at least one redundant shuttle valve [(S3), (S4'-S6')]. Each set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3), (V4-V5), (V4-V6)] includes at least two SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3), (V4-V5), (V4-V6)] arranged in parallel. The SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3), (V4-V5), (V4-V6)] together form series-parallel redundancy. Each isolation valve [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)] is coupled to an SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] and facilitates hot swapping of that SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)]. The redundant shuttle valves [(S3), (S4'-S6')] provide redundancy for the first shuttle valve [(S1), (S4-S6)] and facilitate the flow of fluid from each of the first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)] to each of the second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)], thereby improving system safety and availability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to manifold systems for continuous process delivery and more particularly to safe and usable manifold systems for the downstream petroleum complex and petrochemical industries.

[0002] definition

[0003] As used in this disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meanings set forth below, unless the context in which they are used indicates otherwise.

[0004] Manifold—The term “manifold” hereafter refers to a device designed to converge multiple junctions into a single channel or to branch a single channel into multiple junctions to facilitate the transport of fluids.

[0005] Hot Swap—The term "hot swap" hereafter refers to the process of adding and replacing components of a system without having to power down the system.

[0006] Shuttle Valve—The term "shuttle valve" hereafter refers to a three-way valve with a center float. This valve has two input ports and one output port. With input from one input port, the ball moves and blocks the other input port, allowing fluid connection between one input port and the output port. With input from both input ports, the ball moves to the center, allowing flow from both input ports to exit through the output port. Background Art

[0007] The following background information in this document is related to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

[0008] Currently, all petrochemical, chemical, refining, and oil industries are focused on improving the safety and availability of the systems involved in performing various industrial processes. A key factor in defining the safety of an industrial process is the ease with which a system can be fully or partially shut down in the face of a significant hazard. In contrast, availability is defined as the degree to which a system remains operable under different operating conditions, avoiding false trips. In the processing and manufacturing industries, valves play a vital role in controlling various operations. The arrangement of these valves determines the safety and availability of the industrial systems in which they are used. For example, to enhance safety, valves are often arranged in series. Therefore, if a single valve fails, the entire row automatically fails. To enhance availability, valves are arranged in parallel. In this case, if a single valve fails, the system continues to operate because the parallel valves are functional.

[0009] Fluid transport systems in process plants typically include numerous valves. Valves are categorized as either manual or automatic. One type of automatic valve is the 3 / 2 poppet valve, also known as a 3 / 2 solenoid valve. A 3 / 2 poppet valve designates a 3-port, 2-position poppet valve. A 3 / 2 valve differs from a conventional 2 / 2 valve in the presence of an additional port for diverting the flow. In one position, fluid flows from the poppet valve's inlet to the application port, while in the other position, fluid flows from the inlet to the outlet port, which is connected to the discharge port. Failure of such poppet valves is inevitable in process plants. When a valve fails, it must be isolated from the system for maintenance and replacement, impacting system reliability and availability.

[0010] Therefore, one of the key problems associated with conventional systems is the repair and recovery process, which inevitably requires shutting down the entire process to repair and recover the valve. In continuous process industries, this means a huge production loss over the entire time it takes for the valve to recover.

[0011] In order to overcome the above problems, a manifold system for improving the safety and availability of an industrial process is described in patent publication WO 2015 / 155786 A1. Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a typical manifold system (hereinafter referred to as "system (100)") described in patent publication WO2015 / 155786 is shown. The system (100) includes four solenoid-operated valves (SOVs) (V1, V2, V4, V5) and four isolation valves (I1, I2, I4, I5) connected between a fluid inlet (102) and a fluid outlet (104). The system (100) includes only two shuttle valves (S1, S2). One shuttle valve (S1) connects the two SOVs (V1, V2) located near the fluid inlet (102) to the SOV (V4) located near the fluid outlet (104), and the other shuttle valve (S2) connects the two SOVs (V4, V5) located near the fluid outlet (104) to the fluid outlet (104). No shuttle valve connects the two SOVs (V1, V2) located near the fluid inlet (102) to another SOV (V5) located near the fluid outlet (104). This reduces the availability of the system. For example, when only two SOVs (V1, V5) function and the other SOVs (V2, V4) fail, the system (100) will not allow fluid to flow from the fluid inlet (102) to the fluid outlet (104) because the shuttle valve (S1) does not allow fluid to flow from the SOV (V1) to the SOV (V5). Therefore, even when both SOVs (V1 and V5) function, the output of the system (100) is zero.

[0012] The following truth table (Table 1) describes the output of the system (100) for different operating states of the SOVs (V1, V2, V4, V5). The operating states include an open (ON) state / powered state (depicted by a logic 0) and a closed (OFF) state / de-powered state (depicted by a logic 1). A valve in the closed state or de-powered state indicates a faulty valve that requires repair and replacement.

[0013]

[0014] Table 1

[0015] The following observations can be made from the truth table above:

[0016] (i) When both SOVs (V1, V2) located near the inlet (102) are in an open state and at least any one of the SOVs (V4, V5) located near the outlet (104) is in an open state, fluid can pass through the system (100) to the outlet (104).

[0017] (ii) When both SOVs (V4, V5) located near the outlet (104) are in an open state and at least any one of the SOVs (V1, V2) located near the inlet (102) is in an open state, fluid can pass through the system (100) to reach the outlet (104).

[0018] (iii) When at least any one of the SOVs (V1, V2) located near the inlet (102) is in an open state and the SOV (V4) connected to the shuttle valve (S1) is in an open state, fluid can pass through the system (100) to the outlet (104).

[0019] (iv) When the two SOVs (V2, V5) connected in series are in the open state, fluid can pass through the system (100) to the outlet (104).

[0020] However, when the SOV (V1) located near the inlet (102) is in an open state and the SOV (V5) located near the outlet (104) is in an open state, no fluid is transferred from the inlet (102) to the outlet (104) because the shuttle valve (S1) is not connected to the SOV (V5). This results in reduced system availability.

[0021] Conventional systems, such as Figure 1 The system shown does not provide shuttle valve redundancy. Furthermore, when there are multiple failed valves and all failed valves need to be replaced, there is no means to bypass the entire fluid delivery system or provide redundancy for the entire fluid delivery system.

[0022] Therefore, there is a need for a manifold system that facilitates fluid flow from all SOVs located near the fluid inlet to all SOVs located near the fluid outlet, thereby improving system availability.

[0023] Purpose

[0024] Some objects of the present disclosure, which are satisfied by at least one embodiment thereof, are as follows:

[0025] One object of the present disclosure is to ameliorate one or more problems of the prior art or at least provide a useful alternative.

[0026] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a manifold system for fluid delivery.

[0027] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for fluid delivery that maintains system availability at all times.

[0028] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for fluid delivery that facilitates easy maintenance and repair of solenoid-operated valves.

[0029] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a reliable manifold system for fluid delivery.

[0030] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for fluid delivery that facilitates individual isolation of solenoid-operated valves.

[0031] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for fluid delivery that increases the level of safety and availability of industrial processes.

[0032] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for fluid delivery that facilitates easy maintenance of individual valves without disturbing the entire system.

[0033] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for fluid delivery that facilitates easy maintenance of multiple malfunctioning valves without having to shut down the entire process.

[0034] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for fluid delivery that facilitates replacement of multiple failed valves without disrupting outlet flow.

[0035] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for fluid delivery that facilitates easy replacement of shuttle valves.

[0036] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for minimizing the likelihood of a complete shutdown.

[0037] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Summary of the Invention

[0038] The present disclosure contemplates a manifold system for fluid transport. The manifold system includes a plurality of manifold assemblies. Each manifold assembly includes a first group of solenoid-operated valves (SOVs), a second group of SOVs, a plurality of first isolation valves, at least one first shuttle valve, and at least one redundant shuttle valve. The first group of SOVs is positioned near a fluid inlet and includes at least two SOVs arranged in parallel. The second group of SOVs is connected in series with the first group of SOVs. The second group of SOVs is positioned near a fluid outlet and includes at least two SOVs arranged in parallel. Each first isolation valve is coupled to each SOV. Each first isolation valve is adapted to facilitate hot swapping of an associated SOV. A first shuttle valve is connected between the first group of SOVs and the second group of SOVs. The redundant shuttle valve is configured to provide redundancy to the first shuttle valve in a manner that facilitates the flow of fluid from each of the first group of SOVs to each of the second group of SOVs, thereby increasing system availability. The fluid includes at least one of air, a neutral gas, a liquid, and natural gas.

[0039] Advantageously, the system includes a bypass valve for providing an alternative bypass path for fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet to facilitate maintenance of the manifold assembly.

[0040] Advantageously, the manifold assemblies are connected in parallel to improve system reliability.Each manifold assembly is connected to the fluid inlet via a second isolation valve and to the fluid outlet via a common outlet shuttle valve.

[0041] In one embodiment, the first isolation valve and the second isolation valve are manually operated valves (MOVs).

[0042] In one embodiment, the system includes a plurality of indicators, each indicator being connected to each SOV to indicate the state of the SOV. In another embodiment, the system includes a plurality of pressure sensors, each pressure sensor being connected to each SOV to indicate the state of the SOV.

[0043] In one embodiment, the system includes at least one second shuttle valve connecting the second set of SOVs to the fluid outlet. In another embodiment, each manifold assembly includes a plurality of third shuttle valves. Each third shuttle valve is operably coupled at its input port to a first shuttle valve and a redundant shuttle valve to facilitate fluid flow from each of the first set of SOVs to each of the second set of SOVs, thereby improving shuttle valve redundancy and system availability.

[0044] In one embodiment, the SOV is a 3 / 2 poppet valve.In one embodiment, the isolation valve is a 3 / 2 valve.

[0045] In one embodiment, the system comprises at least one exhaust device to discharge the exhaust residue to the atmosphere. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0046] The manifold system for fluid delivery of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 A circuit diagram of a typical manifold system is shown;

[0048] Figure 2 Shown with a bypass valve Figure 1 Circuit diagram of the manifold system;

[0049] Figure 3 shows a circuit diagram of a manifold system of the present disclosure having a single manifold assembly including four solenoid-operated valves;

[0050] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 A circuit diagram of a manifold system having two manifold assemblies; and

[0051] Figure 5 Shown Figure 3 Circuit diagram of a manifold system having a manifold assembly with six solenoid-operated valves.

[0052] Reference Signs List

[0053] 300-System

[0054] 10-Manifold Assembly

[0055] 102-Fluid inlet

[0056] 104-Fluid outlet

[0057] 106 – Actuator

[0058] 108 – Discharge device

[0059] V1-V6-Solenoid Valve (SOV)

[0060] I1-I6-first isolation valve

[0061] M1, M2-second isolation valve

[0062] B1-Bypass valve

[0063] S1, S4-S6-first shuttle valve

[0064] S3, S4'-S6'-Redundant Shuttle Valve

[0065] S2, S7-S9-second shuttle valve

[0066] S1'-S3'-third shuttle valve

[0067] S10 – Common outlet shuttle valve

[0068] S11 - Shuttle valve for bypass valve

[0069] A,B,C,D,E,F,G-Indicators

[0070] P1,P2,P3,P4,P5,P6,PB1-Pressure Sensor DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] Embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] The embodiments are provided to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to those skilled in the art. Many details related to specific components and methods are set forth to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.

[0073] The terms used in this disclosure are for the purpose of explaining specific embodiments only, and such terms should not be considered to limit the scope of this disclosure. As used in this disclosure, the forms "a", "an", and "said" may also be intended to include plural forms unless the context clearly implies otherwise. The terms "comprises", "including", "comprising", and "having" are open transition phrases and thus specify the presence of stated features, integers, operations, elements, modules, units, and / or parts, but do not prohibit the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, parts, and / or groups thereof.

[0074] When an element is referred to as being "mounted on," "engaged to," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly on, engaged to, connected to, or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

[0075] The terms first, second, third, etc. should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure, as the aforementioned terms may only be used to distinguish one element, component, or part from another element, component, or part. Terms such as first, second, third, etc., when used herein, do not imply a particular order or sequence unless expressly implied by the present disclosure.

[0076] Now refer to Figures 2 to 5 A manifold system for fluid delivery of the present disclosure (hereinafter referred to as "system (300)") is described. The system (300) is designed to improve the safety and reliability of the industrial processes in which it is used.

[0077] refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 The manifold system (300) of the present disclosure includes a plurality of manifold assemblies (10). Each manifold assembly (10) includes a first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)], a second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)], a plurality of first isolation valves [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)], at least one first shuttle valve [(S1), (S4-S6)], and at least one redundant shuttle valve [(S3), (S4'-S6')]. The first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)] is positioned near the fluid inlet (102) and includes at least two SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)] arranged in parallel. The second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)] is connected in series with the first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)]. A second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)] is positioned near the fluid outlet (104) and includes at least two SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)] arranged in parallel. Each first isolation valve [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)] is coupled to each SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)]. Each first isolation valve [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)] is adapted to facilitate hot swapping of an associated SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)].

[0078] The circuit of the manifold system (300) is configured so that the redundancy provided by the SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] is subject to hot swapping by means of the first isolation valves [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)]. For example, referring to Figure 3 , when the SOV (V1) is in the de-energized state and the remaining SOVs (V2, V4, V5) are in the energized state, the fluid at the SOV (V1) inlet does not escape. In this state, the corresponding first isolation valve (11) is activated to perform hot replacement. This isolates the fluid supply to the SOV (V1), which can now be removed for maintenance. This ensures that the process does not stop and the system (300) continues to work with the other working valves (V2, V4, V5).

[0079] like Figure 3-Figure 5As shown, a first shuttle valve [(S1), (S4-S6)] is connected between a first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)] and a second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)]. Redundant shuttle valves [(S3), (S4'-S6')] are configured to provide redundancy to the first shuttle valves [(S1), (S4-S6)] in a manner that facilitates the flow of fluid from each of the first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)] to each of the second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)], thereby improving system availability. The fluid to be transferred from the fluid inlet (102) to the fluid outlet (104) includes at least one of air, neutral gas, liquid, and natural gas.

[0080] In one embodiment, the system (100) further includes at least one second shuttle valve (S2), S7-S9) connecting the second set of SOVs (V4-V5), V4-V6) to the fluid outlet (104). The second shuttle valve (S2), S7-S9) can be further connected to an actuator (106) that is actuated upon receipt of fluid. According to one embodiment, the actuator (106) is a rack and pinion arrangement having springs attached at opposite ends.

[0081] Therefore, in Figure 3 In a system (100), a first set of SOVs, i.e., SOVs (V1, V2) located near a fluid inlet (102), are connected to shuttle valves (S1, S3). The first shuttle valve (S1) is connected to the SOV (V4) and the redundant shuttle valve (S3) is connected to the SOV (V5) through first isolation valves (I4) and (I5), respectively. The second set of SOVs (V4, V5) is connected to the fluid outlet (104) through a second shuttle valve (S2).

[0082] The following truth table (Table 2) describes Figure 3 and Figure 4 The output of the system (300) under different operating states of SOV (V1, V2, V4, V5). The states include an open state / power-on state (depicted by a logic 0) and a closed state / power-off state (depicted by a logic 1).

[0083]

[0084] Table 2

[0085] As can be seen from Table 2 (row 14), the introduction of an additional redundant shuttle valve (S3) in the system (300) allows fluid to be available at the outlet (104) even when the SOVs (V2 and V4) are in a de-energized / closed state, thereby improving the reliability and availability of the system.

[0086] Advantageously, a plurality of manifold assemblies (10) such as Figure 4 The manifolds (10) are connected in parallel as shown. This results in a further improvement in system reliability and availability. Each manifold assembly (10) is connected to the fluid inlet (102) via a second isolation valve (M1, M2). Each manifold assembly (10) is connected to the fluid outlet (104) via a common outlet shuttle valve (S10). This arrangement makes it easier to replace one or more faulty SOVs (V1, V2, V4, V5) or faulty shuttle valves (S1, S2, S3) online (i.e., when the system (300) is running). Even Figure 3 The four SOVs (V1, V2, V4, V5) of the embodiment can be removed and replaced simultaneously without affecting the flow of fluid through the outlet (104). The possibility of failure or complete shutdown of the system (300) is also minimized.

[0087] In one embodiment, the first isolation valve [( I1 - I2 , I4 - I5 ) ( I1 - I6 )] and the second isolation valve ( M1 , M2 ) are manually operated valves (MOVs).

[0088] like Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the system (300) includes a plurality of indicators [(A,B,C,D), (A,B,C,D,E,F)], wherein each indicator [(A,B,C,D), (A,B,C,D,E,F)] is connected to each SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] to indicate the status of the SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)]. In another embodiment, the system (300) includes a plurality of pressure sensors [(P1, P2, P3, P4), (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6)], wherein each pressure sensor [(P1, P2, P3, P4), (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6)] is connected to each SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] to indicate the state of the SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)]. In yet another embodiment, the system (300) includes an indicator [(A, B, C, D) (A, B, C, D, E, F)] and a pressure sensor [(P1, P2, P3, P4), (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6)].

[0089] refer to Figure 2In an embodiment, the system (300) includes a bypass valve (B1) for providing an alternative bypass path for fluid from the fluid inlet (102) to the fluid outlet (104). This facilitates easy replacement of single or multiple SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] and shuttle valves (S1-S9, S1'-S6'). The bypass valve (B1) can be connected to the fluid outlet (104) via another shuttle valve (S11). The system (300) may also include an indicator (G) and / or a pressure sensor (PB1) associated with the bypass valve (B1) to indicate its status.

[0090] Figure 5 An embodiment of a manifold system (300) having six SOVs (V1-V6) is depicted. In this embodiment, the manifold assembly (10) includes a plurality of third shuttle valves (S1'-S3'). Each third shuttle valve (S1'-S3') is operably coupled at its input port to a first shuttle valve (S4-S6) and a redundant shuttle valve (S4'-S6') to facilitate the flow of fluid from each of the first set of SOVs (V1-V3) to each of the second set of SOVs (V4-V6) to improve shuttle valve redundancy and system availability. Thus, the system (300) includes six SOVs (V1-V6) and six first isolation valves (11-16) connected to a fluid outlet (104) via twelve shuttle valves (S4-S9, S1'-S6'). The outlet of the SOV (V1) is connected to the input port of the shuttle valves (S4, S4', S5, S6'). The outlet of SOV (V2) is connected to the input port of shuttle valve (S4, S5, S5', S6). The outlet of SOV (V3) is connected to the input port of shuttle valve (S4', S5', S6, S6'). The output port of shuttle valve (S4, S4') is connected to the input port of shuttle valve (S1'). The output port of shuttle valve (S5, S5') is connected to the input port of shuttle valve (S2'). The output port of shuttle valve (S6, S6') is connected to the input port of shuttle valve (S3'). The output port of shuttle valve (S1') is connected to the inlet of SOV (V4) through the first isolation valve (I4). The output port of shuttle valve (S2') is connected to the inlet of SOV (V5) through the first isolation valve (I5). The output port of shuttle valve (S3') is connected to the inlet of SOV (V6) through the first isolation valve (I6). The outlet of SOV (V4) is connected to the input port of shuttle valve (S7). The outlet of SOV (V5) is connected to the input port of shuttle valve (S7, S8). The outlet of SOV (V6) is connected to the input port of shuttle valve (S8). The output ports of shuttle valves (S7, S8) are connected to the input port of shuttle valve (S9), and shuttle valve (S9) is connected to the fluid outlet (104).

[0091] The following truth table (Table 3) shows the output of the system (500) for various operating states of the SOVs (V1-V6).

[0092]

[0093] Table 3

[0094] As can be seen from the truth table above, fluid is received at the fluid outlet (104) even when only SOVs (V1 and V6) or SOVs (V3 and V4) are in the energized state and the remaining SOVs (V2-V5) or (V1, V2, V5, V6) are in the de-energized state.

[0095] like Figure 5 The system (300) shown provides shuttle valve redundancy and facilitates individual isolation of the SOVs (V1-V6) and shuttle valves (S1-S8). Furthermore, the inclusion of additional shuttle valves (S1'-S6') increases system availability and also minimizes the likelihood of system failure / complete shutdown.

[0096] In one embodiment, the SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] is a 3 / 2 poppet valve, and the isolation valve [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)] is a 3 / 2 valve.

[0097] In one embodiment, the system (300) includes at least one exhaust device (108) to discharge exhaust residues to the atmosphere.

[0098] Advantageously, the SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] and the first isolation valve [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)] are merged together to eliminate the need for two different mounting arrangements.

[0099] The above description of the embodiments is provided for illustrative purposes and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. The various components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but are interchangeable. Such variations should not be considered as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0100] Technical Effects

[0101] The present disclosure described above has several technical advantages, including but not limited to achieving a manifold system for fluid delivery that:

[0102] Maintain system availability at all times;

[0103] Contributes to easy maintenance and repair of solenoid valves;

[0104] Is reliable;

[0105] Helps to isolate the solenoid valve individually;

[0106] Improve the safety and availability of industrial processes;

[0107] Facilitates easy maintenance of individual valves without disturbing the entire system;

[0108] Facilitates easy maintenance of multiple faulty valves without shutting down the entire process;

[0109] Facilitates replacement of multiple faulty valves without disrupting outlet flow;

[0110] Facilitates easy replacement of shuttle valves; and

[0111] Minimize the possibility of complete downtime.

[0112] The embodiments herein and their various features and advantageous details are explained with reference to the non-limiting examples in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as not to unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended only to facilitate an understanding of how the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Therefore, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0113] The above description of specific embodiments so fully reveals the overall nature of the embodiments herein that others can readily modify and / or adapt such specific embodiments for various applications by applying current knowledge without departing from the overall concept, and therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be included within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It should be understood that the phraseology or terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not limitation. Therefore, although the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced by modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0114] The use of the expression "at least" or "at least one" implies the use of one or more elements or ingredients or amounts, as such use may achieve one or more of the desired objectives or results in embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0115] Although considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and elements of the preferred embodiment, it should be understood that many embodiments may be made and that many changes may be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, and it should be clearly understood that the above descriptive matters are to be interpreted as merely illustrative of the present disclosure and not limiting.

Claims

1. A manifold system (300) for fluid delivery, the manifold system (300) comprising a plurality of manifold assemblies (10), each of the manifold assemblies (10) comprising: i. a first group of solenoid-operated valves SOV positioned near the fluid inlet (102), the first group of solenoid-operated valves SOV comprising at least two solenoid-operated valves SOV arranged in parallel; ii. a second group of solenoid-operated valves SOV connected in series with the first group of solenoid-operated valves SOV, the second group of solenoid-operated valves SOV being positioned near the fluid outlet (104) and comprising at least two solenoid-operated valves SOV arranged in parallel; iii. a plurality of first isolation valves, each of the first isolation valves being coupled to a respective one of the solenoid-operated valves SOV, each first isolation valve being adapted to facilitate hot swapping of an associated SOV; iv. at least one first shuttle valve connected between the first group of solenoid-operated valves SOV and the second group of solenoid-operated valves SOV; v. At least one redundant shuttle valve, characterized in that the redundant shuttle valve is configured to provide redundancy to the first shuttle valve in a manner that facilitates the flow of fluid from the first group of solenoid-operated valves SOV to the second group of solenoid-operated valves SOV, thereby improving system availability; wherein each of the manifold assemblies (10) includes a plurality of third shuttle valves, each of the third shuttle valves being operatively coupled at its input port to one first shuttle valve and one redundant shuttle valve to facilitate the flow of fluid from the first group of solenoid-operated valves SOV to the second group of solenoid-operated valves SOV, so as to improve shuttle valve redundancy and system availability.

2. The manifold system of claim 1, wherein: The manifold system (300) includes a bypass valve (B1) for providing an alternative bypass path for fluid from the fluid inlet (102) to the fluid outlet (104) to facilitate maintenance of the manifold assembly (10).

3. A manifold system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The multiple manifold assemblies (10) are connected in parallel to improve system reliability.

4. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The plurality of manifold assemblies (10) are connected in parallel to improve system reliability, and each of the manifold assemblies (10) is connected to the fluid outlet (104) via a common outlet shuttle valve (S10).

5. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The plurality of manifold assemblies (10) are connected in parallel to improve system reliability, and each of the manifold assemblies (10) is connected to the fluid inlet (102) via a second isolation valve (M1, M2).

6. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The plurality of manifold assemblies (10) are connected in parallel to improve system reliability, and each of the manifold assemblies (10) is connected to the fluid inlet (102) via a second isolation valve (M1, M2), wherein the second isolation valve (M1, M2) is a manually operated valve MOV.

7. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The first isolation valve is a manually operated valve MOV.

8. The manifold system of any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising a plurality of indicators, wherein: Each of the indicators is connected to a corresponding one of the solenoid-operated valves SOV to indicate a state of the solenoid-operated valve SOV.

9. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, comprising a plurality of pressure sensors, wherein: Each of the pressure sensors is connected to a corresponding one of the solenoid-operated valves SOV to indicate a state of the solenoid-operated valve SOV.

10. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The system (300) includes at least one second shuttle valve connecting the second set of solenoid-operated valves SOV to the fluid outlet (104).

11. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: Each of the solenoid-operated valves SOV is a 3 / 2 poppet valve.

12. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: Each of the isolating valves is a 3 / 2 valve.

13. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The manifold system (300) includes at least one exhaust device (108) to discharge exhaust residues to the atmosphere.

14. The manifold system according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein: The fluid includes at least one of air, neutral gas, liquid and natural gas.

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