Integration of fluid passage into valve superstructure

Abstract

A superstructure is configured for a flow control, such as a control valve. These configurations may have internal tubing to carry fluid between parts of the valve. In one embodiment, a tube connects a controller with an actuator such that a pneumatic signal from the controller may pressurize the actuator. The internal pipe does not require an external conduit or pipe. This feature can simplify assembly and reduce the overall packaging size of the valve to avoid potential adaptation or interference issues at locations on its process lines.

Description

Background Art

[0001] Flow controls play an important role in many industrial facilities. For example, power plants and industrial process facilities use different types of flow controls to manage the flow of materials (usually fluids) throughout a vast network of pipes, tanks, generators, and other equipment. A valve (some are called "control valves") is a flow control that actively controls the flow of materials in a process line. These devices are usually embodied as several parts assembled to a main "superstructure." On the one hand, this multi-part design is useful because it allows operators to achieve accurate and stable material flow throughout the process pipeline. On the other hand, however, certain geometric structures or physical properties of the parts may complicate manufacturing or assembly, increase the cost of ownership, or in some cases, hinder the pipeline layout due to fit problems or interference problems that occur in the field. Summary of the invention

[0002] The disclosed subject matter relates to improved flow control structures. Of particular interest are embodiments of superstructures that incorporate certain features therein. Use of such superstructure designs will allow flow control devices to be assembled with fewer parts. Such features allow for a more compact design with a smaller footprint, making the package less obtrusive and more suitable for smaller installation spaces or "working envelopes" on process lines. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] Reference will now be made briefly to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0004] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing an exemplary embodiment of a superstructure;

[0005] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary structure of an upper structure of;

[0006] Figure 3 Shows from Figure 2 a front elevation view of a cross section of the superstructure viewed from the side; and

[0007] Figure 4 A perspective view showing an example of a flow control in a partially assembled form; and

[0008] Figure 5 Shows from Figure 4 Elevation view of a cross section viewed from the side of the flow control.

[0009] Where applicable, like reference numerals indicate identical or corresponding parts and units throughout the several views, which are not drawn to scale unless otherwise indicated. The embodiments disclosed herein may include elements that appear in one or more of the several views or in a combination of the several views. Furthermore, the methods are exemplary only and may be modified by, for example, reordering, adding, deleting, and / or changing various stages.

[0010] The drawings and any description herein use examples to disclose the invention. The examples include the best mode and also enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any device or system and performing any combined method. Elements or functions described in singular form and beginning with the word "one" or "an" should be understood to not exclude multiple said elements or functions unless such exclusion is explicitly stated. Reference to "one embodiment" or "one specific implementation" should not be understood to exclude the existence of other implementations or specific implementations that also incorporate the described features. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] Features of the embodiments shown in the above-mentioned figures will now be discussed. These features may depend on advanced manufacturing techniques, such as additive manufacturing or "3D" manufacturing techniques. The use of these techniques allows for complex geometries that may not be easily compatible with more standard subtractive (or machining) operations. For example, the designs herein may provide a superstructure with tubing or channels that can carry a fluid flow under sustained pressure. Such features, in turn, may obviate the need for external piping or conduits that can extend the working range of the flow control device beyond the operator's specifications. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope and spirit of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 1A schematic diagram of an example of a superstructure 100 is shown. The example resides in a distribution network 102, which is generally designed to convey material 104 through a network of conduits 106. The superstructure 100 may be part of a flow control unit 108 having a valve subassembly 110 to connect in series with the conduits 106. The valve subassembly 110 may house a support 112 and a closure member 114 that is movable to various positions relative to the support 112 to regulate the flow of the material 104. A valve stem 116 may connect the closure member 114 to an actuator 118 that includes a piston assembly 120. A controller 122 may have operating hardware 124 that is connected to a plant instrument air supply (or "instrument air") and may convert an incoming electronic control signal S1 (e.g., a 4 mA to 20 mA signal) into an actuator control signal S2 that pressurizes the actuator 118. In one implementation, the superstructure 100 may include a bracket 126 having features that cause the actuator control signal S2 to pressurize the actuator 118 .

[0013] In a broad sense, the superstructure 100 can be configured to support other parts of the valve assembly below. These configurations can achieve a stable platform for both flow control devices (e.g., valves) and actuating mechanisms (e.g., pneumatic actuators). Such platforms generally require a design that is strong enough to withstand forces, moments, torques, or vibrations that meet industrial applications. As described herein, the platform design may include integral features such as flow channels that allow air or fluids to be transmitted from different parts of the assembly or between different parts of the assembly. Advantageously, such features do not require piping located outside the superstructure, so it can reduce the size of the device. Compared to conventional devices that use an external piping network, the smaller size can fit into a "tighter" space.

[0014] Distribution system 102 can be configured to convey or move resources. These configurations can be embodied as a large infrastructure. Material 104 can also include gases, liquids, solids, or mixtures. Conduit 106 can include pipes or pipelines that are typically connected to pumps, boilers, etc. The pipes can also be connected to tanks or reservoirs. In many facilities, the equipment forms a complex network.

[0015] The flow control device 108 can be configured to regulate the flow of the material 104 through the conduits 106 in these complex networks. These configurations can include control valves and similar devices. The valve subassembly 110 in such devices is typically made of a casting or a machined forging. The structure can form flanges at the openings I, O. Adjacent pipes 106 can be connected to these flanges so that the material 104 can flow through the device, for example, through the openings in the support 112. The closing member 114 can be embodied as a metal disk or a metal "plug". The valve stem 116 can be embodied as an elongated cylinder or rod connected to the plug at one end. The other end of the rod can be connected to the actuator 118. Typically, the piston assembly 120 in the actuator 118 may include a piston and a spring, which together generate a load on the valve stem 116. The load adjusts the position of the plug 114, which in turn manages the flow of the material 104 through the support 112 and then into the pipe 106 downstream of the device.

[0016] The controller 122 may be configured to process and generate signals. These configurations may be connected to a control network (or "distributed control system" or "DCS") that maintains the operation of all devices on the process line to ensure that materials flow according to the process. The DCS may generate control signals with operating parameters including "setpoints" that describe or define the operation of the control valve 108 to achieve this purpose. The operating hardware 124 may employ electrical components and computing components (e.g., processors, memory, executable instructions, etc.). These components may also include electronic pneumatic devices that operate the incoming electronic signal S1. These components ensure that the actuator control signal S2 transmitted to the actuator 118 is suitable for controlling the valve 108 to supply material 104 downstream according to the process parameters.

[0017] The bracket 126 can be configured to carry the control signal S2. These configurations can incorporate internal flow channels or integral flow channels that can be located within the material structure of the device. These internal flow channels can connect the actuator 118 and the controller 122. In this way, flow can occur between these devices without the need for any external tubing that may interfere with the use or operation of the flow control device 108 in its location on the process line.

[0018] Figure 2A perspective view of an example of a bracket 126 is shown. As desired, the example may include a hardened structure 128 made of a material such as a metal or a composite material. These materials may exhibit sufficiently strong properties to withstand corrosive materials or harsh environments equivalent to the hydrocarbon industry. The design of these materials may also be beneficial in conjunction with additive manufacturing techniques, because these techniques can be used to make certain features of such designs in an integrated, single form. As shown, the hardened structure 128 may have an end 130 that is arranged to receive different parts of the flow control unit 108 for final assembly of the device. The end 130 may include a valve mounting frame 132 that is characterized by a substantially planar interface plate 134 having a central orifice 136. The plate 134 may receive a portion of the valve subassembly 110. This portion (sometimes referred to as a "hood") may provide a threaded position to receive fasteners (such as bolts) that pass through the plate 134. Tightening these fasteners will secure the valve subassembly 110 to the bracket 126. The central aperture 136 may allow the valve stem 116 to extend through the plate 134. A pair of upright members 138 may be located on either side of the valve stem 116. The upright member 138 may have a first end coupled to the interface plate 134. The second end may be fixed to the actuator mounting bracket 140. In one specific implementation, the actuator mounting bracket 140 may form a first portion of the actuator 118. The first portion may be embodied as a lower housing 142 coupled to the second end of the upright member 138. The lower housing 142 may have a peripheral wall 146 around the central axis A. The wall 146 may terminate at a flanged outer edge 148 in which an opening 150 is disposed. The peripheral wall 146 may form a circular bowl-shaped member. However, other geometric structures may also be used. The openings 150 may be located in the flanged outer edge 148, preferably evenly spaced from each other around its circumference. As also shown, the bracket 126 may include a control mounting bracket 152 having an arm 154 that extends outwardly and generally horizontally from the upright member 138. The arm 154 may terminate at an interface plate 156 having a large opening 158. A mounting hole 160 may be located adjacent the opening 158. The hole 160 may be used to receive a fastener that attaches the controller 122 to the interface plate 156. A port 162 may also extend through the plate 156. The port 162 may be aligned with a corresponding outlet on the controller 122.

[0019] Figure 3 Shows Figure 214. A front view of a cross section of the side of the bracket 126 of FIG. Port 162 may form an entrance to the circulation channel 164. In one embodiment, the circulation channel 164 may form a hole 166 inside the bracket 126, including in the upright member 138 or the arm 152. The hole 166 is used as a conduit for conveying fluids such as air. It may have a generally continuous inner surface to prevent leakage. It turns out that additive manufacturing technology may be essential for establishing this type of one-piece geometry. As also shown in the figure, the hole 166 may end at a port 168, which is shown here as being located within the boundary of the peripheral wall 146. The port 168 may form an outlet to the circulation channel 164. This feature will allow air to flow into the interior of the bowl-shaped member.

[0020] Figure 4 A perspective view of a bracket 126 as part of an example of a flow control unit 108 is shown. The example has an upper housing 144 attached to a lower housing 142. The upper housing 144 can adopt a bowl-shaped member geometry as described above, wherein the peripheral wall 146 also has a flange 148 with an opening 150. The openings 150 in both members 142, 144 can receive fasteners. For example, nuts and bolts can be used to tighten the flange 148 of the bowl-shaped member 146 together to form a sealed, airtight enclosure. The controller 122 can be fixed to its mounting bracket 152 so that its "outlet" is aligned with the inlet 162 leading to the circulation channel 164. This feature allows the outgoing actuator control signal S2 to be transmitted through the circulation channel 166 to the outlet 168 in the lower member 142. This signal pressurizes the sealed enclosure of the actuator 118.

[0021] Figure 5 Provided Figure 4 . The sealed housing may house the piston assembly 120 described above. The piston assembly 120 may include a piston 172. The valve stem 116 may be attached to the piston 172, for example, using a threaded end and nut arrangement 174. The device may also include one or more springs 176. The deflection of the spring 176 may generate a spring load that, together with the internal pressure due to the actuator control signal S2, adjusts the position of the closing member 114 relative to the support 112.

[0022] In view of the foregoing, integrated flow channels in the bracket can be beneficial to the design. These features can carry pressurized air that would normally require external ducting. The result is a more compact design with a smaller working range. As part of the facility configuration, such an assembly can alleviate some of the adaptation issues that may arise in the field. These issues may prevent the use of certain devices, or in some cases, may result in the need for costly redesign or re-adaptation.

[0023] The examples below include certain elements or clauses, one or more of which may be combined with other elements and clauses to describe embodiments contemplated within the scope and substance of the present disclosure. The scope may include and contemplate other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. If such other examples have structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, these other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A flow control component, comprising: a bracket including a first end and a second end, the bracket having a mounting bracket and an aperture extending from an inlet in the mounting bracket to an outlet at the second end; and A controller is secured to the mounting bracket, wherein the controller is configured to transmit a pressurization signal into the opening.

2. The flow control device of claim 1, wherein the apertures form non-linear passages through the material of the carrier.

3. The flow control device of claim 1, wherein the hole has a continuous inner surface. The flow control device of claim 1 , wherein the pressurization signal is discharged from the outlet.

5. The flow control according to claim 1, further comprising: An actuator is fixed to the second end, wherein the pressurization signal is discharged from the outlet into the actuator.

6. The flow control according to claim 1, further comprising: an actuator disposed on the second end of the bracket, At least a portion of the actuator is formed integrally with the bracket.

7. The flow control according to claim 1, further comprising: an actuator disposed on the second end of the bracket, The actuator includes a bowl-shaped member, and the bowl-shaped member is integrally formed with the bracket.

8. The flow control according to claim 1, further comprising: a sealed housing disposed on the second end portion, the sealed housing comprising a pair of separable members, at least one of the pair of separable members being integrally formed with the bracket, The pressurization signal from the controller is discharged from the outlet into the sealed housing.

9. The flow control according to claim 1, further comprising: A first housing is formed integrally with the bracket at the second end, the first housing having a peripheral wall surrounding the outlet.

10. The flow control according to claim 1, further comprising: a first housing formed integrally with the bracket at the second end, the first housing having a peripheral wall surrounding the outlet; and A second housing is coupled to the first housing to form a sealed enclosure.

11. A flow control component, comprising: Pneumatic actuators; a controller coupled to the pneumatic actuator, the controller generating a pneumatic signal for pressurizing the pneumatic actuator; and A superstructure supports both the pneumatic actuator and the controller, the superstructure defining an aperture through which the pneumatic signal is transmitted between the controller and the pneumatic actuator.

12. The flow control device of claim 11, wherein the upper structure is integrally formed as a part of the pneumatic actuator.

13. The flow control of claim 11, wherein the pneumatic actuator comprises a sealed housing, at least a portion of which is integrally formed with the upper structure.

14. The flow control device of claim 11, further comprising a valve coupled to the upper structure and the pneumatic actuator.

15. The flow control device of claim 11, wherein the pores form a non-linear channel.

16. The flow control of claim 11, wherein the superstructure comprises a 3D printed bracket.

17. A device comprising: a valve having a movable closure member; an actuator coupled to the movable closure member; a controller coupled to the actuator, the controller having operating hardware to convert the electrical signal into a pneumatic signal; and An upper structure directs the pneumatic signal from the controller into an interior of the actuator.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pneumatic signal enters a bottom portion of the actuator.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the pneumatic signal enters a top portion of the actuator.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the upper structure has a hole extending from the controller to the pneumatic actuator to receive and exhaust the pneumatic signal.

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