Control circuit, setup, regulator and procedure for use in an underwater control module

Abstract

Control circuit (100) for an actuator (40) of a slide valve (50) used in an underwater control module in an underwater environment (106), wherein the control circuit (100) comprises the following: a directional control valve (108) comprising: an inlet connected to a hydraulic fluid supply (102), a vent connected to the underwater environment (106), a pilot element connected to a pilot supply (104), and an outlet, wherein the directional control valve (108) is configured to a closed and an open state in response to the pilot supply (104) at the pilot element, wherein in the open state the directional control valve (108) connects the hydraulic fluid supply (102) at the inlet to the outlet, and wherein in the closed state the directional control valve (108) connects the outlet to the vent; and a regulator (110) having an inlet and an outlet and a sealing arrangement (150) between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the inlet is connected to the outlet of the directional control valve (108), wherein the outlet is connected to the actuator (40), wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is configured to reduce hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply (102) which is directed from the supply to the outlet, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is configured to prevent the hydraulic pressure at the outlet from being directed to the supply, wherein the regulator (110) has a check valve (170) which connects the supply to the outlet, wherein the check valve (170) is configured to allow at least a portion of the hydraulic pressure at the outlet to bypass the sealing arrangement (150) from the outlet to the supply of the regulator (110) to the directional control valve (108).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a control circuit for an actuator of a slide valve used in an underwater control module in an underwater environment, as well as a corresponding device, a controller and a method. BACKGROUND OF THE REVELATION

[0002] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a prior art control circuit 10 for an actuator 40 of a spool valve 50, which is used in a submersible control module. The control circuit 10 comprises a controller 20 and a directional control valve (DCV) 30. The controller 20 is connected to a hydraulic fluid supply 12 and regulates the pressure of the hydraulic fluid supplied to the actuator 40. The directional control valve 30 is located downstream of the controller 20 and includes an inlet (I) connected to the outlet (O) of the controller. A vent (V) of the directional control valve 30 is connected to the environment 16 (e.g., seawater). A pilot channel (P) of the directional control valve 30 is connected to a pilot supply 14.

[0003] The regulator 20 reduces the supply pressure of the hydraulic fluid flowing into the directional control valve 30 to a value suitable for the spool valve actuator 40. When the directional control valve 30 receives a pilot signal on the pilot channel (P), it opens and sends pressurized hydraulic fluid from the inlet (I) to the outlet (O) to flow to the spool valve actuator 40, opening the spool valve 50, which connects lines 52 and 54. When the pilot pressure is removed from the directional control valve 30, it closes to its default state, which is Fig. Figure 1 shows that to close the spool valve 50, the hydraulic pressure must be expelled across the piston in the actuator 40. The directional control valve 30 has a venting circuit that connects the outlet (O) to the vent opening (V), allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow into the environment 16 and close the spool valve 50. Prior art control circuits are known, for example, from US 6,192,680 B1 or US 9,657,850 B2.

[0004] Although this arrangement of the control circuit 10 is effective, there may be implementations where this arrangement cannot be used or where a different functionality is required. The subject matter of the present disclosure is directed toward overcoming or at least reducing the effects of one or more of the problems mentioned above. This object is achieved according to the invention by a control circuit according to claim 1, a device for an underwater control module according to claim 8, a controller according to claim 15, and a method according to claim 22. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the respective dependent claims. SUMMARY OF THE REVELATION

[0005] A control circuit disclosed herein is used for an actuator of a spool valve in a submersible control module in a submersible environment. The control circuit includes a directional control valve and a controller. The directional control valve has the following: an inlet connected to a hydraulic fluid supply, a vent connected to the submersible environment, a pilot element connected to a pilot supply, and an output. The directional control valve is configured to a closed and an open state in response to the pilot input at the pilot element. In the open state, the directional control valve connects the hydraulic fluid supply at the inlet to the output. In the closed state, the directional control valve connects the output to the vent.

[0006] The controller has an inlet and an outlet and a sealing assembly between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is connected to the outlet of the directional control valve, and the outlet is connected to the actuator. The sealing assembly is configured to reduce the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply routed from the inlet to the outlet and to prevent hydraulic pressure at the outlet from being routed back to the inlet. The controller has a check valve connecting the inlet to the outlet. The check valve is configured to allow at least a portion of the hydraulic pressure at the outlet to bypass the sealing assembly from the outlet to the controller's inlet and then to the directional control valve.

[0007] An apparatus disclosed herein is used for an underwater control module for use in an underwater environment. The apparatus comprises a spool valve, an actuator, a directional control valve, and a controller. The spool valve has flow connections and a spool that is movable between the flow connections. The actuator is connected to the spool valve and is configured to move the spool in response to hydraulic pressure. The directional control valve and the controller are configured in the control circuit as described above.

[0008] This document discloses a regulator for controlling hydraulic pressure for an actuator of a spool valve in a submersible control module in an underwater environment. The regulator comprises a housing, a reservoir, a sealing assembly, and a check valve. The housing has an inlet and an outlet, and defines an internal space connected to the inlet and outlet. The reservoir is movably arranged within the internal space, acting like a piston in response to the hydraulic pressure within the space.

[0009] The sealing assembly is mounted on the reservoir and is movable with the reservoir relative to the inlet and outlet. The sealing assembly is configured to reduce the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply, which is routed from the inlet to the outlet. Furthermore, the sealing assembly is configured to prevent the hydraulic pressure at the outlet from being routed back to the inlet. The check valve is located in the connection between the inlet and the outlet. The check valve is configured to allow at least a portion of the hydraulic pressure at the outlet to bypass the sealing assembly from the outlet to the inlet.

[0010] The housing can include a flow plate with a flow channel exposed within the interior and connected to the inlet. The sealing assembly can be pre-tensioned to the flow plate and can be movable with the container relative to the flow channel.

[0011] The housing may have a vent side and may include a vent plate with a vent channel exposed within the interior and connected to the vent side. The sealing assembly may be pre-tensioned to the vent plate and may be movable with respect to the vent channel and the flow channel of the container.

[0012] The sealing arrangement can include opposing feed seals positioned within the reservoir and pre-tensioned away from each other towards the vent plate or flow plate. Each of the opposing feed seals has a flow passage and a sealing face. The sealing face is configured to seal against the vent plate or flow plate, and the flow passage is configured to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid.

[0013] The sealing arrangement can include opposing vent seals positioned within the reservoir and pre-tensioned away from each other towards the vent plate and the flow plate. Each of the opposing vent seals has a flow passage and a sealing face. The sealing face is configured to seal against the vent plate or the flow plate, and the flow passage is configured to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid.

[0014] A manifold can be attached to the housing. The manifold has an inlet port, an outlet port, and a check valve. The inlet port can be connected to the inlet via a supply line, and the outlet port can be connected to the outlet via an outlet line. The outlet and inlet ports are connected by the check valve. The check valve is configured to open when the outlet side pressure from the outlet port exceeds the level of the inlet side pressure from the supply line, and is configured to allow hydraulic fluid pressure from the outlet port to flow back to the inlet port, bypassing the interior.

[0015] A spring can be arranged inside the housing and can preload the container against the hydraulic pressure inside.

[0016] A method disclosed herein is used for an underwater control module in an underwater environment. The method comprises activating an actuator for a spool valve by: opening a directional control valve that connects a hydraulic fluid supply at an inlet to an outlet, and reducing the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply from the outlet to the actuator using a controller having an inlet connected to the outlet and an outlet connected to the actuator.

[0017] The method comprises deactivating the actuator for the spool valve by: closing the directional control valve connecting the outlet to a vent port, preventing the hydraulic pressure at the outlet from being directed to the regulator's inlet by means of a sealing arrangement in the regulator, allowing at least a portion of the hydraulic pressure from the actuator to bypass the sealing arrangement to the directional control valve through a check valve connecting the outlet to the regulator's inlet, and expelling the hydraulic pressure bypassing the regulator from the vent port of the directional control valve into the underwater environment.

[0018] The foregoing summary is not intended to summarize every possible embodiment or every aspect of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a state-of-the-art control circuit for an actuator of a slide valve, which is used in an underwater control module. Fig. Figure 2 represents a schematic representation of a control circuit according to the present disclosure for an actuator of a slide valve, which is used in an underwater control module. Fig. Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a control valve of the present disclosure. Fig. Figure 3B shows a side view of the control valve. Fig. Figure 3C shows a rear elevation of the control valve. Fig. 3D shows a top view of the upper side of the control valve. Fig. 3E represents an end section of the control valve. Fig. Figure 4 shows a detailed cross-section of a pressure control valve arrangement in the control valve. Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a control distributor for the control valve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE REVELATION

[0019] Fig. Figure 2 presents a schematic representation of a control circuit 100 of the present disclosure for an actuator 40 of a slide valve 50. It is understood that the control circuit 100 can be used in a subsea control module (SCM) for various functions.

[0020] The control circuit 100 comprises a controller 110 and a direct-acting valve (DCV) 108. In this control circuit 100, and in contrast to the conventional circuit of Fig. The controller 110 is located downstream of the directional control valve 108. This circuit 100 can be used in implementations with mixed operating pressures and can be used in legacy systems where all available lines are used and no new lines can be added. There may be additional reasons for the arrangement in this control circuit 100.

[0021] The directional control valve 108 has an inlet (I) connected to a supply 102 of control hydraulic fluid. A vent (V) of the directional control valve 108 is connected to the environment 106 (e.g., seawater), and a pilot channel (P) of the directional control valve 108 is connected to a pilot supply 104. An outlet (O) of the directional control valve 108 is connected to the controller 110. The controller 110, in turn, has a supply side (S) connected to the directional control valve 108 and an outlet side (O) connected to the actuator 40 for the spool valve 50.

[0022] The directional control valve 108 can be configured to a closed or open state in response to the pilot input at the pilot channel (P). For example, when the directional control valve 108 receives a pilot signal at the pilot channel (P), it opens and sends control hydraulic fluid from the inlet (I) to the outlet (O). The control hydraulic fluid flows to the controller 110, which reduces the pressures to a value suitable for the spool valve actuator 40. From there, the control hydraulic fluid flows to the actuator 40, which closes the spool valve 50. For example, the spool valve 50 may include a slide that is movable by the actuator 40 between an inlet flow connection 52 and an outlet flow connection 54. The flow controlled by the spool valve 50 can be used for any suitable purpose in the underwater control module.

[0023] When the pilot signal is removed from the directional control valve 108, the directional control valve 108 closes to a closed state, as shown in Fig. Figure 2 shows that pressure in the line between the regulator 110 and the directional control valve 108 escapes through the vent circuit into the environment 16 by flowing from the outlet (O) to the vent opening (V). However, an internal shear seal assembly of the regulator 110 seals off pressure at the outlet side (O) of the regulator 110, thus preventing pressure from flowing out of the vent circuit into the directional control valve 108. This traps the hydraulic pressure in the spool valve actuator 40, preventing it from closing.

[0024] To close the spool valve 50, the hydraulic pressure above the piston in the actuator 40 must be expelled. For this purpose, a distributor 160 with a check valve 170, which is arranged on the regulator 110, allows the hydraulic fluid to flow from the outlet side (O) to the supply side (S), bypassing the internal sealing arrangement of the regulator 110 to the directional control valve 108, where the fluid is then discharged to the environment 106 via the venting circuit.

[0025] Fig. Figure 3A shows a cross-sectional view of a control valve 110 of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 3B shows a side view of the control valve 110; Fig. Figure 3C shows a rear elevation of the control valve 110; Fig. 3D shows a top view of the upper side of the control valve 110; and Fig. 3E represents an end range of the control valve 110.

[0026] The control valve 110 comprises a housing 112, which is composed of a spring chamber 120, a valve chamber 130, a vent distributor or flange 140, and a control distributor or flange 160. The spring chamber 120 is attached to the valve chamber 130, and the distributors 140 and 160 are attached to the sides of the valve chamber 130.

[0027] The spring chamber 120 contains a spring 124 inside the chamber 122 between opposing support plates 125a-b. The upper support plate 125a engages with a bearing and an adjusting screw 127. The lower support plate 125b engages with a sealing reservoir or piston 128 via a bearing. The sealing reservoir 128 is arranged in an interior or bore 132 of the valve chamber 130. The reservoir 128 contains a configuration of pressure control valves 150, which are arranged in Fig. 4 will be shown in more detail. The container 128 is movably arranged in the interior 132 in response to hydraulic pressure in the interior 132, which counteracts the preload of the spring 124.

[0028] The vent distributor 140, attached to the valve chamber 130, has a vent channel 142 that connects to a vent plate 145 in the valve chamber 130. The interior 132 of the valve chamber 130 is connected to the vent channel 142 via the vent plate 145. The vent distributor 140 can be connected to a control circuit, such as circuit 100, for venting purposes as needed. Fig. 2, can be used.

[0029] The control distributor 160, attached to the valve chamber 130, has a supply channel or inlet 164a and a controlled channel or outlet 164b. As is best done in Fig. As shown in Figure 3A, the inlet 164a is connected via a supply passage 166a to a flow plate 135 in the valve chamber 130, and the interior 132 of the valve chamber 130 is connected via an outlet passage 166b to the outlet 164b. As generally shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 3B, the inlet and outlet passages 166a-b are connected to each other via internal lines in the distributor 160. A check valve 170, which is described in more detail below, prevents flow from the inlet passage 166a to the outlet passage 166b and allows at least a certain degree of flow from the outlet passage 166b to the inlet passage 166a.

[0030] An additional detail of the control distributor 160 is shown in the cross-sectional view of Fig. Figure 5 shows the control distributor 160 comprising a distributor body 162, which can be screwed onto the valve chamber 130. The supply channel 164a is connected to an internal supply line 165a, which is connected to the supply passage 166a in the distributor body 162. The supply channel 164a, which is connected to the supply line 165a, is also connected to a supply side of the check valve 170 installed in the distributor body 162.

[0031] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3A, the supply passage 166a is connected to the flow plate 135 of the valve chamber 130. The supply of hydraulic fluid from the directional control valve (108) can enter the interior 132 of the valve chamber through the supply passage 166a and the flow plate 135 to act on the sealing reservoir 128 and the pressure control valve assembly 150.

[0032] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the outlet channel 164b is connected to an outlet pipe 165b, which is connected to the outlet passage 166b. As shown in Figure 5, the outlet channel 164b is connected to an outlet pipe 165b, which is connected to the outlet passage 166b. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3A, this outlet passage 166b is connected to the interior 132 of the valve chamber 130. Regulated hydraulic fluid from the interior 132 of the valve chamber can flow through the outlet passage 166b to the outlet channel 164b of the distributor 160.

[0033] Furthermore, outlet pipe 165b connects as shown in Fig. 5. The outlet channel 164b is connected to an outlet side of the check valve 170. In the manifold 160, the supply side pressure (from line 165a) and the outlet side pressure (from line 165b) act on the check valve 170. If the outlet side pressure from the outlet line 165b exceeds the supply side pressure from the supply line 165a (including any internal preload of the check valve 170), the check valve 170 opens and allows the hydraulic fluid to flow from the outlet channel 164b back to the supply channel 164a, bypassing the interior 132 of the valve chamber 130 of the control valve 110, and the hydraulic pressure downstream of the control valve 110 is reduced.

[0034] For manufacturing and machining purposes, the side access points of the connecting lines 165a-b have sealed plugs 167b. The side access 164c for inserting the check valve 170 also includes a sealed plug 167c.

[0035] As above with reference to control circuit 100 in Fig. As noted in Figure 2, the directional control valve 108 closes when the control signal is removed from the directional control valve 108. The pressure between the governor 110 and the directional control valve 108 escapes through the venting circuit to the environment 16. However, the internal sealing arrangement of the governor 110 seals against pressure at the outlet side (O) of the governor 110, thus preventing pressure from flowing back through the governor 110 to the supply side (S). Here, however, the check valve 170 allows the hydraulic fluid to flow around the internal seals of the governor 110 and back to the directional control valve 108. In this way, the hydraulic fluid can then escape from the venting circuit in the directional control valve 108 and be discharged to the environment 106 through the venting circuit.

[0036] Fig. Figure 4 shows a detailed cross-section of the internal sealing assembly 150 for pressure control used in chamber 130 of the control valve. An outlet seal cage 152a is arranged in a first pocket 129a of the seal reservoir 128 and is sealed therein by an annular O-ring seal. The outlet seal cage 152a contains opposing vent seals 154a. Annular O-ring seals are used to seal the vent seals 154a within the outlet seal cage 152a. The vent seals 154a define a flow passage through them and have a circumferential sealing surface located at the outer end. The opposing vent seals 154a can move laterally in response to hydraulic pressure and are biased away from each other by a central spring 156a.When preloaded outwards, the sides of the vent seals 154a engage with the inner surfaces 147, 137 of the flow plates 145, 135, which are exposed on opposite sides of the interior 132, to form shear seals. The flow passages of the vent seals 154a have a change in diameter to cause a pressure change (e.g., a pressure drop) in the hydraulic fluid flowing through the vent seals 154a.

[0037] Similarly, an inlet seal cage 152b is arranged in a second pocket 129b of the seal reservoir 128 and is sealed therein with an annular O-ring seal. The inlet seal cage 152b contains opposing feed seals 154b within it. Annular O-ring seals and auxiliary seals are used to seal the feed seals 154b in the inlet seal cage 152b. The feed seals 154b define a flow passage through it and have a circumferential sealing surface located at the outer end. The opposing feed seals 154b can move laterally in response to hydraulic pressure and are biased away from each other by a central spring 156b. When preloaded outwards, the sides of the supply seals 154b engage with inner surfaces 147, 137 of the flow plates 145, 135 on opposite sides of the interior 132 to form shear seals.The flow passages of the supply seals 154b have a change in diameter to bring about a pressure change (e.g. a pressure drop) in the hydraulic fluid that is allowed to flow through the supply seals 154b.

[0038] The seals 154a-b of the sealing assembly 150 control the flow and pressure of the hydraulic fluid that is directed from the supply side S (e.g., 166a, 164a) to the outlet side O (e.g., 166b, 164b), which is connected to the interior 132 of the regulator 110. As can be seen, the vent seals 154a restrict cross-flow between them, but the sides of the vent seals 154a slidably seal against the flat surfaces 147, 137 of the flow plates 145, 135. The vent seals 154a can, in response to hydraulic pressure, release their seal on sides 147, 137 against the preload of the central spring 156a, and the vent seals 154a can slide along sides 147, 137 against the preload of the valve spring (127) when the carrier 128 moves.One vent seal 154a seals adjacent to the vent passage 142, while the other vent seal 154a seals adjacent to the supply passage 166a.

[0039] The supply seals 154b restrict cross-flow between them, but the sides of the supply seals 154b slidably seal against the flat surfaces 147, 137 of the flow plates 145, 135. In response to hydraulic pressure, the supply seals 154b can release their seal on the sides 147, 137 against the preload of the central spring 156b, and the supply seals 154b can slide along the sides 147, 137 against the preload of the valve spring (127) when the carrier 128 moves. One supply seal 154b seals adjacent to the interior 132, which is connected to the outlet passage 166b, while the other supply seal 154a seals adjacent to the supply passage 166a and the outlet passage 166b.

[0040] The control valve 110 of the present disclosure can be used with or without the control distributor 160, which includes the check valve 170. Without the control distributor 160 and using a suitable flow distributor for the inlet and outlet, the control valve 110 can be used in a conventional circuit 10, such as the one described above with reference to Fig. 1 is discussed, can be used. However, with the control distributor 160, which has the check valve 170, the control valve 110 can be used in the alternative control circuit 100, as e.g. above with reference to Fig. 2 is discussed. The control valve 110, which has the control distributor 160 with the check valve 170, can also be used in the conventional control circuit 10 to provide an additional functionality.

Claims

[1] Control circuit (100) for an actuator (40) of a slide valve (50) used in an underwater control module in an underwater environment (106), wherein the control circuit (100) comprises: a directional control valve (108) comprising: an inlet connected to a hydraulic fluid supply (102), a vent connected to the underwater environment (106), a pilot element connected to a pilot supply (104), and an outlet, wherein the directional control valve (108) is configured to a closed and an open state in response to the pilot supply (104) at the pilot element, wherein in the open state the directional control valve (108) connects the hydraulic fluid supply (102) at the inlet to the outlet, and wherein in the closed state the directional control valve (108) connects the outlet to the vent; and a regulator (110) having an inlet and an outlet and a sealing arrangement (150) between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the inlet is connected to the outlet of the directional control valve (108), wherein the outlet is connected to the actuator (40), wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is configured to reduce hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply (102) which is directed from the supply to the outlet, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is configured to prevent the hydraulic pressure at the outlet from being directed to the supply, wherein the regulator (110) has a check valve (170) which connects the supply to the outlet, wherein the check valve (170) is configured to allow at least a portion of the hydraulic pressure at the outlet to bypass the sealing arrangement (150) from the outlet to the supply of the regulator (110) to the directional control valve (108). [2] Control circuit (100) according to claim 1, wherein the controller (110) comprises: a housing (112) having the inlet and outlet, wherein the housing (112) defines an interior space connected to the inlet and outlet; and a container (128) which is movably arranged in the interior in response to the hydraulic pressure in the interior, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is arranged on the container (128) and is movable with the container (128) with respect to the inlet and outlet. [3] Control circuit (100) according to claim 2, wherein: the housing (112) comprises a flow plate (135) which has a flow channel that is exposed in the interior and is connected to the supply; and the sealing arrangement (150) is pre-tensioned to the flow plate (135) and is movable with the container (128) with respect to the flow channel. [4] Control circuit (100) according to claim 3, wherein the housing (112) has a vent side; the housing (112) includes a vent plate (145) which has a vent channel exposed in the interior and connected to the vent side; and the sealing arrangement (150) is pre-tensioned to the vent plate (145) and is movable with the container (128) with respect to the vent channel and the flow channel. [5] Control circuit (100) according to claim 4, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) comprises the following: Opposing feed seals (154b) arranged in the container (128) and pre-tensioned away from each other towards the vent plate (145) and the flow plate (135), respectively, each of the opposing feed seals (154b) having a flow passage and a sealing side, wherein the sealing side is configured to seal with the vent plate (145) or the flow plate (135), wherein the flow passage is configured to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid; and Opposing vent seals (154a) arranged in the container (128) and pre-tensioned away from each other towards the vent plate (145) and the flow plate (135), each of the opposing vent seals (154a) having a flow passage and a sealing side, wherein the sealing side is configured to seal with the vent plate (145) or the flow plate (135), wherein the flow passage is configured to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid. [6] Control circuit (100) according to claim 4, comprising a distributor that can be attached to the housing (112), the distributor having a supply channel (164a), an outlet channel (164b) and the check valve (170), the supply channel (164a) being connected to the supply by a supply line, the outlet channel (164b) being connected to the outlet by an outlet line, the outlet line and the supply line being connected to each other by the check valve (170), the check valve (170) being configured to open in response to the outlet side pressure from the outlet line exceeding a level of the supply side pressure from the supply line, and being configured to allow the hydraulic fluid pressure from the outlet channel (164b) to flow back to the supply channel (164a) and bypass the interior. [7] Control circuit (100) according to claim 2, comprising a spring (124) arranged in the housing (112) which biases the container (128) against the hydraulic pressure in the interior. [8] Equipment for an underwater control module to be used in an underwater environment (106), the equipment comprising: a slide valve (50) having flow connections and a slide that is movable between the flow connections; an actuator (40) connected to the spool valve (50) and configured to move the spool in response to hydraulic pressure; a directional control valve (108) comprising: an inlet connected to a hydraulic fluid supply (102), a vent connected to the underwater environment (106), a pilot element connected to a pilot supply (104), and an outlet, wherein the directional control valve (108) is configured to a closed and an open state in response to the pilot supply (104) at the pilot element, wherein in the open state the directional control valve (108) connects the hydraulic fluid supply (102) at the inlet to the outlet, and wherein in the closed state the directional control valve (108) connects the outlet to the vent; and a regulator (110) having an inlet and an outlet and a sealing arrangement (150) between the inlet and the outlet, wherein the inlet is connected to the outlet of the directional control valve (108), wherein the outlet is connected to the actuator (40), wherein the controller (110) is configured to reduce the hydraulic fluid pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply (102) which is directed from the supply to the outlet, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is configured to prevent the hydraulic fluid pressure at the outlet from being directed to the supply, wherein the controller (110) has a check valve (170) which connects the supply to the outlet, wherein the check valve (170) is configured to allow at least a portion of the hydraulic fluid pressure at the outlet to bypass the sealing arrangement (150) from the outlet to the supply of the controller (110) to the directional control valve (108). [9] Device according to claim 8, wherein the controller (110) comprises: a housing (112) having the inlet and outlet, wherein the housing (112) defines an interior space connected to the inlet and outlet; and a container (128) which is movably arranged in the interior in response to the hydraulic pressure in the interior, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is arranged on the container (128) and is movable with the container (128) with respect to the inlet and outlet. [10] Device according to claim 9, wherein: the housing (112) includes a flow plate (135), which has a flow channel that is exposed in the interior and is connected to the supply side; the sealing arrangement (150) is pre-tensioned to the flow plate (135) and is movable with the container (128) with respect to the flow channel. [11] Device according to claim 10, wherein the housing (112) has a vent side; the housing (112) includes a vent plate (145) which has a vent channel exposed in the interior and connected to the vent side; and the sealing arrangement (150) is pre-tensioned to the vent plate (145) and is movable with the container (128) with respect to the vent channel and the flow channel. [12] Device according to claim 11, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) comprises: Opposing feed seals (154b) arranged in the container (128) and pre-tensioned away from each other towards the vent plate (145) and the flow plate (135), respectively, each of the opposing feed seals (154b) having a flow passage and a sealing side, wherein the sealing side is configured to seal with the vent plate (145) or the flow plate (135), wherein the flow passage is configured to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid; and Opposing vent seals (154a) arranged in the container (128) and pre-tensioned away from each other towards the vent plate (145) and the flow plate (135), each of the opposing vent seals (154a) having a flow passage and a sealing side, wherein the sealing side is configured to seal with the vent plate (145) or the flow plate (135), wherein the flow passage is configured to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid pressure. [13] Device according to claim 9, comprising a distributor that can be attached to the housing (112), the distributor having a supply channel (164a), an outlet channel (164b) and the check valve (170), the supply channel (164a) being connected to the supply by a supply line, the outlet channel (164b) being connected to the outlet by an outlet line, the outlet line and the supply line being connected to each other by the check valve (170), the check valve (170) being configured to open in response to the outlet side pressure from the outlet line exceeding a level of the supply side pressure from the supply line, and being configured to allow the hydraulic fluid pressure from the outlet channel (164b) to flow back to the supply channel (164a) and bypass the interior. [14] Device according to claim 9, comprising a spring arranged in the housing (112) and biasing the container (128) against the hydraulic pressure in the interior. [15] Regulator (110) for regulating hydraulic pressure for an actuator (40) of a spool valve (50) of an underwater control module in an underwater environment (106), wherein the regulator (110) comprises: a housing (112) having an inlet and an outlet, wherein the housing (112) defines an interior space that is connected to the inlet and the outlet; a container (128) which is movably arranged in the interior in response to the hydraulic pressure in the interior; a sealing arrangement (150) which is arranged on the container (128) and is movable with the container (128) with respect to the inlet and outlet, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is configured to reduce the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply (102) which is directed from the inlet to the outlet, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is configured to prevent the hydraulic pressure from being directed at the outlet to the supply; and a check valve (170) connecting the supply to the outlet, wherein the check valve (170) is configured to allow at least part of the hydraulic pressure at the outlet to bypass the sealing arrangement (150) from the outlet to the supply. [16] Regulator (110) according to claim 15, wherein the housing (112) comprises a flow plate (135) having a flow channel exposed in the interior and connected to the supply; wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is pre-tensioned to the flow plate (135) and is movable with the container (128) with respect to the flow channel. [17] Regulator (110) according to claim 16, wherein the housing (112) has a vent side; and wherein the housing (112) comprises a vent plate (145) having a vent channel exposed in the interior and connected to the vent opening, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is pre-tensioned to the vent plate (145) and is movable with the container (128) with respect to the vent channel and the flow channel. [18] Regulator (110) according to claim 17, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) comprises opposing supply seals (154b) arranged in the container (128) and biased away from each other towards the vent plate (145) and the flow plate (135), respectively, wherein each of the opposing supply seals (154b) has a flow passage and a sealing side, wherein the sealing side is configured to seal with the vent plate (145) and the flow plate (135), respectively, and wherein the flow passage is configured to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid. [19] Regulator (110) according to claim 17, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) comprises opposing vent seals (154a) arranged in the container (128) and biased away from each other towards the vent plate (145) and the flow plate (135), wherein each of the opposing vent seals (154a) has a flow passage and a sealing side, wherein the sealing side is configured to seal with the vent plate (145) or the flow plate (135), wherein the flow passage is configured to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid. [20] Regulator (110) according to claim 15, comprising a distributor that can be attached to the housing (112), the distributor having a supply channel (164a), an outlet channel (164b) and the check valve (170), the supply channel (164a) being connected to the supply by a supply line, the outlet channel (164b) being connected to the outlet by an outlet line, the outlet line and the supply line being connected to each other by the check valve (170), the check valve (170) being configured to open in response to the outlet side pressure from the outlet line exceeding a level of the supply side pressure from the supply line, and being configured to allow the hydraulic fluid pressure from the outlet channel (164b) to flow back to the supply channel (164a) and bypass the interior. [21] Regulator (110) according to claim 15, comprising a spring arranged in the housing (112) which biases the container (128) against the hydraulic pressure in the interior. [22] Method used for an underwater control module in an underwater environment (106), the method comprising: Activating an actuator (40) for a slide valve (50) by: Opening a directional control valve (108) that connects a hydraulic fluid supply (102) at an inlet to an outlet, and Reducing the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply (102) from the outlet to the actuator (40) using a regulator (110) with an inlet connected to the outlet and with an outlet connected to the actuator (40); and Deactivating the actuator (40) for the slide valve (50) by: Closing the directional control valve (108), which connects the outlet to a vent opening, Preventing the hydraulic pressure from being directed at the outlet to the supply of the regulator (110) by using a sealing arrangement (150) in the regulator (110), Allow at least part of the hydraulic pressure from the actuator (40) to bypass the sealing arrangement (150) to the directional control valve (108) through a check valve (170) that connects the outlet to the supply of the regulator (110), and Expulsion of the hydraulic pressure bypassing the regulator (110) from the vent opening of the directional control valve (108) into the underwater environment (106). [23] Method according to claim 22, comprising opening and closing the directional control valve (108): Connecting a pilot supply (104) to a pilot control element of the directional control valve (108) and switching the directional control valve (108) in response to the pilot supply (104) between closed and open states. [24] Method according to claim 22, wherein reducing hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply (102) from the outlet to the actuator (40) using the controller (110) comprises: connecting the supply to a first channel formed in a first plate (135), wherein the first plate (135) is arranged in an interior of the controller (110); Pre-tensioning of the sealing arrangement (150) in the interior relative to the first plate (135); and Moving the valve arrangement (150) inside relative to the first channel by moving a container (128) inside, wherein the sealing arrangement (150) is located on the container (128). [25] The method of claim 24, further comprising: Preloading the container (128) against the hydraulic pressure inside by means of a spring (124) which is arranged in the regulator (110). [26] Method according to claim 24 (further comprising: Connecting the interior to a second channel formed in a second plate (145) arranged inside the regulator (110); Pre-tensioning of the sealing arrangement (150) in the interior relative to the second plate (145); and Moving the sealing arrangement (150) inside relative to the second channel by moving the container (128) inside. [27] Method according to claim 26, wherein pre-tensioning the sealing arrangement (150) relative to the first and second plate (135, 145) comprises: Pre-tensioning of opposing first seals (154a) arranged in the container (128) and each pre-tensioned away from each other in the direction of the first and second plates (135, 145), wherein each of the opposing seals (154a) has a flow passage and a sealing surface, wherein the sealing surface is designed to seal against one of the first and second plates (135, 145), wherein the flow passage is designed to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid. [28] Method according to claim 26, wherein pre-tensioning the sealing arrangement (150) relative to the first and second plate (135, 145) comprises: Preloading of opposing second seals (154b) arranged in the container (128) and preloaded away from each other in the direction of the first and second plates (135, 145), each of the opposing second seals (154b) having a flow passage and a sealing surface, the sealing surface being designed to seal against one of the first and second plates (135, 145), the flow passage being designed to generate a pressure change in the hydraulic fluid. [29] Method according to claim 22, wherein allowing at least part of the hydraulic pressure from the actuator (40) to bypass the sealing arrangement (150) to the directional control valve (108) comprises a check valve (170) connecting the outlet to the supply of the regulator (110): Opening of the check valve (170) in response to an outlet-side pressure from the outlet exceeding an inlet-side pressure level from the inlet, and Allow the hydraulic pressure to flow from the outlet back to the inlet inside the regulator (110), bypassing the sealing arrangement (150).

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