Manifold system for 2oo3 configuration

Abstract

A manifold system (200) includes three solenoid valves and a pilot operated control valve (216). The three solenoid valves include a first solenoid valve (202-1), a second solenoid valve (202-2), and a third solenoid valve (202-3). Each of the three solenoid valves includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and an exhaust port. The pilot operated control valve (216) is 5 operatively coupled to two of the three solenoid valves (202-1,202-2,202-3) to provide 2oo3 configuration. The manifold system (200) comprises a direct connection from the outlet port of one of the three solenoid valves to a pilot port of the pilot operated control valve without need for any shuttle valve between the solenoid valves and the pilot operated control valve (216).

Description

MANIFOLD SYSTEM FOR 2oo3 CONFIGURATIONTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a manifold system with 2oo3 configuration, and more particularly to a manifold system with an arrangement of solenoid valves providing 2oo3 configuration without shuttle valves in instrumentation and process control systems of a plant.BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any.

[0003] Indian patent application 202121020843 describes a manifold system for 2oo3 redundancy that is based on three solenoid valves, two shuttle valves operatively coupled to tlie three solenoid valves and a control valve operatively coupled to at least two of the three solenoid valves and at least one of the two shuttle valves to provide a 2oo3 configuration The three shuttle valves are responsible for directing the flow of air or other fluids within the system. While the use of shuttle valves can provide a robust method for managing fluid flow, it also introduces certain challenges.

[0004] A significant problem associated with the current design is the potential for the shuttle valves to become jammed or stuck. This mechanical failure can fail the entire manifold system, which compromises the overall reliability and performance of the instrumentation and process control systems. The risk of such failures can have serious implications for the plant's operations, potentially leading to system downtimes and reduced efficiency.

[0005] However, to address these issues, there is a pressing need to redesign the manifold system to eliminate the reliance on mechanical shuttle valves. An effective solution must ensure that the air or fluid flow remains unobstructed and smooth, while also enhancing the overall reliability and robustness of the manifold system. There is a need for a manifold system that minimizes the risk of mechanical jams or failures, thereby improving the operational dependability of the instrumentation and process control systems in industrial plants.

[0006] Hence, there is need in the art to design for providing a safety instrumented manifold system for 2oo3 configuration that eliminates the shuttle valves for providing both a higher level of safety, continuous availability and better reliability while ensuring free and efficient flow of air or fluids within the system.OBJECTIVES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE

[0007] A general objective of the present disclosure is to overcome the drawbacks of the known bus bars and provide a manifold system having an arrangement of solenoid valves providing 2oo3 configuration without shuttle valves in instrumentation and process control systems of a plant.

[0008] An objective of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system for facilitating safety and reliability in process control plants.

[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system with reduced complexity by using minimum number of solenoid operated valves.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system without shuttle valves.

[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system with a control valve positioned within the manifold eliminating additional joints.

[0012] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a manifold system that avoids connection of at least two solenoids to the same power source, thereby reducing probability of potential electrical hazards.SUMMARY

[0013] Aspects of the present disclosure pertain to a manifold system with 2oo3 configuration. In particular relates to a manifold system with an arrangement of solenoid valves providing 2oo3 configuration without shuttle valves in instrumentation and process control systems of a plant.

[0014] According to an aspect, the disclosed manifold system includes three solenoid valves and a pilot operated control valve operatively coupled to two of the three solenoid valves to provide 2oo3 configuration. The three solenoid valves includes a first solenoid valve, a second solenoid valve, and a third solenoid valve. Each includes an inlet port, an outlet port, and an exhaust port. The manifold system includes a direct connection from the outlet port of one of the three solenoid valves to a pilot port of the control valve.

[0015] In an embodiment, the manifold system may be characterized by absence of any shuttle valve between the solenoid valves and the pilot operated control valve.

[0016] In an embodiment, the inlet ports of the first solenoid valve and the second solenoid valve may be coupled to an inlet port of the manifold system. The outlet port of the third solenoid valve may be coupled to an outlet port of the manifold.

[0017] In an embodiment, the outlet port of the first solenoid valve may be coupled to an inlet port of the control valve. The outlet port of the second solenoid valve may be coupled to the pilot port of the control valve and to the inlet port of the third solenoid valve.

[0018] In an embodiment, the exhaust port of the second solenoid valve may be coupled to an inlet port of the control valve.

[0019] In an embodiment, the exhaust port of the third solenoid valve may be coupled to a discharge port of the control valve.

[0020] In an embodiment, the control valve may include an inlet port coupled directly to the outlet port of the first solenoid valve and to the exhaust port of the second solenoid valve. The control valve may include a pilot port and an outlet port. The pilot port may be directly coupled to the outlet port of the second solenoid valve. The outlet port coupled directly to the exhaust port of the third solenoid valve. The control valve may include a vent port coupled to a silencer.

[0021] In an embodiment, the system may include a first silencer may be coupled to the exhaust ports of the first solenoid valve. The second silencer may be coupled to the control valve.

[0022] In an embodiment, the pilot operated control valve may work on a pressure signal.

[0023] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the present disclosure and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the presentdisclosure. The diagrams are for illustration only, which thus is not a limitation of the present disclosure.

[0025] FIG, 1A illustrates a prior art representation of a manifold system 100 for 2oo3 configuration, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. IB illustrates a circuit diagram of the prior art manifold system 100 for 2oo3 configuration without a shuttle valve, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram of the proposed manifold system 200 in an orientation, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

[0029] Embodiments explained herein relate to a manifold system with 2oo3 configuration. In particular, relates to a manifold system with an arrangement of solenoid valves providing 2oo3 configuration without shuttle valves in instrumentation and process control systems of a plant.

[0030] According to an aspect, a manifold system includes three solenoid valves and a pilot operated control valve operatively coupled to two of the three solenoid valves to provide 2oo3 configuration eliminating need for any shuttle valves for providing said 2oo3 configuration such that the reliability of the proposed manifold system is better when compared to the prior art having a manifold system with shuttle valves. Moreover, the size and weight of the proposed manifold system is reduced as the pilot operated control valve is assembled within the manifold system reduces number of joints and moreover eliminates the problem of joint-leakage.

[0031] Referring to FIGs.lA and IB illustrate an assembly diagram and a circuit diagram describing a prior art a manifold system 100 for 2oo3 configuration having an arrangement of at least three quantity of 3 / 2 solenoid valves in instrumentation and process control systems of a plant to provide 2oo3 configuration. The manifold system 100 tripping of any two solenoid valves out of three pertaining to a deviceoperator may trip the system. The above manifold system 100 with 2oo3 configuration is based on three solenoid valves and two shuttle valves, and further includes a logic valve to achieve the 2oo3 configuration.

[0032] The prior art manifold system 100 includes three solenoid valves, such as a first solenoid valve 102-1, a second solenoid valve 102- 2 and a third solenoid valve 102- 3 (also referred individually as solenoid valve 102 or SOVS 102 and collectively as solenoid valves 102 or SOV 102), each having an inlet port, an outlet port and an exhaust port. The manifold system 100 further includes, two shuttle valves, such as a first shuttle valve 108-1 and a second shuttle valve 108-2 (also referred collectively as shuttle valves 108 or SHVs 108 or individually shuttle valve 108 or SHV 108) operatively coupled to the solenoid valves 102. Each of the solenoid valves 102 includes a first inlet port, a second inlet port and an outlet port.

[0033] In the prior art arrangement, any one or all of the shuttle valves 108 can be replaced by a combination of two check valves arranged in series configuration.

[0034] Each of the solenoid valves 102 includes pneumatic piloting, and pilot ports of the solenoid valves are coupled to the inlet port 112 of the manifold system 100 through a non-retum valve 106.

[0035] The prior art system 100 further includes an inlet pathway 112 directly extending from an inlet port 112 of the manifold system 100 to a respective inlet ports of the first solenoid valve 102-1 and the second solenoid valve 102-2. Outlet ports of the first solenoid valve 102-1 and the second solenoid valve 102-2 is fluidically connected to the two inlet ports of the first shuttle valve 108-1. The outlet port of the first shuttle valve 108-1 is connected to the inlet port of the third solenoid valve 102-3, and outlet port of the first shuttle valve 108-1 is coupled to a first inlet of the second shuttle valve 108- 1. Outlet port of the second shuttle valve 108-1 is coupled to an outlet port 114 of the manifold system 100.

[0036] The prior art manifold system 100 further includes a pilot operated control valve 116 (also referred to as LV 116), where an inlet port of the LV 116 is coupled to the outlet port of the second solenoid valve 102-2, and a pilot port of the LV 116 is coupled to outlet port of the first solenoid valve 102-1. Outlet port of the LV 116 is coupled to the second inlet port of the second shuttle valve 108-2.

[0037] The prior art system 100 further includes an exhaust port 118, and exhaust ports of the three solenoid valves 102 and the LV 116 are coupled to the exhaust port 118 of the manifold system 100.

[0038] The LV 116 regulates the flow of fluid to control the operation of the at least three solenoid valves 102 as a mechanism to interrupt an operation of the system 100 when actuation of at least any two of the first, second and third solenoid valves 102 may fail. The LV 116 is further coupled to an online maintenance valve configured to provide maintenance without interrupting functioning of the system.

[0039] The LV 116 is placed inside the manifold assembly to replace a fourth solenoid valve abolishing a requirement of the fourth solenoid valve and a plurality of sub-assemblies connected to the fourth solenoid valve. At least four visual indicators 110-1, 110-2, 110-3 and 110-4 (also referred collectively as visual indicators 110 or Vis 110 and individually as visual indicator 110 or VI 110) are configured to detect presence of air pressure.

[0040] The visual indicators 110 provide a visual indication of air pressure within pneumatic systems. Several types of pneumatic visual indicator are available with high visibility lenses that extend beyond the panel surface to provide a clear visible indication for the presence of air pressure.

[0041] The online maintenance valve includes any or a combination of a common bypass valve and an individual isolation valve but not limited to the like.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the proposed manifold system (herein after referred to as ‘manifold system 200’ or simply ‘manifold 200’) for 2oo3 configuration without shuttle valves is described. The manifold 200 includes an inlet port 212 and an output 214. The manifold 200 includes three solenoid valves 202-1,202-2,202-3 that are configured on the manifold 200 and a pilot operated control valve 216 (hereinafter referred simply as “control valve 216”) that is configured within the manifold 200. The three solenoid valves (202-1,202-2,202-3) include a first solenoid valve 202-1, a second solenoid valve 202-2 and a third solenoid valve 202-3. The control valve 216 includes an inlet port, a pilot port, an outlet port, and a vent port, which is a pilot operated valve working on a pressure signal. The control valve 216 is operatively coupled to two of the three solenoid valves 202-1,202-2,202-3 provide for the 2oo3 configuration.

[0043] The control valve 216 can be operatively coupled to two of the three solenoid valves 202 in an orientation to provide 2oo3 configuration without shuttle valves. In said orientation, the three solenoid valves 202 can be arranged such that, the inlet port of the first solenoid valve 202-1 can be coupled to the inlet port 212 of the manifold 200. The outlet port of the first solenoid valve 202-1 can be coupled to theinlet port of the control valve 216. The exhaust port of the first solenoid valve 202-1 can be coupled to a first silencer 208-1.

[0044] In addition, the inlet port of the second solenoid valve 202-2 can be coupled between the inlet port 212 of the manifold system 200 and the inlet port of the first solenoid valve 202-1. The outlet port of the second solenoid valve 202-2 can be coupled to the inlet port of the third solenoid valve 202-3. The exhaust port of the second solenoid valve 202-2 is coupled between the outlet port of the first solenoid valve 202- 1 and the inlet port of the control valve 216.

[0045] Further, the inlet port of the third solenoid valve 202-3 can be coupled to the outlet port of the second solenoid valve 202-2. The outlet port of the third solenoid valve 202-3 can be coupled to an outlet port 214 of the manifold 200. The exhaust port of the third solenoid valve 202-3 can be coupled between the output port of the control valve 216. The control valve 216 in said orientation can be arranged such that, the inlet port of the control valve 216 can be coupled to the exhaust port of the second solenoid valve 202-2. The pilot port of the control valve 216 can be directly coupled to the outlet port of the second solenoid valve 202-2. The output port of the control valve 216 can be directly coupled to the exhaust port of the third solenoid valve 202-3. The vent port of the control valve 216 can be coupled to a second silencer 208-2.

[0046] In an exemplary embodiment, the control valve 216 can be further coupled to an online maintenance valve configured to provide maintenance without interrupting the functioning of the manifold 200. The online maintenance valve can include but may not be limited to any or a combination of a common bypass valve and an individual isolation valve.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the manifold 200 can include at least four visual indicators configured to detect presence of air pressure and can further be configured for providing a visual indication of air pressure within the manifold 200. The visual indicators can be pneumatic visual indicators with high visibility lenses that extend beyond a panel surface to provide a clear visible indication of the presence of air pressure.

[0048] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions, or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the inventionwhen combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

[0049] The present disclosure is to provide a manifold system having an arrangement of solenoid valves providing a 2oo3 configuration without shuttle valves in instrumentation and process control systems of a plant.

[0050] The present disclosure provides a manifold system for facilitating safety and reliability in process control plants.

[0051] The present disclosure provides a manifold system with reduced complexity by using a minimum number of solenoid operated valves.

[0052] The present disclosure provides a manifold system without shuttle valves.

[0053] The present disclosure provides a manifold system with a control valve positioned within the manifold, eliminating additional joints.

[0054] The present disclosure provides a manifold system that avoids connection of at least two solenoids to the same power source, thereby reducing probability of potential electrical hazards.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A manifold system (200) comprising: three solenoid valves comprising a first solenoid valve (202-1), a second solenoid valve (202-2), and a third solenoid valve (202-3), each comprising an inlet port, an outlet port, and an exhaust port; and a pilot operated control valve (216) operatively coupled to two of the three solenoid valves (202-1,202-2,202-3) to provide 2oo3 configuration; characterized in that the manifold system comprises a direct connection from the outlet port of one of the three solenoid valves (202-1,202-2,202-3) to a pilot port of the pilot operated control valve (216).

2. The manifold system (200) as claimed in claim 1, characterized by absence of any shuttle valve between the three solenoid valves (202-1,202-2,202-3) and the pilot operated control valve (216).

3. The manifold system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inlet ports of the first solenoid valve (202-1) and the second solenoid valve (202-2) are coupled to an inlet port (212) of the manifold system (200) and the outlet port of the third solenoid valve (202-3) is coupled to an outlet port (214) of the manifold (200).

4. The manifold system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outlet port of the first solenoid valve (202-1) is coupled to an inlet port of the control valve (216); and the outlet port of the second solenoid valve (202-2) is coupled to the pilot port of the pilot operated control valve (216) as well as to the inlet port of the third solenoid valve (202-3).

5. The manifold system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exhaust port of the second solenoid valve (202-2) is coupled to an inlet port of the pilot operated control valve (216).

6. The manifold system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the exhaust port of the third solenoid valve (202-3) is coupled to a discharge port of the pilot operated control valve (216).

7. The manifold system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control valve (216) comprises: an inlet port coupled directly to the outlet port of the first solenoid valve (202-1) as well as to the exhaust port of the second solenoid valve (202-2); a pilot port directly coupled to the outlet port of the second solenoid valve (202-2); an outlet port coupled directly to the exhaust port of the third solenoid valve (202-3); anda vent port coupled to a second silencer (208-2).

8. The manifold system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (200) comprises a first silencer (208-1) and a second silencer (208-2) coupled to the exhaust ports of the first solenoid valve (202-1) and the pilot operated control valve (216) respectively.

9. The manifold system (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pilot operated control valve (216) works on a pressure signal.

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