Actuator Flow Restrictor for Controlled Regulator Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid regulators in process control systems often experience issues with excess gas accumulation, backfire, and pilot flame blowout during ignition due to rapid opening, which can lead to inefficiencies and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an actuator with a speed control apparatus that regulates the flow rate of the fluid regulator from a closed to an open position, using a restrictor and a fluid control device to control the flow rate and enable quick shut-off, preventing excessive gas accumulation and backfire by controlling the speed of the fluid regulator's transition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the fluid regulator opens rapidly during ignition, then the response time is improved, but excess gas accumulation and backfire occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot orifice provides a preliminary controlled flow path for gas during the transition period before the main regulator is fully open. This preliminary action allows gradual gas delivery to prevent accumulation while the regulator is opening, eliminating the need for rapid opening that causes backfire.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot orifice acts as an intermediary flow path that mediates between the closed and fully open states of the main regulator. It provides a controlled intermediate gas flow that prevents both gas accumulation (by limiting flow) and backfire (by maintaining steady flow), resolving the contradiction between rapid opening and safety.
2Loss of time
If the fluid regulator opens rapidly, then the ignition response time is improved, but pilot flame blowout occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot orifice establishes a preliminary stable flame path before the main regulator reaches full opening. This preliminary action ensures the pilot flame is securely established and cannot be blown out, even if the main regulator opens rapidly.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot orifice serves as an intermediary that protects the pilot flame from the effects of rapid main regulator opening. It maintains a separate, controlled gas flow that shields the pilot flame from turbulence and pressure surges, preventing blowout while allowing fast main regulator response.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a restrictor is added to control flow rate, then gas accumulation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot orifice is merged with the main regulator body as an integrated flow control feature. Rather than being a separate restrictor component, it is formed as part of the regulator structure itself, preventing gas accumulation while minimizing increase in device complexity through design integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot orifice serves multiple functions: it restricts gas flow to prevent accumulation, provides a pilot flame path, and acts as a flow mediator during regulator transition. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated restrictor components, maintaining simplicity while achieving flow control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution effectively reduces pilot blow-off and backfire occurrences by controlling the fluid flow rate during ignition, ensuring safer and more efficient operation of burners by preventing excessive gas accumulation and allowing for rapid shut-off capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
A restrictor is positioned within the loading fluid pathway to regulate a flow rate of the loading fluid that is to flow from an inlet port of the loading fluid pathway to the first chamber
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Fluid control apparatus having flow restrictors are described herein. An example actuator includes an actuator housing having an actuator to define a first chamber of the actuator housing and a second chamber of the actuator housing. A loading fluid pathway is formed in the actuator housing to fluidly couple a loading fluid and the first chamber. A restrictor is positioned within the loading fluid pathway to regulate a flow rate of the loading fluid that is to flow from an inlet port of the loading fluid pathway to the first chamber.