Adaptive Pressure Relief Valve for Variable Operating Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure relief valves lack the ability to automatically adjust their relief pressure settings based on the operating conditions of fluid systems, often leading to unnecessary activations or failures to activate during overpressure events, and do not provide insights into the causes of pressure relieving events.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a sensor to monitor fluid system pressure, a controller to establish an operating pressure zone and generate actions for deviations, and a pressure relief valve that can communicate warnings and adjust its settings automatically, utilizing existing sensors and equipment to prevent overpressure and detect leaks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed relief pressure setting is assigned to a pressure relief valve, then the valve can be manufactured and installed with simple configuration, but the valve may activate unnecessarily too frequently or fail to activate when needed due to varying operating pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve transitions from a static fixed-pressure setting to a dynamic adaptive setting that automatically adjusts the relief pressure threshold based on real-time monitoring of the fluid system's operating pressure. The controller continuously learns the pressure range and modifies the relief setting accordingly, enabling the valve to adapt to varying operating conditions without manual reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
A feedback loop is established where the pressure relief valve monitors the fluid system's operating pressure through sensors, processes the pressure data to determine the normal operating range, and uses this information to automatically adjust the relief pressure threshold. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the valve settings remain optimal despite changes in system operating conditions.
2Reliability
If a pressure relief valve is set to relieve pressure at a high threshold, then unnecessary activations are reduced, but the valve may fail to relieve damaging overpressure when it should function
Solution Approach 1:
The relief pressure threshold is made dynamic rather than static, automatically adjusting to match the actual operating pressure range of the fluid system. This ensures the valve sets the appropriate threshold based on real-time conditions, preventing both unnecessary activations and failure to relieve genuine overpressure events.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve performs preliminary learning of the fluid system's normal operating pressure range before establishing the relief threshold. By monitoring and storing pressure data during normal operation, the valve prepares the appropriate relief setting in advance, ensuring reliable activation only when actual overpressure conditions occur.
3Reliability
If a pressure relief valve is set to relieve pressure at a low threshold, then overpressure relief is ensured, but the valve activates unnecessarily too frequently causing equipment wear and fluid loss
Solution Approach 1:
The relief pressure threshold dynamically adapts to the actual operating pressure range, automatically rising when the system operates at higher pressures and lowering when operating pressures decrease. This prevents unnecessary activations during normal high-pressure operation while ensuring timely relief when genuine overpressure occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve uses feedback from continuous pressure monitoring to distinguish between normal operating pressure variations and genuine overpressure conditions. By comparing real-time pressure readings against the learned normal operating range, the valve activates only when pressure exceeds the adaptive threshold, eliminating spurious activations and their associated fluid loss.
4Loss of information
If mechanical pressure relief valves are used without monitoring capabilities, then the device complexity is low, but no indications are provided about the causes of overpressure events
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is enhanced with multi-functionality, combining its primary pressure relief function with secondary monitoring, data storage, and diagnostic capabilities. The same sensor and controller used for pressure relief also capture and analyze pressure data to provide information about overpressure events and their causes, eliminating the need for separate monitoring equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring, data storage, and indication functions are merged into the pressure relief valve's control system. The controller that manages pressure relief also records pressure events, stores operational data, and provides diagnostic information, consolidating multiple functions into a single integrated device rather than requiring separate systems.
5Adaptability or versatility
If pressure relief valves require manual setting adjustment, then manufacturing and installation are simpler, but the valves cannot automatically adapt to different fluid systems and operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve performs self-configuration by automatically monitoring the fluid system's operating pressure, learning the normal pressure range, and setting the appropriate relief threshold without requiring manual adjustment. The valve serves itself by autonomously adapting to different fluid systems and operating conditions, eliminating the need for technician intervention in setting adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve performs preliminary monitoring and learning of the fluid system's pressure characteristics during normal operation before establishing the relief threshold. This preliminary action allows the valve to automatically configure itself to match the specific fluid system, eliminating the need for manual setting adjustment during installation or maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A device including: a sensor for monitoring a pressure of a fluid system to produce pressure signals over a period; and a controller configured for: receiving the pressure signals over the period; establishing an operating pressure zone corresponding to the pressure signals over the period, the operating pressure zone is representative of a normal operation zone of the fluid system, the normal operation zone defined by an area bounded by a low pressure level and high pressure level, wherein the high pressure level is disposed at a level at least at a maximum pressure of the pressure signals over the period and the low pressure level is disposed at a level at most at a minimum pressure of the pressure signals over the period.