Adjustable Volume Booster for Actuator Stroke Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow control systems with volume boosters are limited by the size of actuators and control valves, leading to slower operation and a need for multiple booster capacities to accommodate varying applications, which can be inefficient and require frequent changes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control device with a volume booster that includes a diaphragm actuator assembly and adjustable restrictors to optimize pneumatic signal amplification, allowing for flexible capacity adjustments through the use of bypass restriction passages and adjustable bypass screws, enabling efficient operation across different applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional volume boosters are used with fixed capacities, then the actuator can be sized appropriately for specific applications, but the system requires multiple booster types and frequent changes when applications change
Solution Approach 1:
The volume booster incorporates adjustable restrictors that can be modified to change the booster capacity dynamically. This allows a single booster unit to adapt to different application requirements by adjusting the restrictor openings, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-capacity booster types.
Solution Approach 2:
The booster capacity is changed by adjusting the restrictor parameters (opening size, position) rather than replacing the entire booster. This parameter adjustment mechanism enables a single device to serve multiple applications with different capacity requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger actuators/control valves are used to handle varying flow requirements, then the system can accommodate different applications, but the stroking time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The volume booster uses adjustable restrictors to dynamically control the pneumatic signal flow to the actuator. By optimizing the restrictor settings, the system can achieve fast stroking speeds while maintaining the ability to handle varying flow requirements through capacity adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume booster amplifies the pneumatic signal from the positioner, creating a scaled-up version of the control signal that acts on the actuator. This signal amplification enables faster actuator response without requiring proportionally larger actuator sizes.
3Reliability
If multiple volume booster capacities are maintained for different applications, then the optimal booster can be selected for each application, but inventory complexity and changeover time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The volume booster is designed as a universal device that can perform multiple functions across different applications. By incorporating adjustable restrictors, a single booster unit can be configured to provide optimal performance for various applications, eliminating the need to maintain multiple specialized booster types in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes adjustment mechanisms that allow operators to self-configure the booster capacity for different applications without requiring specialized knowledge or replacement of components. The adjustable restrictors enable on-site adaptation to different performance requirements.
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
The solution enhances the speed and efficiency of actuator operation by dynamically adjusting the volume booster's capacity to match specific application requirements, improving performance without the need for multiple booster types and facilitating easier adaptation to changing conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The volume boosters are used to amplify the volume of the pneumatic signal sent from the positioner, thereby increasing the speed at which the actuator strokes the control element of the control valve.
Implementation Method 2
adjustable restrictors to optimize pneumatic signal amplification, allowing for flexible capacity adjustments through the use of bypass restriction passages and adjustable bypass screws
Data Source
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AI summary
A volume booster for an actuator system advantageously includes an adjustable restrictor, such that the exhaust capacity of the device can be adjusted for specific applications. The device comprises a body, a supply path, an exhaust path, and the restrictor. The supply path operates to provide a supply of fluid to boost a stroke time of an actuator in the actuator system, e.g., in an opening direction. The exhaust path operates to accommodate backpressure relief when the actuator system operates the actuator in a closing direction, for example. The restrictor is disposed within the exhaust path and is selectively manipulable between a plurality of positions to define a plurality of distinct exhaust capacities, thereby eliminating any requirement to change the entire volume booster to achieve a different exhaust capacity.