Ammonia Shut-Off Valve Actuator With Remote Pull-Cord Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anhydrous ammonia storage and transport pose risks due to toxicity and explosion hazards, with existing emergency shut-off systems being difficult to activate remotely and prone to failure in emergency scenarios, especially in situations where operators are incapacitated or unable to reach valves.
Innovation Solution
A manual actuator system is coupled to anhydrous ammonia valves, allowing remote operation via a pull cord to quickly close the valve, featuring a breakaway mechanism to prevent excessive force transmission and including a spring-actuated pin for automatic return to a closed position, enhancing safety and reliability during storage, transport, and emergency situations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual screw valve is used for emergency shut-off, then the valve can be manually actuated to close, but it is difficult to reach and activate in emergency scenarios where operators are incapacitated or unable to reach the valve
Solution Approach 1:
A pull cord is introduced as an intermediary mechanism that allows remote activation of the valve. The cord transmits force from a distant location to the valve actuator, enabling operators to close the valve without physically reaching it. This resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation (remote activation) and reliability (mechanical force transmission).
Solution Approach 2:
The activation mechanism is extended into a different spatial dimension by using a long pull cord that reaches from the valve location to a remote position. This allows operators to activate the valve from a safe distance, improving both ease of operation and reliability in emergency scenarios.
2Reliability
If excess flow valves are used for emergency shut-off, then automatic shut-off may occur, but they are often not activated in many types of emergencies and do not provide a fail safe in long pipe runs
Solution Approach 1:
The manual actuator system with pull cord provides a universal emergency shut-off mechanism that can be activated by various means (manual pulling, mechanical linkage, remote actuation) and works reliably across different emergency scenarios including leaks, ruptures, and situations where electronic systems may fail. This multi-functional approach improves both reliability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a pull cord is used for remote valve activation, then operators can close the valve from a remote location, but excessive force on the cord may cause damage to the valve or other components
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is pre-installed in the actuator to cushion and absorb excessive force applied to the pull cord. When the cord is pulled, the spring compresses to provide the necessary actuation force, and if excessive force is applied, the spring absorbs the excess energy, preventing damage to the valve and components. This beforehand cushioning resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of operation while protecting component strength.
4Productivity
If the handle is held in the open position against spring force, then the valve remains open for normal operation, but in emergencies the handle may not quickly return to the closed position
Solution Approach 1:
A spring mechanism is pre-loaded to exert continuous closing force on the valve handle. During normal operation, the handle is held open against this spring force. In emergencies, when the pulling force is removed, the pre-loaded spring immediately acts to close the valve, ensuring both quick response time and reliable automatic return to the closed position. This preliminary anti-action resolves the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
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 manual actuator system significantly reduces operator injury risk and environmental damage by enabling remote emergency shut-off of anhydrous ammonia valves, even in scenarios where operators are incapacitated, and reduces costs associated with leaks and equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be disposed in the housing and act on the pin to cause the pin to retract at least partially in the housing
Data Source
AI summary
In various implementations, a manual actuator may be coupled to a valve to provide the ability to shut off anhydrous ammonia flow through the valve remotely (e.g., in emergencies). The valve may be coupled to anhydrous ammonia tanks, such as nurse tanks and/or storage tanks. The manual actuator may include manual release member, a breakaway member, a handle, and pull cord(s). The handle may allow a coupled valve to be opened and/or closed. The handle may allow the valve to be shut off at the valve, in some implementations. The pull cord(s) may allow a coupled valve to be remotely closed.