Automated Pressure Control System for Relief and Shutdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure relief methods, such as conventional relief valves and rupture discs, are limited by unsatisfactory flow characteristics and variability in material failure, often requiring oversized devices and are difficult to predict, making them inadequate for effectively managing pressure in pressurized systems.
Innovation Solution
A pressure control system that includes a fluid control device, an actuator, and a control module with a pressure sensor and air switch to automatically open or close the fluid control device in response to sensed pressures, allowing for precise management of fluid pressure without the need for material failure-based devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional relief valves or rupture discs are used for pressure relief, then pressure safety relief is achieved, but the devices require oversized dimensions and have unsatisfactory flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical pressure relief devices (spring relief valves, buckling pins, rupture discs) with an automated control system comprising pressure sensors, control modules, and motor-driven flow control devices. This substitution eliminates the need for oversized mechanical relief devices while maintaining pressure safety through automated monitoring and response.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors pressure conditions and automatically actuates flow control devices when pressure thresholds are exceeded, enabling self-regulating pressure management without requiring oversized preventive relief devices. The system serves itself by detecting and responding to pressure conditions in real-time.
2Reliability
If material failure devices (buckling pins, rupture discs) are used for pressure relief, then pressure relief is achieved, but prediction of material failure is difficult due to lot-to-lot variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces unpredictable material failure devices with deterministic electronic pressure sensing and control systems. Pressure sensors provide precise, repeatable measurements of system pressure, and control modules execute predetermined response actions, eliminating the lot-to-lot variability inherent in material failure-based devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system continuously monitors pressure conditions through sensors and provides feedback to control modules that automatically actuate flow control devices when pressure thresholds are exceeded. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise and predictable pressure management, replacing the unpredictable open-loop behavior of material failure devices.
3Reliability
If conventional spring relief devices are used, then pressure relief is achieved, but flow characteristics are unsatisfactory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional spring-based mechanical relief devices with motor-driven flow control devices controlled by electronic systems. This substitution enables superior flow characteristics through precise control of valve positioning and flow rate, while maintaining pressure relief functionality through automated activation when pressure thresholds are exceeded.
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 system effectively prevents over-pressure situations by automatically adjusting fluid flow, providing reliable and precise pressure control in pressurized systems, such as natural gas processing and petrochemical plants, without the limitations of conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The control module includes a pressure sensor to determine pressures of the fluid from the at least one predetermined pressure point
Implementation Method 2
The control module also includes an air switch to receive pneumatic signals from the pressure sensor responsive to the pressure of the fluid
Implementation Method 3
an actuator for opening and closing the fluid control device
Implementation Method 4
a fluid control device for affecting the pressure of fluid downstream from the fluid control device
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is related to a non-electronic pressure control system for a pressurized system that receives fluid from a fluid supply. The pressure control system includes a control module, an actuator and a flow control device. The control module monitors the pressure of fluid either upstream or downstream of the flow control device. The control module can send a pneumatic signal to the actuator to open or close the flow control device responsive to the pressure monitored by the control module and the pressure required for the pressurized system.