Balanced Plug Assembly for Faster Pressure Regulator Closing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pressure regulators with balanced plug assemblies are sensitive to inlet pressure due to pressure differentials, causing delays in closing and compromising overpressure protection when the outlet area is flooded with fluid at the same pressure as the inlet, leading to reduced responsiveness to downstream pressure changes.
Innovation Solution
The pressure regulator incorporates a stem guide with a balance chamber and flange that divides it into two balance chamber portions, with a first balance passage coupling the fluid passageway and one chamber portion and a second balance passage coupling the pressure sense chamber and the other chamber portion, balancing the stem with pressures in both the fluid passageway and the pressure sense chamber to reduce the influence of inlet pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the outlet area is flooded with fluid at the same pressure as the inlet, then the pressure regulator experiences reduced responsiveness to downstream pressure changes, but the stem remains unbalanced causing delays in closing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a balance chamber that applies opposing pressure forces to the stem. The balance chamber receives fluid from both the inlet side (through first balance passage) and outlet side (through second balance passage), creating counterbalancing forces that offset the unbalanced pressure differential on the stem, thereby eliminating delays in closing while maintaining responsiveness to downstream pressure changes.
2Reliability
If the stem is unbalanced due to pressure differentials, then the pressure regulator fails to provide timely overpressure protection, but the simple structure maintains ease of manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the balance chamber into two distinct portions (first balance chamber portion and second balance chamber portion) that are fluidly isolated from each other. The first balance chamber portion receives fluid from the inlet side while the second balance chamber portion receives fluid from the outlet side. This segmentation allows independent pressure balancing on both sides of the stem, improving overpressure protection reliability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
3Measurement precision
If the pressure regulator is sensitive to inlet pressure, then the regulation accuracy deteriorates, but the balanced plug assembly requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the equipotentiality principle by creating a balanced pressure environment around the plug assembly through the balance chamber. By fluidly coupling both the inlet side and outlet side to the balance chamber, the pressure potentials on both sides of the stem are equalized, eliminating the harmful pressure differentials that cause sensitivity to inlet pressure changes. This improves regulation accuracy while the balanced design integrates efficiently into the plug assembly.
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 design enhances the responsiveness and sensitivity of the pressure regulator to downstream pressure changes, reducing delays in closing and improving overpressure protection by balancing the stem with both inlet and downstream pressures, ensuring timely regulation of fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
balancing the stem with pressures in both the fluid passageway and the pressure sense chamber to reduce the influence of inlet pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Balanced plug assemblies and pressure regulators having balanced plug assemblies are described herein. A pressure regulator disclosed herein includes a device body defining a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The device body defines a channel between the fluid passageway and a pressure sense chamber. The pressure regulator includes a seat in the fluid passageway, a stem having a flange, and a plug coupled to the stem. The pressure regulator also includes a stem guide disposed in the channel of the device body. The flange of the stem disposed in a balance chamber of the stem guide and divides the balance chamber into a first balance chamber portion and a second balance chamber portion. The stem guide at least partially forms a balance passage that fluidly couples the pressure sense chamber and the second balance chamber portion.