Ball Screw Valve Actuation With Controlled Fail-Safe Closing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic and pneumatic actuation systems for self-closing, linearly actuated valves in oil and gas production systems are expensive and require intensive maintenance, necessitating the development of alternative actuation methods.
Innovation Solution
A ball screw actuation system driven by an electric motor for opening the valve, with a non-self-locking design allowing a restoring movement to close the valve, and incorporating a centrifugal brake to control the closing speed and protect components from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems are used for valve operation, then reliable actuation is achieved, but high cost and intensive maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces hydraulic or pneumatic actuation systems with an electric motor-driven ball screw mechanism. The electric motor (21) drives the ball screw (3) through a drive connection, converting rotational motion to linear motion of the spindle (6) to actuate the valve (4). This substitution eliminates the need for hydraulic fluid systems or pneumatic compressors, thereby reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements while maintaining reliable actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball screw mechanism is designed to be non-self-locking, allowing the spindle (6) to automatically return to its starting position under the influence of a restoring force (such as spring force or pressure differential) when the electric motor is deactivated. This self-returning capability eliminates the need for additional return springs or powered return mechanisms, reducing system complexity while ensuring the valve can close automatically in failure scenarios.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a self-locking ball screw drive is used to hold valve position, then position stability is improved, but the ability to execute return movement for closing the valve is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a self-locking ball screw that prevents reverse motion, the patent employs a non-self-locking ball screw design. This inversion allows the spindle (6) to move freely in both directions: driven by the electric motor (21) for opening the valve, and automatically returned by external forces (pressure differential or spring mechanism) for closing the valve. The drive connection (19) is designed to transmit torque in both directions, enabling bidirectional actuation without self-locking features.
3Ease of operation
If the ball screw drive is made non-self-locking to enable return movement, then ease of operation for closing the valve is improved, but protection from damage during high-speed closing is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centrifugal brake (15) as an intermediary device between the ball screw mechanism and the valve. During the return movement when the spindle (6) moves rapidly under restoring force, the centrifugal brake activates to provide controlled resistance, limiting the maximum speed of the spindle and preventing excessive impact forces. This mediator allows the non-self-locking design to function while protecting the ball screw (3), actuator (2), and valve (4) from damage during high-speed closing operations.
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 ball screw actuation system provides a cost-effective, low-maintenance alternative for valve operation, ensuring safe and controlled closure even in the event of power failure, thereby protecting the actuator and valve components.
Implementation Method 1
a ball screw drive (3) with a nut (5) and a spindle (6)
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a centrifugal brake to control the closing speed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The use of a ball screw drive (3) for actuating a self-closing, linearly actuated fitting (4). While the opening of the fitting (4) via the ball screw drive (3) takes place electromechanically by means of an actuating drive (2), for closing of the self-closing fitting (4) a restoring movement is transmitted to the spindle (6). The restoring movement and therefore also a closing movement of the fitting (4) can be slowed down at least indirectly via the ball screw drive (3), which can protect the fitting (4) and ultimately also the ball screw drive (3) and possibly further components connected to the fitting (4) and/or the ball screw drive (3) against damage and, moreover, can also support a failsafe function.