Ball Valve Actuation with Sealed Encapsulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ball valves in harsh underwater environments, such as subsea hydrocarbon extraction facilities, often stall due to debris contamination, lack of balance, and corrosion, leading to deformation and inoperability, with existing designs failing to prevent fluid ingress into the actuation zone and ensuring balanced force application.
Innovation Solution
A ball valve assembly with a radially located drive mechanism using first and second pistons actuated by a common hydraulic fluid line, and an encapsulation that prevents fluid access to the drive mechanism, ensuring balanced actuation and preventing contamination, with a failsafe mechanism for pressure venting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the ball valve is used in harsh underwater environments with debris-containing fluid, then the valve can perform its flow control function, but debris will contaminate the actuation zone and prevent effective rotation of the ball
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ball valve assembly into separate zones: a process zone containing the ball and bore for fluid flow, and a separate actuation zone containing the rotation mechanism. This segmentation isolates the actuation mechanism from debris-containing fluid, preventing contamination while maintaining flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealing arrangement (packings, seals, or gaskets) between the process zone and actuation zone. This intermediary prevents direct contact between debris-containing fluid and the actuation mechanism, allowing the valve to operate effectively in harsh environments.
2Strength
If the ball valve assembly operates without balanced force application, then the structure may be simpler, but the rotation mechanism becomes over-stressed and deformed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dual-piston actuation system where pistons are positioned on opposite sides of the ball. This configuration creates balanced counteracting forces that evenly distribute stress across the rotation mechanism, preventing over-stressing and deformation while extending component life.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions pistons asymmetrically on the ball (e.g., one piston on each end, or at different radial positions) to create balanced moment forces. This asymmetric arrangement ensures equal force distribution across the ball's rotation axis, reducing mechanical stress on bearings and trunnions.
3Reliability
If the actuation zone is exposed to fluid for direct actuation, then the system is simpler, but corrosion and lubrication washout occur leading to valve failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve into isolated zones with controlled fluid access. The actuation zone is separated from the process fluid through seals and packings, preventing corrosion and lubrication washout while maintaining actuation functionality through isolated hydraulic or pneumatic lines.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a protected, inert environment for the actuation mechanism by isolating it from corrosive process fluid. This is achieved through sealing arrangements that maintain a clean, controlled atmosphere around sensitive components like bearings and lubricated surfaces.
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 prevents contamination, maintains balanced force transmission, and extends the operational life-cycle of the valve by avoiding stalling and deformation, while ensuring reliable operation and ease of maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
application of hydraulic fluid pressure at the common hydraulic fluid line causes the first piston and second piston to be subjected to linear actuating forces of substantially equal magnitude in opposite directions
Data Source
AI summary
A ball valve assembly is provided. The ball valve assembly comprises a pipe section having an axial bore for enabling fluid flow therethrough in use; a valve ball having an internal conduit, the valve ball being mounted within the pipe section and being for rotation with respect to the pipe section between an open position in which fluid within the axial bore may flow through the internal conduit and a closed position in which the internal conduit is inaccessible to fluid within the axial bore; a device configured to rotate the valve ball, the device being located radially outside the axial bore; and an encapsulation positioned to receive the valve ball and having portions located radially between the pipe bore and the device configured to rotate the valve ball, such that the encapsulation prevents fluid within the axial bore from accessing the device configured to rotate the valve ball.