Check Valve for Charge Tank Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing remediation processes for high voltage power cables, where fluid is injected into energized cables to maintain insulation, often result in reverse fluid flow due to pressure fluctuations, carrying contaminants from the cable back to the fluid feed tank, which can reduce the insulating value and potentially energize the tank.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a back-flow prevention device and pressure relief device in the fluid line or feed tank, preventing fluid flow from the injection termination back to the tank while allowing flow from the tank to the termination, and relieving pressure when it exceeds a predetermined limit to prevent contamination and equipment energization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid is injected into the cable without a back-flow prevention device, then the fluid can flow freely from the tank to the cable, but contaminants can flow back from the cable to the tank when pressure fluctuates
Solution Approach 1:
A check valve is introduced as an intermediary device in the fluid line between the feed tank and injection termination. The check valve allows fluid to flow freely from the tank to the cable during injection, but automatically closes to prevent backflow when pressure reverses, thus blocking contaminants from entering the tank while maintaining injection efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful backflow function is extracted from the system by placing a check valve that selectively permits forward flow while blocking reverse flow. This separates the useful function (fluid injection) from the harmful function (contaminant backflow), allowing the former to continue while eliminating the latter
2Reliability
If a back-flow prevention device is installed in the fluid line, then contaminant backflow is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed to operate automatically based on pressure differential without external control or intervention. When forward pressure exceeds reverse pressure, the valve opens to allow flow; when pressure reverses, the valve closes automatically. This self-regulating mechanism prevents contamination without requiring additional control systems, operators, or complex monitoring equipment
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
Effectively prevents the backflow of contaminated fluid, maintaining the insulating value of the remediation fluid and preventing equipment energization, thus ensuring the integrity of the power cable insulation and fluid system.
Implementation Method 1
A back-flow prevention device, such as a check valve, is provided in a line carrying fluid between the feed tank and the injection termination
Implementation Method 2
relieving pressure when it exceeds a predetermined limit to prevent contamination and equipment energization
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus are described to prevent the unwanted energizing of equipment not normally intended to be energized when delivering a fluid to an energized power cable. The method and apparatus relate to the installation of a fluid back-flow prevention device in the line or equipment carrying a fluid to the cable, and also providing a pressure relief device that may relieve excess pressure to prevent damaging equipment.