Pressure-Compensated Choking Valve for Hydraulic Shock Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The rapid increase and decrease of fluid flow in three-way valves used in blowout preventers (BOPs) lead to water hammer and hydraulic shock, causing wear and tear on hydraulic components and requiring frequent maintenance.
Innovation Solution
An automatic choking hydraulic shock reduction valve with an oil dampening chamber, an orifice, and a spring, which is pressure compensated and constructed using additive manufacturing, to gradually control fluid flow and reduce shock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a three-way valve is actuated rapidly between open and closed positions to control fluid flow, then the response time and operational speed are improved, but water hammer and hydraulic shock occur causing wear and tear on components
Solution Approach 1:
A flow dampener is introduced as an intermediary component between the three-way valve and the hydraulic system. This dampener gradually restricts fluid flow during valve actuation, preventing rapid flow changes that cause water hammer and hydraulic shock, thereby protecting components while maintaining operational speed
Solution Approach 2:
The flow dampener is positioned upstream to cushion and gradually reduce fluid flow before it reaches the valve and downstream components. This beforehand cushioning prevents the sudden pressure surges and flow changes that would otherwise cause wear and tear on hydraulic components during rapid valve actuation
2Productivity
If fluid flow is rapidly increased and decreased during valve actuation, then the productivity and operational efficiency are improved, but hydraulic shock causes wear and tear requiring frequent maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The flow dampener serves as a mediator that allows rapid valve actuation for productivity while simultaneously controlling fluid flow to prevent hydraulic shock, thereby reducing wear and maintenance requirements without sacrificing operational efficiency
3Quantity of substance
If the valve allows rapid fluid flow during interflow, then the fluid flow rate is improved, but back pressure on the upstream system is reduced causing water hammer
Solution Approach 1:
The flow dampener is positioned between the valve and the fluid system to maintain high fluid flow rates during interflow while simultaneously providing gradual flow restriction that sustains back pressure on the upstream system, preventing water hammer while preserving productivity
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 valve effectively minimizes hydraulic shock and water hammer by gradually increasing and decreasing fluid flow, reducing wear on components and extending maintenance intervals.
Implementation Method 1
an oil dampening chamber, an orifice within the oil dampening chamber
Implementation Method 2
a spring between the valve body and the orifice. The valve can be pressure compensated based on the depth pressure of ambient fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for preventing hydraulic shock and water hammer in downstream equipment, the valve including a valve body with an internal oil dampening chamber, an orifice arranged within the oil dampening chamber, a flow dampener positioned between the valve inlet and the orifice, and a spring between the valve body and the orifice. The valve is pressure compensated based on the ambient fluid pressure.