Compound Valve Actuator Force Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pneumatic actuator systems for valves and regulators face accuracy issues due to amplified errors from electronic pressure regulators and pressure transmitters, leading to large fluctuations in set points, especially at high pressures.
Innovation Solution
A compound loading system that combines a first electronically adjustable spring and a pressure amplifier with an electronic regulator to provide a compound force on the valve member, allowing for both coarse and fine-tuned adjustments, thereby increasing accuracy and turndown ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an electronic pressure regulator is used to adjust the set point of the control valve, then the ability to control large pressure ranges is improved, but errors from the regulator and pressure transmitter are amplified, resulting in large fluctuations of the set point
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent components: a pressure transmitter that measures actual pressure and an electronic pressure regulator that receives the measured value and generates control signal. This segmentation allows each component to operate independently within its optimal range, preventing error amplification while maintaining adaptability across large pressure ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic pressure regulator acts as an intermediary between the pressure transmitter and the control valve. It receives the measured pressure value, processes it, and generates an appropriate control signal without directly amplifying errors from the pressure transmitter, thus improving set point accuracy while maintaining control capability.
2Ease of operation
If a pneumatic actuator uses springs and air pressure to generate loading force, then the valve can be opened and closed, but the accuracy of force adjustments is limited, especially at high pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical spring-based loading system is replaced with an electronic force generation system. The electronic pressure regulator generates precise control signals that are converted to proportional pneumatic forces, replacing the imprecise mechanical spring system and enabling accurate force adjustments even at high pressures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of force generation from fixed mechanical spring pressure to variable electronic-controlled pneumatic pressure. This allows continuous adjustment of the loading force parameter with high precision, improving force adjustment accuracy while maintaining ease of valve actuation.
3Force
If an amplifier is used to multiply the force generated by a small pneumatic signal, then the ability to control large pressure is improved, but errors associated with the regulator and transmitter are amplified as well
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic pressure regulator serves as an intelligent intermediary that receives the small pneumatic signal, processes it with error compensation algorithms, and generates a corrected control signal. This approach multiplies the control force while simultaneously filtering out and compensating for errors from the pressure transmitter, improving set point stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the actual pressure through the pressure transmitter and comparing it with the set point. The electronic pressure regulator uses this feedback information to adjust the control signal, thereby multiplying the effective control force while reducing the impact of measurement errors on set point stability.
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 system enhances the accuracy of force adjustments at high pressures and increases the turndown ratio, effectively minimizing set point fluctuations by allowing for precise control through both large-scale and small-scale adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
A first loading element may be directly or indirectly coupled to the first sensing element such that the first loading element provides a first force on the first sensing element
Implementation Method 2
A second loading element is directly or indirectly coupled to the second sensing element and the first sensing element. The second loading element is adapted to provide a second force on the second sensing element
Implementation Method 3
A first sensing element adapted to be directly or indirectly coupled to a portion of the main valve member... applying a first force on a first sensing element... applying a second force on a second sensing element
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing a force on a main valve member includes a first sensing element adapted to couple to a portion of the main valve member. A first loading element may be directly or indirectly coupled to the first sensing element such that the first loading element provides a first force on the first sensing element. The first loading element is adapted to transfer the first force to the first sensing element and the main valve member. The system also includes a second sensing element to the first sensing element. A second loading element is coupled to the second sensing element and the first sensing element. The second loading element is adapted to provide a second force on the second sensing element to transfer the second force to the main valve member.