Field-Convertible Slam-Shut Regulator for Easier Side Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid regulators with integrated slam-shut devices often have the slam-shut device positioned in an inaccessible location, making maintenance, troubleshooting, and access challenging during normal operations, especially in field installations where the side of the fluid regulator is not easily accessible.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control device design that allows the slam-shut device to be retrofitted on either side of the body, with a modular actuator and slam-shut mechanism that includes a shaft, cam, and spring system, enabling the slam-shut device to be positioned for optimal accessibility, and a handle for easy operation and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the slam-shut device is integrated into the fluid regulator body, then the device structure is compact and integrated, but the slam-shut device becomes inaccessible for maintenance and troubleshooting
Solution Approach 1:
The slam-shut device is segmented from the main fluid regulator body into a separate, removable module. This modular design allows the slam-shut device to be independently accessed, removed, and maintained without affecting the entire regulator system, thereby resolving the contradiction between integration and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The slam-shut device is positioned in a separate dimensional space from the main regulator body, allowing it to be accessed from a different direction or location. This spatial separation enables maintenance personnel to access the slam-shut device independently while maintaining the integrated functionality of the overall system.
2Productivity
If the slam-shut device is positioned between input and output, then the flow control is efficient, but the device side becomes inaccessible in certain field installations
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities that allow the slam-shut device to be repositioned or accessed from different sides depending on the installation configuration. This dynamic adaptability ensures that the slam-shut device remains accessible for maintenance while maintaining efficient flow control between input and output.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid regulator is designed with universal mounting configurations that allow the slam-shut device to be accessed from multiple sides. This multi-functional design enables the same device to be installed in various field configurations, ensuring accessibility regardless of the specific installation orientation or location.
3Ease of repair
If the slam-shut device is made accessible from one side, then maintenance is easier, but the device cannot be installed in all field configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates asymmetric design elements that allow the slam-shut device to be accessed from different sides depending on the installation configuration. This asymmetric versatility enables the same device to adapt to various field installations while maintaining ease of maintenance through appropriate side accessibility.
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
Enables improved accessibility and ease of maintenance by allowing the slam-shut device to be positioned on either side of the fluid regulator, enhancing user access and operational reliability by preventing fluid flow when downstream pressure exceeds preset limits.
Implementation Method 1
a second control element that is movable along the actuation axis and biased toward a second side of the seat
Implementation Method 2
a modular actuator and slam-shut mechanism that includes a shaft, cam, and spring system
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control device has a body, actuator, and slam-shut device. The body defines an inlet, an outlet, and a plurality of slam-shut openings, and a seat is positioned along a flow path between the inlet and outlet. The actuator is configured to modulate a position of a first control element relative to a first side of the seat along an actuation axis to control a fluid pressure. The slam-shut device has a second control element that is movable along the actuation axis and is biased toward a second side of the seat and a slam-shut actuator configured to trigger the second control element to move to the closed position in which the second control element contacts the second side of the seat. The slam-shut actuator includes a shaft and the slam-shut actuator and shaft are positionable in any one of the plurality of slam-shut openings in different configurations.