Coordinated Multi-Valve Control to Reduce Wear and Complexity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional process control environments require multiple valve controllers for independent control of valves, leading to increased complexity and the need for additional hardware and design work when introducing additional valves, such as isolation valves, which can cause excessive wear on control valves.
Innovation Solution
A single valve controller is used to control multiple valves as a single unit through a coordinated control signal, eliminating the need for additional valve controllers and reducing complexity by integrating the control of isolation and control valves within a single system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple valve controllers are used for independent control of valves, then control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve controllers into a single integrated controller that manages both the control valve and isolation valve. This unified controller receives a single control signal and coordinates both valves simultaneously, reducing device complexity while maintaining precise control through integrated valve position feedback mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls the control valve for precise flow regulation and simultaneously manages the isolation valve for shut-off operations. This multi-functional controller eliminates the need for separate controllers while preserving control precision through dedicated control algorithms for each valve type.
2Reliability
If additional isolation valves are introduced, then control valve wear is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation valve is integrated into the same control system as the control valve, sharing a common controller and control signal pathway. This approach protects the control valve from excessive wear by enabling the isolation valve to handle shut-off functions, while avoiding additional complexity through unified control architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valve controllers are used, then valve control flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The unified valve controller provides a single interface for controlling both valves, improving ease of operation by eliminating the need to coordinate multiple separate controllers. Meanwhile, it maintains valve control flexibility through programmable control logic that can adapt to different operational modes and valve positioning requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for controlling multiple valves as a single valve based on a coordinated control signal are disclosed. In some examples, an apparatus includes a valve controller to be operatively coupled to a first valve and a second valve. In some examples, the second valve is to be operatively positioned in series with the first valve. In some examples, the valve controller is to control a position of the first valve and a position of the second valve based on a coordinated control signal to be received by the valve controller.