Integrated Valve Module for Cryogenic Tank Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid storage tanks face challenges in maintaining consistent pressure, requiring complex and often inconsistent adjustments across separate devices for pressure regulation, filling, and venting, which can lead to insecure filling and pressure management.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a valve module that combines filling, pressurization, withdrawal, and venting functions, with sensors to automatically control fluid flow and pressure based on measured pressure thresholds, ensuring consistent pressure regulation and secure filling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate devices are used for pressure regulation, filling, and venting, then each function can be independently controlled, but the system complexity increases and pressure consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate pressure control devices (regulating valve, filling valve, venting regulator) into a single integrated valve module. This module shares common components such as valve elements, actuators, and control electronics, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining consistent pressure control through unified management of all functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve module is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: pressure regulation, tank filling, and venting operations. By making the valve module universal and multi-functional, the system achieves consistent pressure control without requiring multiple specialized devices, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate devices are used for pressure management, then specific functions can be optimized, but the adjustments become complex and inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated valve module, the system reduces the number of separate adjustments required. The unified structure allows operators to manage pressure, filling, and venting through one coordinated system rather than coordinating multiple independent devices, thereby simplifying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve module incorporates automatic control capabilities where the system self-regulates pressure management functions. Sensors and control algorithms automatically coordinate filling, venting, and pressure regulation without requiring manual adjustment of multiple devices, improving ease of operation while reducing the effective complexity of system management.
3Reliability
If separate regulating devices are used for filling and pressure maintenance, then each function can be independently optimized, but the settings may prove inconsistent or contradictory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the filling regulating device and pressure maintenance regulator into a single valve module with shared control electronics and actuators. This unified architecture ensures that filling operations and pressure maintenance work together harmoniously through coordinated control, eliminating the inconsistency and contradiction that arise from separate device settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve module incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor pressure and filling status, and the control system automatically adjusts the valve positions to maintain consistent settings. This closed-loop feedback ensures that filling and pressure regulation work together without contradiction, as the system dynamically coordinates both functions based on real-time conditions.
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 integrated valve module automatically maintains predetermined pressure setpoints, reduces pressure when necessary, and vents excess gas, providing stable and secure pressure management within the tank during filling and non-filling modes.
Implementation Method 1
a heater (13), in particular a vaporization heat exchanger
Implementation Method 2
a set of sensor(s) (12) measuring the pressure in the first jacket (1) and possibly in the filling circuit
Implementation Method 3
the valve module(s) is sensitive to the pressure measured by the set of sensor(s) and configured to automatically control, according to the pressure measured by the set of sensor(s), the fluid flows
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Cryogenic fluid storage tank comprising a pipe (10, 222, 7) for drawing off vapourised gas, which pipe is connected to a first casing (1) and comprises a vapouriser (6) and at least one control valve (15), a first filling pipe (9) connected to the lower portion of the first casing (1), a second pipe (10) for filling a downstream end connected to the upper portion of the first casing (1), a distribution valve assembly (19) configured to enable distribution of the fluid from the fluid source (17) in the filling pipes (9, 10), a pressurisation pipe (9, 21, 10) connected to the lower end of the first casing (1) and a second end (221) connected to the upper portion of the first casing (1) and at least one control valve (14) and a heater (13), the tank further comprising an air vent regulator (16), the valve assembly (19) for distribution in the filling circuit, the valve (14) for controlling the pressurisation pipe (21), the valve (15) for controlling the drawing-off circuit and the air vent regulator (16) being integrated into the same valve module (20), which shares at least one valve element.