Motorized Cryogenic Valve Retrofit for Remote Flow Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid transfer lines require manual flow adjustments, posing safety risks due to the need for personnel proximity, inefficient cryogen consumption, and lack of remote control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit kit and method for converting manual cryogenic fluid transfer lines to remote motorized control, utilizing a hub unit and motor unit to rotate the manual control knob, enabling remote operation via a motor and controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual flow adjustments are made by personnel in close proximity to cryogenic fluids, then flow control can be performed, but safety risk increases due to asphyxiation hazard
Solution Approach 1:
A motorized actuator serves as an intermediary device between the operator and the cryogenic fluid system. The actuator is mounted on the transfer line and receives remote control signals to automatically adjust the flow valve, eliminating the need for personnel to physically approach the cryogenic dewar while maintaining flow control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical operation of turning the flow valve knob is replaced with an automated motorized actuation system. The motorized actuator converts electrical control signals into mechanical rotation to adjust the valve position, substituting the direct mechanical interaction between human operator and valve with an automated electromechanical system
2Reliability
If the flow valve is operated wide open during unattended operation, then minimum temperature is maintained, but cryogen consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the temperature of the cryogenic system and automatically adjusting the flow valve position accordingly. When the minimum temperature is reached, the actuator reduces the flow to maintain that temperature, preventing excessive cryogen consumption while ensuring temperature requirements are met
Solution Approach 2:
The flow valve operation transitions from a static wide-open position to a dynamic, continuously adjustable position. The motorized actuator enables real-time modulation of the valve opening based on actual temperature conditions, allowing the system to optimize cryogen flow dynamically rather than maintaining a fixed maximum flow rate
3Object-affected harmful factors
If remote control capability is implemented, then safety and cost improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuator is designed as a universal interface that can be adapted to various types of flow valves and control knobs. The standardized actuator unit provides multiple functions including remote operation, automated temperature-based control, and programmable flow adjustment, reducing the need for custom control systems for different valve types
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 safe, efficient, and cost-effective remote control of cryogenic fluid flow, reducing personnel exposure and cryogen consumption, while improving temperature control and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a motor unit kinematically coupled to the hub unit for rotating the hub unit whereby the manual control knob of the manual cryogenic fluid transfer line rotates
Data Source
AI summary
A kit for retrofitting a manual cryogenic fluid transfer line generally includes a hub unit configured for attachment to a manual control knob of the manual cryogenic fluid transfer line and a motor unit kinematically coupled to the hub unit for rotating the hub unit whereby the manual control knob rotates. A method for retrofitting a manual cryogenic fluid transfer generally includes attaching a hub unit to a manual control knob of the manual cryogenic fluid transfer line and coupling a motor unit to the hub unit for rotating the hub unit. A motor-controlled cryogenic fluid transfer line generally includes a cryogenic fluid transfer line, a hub unit attached to the cryogenic fluid transfer line for controlling flow of cryogenic fluid through the transfer line and a motor unit kinematically coupled to the hub unit for rotating the hub unit to adjust flow of cryogenic fluid through the line.