Modular Cryogenic Valve Assembly With Fewer Weld Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cryogenic cylinder control systems face challenges in efficiently regulating fluid flow and pressure within cryogenic cylinders, particularly in managing over-pressurization and efficient gas dispensing, due to complex valve configurations and numerous weld points, which complicate installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic cylinder control system comprising a pressure relief and vent module, a manual valve module, a solenoid valve module, a build-up coil, and a controller, which form a pressure-building and economizer circuit to regulate fluid flow and pressure, reducing the number of weld points and simplifying installation and maintenance by modularizing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cryogenic cylinder control systems use multiple separate valves and components, then fluid flow regulation and pressure control functions are achieved, but the number of weld points increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate valve components (pressure relief valve, economizer valve, build-up valve) into a single integrated valve assembly that is welded to the cryogenic cylinder as one unit. This merging of components reduces the total number of weld points from multiple separate connections to a single integrated welding operation, while maintaining all necessary fluid flow regulation and pressure control functions within the unified assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously - pressure relief, economizer gas dispensing, and liquid build-up - within a single component structure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated valves for each function, thereby reducing the overall complexity and number of weld points required while achieving comprehensive fluid and pressure control.
2Reliability
If traditional cryogenic cylinder control systems use numerous separate components, then comprehensive pressure and flow control is achieved, but installation time and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple pressure control functions (pressure relief, economizer control, build-up control) into a single integrated valve assembly, the system reduces installation time from multiple separate welding and assembly operations to one integrated installation process. The unified design allows for pre-assembly and testing of all pressure control functions before final installation, significantly reducing on-site installation time while maintaining comprehensive pressure control capability.
3Ease of operation
If traditional cryogenic cylinder control systems use multiple separate valves, then fluid flow regulation capability is maintained, but maintenance difficulty and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly combines all fluid flow regulation functions in a single maintainable unit. When maintenance is required, the entire assembly can be serviced or replaced as one unit rather than disassembling and servicing multiple separate valves, thereby reducing maintenance difficulty and downtime while preserving full fluid flow regulation capability through the integrated design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional cryogenic cylinder control systems use numerous weld points, then component connectivity is achieved, but system reliability decreases due to more potential failure points
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple separate valve components into one integrated assembly that connects to the cryogenic cylinder through a single weld joint, the system maintains full component connectivity and functionality while eliminating multiple potential failure points associated with separate welds. The integrated design ensures that all necessary connections are made within the unified assembly structure, reducing the total number of external weld points and thereby improving overall system reliability.
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 system effectively protects against over-pressurization, enables efficient gas vaporization and dispensing, and simplifies installation and maintenance by reducing the number of weld points and components, enhancing reliability and reducing downtime.
Implementation Method 1
enables an operator to increase the gas pressure within the cryogenic cylinder by vaporizing some of the liquid in the cryogenic cylinder into gas via the build-up coil
Implementation Method 2
A typical solenoid valve is mounted to the valve body and includes an electromagnetic coil that is energizable to either open (in the case of a normally closed valve) or close (in the case of a normally open valve) the valve
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly (6000) for use with a valve body (7000) having a valve seat (7112) is disclosed, the valve assembly (6000) comprising: a cartridge (6200) threadably engaged with and extending away from the valve body (7000); a poppet (6500) slidably engaged with the cartridge (6200); a plate (6600) engaged with the poppet (6500); a plunger (6400) slidably engaged with the cartridge (6200) and slidably extending through the plate (6600); and a retainer (6450) captured between the plate (6600) and a surface of the poppet (6500), wherein the retainer (6450) is threadably engaged with the plunger (6400). The valve assembly (6000) can regulate fluid flow.