Double Quad Valve Flow Balancing to Prevent Hydraulic Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems experience unbalanced fluid flow, leading to hydraulic lock and mechanical damage due to differing volumetric amounts of fluid on the supply and return sides of hydraulic cylinders, which is exacerbated in downhole applications.
Innovation Solution
A double quad valve design with three ports and sliding seats, equipped with springs and check elements, ensures balanced fluid flow by maintaining a static, sealed condition and acting as a pressure relief valve to manage fluid flow in single or bi-directional directions, minimizing the need for additional plumbing and valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional hydraulic systems are used with hydraulic cylinders, then fluid can be moved to actuate mechanical devices, but unbalanced fluid flow occurs leading to hydraulic lock and mechanical damage
Solution Approach 1:
The double quad valve acts as an intermediary device between the hydraulic power unit and the hydraulic cylinder. It includes a first quad valve portion and a second quad valve portion that work together to balance fluid flow. The valve body with multiple ports (inlet, outlet, and intermediate ports) serves as a mediator to redirect and balance the unbalanced fluid flow, preventing hydraulic lock while maintaining the ability to actuate mechanical devices reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The double quad valve is segmented into a first quad valve portion and a second quad valve portion. Each quad valve portion independently controls fluid flow to different ports of the hydraulic cylinder. This segmentation allows separate control of supply and return fluid paths, enabling balanced flow management and preventing the harmful effects of unbalanced flow on system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If selective bi-directional hydraulic/electric power units are used, then fluid flow can be controlled in multiple directions, but device complexity increases with multiple valves and plumbing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The double quad valve merges the functionality of multiple valves into a single integrated device. It combines a first quad valve portion and a second quad valve portion within one valve body, eliminating the need for separate valves and complex plumbing arrangements. This consolidation maintains bidirectional and multi-directional flow control capabilities while significantly reducing device complexity and installation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The double quad valve is designed as a universal component that can control fluid flow in multiple directions (unidirectional, bidirectional, and tri-directional). The valve body with its multiple ports and the coordinated operation of both quad valve portions enable it to perform various flow control functions that previously required multiple specialized valves, simplifying the overall hydraulic system design.
3Ease of operation
If hydraulic systems operate with differing volumetric amounts of fluid on supply and return sides, then mechanical devices can be actuated, but unbalanced flow causes hydraulic lock
Solution Approach 1:
The double quad valve changes the flow parameters by providing separate control paths for supply and return fluid. The first quad valve portion controls fluid flow to the first port, while the second quad valve portion controls fluid flow to the second port. This parameter control ensures that even when differing volumetric amounts of fluid are required on supply and return sides, the flow remains balanced and prevents hydraulic lock, maintaining both ease of operation and 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 double quad valve effectively balances fluid flow, preventing hydraulic lock and mechanical damage by ensuring precise, controlled movement of hydraulic devices, even under varying hydrostatic pressures, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of hydraulic systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one set of three ports wherein the double quad valve further comprises; at least three springs and two moving seats that provide for complete and absolute closure and sealing of all ports of the double quad valve
Implementation Method 2
The double quad valve possesses at least three ports and is connected to a fluid reservoir; wherein said fluid flow is controlled when fluid flows though said double quad valve by use of at least one set of three ports
Data Source
AI summary
A double quad valve design and associated use and system is presented that provides a user to control directional, bidirectional and in some cases tri-directional balanced flow into and out of three (or more) ports that together with one or more sets of springs and sliding seats ensures an ability to allow for a completely static condition that is absent any fluid or fluid flow leaks as well as completely balanced flow that eliminates hydraulic seizure during the operation of one or more mechanical, hydraulic, electro-mechanical, and/or electro-hydraulic devices.