Dual-Control Gas Pressure Regulator for Precision and Fail-Open Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure regulators for gas distribution systems face challenges such as limited precision in regulation, requirement for on-site setting adjustments, and inability to maintain operation as a direct acting regulator in case of pilot device failure.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator design that combines a pilot-controlled first control head with a directly-controlled second control head, allowing for remote adjustment of setting pressure and ensuring operation as a direct acting regulator even if the pilot device fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a direct acting pressure regulator is used, then the response time to pressure variations is quick, but the regulation precision is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is divided into two independent control heads: a direct acting control head for quick response and a pilot controlled control head for precise regulation. Each control head operates independently but controls the same shutter, allowing the system to combine the advantages of both mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If a pilot device is used for pressure regulation, then the regulation precision is improved, but the response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulator is divided into two independent control heads: a direct acting control head for quick response and a pilot controlled control head for precise regulation. Each control head operates independently but controls the same shutter, allowing the system to combine the advantages of both mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If a pilot device is used, then remote modification of setting pressure is enabled, but the system cannot operate as a direct acting regulator in case of pilot failure
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows dynamic switching between two operational modes: pilot controlled mode for precise remote-adjustable regulation, and direct acting mode for quick response and fail-safe operation. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different operational requirements and failure scenarios.
4Ease of operation
If an adjusting screw is used for setting pressure, then on-site adjustment is possible, but labour costs increase due to required on-site operations
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical adjusting screw system is replaced with a pilot device that accepts electronic or remote control signals for setting pressure. This substitution eliminates the need for on-site manual adjustment operations, reducing labour costs and enabling remote configuration of the pressure regulator settings.
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 solution provides a pressure regulator with enhanced regulation reliability and quick response times, enabling remote management and ensuring continued operation in case of pilot device failure, while also facilitating a 'fail open' safety system.
Implementation Method 1
As long as the pressure in the motorization chamber is balanced with the force of the spring, the movable wall does not move. In the presence of a pressure perturbation, the movable wall moves until a condition of balance is restored and causes a corresponding movement of the shutter.
Implementation Method 2
a movable wall connected to the shutter and associated with a counter-thrust spring
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a pressure regulator (10) for gas distribution systems, comprising: a connection body (11) for connection between an upstream pipe and a downstream pipe, the following elements being defined inside the connection body (11): an inlet duct (12), an outlet duct (13), a high- pressure chamber (14) connected to the inlet duct (12), a low-pressure chamber (15) connected to the outlet duct (13), a passage opening (16) between the high-pressure chamber (14) and the low-pressure chamber (15), a movable shutter (17) designed to obstruct the passage opening (16), means for moving the movable shutter (17) in a controlled manner. The means for moving the movable shutter (17) in a controlled manner comprise: a first main control head (18) fixed to the connection body (11) and configured to operate the movable shutter (17) through a first control rod (19), a second auxiliary control head (20) configured to operate the movable shutter (17) through a second control rod (21 ) fixed to the same movable shutter (17).