Dual Piston Pneumatic Actuator for Gate Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pneumatic actuators for gate valves often require high pressure to maintain the valve in open or closed positions, which can be problematic when a strong pressure source is not available, and diverting pressure can lead to equipment failures or lack of pressure lines.
Innovation Solution
A dual piston pneumatic actuator design with two pressure chambers and pistons, where pressure from both chambers provides increased force to move the valve gate, allowing the actuator to maintain the valve position with reduced pressure requirements by utilizing the combined surface area of both pistons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single piston pneumatic actuator is used, then the structure is simple, but the force capability is insufficient to move the gate valve under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into two separate piston assemblies (first piston and second piston) that operate independently but contribute to the same output force. Each piston has its own pressure chamber and can be controlled separately, allowing the system to achieve higher total force capability while maintaining manageable individual component sizes and complexities.
2Reliability
If high pressure is used to maintain valve position, then the valve can be kept open or closed reliably, but the pressure source requirements become more stringent and may not be available
Solution Approach 1:
The force output from both the first piston and second piston is combined to act on the same gate valve. By merging the force contributions from two pistons, the actuator achieves higher total force and better maintains valve position reliability without requiring each individual piston to operate at high pressure, thus reducing the pressure source requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure is diverted to other equipment, then other devices can be operated, but the gate valve may fail to maintain its position or operate reliably
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic actuator uses two separate pressure inlets that can be connected to different pressure sources or the same pressure source independently. This segmentation allows flexible pressure line configuration where one pressure inlet can be diverted to other equipment while the other maintains valve operation, providing both adaptability and 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
Enables the gate valve to be effectively kept in an open or closed position with lower pressure, ensuring reliable operation even when a strong pneumatic pressure source is not available, by leveraging the increased force from both pistons to maintain the valve state.
Implementation Method 1
pressure from the distal pressure inlet pressurizes the distal pressure chamber and provides a force capable of moving the distal piston and the proximal piston in a proximal direction
Implementation Method 2
pressure from both chambers provides increased force to move the valve gate, allowing the actuator to maintain the valve position with reduced pressure requirements by utilizing the combined surface area of both pistons
Data Source
AI summary
Dual piston pneumatic actuators used in opening and closing gate valves are disclosed. The actuators allow for pressure to vary based on opening or closing a gate valve versus keeping the gate valve open or closed.