Dual-Piston Valve Actuator Assembly for Wider Flow Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems, particularly metering or choke valves, have a limited range of operational flow rates due to actuator assemblies that cannot effectively open across a wide range of positions, restricting fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
The actuator assembly design includes a dual piston system where one piston moves against a second piston, and both are movable against a housing, allowing for the release of pressurized fluids to adjust the valve stem positions, enabling multiple flow rates by varying the piston positions within defined internal volumes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single piston actuator assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the range of operational flow rates is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly is divided into two separate piston chambers: a first piston chamber and a second piston chamber. Each chamber can be independently actuated by separate fluid sources, allowing the valve stem to be positioned at multiple discrete positions (fully closed, partially open, fully open) thereby expanding the range of operational flow rates without requiring a completely complex continuous adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The first piston chamber is disposed within the second piston chamber, creating a nested configuration. This allows both piston mechanisms to coexist in a compact arrangement, achieving multiple valve positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure and avoiding excessive complexity.
2Extent of automation
If manual operation of the valve is required, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the automation extent is minimized
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator assembly utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic actuation through fluid sources that supply pressurized fluid to the first and second piston chambers. This automated fluid power system replaces manual operation, allowing the valve to be actuated automatically based on process requirements while maintaining ease of operation through simple fluid supply control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the piston chambers are made larger to increase flow rate range, then the volume of the actuator assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the first piston chamber within the second piston chamber, the patent achieves a compact configuration where the smaller first chamber utilizes the internal volume of the larger second chamber. This allows both chambers to provide their respective flow rate ranges without requiring a proportionally large increase in overall actuator assembly volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested arrangement effectively utilizes three-dimensional space by placing one chamber inside another, rather than arranging chambers side-by-side in a single plane. This dimensional optimization allows the actuator to achieve a wide range of flow rates while maintaining a compact overall volume.
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
This design enhances the scalability and modularity of actuator assemblies, allowing for a wider range of flow rates and reducing manual operation, thereby improving efficiency and reducing resource expenditure.
Implementation Method 1
releasing a first pressurized fluid from a first chamber volume between a first piston disposed in an outer housing and a second piston disposed in an inner housing
Implementation Method 2
releasing a second pressurized fluid from a second chamber volume between the first piston and the outer housing
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure relate to actuator assemblies and related methods for valve systems. In one implementation, an actuator assembly for valves includes an outer housing. The outer housing includes a first internal volume and an inner shoulder portion. The actuator assembly includes an inner housing disposed at least partially in the outer housing. The inner housing includes a second internal volume. The actuator assembly includes one or more first pistons disposed in the first internal volume of the outer housing, and one or more second pistons disposed in the second internal volume of the inner housing. The one or more first pistons are disposed between the one or more second pistons and the inner shoulder portion of the outer housing. The actuator assembly includes an actuator stem disposed through at least a portion of the outer housing and coupled to the one or more second pistons.