Electromagnetic Pipe Valve Actuation Without Rotating Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves for gas and petroleum lines face issues with leakage due to wear in rotating components and insufficient torque, especially in high-pressure applications, and require physical rotation of electromagnets relative to permanent magnets, leading to inefficiencies and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically actuated valve system that rotates permanent magnets without physically rotating electromagnets, using a controller to activate electromagnets surrounding a magnetic containment chamber made of non-ferromagnetic material, applying torque through magnetic field rotation to a valve stem without physical movement outside the pressure vessel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical rotation of electromagnets relative to permanent magnets is used to actuate the valve, then the valve can be operated, but wear and leakage occur due to moving parts outside the sealed enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation system with an electromagnetic field-based system. Electromagnets mounted on the stationary external surface of the sealed enclosure generate rotating magnetic fields that act on permanent magnets attached to the valve stem inside the enclosure, eliminating the need for physical rotation of electromagnets and removing moving parts from the sealed environment, thereby preventing wear and leakage while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic fields as an intermediary between the external electromagnets and the internal permanent magnets. The rotating magnetic field generated by the electromagnets transmits torque through the sealed enclosure wall to the permanent magnets on the valve stem, enabling actuation without direct mechanical contact or movement across the seal boundary
2Ease of operation
If conventional magnetic actuation systems are used, then valve actuation is achieved, but torque is insufficient for high-pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple permanent magnets on the valve stem into a unified magnetic assembly that interacts with multiple electromagnets on the external surface. This merging of magnetic elements creates cumulative torque through the rotating magnetic field, providing sufficient force for high-pressure applications while maintaining the sealed enclosure design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic rotating magnetic fields generated by sequentially activating multiple electromagnets around the enclosure perimeter. This dynamic field rotation creates continuous rotational torque on the permanent magnets, enabling controlled valve operation with adequate force for high-pressure service
3Ease of operation
If rotating components are used in the valve mechanism, then the valve can be actuated, but wear occurs reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical rotation of electromagnets and moving parts outside the sealed enclosure by using electromagnetic field interaction. The only internal moving component is the valve stem with permanent magnets, which rotates freely without mechanical contact to external actuation mechanisms, significantly reducing wear and extending component lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the electromagnets from the sealed enclosure and mounts them on the external stationary surface. This separation removes the source of mechanical wear from the sealed environment, leaving only the permanent magnets and valve stem inside, thereby eliminating friction and wear between actuation components while maintaining actuation functionality
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 reduces wear and leakage by maintaining a sealed system, providing reliable fluid control with enhanced torque and efficiency, suitable for high-pressure applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromagnet connected to an external surface of the at least one magnetic containment chamber
Implementation Method 2
one or more permanent magnets surrounding a section of the actuator stem
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic actuation system for opening and closing pipe valves. The electromagnetic actuation systems utilizes one or more electromagnets surrounding one or more permanent magnets attached to a rotary shaft of the valve mechanism. A controller activates the one or more electromagnets such that the produced magnetic field rotates, thereby applying a force to the one or more permanent magnets and thus rotating the rotary shaft. The system does not require rotation of the one or more electromagnets relative to the one or more permanent magnets, advantageously reducing the number of moving parts within the valve system.