Explosion-Proof Fluid Pressure Control With External Pressure Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid pressure control apparatuses in harsh environments, such as gas analysis equipment, face challenges in preventing explosive gases from igniting due to potential leakage sources within enclosures, which can lead to safety hazards and inefficiencies in pressure regulation.
Innovation Solution
A fluid pressure control apparatus featuring a proportional solenoid valve with a pressure sensor outside the enclosure, connected via a fluid-tight electrical feedthrough, and a manifold block that houses the valve portion, reducing leakage sources and incorporating a flameproof/explosion-proof enclosure to prevent hazardous gas release, with optional magnetic or mechanical actuation and intrinsic safety barriers for signal protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the pressure sensor is placed inside the enclosure, then it can directly measure the pressure, but it increases the number of leakage sources inside the enclosure
Solution Approach 1:
A fluid-tight electrical feedthrough acts as an intermediary component that allows the pressure sensor to be positioned outside the enclosure while maintaining fluid tightness. The feedthrough provides a sealed passage for the sensor's electrical connections, enabling pressure measurement without compromising the enclosure's integrity or creating additional leakage sources.
2Device complexity
If the valve portion is housed inside the enclosure, then it simplifies the structure, but it creates leakage sources that compromise safety
Solution Approach 1:
The valve portion is extracted from the enclosure and housed in a separate manifold block positioned outside the enclosure. This separation eliminates the valve as a potential leakage source inside the enclosure while maintaining functional integration through external connections. The manifold block serves as an independent housing that can be serviced without compromising the enclosure's safety.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple components are placed inside the enclosure, then the apparatus is more compact, but it increases the risk of gas ignition from leakage sources
Solution Approach 1:
Potential leakage sources including the pressure sensor and valve portion are extracted from the enclosure and positioned externally. The pressure sensor is mounted outside the enclosure and connected via a fluid-tight electrical feedthrough, while the valve portion is housed in a separate manifold block. This extraction strategy minimizes the number of components inside the enclosure, reducing leakage risks while maintaining compact overall design.
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 minimizes leakage sources within the enclosure, ensuring safe operation in hazardous environments by isolating the pressure sensor and using a secure, infallible joint for the valve portion, thereby maintaining regulated fluid pressure while preventing flammable gas release into the electronics housing.
Implementation Method 1
a proportional solenoid valve including a solenoid portion and a valve portion
Implementation Method 2
the first signal from the pressure sensor being conducted into the enclosure via a fluid-tight electrical feedthrough
Implementation Method 3
The permanent joint is understood to be made not flexible or via plugs and sockets but by, e.g., welding or brazing
Implementation Method 4
The permanent joint is understood to be made not flexible or via plugs and sockets but by, e.g., welding or brazing
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid pressure control apparatus includes a proportional solenoid valve having a solenoid portion and a valve portion operatively connected between a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port fluidly coupled to a pressure sensor. An electronic controller receives a first signal from the pressure sensor, receives a second signal corresponding to a pressure set point, and outputs a control signal to the solenoid valve. A flameproof/explosion proof or pressurized/purged enclosure houses the electronic controller and the solenoid portion of the solenoid valve, and a manifold block mounted to the enclosure covers and closes an opening of the enclosure. The manifold block includes internal passageways connecting the valve portion of the solenoid valve between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. The pressure sensor is arranged outside the enclosure, with the first signal from the pressure sensor being conducted into the enclosure via a fluid-tight electrical feedthrough.