Flow Regulation Apparatus with Pressure Balancing Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow regulation systems face challenges in maintaining a constant flow rate due to pressure fluctuations at the source and target locations, often requiring complex control equipment and are unsuitable for compact environments like downhole applications, where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow regulation apparatus with a balance arrangement that balances the effect of fluid pressure on the inlet valve assembly, using a piston arrangement with a common pressure exposure to neutralize pressure variations, allowing for a consistent flow rate without significant interference from inlet pressure effects, and incorporating a flow control member to adjust flow accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a balance arrangement is added to neutralize pressure effects on the inlet valve assembly, then flow rate stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balance arrangement is integrated into the valve body structure, merging the pressure balancing function with the existing housing. The balance chamber and communication passages are formed as integral parts of the valve body, combining multiple functions (flow regulation, pressure balancing, and structural support) into a single component, thereby improving flow stability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses fluid pressure communication between chambers to achieve automatic pressure balancing. The balance chamber is hydraulically connected to both the inlet chamber and outlet chamber, allowing fluid pressure to automatically equalize forces on the inlet valve assembly without mechanical actuators or complex control systems, thus improving reliability with minimal added complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the inlet valve assembly is exposed to full inlet pressure, then flow regulation capability is improved, but pressure variations cause flow rate fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet valve assembly is differentially exposed to pressure conditions: the valve member is exposed to inlet pressure for effective flow regulation, while the valve seat and surrounding assembly are protected from full inlet pressure through the balance chamber. This localized pressure exposure allows the valve to maintain regulation capability while ensuring consistent flow rate by isolating critical components from pressure variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance chamber creates a counterbalancing pressure force that offsets the effects of inlet pressure variations on the inlet valve assembly. By communicating outlet chamber pressure to the balance chamber, the system generates an opposing pressure effect that compensates for inlet pressure fluctuations, maintaining stable flow rate while preserving full inlet pressure exposure for the valve member during regulation.
3Reliability
If a piston arrangement with large area is used to balance pressure effects, then pressure balancing effectiveness is improved, but housing size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balance chamber is nested within the existing valve body structure, utilizing the internal volume of the housing rather than requiring external expansion. The balance chamber is positioned concentrically around the inlet valve assembly, effectively using the existing structural space to accommodate the pressure balancing mechanism, thereby achieving effective pressure balancing without significantly increasing overall housing size.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a large-area piston that would require increased linear dimensions, the invention uses a volumetric balance chamber that distributes pressure balancing across three-dimensional space. The balance chamber communicates pressure forces through multiple passages and surfaces, achieving equivalent balancing effectiveness through volumetric distribution rather than large surface area, thus maintaining compact housing dimensions.
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 apparatus achieves a substantially constant flow rate across a fixed flow restrictor, accommodating pressure fluctuations and minimizing the need for large housing sizes, making it suitable for compact applications such as downhole environments.
Implementation Method 1
a balance arrangement configured to balance the effect of fluid pressure on the inlet valve assembly. The balance arrangement may be configured to establish a force to oppose the force applied or established by pressure acting on the inlet valve assembly, for example, on the area of the valve seat.
Implementation Method 2
a flow restrictor mounted within the flow path and configured to be exposed to a pressure differential across said flow restrictor
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus (10) for regulating the flow of a fluid from a source to a target location comprises a housing (12) defining a fluid inlet (14) configured to communicate with a fluid source and a fluid outlet (16) configured to communicate with a target location, and a flow path (18) extending between the fluid inlet (14) and fluid outlet (16). An inlet valve assembly (20) is mounted in the flow path (18) and comprises a valve seat (22) and a valve member (24) configured to cooperate with the valve seat (22) to regulate flow through the flow path (18). A balance arrangement is provided and is configured to balance the effect of fluid pressure acting on the inlet valve assembly (20).