Fluid-Pressure Valve Core for Leak-Resistant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow control devices in industrial settings, such as those in the oil and gas industry, face challenges with mechanical failures and leakage due to mechanical linkages and gearings, which can be costly and environmentally hazardous.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control device with a split piece design comprising discrete upstream and downstream casings and a valve core, where the valve member is actuated by fluid pressure rather than mechanical linkages, reducing the risk of leakage and simplifying assembly and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical linkages and gearings are used to actuate the valve member, then the valve can be controlled between fully open and fully closed positions, but the device suffers from mechanical failures and leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical linkage system (stem, gearbox, linkages) with a direct fluid pressure actuation system. Fluid pressure is applied directly to the valve member through a sealable fluid pathway, eliminating intermediate mechanical components that are prone to failure. This substitution of mechanical systems with a fluid-based system resolves the contradiction by improving reliability while reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs hydraulic or pneumatic principles by using fluid pressure to directly actuate the valve member. A fluid pathway with isolatable sections allows pressure to be applied through seals to move the valve member without mechanical linkages. This application of pneumatic/hydraulic principles eliminates the need for mechanical gearboxes and linkages, thereby improving reliability and reducing mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If mechanical coupling is used between valve stem and valve closure member, then the valve can be actuated externally, but the coupling is a potential point of weakness leading to failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the mechanical coupling components (stem, gearbox, linkages) from the system entirely. Instead of having a mechanical coupling between external actuation means and the valve closure member, the system uses a fluid pathway that can be sealed off. The external actuation is achieved through fluid pressure applied to the valve member, eliminating the weak mechanical coupling while maintaining ease of operation through fluid-based actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical coupling system with a fluid pressure transmission system. The external actuation capability is maintained through fluid pathways that can be isolated with seals, replacing the mechanical stem and linkage system. This substitution eliminates the coupling failure points while preserving the ability to actuate the valve from external locations.
3Reliability
If stem packing that seals against the stem is used, then the mechanical coupling can be sealed, but the stem packing is a potential point of failure leading to fluid leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the stem packing component entirely by removing the mechanical stem from the system. Since there is no mechanical stem protruding through the valve body, there is no stem packing required. The sealing is achieved through different means in the fluid pathway design, eliminating the leakage-prone stem packing while maintaining sealing reliability through alternative sealing approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical stem packing sealing system with a fluid pathway sealing system. Instead of using packing material around a mechanical stem, the system uses sealable fluid pathways and isolatable sections with seals. This substitution eliminates the stem packing failure mode and reduces fluid leakage while maintaining sealing reliability through modern sealing technologies.
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 solution provides a reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly fluid flow control system with reduced risk of leakage, easier assembly, and higher responsiveness, suitable for various fluid types and applications.
Implementation Method 1
an input line defined in the valve core for introducing a fluid pressure into the control volume, wherein the valve member is acted on by the fluid pressure in the control volume to control the position of the valve member
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling the flow of a fluid through a conduit from an upstream side of the device to a downstream side of the device is provided. The device includes an upstream valve casing defining an inlet, a downstream valve casing defining an outlet aperture, and a valve core secured between the upstream valve casing and the downstream valve casing. The upstream valve casing, the downstream valve casing and the valve core are formed as discrete parts. The valve core includes a housing defining a control volume. The valve member is mounted on the housing and positioned on the upstream side of the outlet aperture, the valve member being arranged to move reciprocally to selectively open and close the outlet aperture, thereby controlling flow of the fluid through the outlet aperture.