Integrated Fluid Regulating Unit Internal Flow Paths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chemical injection assemblies are prone to damage from air buildup during re-pressurization, require extensive assembly, consume significant space, and are prone to leakage due to external plumbing, leading to maintenance challenges and difficulties in maintaining set-point pressure.
Innovation Solution
A fluid regulating unit integrating a pressure regulator and control valve within a single body, with internal flow paths that eliminate the need for external plumbing, reducing the risk of leakage and simplifying assembly, and allowing for consistent flow control through the use of a reference chamber and biasing spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure regulator and control valve are integrated into a single body with internal flow paths, then the risk of leakage is reduced and assembly is simplified, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a pressure regulator and control valve into a single integrated body with internal flow paths, eliminating the need for external plumbing and connections between separate components. This merging of functions into one unit directly reduces leakage risk by removing external connection points while consolidating the device structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If external plumbing is used to connect pressure regulator and control valve, then the device is easier to manufacture and assemble, but the risk of leakage increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the pressure regulator and control valve into a single body with internal flow paths, the patent eliminates external plumbing connections. This removes the leakage-prone connection points while the internal integration is designed to be manufacturable through standard casting or machining processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate components are used for pressure regulation and flow control, then the device is more adaptable to different configurations, but the assembly requires more parts and space
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated body design incorporates multiple functions (pressure regulation, flow control, and fluid routing) within a single universal structure. The internal flow paths are designed to handle various fluid directions and pressures, making the single device adaptable to different operational configurations without requiring additional parts.
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 integrated design minimizes assembly requirements, reduces the risk of leakage, and maintains consistent flow control, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimizing the potential for damage from air buildup during re-pressurization.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing spring configured to apply a reference force to the sensor
Implementation Method 2
The pressure regulator is configured to output the flow of fluid at a desired pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid regulating unit includes a body, a pressure regulator, and a control valve. The body has an inlet, an outlet configured to output a regulated flow of fluid, and a flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet. The body integrates a pressure regulator and a control valve, each of which is disposed in the flow path. The pressure regulator has a regulator body, a control assembly configured to control a fluid flow through the regulator body, a sensor operatively coupled to the control assembly to control a position of the control element, and a bonnet movably coupled to the regulator body. The regulator body and the bonnet define a reference chamber disposed in the flow path. The reference chamber is configured to apply a reference force to the sensor to control the fluid flow through the regulator body.