Fluid Regulator Bleed Valve Gas Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
High pressure process fluid regulators face reduced effectiveness due to trapped gas in chambers, especially when installed upright, which limits the available volume for process liquid and hinders the regulator's performance.
Innovation Solution
A high pressure bleed valve is integrated into the actuator, connected to an inlet tap in the lower chamber, which vents residual gas trapped beneath the diaphragm, increasing the volume available for process liquid and improving the regulator's effectiveness and response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the process fluid regulator is installed in an upright orientation with the actuator located above the regulator body, then the regulator can be installed in standard industrial configurations, but residual gas becomes trapped in the lower chamber, reducing the available volume for process liquid and diminishing actuator effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the trapped gas from the lower chamber by providing a dedicated gas vent path. The vent path includes a vent port in the diaphragm and a vent passage in the actuator housing that connects the lower chamber to the atmosphere or a safe discharge location. This extraction of the harmful gas phase allows the lower chamber to be fully utilized for process liquid, resolving the volume limitation while maintaining upright installation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm serves as an intermediary element that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it transmits actuator force to the control valve while also incorporating a vent port that allows trapped gas to escape from the lower chamber. This intermediary structure enables both the mechanical coupling function and the gas venting function without requiring separate components
2Volume of stationary object
If the actuator chamber volume is reduced by trapped gas, then the chamber is compact, but the available volume for process liquid is reduced, limiting the regulator's response time and effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The vent passage extracts trapped gas from the lower chamber, ensuring that the entire chamber volume is available for process liquid. The vent passage is configured to allow gas to escape while preventing process liquid from escaping, thereby maximizing the effective volume for process liquid without increasing the overall chamber dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The diaphragm incorporates a vent port at a specific location to enable gas venting from the lower chamber. This localized feature provides gas escape capability only where needed (in the lower chamber) while maintaining the integrity and pressure-sealing function of the diaphragm in other areas
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 bleed valve significantly increases the available volume in the lower chamber, enhancing the actuator's effectiveness and response time, with a nearly five-fold increase in volume when installed upright, thereby improving the overall performance of the process fluid regulator.
Implementation Method 1
A high pressure bleed valve comprises a vent tube attached to an inlet tap defined in the lower chamber to vent residual gas trapped within the lower chamber away from the lower chamber through the vent tube to a position outside the actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
A process fluid regulator includes a regulator body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid flow path. A control element is disposed within the fluid flow path, the control element cooperating with a seat to control fluid flow through the regulator body. An actuator is attached to the regulator body, the actuator providing force to move the control element relative to the seat. The actuator includes a housing and a diaphragm within the housing, the diaphragm dividing the actuator housing into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. A high pressure bleed valve is attached to the lower chamber to vent residual gas from the lower chamber, which creates additional volume for process liquid in the lower chamber. This additional volume improves effectiveness and response time of the process fluid regulator.