Pilot-Operated Gas Pipeline Blocking Valve With Pressure Equalization Lockout

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pilot-operated blocking devices for pipelines allow manual reset of the blocking valve even if upstream and downstream pressures have not been equalized within the safety range, leading to potential downstream water hammer events and premature wear of components.

Innovation Solution

The blocking device incorporates a pressure differential selector device that prevents the opening of the blocking valve until the upstream and downstream pressures are balanced within a predetermined safety range, ensuring equalization before reset.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual reset of the blocking valve is allowed without pressure equalization, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to potential water hammer events and component wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual reset capabilityVSAvoidsystem safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through pressure sensors that continuously monitor upstream and downstream pressures. The control unit receives pressure signals and automatically prevents valve reopening until pressure differential is within safe limits, eliminating the need for manual pressure checking while ensuring safety

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically monitoring pressure conditions and controlling the valve reopening process. The control unit autonomously determines when it is safe to open the valve based on pressure differential measurements, removing the burden of manual safety assessment from the operator

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If pressure monitoring and automatic control are implemented, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem safetyVSAvoidcontrol system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it monitors pressure differential, determines safety conditions, controls the valve actuator, and provides status indication. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional control unit, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic pressure signals from sensors to directly influence the control unit and valve actuation mechanism. This pneumatic control approach simplifies the system by using the process fluid itself (gas pressure) as the control medium, reducing the need for separate electrical sensing and control circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 solution effectively prevents downstream water hammer events and reduces premature wear of components by ensuring pressure balance before valve operation, while maintaining simplicity in installation similar to existing devices.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure differential selector device (23) configured to detect a signal of an upstream pressure (P1) and a signal of a supply pressure (Pa) of a motorization fluid entering said pressure reducer (22)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential detection:

Implementation Method 2

a fluid-dynamic actuator (18) configured to translate the stem (17) along the main axis (X) of the same stem (17)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid-dynamic actuation:

Implementation Method 3

Elastic thrust means are also generally present, normally a helical spring, configured to bring the movable shutter from an operating position to an emergency position of complete closure or complete opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic thrust: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12204352B2Blocking device for pipelines for the passage of pressurized gas, of the pilot-operated type, and pressure regulator for said blocking device

Publication Date: 2025.01.21 PIETRO FIORENTINI SPA

AI summary

Blocking device for pressurized gas pipelines includes:a blocking valve, which includes:a connection body;a movable shutter;a stem carrying the shutter;a fluid-dynamic actuator, configured to translate the stem;thrust means to bring the shutter from an operating position of opening to an operating position of complete closure;a control system for controlled actuation of the fluid-dynamic actuator, having a by-pass group for equalizing upstream pressures in an upstream chamber and downstream pressures in a downstream chamber, and a pressure reducer group interconnected with the bypass group, the pressure reducer group configured to receive a motorization fluid at a supply pressure as input, and to supply the fluid-dynamic actuator with a motorization pressure through a motorization line,the control system having a pressure differential selector that detects a signal of the upstream pressure and a signal of the supply pressure.