Gas Charging Valve Array for Hydro-Pneumatic Accumulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas charging valves for hydro-pneumatic accumulators require full discharging of gas pressure, making them time-consuming and costly, especially in large subsea blowout preventer applications where significant gas is lost during valve replacement.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically actuated check valve is integrated within the gas passage of the hydro-pneumatic accumulator, which remains open when the gas valve is mounted, preventing gas release and allowing for efficient maintenance or replacement without losing pressurized gas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a gas charging valve is removed from the accumulator, then the valve can be maintained or replaced, but the gas pressure must be fully discharged causing gas loss
Solution Approach 1:
The gas passage is segmented into two functional sections: an upper section with a check valve that prevents gas escape to the atmosphere, and a lower section with the gas charging valve. This segmentation allows the gas valve to be removed and replaced while the check valve maintains gas containment, eliminating gas loss during maintenance operations.
2Ease of repair
If the gas valve is replaced in large capacity accumulators, then the valve can be maintained, but the time required increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is pre-installed and configured in the gas passage before the gas charging valve removal. This preliminary action ensures that when the gas valve needs to be replaced, the gas is already contained by the check valve, allowing for rapid valve replacement without the time-consuming process of discharging and recharging gas pressure.
3Ease of operation
If the gas valve is removed without a check valve, then the valve can be accessed for replacement, but gas pressure cannot be contained
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve acts as an intermediary component between the gas chamber and the external environment. It mediates the conflicting requirements by allowing the gas charging valve to be removed for maintenance while simultaneously maintaining gas pressure containment through its one-way valve mechanism that prevents gas escape.
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 significantly reduces the time and cost associated with gas charging valve operations by preventing gas loss during valve maintenance or replacement, enhancing operational efficiency in critical applications like deep water blowout preventers.
Implementation Method 1
A check valve is provided within the gas passage and prevents gas from releasing from the gas chamber when the gas valve is removed. The check valve is mechanically actuated and maintained in an open position by the gas valve when it is mounted to the gas passage.
Data Source
AI summary
A hydro-pneumatic accumulator includes a housing defining a gas chamber for a compressible gas and a fluid chamber within the housing. A gas valve is in communication with the gas chamber via a gas passage. A check valve is provided within the gas passage and prevents gas from releasing from the gas chamber when the gas valve is removed, wherein the check valve is mechanically actuated to an open position by the gas valve in communication with the gas passage.