Natural Gas Odorization Bypass Valve Control for Stable Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current odorization techniques for natural gas are unreliable and inflexible, particularly in accommodating changes in consumer demand, leading to unstable gas flow and potential safety issues due to incorrect odorant concentrations.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a bypass line with high-flow and low-flow control valves and a programmable logic controller to regulate the flow of odorized gas into the pipeline, ensuring accurate and flexible odorization by adjusting valve openings based on gas flow and demand, while compensating for temperature changes in the odorant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single solenoid valve is used to control bypass gas flow through the odorant tank, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot reliably accommodate seasonal changes in consumer demand leading to unstable gas flow
Solution Approach 1:
The single solenoid valve is segmented into two separate solenoid valves (first and second solenoid valves) that operate independently to control bypass gas flow. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimized for specific flow conditions, improving overall system reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects which solenoid valve to activate based on real-time gas flow conditions and seasonal demand variations. The programmable logic controller adjusts valve operation patterns (e.g., duty cycles, timing) to match changing consumer demand, transforming a static single-valve system into a dynamic multi-valve system that adapts to varying operational requirements
2Productivity
If the solenoid valve remains open for long periods to meet high winter demand, then gas supply adequacy is improved, but flow stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic action by activating solenoid valves in alternating intervals rather than keeping them continuously open. The programmable logic controller manages duty cycles where valves open and close periodically to deliver required gas volumes while maintaining flow stability through rhythmic, controlled delivery patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The valve operation timing and duration are dynamically adjusted based on seasonal demand and real-time flow conditions. During high-demand periods, the system increases the frequency and duration of valve openings to boost gas supply capacity while preventing continuous operation that would cause flow instability
3Stability of the object's composition
If the solenoid valve opens frequently for short periods to maintain flow stability, then gas flow stability is improved, but the system cannot meet high seasonal demand
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented dual-valve architecture enables the system to distribute gas delivery across multiple valves operating in sequence or parallel. This segmentation allows the system to maintain stable flow patterns through frequent, short valve activations while collectively meeting high seasonal demand through coordinated multi-valve operation
Solution Approach 2:
The two solenoid valves serve multiple functions: individually they provide flow stability through frequent short openings, while collectively they meet high gas supply demands through coordinated operation. The programmable logic controller manages this multi-functionality by assigning different operational roles to each valve based on real-time system requirements
4Loss of energy
If incorrect amounts of odorant are added to natural gas, then operational costs are reduced, but safety and consumer complaint issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the programmable logic controller monitors gas flow conditions and adjusts solenoid valve operation to deliver precise odorant amounts. By continuously monitoring and adjusting valve timing and duration based on actual flow conditions, the system ensures accurate odorant dosing that prevents both under-dosing (safety issues) and over-dosing (consumer complaints and waste)
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 system provides stable and reliable odorization, ensuring safety by maintaining consistent odorant levels and accommodating varying consumer demand, reducing unnecessary complaints and operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
When this heavily odorized bypass gas is placed back into the main pipeline, the odorant, now in gas form, diffuses throughout the pipeline
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a system and method for odorizing natural gas flowing through a distribution pipeline. The system includes a bypass line adjacent to a distribution pipeline, wherein bypass gas flows through the bypass line and an odorant tank connected to the bypass line, and into the distribution pipeline; a high-flow control valve and a low-flow control valve in the bypass line, wherein bypass gas flows through the odorant tank into the distribution pipeline when the high-flow control valve or the low-flow control valve is open; and a programmable logic controller connected to the high-flow and low flow control valve; wherein the programmable logic controller opens the high-flow or low-flow control valve for a predetermined dwell time proportional to an amount of bypass gas needed to odorize gas in the distribution pipeline each time that a preselected quantity of gas flows through the distribution pipeline.