Gas Regulator Flow Diversion for Higher Maximum Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas regulators in direct-operated pressure control devices face challenges with overpressure accumulation at the shutter facing the downstream zone, leading to reduced maximum flow rates and increased complexity in balancing systems.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an element positioned within the downstream zone that diverts the gas flow and reduces pressure on the shutter's first face, preventing overpressure accumulation and allowing for maximum regulator opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a direct-operated pressure regulator is used, then the response speed to downstream load changes is high, but the maximum flow rate is reduced due to overpressure accumulation at the shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the overpressurized gas from the downstream zone by introducing a balancing chamber that receives gas directly from the downstream zone through a balancing duct, separating the overpressurized gas away from the shutter face to prevent accumulation and allow maximum opening
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a balancing chamber as an intermediary element between the downstream zone and the shutter, mediating the pressure balance by receiving overpressurized gas and redirecting it, thus preventing direct pressure accumulation on the shutter face
2Productivity
If a dedicated balancing chamber is introduced to balance overpressures, then the maximum flow rate increases, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the balancing chamber with the motorization chamber, combining two functional chambers into a single integrated space, thereby reducing the number of separate components while maintaining the pressure balancing function
Solution Approach 2:
The motorization chamber is given multiple functions: it serves both as the chamber for shutter actuation and as the balancing chamber for overpressure management, allowing the same space to fulfill dual roles and reduce overall device complexity
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 enhances the regulator's performance by increasing the maximum flow rate while maintaining high precision in pressure control, and simplifies the design by reducing the number of components and costs.
Implementation Method 1
an element (30) which is positioned within the downstream zone (13) in a position facing the shutter (15) and which is configured to cooperate with the first face (20) of the shutter which faces the downstream zone so as to divert the gas flow at said first face (20) of the shutter, and thus reduce the gas pressure which acts directly on said first face (20) of the shutter
Implementation Method 2
the pressure reduction occurs by lamination of the gas at the passage section on which the shutter acts
Data Source
AI summary
Regulator for a gas control apparatus, for installation in a gas transportation and/or distribution network, includes a structure with a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The regulator includes, inside the structure: an upstream zone that is fluidly connected to the inlet, a downstream zone that is fluidly connected to the outlet, a passage opening interposed between the upstream zone and the downstream zone, a shutter movable within the downstream zone for closing and/or obstructing the passage opening, said shutter comprises a first face facing towards the downstream zone and a second face, opposite to the first face, facing towards the passage opening, and means for the controlled movement of the movable shutter.