Gas Pressure Regulator Biasing Mechanism for Overpressure Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas-pressure regulators cannot perform overpressure tests without activating the pressure relief valve, which is designed to discharge gas to the surroundings at excessive pressures, limiting the ability to test the system effectively.
Innovation Solution
A gas-pressure regulator with a movable biasing element that temporarily blocks the pressure relief valve during a leakage test, allowing the system to withstand higher pressures by adjusting the closing force of the valve using a spring component or eccentric mechanism, enabling a controlled discharge path during normal operation and reactivation after the test.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure relief valve is provided in the gas-pressure regulator, then overpressure protection is improved, but the ability to perform overpressure tests is worsened because the valve activates during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element is made movable between two positions: a first position where it allows the pressure relief valve to function normally, and a second position where it blocks the valve to enable overpressure testing. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to adapt its behavior based on operational mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element acts as an intermediary component that can be selectively positioned to either enable or disable the pressure relief valve. By introducing this intermediate element, the system can switch between protection mode and testing mode without compromising either function.
2Reliability
If the pressure relief valve is made sensitive to discharge gas at excessive pressure, then safety is improved, but the maximum test pressure is worsened because testing cannot exceed the valve's activation pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure threshold for valve activation by moving the biasing element between positions. During testing, the biasing element blocks the valve, effectively raising the activation pressure threshold to allow higher test pressures while maintaining normal safety operation when the biasing element is in its first position.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the biasing element is made movable between positions, then testing flexibility is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing element serves as a simple intermediary component that can be positioned to either block or allow passage between the control chamber and discharge chamber. This single movable element provides testing flexibility without requiring complex mechanisms, maintaining relative simplicity while enabling functional adaptability.
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
Enables effective overpressure testing without discharging gas, ensuring the regulator can maintain normal operation and perform leakage tests without activating the pressure relief valve, enhancing system reliability and testing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the relative movement between the diaphragm and the control element takes place against a spring force of the spring component, and that the biasing element acts on the spring force
Implementation Method 2
the diaphragm and the control element are configured and arranged within the housing such that the diaphragm and the control element are movable relative to each other
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments relate to a gas-pressure regulator having an inlet, an outlet, a housing, a diaphragm, a control element, a control chamber and a discharge chamber. The inlet and the outlet each open onto the control chamber, wherein the diaphragm partially delimits the control chamber. The diaphragm and the control element are movable relative to each other, wherein a passage between the control chamber and the discharge chamber is open in a relative discharge arrangement of the diaphragm and the control element. An adjustable biasing element impedes a relative movement between the diaphragm and the control element.