Hydraulic Actuator Auxiliary Relief Path for Partial Lift Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic actuating assemblies for process fluid flow control in turbines and process engineering plants face challenges in testing the emergency functional capability without impairing operation, particularly in switching fittings where a partial lift test is not feasible due to the inability to switch between positions other than open and closed.
Innovation Solution
A hydraulic actuating assembly with an actuator prestressed for a closed position, featuring a pressure space loaded via an opening pressure and connected to low pressure through multiple parallel relief paths with upstream and downstream relief valves, and an auxiliary relief path with nozzles, allowing for a partial lift test by restricting pressure medium flow to detect functional capability without opening actual relief paths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional relief paths are used for testing emergency functional capability, then the test can be performed, but the pressure drop disrupts normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The relief path is segmented into two separate paths: a first relief path for normal emergency relief operations and a second relief path specifically for testing the emergency functional capability. This segmentation allows the test function to be isolated from the normal operation path, enabling testing without disrupting production.
Solution Approach 2:
A testing device is introduced as an intermediary component in the second relief path. This device includes a blocking member that can selectively block the second relief path during normal operation, and a control device that activates the emergency functional capability only when the blocking member is in the blocked position, thereby enabling safe testing.
2Productivity
If a blocking member is added to prevent pressure drop during testing, then normal operation is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking member is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as both a flow control element during normal operation (blocking the second relief path) and as a test activation element (its position triggers the testing mode). The control device also performs dual functions by monitoring the blocking member position and activating the emergency functional capability accordingly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 a simple and effective detection of the actuator's functional capability during operation with minimal pressure drop, ensuring the emergency functional capability can be tested without disrupting normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (114), which is prestressed for a closed position via an energy store (20)
Implementation Method 2
The actuator has a pressure space (120) which acts in the opening direction and can be connected via at least three parallel relief paths (142, 144, 146) to low pressure
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic actuating assembly for valves for controlling process fluid flows includes a valve that is operated by an actuator and that is pre-tensioned in the direction of a closing position. The actuator has a pressure chamber which is active in the opening direction and which can be connected to a low pressure by means of three parallel relief paths. A secondary relief path, which can be activated in a test mode, is provided.