Hydraulic Coupling Poppet Valve Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea hydraulic couplings face damage due to differential pressure changes when raised from depth, leading to issues with hydraulic fluid leakage and seawater ingress.
Innovation Solution
A spring-loaded poppet valve with a built-in ball check valve is used to relieve hydraulic fluid pressure to a preselected value, equipped in both male and female coupling members, allowing for pressure equalization and preventing damage from pressure differentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic couplings are equipped with internal poppet valves to prevent fluid loss, then sealing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional valve components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the primary poppet valve and the pressure-relieving check valve into a single integrated valve assembly. The poppet valve body houses both the main sealing function and the pressure relief function, eliminating the need for separate valve components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining dual functionality for preventing fluid loss and relieving excessive pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a sealing valve to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage and a pressure relief valve to vent excessive pressure. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate components, improving reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Strength
If coupling members are raised from depth without pressure relief, then structural integrity is maintained, but damage occurs due to differential pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of pressure differential into a beneficial function by using a check valve that automatically vents excessive pressure when the coupling is raised from depth. The pressure relief mechanism transforms the potential damage from pressure changes into a controlled pressure equalization process, protecting the coupling while allowing safe operation across varying depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure-relieving check valve is pre-configured to activate automatically when pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold during ascent from depth. This preliminary action of pressure equalization prevents the harmful effects of differential pressure before they can cause damage to the coupling structure or seals.
3Power
If hydraulic fluid pressure is maintained at high levels, then hydraulic system performance is improved, but pressure leakage and seawater ingress occur when disconnected
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded check valve provides self-service pressure relief functionality that automatically activates when the coupling is disconnected. The spring mechanism self-regulates to vent trapped hydraulic fluid pressure without requiring external control systems, preventing both fluid leakage and seawater ingress by maintaining pressure equilibrium between the hydraulic system and the external environment.
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 solution effectively prevents damage from pressure changes by venting hydraulic fluid pressure, ensuring the hydraulic system remains sealed and operational across varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded poppet valve with a built-in ball check valve is used to relieve hydraulic fluid pressure
Implementation Method 2
configured to bleed off hydraulic fluid pressure within the coupling member to a preselected value
Data Source
AI summary
A poppet valve for a hydraulic coupling member has an internal, spring-loaded check valve (which may be a ball check valve) in fluid communication with a bleed passage. The check valve may be configured as a pressure-relief valve which bleeds off excess hydraulic fluid pressure within the coupling member to a preselected value. A poppet valve according to the invention may be used in female coupling members and/or male coupling members. Certain embodiments of the invention may be retrofitted to coupling members of the prior art.