Quick-Closing Hydraulic Valve Actuation Using a Dump Tank
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic systems often restrict the outflow of fluid from valve actuators, slowing the rapid closure of valves during emergency situations in well production and servicing operations.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a valve actuator coupled with a dump tank that receives hydraulic fluid during rapid shifting operations, rather than returning it to the supply system, facilitating quick valve closure by minimizing resistance and using an energizer element to store and discharge energy for rapid fluid discharge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If hydraulic fluid is returned to the supply system during valve closure, then the hydraulic system maintains fluid circulation and pressure, but the valve closure speed is reduced due to outflow restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into two separate pathways: a restricted return path to the supply system for normal operation, and an unrestricted dump path to the dump tank for rapid closure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast valve closure by bypassing the restrictive return path during emergency operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The dump tank serves as an intermediary component that temporarily receives hydraulic fluid during rapid valve closure operations. This intermediary tank provides an unrestricted discharge path that enables fast closure while the main hydraulic system maintains its circulation pattern through the supply system.
2Reliability
If hydraulic fluid outflow is restricted in the supply system, then the system maintains stable pressure and circulation, but rapid valve closure becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic system is segmented into two separate pathways: a restricted return path to the supply system for normal operation, and an unrestricted dump path to the dump tank for rapid closure. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast valve closure by bypassing the restrictive return path during emergency operations.
Solution Approach 2:
During normal operation, only partial hydraulic fluid flow is diverted to the dump tank, maintaining stable system pressure and circulation. During rapid closure operations, excessive action is taken by opening the dump valve fully, allowing unrestricted fluid discharge to achieve the necessary closure speed.
3Speed
If a dump tank is added to enable rapid valve closure, then valve closure speed increases, but the system complexity and component count increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dump tank is designed with multi-functionality: it serves as a rapid discharge receptacle for emergency closure operations, and can be integrated with the existing hydraulic supply system for fluid return during normal operations. This universal design minimizes the need for completely separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The dump tank system is merged with the existing hydraulic supply system through shared components and integrated control logic. The electronic control unit manages both the supply system and dump tank operations, reducing overall system complexity despite the additional tank component.
4Reliability
If the dump valve remains closed during normal operation, then the hydraulic system maintains stable pressure, but rapid closure capability is lost when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The dump valve and dump tank are pre-configured and ready for immediate operation during emergencies. The electronic control unit continuously monitors system conditions and can instantly open the dump valve when rapid closure is required, eliminating any delay in the emergency response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control unit receives feedback from system sensors and automatically actuates the dump valve when emergency conditions are detected. This feedback mechanism ensures that the dump tank capability is utilized at the appropriate moment, balancing normal operation stability with emergency response readiness.
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 rapid and efficient valve closure in emergency situations by reducing fluid resistance and utilizing stored energy for quick discharge, enhancing safety and operational efficiency in well systems and other industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
using an energizer element to store and discharge energy for rapid fluid discharge
Data Source
AI summary
A technique facilitates rapid transitioning of a valve, e.g. a gate valve. According to an embodiment, a system comprises a valve actuator constructed for coupling with a valve to actuate the valve between closed and open positions. Hydraulic actuation fluid may be supplied to the valve actuator under pressure via a hydraulic supply system to enable selective shifting of the valve actuator, and thus the valve, from a closed position to an open position. The system also comprises a dump tank coupled to the valve actuator in a manner to receive hydraulic fluid. In a rapid valve actuation operation, e.g. closing operation, the dump tank receives hydraulic fluid from the valve actuator rather than returning the hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic supply system. This, in turn, enables rapid shifting of the valve actuator and thus rapid shifting of the valve.