Integral Safety Shut-off Control Valve Dual Bonnet Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of safety shut-off valves in process plants is hindered by the need for additional space and re-routing of existing piping, which is challenging in limited spaces, and existing solutions require separate safety shut-off valves that complicate installation and increase costs.

Innovation Solution

The development of control valves with integral safety shut-off functionality, allowing for the same face-to-face dimensions as standard control valves, which can be retrofitted with safety shut-off features without altering existing piping, using a dual bonnet assembly where one bonnet controls normal fluid flow and the other provides safety shut-off functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate safety shut-off valves are added to existing piping, then safety functionality is improved, but installation space requirements increase and piping must be re-routed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety functionalityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the safety shut-off valve functionality with the control valve into a single integrated unit. The dual bonnet assembly incorporates both a control bonnet (first bonnet) and a safety bonnet (second bonnet), allowing the safety function to be integrated within the existing control valve footprint without requiring additional installation space or piping re-routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The control valve is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both control and safety shut-off capabilities in one device. The dual bonnet configuration enables the valve to perform normal control operations through the first closure member while simultaneously providing emergency safety shut-off through the second closure member, eliminating the need for separate dedicated safety valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate safety shut-off valves are added to existing piping, then safety functionality is improved, but installation complexity and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety functionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the safety shut-off valve functionality with the control valve into a single integrated unit. The dual bonnet assembly incorporates both a control bonnet (first bonnet) and a safety bonnet (second bonnet), allowing the safety function to be integrated within the existing control valve footprint without requiring additional installation space or piping re-routing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body is pre-configured with integrated sealing structures (first seat and second seat) and closure members (first closure member and second closure member) during manufacturing. This preliminary integration of safety components eliminates the need for complex field installation, piping cuts, and re-routing operations that would otherwise be required to install separate safety valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If separate safety shut-off valves are added to existing piping, then safety functionality is improved, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The valve body is pre-configured with integrated sealing structures (first seat and second seat) and closure members (first closure member and second closure member) during manufacturing. This preliminary integration of safety components eliminates the need for complex field installation, piping cuts, and re-routing operations that would otherwise be required to install separate safety valves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2352939B1Fluid valves having an integral safety shut-off
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 FISHER CONTROLS INT LLC
  • EP2352939B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2352939B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2352939B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Fluid valves having an integral safety shut-off are described. An example bonnet assembly for use with a control valve having opposing seating surfaces includes a first bonnet that is to be removably coupled to the control valve. The first bonnet (210) having a first bore (211) adapted to receive a portion of a first valve trim and further adapted to engage one of the seating surfaces to provide a fluid seal between the first bore and the portion of the first valve trim. Additionally, the second bonnet (216) that is to be removably coupled to the control valve. The second bonnet (216) having a second bore adapted to receive a portion of a second valve trim and further adapted to engage the other one of the seating surfaces to provide a fluid seal between the second bore and the portion of the second valve trim.