Integrated Bypass Valve for Rapid Pressurization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid regulators are not designed to handle rapid pressurization scenarios, such as during the startup of subsea umbilical lines, where high pressure and high flow conditions require longer pressurization times, and existing systems often necessitate manual intervention through bypass circuits.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control device with an integrated bypass valve and regulator, where both components are biased to open positions by spring mechanisms, allowing fluid flow until pressures reach specific set-point pressures, with the bypass valve closing before the regulator to manage high flow conditions and ensure efficient pressurization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a manual bypass circuit is used for rapid pressurization, then pressurization speed is improved, but device complexity and manual intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the bypass valve and regulator into a single integrated device with unified control mechanisms. The bypass valve is integrated directly into the regulator body, sharing common components such as the valve body, cavities, and control assemblies. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual bypass circuits while maintaining rapid pressurization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass valve automatically opens and closes based on pressure differential across the regulator without requiring manual intervention. The valve is biased open by a spring mechanism and automatically closes when the pressure differential exceeds the spring force, enabling self-regulating rapid pressurization during startup conditions.
2Loss of time
If a bypass circuit is implemented, then pressurization time is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual valve operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve automatically responds to pressure conditions without requiring operator intervention. During rapid pressurization startup, the valve remains open automatically when the pressure differential across the regulator exceeds the spring bias force, eliminating manual operation while reducing pressurization time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If typical regulators handle high pressure/high flow inlet conditions, then adaptability is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to excessive flow velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the flow paths by providing both a regulator flow path and a bypass flow path with larger cross-sectional area. During high flow startup conditions, the bypass path handles the majority of flow, protecting the regulator from excessive velocities. The regulator flow path handles controlled flow during normal operation, maintaining reliability.
4Quantity of substance
If the bypass flow path has larger cross-sectional area, then fluid flow capacity is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the total flow capacity between two separate paths: a bypass flow path with larger cross-sectional area for high-volume startup flow, and a regulator flow path with smaller area for precision control during normal operation. This segmentation allows the bypass path to be optimized for flow capacity while the regulator path maintains precision requirements.
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
This solution enables rapid and efficient pressurization of fluid lines by automatically managing high-pressure conditions, reducing the time required for line pressurization and minimizing manual intervention, while protecting the regulator from high-velocity flows.
Implementation Method 1
The bypass biasing device urges the bypass control element toward the open position such that the bypass control element only occupies the closed position when a fluid pressure in the bypass cavity is equal to or greater than a bypass set-point pressure
Implementation Method 2
The regulator biasing device urges the regulator control element toward the open position such that the regulator control element occupies the open position until a fluid pressure in the regulator cavity of the valve body is equal to or greater than a regulator set-point pressure
Implementation Method 3
the bypass control element only occupies the closed position when a fluid pressure in the bypass cavity is equal to or greater than a bypass set-point pressure
Implementation Method 4
the regulator control element occupies the open position until a fluid pressure in the regulator cavity of the valve body is equal to or greater than a regulator set-point pressure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fluid flow control device includes a regulator for operating at high pressures and an integral bypass valve. The regulator and the bypass valve each include a control assembly that is movable between an open position and a closed position. The regulator and bypass valves are biased into the open positions and adapted to move into the closed positions when an operating pressure rises to above respective regulator and bypass set- point pressures. The bypass set-point pressure is lower than the regulator set-point pressure such that when the operating pressure rises above the bypass set-point pressure, the bypass valve automatically closes and allows the regulator to perform under normal operating conditions. So configured, the bypass valve is arranged to accommodate at least some of the fluid flow through the system until the operating pressure reaches the normal operating pressure, which is somewhere between the bypass and regulator set-point pressures.