Internal Transmitter Flange Valve for High-Pressure Leak Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional external drain valves in pressure transmitters are prone to process leaks and explosive failure due to high pressures, especially after repeated use, with welded designs limiting burst pressures to around 21,000 PSI and being unable to handle modern pressures exceeding 24,000 PSI safely.
Innovation Solution
An internal drain valve configuration within the transmitter flange, using a flange body with internal threads and a retaining ring to secure the internal valve, eliminating the need for welding and reducing the surface area exposed to process pressure, thereby enhancing reliability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If an external welded valve configuration is used, then the valve can be securely attached to the flange, but the burst pressure is limited to approximately 21,000 PSI and the valve is subject to explosive failure after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional external valve configuration by placing the valve internally within the flange body. The valve is retained by internal threads and a retaining ring rather than external welding, which eliminates the welded joint vulnerability to explosive failure while maintaining secure attachment. This internal configuration allows the valve to withstand higher burst pressures (exceeding 24,000 PSI) without the risk of weld-induced catastrophic failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve retention system is segmented into multiple independent components: internal threads for basic retention and a separate retaining ring for additional securing. This segmentation eliminates reliance on a single welded joint, distributing the stress and failure risk across multiple mechanical fastening elements, thereby improving reliability and preventing explosive failure modes.
2Ease of manufacture
If an external valve is used, then the valve can be installed on the flange, but the valve is prone to process leaks especially after repeated use
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the valve configuration from external to internal, the valve seating surface is protected within the flange body, shielding it from external damage and contamination that could cause leaks during repeated use. The internal threaded retention also provides more uniform stress distribution on the valve seat, preventing seat deformation and maintaining leak-free operation.
3Strength
If a welded valve design is used, then the valve can be securely attached, but the design cannot safely handle modern pressures exceeding 24,000 PSI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental attachment parameter from welded joint to threaded mechanical fastening. This parameter change enables the system to handle higher pressures (exceeding 24,000 PSI) because threaded connections and retaining rings distribute stress more effectively than welds, avoiding the pressure limit imposed by weld strength.
4Reliability
If an internal valve configuration is used, then the working pressure limit is increased and reliability is enhanced, but the valve requires additional retention components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two retention functions into a unified internal valve assembly: the internal threads provide primary retention while the retaining ring provides secondary securing. This merged approach, though using multiple components, eliminates the need for external welding and provides a more reliable high-pressure solution, with the complexity offset by the removal of weld procedures and inspection requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter flange includes a flange body having a valve opening therein, the valve opening having a valve seat, and an internal valve configured to be retained in the valve opening. A retaining ring may be configured to thread into the valve opening to further retain the internal valve within the opening.