Interval Valve Actuator Backup Hydraulics for Power-Loss Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The resource recovery and fluid sequestration industries face challenges in reliably controlling valves using electric or electric/hydraulic actuators, with skepticism surrounding the adoption of electrically actuated devices, necessitating a solution that ensures continuous operation even in the event of power loss.
Innovation Solution
An interval control valve actuator system incorporating an electrohydraulic pressure generator, an actuation pressure line, and a hydraulic junction that selectively connects to a backup pressure line, utilizing various configurations such as rupture disks, solenoid valves, or check valves to ensure valve operation in case of power failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If electric actuators are used to control valves, then automation and productivity are improved, but reliability deteriorates due to risk of power loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a backup pressure line pre-filled with hydraulic fluid and equipped with a rupture disk or check valve mechanism that activates automatically upon power loss. This preliminary preparation ensures immediate valve closure without requiring active control during the emergency event, resolving the contradiction between automation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a backup hydraulic pressure system that stands ready to compensate for potential electric actuator failure. The rupture disk is pre-positioned and the backup pressure line is pre-charged, creating a cushioning safety mechanism that activates only when needed, thereby maintaining reliability while preserving the benefits of electric automation during normal operation.
2Reliability
If backup pressure lines and hydraulic junctions are added, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the backup mechanism from the main electric actuator system by using a separate, passive hydraulic line with a rupture disk or check valve. This isolated backup system requires no active control components, sensors, or power supply, thereby improving reliability while minimizing the increase in overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The rupture disk serves as a disposable, single-use component that remains inert during normal operation and activates only once upon power loss. This approach provides reliable backup functionality without requiring complex, reusable mechanisms, thus improving reliability while keeping the added complexity minimal and cost-effective.
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 system ensures reliable operation of control valves by providing a backup hydraulic pressure source, preventing valve failure due to power loss and enhancing industry acceptance of electrically actuated devices.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic junction disposed in the actuation pressure line, the junction selectively hydraulically joining the actuation pressure line to a backup pressure line
Data Source
AI summary
An interval control valve actuator includes an electrohydraulic pressure generator and an actuation pressure line extending between the generator and a valve. A hydraulic junction disposed in the actuation pressure line is selectively hydraulically joins the actuation pressure line to a backup pressure line. An interval control valve including a housing, a valve disposed in the housing, an electrohydraulic actuator hydraulically connected to the valve by an actuation pressure line. A hydraulic junction disposed between the electrohydraulic actuator and the valve and a backup pressure line hydraulically connected to the hydraulic junction, the backup pressure line being selectively hydraulically connectable to the actuation pressure line.