Isolation Valve Pneumatic Control for Remote Operation Reliability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Emergency isolation valves in gas processing plants face challenges in remote operation and preventing unnecessary closure due to failure of auxiliary devices, which can disrupt plant operations.

Innovation Solution

A control system for an isolation valve that includes a pneumatic actuator with a compressible spring, a solenoid valve, a partial stroke test device, and a universal operation hand-operated valve, allowing for remote operation and isolation of auxiliary devices to prevent unnecessary valve closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a control system with solenoid valve and partial stroke test device is added to enable remote operation, then the ease of operation and reliability are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoidcontrol system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A control system is introduced as an intermediary between the operator and the isolation valve. This control system includes a solenoid valve that receives electrical signals and a partial stroke test device that mediates the gas flow to the pneumatic actuator, enabling remote operation without requiring direct manual intervention at the valve location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of the isolation valve is replaced with an automated control system. Electrical signals control the solenoid valve, which in turn controls the pneumatic actuator through gas flow, substituting direct mechanical handwheel operation with electromechanical automation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If auxiliary devices are integrated into the control system, then the functionality and reliability are improved, but the risk of unnecessary valve closure due to device failure increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve operation reliabilityVSAvoidunnecessary valve closure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into independent functional components: the solenoid valve, the partial stroke test device, the pneumatic actuator, and the isolation valve itself. This segmentation allows individual components to be isolated and maintained without affecting the entire system, and enables the isolation valve to be protected from failures in auxiliary devices through proper gating control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates protective logic and isolation mechanisms that prevent failures in auxiliary devices from propagating to the isolation valve. The solenoid valve and partial stroke test device act as protective barriers that can be controlled to prevent unintended gas flow to the pneumatic actuator, cushioning the isolation valve from harmful effects of auxiliary device failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Extent of automation

If the control system components are interconnected for remote operation, then the automation level is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and isolating device failures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremote operation capabilityVSAvoiddevice failure detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that provide information about the state of each component. Position indicators show whether the isolation valve is open or closed, and the control system can detect the status of the solenoid valve and partial stroke test device, enabling remote monitoring and diagnosis of failures without requiring physical inspection of each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 control system enables remote operation of isolation valves, prevents unnecessary closures, and allows for maintenance of auxiliary devices without affecting valve functionality, ensuring continuous operation of gas processing plants.

Implementation Method 1

a pneumatic actuator having a spring that is compressible by a gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a solenoid valve operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position permits the gas to flow along the gas flow path to the pneumatic actuator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic actuation: Solenoid

Implementation Method 3

a pneumatic actuator having a spring that is compressible by a gas

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12215722B2Emergency isolation valve control design

Publication Date: 2025.02.04 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A control system includes a pneumatic actuator having a spring that is compressible by a gas and connected to the isolation valve, wherein the gas is supplied to the pneumatic actuator along a gas flow path, a solenoid valve operable between an open position and a closed position, wherein the open position permits the gas to flow along the gas flow path to the pneumatic actuator, a partial stroke test device configured to perform partial stroking of the isolation valve upon reception of a signal from a computer by sending the gas to the pneumatic actuator through a needle valve, and a universal operation hand operated valve configured to send the gas to the solenoid valve or to the partial stroke test device.