Manifold Turnover Control for Precise Fluid Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fluid distribution systems face challenges in precisely controlling flowrates and efficiently managing fluid turnover due to limitations in valve actuators, complex control systems, and inefficiencies in responding to changing operational conditions, leading to suboptimal power consumption, chemical usage, and temperature management.
Innovation Solution
A manifold control system (MCS) with a processor that receives device settings, determines target flow conditions, and adjusts valve and supply device operations to achieve precise flowrates and optimize fluid turnover based on current usage and operational states, allowing for real-time adjustments and efficient management of fluid distribution systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and supply devices are used to convey and direct flow to fluid handling devices, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single multi-position valve assembly that can direct flow to multiple fluid handling devices simultaneously. This single valve assembly replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate valves, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to control flow to multiple devices with different flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can direct flow to different fluid handling devices, adjust flow rates to each device, and operate in multiple positions to serve various operational modes. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining versatile flow control capability
2Ease of operation
If valve actuators are designed with predefined flowrate settings, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision and flowrate control accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly incorporates multiple adjustable flow control elements that can be dynamically tuned to achieve precise flow rates. Rather than relying on fixed predefined settings, the system allows for dynamic adjustment of flow rates to each fluid handling device, enabling both ease of operation and precision control through programmable actuation sequences
3Measurement precision
If complex control systems are implemented to manage multiple valves and supply devices, then flow control precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates flow sensors that provide real-time feedback on actual flow rates to each fluid handling device. This feedback is used by the controller to adjust valve positions and maintain precise flow rates, achieving accurate flow control through a relatively simple control loop rather than complex multi-component coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the flow feedback to automatically self-adjust valve positions without requiring complex external control intervention. The controller autonomously coordinates valve actuation based on sensor input, reducing the need for complex control schemes while maintaining flowrate precision
4Adaptability or versatility
If fluid distribution systems are designed for high responsiveness to operational changes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic flow measurements and control adjustments rather than continuous high-power actuation. The valve actuators are cycled periodically to achieve desired flow rates, and the control system updates valve positions at intervals based on operational needs, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining responsiveness to changes in fluid handling device requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A manifold can determine a turnover scheme including a target turnover schedule of target turnover levels, based on an operation schedule and efficiency setting for a fluid distribution. Each target turnover level can correspond to a volume of fluid to be cycled through the fluid distribution system over a period of time. The manifold can operate respective valves and a supply device based on a target turnover level and determine a current turnover level from a flowrate detected by a flow sensor for at least one of the valves. The manifold can receive a current usage of the fluid distribution system and determine a required turnover level. An override status for the turnover scheme can be based on the efficiency setting and a comparison of the current, target, and the required turnover levels, and the manifold can operate respective valves and the supply device based on the override status.