Multi-mode Hydraulic Cylinder Control System for Workover Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of valves and port blocking in hydraulic workover units is tedious and time-consuming, preventing real-time control of the system.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode hydraulic cylinder control system with a logic control system that transitions control valves between different operating modes, including park, purge, warming, high speed, low speed, and regeneration modes, using a combination of extend, retract, and float supply pumps to efficiently manage hydraulic fluid flow and lubrication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of valves and port blocking is used, then the hydraulic workover unit can be controlled, but the operation process becomes tedious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical valve operation with an automated control system that uses electronic signals to control valve actuation. The control system receives signals from a user interface and automatically actuates the appropriate valves, eliminating the need for manual valve handling and port blocking operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically manages the valve actuation sequence based on the selected operating mode, without requiring manual intervention. The system self-regulates the valve states according to the programmed logic for each mode, making the operation self-service and eliminating tedious manual steps.
2Extent of automation
If manual valve operation is used, then the system can be controlled, but real-time control is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical control with an automated electronic control system that provides real-time valve actuation. The control system processes user inputs and immediately actuates the valves according to the selected operating mode, enabling real-time control while maintaining system reliability through automated logic.
3Productivity
If multiple operating modes are implemented, then speed and force output can be optimized, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to handle multiple operating modes (low speed, high speed, regeneration, float, and park modes) through a single unified control architecture. The system uses a mode selection interface that automatically configures the valve actuation sequence for the selected mode, providing multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically adjusts valve actuation sequences based on the selected operating mode. The system transitions between different control configurations for each mode, allowing optimized performance for low speed, high speed, regeneration, float, and park operations while managing complexity through dynamic reconfiguration rather than static multiple systems.
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
Enables real-time control and efficient operation of hydraulic workover units by automating valve transitions, improving performance and reducing operational time through multiple operating modes that optimize speed and force output.
Implementation Method 1
an extend supply pump providing hydraulic fluid to an extension port of each set of hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 2
a retract supply pump providing hydraulic fluid to a retraction port of each set of hydraulic cylinders
Implementation Method 3
a float supply pump providing hydraulic fluid to lubricate at least one set of the hydraulic cylinders
Data Source
AI summary
Hydraulic workover system having at least two sets of hydraulic cylinders coupled with a single load. A plurality of control valves transitionable between a closed position and an open position, the plurality of control valves having at least one extend control valve disposed between each set of hydraulic cylinders and an extend supply pump, at least one retract control valve disposed between each set of hydraulic cylinders and a retract supply pump, and at least one float control valve disposed between each set of hydraulic cylinders and a float supply pump. A logic control system coupled with the plurality of control valves and configured to transition the plurality of control valves between the closed and open position, thereby controlling flow between the at least two sets of hydraulic cylinders and the extend supply pump, retract supply pump, and float supply pump.