Multistage Flow Control Valve with Concentric Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices in oil and natural gas pipeline systems and chemical processing systems face challenges in achieving smooth pressure changes between upstream and downstream portions, often generating noise and requiring multiple valves for incremental pressure adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A multistage, pilot-operated pressure regulator or flow control valve with a diaphragm and multiple plates, including a throttle plate with a sloped surface and concentric rows of apertures, and flow control plates with varying aperture sizes, separated by row dividers, to manage fluid pressure and flow efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple valves are used in series to control pressure changes in smaller incremental steps, then pressure control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple stages, each containing a throttle plate with concentric rows of apertures. Each stage provides incremental pressure reduction, achieving precise pressure control through multiple sequential throttling actions within a single integrated valve body, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves in series
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple throttle plates with concentric rows of apertures are nested within each stage, creating a compact multi-stage structure where smaller aperture rows are positioned concentrically within larger ones, allowing progressive pressure control in a space-efficient configuration
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple valves are used in series to reduce noise, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reduction process is segmented into multiple stages, each with its own throttle plate and aperture rows. This multi-stage approach distributes the pressure drop across several smaller increments, reducing fluid turbulence and noise generation at each stage while maintaining compact valve architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The concentric rows of apertures act as intermediaries that progressively reduce pressure through multiple controlled openings. The apertures modulate fluid flow in incremental steps, dampening turbulence and noise while achieving the desired pressure control within a single valve body
3Device complexity
If a single valve is used for pressure control, then device complexity is reduced, but pressure control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is divided into multiple stages with separate throttle plates, each contributing to incremental pressure reduction. This segmentation enables precise pressure control through cumulative throttling effects while maintaining a single integrated valve structure
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple concentric rows of apertures are arranged in radial dimensions within each throttle plate, adding a spatial dimension to pressure control. This allows simultaneous multi-point throttling action across different radial positions, achieving fine pressure control within a compact single-valve configuration
4Power
If high pressure fluid flows through the distribution system, then fluid transmission capability is improved, but noise generation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The high-pressure fluid flow is processed through multiple sequential stages, each with its own throttle plate and aperture rows. This segmentation breaks down the large pressure drop into smaller incremental reductions, maintaining high fluid transmission capability while reducing turbulence-induced noise at each stage
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates adjustable throttle plates with variable aperture configurations that can be dynamically optimized for different operating conditions. This allows the system to maintain efficient high-pressure fluid transmission while adapting aperture sizes and patterns to minimize noise generation across varying flow rates
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 solution provides a smooth pressure change between upstream and downstream sections while reducing noise levels, allowing for precise control of fluid flow and pressure adjustments in a single device, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the need for multiple valves.
Implementation Method 1
The diaphragm is urged by the fluid against the return force applied by the biasing member to allow the fluid to flow through at least one of the concentric rows of apertures
Implementation Method 2
The diaphragm also includes a plug operatively associated with a biasing member for applying a return force to the diaphragm
Data Source
AI summary
A multistage, pilot-operated pressure regulator for pressure adjustment and/or back pressure relief and/or differential pressure or flow control applications comprises a diaphragm and a plurality of plates, including a throttle plate and at least one flow control plate. In at least one embodiment, the throttle plate includes a sloped upper surface for contacting the diaphragm, and a plurality of apertures residing within a plurality of concentric rows. In addition, in at least one embodiment, at least one flow control plate is positioned downstream of the throttle plate, the at least one flow control plate including a plurality of apertures residing within a plurality of concentric rows. A method of controlling the flow of fluid in a conduit is also provided.