Multi-Stage Pressure Relief Valve Assembly for Subsea Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea enclosures face challenges in managing pressure differentials between internal and external pressures due to high internal pressures from hydraulic leaks or battery off-gassing, which existing pressure relief valves may not adequately address, leading to potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A multi-stage pressure relief valve assembly comprising PRV stages with biasing members and seals, where each stage is coupled in end-to-end relation, allowing for adjustable pressure relief through threaded connections and adjustable biasing forces to manage pressure differentials effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-stage pressure relief valve is used, then the device complexity is low, but the pressure relief capability is insufficient for high internal pressure scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve is divided into multiple stages connected in series, with each stage containing a valve element and biasing member. This segmentation allows the system to handle high internal pressures through cumulative pressure differential management across stages, while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design where each stage can be independently configured.
Solution Approach 2:
The PRV stages are coupled in an end-to-end nested arrangement where each stage housing contains a cavity that receives the adjacent stage. This nesting approach maximizes pressure relief capability within a compact configuration, allowing multiple valve elements to be stacked in series while minimizing overall device volume and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable biasing members are added to each PRV stage, then the adaptability to varying operational conditions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each PRV stage incorporates adjustable biasing members (springs) that can be configured to provide different cracking pressures. This dynamic adjustability allows the valve to adapt to varying operational conditions and pressure requirements. The biasing member strength can be modified to change the pressure differential at which each stage activates, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed-pressure valve assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing force of each stage can be adjusted by changing spring characteristics or pre-compression, thereby altering the cracking pressure parameter. This allows the same basic valve structure to be adapted for different pressure relief requirements by simply modifying the biasing member parameters rather than redesigning the entire valve system.
3Reliability
If multiple PRV stages are coupled in end-to-end relation, then the pressure differential management is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into identical or similar stage modules that can be manufactured independently using the same tooling and processes. Each stage housing, valve element, and biasing member assembly can be produced as a standardized unit, reducing manufacturing complexity despite the multi-stage configuration. The segmented design allows for modular assembly and quality control.
Solution Approach 2:
Each PRV stage is designed with universal features and standardized components that can be interchanged between stages. The housing cavities, sealing surfaces, and mounting interfaces are made compatible across all stages, allowing a single manufacturing process to produce all stages. This universality simplifies production while enabling flexible configuration for different pressure relief requirements.
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 multi-stage assembly effectively reduces internal pressure to match external pressure, ensuring safety by preventing excessive internal pressure buildup and potential failure, with adjustable settings for varying operational conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Each PRV stage may also include a first biasing member carried within the cavity to bias the PRV valve and a second biasing member held within the fluid passageway by the biasing member stop and biasing the PRV valve
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure relief valve (PRV) assembly may include PRV stages coupled in end-to-end relation. Each PRV stage may include a PRV body having a cavity therein to receive an adjacent PRV body therein and a fluid passageway fluidly coupled to the cavity. Each PRV stage may also include a PRV valve carried within the cavity and extending within the fluid passageway, and a first biasing member carried within the cavity to bias the PRV valve. Each PRV stage may further include a biasing member stop coupled to the PRV valve within the fluid passageway, and a second biasing member held within the fluid passageway by the biasing member stop and biasing the PRV valve. An end cap may be coupled to a last PRV stage of the PRV stages to hold the first biasing member within the cavity.