Pilot-Close Vent Valve for Multi-Supply Hydraulic Pressure Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic circuits for blowout preventers in subsea environments face challenges in managing pressurized fluid flow and preventing excessive pressure differentials, particularly during retrieval, and require effective venting and backflow prevention mechanisms to ensure safe operation.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a pilot close vent valve with a shuttle mechanism that reciprocates between end positions to seal and unseal fluid connections, allowing for simultaneous operation of multiple fluid supplies and preventing backflow through check valves, while also venting trapped pressure in the hydraulic circuit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fluid supplies are allowed to be active simultaneously, then the reliability of the blowout preventer system is improved, but the risk of excessive pressure differential increases
Solution Approach 1:
A pilot valve is introduced as an intermediary control element between the multiple fluid supplies and the main vent valve. The pilot valve receives pressure signals from different fluid supplies and uses these signals to control the opening and closing of the main vent valve, thereby mediating the pressure differential and preventing excessive pressure buildup while allowing multiple fluid supplies to operate simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the pilot valve continuously monitors pressure conditions from multiple fluid supplies and automatically adjusts the vent valve operation accordingly. When pressure differential approaches dangerous levels, the pilot valve detects this condition and triggers the vent valve to open, releasing excess pressure and maintaining system safety
2Reliability
If a vent valve is provided to vent trapped pressure, then the safety of the hydraulic circuit is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve and vent valve are combined into a single integrated assembly where the pilot valve controls the vent valve. This merging reduces the need for separate independent control systems and simplifies the overall valve system architecture while maintaining the pressure venting safety function
Solution Approach 2:
The vent valve system is designed to operate automatically based on pressure conditions detected by the pilot valve, eliminating the need for external control signals or manual intervention. The system self-regulates pressure by opening the vent valve when pressure differential exceeds safe levels and closing it when pressure is normalized
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
This solution enables safe and efficient operation of hydraulic circuits by allowing multiple fluid supplies to be active simultaneously, mitigating the risk of excessive pressure differentials and ensuring proper venting and backflow prevention, thus enhancing the reliability of blowout preventer systems.
Implementation Method 1
pressurized hydraulic fluid is employed to operate blowout preventers. The fluid acts on pistons to close or open shearing rams or gate valves
Implementation Method 2
a piston head sealing a first chamber in the cavity from a second chamber in the cavity
Implementation Method 3
a first pilot port continuously in pressure communication with the second chamber at any position of the shuttle intermediate between the first and second end of stroke positions
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for use in a hydraulic circuit to drive a piston is fluidly connected to a first actuating chamber of the hydraulic piston. The valve is piloted to close when the first chamber is pressurized. The valve vents the fluid in the first actuating chamber when the first chamber is not pressurized. The valve permits several fluid supplies connected to the chamber via check valves to be used to drive the piston. The hydraulic piston and hydraulic circuit may be implemented in a blowout preventer operating in a subsea environment to ensure safe drilling of deepwater wells.