Pilot Valve Flow Path Switching for Fast Dome Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pilot-operated pressure relief valves often fail to maintain closure during dome loading, leading to pressure lag and rapid cycling of the main valve, which can cause undesirable effects like water hammer and damage to valve components, due to constricted flow passages that slow down dome pressurization.
Innovation Solution
A control valve with movable flow-control components that adjust the flow path's restriction between the pressure source and the dome, providing a larger cross-sectional area for initial loading and a smaller area when the dome is pressurized, allowing for rapid dome loading and preventing unwanted valve openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pilot-operated pressure relief valves use constricted flow passages, then the main valve can be kept closed during normal operation, but the dome pressurization speed is slowed down causing pressure lag and rapid cycling
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control component is made movable between a first position (during dome loading) and a second position (during normal operation). During dome loading, the component moves to the first position to provide an open flow path with larger cross-sectional area for rapid pressurization. During normal operation, it moves to the second position to constrict the flow path and maintain valve closure stability. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction between fast pressurization and stable closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow control system is segmented into multiple flow paths with different characteristics. The first flow path (through the movable flow control component) provides high flow capacity during loading, while the second flow path (through the pilot valve) provides controlled flow during normal operation. This segmentation allows the system to optimize for different operational phases independently, achieving both rapid dome loading and stable main valve closure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the flow path from pressure source to dome is constricted, then the main valve remains stable during normal operation, but rapid cycling and water hammer occur during pressure spikes
Solution Approach 1:
The movable flow control component dynamically adjusts the flow path characteristics based on operational phase. During pressure spikes and dome loading, it opens to provide high flow capacity that prevents pressure lag and rapid cycling. During normal operation, it constricts to maintain stability. This dynamic adaptation eliminates water hammer and component damage while preserving operational stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary dome loading through the open flow path before normal operation begins. This preliminary action ensures the dome is rapidly pressurized to the set pressure, preventing subsequent rapid cycling and water hammer events during pressure spikes. The movable flow control component enables this preliminary loading phase by providing an open flow path initially.
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 design ensures quicker loading of the main valve dome during start-up and reduces adverse effects from pressure spikes, enhancing the reliability and performance of pilot-operated pressure relief valves by managing fluid flow effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second flow-control components can define at least part of a flow path from the pressure source to the dome... The relative movement of the first and second flow-control components from the first configuration to the second configuration can reduce the flow capacity of the flow path
Data Source
AI summary
A flow arrangement for a control valve can include a plurality of flow-control components that are movable relative to each other and that define at least part of a flow path from a pressure source to a dome of a pressure relief valve. The flow-control components can be movable relative to each other in response to system pressure to selectively increase or decrease the flow capacity of the flow path. In some cases, flow capacity can be increased or decreased during initial loading of the dome, at low pressures, or at higher pressures.