Pilot Valve Mode Switching for Liquid Level Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pilot valves lack the ability to be selectively switchable between throttle and snap modes while also being adjustable to accommodate a range of liquid level changes, limiting their effectiveness in controlling process control valves.
Innovation Solution
A pilot valve design with a pilot body having both throttle and snap supply gas inlets, a movable pilot plug with adjustable sealing elements, and an actuator system that allows for adjustable force application, enabling seamless switching between modes and accommodating varying liquid levels by modulating gas output pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pilot valve is designed to be switchable between throttle and snap modes, then the adaptability of the valve is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple inlets and switching mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot valve body is designed with both a throttle supply gas inlet and a snap supply gas inlet, allowing the single valve to perform multiple functions (throttle mode and snap mode) by selectively receiving gas through different inlets. This multi-functionality approach enables mode switching without requiring separate valves for each mode, thus improving adaptability while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pilot valve structure is segmented into distinct functional pathways: one pathway for throttle mode operation and another for snap mode operation. The valve body includes separate inlet regions and internal passage configurations that allow independent control of gas flow for each mode, enabling selective activation through the switching mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the pilot valve provides adjustable force application for snap mode operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to adjustable components
Solution Approach 1:
The pilot plug is designed with movable sealing elements that can be adjusted to change the force application characteristics. The sealing elements are positioned on the pilot plug stem and can be moved axially to adjust the snap action force, allowing dynamic adjustment of the valve's operational parameters to match different process 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
Enables precise control of process control valves by allowing adjustable operation between throttle and snap modes, providing a range of liquid level change management, thus enhancing the flexibility and efficiency of liquid level control systems.
Implementation Method 1
The pilot valve will modulate output gas to the control valve which will open the control valve
Implementation Method 2
the liquid level in a tank or other vessel may be sensed with a float or other element which moves when the liquid reaches a certain level
Implementation Method 3
When the liquid level in the tank is such that it engages the displacer, the displacer will move as the level of the liquid changes
Data Source
AI summary
A pilot valve is switchable between snap and throttle modes. The pilot valve supplies output gas to a process control valve and has an adjustable biasing member for applying an adjustable force to a pilot plug in a pilot body interior. An opposed force is applied to the pilot plug to overcome the adjustable force and the output gas.