Electromagnetic Pipe Valve Actuation Without Rotating Magnets
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electromagnetically operated valves for gas and petroleum lines require physical rotation of magnets, leading to wear and leakage issues, especially in high-pressure applications, and lack sufficient torque for larger pipelines.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetically actuated valve system that rotates permanent magnets by altering the magnetic field without physical rotation of the electromagnets relative to the magnets, using a controller to activate electromagnets sequentially to change the valve's position between open, closed, and semi-open states, with a magnetic containment chamber made from non-ferromagnetic materials to enhance torque and prevent leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical rotation of magnets is used to actuate the valve, then the valve can change position between open and closed states, but wear and leakage issues occur especially in high-pressure applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotation system with an electromagnetic actuation system. Electromagnets mounted on the valve body interact with permanent magnets on the rotor to produce rotational motion without physical contact between the actuator and rotor, eliminating mechanical wear and improving sealing reliability in high-pressure applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the electromagnets and permanent magnets. This magnetic coupling allows torque transmission without direct mechanical contact, preventing wear at the interface and maintaining sealing integrity under high pressure.
2Force
If traditional electromagnetic actuators are used, then the valve can be actuated, but sufficient torque is not achieved for larger pipelines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines permanent magnets mounted on the rotor with electromagnets mounted on the valve body to create a hybrid magnetic system. The permanent magnets provide a persistent magnetic field that amplifies the torque generated by the electromagnets, delivering sufficient force for larger pipelines without requiring a more complex actuator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite magnetic system combining permanent magnets and electromagnets. This composite approach leverages the advantages of both magnet types: the permanent magnets provide continuous magnetic flux and torque amplification, while the electromagnets provide controllable actuation, together delivering high torque output.
3Ease of operation
If electromagnets are physically rotated relative to permanent magnets, then the valve can be actuated, but wear and leakage occur at the rotation interface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation interface with a magnetic coupling interface. The electromagnets remain stationary on the valve body while their magnetic fields interact with the permanent magnets on the rotating rotor, eliminating the need for a physical rotation interface and its associated wear and leakage problems.
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 system provides reliable and leak-free operation in high-pressure applications by eliminating the need for physical rotation, reducing wear, and increasing torque, thus preventing fluid leakage and enhancing the sealing efficiency of valves in gas and petroleum lines.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromagnet connected to an external surface of the at least one magnetic containment chamber
Implementation Method 2
rotates permanent magnets by altering the magnetic field
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to an electromagnetic actuation system for opening and closing pipe valves. The electromagnetic actuation systems utilizes one or more electromagnets surrounding one or more permanent magnets attached to a rotary shaft of the valve mechanism. A controller activates the one or more electromagnets such that the produced magnetic field rotates, thereby applying a force to the one or more permanent magnets and thus rotating the rotary shaft. The system does not require rotation of the one or more electromagnets relative to the one or more permanent magnets, advantageously reducing the number of moving parts within the valve system.