Positive Drive Valve Actuating Mechanism for Reciprocating Compressor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Reciprocating compressors in the oil and gas industry face inefficiencies and reliability issues due to the use of automatic valves, which require large forces, displacements, and short response times, and are limited by the need to isolate electrical actuators from corrosive and inflammable fluids, while existing actuators fail to meet these conditions simultaneously.

Innovation Solution

A positive drive valve actuating mechanism is introduced, comprising a driver configured for rotating motion and a follower that transforms this motion into reciprocating motion to open and close valves, enhancing the actuation of both linear and rotary valves in reciprocating compressors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If automatic valves are used in reciprocating compressors, then the valve can switch between open and closed states due to differential pressure, but the fluid in the volume between the seat and counter-seat cannot be discharged, causing inefficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompressor efficiencyVSAvoidenergy loss due to undischarged fluid

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the trapped fluid from the clearance volume between the valve seat and counter-seat by providing a discharge passage that allows this fluid to be expelled during valve operation, thereby eliminating the source of inefficiency and energy loss

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Speed

If a spring is used to accelerate valve closing, then the valve switching speed improves, but the spring becomes a failure point affecting reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve switching speedVSAvoidvalve reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the spring-based mechanical system with a positive drive actuating mechanism that uses direct mechanical forcing through cam-follower or crank-connecting rod arrangements, eliminating the spring as a failure-prone component while maintaining fast valve switching capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of time

If electrical actuators are used for valve actuation, then the response time can be shortened, but the actuators must be isolated from corrosive and inflammable fluids

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveactuator response timeVSAvoidisolation requirements for actuators

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces electrical actuators with a positive drive mechanical actuating mechanism that is directly driven by the compressor's running mechanism, eliminating the need for electrical components and their associated isolation requirements while achieving the necessary response times through direct mechanical coupling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Force

If existing actuators are used to meet large forces and short response times, then the valve actuation force requirement is satisfied, but the response time and operational conditions cannot be met simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve actuation forceVSAvoidability to meet operational conditions simultaneously

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates a multi-functional positive drive actuating mechanism that simultaneously provides large actuation forces through direct mechanical advantage, achieves short response times through direct coupling with the compressor's running mechanism, and ensures reliable operation under all工况 by using a purely mechanical system without electrical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses the compressor's running mechanism to preliminarily generate the driving motion, which is then transmitted through the positive drive actuating mechanism to actuate the valve, ensuring that the actuation force and response time requirements are met through pre-synchronized mechanical action

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 improves the efficiency and reliability of valve actuation by providing better control over timing and stability, reducing the clearance volume and addressing the limitations of existing actuators, thereby enhancing the overall performance of reciprocating compressors.

Implementation Method 1

a follower connected to a mobile part of the valve and to the driver. The follower is configured to transform the rotating motion of the driver into a reciprocating motion to open the valve and to close the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotion transformation:

Data Source

PatentUS10830231B2Positive drive actuated valve for reciprocating compressor and method

Publication Date: 2020.11.10 NUOVO PIGNONE TECH SRL

AI summary

Positive drive valve actuating mechanisms useable to operate a valve of a reciprocating compressor for oil and gas industry and related methods are provided. The valve actuating mechanism includes a driver configured to perform a rotating motion and a follower connected to a mobile part of the valve and to the driver. The follower is configured to transform the rotating motion of the driver into a reciprocating motion to open the valve and to close the valve, respectively.