Pressure-Actuated Valve Core for Leak-Resistant Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid flow control devices in industrial settings, such as those in the oil and gas industry, face challenges with mechanical coupling failures, leading to operational issues like valve failure and fluid leakage.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control device is designed with a split piece structure, comprising an upstream valve casing, a downstream valve casing, and a valve core, where the valve member is actuated by fluid pressure rather than mechanical linkages, reducing the risk of mechanical failures and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanical actuator with stem and linkage is used to control the valve member, then the valve can be actuated externally, but the mechanical coupling becomes a potential point of weakness leading to gearbox failures, linkage failures, stem packing leakage, and valve operation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical actuator system (stem, gearbox, linkages, packing) with a direct-acting valve member that is mechanically coupled to the actuator in a simplified manner. The valve member itself serves as the stem, eliminating intermediate mechanical components that were prone to failure. This substitution reduces the number of mechanical coupling points while maintaining external actuation capability through a more reliable direct connection.
2Device complexity
If a single integrated valve body is used, then the structure is simpler, but the device cannot be easily disassembled for maintenance and inspection of internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve body into multiple separable sections (first valve body section and second valve body section) that can be detached from each other. This segmentation allows the valve to be disassembled for maintenance and inspection of internal components like the valve member and seal, while still maintaining a relatively simple overall structure when assembled. The separable design enables access to internal components without requiring complete disassembly of the entire valve assembly.
3Ease of repair
If multiple discrete components are used to form the valve, then the device can be easily assembled and maintained, but the number of sealing interfaces increases potential leakage points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the valve member as a separate, independently replaceable component that can be removed and replaced without disassembling the valve body sections. This extraction approach allows maintenance personnel to access and replace the valve member directly through the opened valve body sections, providing easy repair capability while minimizing the need for additional sealing interfaces that would be required if the valve member were integrated into the body sections.
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 device provides reliable fluid flow control with reduced risk of mechanical failures and leakage, offering a more efficient and cost-effective solution for industrial applications by simplifying the design and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
an input line defined in the valve core for introducing a fluid pressure into the control volume, wherein the valve member is acted on by the fluid pressure in the control volume to control the position of the valve member
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling the flow of a fluid through a conduit from an upstream side of the device to a downstream side of the device. The device includes an upstream valve casing defining an inlet, a downstream valve casing defining an outlet aperture, and a valve core secured between the upstream valve casing and the downstream valve casing. The upstream valve casing, the downstream valve casing and the valve core are formed as discrete parts. The valve core includes a housing defining a control volume. The valve member is mounted on the housing and positioned on the upstream side of the outlet aperture, the valve member being arranged to move reciprocally to selectively open and close the outlet aperture, thereby controlling flow of the fluid through the outlet aperture.