Pressure-Balanced In-Line Control Valve for Wear Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellhead and fluid conduit systems face challenges in efficiently regulating fluid flow due to issues with valve wear, vibration, and cavitation, which affect the reliability and longevity of subterranean resource extraction systems.
Innovation Solution
The development of pressure-balanced in-line control valves with reversible sleeve trims and cavitation-resistant designs, featuring a stem actuated by a rack-and-pinion mechanism, which reduces external forces required for operation and minimizes wear through balanced pressure and reversible throttling edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves are used to regulate fluid flow, then flow control function is provided, but valve wear and vibration occur reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the pressure distribution parameters by introducing a pressure-balanced stem design with equalized pressure zones on both sides of the stem. This balances the forces acting on the stem, eliminating vibration and reducing wear caused by unbalanced pressure forces, thereby improving valve reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high pressure differential into a beneficial force balance mechanism. By designing pressure-balanced chambers that expose both sides of the stem to equal pressures, the potentially harmful unbalanced forces are transformed into a balanced system that reduces wear and vibration
2Ease of operation
If non-pressure-balanced stems are used, then simpler structure is achieved, but higher external forces are required for actuation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the pressure distribution parameters by creating balanced pressure zones around the stem. This force balancing reduces the external actuation force required, making operation easier without significantly increasing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a counterbalancing principle by designing pressure chambers that exert equal and opposite forces on the stem. This counterbalances the forces required for actuation, reducing the external force needed to operate the valve
3Duration of action of moving object
If single-edge throttling is used, then simpler trim design is achieved, but faster wear occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single throttling edge into multiple edges by introducing a reversible sleeve with throttling edges on both ends. This segmentation allows the trim to be reversed when one edge wears, effectively doubling the service life without major design changes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic reversibility to the trim design, allowing the sleeve to be reversed to expose a fresh throttling edge. This dynamic adaptation extends the operational life of the trim component
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
Enhances the reliability and longevity of fluid flow regulation by reducing wear and vibration, allowing for precise control of fluid flow while maintaining system efficiency and reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The stem is pressure-balanced to facilitate actuation of the sleeve by the actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
Various control valves are provided. In one embodiment, a valve (38) includes a hollow body (40) with an inlet (74) and an outlet (76) along a common axis (72) of the hollow body. A trim (44) is disposed inside the hollow body along the common axis and includes a conduit (46) and a sleeve (48) disposed about the conduit to selectively cover fluid ports (92) in the conduit. Further, the valve includes a pressure-balanced stem (52) connected to the sleeve to enable the sleeve to be moved along the conduit via the stem. Additional systems, devices, and methods are also disclosed.