Pressure Regulator User Selectable Dampening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pressure regulators in hydraulic circuits used for blowout preventers and other fluid-operated devices suffer from undesirable pressure fluctuations and cycling, known as chatter, due to fixed dampening characteristics, which can lead to unstable performance and component damage.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator with an internal hydraulic dampening circuit that allows for user-selectable dampening characteristics through interchangeable orifice plugs, enabling adjustable flow restriction and improved control of pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed dampening characteristics are used in the pressure regulator, then the structure is simple, but pressure fluctuations and chatter occur leading to unstable performance
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening circuit is segmented into multiple interchangeable orifice plugs with different flow restriction characteristics. Each orifice plug represents a separate dampening element that can be independently selected and replaced based on application requirements, allowing the system to achieve stable performance without requiring a complex integrated dampening mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening characteristics are made dynamically adjustable through the selection of different orifice plugs. This allows the regulator to adapt its dampening response to match specific application requirements, transforming a static fixed-dampening system into a dynamically configurable one that maintains stability across varying operating conditions.
2Reliability
If fixed dampening characteristics are used in the pressure regulator, then the device is easy to operate, but chatter and pressure oscillations occur causing component damage
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening function is segmented into multiple interchangeable orifice plugs, each providing a specific dampening characteristic. This segmentation allows operators to select the appropriate plug for their application without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, maintaining ease of operation while preventing chatter and extending component life through proper dampening selection.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampening parameter (flow restriction) is changed by replacing the orifice plug with one having different characteristics. This simple parameter change approach allows operators to optimize dampening for specific applications, preventing pressure oscillations and component damage without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If interchangeable orifice plugs are used for user-selectable dampening, then dampening characteristics can be tailored to specific applications, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening circuit is divided into separate, interchangeable orifice plug components. This segmentation provides adaptability by allowing selection of different dampening characteristics while keeping each individual component simple in design and easy to replace, thereby managing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice plug design serves multiple functions: it provides flow restriction, acts as a dampening element, and can be easily replaced to change system characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving versatility.
4Reliability
If interchangeable orifice plugs are used for user-selectable dampening, then chatter can be reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dampening function is segmented into separate orifice plug components that can be manufactured independently using standard machining processes. This segmentation simplifies the manufacturing of each individual component while achieving chatter reduction through the combination of multiple selectable plugs, thereby limiting the increase in overall manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The orifice plugs are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily replaced if needed. This approach allows for chatter reduction through proper dampening selection without requiring complex or expensive manufacturing processes, as each plug is a simple machined part with a restricted orifice.
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 user-selectable dampening characteristics reduce the likelihood of chatter and pressure oscillations, enhancing the stability and longevity of the regulator by allowing tailored dampening responses to specific application requirements.
Implementation Method 1
interchangeable orifice plugs, enabling adjustable flow restriction
Implementation Method 2
internal hydraulic dampening circuit having interchangeable, and thus user selectable, dampening characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator includes a body including a regulated fluid volume, at least one vent passage and fluid supply passage, a dampening piston bore and one regulated fluid volume outlet passage, a regulated fluid pressure piston, the regulated fluid pressure piston having a first side exposed to the regulated fluid volume, and a second surface exposed outwardly of the body, an external biasing member contactable with the second surface of the piston and providing a force on the piston directed inwardly of the body, a gate connected to the piston and having a first seal and a second seal, a dampening piston disposed in the dampening piston bore, the dampening piston disposed between a dampening volume and the regulated fluid volume, the dampening piston including a bore extending therethrough and communicable between the regulated fluid volume and the dampening volume, the bore including an orifice position therein, and, an opening extending from the dampening volume outwardly the body, the opening sealable by a removable plug, the opening aligned with the bore in the dampening piston and the orifice position therein.