Heated pressure regulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid regulators experience icing due to hydrate formation at points of pressure reduction, which can hinder their performance by clogging valves and preventing proper pressure control, and existing solutions often require external heating sources.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a vortex generator within the regulator body to generate a hot fluid stream that conveys heat to the regulator valve via conduction, fluid mixing, or serial flow, preventing hydrate formation without the need for external heating sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional regulator is used without heating, then the device complexity is low, but icing occurs at the valve due to pressure reduction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vortex generator and the regulator into a single integrated device. The vortex generator is positioned within the regulator body to directly heat the valve assembly, eliminating the need for separate external heating equipment while preventing hydrate formation at the pressure reduction point.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex generator utilizes the kinetic energy of the flowing fluid itself to generate heat through vortex formation, rather than requiring an external power source or separate heating system. The fluid's own motion creates the heating effect that prevents icing at the valve.
2Temperature
If external heating sources are used to prevent icing, then the temperature at the valve is maintained, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from a separate external device and integrates it directly into the regulator body through the vortex generator. This eliminates the need for external heating sources while maintaining the necessary temperature at the valve to prevent hydrate formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The vortex generator acts as an intermediary mechanism that transfers kinetic energy from the flowing fluid to thermal energy, which then heats the valve assembly. This intermediary conversion process occurs within the regulator itself, avoiding the need for external heating equipment.
3Productivity
If pressure reduction is increased to meet demand, then the fluid flow rate increases, but the temperature drop and icing risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vortex generator creates heat at the pressure reduction point before hydrates can form, as a preliminary action to counteract the temperature drop caused by pressure reduction. This preemptive heating prevents the conditions necessary for hydrate formation while maintaining high flow rates.
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 solution effectively prevents icing at the regulator valve, ensuring consistent pressure control and output while eliminating the need for external heat sources, thereby enhancing the regulator's performance and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vortex generator disposed within the body to heat a fluid flowing from the inlet to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
generate a hot fluid stream that conveys heat to the regulator valve via conduction, fluid mixing, or serial flow
Data Source
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AI summary
Example apparatus for regulator heat transfer are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a regulator including a body, a stem disposed therein, a first inlet and a first outlet. The regulator regulates a pressure of a fluid flowing from the first inlet to the first outlet. The example apparatus comprises a vortex generator disposed within the body to covey heat to a valve of the regulator. The stem controls the regulator and the vortex generator