Pressure Relief Valve Redundant Sensing to Prevent False Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure relief valves in the oil and gas sector often rely on a single pressure transmitter, which can lead to inaccurate readings due to environmental conditions and hardware failures, resulting in false openings or closures of the valve.
Innovation Solution
Implementing multiple pressure transmitters with voting logic to ensure the pressure relief valve operates accurately by selecting the most reliable reading, reducing the probability of failure during high-pressure events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single pressure transmitter is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of pressure measurement deteriorates due to potential hardware failures and environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using multiple pressure transmitters at different locations (process pressure transmitter on the inlet line and cavity pressure transmitter on the valve cavity) to measure pressure at specific critical points, ensuring reliable measurement at each location while maintaining overall system functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning through redundant pressure sensing systems and voting logic that prepares backup measurement paths in advance. When one transmitter fails or provides inaccurate readings, the system already has alternative transmitters ready to provide reliable pressure data, cushioning against measurement failures before they impact valve operation
2Reliability
If multiple pressure transmitters are implemented with voting logic, then the reliability of pressure relief valve operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback through a control system that continuously monitors pressure readings from multiple transmitters, compares them against predetermined criteria, and automatically adjusts valve operation based on the voting result. The system provides feedback loops that ensure reliable decision-making while managing complexity through automated control logic
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple pressure transmitter signals into a unified decision through voting logic. Instead of treating each transmitter independently, the system combines their readings using majority voting or predetermined selection criteria, reducing the overall complexity of controlling multiple independent systems while maintaining high reliability
3Reliability
If redundant pressure sensing is used, then the probability of failure during high-pressure events is reduced, but the manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple pressure transmitters with different measurement ranges and characteristics to cover various pressure conditions. The voting logic selects readings based on predetermined parameters such as pressure thresholds and transmitter reliability metrics, optimizing the system for different operating conditions while managing complexity through parameter-based selection
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment includes an oilfield manifold system that uses multiple pressure transmitters with a single pressure relief valve. The embodiment further incorporates related logic that may enable voting among transmitter pressure readings from multiple transmitters during, for example, the above-mentioned failure circumstances. As a result, the pressure relief valve is ensured it functions as needed without opening or closing falsely when the actual pressure within valve does not meet the valve open set criteria. In an embodiment, the logic dictates how the valve should function in various situations (e.g., when all pressure transmitter systems generate faulty readings) to ensure safe system/process functionality.