Remote Pressure Relief Valve Control for Fluid Transport Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for relieving pressure in fluid transportation systems, particularly in fracking operations, are hazardous due to manual handling with iron bars, leading to fatalities and injuries from iron failure or careless operation.
Innovation Solution
A pressure relieving apparatus with a fluid inlet, outlet, conduit, pressure gauge, and a pressure relieving valve equipped with an actuator, valve sensor, image capturing device, processing device, and wireless transceiver, allowing for remote operation and automatic pressure control, reducing manual intervention and enhancing safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual pressure relief using iron bar is used, then device complexity is reduced, but safety and reliability deteriorate due to fatalities and injuries from iron failure or careless operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical iron bar operation with an automated actuator system that uses electrical or hydraulic signals to open the valve. The actuator is connected to the valve stem and automatically opens the valve when pressure exceeds the threshold, eliminating the need for manual intervention with dangerous iron bars while providing reliable safety protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure relief valve is designed to automatically detect and respond to high pressure conditions without human intervention. The actuator self-activates when pressure exceeds the spring threshold, opening the valve to relieve pressure and then automatically closing when pressure returns to normal levels, making the system self-regulating and eliminating manual operation risks.
2Productivity
If manual pressure relief operation is used, then ease of operation is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming manual intervention and operational stoppages
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief valve automatically monitors pressure levels and opens or closes based on pre-set thresholds, eliminating the need for operators to manually monitor and intervene. This self-regulating mechanism prevents operational stoppages and maintains continuous productivity while requiring minimal operational input.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a feedback mechanism where the actuator continuously monitors pressure through a pressure-sensing element and automatically adjusts the valve position accordingly. When pressure exceeds the threshold, the actuator opens the valve; when pressure returns to normal, it closes the valve, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains optimal operation without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If automated actuator system is implemented, then reliability and safety are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like actuator, sensor, and control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the actuator, spring mechanism, and valve stem into a single unified assembly where the actuator is directly mounted on the valve body and shares common structural elements. The spring-loaded diaphragm and actuator piston work together in a combined pressure-sensing and actuation mechanism, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator serves multiple functions: it acts as both the pressure-sensing element (through its connection to the diaphragm) and the actuation mechanism (through the piston and stem). The spring mechanism simultaneously provides both the threshold-setting function and the restoring force for valve closure. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliable automated operation.
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 apparatus enables safe and automated pressure relief in fluid transportation systems, minimizing the risk of accidents and injuries by allowing remote monitoring and control, thus improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure gauge configured to indicate a pressure of the fluid in the conduit
Implementation Method 2
the actuator may be configured to exert a force on the handle based on a command
Implementation Method 3
the valve sensor may be configured to detect a position of the flow control member and generate a valve position data representing the position based on the detection
Implementation Method 4
the image capturing device may be configured to capture an image of the pressure gauge
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an apparatus for relieving pressure in a fluid transportation system. Further, the apparatus may include an actuator configured to be mounted onto the handle of the flow control member. Further, the apparatus may include a valve sensor configured to be attached to a pressure relieving valve. Further, the apparatus may include an image capturing device configured to capture an image of a pressure gauge. Further, the apparatus may include a processing device communicatively coupled to the actuator, the valve sensor and the image capturing device. Further, the apparatus may include a storage device communicatively coupled to the processing device. Further, the apparatus may include a wireless transceiver communicatively coupled to the processing device. Further, the apparatus may include a touchscreen display device communicatively coupled to the processing device.