Rotary Valve Seating Force Control With Independent Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control valve applications with dual-acting actuators apply uniform opening and closing forces, leading to excessive seating forces in rotary valves, causing premature wear and damage, especially when breakout torque required to open the valve exceeds seating torque required to close it.
Innovation Solution
A rotary valve apparatus with a dual-acting actuator and a pressure limiter that reduces the maximum pressure of the pressurized control fluid when the valve is closed, allowing independent control of seating force, while maintaining a higher opening force, thereby reducing excessive seating forces and preventing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If uniform opening and closing forces are applied by a dual-acting actuator, then the valve can be operated reliably, but excessive seating forces occur causing premature wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into two independent pathways: one for opening force control and one for seating force control. The dual-acting actuator receives control fluid through separate control lines with independent pressure regulation, allowing the opening and closing forces to be controlled independently rather than uniformly
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure of control fluid supplied to the actuator is changed based on the operational phase. During valve closing, the control fluid pressure is reduced to limit seating force. During valve opening, normal pressure is restored to provide sufficient breakout torque. This dynamic parameter adjustment resolves the contradiction between reliable operation and excessive seating force
2Force
If higher breakout torque is required to open the valve relative to seating torque to close it, then the valve can be opened effectively, but uniform forces create excessive seating force
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator transitions from a static uniform force application to a dynamic force application. The control system dynamically adjusts the control fluid pressure based on valve position and operational requirements, providing high force for opening and reduced force for closing, thereby preventing excessive seating force while maintaining effective breakout torque
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 reduces and prevents excessive seating forces, extending the lifespan of the valve by allowing independent control of seating torque, force, or load, ensuring the valve maintains an effective seal upon closing.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure limiter is to reduce a defined maximum pressure of the pressurized control fluid when the pressurized control fluid exits the pressure limiter
Implementation Method 2
The dual-acting actuator has first and second ports to receive a pressurized control fluid to change a position of the dual-acting actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus for independently controlling the seating force in a rotary valve are described herein. An example apparatus includes a rotary valve having a flow control member and a dual-acting actuator operatively coupled to the rotary valve. The actuator has first and second ports to receive a pressurized control fluid to change a position of the actuator. The example apparatus further includes a valve controller operatively coupled to the actuator to control the pressurized control fluid in response to a position of the rotary valve. The example apparatus further includes a pressure limiter operatively coupled to the valve controller and fluidly coupled to the first port of the actuator. The pressure limiter is to reduce a pressure of the pressurized fluid provided to the first port of the actuator to reduce a seating force of the flow control member when the rotary valve is in a closed position.