Self-Adjusting Choke Valve for Consistent Pressure Drop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid-handling systems, particularly in mineral extraction, face challenges with complex and costly control systems for managing fluid flow and pressure drops across multiple chokes in series, making it difficult to achieve a suitable pressure balance.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable choke mechanism that self-adjusts based on inlet pressure without electronic controllers or actuators, using a movable component that automatically changes the flow area of a throttling orifice to maintain a consistent percent pressure drop, allowing for cost-effective and efficient fluid flow control in high-pressure systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional control systems and mechanical actuators are used to control chokes, then the chokes can be adjusted, but the system becomes complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The choke system automatically adjusts the flow area of the throttling orifice in response to changes in inlet pressure without requiring external actuators or electronic controllers. The movable component self-adjusts based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for complex control systems while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical actuators and electronic control systems with a purely mechanical pressure-responsive mechanism. The movable component is driven directly by fluid pressure forces, substituting complex electromechanical systems with a simpler pressure-driven mechanical system
2Reliability
If conventional techniques are used to adjust multiple chokes in series, then each choke can be controlled, but achieving suitable pressure drop balance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The movable component continuously responds to changes in inlet pressure by automatically adjusting the flow area to maintain a consistent percent pressure drop. This inherent feedback mechanism ensures that as inlet pressure varies, the choke self-regulates to preserve the desired pressure balance across multiple chokes in series
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes the flow area parameter in response to inlet pressure changes. By varying the flow area as a function of inlet pressure, the choke maintains a consistent pressure drop percentage, enabling reliable pressure balance control across multiple chokes
3Measurement precision
If complex electronic controllers and actuators are used for choke control, then precise control is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The choke system performs precise pressure drop control autonomously through its pressure-responsive movable component, eliminating the need for electronic controllers, sensors, and actuators. The system self-regulates the flow area based on inlet pressure, achieving precise control without electronic complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive electronic control systems with a simple, cost-effective mechanical pressure-responsive mechanism. The movable component and throttling orifice provide precise control at a fraction of the cost of electronic actuators and controllers
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 adjustable choke system provides a consistent pressure drop across a range of inlet pressures, reducing the complexity and cost of fluid flow control in mineral extraction and other fluid-handling systems, particularly in high-pressure applications, by eliminating the need for complex electronic controls and actuators.
Implementation Method 1
The movable component is configured to automatically move to a position which provides a particular percent pressure drop between the inlet and an outlet of the choke
Implementation Method 2
a first product of the first fluid contacting cross-sectional area and the inlet pressure equals a second product of the second fluid contacting cross-sectional area and the outlet pressure
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes a choke valve having a fluid inlet configured to receive a fluid at a first pressure and a fluid outlet configured to output the fluid at a second pressure. The choke valve also includes a fixed component and a movable component defining a throttling orifice between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. Additionally, the movable component is configured to automatically move relative to the fixed component in response to a change in the first pressure to maintain a consistent percent pressure drop between the first pressure at the fluid inlet and the second pressure at the fluid outlet.