Self-regulating Check Valve for Subsea Depth Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea check valves require different cracking pressures for various subsea depths, leading to the need for multiple valves or costly modifications, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly with a self-regulating cracking pressure, utilizing a housing, valve member, biasing member, and pressure interface that adjusts the cracking pressure based on ambient external fluid pressure, allowing a single valve to operate effectively at any subsea depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If check valves are designed with fixed cracking pressure for specific subsea depths, then the valve can operate reliably at that depth, but multiple different valves are required for different depths increasing device complexity and inventory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the cracking pressure of the check valve variable rather than fixed. The spring preload force can be adjusted to different values, allowing the same valve body to operate reliably at different subsea depths by changing the cracking pressure parameter. This eliminates the need for multiple different valve types while maintaining operational reliability across various depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a check valve that can perform the same function across multiple subsea depths through adjustable cracking pressure. A single universal valve design with adjustable spring preload can replace multiple depth-specific valves, allowing the same hardware to serve multiple functions at different operating conditions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If check valves are modified to accommodate different subsea depths, then the valve can adapt to different depths, but the modification process is time-consuming and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the check valve cracking pressure adjustable rather than fixed. The spring preload can be dynamically changed to match different subsea depth requirements, allowing the valve to adapt to different operating conditions without requiring time-consuming modifications or replacements of the entire valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the valve with an adjustable spring mechanism that can be set to different preload values before deployment. This allows the cracking pressure to be predetermined and adjusted according to the specific subsea depth mission requirements, eliminating the need for time-consuming field modifications.
3Reliability
If stronger hoses are used to withstand external hydrostatic pressure, then hose collapse is prevented, but the hose cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by using the check valve to prevent hose collapse before it occurs. The valve closes in response to external hydrostatic pressure, creating a counter-pressure that balances the external force and prevents hose collapse. This eliminates the need to use expensive stronger hoses, as the collapse prevention is achieved through the valve mechanism rather than hose material strength.
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
Enables a single check valve to automatically adjust its cracking pressure to suit any subsea depth, reducing the need for multiple valves and minimizing costs, while ensuring stable operation and preventing hose collapse.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member, adapted to urge said valve member into said first position at a predetermined cracking force
Implementation Method 2
a pressure interface, operatively linking said valve member and an external fluid of a region exterior of the check valve assembly so as to provide a supplemental force, proportional to the ambient pressure of said external fluid
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve assembly (100, 200) is provided for subsea applications. The check valve assembly comprises a housing (102, 202), having an inlet port (106, 206) and an outlet port (108, 208) forming an internal fluid passageway through the housing; a valve member (112, 212), moveable within the internal fluid passageway between a first position, where fluid flow through the internal fluid passageway is prevented, and a second position, where fluid flow through the internal fluid passageway is permitted; a biasing member (110, 210), adapted to urge the valve member into the first position at a predetermined cracking force, and a pressure interface (116, 216). The pressure interface operatively links the valve member and an external fluid of a region exterior of the check valve assembly so as to provide a supplemental force, proportional to the ambient pressure of the external fluid, adapted to urge the valve member towards the first position.