Mechanical Shutdown Valve for Overpressure Isolation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test assemblies face damage and fluid leakage issues due to excessive pressure, which can harm test instruments and the environment, as pressure relief valves often vent hazardous fluids, leading to safety concerns and waste.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical shutdown valve with a diaphragm, mesh, and spring mechanism that controls fluid flow, preventing overpressure by engaging a valve seat to stop fluid flow when a predetermined pressure threshold is exceeded, positioned between the test article and instruments to protect them and prevent fluid release.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pressure relief valve is used to protect test instruments from overpressure, then test instruments are protected from damage, but hazardous fluid is vented to the environment causing safety concerns and waste

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of test instrumentsVSAvoidhazardous fluid release

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical shutdown valve acts as an intermediary device positioned between the test article and test instruments. It monitors pressure conditions and automatically shuts off fluid flow to instruments when pressure exceeds the threshold, protecting instruments without venting hazardous fluid to the environment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention extracts the pressure relief function from the traditional venting mechanism and relocates it to a shutdown valve that closes the flow path. Instead of relieving pressure by venting fluid outward, the system removes the hazardous fluid release by closing the valve, keeping fluid contained within the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a mechanical shutdown valve is positioned between the test article and test instruments, then test instruments are protected from overpressure damage and fluid release is prevented, but the valve structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection of test instruments and prevention of fluid releaseVSAvoidvalve structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple functions into a single mechanical shutdown valve: pressure monitoring, automatic shutdown actuation, and flow isolation. The valve integrates the pressure-sensing diaphragm, spring mechanism, and sealing elements into one compact unit that performs all protection functions without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical shutdown valve is designed to automatically detect pressure conditions and actuate shutdown without external control systems. The diaphragm directly senses pressure differential and mechanically actuates the valve closure through the spring mechanism, eliminating the need for electronic sensors, controllers, or power sources, thereby simplifying the overall system despite the protective function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 mechanical shutdown valve effectively protects test instruments from damage and prevents hazardous fluid release, enhancing safety and reducing fluid waste by maintaining fluid within the test assembly, thus improving both environmental and personnel safety.

Implementation Method 1

a spring biasing the diaphragm towards the open position. The spring determines a differential pressure threshold between the upstream portion of the channel and a downstream portion of the channel at which the diaphragm engages the valve seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The mesh extends from the diaphragm to an inner surface of the valve body. The mesh limits fluid flow between the diaphragm and the valve body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical Containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11566715B1Preventing an over pressure condition with a mechanical shutdown valve

Publication Date: 2023.01.31 SAUDI ARABIAN OIL CO

AI summary

A mechanical shutdown valve for preventing an over pressure condition is described. A valve body has an inlet, an outlet, and a channel extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve seat and a diaphragm are positioned in the valve body. The diaphragm controls a fluid flow through the valve body. A mesh is coupled to the diaphragm such that the mesh and the diaphragm separate an upstream portion of the channel from a downstream portion of the channel. The mesh extends from the diaphragm to an inner surface of the valve body and limits fluid flow between the diaphragm and the valve body. A spring biases the diaphragm towards the open position. A characteristic of the spring determines a differential pressure threshold between the upstream portion of the channel and a downstream portion of the channel at which the diaphragm engages the valve seat.