Side-Entry Valve Assembly for Faster High-Pressure Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional valve systems in industries like oil and gas drilling face challenges with high-pressure fluids containing particulates and acids, leading to frequent repairs and maintenance issues, particularly due to the complexity and size of valves that require top or bottom access for component installation, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
The development of side entry valve systems that allow internal components to be installed and replaced through a side opening, eliminating the need for a bonnet and reducing the number of parts, using a quick connection system for coupling the fluid end to the valve body, enabling rapid repair and maintenance without removing fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional top-entry valve configuration is used, then components can be installed through the valve stem axis, but the valve size increases and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the traditional top-down installation approach (along the stem axis) to a side-entry approach (perpendicular to the stem axis). The opening is positioned on the valve body perpendicular to the stem axis, allowing components to be installed from the side rather than from the top, reducing the valve's overall height and maintenance time
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional top-entry valve configuration is used, then components can be installed through the valve stem axis, but the valve complexity increases with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional bonnet component that covers the top of the valve body. By taking out the bonnet, the opening is directly exposed on the valve body, allowing direct access to the interior components for installation and maintenance, thereby reducing the total number of components
3Productivity
If quick connection system is used for fluid end coupling, then maintenance speed increases, but the coupling mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic quick connection system where the fluid end can be rapidly coupled to and decoupled from the valve body. The coupling mechanism includes movable elements that allow the fluid end to be quickly attached or detached without tools, enabling fast maintenance while accepting a more complex coupling structure
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly includes a valve body having a flow bore extending along a valve body axis from a first end to a second end, wherein at least one of the first end or the second end includes an opening adapted to receive a fluid end, the opening having an opening diameter sized to enable at least one of a valve member, a valve stem, or a valve seat to be installed through the opening. The valve assembly also includes an actuator adapted to drive movement of a valve member between an open position and a closed position. The valve assembly further includes a bonnet coupled to the actuator, the bonnet being coupled to the valve body at a top location, the bonnet being coupled to the valve body while at least one of the valve member, the valve stem, or the valve seat is installed through the opening.