Single-Circuit Pressurized Fluid Valve Control for Fast Safety Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control and safety systems for pressurized fluid circuits are inadequate as they require separate circuits for partial stroke testing and emergency maneuvers, lacking comprehensive diagnostic coverage and being inefficient in execution time, especially when electrical control is not possible.
Innovation Solution
A single-circuit system that integrates both partial stroke and emergency maneuver functions, utilizing a pressure reducer, solenoid valves, a selector valve, and a flow amplifier valve to ensure complete diagnostic coverage and rapid operation without dedicated electrical control circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate circuits are used for partial stroke testing and emergency maneuvers, then each function can be independently tested, but the system complexity increases and execution time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the partial stroke test circuit and emergency maneuver circuit into a single integrated circuit. The same control valve, actuator, and process valve are used for both functions, eliminating the need for separate circuits while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic coverage. The control system selectively activates different operational modes within the single circuit based on testing or emergency requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: normal operation, partial stroke testing, and emergency maneuvers. The control valve and actuator serve universal purposes across all operational modes, with the control system directing fluid flow appropriately based on the required function, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If separate circuits are used for partial stroke testing and emergency maneuvers, then each function can be independently tested, but the execution time is extended
Solution Approach 1:
By merging both functions into a single circuit, the patent eliminates the time required to switch between separate circuits. The control valve can directly activate the actuator for emergency maneuvers or partial stroke tests without intermediate circuit switching, thereby reducing execution time while maintaining comprehensive diagnostic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is pre-configured to recognize emergency conditions and immediately activate the appropriate circuit path. The single circuit design ensures that all components are already in position and ready for rapid activation, eliminating delays associated with circuit reconfiguration and enabling faster response during emergencies.
3Ease of operation
If electrical control circuits are used, then precise control is achieved, but the system becomes dependent on electrical signals which may not be available in all scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a pneumatic control system where compressed air or gas is used to actuate the control valve and main actuator. This eliminates dependence on electrical signals, allowing the system to operate independently in environments where electrical power may be unavailable or unreliable. The pneumatic system provides sufficient control precision through pressure-regulated fluid flow to the actuator chambers.
Solution Approach 2:
The pneumatic control system is self-contained and does not require external electrical power sources. The control valve regulates pneumatic pressure to the actuator based on manual input or simple mechanical feedback, enabling the system to autonomously perform both partial stroke tests and emergency maneuvers without electrical assistance, thereby enhancing adaptability to various operational environments.
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 faster and more comprehensive diagnostic testing of the actuator-circuit-valve system, ensuring timely safety functions during emergencies, while allowing partial stroke testing in shorter times without relying on electrical signals.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure reducer (16), a control solenoid valve (17)
Implementation Method 2
a control solenoid valve (17), a secondary solenoid valve (18)
Implementation Method 3
a flow amplifier valve (21), and a single acting actuator (22)
Data Source
AI summary
A control and safety system suitable for conveying circuits of pressurized fluids equipped with at least one process valve, the system comprising:—a pressure reducer,—a pilot element,—a control valve,—a selector valve,—a flow amplifier valve, e—a single-acting actuator, wherein the system is provided with a single circuit in which:—a supply line of a working fluid directly connects the pressure reducer, to the control valve and to the flow amplifier valve,—a signal fluid line, directly connected: to the piloting element and to a manual pilot control element, or to the pilot element and to the pressure reducer and to a non-return valve.