Sliding Seal Assembly for Dirty Fluid Pressure Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional downhole pressure regulators are bulky, prone to abrasion, and exhibit high 'dead band' due to metal seal rings and plates, making them unsuitable for small-scale, high-pressure applications in dirty fluid environments.
Innovation Solution
A pressure regulator and control valve design featuring a sliding seal assembly with elastomer seals and backup rings, which moves between supply and vent positions in response to pressure differentials, reducing friction and size while maintaining accurate pressure regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal seal rings and plates are used in traditional pressure regulators, then the regulator can maintain structural strength and sealing capability, but the regulator becomes prone to abrasion from particulates and exhibits high friction resulting in significant dead band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the seal rings from metal to elastomer, fundamentally altering the friction characteristics and abrasion resistance. This material parameter change reduces the coefficient of friction between sealing surfaces, thereby reducing dead band while maintaining sealing capability under high pressure conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material construction with elastomer seal rings and metal backup rings. The elastomer provides low-friction sealing surfaces that resist abrasion from particulates, while the metal backup rings provide structural support and maintain geometric stability under high pressure, creating a synergistic composite sealing system
2Ease of operation
If a spring-driven piston is used to move the seal carrier, then the regulator can maintain simple operation, but the regulator requires a large chamber making it bulky and unsuitable for downhole applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the spring-driven mechanical system with a hydraulic/pneumatic system where pressurized fluid acts directly on the piston to move the seal carrier. This eliminates the need for a large spring chamber, significantly reducing the overall regulator volume while maintaining automatic pressure regulation functionality through fluid pressure differential
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the elastic mechanical energy storage system (spring) with a fluid pressure-based system. The fluid pressure differential directly drives the piston movement, replacing the spring's mechanical force generation mechanism and enabling compact design suitable for downhole tool strings
3Reliability
If traditional seal plates and rings are used, then the regulator can provide sealing function, but the friction constrains the ability to regulate high pressure with desired low dead band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of sealing surfaces from metal to elastomer, fundamentally altering the friction characteristics. This material parameter change reduces the coefficient of friction between sealing surfaces, enabling smooth movement of the seal carrier even under high pressure conditions while maintaining effective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs elastomer seal rings that function as flexible sealing elements. The elastomer material provides conformal sealing capability that adapts to surface irregularities while maintaining low friction during movement, enabling reliable sealing under high pressure with minimal resistance to seal carrier motion
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 design achieves reliable, low-dead-band pressure regulation in dirty fluid environments, resistant to solids and suitable for small-scale downhole use, with improved durability and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The piston is operable to move the sliding seal assembly between a supply position and a second position in response to pressure differential between the pilot portion and the regulated portion
Implementation Method 2
The traditional seal plates and rings result in significant friction resisting movement of the seal carrier. This friction constrains the ability to regulate high pressure with the desired low 'dead band'
Data Source
AI summary
A pressure regulator for dirty fluid service includes: a body having a chamber, a pair of supply sockets, and an outlet port, each socket and the port formed through a wall of the body; a pair of supply seal plates disposed in the supply sockets and having supply passages formed therethrough; and a sliding seal assembly disposed in the chamber. The sliding seal assembly includes: a seal carrier having a piston and a supply gland; and a supply seal disposed in the supply gland. The piston is disposed in a pilot portion of the chamber. The outlet port and sockets are located adjacent to a regulated portion of the chamber. The piston is operable to move the sliding seal assembly between a supply position and a second position in response to pressure differential between the pilot portion and the regulated portion.