Solenoid Valve Testing Without Safety Valve Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for testing the functionality of solenoid valves used to trigger safety valves cannot determine their functionality without moving the valve member, which is a limitation in ensuring the operational safety of systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that increases the pressure in the drive fluid by a first pressure difference above the operating pressure, allowing the solenoid valve to switch to its safety position without moving the valve member, and measures the pressure drop at a predetermined time to assess the solenoid valve's functionality, ensuring the pressure remains above the operating pressure to prevent system disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the solenoid valve is tested by venting the actuator to ambient air, then the functionality of the solenoid valve can be verified, but the valve member position changes which disrupts system operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure medium (second pressure medium) that acts as a buffer between the solenoid valve testing process and the actuator. This intermediary medium allows the solenoid valve to be tested by venting it to a separate pressure system rather than directly to ambient air, preventing direct disruption to the valve member position and system operation. The intermediary pressure medium absorbs the testing action without transmitting it to the critical valve positioning mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the pressure system into at least two separate pressure mediums: one for normal actuator operation and another for solenoid valve testing. This segmentation allows independent testing of the solenoid valve functionality without affecting the primary actuator system. The first pressure medium maintains the valve member in its operational position while the second pressure medium provides the testing environment for the solenoid valve.
2Speed
If the solenoid valve cross-section is made large for quick pressure dissipation, then the safety valve triggers quickly in emergencies, but the pressure drop during testing affects valve member position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the pressure system into separate pressure mediums, allowing the solenoid valve to have a large cross-section for rapid pressure dissipation during emergency operation without causing unwanted position changes during testing. The segmentation isolates the testing pressure changes from the actuator pressure that controls valve member position, enabling the solenoid valve to be optimized for speed while maintaining position stability during diagnostics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using a separate second pressure medium for testing that can be partially vented without completely draining the actuator. This allows sufficient pressure dissipation to test solenoid valve functionality while maintaining enough pressure in the first medium to keep the valve member in its correct operational position, avoiding excessive pressure changes that would disrupt system operation.
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 the testing of solenoid valves without affecting the operation of the safety valve, providing a reliable means to diagnose issues in the solenoid valve's functionality and the pressure-generating system, with additional diagnostic options for venting speed and potential errors.
Implementation Method 1
actuated by a drive unit that is operationally coupled to a solenoid valve and a control system. The drive unit is usually a single-acting fluidic actuator. This actuator comprises, for example, a piston or diaphragm located in a chamber and coupled to a spring. When the pressure in the chamber exerts a force on the piston that is greater than or equal to a preset spring load
Implementation Method 2
the solenoid valve vents the actuator when the control system receives an emergency signal and a hazardous condition is detected. To do this, the solenoid valve opens a connection between the actuator and the ambient air, thereby reducing the pressure within the actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for testing a solenoid valve (140) on a safety valve (100) by means of a single-acting fluidic drive (130) and a positioner (120). The pressure (180) in the drive fluid is first increased by a first pressure difference. An attempt is then made to switch the solenoid valve (140) to the safety position thereof. The pressure in the drive fluid is then measured at a specified point in time, wherein the point in time is selected such that the pressure in the drive fluid lowers at most by the first pressure difference. If the pressure in the drive fluid is higher than a reference pressure at the specified point in time, the test of the functionality of the solenoid valve is considered failed. The lowering of the pressure in the drive fluid is monitored over a defined period of time, which also enables conclusions to be made in respect of the pressure generating system. In addition, it is ensured that the pressure does not fall below the operating pressure and therefore the drive (130) of the safety valve (100) does not move during the test, but rather the position of the valve member remains constant.