Soft-Shift SPM Valve Pilot Flow Regulation for Water Hammer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subplate mounted (SPM) valves in high-pressure subsea applications experience water hammer and hydraulic shock due to abrupt opening and closing, leading to damage and inefficiencies when used in pairs without synchronized operation.
Innovation Solution
A subplate mounted valve design featuring a spool movable between open and closed positions, with spring biasing and a flow regulation assembly that includes a chamber with a larger inlet channel transitioning to a smaller outlet channel, slowing fluid flow transitions and reducing water hammer, and utilizing nested springs and a poppet spring-biased check assembly to control movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the valve opens and closes very quickly to control fluid flow in high pressure systems, then the valve response time is improved, but water hammer and hydraulic shock occur causing damage to lines and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
A flow regulation assembly with a restricted outlet channel acts as an intermediary between the pilot pressure intake and the spool actuation system. This restriction mediates the pressure transmission, allowing the spool to move quickly while the fluid pressure builds up gradually, preventing water hammer effects
Solution Approach 2:
The flow regulation assembly dynamically adjusts the rate of pressure buildup to the spool based on system conditions. The restricted outlet channel creates a controlled, progressive pressure increase that enables fast valve response without the abrupt pressure changes that cause hydraulic shock
2Reliability
If the valve uses spring biasing for reliable operation, then the valve reliability is improved, but the opening and closing time intervals become inconsistent causing additional problems in paired valve operations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow regulation assembly provides feedback control by allowing pilot pressure to build up at a controlled rate through the restricted outlet channel. This creates a consistent, repeatable pressure buildup curve that ensures uniform opening and closing times across multiple valve cycles and between paired valves
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the parameter of pressure buildup rate by introducing a restricted outlet channel in the flow regulation assembly. This parameter modification ensures that while springs provide reliable actuation force, the pressure changes occur at a controlled, consistent rate, synchronizing paired valve operations
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 solution reduces downtime and damage to subsea lines by minimizing water hammer and ensuring controlled, synchronized opening and closing operations, maintaining reliable transition times.
Implementation Method 1
a flow regulation assembly at the pilot pressure intake port having a chamber with, a larger inlet channel at the intake position and transitioning to a smaller channel at the outlet position such that fluid flow at the intake port is reduced thereby slowing the transition
Implementation Method 2
at least one spring biasing the spool to either the open position or the closed position
Implementation Method 3
two nested springs biasing the spool to either the open position or the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A subplate mounted valve is disclosed having an open position and a closed position. The valve includes at least one pilot pressure intake port, a plurality of functional fluid ports, a spool movable between the open position and the closed position, and spring biasing the spool to either the open position or the closed position. To reduce water hammer due to quickly opening or quickly closing the valve, a flow regulation assembly is positioned at the pilot pressure intake port and has a chamber with a larger inlet channel at the intake position and transitioning to a smaller channel at the outlet position such that fluid flow at the intake port is reduced, thereby slowing the transition between the open position and the closed position and the transition between the closed position and the open position.