Subsea Hydraulic Intensifier Circuit for Accumulator Pressure Boosting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Subsea hydraulic systems face challenges in charging accumulators to higher pressures due to limitations in providing external power for hydraulic pressure boosting near the accumulator, making it difficult to maintain proper pressure and volume in hydraulic circuits.
Innovation Solution
A subsea pressure boosting and regulating system comprising a hydraulic intensifier circuit with a reciprocating piston and valve arrangement that boosts supply pressure to a higher level, and a regulator that adjusts the pressure to a tolerable level, allowing for efficient pressure regulation without increasing the pressure ratings of existing piping and hydraulic control systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If hydraulic pressure boosting is implemented near the accumulator to charge at higher pressures, then the accumulator can be charged to higher pressure levels, but it requires external power supply which is difficult or impossible to provide remotely
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the accumulator's own stored energy to drive the intensifier pump, eliminating the need for external power. The accumulator charges the intensifier's reservoir, which then drives the piston to boost pressure back to the accumulator, creating a self-contained pressure boosting cycle
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediate reservoir is introduced between the accumulator and the intensifier pump. This reservoir acts as a buffer that stores hydraulic fluid at elevated pressure, allowing the intensifier to operate without direct connection to the high-pressure accumulator while still achieving the desired pressure boosting effect
2Stress or pressure
If hydraulic pressure is boosted to higher levels for accumulator charging, then proper volume and pressure can be maintained in hydraulic circuits, but the pressure exceeds nominal operating pressure of certain lines and equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure boosting function is segmented from the main hydraulic circuit through the use of a separate intensifier circuit with its own reservoir and piston. This allows high pressure to be generated locally for accumulator charging without exposing the entire hydraulic system to elevated pressures
Solution Approach 2:
High pressure is localized only to the accumulator and intensifier components that require it, while the rest of the hydraulic circuit operates at normal pressures. The intensifier piston creates high pressure only on the supply line side, while the return side operates at lower pressures
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 system effectively boosts pressure for subsea accumulators and regulates outgoing flow to a tolerable pressure level, ensuring reliable operation of subsea functions without the need for increased pressure ratings in existing systems, providing fully redundant and automatic operation.
Implementation Method 1
A low pressure applied to the first side low pressure region moves the piston to create a high pressure on the second side high pressure region
Implementation Method 2
a reciprocating piston having a first side and an opposed second side, each of the first and second side having with a larger low-pressure region and a smaller high-pressure region
Data Source
AI summary
A hydraulic boosting and regulating system includes an intensifier circuit and a regulator and employs low leak, low crossover valves.