Subsea Pressure Volume Regulator Interlock Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure volume regulators for subsea barrier fluid supply and pressure control in pumps and compressors are prone to functional failures due to simultaneous opening of inlet and second outlet valves, leading to continuous dumping of barrier fluid, and have reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A pressure volume regulator with an interlocked movable longitudinal member that ensures the inlet and second outlet valves cannot be open simultaneously, using a mushroom-shaped interlock member with a biasing spring and bellows to maintain constant pressure differences and protect critical components from contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure volume regulator uses separate inlet and outlet valve mechanisms, then the pressure control function is achieved, but the risk of simultaneous opening of inlet and outlet valves causing continuous fluid dumping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inlet valve mechanism and outlet valve mechanism into a single integrated valve assembly with a common valve body and shared sealing structure. This combination ensures that the inlet and outlet valves cannot open simultaneously due to the inherent mechanical interdependence of the valve elements, thereby eliminating the risk of continuous fluid dumping while maintaining pressure control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a pressure-responsive diaphragm as an intermediary element that mediates between the inlet pressure and outlet pressure. The diaphragm responds to pressure differential changes and automatically actuates the valve mechanisms to maintain proper pressure control, preventing simultaneous opening of both valves through passive pressure-based feedback.
2Productivity
If the regulator allows continuous operation, then productivity is maintained, but the risk of functional failure from valve malfunction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a spring-loaded valve return mechanism that provides pre-positioning force to ensure valves return to the closed position before pressure differential changes occur. This cushioning mechanism prevents valve lag or delayed closure, ensuring that even during continuous operation, the valves maintain proper sequencing and prevent functional failures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a pressure feedback loop where the outlet pressure continuously influences the valve actuation through the pressure-responsive diaphragm. This real-time feedback ensures that the valve positions are constantly adjusted based on actual pressure conditions, maintaining operational stability and preventing functional failures during continuous operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the valve element areas are made equal for simplicity, then manufacturing is easier, but the pressure differential control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different effective area ratios to different valve elements within the same valve assembly. The inlet valve is designed with a larger effective area to handle high inlet pressure, while the outlet valve has a smaller effective area for precise outlet pressure control. This local differentiation of valve element properties enables accurate pressure differential control while maintaining overall system simplicity.
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 eliminates the risk of functional failure, improves reliability, and prolongs service life by ensuring the inlet and second outlet are never open at the same time, maintaining a clean barrier fluid environment and constant pressure differences, thus preventing contamination and enhancing operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure volume regulator with an interlocked movable longitudinal member that ensures the inlet and second outlet valves cannot be open simultaneously, using a mushroom-shaped interlock member with a biasing spring
Implementation Method 2
A pressure volume regulator with an interlocked movable longitudinal member that ensures the inlet and second outlet valves cannot be open simultaneously, using a mushroom-shaped interlock member with a biasing spring and bellows to maintain constant pressure differences and protect critical components from contamination
Implementation Method 3
the inlet and the second outlet, respectively, are opened when the interlock member is moved in the direction towards the respective end, wherein said movement of the interlock member is by effect of pressurized fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
Pressure volume regulator (20) for control of supply and pressure of barrier fluid for pumps and compressors subsea, comprising an inlet (18) for barrier fluid at an inlet pressure, a first outlet (19) and a second outlet (15), the inlet pressure is higher than the first outlet pressure that is higher than the second outlet pressure. The pressure volume regulator is distinctive in that the inlet and the second outlet are interlocked between a movable longitudinal interlock member (5) with valve elements operatively arranged at either end, the length of the interlock member plus said valve elements is shorter than the distance between an open-close valve mechanism of the inlet and an open-close valve mechanism of the second outlet.