Check Valve Regulator Manifold for Subsea Gate Valve Pressure Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control circuits for subsea gate valves face limitations in mixed operating pressure environments and legacy systems where additional lines cannot be added, requiring a more versatile and efficient hydraulic pressure regulation mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A control circuit comprising a directional control valve and a regulator with a seal arrangement and check valve, where the regulator reduces hydraulic pressure and prevents backflow, and the check valve allows pressure bypass to facilitate actuator operation and closure, enabling efficient operation in subsea environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a regulator with seal arrangement is used to reduce hydraulic pressure and prevent backflow, then pressure regulation reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure reduction function and backflow prevention function into a single regulator assembly. The seal arrangement is integrated within the regulator housing, merging two previously separate functions (pressure regulation and backflow prevention) into one compact device, thereby improving reliability without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve acts as an intermediary component within the regulator assembly. It mediates between the regulated pressure output and the supply line, automatically preventing backflow without requiring complex control mechanisms. This intermediary element simplifies the overall control logic while maintaining reliable pressure regulation
2Ease of operation
If a check valve is added to allow pressure bypass, then actuator closure capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is designed as a passive, self-actuating component that automatically opens to allow pressure bypass when the actuator needs to close. It uses the hydraulic pressure differential itself to trigger the bypass function, eliminating the need for external control signals or complex actuation mechanisms. This self-service approach improves ease of operation without adding complex control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve provides dynamic pressure management by automatically adjusting its flow characteristics based on system conditions. When backpressure builds up during actuator closure, the check valve dynamically opens to relieve pressure, enabling the actuator to close properly. This dynamic response improves operational capability while maintaining a simple mechanical structure
3Measurement precision
If the regulator prevents communication of outlet pressure to supply, then pressure control precision is improved, but loss of hydraulic fluid increases due to bypass
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve extracts only the necessary bypass function from the main pressure regulation path. It selectively allows pressure equalization in one direction (outlet to supply) while blocking reverse flow, thereby maintaining pressure control precision for the primary flow path while providing controlled bypass capability. This selective extraction minimizes unnecessary fluid loss
Solution Approach 2:
The check valve permits partial bypass of hydraulic fluid only when necessary for actuator closure operation. It does not allow continuous bypass, but rather provides controlled, conditional bypass action. This partial action approach maintains pressure control precision during normal operation while enabling closure when needed, minimizing overall fluid loss compared to continuous bypass
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 enables reliable actuator control in subsea environments with mixed pressures and legacy systems by reducing hydraulic pressure and ensuring proper valve operation and closure, enhancing system flexibility and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The regulator has a check valve connecting the supply with the outlet. The check valve is configured to permit at least a portion of the hydraulic pressure at the outlet to bypass the seal arrangement from the outlet to the supply of the regulator
Implementation Method 2
The seal arrangement is configured to reduce hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic fluid supply communicated from the supply to the outlet, and the seal arrangement is configured to prevent communication of the hydraulic pressure on the outlet to the supply
Data Source
AI summary
A regulator valve has a check valve manifold for use in subsea control circuits. For example, the regulator valve having the check valve manifold can be used in a circuit between a directional control valve and an actuator for a gate valve. The check valve manifold can have a flange that attaches to the regulator valve to communicate with the supply-side and outlet-side of the regulator valve. Internal communication inside the manifold includes a check valve. If the pressure in the circuit downstream of the regulator valve needs to be vented, the check valve can open to allow the pressure to bleed from the outlet-side back to the supply-side without needing to pass through the internal pressure control valve of the regulator.