Surge Relief Valve Piston Position Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surge relief valves lack accurate measurement capabilities for fluid discharge without the need for traditional flow meters, which can impose additional restrictions and costs, especially in environmental discharges that require precise reporting and compliance.
Innovation Solution
A surge relief valve system with a piston housing and a position sensor that correlates the axial position of the piston relative to the housing, allowing for precise measurement and indication of fluid discharge without additional flow restrictions, using a linear position sensor that generates a response to the piston's movement, enabling accurate flow rate and total fluid measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional flow meter is used to measure fluid discharge, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow measurement function with the existing piston valve structure by integrating a position sensor that monitors piston displacement. This merging eliminates the need for a separate traditional flow meter, reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability through the relationship between piston position and fluid discharge volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a position sensor as an intermediary element that indirectly measures fluid discharge by monitoring piston position rather than directly measuring flow. This intermediary approach provides accurate measurement information without requiring complex flow metering equipment, thus reducing overall system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional flow meter is installed in the discharge line, then measurement precision is improved, but flow restriction increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical flow metering system with an electronic position sensing system. The position sensor monitors piston displacement electronically, eliminating the need for physical flow meter components in the discharge line that would create flow restrictions. This substitution maintains full discharge flow capability while providing accurate measurement through electronic means.
3Measurement precision
If environmental discharge monitoring is implemented with traditional equipment, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the position sensor serve multiple functions: it monitors piston position for valve control and simultaneously provides fluid discharge measurement for environmental compliance reporting. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated measurement equipment, reducing overall system complexity and cost while maintaining precise environmental discharge monitoring capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A surge relief valve includes a piston housing and a piston located within the housing for reciprocal motion. The surge relief valve also includes a position sensor to resolve the axial position of the piston relative to the piston housing. The position sensor includes a sensor body coupled to the piston housing and a movable element configured to move linearly relative to the sensor body and configured to move axially with the piston. At a least portion of the sensor body is located within the piston housing.