System for controlling a flow of fluid, feeding system comprising such a control system and method using such a feeding system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for dangerous reaction fluids are costly and unreliable due to the need for multiple safety solenoid valves and failure detection systems, which are prone to power supply faults and electromagnetic disturbances.
Innovation Solution
A control system that eliminates the need for safety solenoid valves on each flow valve by using a safety device that switches to a safety configuration when control fluid pressure is low, ensuring valves close in case of failure, and includes redundant auxiliary control and evacuation valves for independent operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If safety solenoid valves are installed on each flow valve to ensure safety, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple safety solenoid valves into a single centralized safety device that controls all flow valves through a common control fluid supply. This merging approach maintains the safety function while dramatically reducing the number of individual components required, thereby lowering system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized safety device performs multiple functions: it supplies control fluid to all flow valves, monitors system safety status, and can rapidly close all flow valves in case of emergency. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate safety solenoid valves at each flow valve location.
2Reliability
If multiple safety solenoid valves are installed for redundancy, then reliability is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple redundant safety solenoid valves into a single centralized safety device with inherent redundancy. The device includes backup control fluid supplies and redundant internal components, achieving the same reliability as multiple distributed valves but at a fraction of the cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized safety device incorporates internal redundant pathways and backup mechanisms that replicate the safety function without requiring physical copies of safety solenoid valves at each location. This virtual redundancy through centralized design achieves reliability while reducing component count.
3Reliability
If safety solenoid valves and failure detection systems are installed, then safety is improved, but the system becomes more expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized safety device includes built-in failure detection and diagnostic capabilities that monitor its own operation and the operation of all flow valves. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external monitoring systems while maintaining comprehensive safety oversight.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety device incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor control fluid pressure, valve positions, and system status. This feedback enables automatic safety responses and reduces the need for additional expensive monitoring equipment by using the existing control fluid pressure signals for both actuation and monitoring purposes.
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 reduces costs significantly while ensuring high reliability and safety by allowing each flow valve to close independently in case of control fluid failure, maintaining operational safety and reducing the risk of fluid leakage.
Implementation Method 1
the control fluid circulates from the source of control fluid to each control line, which makes it possible to place each control line in the open position if necessary, because the pressure of the control fluid in each control line is higher than the predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 2
When the safety device is in the safety configuration, pilot fluid flows from each control line to the waste line, allowing each flow valve to be placed in the closed position, because the pilot fluid pressure in each control line becomes lower than the predetermined threshold
Implementation Method 3
Each flow valve can move either to the closed position (valve closed due to lack of pilot fluid) or to the open position (valve open due to lack of pilot fluid) when the pressure of the compressed air in the respective primary line becomes zero
Data Source
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Figure 7
AI summary
The invention relates to a control system which comprises: a plurality of flow valves (2) on channels (54) of reaction fluid, which are i) in a closed position or ii) in an open position; a plurality of control pipes (4) connected to a source of control fluid (80) and to a respective control pipe (4), all or part of the flow valves (2) switching to the closed position when the pressure of the control fluid in the control pipe (4) drops below a predetermined threshold; a discharge pipe (12) connected to the control pipes (4), in order to discharge the control fluid from the control pipes (4); a safety device (10) connected i) to each control pipe (2) and ii) to the discharge pipe (12) and configured to have, selectively: i) a service configuration, wherein the control fluid flows to each control pipe (4), thus opening each flow valve (2), and ii) a safety configuration, wherein the control fluid is discharged through the discharge pipe (12), thus closing each flow valve (2).