Tail-Stock Sensor Housing for Durable Valve Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sensors attached to gate valves in valve trees of the oil and gas industry are often damaged during rig-up, rig-down, and transportation operations, rendering them unusable.
Innovation Solution
A valve position sensing system with a valve sensor housing assembly that includes a housing body, a closure mechanism, and a sensor, which is installed around the tail stock of a linearly acting valve to protect the sensor from environmental exposure and handling damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are attached to gate valves for monitoring valve position, then measurement capability is improved, but sensor durability and reliability deteriorate due to damage during rig-up, rig-down, and transportation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate modular components: a sensor housing assembly that can be independently attached to the valve stem, and the sensor element itself. This segmentation allows the sensor to be protected within its own housing while maintaining measurement capability, and enables easy replacement or repair of individual components without affecting the entire valve system.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor housing assembly acts as an intermediary protective structure between the sensor element and the harsh external environment. This housing shields the sensor from physical damage during rig-up, rig-down, and transportation operations, while still allowing the sensor to detect valve position through magnetic or mechanical coupling with the valve stem.
2Ease of operation
If sensors are exposed during installation and operation, then ease of installation is improved, but susceptibility to environmental damage and handling damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing assembly is pre-assembled with the sensor element before field installation. This preliminary assembly protects the sensor element from environmental exposure and handling damage that would occur if individual components were assembled on-site. The pre-assembled unit can then be installed as a single protected component.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor housing assembly provides beforehand protection by enclosing the sensor element in a protective structure before the sensor is exposed to harsh field conditions. This housing cushions the sensor against physical impacts, environmental factors, and handling damage that occur during installation, operation, and maintenance activities.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve position sensing system includes a valve housing, a tail stock extending from the valve housing, an extendable valve stem extending axially through the tail stock, and a valve sensor housing assembly. The valve sensor housing assembly includes a housing body, having an interior cavity opening to a first and a second end, where the first end has a fixed connection portion integrally formed with the housing body and a movable connection portion that is movable relative to the fixed connection portion. The fixed and movable connection portions are fitted around the tail stock to secure the first end of the housing body to the tail stock. The valve sensor housing assembly further includes a closure mechanism disposed around the first end, a backplate covering the opening of the interior cavity at the second end, and a sensor provided in the interior cavity.