Torsional Spring Thermal Valve for Low-Turbulence Flame Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermal valves in oil and gas environments can create turbulence, leading to potentially catastrophic detonations, and existing flame arrestors have limited lifespan and are unsuitable for containing rapid flame propagation, especially in remote locations where inspection is difficult.
Innovation Solution
A torsional spring actuated thermal valve design that minimizes turbulence by allowing fluid flow in both directions with a valve assembly and set pin mechanism, which moves to restrict flow when reversed, reducing the risk of detonations and allowing easy reset and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional thermal valves are used to restrict backwards propagation of gases, then flame propagation is limited, but turbulence is generated which may lead to detonations
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is designed to be dynamically responsive to flow direction and temperature conditions. The valve disc automatically positions itself based on the direction of gas flow and thermal conditions, providing adaptive protection without creating turbulence. The dynamic positioning allows the valve to remain out of the flow path during normal operation while automatically blocking reverse flow that could cause detonations.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly acts as an intermediary element between the storage tank and flare system. It mediates the flow of gases by selectively allowing forward flow while blocking reverse flow, thereby protecting the storage tank from flame propagation and detonations without disrupting normal operational flow patterns.
2Reliability
If flame arrestors are used to block flame propagation, then flame advancement is prevented, but the arrestors have limited lifespan and performance degrades after sustained burn exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal valve assembly is designed to be self-monitoring through temperature detection sensors that detect thermal conditions indicating flame presence. The system automatically responds to thermal threats without requiring manual intervention or replacement scheduling, and can be remotely monitored to determine when maintenance is needed, extending effective service life through condition-based operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces passive mechanical flame arrestors with an active thermal valve system that uses temperature detection and actuation mechanisms. This substitution allows for remote monitoring and automated response, eliminating the need for frequent manual inspection and replacement while maintaining reliable flame propagation protection.
3Reliability
If flame arrestors are used in remote locations, then flame protection is provided, but inspection and detection of degradation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal valve assembly incorporates temperature detection sensors that provide continuous feedback on thermal conditions and system status. This feedback mechanism allows remote monitoring of the valve's operational state and detection of any degradation or abnormal conditions, enabling proactive maintenance scheduling without requiring physical inspection of remote installations.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual inspection routines are replaced with automated temperature detection and remote monitoring systems. The electronic sensing and communication infrastructure enables continuous assessment of valve condition from remote locations, eliminating the difficulty of physically inspecting degradation in hard-to-reach installations.
4Reliability
If conventional thermal valves create turbulence to restrict flow, then flame propagation is limited, but detonation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly dynamically adapts its position based on flow direction and thermal conditions. During normal forward flow, the valve remains out of the flow path maintaining smooth, laminar flow conditions. When reverse flow or thermal threats are detected, the valve automatically positions to block flow, thereby restricting flame propagation without creating turbulence during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (valve position, flow restriction level) based on detected conditions. Under normal conditions, the valve maintains an open position with minimal flow resistance. Upon detecting reverse flow or excessive temperature, the valve transitions to a closed position, changing the flow parameters to prevent flame propagation and detonations.
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 design reduces the likelihood of detonation events by minimizing turbulence and allowing for smooth fluid flow, while the easy reset and replacement features enhance safety and maintenance in remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
torsional spring actuated thermal valve
Data Source
AI summary
A valve includes a valve body forming a channel defining a fluid flow path extending from an inlet port to an outlet port of the valve body via a gallery disposed therebetween, an opening disposed in communication with the gallery, a valve assembly at least partially disposed through the opening and in the gallery, and a set pin having a central longitudinal axis. A valve disc of the valve assembly moves between a first position spaced from a valve seat of the valve body and a second position in contact with the valve seat. The set pin is coupled to and at least partly supported by the valve assembly to maintain the valve assembly in the first position. The fluid flow path allows a fluid to flow through the valve body in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. The set pin is adapted to disengage a portion of the valve assembly when contacted by a fluid traversing the fluid flow path in the second direction, allowing the valve disc to move to the second position.