Valve Device With Integrated Flange Control Units
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing solutions for installing an extra barrier valve in a wellhead Christmas tree are time-consuming and prone to interference with the main valve's operation due to the need for a distance piece and external control units, which can cause spillage in case of damage from falling loads.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with integrated flange portions that include bores for internal operation and control units, allowing for a control module and mechanical devices within the valve body to manage the extra valve in the bore outlet, ensuring a fail-safe closed position without external interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an extra barrier valve is installed internally in the bore outlet, then spillage prevention is improved, but installation complexity and time increase due to the need for distance pieces and pipe system adaptations
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit for the internal barrier valve is merged with the main valve body, eliminating the need for separate external control units and distance pieces. The flange portions of the main valve are designed to directly receive and integrate the control unit, simplifying the installation process while maintaining the fail-safe barrier function.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is segmented into modular components: the main valve body with integrated control unit, the internal barrier valve, and the flange portions. This segmentation allows the control unit to be pre-integrated into the main valve assembly, reducing on-site installation complexity and time.
2Reliability
If a distance piece is installed to accommodate the internal valve, then the barrier valve can be positioned correctly, but the main valve operation may be hindered by the control unit extending into the main channel
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit for the internal barrier valve is nested within the main valve body structure. The control unit is positioned in a recess or cavity within the valve body that does not protrude into the main flow channel, allowing both the barrier valve positioning and main valve operation to function independently without interference.
3Ease of operation
If external control units are used for the internal valve, then the valve can be operated, but the external control units are vulnerable to damage from falling loads
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit is merged with the main valve body, which is positioned inside the Christmas tree structure protected from external damage. This eliminates the vulnerability of external control units to falling loads while maintaining full operational capability of the internal barrier valve through integrated control mechanisms.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a valve (1) comprising at least one flange portion (2, 3) for securing to a wellhead Christmas tree (5) for shutting off a pipe outlet (50) from the wellhead Christmas tree (5). According to the invention at least one of the flange portions (2) comprises integrated devices (6a, 6b, 6, 14, 15) for operation of a second unit (10) mounted outside the valve (1).