Process Interface Valve Interlock for Safe Probe Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process interface valves lack a mechanism to prevent accidental operation when a probe or tool is inserted, potentially damaging the valve or the probe during sampling from process piping systems.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a block valve and an access blocking device, where the access blocking device is movable between access blocking and permitting conditions, and a valve interlock arrangement that prevents the block valve from closing when the access blocking device is in the permitting condition, ensuring safe insertion and operation of probes or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the block valve is made operable without restrictions, then ease of operation is improved, but risk of accidental closure and damage to probe increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve interlock arrangement applies preliminary anti-action by preventing the block valve from closing before the probe is fully inserted and secured. The interlock mechanism detects the probe insertion state and automatically blocks valve closure, thereby preempting potential damage to the probe or valve components.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve interlock arrangement acts as an intermediary between the block valve operation and probe insertion state. It mediates the interaction by monitoring probe presence and controlling valve operability accordingly, ensuring that valve closure is only permitted when the probe is properly positioned or removed.
2Reliability
If the access blocking device is added to prevent probe insertion, then protection of valve elements is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access blocking device employs dynamics by being movable between blocking and non-blocking positions rather than being a fixed barrier. It can be dynamically adjusted to allow probe insertion when needed while providing protection when the probe is not in use, thus balancing protection and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The access blocking device integrates with the valve interlock arrangement to provide self-service protection. The interlock system automatically controls the blocking device based on probe insertion detection, eliminating the need for separate manual operation of the blocking mechanism and simplifying the overall operation.
3Reliability
If the valve interlock arrangement is implemented, then safety against accidental closure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve interlock arrangement merges multiple functions into a single integrated system. It combines probe detection, valve operation control, and access blocking functions into one coordinated mechanism, thereby achieving enhanced safety without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve interlock arrangement exhibits multi-functionality by simultaneously performing probe presence detection, valve operation authorization, and access control. This universal design allows a single mechanism to fulfill multiple protective and operational roles, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A valve assembly includes a valve body having a fluid access passage extending from a process fluid port to an access port, a block valve disposed in the fluid access passage and movable between open and closed conditions, an access blocking device disposed in the fluid access passage between the access port and the block valve, and a valve interlock arrangement. The access blocking device is movable from an access blocking condition in which access to the block valve through the access port is blocked, to an access permitting condition in which access to the block valve through the access port is permitted. The valve interlock arrangement is configured such that the block valve is prevented from being moved to the closed condition when the access blocking device is in the access permitting condition.