Valve Assembly Pressure Equalizing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve designs fail to effectively equalize fluid pressure across valves in high-pressure environments, such as subterranean wellhead assemblies, leading to challenges in controlling fluid flow and ensuring reliable shut-off without leakage or valve failure.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a pressure equalizing mechanism that includes a line extending between the upstream and downstream sides of the main valve, featuring a flow control assembly with a cage and closure member to manage fluid flow and pressure, allowing for efficient pressure equalization before changing the valve position, even at high differential pressures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve designs are used in high-pressure environments, then the valve structure is simple, but the valve cannot effectively equalize fluid pressure across the valve, leading to unreliable operation and potential failure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a pressure equalization system with separate equalization ports and chambers, and a flow control system with cage and closure member. This segmentation allows independent operation of pressure equalization and flow control functions, enabling reliable high-pressure operation while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary pressure equalization system that mediates between the upstream and downstream high-pressure zones. The equalization ports and chambers act as intermediate pathways to gradually balance pressure differences, preventing sudden pressure shocks and enabling safe valve operation in high-pressure environments
2Reliability
If gate valves or ball valves are used to control fluid flow, then the valve can provide complete shut-off, but the valve requires pressure equalization before position change, limiting operational flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization system performs preliminary action by equalizing pressures across the valve before the closure member moves to change valve position. This preliminary pressure balancing enables the valve to be operated flexibly without waiting for natural pressure equalization, improving operational ease while maintaining complete shut-off capability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly incorporates dynamic pressure equalization that adapts to different operating conditions. The equalization ports can be selectively opened or closed depending on the valve position and pressure differential, allowing the system to dynamically adjust its behavior for optimal operation flexibility while maintaining reliable shut-off
3Stress or pressure
If valves are operated at high differential pressures, then the valve can handle wellhead pressure conditions, but conventional valves experience leakage or failure due to inability to equalize pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalization chambers and equalization ports serve as intermediary zones that gradually balance the high differential pressures across the valve. This intermediary approach prevents sudden pressure shocks and extreme stress concentrations, allowing the valve to safely handle wellhead pressure conditions while maintaining integrity and preventing leakage or failure
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly that includes a main valve having a valve member moveable between a closed position and an open position. The main valve has an upstream side and a downstream side. The valve assembly includes a pressure equalizing assembly for equalizing the fluid pressure across the main valve. The pressure equalizing assembly includes a line extending from the upstream side of the main valve to the downstream side of the main valve and a pressure equalizing valve assembly.