Valve Rack Hole Pattern for Upright Relief Valve Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transportation and storage of flanged pressure relief and safety valves are prone to damage due to rough handling, and existing solutions fail to provide a versatile and secure method for accommodating valves of different sizes and pressure ratings, leading to costly delays and compromised mechanical integrity.
Innovation Solution
A transportable valve rack designed to securely hold PS/PR valves in an upright position, accommodating various sizes and pressure ratings, featuring a top plate with adjustable holes for different flange bolt configurations and made of corrosion-resistant carbon steel, allowing for easy movement and storage of multiple valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If PS/PR valves are transported laying on their sides, then transportation is easier, but the valves are more likely to sustain damage
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed with an upright configuration that dynamically maintains the valve in its proper orientation during transport, preventing damage while enabling efficient transportation through standardized handling
2Adaptability or versatility
If a facility has several PS/PR valves of different sizes and pressure ratings, then valve variety is accommodated, but a single versatile rack design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rack employs universal features including multiple hole patterns in the top plate that can accommodate different flange sizes and bolt configurations, allowing a single rack design to securely hold various valve types without requiring complex customization
Solution Approach 2:
The rack structure is segmented into modular components with standardized hole spacings and configurations, enabling flexible arrangement patterns that adapt to different valve sizes while maintaining a consistent overall design framework
3Productivity
If valves are removed and transported during maintenance, then maintenance can proceed, but rough handling during removal or transport can damage valve end flanges
Solution Approach 1:
The rack provides beforehand protection by securing valves in an upright position with proper support structures before transport begins, cushioning against rough handling forces and preventing flange damage during removal and transportation operations
Data Source
AI summary
A transportable valve rack for securing a plurality of pressure safety or pressure relief valves in an upright position. The valves of the type having a bolted flange-type connection and the rack comprises a base assembly and a top plate mounted on the base assembly. The top plate includes a plurality of areas, with each area comprising a plurality of holes arranged on a circumference of two or more concentric circles. The plurality of holes extends through the top plate and at least four holes are on the circumference of each concentric circle. The holes are sized and arranged to align with bolt holes of pre-selected flanges of particular size and pressure rating. Nuts and bolts extended through aligned holes secure the valve to the valve rack.