Valve Assembly Surge Detection Using Pitot Tube Oscillation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surge detection systems in fluid flow circuits are unreliable and often delayed, failing to consistently detect surge conditions before they cause damage and disrupt steady state flow.
Innovation Solution
A surge control system featuring a valve assembly with a pitot tube and pressure sensor, integrated with a controller that analyzes pressure measurements and flow velocity values to detect surge conditions through oscillation analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing surge detection systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the detection reliability is poor and detection is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the Pitot tube and pressure sensor into an integrated detection assembly that is directly mounted on the valve body. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate detection systems while improving reliability through direct measurement of flow conditions at the valve location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a dedicated pressure sensor as an intermediary device that directly measures pressure variations in the fluid flow. This intermediary measurement capability provides reliable surge detection by capturing pressure oscillations that indicate surge conditions, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and reliable detection.
2Measurement precision
If pressure sensor is placed in curved tube, then the measurement structure is compact, but artificial oscillations are induced that degrade measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pressure sensor from the curved tube configuration and places it directly on the valve body in a straight flow path. This extraction eliminates the source of artificial oscillations caused by curved tube geometry, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring complex sensor mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing the pressure sensor in a curved tube configuration, the patent inverts the approach by positioning it directly on the valve body where the flow path is straight. This inversion of the mounting location eliminates measurement errors while simplifying the overall device structure.
3Loss of time
If surge detection is delayed, then the response time is insufficient, but the system can still operate with basic components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by continuously monitoring pressure variations before surge conditions fully develop. The pressure sensor detects early pressure oscillations that precede complete surge events, enabling advance warning and timely response. This preliminary detection capability reduces time loss without requiring complex system modifications.
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 system enables early and reliable detection of surge conditions, allowing for quick response and reconfiguration of compressor operations to prevent damage and maintain steady state flow.
Implementation Method 1
a pitot tube integrated onto the valve body, and a pressure sensor device operably connected to the pitot tube. The controller is configured to receive pressure measurements generated by the pressure sensor device. The pressure measurements represent pressure in the pitot tube over time.
Data Source
AI summary
A surge control system and method include a valve assembly located along a fluid conduit downstream of one or more compressors in a flow circuit, and configured to receive a fluid stream from the one or more compressors. The valve assembly includes a valve body, a pitot tube integrated onto the valve body, and a pressure sensor device operably connected to the pitot tube. A controller of the surge control system receives pressure measurements generated by the pressure sensor device. The pressure measurements represent pressure in the pitot tube over time. The controller analyzes at least one of (i) the pressure measurements or (ii) flow velocity values derived from the pressure measurements, and detects a surge condition in the flow circuit based on oscillations in the at least one of the pressure measurements or the flow velocity values.