Valve Tester Preload Valve Assembly for Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve testing apparatuses lack an effective method for accurately preloading fluid pressure-sensitive elements, leading to inconsistent torque and speed control during valve operation, which can result in damage to the valve.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control assembly with an adjustable pressure-responsive valve and a preload valve that allows for manual setting of threshold pressure, enabling precise control of fluid flow to the motor, ensuring the pressure-sensitive valve is exposed to maximum pressure without flowing through the motor, thus allowing accurate setting and protection of the valve during testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If valve testing apparatus operate without preloading pressure-sensitive elements, then the system structure remains simple, but torque and speed control becomes inconsistent leading to valve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The preload valve enables preliminary pressurization of the pressure-sensitive element (pressure gauge) before actual valve testing begins. This preliminary action allows the pressure-sensitive element to be accurately calibrated and set to desired threshold pressures in advance, ensuring consistent torque and speed control during subsequent valve operations while preventing valve damage.
2Measurement precision
If the pressure-responsive valve is exposed to maximum pressure during normal operation, then accurate threshold setting is achieved, but fluid flow is blocked preventing motor operation
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid control system is segmented into two distinct pathways: a pressure sensing pathway that allows the pressure-responsive valve to be exposed to maximum pressure for accurate threshold setting, and a motor drive pathway that remains isolated during preloading. The preload valve controls the pressure pathway while the motor remains disconnected, enabling independent calibration without affecting motor operation capability.
3Strength
If torque control is inaccurate during valve operation, then the system operates simply, but the valve may be damaged due to excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure-responsive valve with pressure gauge creates a feedback mechanism that monitors fluid pressure during valve testing operations. This feedback allows real-time detection of torque levels applied to the valve, enabling operators to adjust control parameters to prevent excessive force application and potential valve damage while maintaining system integrity.
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 solution enables precise and accurate setting of pressure-sensitive elements, ensuring the valve is operated within safe torque and speed limits, reducing the risk of damage and improving the reliability of valve testing by allowing the pressure-responsive valve to be preset to desired threshold pressures before each testing event.
Implementation Method 1
the pressure-responsive valve senses that a pressure of the flow of the working fluid entering the inlet of the pressure-responsive valve substantially equals or exceeds a threshold pressure
Implementation Method 2
A fluid control assembly with an adjustable pressure-responsive valve and a preload valve that allows for manual setting of threshold pressure, enabling precise control of fluid flow to the motor
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of preloading a valve tester control assembly circuit includes a valve testing control apparatus comprising a fluid supply, a motor, and a fluid control assembly controlling working fluid flow from the fluid supply to the motor. The fluid control assembly comprises an operation valve fluidly connected to the fluid supply, an adjustable pressure-responsive valve fluidly connected to the operation valve, and a preload valve fluidly connected between the pressure-responsive valve and the motor. The method includes closing the preload valve so that fluid does not pass through the motor, opening the operation valve so that the fluid supply is in fluid communication with the pressure-responsive valve, operating the fluid supply to supply fluid to the pressure-responsive valve, and adjusting the pressure-responsive valve so that a pressure-sensing gauge in fluid communication with the pressure-responsive valve senses a desired maximum pressure for the fluid during testing of a valve.