Wireless Gas-Over-Oil Valve Actuation Without Hardwired Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gas-over-oil actuator systems in natural gas pipelines require hardwired connections for operation, which are prone to interference, deterioration, and failure due to permeation phenomena in cable insulation layers, limiting remote operation efficiency and safety.
Innovation Solution
A wireless gas-over-oil actuator system that includes a wireless position monitor with an integral pneumatic pilot spool valve and switching relay, allowing remote operation of valves without hardwired connections, using a wireless network to manage pressure supply and monitor valve positions, and integrating diagnostic capabilities for feedback and alarm generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired connections are used for valve actuator operation, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but the system is prone to interference, deterioration, and failure due to permeation phenomena in cable insulation layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired electrical connection system with a wireless communication system. The valve actuator includes a wireless transceiver that communicates with external control systems through wireless signals, eliminating physical cable connections and their associated permeation problems. This substitution removes the harmful interaction between natural gas and cable insulation while maintaining reliable communication for actuator control and monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If wired connections are used for remote operation, then system functionality is maintained, but remote operation efficiency and safety are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements wireless communication between the valve actuator and remote control systems, replacing mechanical wired connections. This enables more efficient remote operation as operators can control valves without being constrained by physical cable routing, while simultaneously improving reliability by eliminating connection failure risks associated with wired systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transceiver acts as an intermediary device that enables communication between the valve actuator and external control systems without direct physical connection. This intermediary wireless communication system facilitates remote operation while isolating the actuator from the harmful effects of wired connections in hazardous environments.
3Reliability
If all electrical equipment is certified for hazardous areas, then safety is ensured, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates electrical equipment in hazardous areas by using wireless communication. The valve actuator uses intrinsic safety design with minimal electrical components, and control functions are performed wirelessly, reducing the need for complex hazardous area certifications while maintaining safety through reduced electrical infrastructure.
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
Enables efficient remote operation of valves with improved safety and reduced risk of connection failures, minimizing interference and maintenance needs while maintaining system functionality, enhancing worker safety and production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
Upon receiving a command from a remote workstation via a wireless network, the wireless position monitor drives a pressure signal from a pneumatic pilot spool valve to at least one switching relay to manage pressure supply to the gas-over-oil actuator
Implementation Method 2
The system includes a wireless position monitor that monitors the position of the valve and provides feedback signals to the remote workstation via wireless network
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A gas-over-oil actuator system for use with a valve in a natural gas pipeline. The system includes a gas-over-oil actuator and a wireless position monitor operatively coupled to the gas-over-oil actuator. The wireless position monitor includes an integral opened spool valve and is adapted to be communicatively coupled to a remote workstation via a wireless network and a wireless gateway. At least one switching relay is operatively coupled to the gas-over-oil actuator and the wireless position monitor. Upon receiving a wireless command from the remote workstation, the wireless position monitor drives a pressure signal from the opened center spool valve to the at least one switching relay to manage high pressure supply to the gas-over-oil actuator and move the valve to a desired position.