Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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COMPACT MANIFOLDED FAIL-SAFE HYDRAULIC CONTROL SYSTEM
1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the automation of
pipeline valves used in critical fail-open or fail-close
applications.
2. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Self-contained emergency shut down systems,
designed to control the emergency shut down closure of
valves on oil and gas wellheads, contain a significantly
large number of proprietary components. The large, total
number of proprietary components used in these systems leads
to unreliability. A need exists, therefore, for a self-
contained emergency shut down system that contains fewer
components and provides for a greater level of emergency
shut down reliability and performance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
A self-contained, emergency shut down system
according to this invention provides an incremental
improvement in reliability due to its simple design
configuration. It is ideal for controlling critical fail-
open and fail-close pipeline valves. Critical applications
require that the pipeline valve does stroke to the fail-safe
position without the need for an external power source.
Fail-open applications include fire protection, pressure
relief, and process balance. Providing six possible hand
pump handle positions provides a level of ergonomics which
is not currently being sold. Incorporating a compact oil
immersed hydraulic power pack within a reservoir provides an
incremental improvement in operating convenience and
application flexibility.
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The simple and compact manifolded fail safe
hydraulic control system (CFHCS) represents a new and useful
improvement to the typical hydraulic emergency shutdown
systems currently available. Its superior reliability,
application flexibility, and compact size make it ideal for
critical applications other than oil and gas wellheads.
Instead of the typical arrangement where each control device
is assembled in its own pressurized body, control devices
are assembled into one single pressurized manifold. The
total number of proprietary parts compared to existing
emergency shutdown systems is minimized to increase
reliability.
The CFHCS comprises a pump, a pressure regulator,
a low pressure volume accumulator, a low pressure relief
valve, a high pressure relief valve, a piloted 2-way dump
valve, a reservoir, and a single manifold. A 3-way high and
low pressure pilot monitors pipeline pressure and conditions
the monitored pipeline parameter signal and delivers or
removes the pilot pressure acting on the piloted 2-way dump
valve. The CFHCS may also include an optional 3-way
electric solenoid valve.
The manifold contains passageways capable of
allowing fluid flow within the passageways, and the pump,
low pressure volume accumulator, pressure regulator; low
pressure relief valve, high pressure relief valve, and
piloted 2-way dump valve are contained within the single
manifold and the reservoir and connected to the passageways.
The 3-way high and low pressure pilot and optional 3-way
electric solenoid valve are not contained within the
manifold. The outer perimeter of the reservoir is fully
contained within the outer perimeter of the manifold. The
manifold may be configured for switching low pressure or
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high pressure, for switching low pressure only, or for
switching high pressure only.
The pump may be a hand pump or an oil immersed
electric pump that is containable within the reservoir. The
manifold may be configured to accommodate each type of pump.
The hand pump comprises a handle and a piston. The handle
provides six indexed operating positions and 150 of
adjustment in a vertical plane of the hand pump. The piston
is contained within the manifold and being connectable to
said passageways in said manifold. The hand pump further
comprises a module that contains a check valve and pump
discharge filter. The module is connected to the manifold
and provides access to the check valve and pump discharge
filter without affecting containment of the piston in the
manifold.
The piloted 2-way dump valve comprises a cover, a
lift, a piston, a piston spring load, a sleeve, and a
plunger. The lift and plunger are threaded together and
fasten the piston in between. The piloted 2-way dump valve
further comprises a lever having a lever spring load and a
lever guide. The lever guide is configured to prevent the
lever from moving into a position that could render the
CFHCS ineffective.
When configured for switching high pressure, the
piloted 2-way dump valve further comprises a high pressure
seat and a seat spring load. Additionally, the sleeve is a
high pressure sleeve and threaded. The plunger is a high
pressure plunger and has an enlarged tapered end.
When configured for switching low pressure, the
piloted 2-way dump valve further comprises a retaining ring
and the sleeve is a low pressure sleeve that has a plurality
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of inner and outer annular cavities, cross-drilled to create
radially spaced fluid flow passages. The plunger is a low
pressure plunger and has a plurality of seals located on its
outside diameter spaced axially in relation to the radially
spaced fluid flow passages of the low pressure sleeve.
The pressure regulator comprises a cover, a
piston, a spring plate, a piston spring load, a high
pressure poppet, and a high pressure poppet spring load.
The piston is oriented to cycle in a vertical plane of the
manifold. The poppet is oriented to provide a high pressure
seat surface against the manifold. The low pressure volume
accumulator further comprises a cover, a piston, and a
piston spring load. The piston has an extended spring guide
diameter. The piston also has at least one spiral groove
across its face.
The low pressure relief valve comprises a cap, a
poppet, a seat, and a poppet spring load. The poppet is
oriented to cycle in a vertical plane of the manifold and
the seat is oriented to form a soft seal. The high pressure
relief valve shares the cap of the low pressure relief valve
and further comprises a poppet, a seat, and a poppet spring
load. The poppet is oriented to cycle in a vertical plane
of the manifold and the seat is oriented to form a soft
seal.
The 3-way high and low pressure pilot body is
threaded into the pipeline and comprises a sleeve and a
retaining ring for positioning the sleeve against a surface
of the manifold. The sleeve has a plurality of inner and
outer annular cavities that have cross-drilled radially
spaced fluid flow passages. The sleeve further comprises a
spool that has a plurality of outer soft seals. The outer
soft seals are specifically spaced axially in relation to
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the radially spaced fluid flow passages in the sleeve. The
3-way high and low pressure pilot may further comprise a low
spring saddle, a low spring plate, a high spring saddle, a
spring nut, a low spring load, and a high spring load. The
spring nut has a hole through which the high spring saddle
moves axially. The high spring saddle is oriented to
encompass and limit compression of the low spring at a high
pipeline pressure and the de-compression of the high spring
at low pipeline pressure.
The CFHCS according to this invention also
embodies a method of hydraulic control of a pipeline valve
comprising the steps of holding hydraulic fluid pressure in
an actuator hydraulic cylinder that maintains a valve in its
normal operating position and venting hydraulic fluid
pressure from the actuator hydraulic cylinder in order to
allow the valve to move into its fail-safe position. The
venting step may further include the steps of removing the
monitored pipeline parameter signal to the piloted two-way
dump valve and releasing the spring load on a piston of the
piloted two-way dump valve so that the piloted two-way dump
valve is in its open position. The holding step may further
include the steps of positioning a lever of a piloted two-
way dump valve under spring load so that the piloted two-way
dump valve is in its closed position, conditioning a
monitored pipeline parameter signal to the piloted two-way
dump valve; and activating the lever to swing vertically
downward to indicate when the pipeline valve is correctly
reset. The conditioning step may further include the steps
of placing a pressure-responsive spool inside a sleeve of a
3-way high and low pressure pilot so that the spool is free
to move axially within the sleeve based on a monitored
pipeline parameter signal, limiting the lower axial movement
of the spool within the sleeve based on a low pipeline
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parameter signal, limiting the higher axial movement of the
spool within the sleeve based on a high pipeline parameter
signal, setting seal positions within the sleeve for holding
hydraulic fluid pressure at a normal pipeline parameter
signal; and setting seal positions within the sleeve for
venting hydraulic fluid pressure at a high or a low pipeline
parameter signal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be
described in further detail. Other features, aspects, and
advantages of the present invention will become better
understood with regard to the following detailed
description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings
(which are not to scale) where:
Figures 1 to 2B provide schematic drawings of
different embodiments of the compact manifolded fail safe
hydraulic control system (CFHCS).
Figure 1 is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
a piloted 2-way dump valve configured to switch low pressure
to control the operation of a typical fail-safe pipeline
valve.
Figure lA is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
the piloted 2-way dump valve switching low signal pressure
thereby controlling a linear valve and high pressure spring
return actuator.
Figure 1B is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
the piloted 2-way dump valve switching low signal pressure
thereby controlling a quarter-turn valve and high pressure
spring return actuator.
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Figure 1C is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
the piloted 2-way dump valve switching low cylinder pressure
thereby controlling a linear valve and low pressure spring
return actuator.
Figure 1D is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
the piloted 2-way dump valve switching low cylinder pressure
thereby controlling a quarter-turn valve and low pressure
spring return actuator.
Figure lE is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
the piloted 2-way dump valve switching high cylinder
pressure thereby controlling a linear valve and high
pressure spring return actuator.
Figure 1F is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
the piloted 2-way dump valve switching high cylinder
pressure thereby controlling a quarter-turn valve and high
pressure spring return actuator.
Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
a piloted 2-way dump valve configured to switch high
pressure to control the operation of a typical fail-safe
pipeline valve.
Figure 2A is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
an electric pump and the piloted 2-way dump valve switching
low pressure thereby controlling a linear valve and high
pressure spring return actuator. The electric pump replaces
a manual hand pump.
Figure 2B is a schematic drawing of the CFHCS with
an electric pump and the piloted 2-way dump valve switching
low pressure thereby controlling a quarter-turn valve and
high pressure spring return actuator. The electric pump
replaces the manual hand pump.
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Figure 3 is outline drawing of the CFHCS with
front view, top view and side view.
Figures 3A to 3C are outline drawings of another
embodiment of the CFHCS. Figure 3A is a front view. Figure
3B is a top view. Figure 3C is a side view. Proprietary
parts are labeled.
Figure 4 is a side view of the manual hand pump in
each of its three indexed lever assembly positions.
Figure 4A is a side view of another embodiment of
the manual hand pump with indexed handle assembly positions
1, 2 and 3. Proprietary parts are labeled.
Figure 4B is a side view of another embodiment of
the manual hand pump with indexed handle assembly positions
4, 5 and 6. Proprietary parts are labeled.
Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view the hand pump
and reservoir assembled with the manifold configured for
switching low or high pressure.
Figure 5A is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the hand pump and reservoir assembled with the
manifold configured for installation and porting of the hand
pump, and for switching low or high pressure.
Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of the
reservoir with oil immersed electric pump assembled with the
manifold configured for switching low or high pressure.
Figure 6A is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the reservoir with oil immersed electric pump
assembled with the manifold configured for installation and
porting of the electric pump, and for switching low or high
pressure.
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Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded pressure regulator without system pressure
assembled with the manifold configured for switching low or
high pressure.
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded pressure regulator with system pressure assembled
with the manifold configured for switching low or high
pressure.
Figure 8A is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the manifolded pressure regulator with system
pressure assembled with the manifold configured for
switching low or high pressure.
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded low pressure volume accumulator without system
pressure assembled with the manifold configured for
switching low or high pressure.
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded low pressure volume accumulator with system
pressure assembled with the manifold configured for
switching low or high pressure.
Figure 10A is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the manifolded low pressure volume accumulator
with system pressure assembled with the manifold configured
for switching low or high pressure.
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view the manifolded
low pressure relief valve without system pressure assembled
with the manifold configured for switching low or high
pressure.
Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded low pressure relief valve with system pressure
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assembled with the manifold configured for switching low or
high pressure.
Figure 12A is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the manifolded low pressure relief valve with
system pressure assembled with the manifold configured for
switching low or high pressure.
Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded high pressure relief valve without system
pressure assembled with the manifold configured for
switching low or high pressure.
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded high pressure relief valve with system pressure
assembled with the manifold configured for switching low or
high pressure.
Figure 14A is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the manifolded high pressure relief valve with
system pressure assembled with the manifold configured for
switching low or high pressure.
Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded piloted 2-way dump valve switching low pressure
with the lever in the dumped position assembled with the
manifold configured for switching low pressure only.
Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded piloted 2-way dump valve switching low pressure
with the lever in the leveled position assembled with the
manifold configured for switching low pressure only.
Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded piloted 2-way dump valve switching low pressure
with the lever in the charged position assembled with the
manifold configured for switching low pressure only.
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Figure 17A is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the manifolded piloted 2-way dump valve
switching low pressure with lever spring and lever guide in
the charged position assembled with the manifold configured
for switching low pressure only.
Figure 18 is a cross-sectional view of the
manifolded piloted 2-way dump valve switching high pressure
in the dumped position assembled with the manifold
configured for switching high pressure only.
Figure 18A is a cross sectional view of another
embodiment of the manifolded piloted 2-way dump valve
switching high pressure with lever spring and lever guide in
the charged position assembled with the manifold configured
for switching high pressure only.
Figure 19 is a cross-sectional view of the 3-way
high and low pressure pilot with 0.562" diameter sensing
piston assembled with body, spool, high spring saddle, low
spring plate, and spring nut.
Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the 3-way
high and low pressure pilot with 0.312" diameter sensing
piston assembled with spool, high spring saddle, low spring
plate, and spring nut.
Figure 21 is a cross-sectional view of the 3-way
high and low pressure pilot with 1.125" diameter sensing
piston assembled with spool, high spring saddle, low spring
plate, and spring nut.
Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the 3-way
high and low pressure pilot spool at normal sensed pressure
position.
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Figure 23 is a cross-sectional view of the 3-way
high and low pressure pilot spool at low sensed pressure
position.
Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the 3-way
high and low pressure pilot spool at high sensed pressure
position.
Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of another
embodiment of the 3-way high and low pressure pilot with
body, spool, high spring saddle, low spring plate, and
spring nut at normal sensed pressure position.
Figure 26 is an outline side view and front view
of the 3-way high and low pressure pilot with body shown in
Figure 25.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)
The compact manifolded hydraulic fail safe control
system (CFHCS) is used to control the operation of a spring
return actuator which, in turn, strokes a pipeline valve
from its normal operating position to its fail-safe
position, or from the fail-safe position to the normal
operating position. All of the fail-safe hydraulic control
system proprietary components are assembled and installed
into a single pressurized manifold. A piloted 2-way dump
valve opens to circulate the spring return actuator's
cylinder volume to a reservoir. The pipeline valve will
automatically stroke to the required fail-safe position
without an external power source. Pipeline valves operated
with quarterturn or linear type spring return actuators can
be operated using the CFHCS. The piloted 2-way dump valve
is opened when the pilot pressure is removed. The CFHCS
incorporates a 1ow pressure circuit, a high pressure
circuit, or both a low and high pressure circuit.
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The pilot pressure to the piloted 2-way dump valve
is removed when pipeline pressure exceeds a high or low set-
point of a 3-way pressure pilot. Likewise, the piloted 2-
way dump valve pilot pressure is removed when a 3-way
electric solenoid valve is de-energized. When the piloted
2-way dump valve is opened, the spring return actuator
cylinder volume is vented to the reservoir across a
regulator (a pressure-regulated cylinder dump) or directly
into the reservoir (a low-pressure cylinder or high-pressure
cylinder dump). High pressure and low pressure relief
valves are used to limit system pressure upstream and
downstream of the regulator. A low pressure volume
accumulator is provided to accommodate ambient temperature
fluctuations.
The CFHCS can be reset, or "re-charged," by hand
pumping in order to refill the spring return actuator
cylinder volume and return the pipeline valve to its normal
operating position. A lever of the piloted 2-way dump valve
is first rotated to the horizontal plane from the vertical
plane. A manual hand pump handle is cycled until the spring
return actuator and pipeline valve have returned to their
normal operating positions. Alternatively, an electrically
powered oil immersed pump enclosed in the reservoir is
energized to reset or re-charge the system.
The system indicates that it is reset when the
lever of the piloted 2-way dump automatically repositions
itself in the vertical plane, or "charged" position, and the
pipeline valve is in the normal operating position. When
reset the system is able to monitor pipeline pressure and
process conditions.
The fail-safe valve position of the pipeline valve
can also be achieved manually by applying axial hand force
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to the vertically positioned lever of the piloted 2-way dump
valve. This hand force acts against the pilot pressure
acting on the piloted 2-way dump valve to manually open the
dump valve.
Turning now to the drawings wherein like reference
characters indicate like or similar parts throughout,
Figures 1 to 2B illustrate preferred embodiments of the
CFHCS controlling the position of a fail-safe pipeline valve
that is mechanically operated using a quarter-turn or linear
spring return actuator.
Referring to Figure 1, the CFHCS consists of two
separate control circuits. The first circuit is connected
to the spring return actuator cylinder volume and is
maintained at high pressure. The second circuit is
maintained at low pressure and is connected to the first
circuit across low pressure regulator S. Low pressure
regulator 5 supplies low pressure volume accumulator 8 with
a volume of low pressure hydraulic fluid from the first
circuit. Low pressure relief valve 7, piloted 2-way dump
valve 9, 3-way electric solenoid valve 11, and 3-way
pressure pilot 10 are part of the second circuit and re-
circulate and return hydraulic fluid back to fully contained
reservoir 12. There is a hand pump 1, a hand pump discharge
filter and check valve 2, and a high pressure relief valve 4
connected in the high pressure circuit.
The outline of manifold 20 is shown to illustrate
that hand pump 1, low pressure regulator 5, low pressure
volume accumulator 8, low pressure relief valve 7, high
pressure relief valve 4, and piloted 2-way dump valve 9 are
assembled within the single manifold 20. The system will
operate with or without the 3-way electric solenoid valve
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11. The single manifold 20 provides the necessary porting
to connect a maximum of 43 proprietary control components.
Referring to Figures 1A and 1B, the CFHCS is shown
controlling the position of a fail-safe pipeline valve that
is mechanically operated using a quarter-turn or linear
spring return actuator. The single manifold 30 consists of
two separate control circuits. A high pressure circuit is
connected to the spring return actuator cylinder volume and
is maintained at high pressure. A low pressure circuit is
connected to the high pressure circuit across a pressure
regulator 5 and is maintained at low pressure.
The high pressure circuit is supplied with fluid
from fully contained reservoir 12 when manual hand pump 1 is
operated. Check valve 2, pressure regulator 5, high
pressure relief valve 4, and the spring return actuator
cylinder volume are connected in a certain sequence as
illustrated. Piloted 2-way dump valve 9 controls the
position of the pipeline valve by switching open or closed
based upon the pressure in the low pressure control circuit.
When the piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is opened, the spring
return actuator cylinder volume fluid is vented to fully
contained reservoir 12. Controlling the position of a fail-
safe pipeline valve is possible with or without the 3-way
electric solenoid valve 11. The 3-way electric solenoid 11
provides an additional control feature for an end user who
has an electric power source and needs to utilize remote
control of the failsafe valve. The single manifold 30
provides the necessary porting to connect all 41 proprietary
control components. Manifold 30 is unique in that a
machined bore which contains the low pressure plunger 85 and
low pressure sleeve 89 of piloted 2-way dump valve 9
switching low pressure (see Figure 17A) will not accept the
high pressure plunger 92 and high pressure sleeve 90 of
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piloted 2-way dump valve 9 switching high pressure (see
Figure 18A).
The low pressure control circuit is supplied with
fluid across pressure regulator 5 when the spring return
actuator cylinder is supplied with fluid by hand pump 1.
Check valve 2, pressure regulator 5, low pressure volume
accumulator 8, low pressure relief valve 7, piloted 2-way
dump valve 9, 3-way high and low pressure pilot 10, and 3-
way electric solenoid valve 11 are connected in a certain
sequence as illustrated. The outline of manifold 30 is
shown to illustrate that hand pump 1, low pressure regulator
5, low pressure volume accumulator 8, low pressure relief
valve 7, high pressure relief valve 4, and piloted 2-way
dump valve 9 are assembled within the single manifold 30.
The CFHCS remains in a pressurized state, with the
pipeline valve in its normal operating position, as long as
3-way high and low pressure pilot 10 is sensing pipeline
pressure between a high and low set point, or as long as
3-way electric solenoid valve 11 remains energized, or as
long as 3-way high and low pressure pilot 10 is sensing
pipeline pressure between a high and low set point and the
3-way electric solenoid valve 11 remains energized. If 3-
way pilot 10 opens due to pipeline pressure that is too high
or too low, or if 3-way electric solenoid valve 11 opens due
to being de-energized, then low pressure vents to fully
contained reservoir 12 and piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is
opened. To stroke the pipeline valve to its fail-safe
position, piloted 2-way dump valve 9 opens due to the loss
of pilot pressure. Subsequently, actuator cylinder high
pressure fluid is vented across pressure regulator 5 and the
open piloted 2-way dump valve 9, into fully contained
reservoir 12 which has a breather and fill cap.
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Manual operation of hand pump 1 is required to
reset or re-charge the CFHCS. Piloted 2-way dump valve 9
must be manually repositioned before manual hand pumping can
begin. The lever of piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is rotated
up 90 from a vertical plane to a horizontal plane to engage
lever spring load and be placed in the "leveled" position.
Hand pump 1 can then be manually operated by lifting up and
pushing down on handle 21 of hand pump 1. The required
operating force of hand pump 1 increases as CFHCS pressure
increases. As hand pump 1 is operated, fluid flows from
fully contained reservoir 12 through a screen and a filter
before passing check valve 2. Manual pumping re-pressurizes
low pressure volume accumulator 8 as determined by the set
points of regulator 5 and low pressure relief valve 7. The
actuator cylinder re-pressurizes as limited by a set point
of high pressure relief valve 4.
Referring to Figures 1C and 1D, the CFHCS is shown
controlling the position of a fail safe pipeline valve that
is mechanically operated utilizing a quarter-turn or linear
spring return actuator. The single manifold 30 consists of
one low pressure circuit. The low pressure circuit is
connected to the spring return actuator cylinder volume and
is at low pressure. Pressure regulator 5 and high pressure
relief valve 4 are not necessary for the control of this
CFHCS configuration. Piloted 2-way dump valve 9 controls
the position of the pipeline valve by switching open or
closed based upon the pressure in the low pressure circuit.
When the piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is opened, the spring
return actuator cylinder volume fluid is vented to fully
contained reservoir 12. Controlling the position of a fail-
safe pipeline valve is possible with or without 3-way
electric solenoid valve 11. The single manifold 30 provides
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the necessary porting to connect all 36 proprietary control
components.
The low pressure control circuit is supplied with
fluid when the spring return actuator cylinder is supplied
with fluid by hand pump 1. Check valve 2, low pressure
volume accumulator 8, low pressure relief valve 7, piloted
2-way dump valve 9, 3-way high and low pressure pilot 10,
and 3-way electric solenoid valve 11 are connected in a
certain sequence as illustrated. The outline of manifold 30
is shown to illustrate that hand pump 1, low pressure volume
accumulator 8, low pressure relief valve 7, and piloted 2-
way dump valve 9 are assembled within the single manifold
30.
Operation of 3-way high and low pressure pilot 10
and 3-way electric solenoid valve 11 occurs in a manner
similar to those described in connection with the control
circuits illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B. To stroke the
pipeline valve to its fail-safe position, piloted 2-way dump
valve 9 opens due to the loss of pilot pressure.
Subsequently, actuator cylinder low pressure fluid is vented
across the open piloted 2-way dump valve 9 and into fully
contained reservoir 12 which has a breather and fill cap.
Manual operation of hand pump 1 is required to reset or re-
charge the CFHCS. Operation of hand pump 1 occurs in a
manner similar to that as described in connection with the
control circuits illustrated in Figures lA and 1B. Manual
pumping re-pressurizes low pressure volume accumulator 8 and
the actuator hydraulic cylinder as limited by a set point of
low pressure relief valve 7.
Referring to Figures 1E and 1F, the CFHCS is shown
controlling the position of a fail- safe pipeline valve that
is mechanically operated utilizing a quarter-turn or linear
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spring return actuator. The single manifold 31 consists of
two separate control circuits. A high pressure circuit is
connected to the spring return actuator cylinder volume and
is maintained at high pressure. A low pressure control
circuit is connected to the high pressure circuit across
pressure regulator 5 and is maintained at low pressure.
Manifold 31 is specific to Figures 1E and 1F.
The high pressure control circuit is supplied with
fluid from fully contained reservoir 12 when manual hand
pump 1 is operated. Check valve 2, pressure regulator 5,
high pressure relief valve 4, and the spring return actuator
cylinder volume are connected in a certain sequence as
illustrated. Piloted 2-way dump valve 9 controls the
position of the pipeline valve by switching open or closed
based on the pressure in the low pressure circuit. When the
piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is opened, the spring return
actuator cylinder volume fluid is vented into fully
contained reservoir 12. Controlling the position of a fail-
safe pipeline valve is possible with or without 3-way
electric solenoid valve 11. The single manifold 31 provides
the necessary porting to connect all 43 proprietary control
components.
Control of the low pressure circuit occurs in a
manner similar to those described in connection with the
control circuits illustrated in Figures lA and 1B.
Operation of 3-way high and low pressure pilot 10 and 3-way
electric solenoid valve 11 occurs in a manner similar to
those described in connection with the control circuits
illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B. To stroke the pipeline
valve to its fail-safe position, piloted 2-way dump valve 9
opens due to the loss of low pressure. Subsequently,
actuator cylinder high pressure is vented directly across
the open piloted 2-way dump valve 9 and diffuser, into the
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fully contained reservoir 12 which has a breather and fill
cap. Manual operation of hand pump 1 is required to reset
or re-charge the CFHCS. Operation of hand pump 1 occurs in
a manner similar to that as described in connection with the
control circuits illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B.
Referring to Figure 2 piloted 2-way dump valve 9
is connected to the high pressure circuit. In Figure 1, the
spring return actuator cylinder volume is regulated to low
pressure before it is vented to fully contained reservoir
12. In Figure 2, the spring return actuator cylinder volume
is vented directly to reservoir 12 across a diffuser.
Controlling the position of a fail-safe pipeline valve is
possible with or without 3-way electric solenoid valve 11.
The single manifold 20 provides the necessary porting to
connect a maximum of 45 proprietary control components.
Referring to Figures 2A and 2B, the CFHCS is shown
controlling the position of a fail-safe pipeline valve that
is mechanically operated utilizing a quarter-turn or linear
spring return actuator. The single manifold 32 consists of
two separate control circuits. A high pressure circuit is
connected to the spring return actuator cylinder volume and
is maintained at high pressure. A low pressure control
circuit is connected to the high pressure circuit across
pressure regulator 5 and is maintained at low signal
pressure. The actuator is re-pressurized by electric pump
13. Hand pump 1 and the fill and breather cap of reservoir
12 are not necessary. Manifold 32 is unique in that the
machined bore which contains the components of hand pump 1
(see Figure 5A) is not provided; in its place is the
necessary mounting bolt pattern and different porting to
suit the installation of oil immersed electric pump 13 (see
Figure 6A).
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Control of the low pressure circuit occurs in a
manner similar to those described in connection with the
control circuits illustrated in Figures lA and 1B. Control
of the high pressure circuit occurs in a manner similar to
those described in connection with the control circuits
illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B. Operation of 3-way high
and low pressure pilot 10 and 3-way electric solenoid valve
11 also occurs in a manner similar to those described in
connection with the control circuits illustrated in Figures
1A and 1B.
To automatically stroke the pipeline valve to its
fail-safe position, one of the control techniques
illustrated Figures 1A through 1F is used in combination
with electric pump 13. The electric pump 13 and 3-way
solenoid valve 11 are re-energized to reset or re-charge the
CFHCS and return the pipeline valve to its normal operating
position. The single manifold 32 provides the necessary
porting to connect all 35 proprietary control components.
Another embodiment of the CFHCS with electric pump 13 could
use piloted 2-way dump valve 9 configured for switching high
pressure (see Figure 18A).
Referring to Figure 3 there is shown a top view,
front view and side view of CFHCS. The rectangular profile
of reservoir 12 matches the profile of the single manifold
20, thereby maximizing the useful volume in reservoir 12.
The front profile of reservoir 12 shows a sloped bottom
provided to collect solid debris adjacent to a drain port
and away from the inlet screen of hand pump 1.
Another embodiment of hand pump 1 is shown in
Figures 3A to 3C. Hand pump 1 is provided in the CFHCS as
illustrated in Figures lA to 1F, and not provided in the
CFSHC with electric pump 13 as illustrated in Figures 2A and
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2B. Except for hand pump 1 and its proprietary components,
the CFHCS illustrated in Figures lA to 2B fit within the
same outline when assembled in single manifolds 30, 31, or
32.
Referring to Figure 4 there is shown in profile a
side view of the CFHCS with hand pump handle 21 assembled in
lever 22 of hand pump 1. Three operating positions are
provided for hand pump handle 21 and lever 22. Hand pump 1
is assembled into single manifold 20.
Another embodiment of hand pump 1 is shown in
Figures 4A and 4B. Hand pump handle 21 is assembled into
lever 22. A total of six indexed positions 21-1 to 21-6 are
provided for the assembled handle 21. Lever 22 pivots about
a bolt engaged in lever plate 23. A second bolt installed
through lever 22 engages a circular bolt pattern provided in
lever plate 23. Lever plate 23 includes three holes equally
spaced within a sixty-degree pattern. Lever 22 has two
holes which intersect at 90 degrees and either hole receives
handle 21. Handle 21 is bolted to lever 22 through an
intersecting bolt hole. The two holes intersecting at 90
degrees in lever 22, combined with the three-hole 60 degree
pattern in lever plate 23, provide a total of six assembled
handle 21 positions.
Referring to Figure 5, hand pump 1 is assembled
into manifold 20 using an additional nine proprietary parts.
The module 27 assembly includes an elevated pipe plug in
order to provide a means of venting entrained air from the
high pressure circuit of the CFHCS.
Another embodiment of hand pump 1 is shown in
Figure 5A. Hand pump 1 is assembled into manifold 30 using
an additional nine proprietary parts. (Assembly of the hand
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pump 1 into manifold 31 occurs in a manner similar to those
described in connection with manifold 30.) Piston 24 cycles
in a horizontal plane within a standard bushing, preferably
made of plastic, and contained in a matching bore provided
in manifold 30. The bushing forms one shoulder of a seal
groove to maintain seal concentricity, reduce operating
friction, and minimize eccentric loading of the seal.
Piston 24 is manually cycled axially by pushing and pulling
up and down on assembled handle 21 in a rhythmic fashion.
Fluid flows from the fully contained reservoir 12 into and
out of the volume created in the matching bore provided in
manifold 30, with the volume in the matching bore increasing
and decreasing as piston 24 is manually cycled axially. As
the volume of piston 24 decreases, fluid flows into the
spring return actuator fluid cylinder and is maintained by
check valve 2. The breather and filler cap of reservoir 12
is elevated and threaded into the top of stack 15. Stack 15
is bolted and sealed onto the side of manifold 30.
Piston 24 is loaded in compression when link 25 is
in tension. When link 25 is loaded in tension there are no
resulting bending stresses, only simple tension stresses and
contact stresses. Link 25 is loaded in tension by manually
pushing down on handle 21. At one end two entities of link
are pinned to lever plate 23 and bracket 26 with washers,
25 preferably made of plastic, installed to prevent metal-to-
metal contact and reduce friction. At the other end two
entities of link 25 are pinned to piston 24. Bracket 26 is
bolted to manifold 30.
Module 27 is assembled with a discharge filter and
check valve 2 and bolted and sealed to manifold 30. Module
27 can be removed from manifold 30 and replaced as a
cartridge without any further disassembly of the other
proprietary components of hand pump 1.
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Referring to Figure 6 the oil immersed electric
pump 13 is assembled into fully contained reservoir 12 and
fully contained manifold 20. The fully contained reservoir
12 does not require the fill and breather cap. Manifold 20
is modified by the addition of porting to connect the oil
immersed electric pump 13 to the other control components,
and the addition of a cover to enclose the matching bore
provided for hand pump 1.
Another embodiment of oil immersed electric pump
13 is shown in Figure 6A. Oil immersed electric pump 13
replaces hand pump 1 and is enclosed within fully contained
reservoir 12 and single manifold 32. Oil immersed electric
pump 13 is assembled with manifold 32 using two additional
proprietary parts. When oil immersed electric pump 13 is
re-energized, fluid flows from fully contained reservoir 12
into the spring return actuator cylinder volume where it is
maintained by check valve 2. Fully contained reservoir 12
does not require the fill and breather cap when assembled
with manifold 32.
Referring to Figures 7 and 8, pressure regulator 5
is assembled into manifold 20 using four additional
proprietary parts. Plate 41 is counter bored on its bottom
side and contains a stack of Belleville spring washers.
Figure 7 shows the CFHCS without pressure and poppet 43
disengaged from a matching seal edge provided in manifold
20. Figure 8 shows the CFHCS with pressure and poppet 43
engaged with the matching seal edge provided in manifold 20.
Another embodiment of pressure regulator 5 is
shown in Figure 8A. Pressure regulator 5 is assembled into
manifold 30 using four additional proprietary parts.
(Assembly of pressure regulator 5 into manifolds 31 and 32
occurs in a manner similar to those described in connection
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with manifold 30.) Piston 42 and poppet 43, both preferably
made of plastic to reduce friction, both cycle in the
vertical plane in matching bores provided in manifold 30. A
slot cut across and through a short raised small diameter
end face of piston 42 provides a fluid flow path to poppet
43. Shown with the CFCHS pressurized and poppet 43 in the
normal operating position, the short raised small diameter
end face of piston 42 is not contacting the mating face
provided in manifold 30. A bore is provided at this end of
piston 42 to receive and contact the end face of a pin. The
pin is assembled tightly into a mating bore provided in the
tapered end of poppet 43 and thereby maintains the assembled
distance relative to this end of piston 42. Poppet 43 is
provided with four axial radially profiled grooves along its
outside diameter to provide a flow path to fully contained
reservoir 12.
Coil spring load is exerted against the flat end
face of poppet 43. The coil spring is contained in a
matching bore provided in manifold 30 by a pipe plug. An
assembled Belleville spring washer stack exerts an opposing
spring load against piston 42. A flat spring plate 44 is
installed over, and compresses, the stack of Belleville
spring washers. A set screw is threaded through cover 40
against flat spring plate 44, and is used to adjust the
assembled Belleville spring stack load applied against
piston 42. Cover 40 is bolted to and sealed against
manifold 30. A lock nut with seal positions the set screw
and sets the assembled Belleville spring stack load.
Poppet 43 seals the difference in pressure between
the high pressure circuit and low pressure circuit. The
tapered end of poppet 43 seals against a matching edge
provided in manifold 30 unless low pressure drops to a
pressure where the low pressure force exerted on piston 42
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is less than the opposing force exerted by the pre-set
Belleville spring stack load. In this event, piston 42
cycles toward the matching face provided in manifold 30,
thereby disengaging the poppet 43 from the matching edge
provided in manifold 30, allowing high pressure circuit
fluid to flow across poppet 43 into the low pressure
circuit.
When piston 42 cycles toward the matching face
provided in manifold 30, the pin maintains the assembled
spacing relative to poppet 43. Poppet 43 follows the
movement of piston 42, thereby disengaging the seal edge
provided on manifold 30. When low pressure increases to the
point where the low pressure force exerted on piston 42 is
greater than the opposing pre-set force of the assembled
Belleville spring stack load, piston 42 cycles away from the
matching face provided in manifold 30 compressing the stack
of Belleville washers. Subsequently poppet 43 re-engages
the matching seal edge provided on manifold 30 re-sealing
the high pressure circuit from the low pressure circuit.
Referring to Figures 9 and 10, low pressure volume
accumulator 8 is assembled into manifold 20 using two
additional proprietary parts. Manifold 20 provides a
straight matching bore for piston 51. Figure 9 shows the
CFHCS without pressure and piston 51 contacting cover 50.
Figure 10 shows the CFHCS with pressure and piston 51
disengaged from cover 50.
Another embodiment of low pressure volume
accumulator 8 is shown in Figure 10A. Low pressure volume
accumulator 8 is assembled into manifold 30 using two
additional proprietary parts. (Assembly of low pressure
volume accumulator 8 into manifolds 31 and 32 occurs in a
manner similar to those described in connection with
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manifold 30.) The low pressure accumulator 8 has capacity
to accommodate displacement generated by the piston area of
piloted 2-way dump valve 9 when piloted 2-way dump valve 9
is manually opened. Cover 50, which is bolted to and sealed
against manifold 30, determines the assembled position of
and the assembled coil spring load exerted on piston 51.
Shown with the CFHCS pressurized and piston 51 in the normal
operating position, the extended small diameter end of
piston 51 does not contact the matching face provided in
manifold 30.
Piston 51, preferably made of plastic to reduce
friction, cycles in the horizontal plane in a matching bore
provided in manifold 30. The matching bore provided in
manifold 30 is oversized relative to piston 51, in the
region of a cross-drilled hole, to protect the seal of
piston 51 from damage during assembly and disassembly. A
single spiral groove circles the end face of piston 51
approximately three times to ensure evenly distributed
pressure when piston 51 is in its starting position and
contacting cover 50. Piston 51 provides an extended small
diameter end to further engage the inside diameter of the
coil spring as low pressure increases.
The force of piston 51 is generated by increasing
fluid volume in the low pressure volume accumulator 8. As
fluid volume increases in low pressure volume accumulator 8,
the coil spring load opposes the force generated by piston
51. As low pressure in the CFHCS increases or decreases, or
when piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is opened or closed, fluid
flows between the matching bore provided in manifold 30 and
the low pressure circuit.
Referring to Figures 11 and 12, the low pressure
relief valve 7 is assembled into manifold 20 using three
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additional proprietary parts. Figure 11 shows the CFHCS
without pressure and poppet 60 engaging the soft seal
contained by seat 62. Figure 11 shows the CFHCS without
pressure and poppet 60 disengaged from the soft seal
contained by seat 62.
Another embodiment of low pressure relief valve 7
is shown in Figure 12A. Low pressure relief valve 7 is
assembled into manifold 30 using three additional
proprietary parts. (Assembly of low pressure relief valve 7
into manifold 31 and 32 occurs in a manner similar to those
described in connection with manifold 30.) Poppet 60 cycles
in a vertical plane within a matching bore provided in
manifold 30. A bushing preferably made of plastic to reduce
friction is installed on a matching diameter on poppet 60.
A shoulder provided on poppet 60 contacts a chamfer provided
on a mating surface on seat 62. Four holes drilled through
and normal to a mating surface provided on poppet 60
intersect a chamfer provided on the mating surface of seat
62 to provide a flow path to fully contained reservoir 12.
Poppet 60 contains a coil spring load determined
by the assembled position of cap 63. Cap 63 threads into
manifold 30 against a coil spring installed in a matching
bore provided in manifold 30. A hex hole provided in the
flat end of cap 63 provides a means to adjust the opposing
coil spring load exerted against poppet 60. A lock nut sets
the assembled coil spring load and position of cap 63. A
hole drilled through cap 63 lets vented fluid to flow into
fully contained reservoir 12. Cap 63 is common to the high
pressure relief valve 4 shown in Figure 14A.
A retaining ring holds seat 62 into its assembled
position containing a soft seal between a radially profiled
groove provided in seat 62 and the mating surface provided
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in manifold 30. The contained soft seal prevents low
pressure fluid from venting into the fully contained
reservoir 12. When the poppet 60 force generated by low
pressure increases to a point greater than the opposing coil
spring load poppet 60 cycles toward cap 63, thereby
disengaging the contained soft seal of seat 62 and allowing
fluid to vent from the low pressure circuit to fully
contained reservoir 12. When low pressure decreases to the
point where poppet 60 force is less than the opposing coil
spring load poppet 60 cycles away from cap 63 thereby re-
engaging the contained soft seal of seat 62 and re-sealing
the low pressure circuit from fully contained reservoir 12.
Referring to Figures 13 and 14, the high pressure
relief valve 4 is assembled into manifold 20 using three
additional proprietary parts. Figure 13 shows the CFHCS
without pressure and poppet 70 engaging a soft seal
contained by seat 72. Figure 14 shows the CFHCS without
pressure and poppet 70 disengaged from the soft seal
contained by seat 72.
Another embodiment of high pressure relief valve 4
is shown in Figure 14A. High pressure relief valve 4 is
assembled into the manifold 30 using three additional
proprietary parts. (Assembly of high pressure relief valve 4
into manifold 31 and 32 occurs in a manner similar to those
described in connection with manifold 30.) Poppet 70 cycles
in a vertical plane within a matching bore provided in
manifold 30. A bushing, preferably made of plastic to
reduce friction, is installed on a matching diameter on
poppet 70. A shoulder provided on poppet 60 contacts a
chamfer provided on mating surface on seat 72. Four holes
drilled through and normal to the mating surface provided on
poppet 70 intersect a chamfer provided on the mating surface
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of seat 62 to provide a flow path to fully contained
reservoir 12.
Poppet 70 contains a Belleville spring stack load
determined by the assembled position of cap 63. Cap 63
threads into manifold 30 against a Belleville spring stack
installed in a matching bore provided in manifold 30. A hex
hole provided in the flat end of cap 63 provides a means to
adjust the opposing Belleville spring stack exerted against
poppet 70. A lock nut sets the assembled coil spring load
and position of cap 63. A hole drilled through cap 73 lets
vented fluid into fully contained reservoir 12. Cap 63 is
common to the low pressure relief valve 7 shown in Figure
12A.
A retaining ring holds seat 72 into its assembled
position containing a soft seal between a radially profiled
groove provided in seat 72 and the mating surface provided
in manifold 30. The contained soft seal prevents low
pressure fluid from venting into fully contained reservoir
12. When the force on poppet 70 generated by high pressure
increases to a point greater than the opposing Belleville
spring stack load, poppet 70 cycles toward cap 63, thereby
disengaging the contained soft seal of seat 72 and allowing
fluid to vent from the high pressure circuit to fully
contained reservoir 12. When high pressure decreases to the
point where poppet 60 force is less than the opposing
Belleville spring stack load poppet 70 cycles away from cap
63 thereby re-engaging the contained soft seal of seat 67
and re-sealing the high pressure circuit from fully
contained reservoir 12.
Referring to Figure 15, the piloted 2-way dump
valve 9 is assembled into manifold 20 using six additional
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proprietary parts. It is shown in the "dumped" position and
configured for switching low pressure.
Referring to Figure 16, the piloted 2-way dump
valve 9 is assembled into manifold 20 using six additional
proprietary parts. It is shown in the leveled position and
configured for switching low pressure.
Referring to Figure 17, the piloted 2-way dump
valve 9 is assembled into manifold 20 using six additional
proprietary parts. It is shown in the charged position and
configured for switching low pressure.
Referring to Figure 17A, another embodiment of
piloted 2-way dump valve 9, switching low pressure, is shown
in its normal operating or charged position. This
embodiment of piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is assembled into
manifold 30 using eight additional proprietary parts.
(Assembly of piloted 2-way dump valve 9, switching low
pressure, into manifold 32 occurs in a manner similar to
those described in connection with manifold 30.) Low
pressure Plunger 88 cycles axially in the horizontal plane
within a bore provided in low pressure sleeve 89 which is
assembled in a matching bore provided in manifold 30. Low
pressure Sleeve 89 and lever guide 86 are preferably plastic
to reduce friction.
A retaining ring maintains low pressure sleeve 89
in the assembled position against a matching face provided
in manifold 30. A soft seal contained on the end of low
pressure plunger 88 engages the bore of sleeve 89, thereby
sealing the low pressure circuit from fully contained
reservoir 12. The soft seal on the end of low pressure
plunger 88 is installed within a dove tail groove, and
thereby contained in the groove as low pressure fluid flows
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across it when the piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is opened.
When the soft seal on the end of low pressure plunger 88 no
longer engages the bore of low pressure sleeve 89, cross
drilled annular grooves provided on the outside and inside
diameters of low pressure sleeve 89 create a flow passage
for low pressure fluid to vent into fully contained
reservoir 12 when the piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is opened.
Low pressure plunger 88 is assembled together as a
unit with piston 83 and lift 81. Low pressure plunger 88
threads into lift 81, and piston 83 is thereby fixed in
position between low pressure plunger 88 and lift 81.
Piston 83 cycles in a matching bore provided in manifold 30.
Cover 82 is bolted and sealed against manifold 30 and
provides a matching bore for lift 81 to cycle axially within
in a horizontal plane. The cover 82 contains the coil
spring load, as set by the assembled position of cover 82,
which is exerted against piston 83. The low pressure force
acting on piston 83 is balanced against the coil spring
force exerted on piston 83.
In the charged position, lever 80 is hanging
vertically, supported by lift 81 and a cap screw installed
through matching clearance holes provided in lift 81 and
lever 80. One end of lever spring 87 is fixed to the end
face provided on lift 81 with a machine screw and flat
washer. Lever spring 87 is unloaded and installed within a
slot provided in lever 80 and contained radially at the
other end by a spring pin assembled in a through hole
provided in lever 80. Lever guide 86 is assembled against
cover 82 with machine screws and prevents lever 80 from
rotating about the center of piloted 2-way dump valve 9 and
also beyond the leveled position shown in Figure 16.
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Piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is opened either by
venting low circuit pressure which acts on piston 83 or by
manually pushing on lever 80 with an axial force greater
than the combined net force acting on piston 83 by low
pressure and the opposing coil spring load. When the low
pressure circuit is vented, the low pressure force acting on
piston 83 is less than the opposing coil spring load. This
results in low pressure plunger 88 cycling axially in low
pressure sleeve 89 away from cover 82, thereby disengaging
the soft seal contained on the end of low pressure plunger
88 from the bore of low pressure sleeve 89. When lever 80
is manually pushed, as described above, low pressure plunger
88 cycles axially in the bore of low pressure sleeve 89 and
away from cover 82, thereby disengaging the soft seal
contained on the end of low pressure plunger 88 from the
bore of low pressure sleeve 89. When lever 80 is manually
pushed additional low pressure fluid flows into low pressure
volume accumulator 8, further cycling piston 51, creating a
temporary and insignificant increase in low circuit
pressure.
Before the CFSHC can be reset or re-charged and
the fail-safe valve returned to its normal operating
position, lever 80 is manually rotated up to the leveled
position shown in Figure 16. In the leveled position,
torsion load contained radially by a spring pin assembled in
a through hole provided in lever 80 is exerted by lever
spring 87 on lever 80. This torsion load would rotate lever
80 back down to the vertical dumped position without the
assembled coil spring load acting on piston 83. Hand pump 1
or oil immersed electric pump 13 can subsequently be
utilized to reset, or recharge, the CFSHC and re-position
the pipeline valve into its normal operating position,
either fully open or fully closed. When the CFSHC is fully
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reset, or fully re-charged, lever 80 automatically drops
down to the vertical charged position, and the pipeline
valve is fully open or closed.
Referring to Figure 18, piloted 2-way dump valve 9
is assembled into manifold 20 using seven additional
proprietary parts. It is shown in the dumped position and
configured for switching high pressure. Manifold 20 is
modified by the addition of porting to connect piloted 2-way
dump valve 9, switching high pressure, to the other control
components.
Referring to Figure 18A another embodiment of
piloted 2-way dump valve 9, switching high pressure, is
shown in cross section in its normal operating position, or
charged position. This embodiment of piloted 2-way dump
valve 9 is assembled into manifold 31 using nine additional
proprietary parts. High pressure plunger 92 is cycled
axially in the horizontal plane within a bore provided by
high pressure seat 91, which is assembled in a matching bore
provided in manifold 31. High pressure seat 91, high
pressure sleeve 90, and lever guide 86 are preferably
plastic to reduce friction.
High pressure seat 91 is maintained in the
assembled position and contains a Belleville spring stack
force as determined by the assembled position of high
pressure sleeve 90. High pressure sleeve 90 threads into
manifold 31 and is adjusted to set the assembled Belleville
stack spring load which is exerted on high pressure seat 91.
An enlarged tapered surface provided at the end of high
pressure plunger 92 engages a seal edge provided in the bore
of high pressure seat 91, thereby sealing high pressure from
the fully contained reservoir 12. High pressure seat 91 is
provided with four equally spaced slots, over which the
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Belleville spring stack is assembled, to create a flow
passage for high pressure fluid to vent into fully contained
reservoir 12 when the piloted 2-way dump valve 9 is opened.
High pressure plunger 92 is assembled together as
a unit piston 83 and lift 81. High pressure plunger 92
threads into lift 81, and piston 83 is thereby fixed in
position between high pressure plunger 88 and lift 81.
Piston 83 cycles in a matching bore provided in manifold 31.
Cover 82 is bolted and sealed against manifold 31 and
provides a matching bore for lift 81 to cycle axially within
in the horizontal plane. The cover 82 contains the coil
spring load, as set by the assembled position of cover 82,
which is exerted against piston 83. The low pressure force
acting on piston 83 is balanced against the coil spring
force exerted on piston 83. Operation of piloted 2-way dump
valve 9, switching high pressure, in manifold 31 occurs in a
manner similar to those described in connection with piloted
2-way dump valve 9, switching low pressure, shown in Figure
17A.
Referring to Figure 19, 3-way high and low
pressure pilot 10, with 0.562" diameter piston 101, is
assembled using fourteen proprietary parts including body
102, spool 103, spring nut 109, piston orifice 100, low
spring plate 110, high spring saddle 111 and vent orifice
113.
Referring to Figure 20, 3-way high and low
pressure pilot 10, with 0.312" diameter piston 115, is
assembled using fourteen proprietary parts including body
116, spool 103, spring nut 109, piston orifice 114, low
spring plate 110, high spring saddle 111 and vent orifice
113.
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Referring to Figure 21, 3-way high and low
pressure pilot 10, with 1.125" diameter piston 118, is
assembled using fourteen proprietary parts including body
119, spool 103, spring nut 109, piston orifice 117, low
spring plate 110, high spring saddle 111 and vent orifice
113.
Figure 22 illustrates 3-way high and low pressure
pilot 10 with the seals of spool 103 centered in sleeve 104
with normal pipeline pressure. With low pipeline pressure,
spool 103 moves vertically downward to the position shown in
Figure 23. With high pipeline pressure, spool 103 moves
vertically upward to the position shown in Figure 24.
Referring to Figure 25, an alternate embodiment of
3-way high and low pressure pilot 10, assembled using eleven
proprietary parts is shown. Piston 101 cycles axially in a
matching bore provided in body 120. Spool 121 cycles
axially in a matching bore provided in sleeve 104 which, in
turn, is positioned in a matching bore provided in body 120.
Sleeve 104 and high spring washer are preferably plastic to
reduce friction. Piston 101 is contained within the bore
provided in body 120 with a retaining ring. The top end of
piston 101 contacts the hex socket plug of spool 121,
thereby transferring piston force generated by pipeline
pressure. Sleeve 104 is maintained in the assembled
position with sleeve ring 105 and a retaining ring against a
matching face provided in body 120. The top end of spool
121 contacts low spring saddle 112. Low spring saddle 112
and sleeve 104 are positioned in a common matching bore
provided in body 120.
Low spring saddle 112 and low spring are assembled
in position on top of spool 121. High spring saddle 122 and
high spring are assembled in position over the low spring
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and low spring saddle 112. High spring saddle 122 is
axially positioned by the top face provided on body 120.
Spring canister 106 threads onto body 120 against a shoulder
and seal, and provides a matching bore for the high spring.
The high spring washer and low spring plate 123 are
assembled in position on top of the high spring and low
spring. High spring nut 124 is threaded into spring
canister 106. The assembled position of the high spring nut
124 compresses and sets the high spring assembled load. The
set screw threads into the top of the high spring saddle 122
and contacts low spring plate 123 which provides a matching
bore for the set screw. The assembled position of the set
screw compresses and sets the low spring assembled load.
Spring cap 107 threads onto spring canister 106 against a
shoulder and seal provided. Body 120 is threaded into the
pipeline utilizing two flat surfaces provided on the body
120.
Pipeline pressure generates a force on piston 101
that is transferred to the low spring and low spring saddle
112 by spooi 121. As pipeline pressure increases, the force
acting on piston 101 increases and low spring saddle 112
cycles axially toward high spring saddle 122 and makes
contact. Maximum low spring compression occurs when the low
spring saddle 112 contacts the high spring saddle 122.
Pipeline pressure will increase to the point where low
spring saddle 112 transfers the force acting on piston 101
to high spring saddle 122, thereby lifting high spring
saddle 122 off and away from the top of body 120 further
compressing the high spring. With increasing pipeline
pressure, axial movement of piston 101 is limited by the
opposing shoulder provided in the body 120.
As pipeline pressure decreases, the force acting
on piston 101 decreases and the low spring saddle 112 cycles
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axially away from high spring saddle 122. With decreasing
pipeline pressure axial movement of piston 101 is limited by
the axial movement of the low spring saddle. When pipeline
pressure decreases, low spring saddle 112 cycles axially
away from high spring saddle 122 until contact with the top
face provided on sleeve ring 105 is made. Minimum high
spring compression occurs when the high spring saddle 122
re-contacts the top face provided on body 120.
As spool 121 cycles axially with increasing and
decreasing pipeline pressure, the four substantially equally
spaced soft seals contained on spool 121 engage and
disengage specifically spaced matching bores provided in
sleeve 104. The matching bores of sleeve 104 are
specifically spaced relative to the soft seals contained on
spool 121. The specific spacing of the matching bores
provided in sleeve 104 creates flow passages, which are
either open or closed, depending on the axial position of
spool 121 relative to sleeve 104. The four substantially
equally spaced soft seals of spool 121 are assembled into
dove tail grooves, and are thereby contained within their
grooves as low pressure fluid flows across them when the
created flow passages are opened.
In the normal operating position of 3-way high and
low pressure pilot 10, low pressure fluid flows into body
120 at the IN port, into the spool 121 at the end with the
pipe plug installed, out the spool 121 near it's middle, and
out of body 120 at the OUT port. This flow passage is
created by the cross-drilled holes in body 120, the three
cross drilled inner and outer annular cavities of sleeve
104, the four substantially equally spaced soft seals
contained on spool 121 and the cross drilled hole pattern
provided in spool 121.
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With low pipeline pressure, the axial position of
the four substantially equally spaced soft seals contained
on spool 121, relative to the specifically spaced matching
bores of sleeve 104 results in an effective seal between low
pressure fluid at the IN port and both the OUT port and EXH
port of body 102. Low pipeline pressure also results in the
creation of a flow passage, similar to the flow passage
described above, opening between the OUT port and the EXH
port of body 120.
With high pipeline pressure, the axial position of
the four substantially equally spaced soft seals contained
on spool 121, relative to the specifically spaced matching
bores of sleeve 104 results in an effective seal between low
pressure fluid at the IN port and both the OUT and EXH port
of body 120. High pipeline pressure also results in the
creation of a flow passage, similar to the flow passage
described above, opening between the OUT port and the EXH
port of body 120.
The increasing and decreasing pressure scenarios
result in low pressure fluid venting to fully contained
reservoir 12 through 3-way high and low pressure pilot 10
and the open piloted 2-way dump valve 9. The pipeline valve
subsequently cycles to its fail-safe position, fully closed
or fully open.
Referring to Figure 26, all of the various
embodiments of 3-way high and low pressure pilot 10 fit
within the same outline as assembled with body 120.
Additionally, various piston diameters are provided within
the same outline shown.
The foregoing description details certain
preferred embodiments of the present invention and describes
39
CA 02631371 2008-05-15
79678-64
the best mode contemplated. It will be appreciated,
however, that changes may be made in the details of
construction and the configuration of components without
departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
Therefore, the description provided herein is to be
considered exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true
scope of the invention is that defined by the following
claims and the full range of equivalency to which each
element thereof is entitled.
