AU2015204332B2 - High pressure and temperature valve - Google Patents

Abstract

The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods which provide a seal-less high temperature and pressure valve for use in many applications. It relates generally to hose testers.

Description

TITLE

HIGH PRESSURE AND TEMPERATURE VALVE

[0001] The present application is a divisional application from Australian Patent Application No.2012358898, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0001a] This disclosure relates generally to hose testers, more particularly to high pressure and tempera lure hose testers, and specifically to a high pressure and temperature valve used for cycling high pressure and temperature fluids to a hose(s; tor testing. SUMMlAg jÖOÖl'J The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods which provide a seal-less high temperature and pressure valve for use m many applications.

[0003] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features and technical advantages of the present disclosure in order that the detailed description ot the disclosure that follows may be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the disclosure will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the disclosure. It should be armreciated by those skilled in the art that the conception and specific embodiment disclosed may be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures lor carrying out the same purposes of the present disclosure. It should also be realized by those skilled in the art that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. The novel features which are believed to be characteristic of the disclosure, both as to its organization and method ot operation, together with lurcher objects and advantages wiii be better understood trom the following description when considered in connection with the accompanying figures. It is to be expressly understood, however, that each of the figures is provided for the purpose of illustration and description only and is not intended as a definition of the limits of the present disclosure.

[0004] hitp://www.interlaken.cora/pressure-svsienis/ [0005] http://www.brighihubengineering.coTn/hydraulics-civ]!-engineering/43882- leam-about-hydraulic-intensitiers/# [0005a] According to one embodiment, of the present invention, there is provided a hose test, system, comprising: a control system operatively coupled to a test system, said test system comprising, a hose test assembly configured to connect to a hose to be tested, and between an inlet hiah pressure valve and an outlet high pressure vaive, an intensifier coupled to said inlet high pressure vaive, capable of increasing the pressure within said hose test assembly when said inlet high pressure valve and said outlet high pressure valve are unactuated; wherein said control system is capable or controlling the operation of said intensifier of said test system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of the specification in which: like numerals designate like parts, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and together with the description, serve to explain: the principles of the disclosure. In the drawings: |0001] FIG, 1 is a block diagram of a hose tester at a low pressure state, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. |0002| FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a hose tester at a high pressure state, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[1ΗΜΠ] FIG. 3 is a cut away view of two high pressure and temperature valves, including operation, according to an embodiment.

[0004] FIG, 4 is a cutaway view of a high pressure and temperature valve according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0001] Figure 1 shows a block diagram of a hose test system 100 during a low oressure cycle, as indicated by pressure waveform 180, according to an embodiment. Generally the risht side of the pressure wave window indicates wanen portion oi lire cycu. the system 100 is in. System 100 may include a control system 110, and a test system 150. The control system 110 may be configured to control the operation of an intensitier 130.

[0002] Control system 110 may include a system oil tank 112, a system pump 114. an accumulator 116, a control valve 118, and interconnecting piping 120.

[0003] System oil tank 112 may function as a storage tank for the oil/liquid used with control system 110. System pump 114 may be operatively coupled to system oil tank 112 and piping 120 to circulate oil throughout the system 110. System pump 114 may also function to fill accumulator 116.

[0004] Accumulator may be used to store oil. to actuate imeusifier 130. System pump 114 may not be able to pump enough oil fast enough to actuate intensitier 130. Thus accumulator 116 is needed to provide the pressure characteristics needed for proper operation of the intensifier 130. Control valve 118 may function to direct the flow of oil to and from intensifier 130 and accumulator 116, as well a.s throughout the system .110.

[0005] In the low pressure embodiment shown in figure 1, as Indicated by pressure waveform 180, oil may flow to intensifier 130 to move piston 139 back to a iron-actuated position. In this position control valve 118 may also direct flow or oil throughout the system 110, and to and rrom system oil tank 11a. During dns ιθ«ν pressure phase, accumulator 1.16 may also be tilled to prepare tor the next nigh pressure stage of operation. Furthermore, oil may oe generally circulated throughout the system 110.

[00061 According to embodiments, test system 150 may include a test od tank 1»2, test pumn 154, hose test assembly 156 and oil temperature control system 158. le^t system. 150 may also include an inlet high pressure valve 160 and an outlet high pressure valve 170.

[0007] Test oil tank 152 may function as a storage tank for the test od/iiqu-d used with, test system ISO. Test pump 154 may be operatively coupled to system oil tank 152 and piping to circulate test oil throughout the test system 150.

[0008] Oil temperature control system 158 may function to keep the temperature of the test oil within an acceptable range. Oil temperature control system 158 may include heaters and coolers as well as heat exchangers and/or any other systems to maintain the test oil in an acceptable range. f0009] in the low pressure embodiment of Figure i, test pump 154 may move oil through inlet valve 160 and through hose test assem olies 156, l his may cause oh to go through outlet valve 170 and back to test, oil tank 152.When inlet valve 160 allows oil to flow to hose test assembly 156, it may not allow flow of oil directly back into test oil tank 152 through pipe 242. Test assembly 156 may include manifolds with one or more hose coupled in a lest manner.

[0010] Valves 160 and 170 may be capable of operating at 700 bar and 150 degrees Celsius for millions of cycles. The intensifier may be described in more neian xn co-pending and co-filed patent application entitled “HOSE TES'IHR INfEN^IHER,5 having attorney docket number 011 -092.P.

[001.1] The control system 110 and test system 150 will not allow for comingling of oil. The test system 150 may have pressures exceeding 700 bar, while the control system 110 may be in the range of 8 bar. Purthermore, Hie teat system ISO may include oil at temperatures exceeding 150 degrees Celsius, while the control system 11(1 may have oil reaching SO degrees Celsius. In an embodiment, test system 150 may operate around 700 bar, and may also operate at 212, 250, and 300 degrees Fahrenheit, or any other temperature.

[0012} In this embodiment of the love pressure portion of the cycle, system pump 114 moves the piston 139 into a non-actuates position, and charges or fills accumulator 116. Valves 160 and i 70 are in an “open” position, thereby allowing oil to flow through tire hose test assembly 156.

[0013] Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a hose testing system 100, during a high pressure portion of operation. As seen generally'· at. the right side of the pressure waveform 180, the pressure is generally at a high point of operation.

[0014] In this embodiment, control system 110 may operate in the following manner. Control valve 1.18 changes position to allow oil form the accumulator 116 which may cause piston 139 to move.

[0015] The test system 150 will operate as follows. Inlet valve 160 and outlet, valve 170 will close. Since piston 139 of inlensifter 130 is moving generally forward (to the right in the Figure), this will cause the pressure in test assembly 156 to rise relatively rapidly. Test pump 154 may continue to operate and ^ycle oil through inlet valve 160, back into test oil tank 152 as shown.

[0016] Once the acceptable high pressure is achieved within test system ISO, the pressure may be held relatively constant for a period of time via piston 139. System pump 114 may then charge accumulator 116. This period of time may typically be about 0.4 seconds, with the total cycle Ome of a do ui i.O seconds. Howevca, omo pressure cycle and total cycle times may be used without straying xroin the concepts disclosed herein.

[0017] Acceptable high pressure may be from about 20Ö-8UÖ oar. In embodiments, the acceptable high pressure may be generally about /00 bar. it will oe appreciated that this is an embodiment of pressures and temperatures, many, many other temperatures and pressures may be tested, along witn many diucrenl hoses, with test system 100.

[0018] Once an acceptable period of time has passed at the acceptable high pressure, valves 160 and 170 may open, control valve 118 may change positions, anu a low pressure portion of the cycle may start. Control system UO would then move piston 139 back to reduce pressure (to the left in tire Figure), as will opening or valves 160 and 170. The cycle may then start over again.

[0019] Intensifier 130 may be made of carbon steel, and flash chromed to harden and to stop abrasion. This chroming may have the added benent of allowing seals witn tire intensifier 136 to last longer, thereby decreasing maintenance time and cost. Furthermore, intensifier 1.30 made be formed from a single oiock cn cat eon ateei wmeu may allow for less failures and thereby reduced maintenance time and cost. Yet further, intensifier 130 may be water or other liquid cooled to increase life, thereby reducing maintenance time and cost.

[0020] Figure 3 show's a cutaway view of two valves 160, and 170, during an. operating cycle of system 100, according to an embodiment, ws shuwn ο·.;ι imi fo-iD pressure portion, of pressure profile 18Ö, both valves 166 and 176 are not actuated. 1. Ms no oil from the test, tank to flow through valve .176, which is at the outlet of me hose te*t assemblies (from Figs. 1 and 2). The high pressure area of the system is therefore isolated to allow pressure to increase and to be held in the Mgh pressure area.

[602.1] Also during the high pressure portion of the pressure wave 180, valve '160 is not actuated, which allows oil to circulate back through valve 166 to the test tame, lire high pressure area of the system is therefore isolated to allow pressure to increase and to be held in the high pressure area.

[0022} During the low pressure portion of the pressure profile 180, valves 160 and 170 are actuated via control pressure. This changes the flow path or tire oil. valve 1 /0 will then allow oil to flow through the test assembly back, to the test lank, and allow pressure to decrease. Valve 16Ό wijl allow on to now' from the tesi tank into die, ivSi assemblies.

[0023] Figure 4 shows a cutaway view of the seal-less high pressure and temperature valve 260. Valve 266 may include a valve piston 210, a body 226, an assembly ring 256, a control biasing member 260 and return biasing member 276.

[00241 Body 220 may include a control portion 236 and a return portion 240.

Control portion 236 may include an actuation orifice 232 capable of receiving actuation fluid and/or soms other actuation signal to move valve piston 210 ifom an unactuaied <.o an actuated position. As described in Figure 3. the unactuated position isolates the test tank (not shown) from the test assembly (not shown) to anow intensify er (not shown) >.0 increase pressure in the test assembly, in the unactuated position, fluid may flow into inlet 242 of return portion 240, and out ot test tank outlet 234 of. control portion ^30 ui body 220.

[0025] As shown in Figure 3, valve 260 allows fluid to return to test tarur. hi the embodiment shown, in Figure 3S valve 170 does not have a connection to test tank outlet 234, and test tank outlet 234 may be capped or otherwise plugged and/or not used.

[0026] In the actuated position, valve piston 210 may allow fluid to flow mto inlet 242 and out of assembly outlet 244. This may allow pressure to decrease and allow flow of fluid through the test assembly and back into test tank. 10027] Valve niston 210 may be biased into the unaetuated position by control biasing member 260 and return erasing .member ^70. Furthermore, "Viove piston *10 include a control portion of piston 212 and return portion of piston 214. Piston may have two portions to make assembly and maintenance easier and more accessible. f00281 In an embodiment, control portion 230 and return portion 240 may be bolted together. However, other methods, systems, and/or substances may be usea to oona the parts of the system together without straying from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Body 220 has two portions for assembly and maintenance purposes. (0029] Valve 200 may be precision machined so as not to use valve seals, fhu? may increase the amount of pressure and temperature the val ve may withstand. This also may increase life cycle and decrease maintenance time anu coat.

[00301 Valve body 220 and valve piston 210 may be formed from D2 high quality steel. It will be appreciated chat other material suitable for this application may be usea without straying from the spirit and scope of this msetosure.

[ÖG31] Biasing members 260 and 270 may be formed from stainless steel to increase the life cycle of the biasing members, thereby decreasing maintenance time and ; costs.

[01132] According to embodiments, this configuration of valves 160, .170 and 200, may be able to function with fluid temperatures over 150 degrees Celsius, 700 bar of pressure, for over one million cycles of 1,0 seconds of over 700 bar pressure. 10033] Oil may be MI) 46 or any other suitable oil tor this use and application.

[0034] Assembly ring 250 may be used as a seal between the two portions oi body 220, but is not considered a valve seal in the ordinary sense of valve sealing.

[0035] Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope oi the disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition oi matter, means, methods, and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in die art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the present disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially tne same result as die corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims arc intended to include within their scope sueli processes, machines, manufacture, compositions oi matter, means, methods, or steps. The disclosure disclosed herein may suitably be practiced in the absence of any element, that is not specifically disclosed herein.

[(10361 A reference herein to a patent document or other matter which is given as prior art is not to be taken as an admission or a suggestion that that document or matter was known, or that the information it contains was part, of die common general knowledge as at the priority date of any of the claims.

[0037] Throughout the description and claims of the specification, the word '‘comprise” and variations of the word, such as “comprising” and ‘'comprises'’, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims (5)

1. the CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

   1. A hose test system, comprising: a control system operatively coupled to a test system, said test system comprising. a hose test assembly configured to connect to a hose to be tested, and between an inlet high pressure valve and an outlet high pressure valve; an intensifler coupled to said inlet high pressure valve, capable of increasing the pressure within said hose test assembly when said inlet high pressure valve and said outlet high pressure valve are unactuated; wherein said control system is capable of controlling the operation oi said intensifier of said test system.
2. 2. The hose test system of claim 1, wherein said inlet high pressure valve and said outlet high pressure valve are seal-less and comprise; a body capable of generally housing a piston, wherein said piston is capable of being moved to actuated and unactuated positions, wherein said valve is capable of operating with fluid at about 700 bar, 150 degree Celsius, for a cycle of 1 second, for one million cycles without failing.
3. 3. The hose test system of claim 1 or 2, wherein said oil used may comprise HD46 - type oil.
4. 4. The hose test system of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein said control system is generally hydraulic.
5. 5. The hose test system of claim 4, wherein said test system further comprises an oil temperature control system capable of generally regulating the temperature of oil used within said test system.