Manifold system for fluid delivery

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to the field of fluid process systems and discloses a manifold system for fluid delivery. The system comprises a first set of Solenoid Operated Valves (SOVs), a second set of SOVs, a plurality of isolating valves, at least one first shuttle valve, and at least one redundant shuttle valve. Each set of SOVs includes at least two SOVs arranged in parallel. The SOVs together form a series-parallel redundancy. Each isolating valve is coupled to an SOV and facilitates hot swapping of that SOV. The redundant shuttle valves provide redundancy to the first shuttle valve and facilitate the flow of a fluid from each of the first set of SOVs to each of the second set of SOVs, thereby promoting system safety and availability.

Claims

1. A manifold system for fluid delivery, the manifold system comprising: a manifold assembly, the manifold assembly comprising: a plurality of first Solenoid Operated Valves positioned toward a fluid inlet; a plurality of second Solenoid Operated Valves located downstream of and in series relative to the plurality of first Solenoid Operated Valves and positioned toward a fluid outlet; each of the plurality of first Solenoid Operated Valves being selectively connectable to a selected one of the plurality of second Solenoid Operated Valves via a first shuttle valve or a redundant shuttle valve; a first isolating valve positioned upstream of the plurality of first Solenoid Operated Valves, the first isolating valve arranged to be selectively connectable to each of the plurality of first Solenoid Operated Valves; and wherein the redundant shuttle valve is arranged to provide redundancy to the first shuttle valve to allow a flow of a fluid from a selected one of the plurality of first Solenoid Operated Valves to a selected one of the plurality of second Solenoid Operated Valves; thereby permitting hot swapping of a failed one of the Solenoid Operated Valves thereby improving system availability.

2. The manifold system of claim 1, wherein the manifold assembly is a first manifold assembly and including a second manifold assembly, wherein the first and second manifold assemblies are connect to the outlet via a common shuttle valve, and wherein the first and second manifold assemblies are connected to the fluid inlet by the first isolating valve and a second isolating valve, respectively.

3. The manifold system of claim 2, wherein the first and second inlet isolating valves are Manually Operated Valves.

4. The manifold system of claim 2, wherein each of the manifold assemblies includes a plurality of third shuttle valves, each of said third shuttle valves operatively coupled to either the first shuttle valve or to the redundant shuttle valve to allow the flow of the fluid from each of the first solenoid operated valves to each of the second solenoid operated valves.

5. The manifold system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first isolating valves are Manually Operated Valves.

6. The manifold system of claim 1, wherein the manifold assembly includes a plurality of pressure sensors, each of the pressure sensors operatively coupled to an associated Solenoid Operated Valve and to an associated indicator, wherein each of said indicators is arranged to indicate the status of its associated Solenoid Operated Valve.

7. The manifold system of claim 1, wherein the system includes at least one second shuttle valve connecting the second solenoid operated valves to the fluid outlet.

8. The manifold system of claim 1, wherein each of the isolating valves is a 3/2 valve.

9. The manifold system of claim 1, including at least one exhaust to vent exhaust residue.

10. The manifold system of claim 1, including a plurality of second isolating valves, each positioned upstream of a respective one of the second Solenoid Operated Valves.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) A manifold system for fluid delivery of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

(2) FIG. 1 illustrates a circuit diagram of a typical manifold system.

(3) FIG. 2 illustrates a circuit diagram of the manifold system of FIG. 1 with a bypass valve.

(4) FIG. 3 illustrates a circuit diagram of a manifold system assembled in accordance with the teachings of an embodiment of the present disclosure and having a single manifold assembly including four solenoid operated valves.

(5) FIG. 4 illustrates a circuit diagram of the manifold system similar to FIG. 3 and having two manifold assemblies; and

(6) FIG. 5 illustrates a circuit diagram of a manifold system similar to FIGS. 3 and 4 but having a manifold assembly with six solenoid operated valves.

(7) FIG. 6 illustrates a first truth table (Table 1) depicting output of the system of FIGS. 3 and 4.

(8) FIG. 7 illustrates a second truth table (Table 2) depicting output of the system for various operating states of the SOVs.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS

(9) 300—System 10—Manifold Assembly 102—Fluid inlet 104—Fluid outlet 106—Actuator 108—Exhaust V1-V6—Solenoid operated valves (SOVs) I1-I6—First isolating valves M1, M2—Second isolating valves B1—Bypass valve S1, S4-S6—First shuttle valves S3, S4′-S6′—Redundant shuttle valves S2, S7-S9—Second shuttle valves S1′-S3′—Third shuttle valves S10—Common outlet shuttle valve S11—Shuttle valve for bypass valve A, B, C, D, E, F, G—Indicators P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6, PB1—Pressure sensors

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(10) Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

(11) Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details, are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

(12) The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a,” “an,” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

(13) When an element is referred to as being “mounted on,” “engaged to,” “connected to,” or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.

(14) The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, or section from another element, component, or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

(15) A manifold system for fluid delivery (hereinafter referred as “system (300)”), of the present disclosure, is now being described with reference to FIG. 2 through FIG. 5. The system (300) is designed to improve safety and reliability of the industrial process in which it is employed.

(16) Referring to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the manifold system (300) of present disclosure comprises a plurality of manifold assemblies (10). Each of the manifold assemblies (10) include a first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)], a second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)], a plurality of first isolating valves [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)], at least one first shuttle valve [(S1), (S4-S6)], and at least one redundant shuttle valve [(S3), (S4′-S6′)]. The first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)] are positioned near a fluid inlet (102) and comprise at least two SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)] arranged in parallel. The second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)] are connected in series with the first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)]. The second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)] are positioned near a fluid outlet (104) and comprise at least two SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)] arranged in parallel. Each of the first isolating valves [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)] are coupled to each of the SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)]. Each first isolating valve [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)] is adapted to facilitate hot swapping of associated SOV [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)].

(17) The configuration of the circuit of the manifold system (300) is such that the redundancies provided by the SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] are subject to hot swapping with the help of the first isolating valves [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)]. For example, with reference to FIG. 3, when the SOV (V1) is in de-energized state and the rest of the SOVs (V2, V4, V5) are in energized state, the fluid at the intake for SOV (V1) finds no escape. In such a state, the corresponding first isolating valve (I1) is activated to perform hot swapping. This isolates the fluid supply to the SOV (V1), which now can be taken out for maintenance. This ensures no stoppage of the process and the system (300) continues to work with the other working valves (V2, V4, V5).

(18) As shown in FIGS. 3-5, the first shuttle valve [(S1), (S4-S6)] is connected between the first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)] and the second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)]. The redundant shuttle valve [(S3), (S4′-S6′)] is configured to provide redundancy to the first shuttle valve [(S1), (S4-S6)] in a way that the flow of a fluid is facilitated from each of the first set of SOVs [(V1-V2), (V1-V3)] to each of the second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)], thereby improving the system availability. The fluid to be transferred from the fluid inlet (102) to the fluid outlet (104) comprises at least one of air, neutral gas, liquid, and natural gas.

(19) In an embodiment, the system (100) further includes at least one second shuttle valve [(S2), (S7-S9)] connecting the second set of SOVs [(V4-V5), (V4-V6)] to the fluid outlet (104). The second shuttle valves [(S2), (S7-S9)] may be further connected to an actuator (106), which gets actuated on receipt of the fluid. According to an embodiment, the actuator (106) is a rack and pinion arrangement with springs attached at opposite ends.

(20) Thus, in the system (100) of FIG. 3, the first set of SOVs i.e. the SOVs (V1, V2) located near the fluid inlet (102) are connected to the shuttle valves (S1, S3). The first shuttle valve (S1) is connected to the SOV (V4) and the redundant shuttle valve (S3) is connected to the SOV (V5) through the first isolating valves (I4) and (I5) respectively. The second set of SOVs (V4, V5) are connected to the fluid outlet (104) through the second shuttle valve (S2).

(21) As shown in FIG. 6, the truth table (Table 1) depicts output of the system (300) of FIGS. 3 and 4 under different operating states of the SOVs (V1, V2, V4, V5). The states include ON state/energized state (depicted by logic 0) and OFF state/de-energized state (depicted by logic 1).

(22) It can be seen from Table 1 of FIG. 6 at row 14 that introduction of an additional redundant shuttle valve (S3) in the system (300) causes the fluid to be available at the outlet (104) even when the SOVs (V2 and V4) are in a de-energized/OFF state, thereby improving the system reliability and availability.

(23) Advantageously, the plurality of manifold assemblies (10) are connected in parallel as shown in FIG. 4. This leads to a further improvement in the system reliability and availability. Each of the manifold assemblies (10) is connected to the fluid inlet (102) via a second isolating valve (M1, M2). Each of the manifold assemblies (10) is connected to the fluid outlet (104) via a common outlet shuttle valve (S10). This arrangement makes it easier to replace one or more faulty SOVs (V1, V2, V4, V5) or faulty shuttle valves (S1, S2, S3) online i.e. when the system (300) is operating. Even four SOVs (V1, V2, V4, V5) of the embodiment of FIG. 3 can be simultaneously removed and replaced without affecting the flow of fluid through the outlet (104). The probability of failure or total shutdown of the system (300) is also minimized.

(24) In an embodiment, the first isolating valve [(I1-I2, I4-I5) (I1-I6)] and the second isolating valve (M1, M2) are Manually Operated Valves (MOVs).

(25) As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in an embodiment, the system (300) includes a plurality of indicators [(A, B, C, D), (A, B, C, D, E, F)] wherein each of the indicators [(A, B, C, D), (A, B, C, D, E, F)] is connected to each of the SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] to indicate the status of the SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)]. In another embodiment, the system (300) includes a plurality of pressure sensors [(P1, P2, P3, P4), (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6)] wherein each of the pressure sensors [(P1, P2, P3, P4), (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6)] is connected to each of the SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] to indicate the status of the SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)]. In still another embodiment, the system (300) includes both the indicators [(A, B, C, D) (A, B, C, D, E, F)] and the pressure sensors [(P1, P2, P3, P4), (P1, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6)].

(26) Referring to an embodiment of FIG. 2, the system (300) includes a bypass valve (B1) for providing an alternative bypass path to the fluid from the fluid inlet (102) to the fluid outlet (104). This facilitates easy replacement of single or multiple SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] and shuttle valves (S1-S9, S1′-S6′). The bypass valve (B1) may be connected to the fluid outlet (104) via another shuttle valve (S11). The system (300) may also include an indicator (G) and/or a pressure sensor (PB1) associated with the bypass valve (B1) for indicating its status.

(27) FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of the manifold system (300) with six SOVs (V1-V6). In this embodiment, the manifold assembly (10) includes a plurality of third shuttle valves (S1′-S3′). Each of the third shuttle valves (S1′-S3′) is operatively coupled to one first shuttle valve (S4-S6) and one redundant shuttle valve (S4′-S6′) at its input ports to facilitate the flow of the fluid from each of the first set of SOVs (V1-V3) to each of the second set of SOVs (V4-V6), for improving shuttle valve redundancy and system availability. Thus, the system (300) includes six SOVs (V1-V6) and six first isolating valves (I1-I6) connected to the fluid outlet (104) through the twelve shuttle valves (S4-S9, S1′-S6′). The outlet of the SOV (V1) is connected to the input ports of the shuttle valves (S4, S4′, S5, S6′). The outlet of the SOV (V2) is connected to the input ports of the shuttle valves (S4, S5, S5′, S6). The outlet of the SOV (V3) is connected to the input ports of the shuttle valves (S4′, S5′, S6, S6′). The output ports of the shuttle valves (S4, S4′) are connected to the input ports of the shuttle valve (S1′). The output ports of the shuttle valves (S5, S5′) are connected to the input ports of the shuttle valve (S2′). The output ports of the shuttle valves (S6, S6′) are connected to the input ports of the shuttle valve (S3′). The output port of the shuttle valve (S1′) is connected to the inlet of the SOV (V4) through the first isolating valve (I4). The output port of the shuttle valve (S2′) is connected to the inlet of the SOV (V5) through the first isolating valve (I5). The output port of the shuttle valve (S3′) is connected to the inlet of the SOV (V6) through the first isolating valve (I6). The outlet of the SOV (V4) is connected to the input port of the shuttle valve (S7). The outlet of the SOV (V5) is connected to the input port of the shuttle valve (S7, S8). The outlet of the SOV (V6) is connected to the input port of the shuttle valve (S8). The output ports of the shuttle valves (S7, S8) are connected to the input ports of the shuttle valve (S9), which is connected to the fluid outlet (104).

(28) As shown in FIG. 7, the truth table (Table 2) shows output of the system (500) for various operating states of the SOVs (V1-V6).

(29) It can be seen from the truth table of FIG. 7 that the fluid is received at the fluid outlet (104) even when only the SOVs (V1 and V6) or SOVs (V3 and V4) are in energized state and rest of the SOVs (V2-V5) or (V1, V2, V5, V6) are in de-energized state.

(30) The system (300) as shown in FIG. 5 provides shuttle valve redundancy and facilitates individual isolation of both the SOVs (V1-V6) and the shuttle valves (S1-S8). Further, the inclusion of additional shuttle values (S1′-S6′) improves the availability of the system and also minimizes probability of failure/complete shutdown of the system.

(31) In an embodiment, the SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] are 3/2 poppet valves and the isolating valves [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)] are 3/2 valves.

(32) In an embodiment, the system (300) includes at least one exhaust (108) to vent out the exhaust residue into the atmosphere.

(33) Advantageously, the SOVs [(V1-V2, V4-V5), (V1-V6)] and the first isolating valves [(I1-I2, I4-I5), (I1-I6)] are merged together to eliminate the need of two different mounting arrangements.

(34) The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

(35) When assembled in accordance with the teachings of one or more aspects of the present disclosure, a manifold system for fluid delivery may promote or maintain system availability at all the times, may facilitate easier maintenance and/or repair of solenoid operated valves, may increase system reliability, and may facilitate individual isolation and/or servicing of solenoid operated valves.

(36) When assembled in accordance with the teachings herein, a manifold system for fluid delivery may facilitate easier maintenance of multiple faulty valves without having to shut down the entire process, may facilitate replacement of multiple faulty valves without unduly disturbing the outlet flow, may facilitate easier replacement of shuttle valves, and may lessen the probability of a total shutdown.

(37) The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

(38) The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

(39) While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.