WO2025240601A1 - Régulateur de pression électromagnétique pour formes d'onde de pression de fluide automatisées - Google Patents

Régulateur de pression électromagnétique pour formes d'onde de pression de fluide automatisées

Info

Publication number
WO2025240601A1
WO2025240601A1 PCT/US2025/029339 US2025029339W WO2025240601A1 WO 2025240601 A1 WO2025240601 A1 WO 2025240601A1 US 2025029339 W US2025029339 W US 2025029339W WO 2025240601 A1 WO2025240601 A1 WO 2025240601A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
diaphragm
pressure regulator
back pressure
inlet orifice
outlet
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/US2025/029339
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Jeffrey Dean JENNINGS
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Equilibar LLC
Original Assignee
Equilibar LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Equilibar LLC filed Critical Equilibar LLC
Publication of WO2025240601A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025240601A1/fr
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K7/00—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves
    • F16K7/12—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with flat, dished, or bowl-shaped diaphragm
    • F16K7/14—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with flat, dished, or bowl-shaped diaphragm arranged to be deformed against a flat seat
    • F16K7/17—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with flat, dished, or bowl-shaped diaphragm arranged to be deformed against a flat seat the diaphragm being actuated by fluid pressure
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K25/00—Details relating to contact between valve members and seats
    • F16K25/005—Particular materials for seats or closure elements
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/02—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic
    • F16K31/06—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices electric; magnetic using a magnet, e.g. diaphragm valves, cutting off by means of a liquid
    • F16K31/0644—One-way valve
    • F16K31/0672—One-way valve the valve member being a diaphragm
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
    • F16K37/0025—Electrical or magnetic means
    • F16K37/005—Electrical or magnetic means for measuring fluid parameters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K7/00—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves
    • F16K7/12—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with flat, dished, or bowl-shaped diaphragm
    • F16K7/14—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with flat, dished, or bowl-shaped diaphragm arranged to be deformed against a flat seat
    • F16K7/16—Diaphragm valves or cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage ; Pinch valves with flat, dished, or bowl-shaped diaphragm arranged to be deformed against a flat seat the diaphragm being mechanically actuated, e.g. by screw-spindle or cam
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
    • G05D16/024—Controlling the inlet pressure, e.g. back-pressure regulator
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05D—SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D16/00—Control of fluid pressure
    • G05D16/20—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D16/2006—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means
    • G05D16/2013—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using throttling means as controlling means
    • G05D16/2022—Control of fluid pressure characterised by the use of electric means with direct action of electric energy on controlling means using throttling means as controlling means actuated by a proportional solenoid

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to pressure regulators, and more particularly to pressure regulators using an electromagnetic actuator.
  • the dome loaded back pressure regulator (“BPR") with multiple orifices, such as manufactured by Equilibar, LLC of Fletcher, North Carolina is highly suitable for generating precision pulsatile waveforms.
  • BPR dome loaded back pressure regulator
  • This technology 7 has been used in laboratory 7 environments to generate a bypass fluid circulation in parallel with a pump to produce an exemplary pressure pulse waveform or to automate fluid pressure or flow rate.
  • Such direct diaphragm sealing BPRs use a " 1: 1" pilot pressure (typically air) on the dome, and use pneumatic electronic pressure regulators (EPR, or I/P's) to provide the pilot pressure.
  • EPR electronic pressure regulator
  • the EPR contains a high speed proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control (or other similar control) loop which constantly adjusts its output air pressure to match that of an input signal.
  • PID proportional-integral-derivative
  • the air pressure and the resulting liquid pressure both provide exemplary approximations of the original signal waveform.
  • a waveform should be understood as one of several examples of automated pressure control, and used in this document as such an example.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art back pressure regulator 1 of this type.
  • the back pressure regulator 1 includes a body 2 including a process surface 6.
  • a diaphragm 8 (also referred to interchangeably herein as a membrane) made of flexible material such as PTFE or fiber reinforced PTFE sheeting is disposed adjacent the process surface 6.
  • the diaphragm 8 has opposed sides referred to as reference and process sides, with the process side facing the process surface 6.
  • the perimeter of the diaphragm 8 is secured against the body 2 by a reference housing 10 which is attached to the body 2.
  • a space defined between the diaphragm 8 and the reference housing 10 is referred to as a "dome" 1'.
  • a reference port 12 is formed in the reference housing 10 and is disposed in fluid communication with the reference side of the diaphragm 8.
  • Inlet and outlet ports 14 and 16 respectively, are also formed in the body 2.
  • At least one inlet orifice 18 is disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port 14 and the process surface 6.
  • At least one outlet orifice 20 is disposed in fluid communication with the outlet port 16 and the process surface 6.
  • the outlet orifices 20 are small holes or small openings.
  • this device is designed to be capable of generating pressure waves in the range of 0-1 psig on the low end, but also up to 100 psig. In extreme applications, pressures up to 1000 psig can be generated.
  • FIG. 3 is a plan view of a process surface of the back pressure regulator of FIG. 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a back pressure regulator, illustrating a transfer member in combination with a platen of a stiffer material;
  • FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a back pressure regulator, illustrating a transfer member in combination with a platen of a stiffer material
  • FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a portion of a back pressure regulator, illustrating an actuator directly coupled to a platen;
  • FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a back pressure regulator connected to a fluid system
  • FIG. 8 is a block diagram of a back pressure regulator connected from a fluid system
  • FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a commercially available solenoid
  • FIG. 10 is a chart showing force vs. stroke data for a commercially available solenoid
  • FIG. 11 is a chart showing force vs. power data for a commercially available solenoid
  • FIG. 12 is a chart showing force vs. voltage data for a commercially available solenoid
  • FIG. 13 is a chart showing pressure vs. time data
  • FIG. 16 is a plan view of a process surface of the back pressure regulator of FIG. 15.
  • embodiments of the present invention improve upon the back pressure regulator shown in FIG. 1 by providing a practical method for transferring the pressure across the top of the diaphragm in a way that emulates the accurate pressure distribution of a fluid, yet is convenient and compact and does not present the complexities of a secondary transfer fluid.
  • the BPR described herein works in a similar manner as the above described prior art BPR, except that instead of a true pilot fluid above the diaphragm, a force actuation system is used to compress a highly flexible force transfer object to push down on the diaphragm.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary back pressure regulator (BPR) 100 constructed according to one aspect of the present invention.
  • the back pressure regulator 100 includes a body 102, which may be cast, machined, or built-up from separate components.
  • the material of the body 102 is selected to suit a particular application based on requirements such as temperature, pressure, chemical compatibility 7 , etc.
  • suitable materials which are chemical-resistant include 316 alloy stainless steel, brass, and high-strength polymers.
  • the body 102 defines a process surface 104.
  • An inlet port 106 is formed in the body 102. At least one inlet orifice 108 is disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port 106 and the process surface 104. The function of the inlet orifice 108 is to bring the process fluid into the back pressure regulator 100.
  • An outlet port 110 is formed in the body 102. At least one outlet orifice 112 is disposed in fluid communication with the outlet port 110 and the process surface 104.
  • a diaphragm 114 is disposed adjacent the process surface 104.
  • the diaphragm 114 may be constructed from a material which is chemically inert and/or chemically resistant. Non-limiting examples of such materials include PTFE, PEEK, polyimide, or fiber reinforced PTFE sheeting.
  • the diaphragm may be one of many flexible and supple materials, such as a polymer with a hardness in the range of Shore D. Examples would be polyolefin or PTFE or similar polymers. In one example, the diaphragm thickness may be in a range of 0.003" to 0.010".
  • the diaphragm thickness may be in a range of with 0.004" to 0.020".
  • suitable and process compatible materials such as rubber, elastomers, and polymers may be used as long as they meet application requirements and are flexible in the range of pressures such that the diaphragm 114 responds to the application pressures and can lift as required.
  • the back pressure regulator 100 When combined with a chemically inert and/or chemically resistant body material as described above, the back pressure regulator 100 is fully compatible for aggressive chemical contact.
  • the diaphragm 114 has opposed sides referred to as reference and process sides, with the process side facing the process surface 104.
  • the perimeter of the diaphragm 114 is secured against the body 102.
  • the diaphragm 114 is secured to the body 102 by a relatively rigid reference housing 116 which is attached to the body 102, for example using bolts or other fasteners (not illustrated).
  • additional seals such as O-rings (not shown) may be provided between the diaphragm 114 and the body 102 and/or the diaphragm 114 and the reference housing 114 (note: a groove is shown for insertion of o-ring under the diaphragm).
  • the reference housing 116 defines a reference cavity 118.
  • An actuator 120 is coupled to the reference housing 116.
  • the purpose and function of the actuator 120 is to apply a controllable closing force to the diaphragm 114.
  • any actuator which can receive electrical energy' as an input and produce a mechanical force as an output that can be modulated may be used.
  • such actuators may operate on electrical and/or electromagnetic principles.
  • a suitable actuator is a solenoid.
  • the solenoid includes an electromagnetic coil 122 (shown schematically) surrounding a ferromagnetic pushrod 124. When supplied with electrical current, the electromagnetic coil 122 attracts the pushrod 124, producing a force and displacement in the direction marked by the arrow "F" in FIG. 3.
  • the coil 122 and the pushrod 124 may be configured such that the pushrod 124 extends or "pushes" relative to a housing 126 of the actuator 120 when the coil is energized.
  • a speaker voice coil (not illustrated).
  • a transfer assembly 130 is disposed between the actuator 120 and the diaphragm 114.
  • the purpose and function of the transfer assembly 130 is to transfer the force applied by the actuator 120 to the diaphragm 114.
  • a further purpose and function of the transfer assembly 130 is to spread out the force applied by the actuator 120 over an the surface area above the outlet orifices 112.
  • the transfer assembly 130 comprises a rigid piston 132 attached to the pushrod 124 of the actuator 120 and a transfer member 134 positioned between the piston 132 and the diaphragm 114.
  • the transfer member 134 is a highly flexible and very low hardness elastomeric material to provide much of the accurate pressure distribution of a fluid w hile also serving to conveniently transfer the force from a mechanical force generating system.
  • An example transfer member may have a hardness less than Shore A20. In recent years, elastomers have become available with lower and lower Shore hardness, and presently materials less than Shore A20 have become common.
  • a more preferred hardness is in the Shore ranges of O and OO and even OOO, such as the silicone elastomers used to simulate human skin in models.
  • the hardness may be in the range of 10-50 Shore OOO.
  • the hardness may be in the range of 10-50 Shore 00.
  • An exemplary example of these ultra soft elastomers is ECOFLEX GEL silicone rubber gel with hardness in the range of Shore OOO 35. This product is available from smooth-on. Inc. of Macungie, Pennsylvania 18062 USA.
  • the transfer member 134 is shaped to receive a force from the piston 132 driven by the actuator 120 generating a pressure in the elastomeric material due to its conformable nature. On the bottom of the transfer member 134. the transfer member 134 contacts the diaphragm 114 separating the controlled fluid from the upper pilot pressure.
  • the highly conformable transfer member 134 is able to create a pressure field which is somewhat fluid-like in its distribution across the diaphragm 114.
  • a sealed flexible container of fluid (not shown) could be substituted for the transfer member 134.
  • Liquids such as ethanol or medical or food contact approved fluids (such as oils) may be used in applications where contamination in the event of a diaphragm failure is a concern.
  • the basic operating principle of the back pressure regulator 100 is similar to that of the prior art back pressure regulator 1 described above, with the diaphragm 114 being operable to vent fluid through the outlet orifices 112 when the process pressure exceeds the reference pressure applied by the actuator 120 and transfer assembly 130.
  • the inlet orifice(s) 108 may be located near the center of the diaphragm 114 and the multiple outlet orifices 112 may be arranged in a circular pattern or other similar closed shape outside of the inlet orifice(s) 108. Stated another way, the outlet orifices 112 may surround the inlet orifice(s) 108.
  • the positioning of the outlet orifices 112 relative to the inlet orifices 108 is more significant for performance than the exact location of the inlet orifices 108 on the process surface 104. This geometry allows for a more symmetrical bending shape for the diaphragm 114, which supports improved precision by avoiding complex bending shapes that are difficult for the diaphragm 114 or the transfer member 134.
  • the inlet pressure be allowed to distribute through the inner portion of the diaphragm 114 (i.e., inboard of the outlet orifices 112) as much as possible, and not be blocked by the diaphragm 114 at the inlet orifice rim. This is because the precision of the device depends on the inlet pressure being applied to a larger area to persuade the diaphragm 114 to raise.
  • the BPR 100 is configured to distribute the inlet pressure evenly across and the inner area of the free diaphragm area ("FDA") to prevent the diaphragm from blocking the inlet orifices 108 directly.
  • FDA free diaphragm area
  • the term free diaphragm area refers to the portion of the diaphragm 114 that is free to deflect i.e. the portion that is inboard of the restraint provided by the reference housing 116.
  • One example of such a pressure distribution system could be grooves or other patterns in the process surface 104 which allow the inlet fluid to move radially outward from the inlet orifices 108.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 An example of a grooved pressure distribution system is shown in the example of FIGS. 2 and 3. wherein the radial array of shallow grooves 117 surround the inlet orifice(s) 108 and reach outward radially to aid in the fluid pressure being distributed closer to the outlet orifices 112.
  • a generally cylindrical recess 119 is positioned at the process surface 104, joining the grooves 117 and the inlet orifice 108.
  • the "inlet distribution area" compared to the FDA would be taken from the area of the circle transcribed by the groove pattern, divided by the circle defined by the Free Diaphragm diameter.
  • the transfer member 134 may be shaped with a relief profile (relative to the process surface) such that the inlet pressure can more easily escape the inlet orifices 108 without being blocked, and moves freely outward towards the region of the outlet orifices 112.
  • This profile could be provided by changes in the transfer member profile alone, or could be reinforced by a harder material inserted between the transfer member and the diaphragm local to the inlet orifice region (but not interfering with the delicate pressure/force interaction in the region local to the outlet orifices).
  • FIG. 4 shows an example transfer assembly 230 including a piston 232, transfer member 234, and a platen 236.
  • any structure stiffer (more resistant to bending) than the diaphragm 114 may be used as a platen.
  • Nonlimiting examples include polymers and metal alloys.
  • a more detailed example of this example would be a polymeric disc, flat or curved concave to the inlet port, that is inserted or adhered to the upper side of the diaphragm 114 or even incorporated into the diaphragm 114, which acts to prevent the diaphragm 114 from blocking the inlet holes.
  • Such an adaptation of the diaphragm system would define the pressure distribution area, wherein the area of the pressure distribution area is the effective area of the diaphragm modification which allows the inlet pressure to move outward.
  • an example transfer assembly 330 includes a piston 332, transfer member 334, and a platen 336. Platen 336 overlaps the outlet orifices 112.
  • the actuator 120 could apply force directly to the modified diaphragm system which incorporates a platen modification overlapping all outlet orifices 112, effectively eliminating the need for the flexible transfer member.
  • an example transfer assembly 430 includes a platen 436 connected directly to a pushrod 124 of the actuator 120. Platen 436 overlaps the outlet orifices 112.
  • the inlet pressure distribution area (the area in which one of the above methods of distributing the inlet pressure is present) is at least 30% of the FDA, and preferably at least 40%, and most preferably greater than 50%.
  • the pressure distribution area would be the area within a circle circumscribing the outer ends of the grooves 117 if present, or the area within the smallest circle enclosing the inlet orifices 108.
  • the pressure distribution area would be the surface area under the concave portion of the respective platen.
  • Any of the back pressure regulator configurations described above may be incorporated into a system with a pump in order to produce a desired pressure or pressure waveform in a process fluid.
  • FIG. 7 One example application for such a pump/recirculation system 400 is shown in FIG. 7.
  • application 402 indicates a device or system requiring pulsatile flow where the fluid is supplied.
  • fluid flow connections are illustrated with single solid lines, and data or control connections are illustrated with single dashed lines.
  • the system 400 requires a pumping function with pressure and flow capacity greater than the maximum fluid flow required by the application.
  • a non-positive displacement pump 404 such as a centrifugal pump is shown.
  • a tee 406 is present that allows the pumped fluid to proceed to the application 402, or to circulate through the BPR 100 and then back to a supply vessel 410, the pump inlet, or a drain (not shown).
  • An electronic controller 412 is coupled to the actuator of the BPR 100.
  • the controller 412 is operable to supply variable electric power to the actuator in accordance with a desired pressure set point.
  • Various types of devices may be used for this purpose, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), a PID controller, or a microprocessor-based device.
  • PLC programmable logic controller
  • PID controller PID controller
  • microprocessor-based device programmable logic controller
  • a pressure transducer 414 is provided to sense the fluid pressure at the application 402 and transmit a signal representative thereof to the controller 412. This enables the controller 412 to implement closed-loop feedback control of the fluid pressure.
  • the controller 412 or 512 continually adjusts the electrical power to the actuator 120 and monitors the previous pressure waveforms and compares them against an ideal waveform, and continually adjusts the electrical power profile to create improved waveform fidelity.
  • present inventive method of feedback may be based on an integrated assessment of whole cycle performance, whereas the prior art feedback was limited to controlling the pilot gas pressure pattern (via PID or equivalent adaptation).
  • FIG. 8 shows a system 500 with a back pressure regulator 100, application 502, drain 504, electronic controller 512, and pressure transducer 514.
  • the BPR 100 with the controller 512 can be used to provide closed-loop back pressure control for an application.
  • Such simple devices provide force as a function of power input, but also as function of displacement (which affects the magnetic field as the magnet and coil are displaced, but also can be affected by an optional spring).
  • Exemplary solenoid characteristics are show n in the graph of FIG. 10.
  • the power to the actuator 120 is able to closely approximate the required pressure, and no automated feedback is required.
  • a human can adapt the power settings and an adequate pressure control system would be obtained in the target pressure range.
  • a pressure sensor e.g. transducer 414 or 514 of FIG. 7 or FIG. 8 is present to provide a feedback mechanism that allows the device to self adjust.
  • control system adjusts its pressure within a single pressure waveform.
  • Such an example would require fast feedback from the pressure system and adapting power in real time.
  • the control system analyzes the previous waveform(s) (through a pressure sensor) and makes adaptations as necessary to subsequent waveforms.
  • adaptations could utilize or of several possible algorithms for averaging results and/or relaxing responses to prevent overshoot and providing stably guided waveforms.
  • Such a system allows for precise pressure control at the application, even in the event that a long conduit is present or a significant elevation exists.
  • a pressure or force sensor is installed between the solenoid piston and the wetted diaphragm 114 to measure the pressure or force transmitted into the fluid.
  • the pressure or force is proportional to the pressure controlled by the BPR 100.
  • FIG. 13 is the original square waveform of voltage input.
  • FIG. 14 shows a square wave (upper waveform, dashed line), with a solid line in the upper waveform representing final "smoothed" voltage applied instead of the idealized square wave.
  • This smooth waveform (running average smoothing), was instrumental in minimizing the inertial overshoot effects of the solenoid movement found in FIG. 13.
  • This subsystem demonstrates the ability to create an adaptive pulsation pressure pattern to a liquid from a force actuator. By applying a similar waveform to the inventive transfer elastomer, it is possible to similarly control and adapt the inlet fluid pressure to the BPR.
  • key parameters of the input waveform can be adjusted, such as min voltage, max voltage, timing, and the degree of edge smoothing via one of several algorithms (such as running average smoothing). More sophisticated waveforms can easily be adapted such as sinusoidal or other waveform features.
  • modification of the pressure control system could be used to adapt to more constant applications of pressure control and even flow control, whereby the power to the solenoid and thereby the fluid pressure controlled is responding to the feedback of a PID controller monitoring a flow meter or other process variable (such as pH or temperature).
  • the apparatus and method described herein has advantages over the prior art.
  • the system should be simpler and not require a pressurized fluid such as compressed air and should not require a separate EPR.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 An example is shown in FIGS. 15 and 16.
  • a back pressure regulator 600 is similar in overall construction to the back pressure regulator 100 described above. Elements of the back pressure regulator 600 not explicitly described may be considered to be identical to corresponding elements of the regulator 100.
  • the back pressure regulator 600 includes a body 602 that defines a process surface 604.
  • An inlet port 606 is formed in the body 602. At least one inlet orifice 608 is disposed in fluid communication with the inlet port 606 and the process surface 604.
  • An outlet port 610 is formed in the body 602. At least one outlet orifice 612 is disposed in fluid communication with the outlet port 610 and the process surface 604.
  • a diaphragm 614 is disposed adjacent the process surface 604. The diaphragm 614 has opposed sides referred to as reference and process sides, with the process side facing the process surface 604. The perimeter of the diaphragm 614 is secured against the body 102. In the illustrated example, the diaphragm 614 is secured to the body 602 by a relatively rigid reference housing 616 which is attached to the body 602, for example using bolts or other fasteners (not illustrated).
  • additional seals such as O-rings (not shown) may be provided between the diaphragm 614 and the body 602 and/or the diaphragm 614 and the reference housing 616.
  • the reference housing 616 defines a reference cavity’ 618 on the surface facing the diaphragm 614.
  • a space defined between the diaphragm 614 and the reference cavity' 618 is referred to as a "dome" 618'.
  • a reference port 621 is formed in the reference housing 616 and is disposed in fluid communication with the reference side of the diaphragm 614.
  • the basic operating principle of the back pressure regulator 600 is similar to that of the prior art back pressure regulator 1 described above, with the diaphragm 614 being operable to vent fluid through the outlet orifices 612 when the process pressure exceeds the reference pressure.
  • the reference pressure would be supplied as pressurized gas entering through the reference port 621.
  • this may be supplied by a pilot pressure regulator (not shown).
  • the inlet orifice(s) 608 may be located near the center of the diaphragm 614 and the multiple outlet orifices 612 may be arranged in a circular pattern or other similar closed shape outside of the inlet orifice(s) 608. Stated another way, the outlet orifices 612 may surround the inlet orifice(s) 608. This geometry allows for a more symmetrical bending shape for the diaphragm 614, which supports improved precision by avoiding complex bending shapes that are difficult for the diaphragm 614.
  • the inlet pressure be allowed to distribute through the inner portion of the diaphragm 614 (i.e., inboard of the outlet orifices 612) as much as possible, and not be blocked by the diaphragm 614 at the inlet orifice rim. This is because the precision of the device depends on the inlet pressure being applied to a larger area to persuade the diaphragm 614 to raise.
  • the BPR 600 is configured to distribute the inlet pressure evenly across and the inner area of the free diaphragm area ("FDA") to prevent the diaphragm from blocking the inlet orifices 608 directly.
  • FDA free diaphragm area
  • One example of such a pressure distribution system could be grooves or other patterns in the process surface 604 which allow the inlet fluid to move radially outward from the inlet orifices 608. "Radial grooves" could be perfectly radial as depicted, or could be effectively radial by providing multiple grooves that branch from a common center area outward to an outer radius.
  • FIGS. 15 and 16 An example of a grooved pressure distribution system is shown in the example of FIGS. 15 and 16, wherein the radial array of shallow grooves 617 surround the inlet orifice(s) 608 and reach outward radially to aid in the fluid pressure being distributed closer to the outlet orifices 612.
  • a generally cylindrical recess 619 is positioned at the process surface 604, joining the grooves 617 and the inlet orifice 608.
  • the "inlet distribution area" compared to the FDA would be taken from the area of the circle transcribed by the groove pattern, divided by the circle defined by the Free Diaphragm diameter.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Control Of Fluid Pressure (AREA)

Abstract

Un régulateur de contre-pression comprend : un corps comprenant : une surface de traitement incluant au moins un orifice d'entrée et une pluralité d'orifices de sortie ; un orifice d'entrée communiquant avec un extérieur du corps et avec ledit orifice d'entrée ; un orifice de sortie communiquant avec l'extérieur du corps et avec les orifices de sortie ; un boîtier de référence délimitant une cavité de référence ; une membrane fixée entre le corps et le boîtier de référence de sorte que la membrane entre en contact avec la surface de traitement, la membrane étant mobile entre une position fermée et une position ouverte ; un ensemble de transfert disposé dans la cavité de référence, positionné contre le côté de référence de la membrane ; et un actionneur conçu pour appliquer une force contre l'ensemble de transfert, en réponse à une entrée électrique.
PCT/US2025/029339 2024-05-16 2025-05-14 Régulateur de pression électromagnétique pour formes d'onde de pression de fluide automatisées Pending WO2025240601A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202463648316P 2024-05-16 2024-05-16
US63/648,316 2024-05-16

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Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3754730A (en) * 1972-05-01 1973-08-28 Refrigerating Specialties Co Pressure refrigerant regulator
US20040211477A1 (en) * 2003-04-24 2004-10-28 Hiroyuki Ezaki Composite valve
US20140203198A1 (en) * 2011-06-24 2014-07-24 Jeffrey Dean Jennings Back pressure regulator with floating seal support
US20150335851A1 (en) * 2012-07-05 2015-11-26 Resmed Limited Discreet respiratory therapy system

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3754730A (en) * 1972-05-01 1973-08-28 Refrigerating Specialties Co Pressure refrigerant regulator
US20040211477A1 (en) * 2003-04-24 2004-10-28 Hiroyuki Ezaki Composite valve
US20140203198A1 (en) * 2011-06-24 2014-07-24 Jeffrey Dean Jennings Back pressure regulator with floating seal support
US20150335851A1 (en) * 2012-07-05 2015-11-26 Resmed Limited Discreet respiratory therapy system

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