Power plants – One shot explosion actuated expansible chamber type motor
Patent
1987-02-03
1989-03-28
Ostrager, Allen M.
Power plants
One shot explosion actuated expansible chamber type motor
60635, 60636, F01B 2908, F02N 1300
Patent
active
048152951
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a valve actuator system for controling or actuating valves, above or under water.
It is known to control valves hydraulically, pneumatically and mechanically. Such controls are used, for instance, in offshore hydrocarbon production. A disadvantage of these controls is that all the necessary energy for the movement of the shut-off members of the valves must be supplied over long distances, from either a fixed or a floating installation.
Another disadvantage, in particular of hydraulic systems, is that these systems are very complicated and expensive, especially when used in connection with emergency shut-off valves which are rarely used. The hydraulic systems also are uneconomical since much maintenance work must be done without daily use of the systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention it has been found that gas generators can be used to operate valve actuators for emergency shut-off valves and other suitable valves.
As used herein, the term gas generator means a generator which by combustion of gunpowder inside a casing, the generator develops a gas, which, because of its pressure, is able to shift a movable member in the valve actuator, such as a piston.
Such gas generators may be fired by use of electric current. This may take place by use of a hydro-acoustic system to control accumulators which supply the current. Coded pulses through the water may also be used. Thus, the firing of the gas generators may take place without any direct connection between the gas generators and the place where the control is carried out. Uniquely coded pulses may be used for different operations and different gas generators, so that a completely selective remote control is achieved without any connection other than the water itself.
In accordance with the invention, a gas generator device is used for control or actuation of valve actuators, whereby each actuator is associated with at least one gas generator, for movement of the piston of the valve actuator by means of the gas generator or generators.
The firing of the gas generators may as an alternative to electric firing, be carried out by mechanical detonators, chemical systems or by means of laser technique through optical fibre cables.
The invention in the following will be explained closer, with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the valve actuator according to the invention.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A--A in FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a gas generator according to the invention.
FIG. 4 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the valve actuator according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a valve actuator based on the use of gas generators which generate gunpowder gas.
In FIG. 1, gas generators 1 and 2 are used for the closing and opening functions. It will be understood that there may be several gas generators for repeated opening and closing functions. The broken lines show the pistons when the valve is in a closed position.
The actuator is equipped with two pistons, a main piston 3 and a sub-piston 4. The sub-piston runs freely on the piston rod 5.
FIG. 2 shows the face of the sub-piston as seen from line A--A in FIG. 1. The ribs 6 form cavities 7 between the sub-piston 4 and the main piston 3. The piston rod 5 is connected to the valve itself to be opened or closed (not shown). The purpose of two pistons will be explained below.
The space behind the two pistons in the cylinder chamber 8 of the actuator is filled with a liquid which is discharged through a valve means to control the movement of the actuator during the closing function. Valve means may comprise a rupturable shear disc 9 or a spring biased check valve. During movement of the pistons 3 and 4 the liquid is discharged out to the atmosphere thro
REFERENCES:
patent: 3031845 (1962-05-01), Ludwig
patent: 3837671 (1974-09-01), Hamilton
A/S Raufoss Ammunisjonsfabrikker
Ostrager Allen M.
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