Fluid exchange devices and related systems, and methods
AssigneeFlowserve Management Company
InventorsScott Judge, Nathan Terwilliger, A.K. Necioglu
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Devices and systems for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams and related methods may include a valve device comprising a valve actuator configured to move at variable rates in order to selectively fill and empty at least one tank. Devices for exchanging properties between at least two fluid streams may include a valve device comprising offset openings positioned along a path of a valve actuator. The offset openings may be configured to selectively and gradually place an inlet in communication with at least one tank.
Claims20
A device for exchanging pressure between at least two fluid streams, the device comprising:
- at least one high pressure inlet for receiving a first fluid at a first higher pressure;
- at least one low pressure inlet for receiving a second fluid at a lower pressure;
- at least one high pressure outlet for outputting the second fluid at a second higher pressure that is greater than the lower pressure;
- at least one low pressure outlet for outputting the first fluid at another lower pressure that is less than the first higher pressure;
- at least one tank positioned between the at least one high pressure inlet and the at least one high pressure outlet;
- and
- a valve device comprising a valve actuator, the valve device comprising offset openings positioned along a path of one or more valve members that are moved by the valve actuator, the offset openings configured to selectively and gradually place the at least one high pressure inlet in communication with the at least one tank as the valve actuator moves at variable rates in order selectively fill and empty the at least one tank, a major length of the offset openings being substantially aligned with the path of the one or more valve members.
A method of operating a device for exchanging pressure between at least two fluid streams, the method comprising:
- receiving a fluid at a first higher pressure through a high pressure inlet of the device;
- receiving a downhole fluid at a lower pressure though a low pressure inlet into at least one tank;
- placing the fluid at the first higher pressure in communication with the downhole fluid at the lower pressure by moving a valve member with an actuator of the device in order to pressurize the downhole fluid to a second higher pressure that is greater than the lower pressure;
- moving the actuator of the device at a first speed as the valve member approaches an opening between the high pressure inlet and the at least one tank;
- and
- reducing a velocity of the actuator of the device from the first speed to a second, lower speed as the valve member traverses the opening.
A method of operating a device for exchanging pressure between at least two fluid streams, the method comprising:
- receiving a fluid at a first higher pressure into a high pressure inlet of the device;
- placing the fluid at the first higher pressure in communication with another fluid at a lower pressure by moving an actuator of the device in order to pressurize the another fluid to a second higher pressure that is greater than the lower pressure;
- and
- reducing a velocity of a valve member with the actuator from a first speed to a second, lower speed as the valve member approaches and traverses an opening of the device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.