Tunable anticipatory output response valve control

Abstract

A valve control apparatus for generating an anticipatory output response for controlling a fluid flow in a fluid flow line includes a valve provided inside the fluid flow line, at least one sensor for providing at least one input signal, the at least one input signal responsive to properties of the fluid flow in advance of the valve, and a letdown back-pressure controller receiving the at least one input signal and providing a tunable output signal for selectively opening and closing the valve to vary flow in the flow line responsive to the at least one input signal. A method for controlling fluid flow through a valve in a fluid flow line with an anticipatory output response according to the invention comprising the steps of measuring fluid flow properties in the fluid flow line in advance of the valve, providing at least one input signal responsive to properties of the fluid flow to a letdown back-pressure controller, processing the at least one input signal by the letdown back-pressure controller, generating a tunable output signal from the letdown back-pressure controller for selectively opening and closing the valve to vary flow in the flow line responsive to the at least one input signal, and tuning the output signal from the letdown back-pressure controller.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.