HOW IT WORKS: V-SMART

HOW IT WORKS: V-SMART

The V-Smart Valve (on the left side of the drawing) in its simplicity is essentially a modified double acting hydraulic cylinder. In our case the cylinder is the Throttle Section of the valve. By hydraulically moving the Throttle Section we open and close the orifices. There by change the flow rate of the valve. The orifice is a unique design feature and provides cavitation and surge free flow throughout the full range of the valve. A Flow Curve is provided for each valve installation.

To continue, the valve is actuated through high-pressure hoses and food grade mineral oil. During the time that the Throttle Section is being moved the pressure may be determined by observing the pressure gages. Normal pressure is in the 100-300 PSI range when opening or closing the valve. In this group of components is a Pressure Switch that will shut the power unit down (when the valve is closed) by the PLC. The Pressure Switch is actuated when the valve is fully closed and the pressure of the hydraulic fluid reaches 500 PSI. The Power Unit has a pressure relief valve adjusted to about 600 PSI, this is the maximum pressure seen by the system.

The heart of the valve control is the 3-way 4-position Solenoid Valve. This 24-Volt valve is controlled by an HOA switch and actuated through the PLC by a SCADA Computer. The PLC receives information such as Recharge Water Flow, Recharge Water Pressure at the Wellhead, Dynamic Water Level, Power Unit ON/OFF and Pressure Switch. This information is processed using a logic ladder to determine if the valve needs to stay as set or to open or close. An operator may determine all these actions by observing the flow meter and water level read outs by placing the HOA switch in the hand position, starting the Power Unit and using the pendant switch to open or close the valve.

The final item is the Power Unit Pump. This is an 115/230v pump that runs on demand with the HOA switch in the Auto position. In the Hand Position the power unit is started by actuation of the start button. In this position the Pendant Switch may adjust the valve.

U.S. Patents #5,503,363, #5,618,022, #5,871,200, #6,073,906 and

#6,338,466, Canada Patent #2,293,391,

Australian #748767

Plus 23 International Patents Pending.