Plug Unloader Using Low Force Actuator For Reciprocating Compressors

Abstract

The advantages of plug type unloaders are well know and accepted by authorities such as American Petroleum Association as well as compressor and component manufacturers as well as users. There are further benefits to this device such as eliminating plug to valve misalignment and is lighter than other type unloaders. Field replacement of valve depressor unloaders is economically feasible and any type compressor valve that may be used.

1 . A plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors for de-activation of compressor cylinder ends, comprising:
 means for allowing gas flow when open;   means for opening and closing said allowing gas flow when open;   means for creating force for said allowing gas flow when open;   means for converting variable pressure to constant pressure;   means for venting pressure in said creating force for said allowing gas flow when open;   means for blocking flow when pressure is less than said creating force for said allowing gas flow when open; and   means for allowing gas flow through said allowing gas flow when open.   
   
   
       2 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said means for allowing gas flow when open comprises an unloading path. 
   
   
       3 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said means for opening and closing said allowing gas flow when open comprises a piston and plug. 
   
   
       4 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said means for creating force for said allowing gas flow when open comprises a pressure chamber. 
   
   
       5 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said means for converting variable pressure to constant pressure comprises a check valve. 
   
   
       6 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said means for venting pressure in said creating force for said allowing gas flow when open comprises a vent valve. 
   
   
       7 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said means for blocking flow when pressure is less than said creating force for said allowing gas flow when open comprises a check valve seat. 
   
   
       8 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors in accordance with  claim 1 , wherein said means for allowing gas flow through said allowing gas flow when open comprises a flow cut-out(s). 
   
   
       9 . A plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors for de-activation of compressor cylinder ends, comprising:
 an unloading path, for allowing gas flow when open;   a piston and plug, for opening and closing said allowing gas flow when open;   a pressure chamber, for creating force for said allowing gas flow when open;   a check valve, for converting variable pressure to constant pressure;   a vent valve, for venting pressure in said creating force for said allowing gas flow when open;   a check valve seat, for blocking flow when pressure is less than said creating force for said allowing gas flow when open; and   a flow cut-out(s), for allowing gas flow through said allowing gas flow when open.   
   
   
       10 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a main body, for housing parts.   
   
   
       11 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a vent pressure conduit, for connection to pressure chamber vent region.   
   
   
       12 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors as recited in  claim 9 , further comprising:
 a valve spring, for closing said vent valve and said check valve.   
   
   
       13 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a vent pressure conduit, for connection to pressure chamber vent region.   
   
   
       14 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors as recited in  claim 10 , further comprising:
 a valve spring, for closing said vent valve and said check valve.   
   
   
       15 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors as recited in  claim 11 , further comprising:
 a valve spring, for closing said vent valve and said check valve.   
   
   
       16 . The plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors as recited in  claim 13 , further comprising:
 a valve spring, for closing said vent valve and said check valve.   
   
   
       17 . A plug unloader using low force actuator for reciprocating compressors for de-activation of compressor cylinder ends, comprising:
 a main body, for housing parts;   an unloading path, for allowing gas flow when open;   a piston and plug, for opening and closing said allowing gas flow when open;   a pressure chamber, for creating force for said allowing gas flow when open;   a check valve, for converting variable pressure to constant pressure;   a vent pressure conduit, for connection to pressure chamber vent region;   a vent valve, for venting pressure in said creating force for said allowing gas flow when open;   a valve spring, for closing said vent valve and said check valve;   a check valve seat, for blocking flow when pressure is less than said creating force for said allowing gas flow when open; and   a flow cut-out(s), for allowing gas flow through said allowing gas flow when open.