DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the technical field of valve manifolds. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a modular valve manifolds with customizable internal circuit design.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Currently, there exist various kinds of devices that enable control and limit pressure of a fluid in a system. These devices, typically known in the art as valves, come in various shapes and orientations. The most common type of valves includes a Needle valve and Ball valves, both of which isolate or block flow of the corresponding fluid. Complex fluidic systems typically include a number of such valves interconnected to form a circuit to implement certain logic that depends on requirement of the system. Such circuits may be configured as valve manifolds by arranging the valves and the connecting passages in a single assembly. Common valve manifolds include a 2-valve manifold with a circuit design including a bleed valve and a block valve, a 3-valve manifold with a circuit design including an additional equalizing valve in its circuit designs, and a 5-valve manifold with a circuit design additionally including a vent valve and a test valve.
[0003] However, these valve manifolds come in predefined circuit designs. For implementing a novel circuit design, a separate valve manifold has to be manufactured. There exist few solutions that provide flexibility with respect to achieving different functionalities from the manifold. However, these valve manifolds provide very limited number of predefined functionalities, variations or internal circuit designs. Existing solutions do not provide for customizability at user’s end. Additionally, existing valve manifolds also use various tubes and fittings for connecting the valves which increases space requirements for the valve manifold.
[0004] Furthermore, it is difficult to repair or make modifications to the valve manifold. These valve manifolds have to be sent back to the manufacturer for any repair or modifications. Meanwhile, onsite maintenance can also be difficult and time consuming, necessarily requiring the need of a trained person. Therefore, an end-user cannot perform repairs or modifications on their own and has to depend on the manufacturer for maintenance. Moreover, the tubing need to be disturbed for replacing/reworking faulty items. These difficulties also increase the risk of leakages which may not be desirable, and may even be dangerous in certain situations.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a valve manifold that is modular and allows for onsite maintenance or repairs. Furthermore, there is a need for a valve manifold whose internal circuit design is customizable.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a valve manifold that overcomes the drawbacks of conventional manifolds.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure provides a valve manifold that is modular and does not use tube or fittings.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure provides a valve manifold that allows for onsite repair and maintenance.
[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure provides a valve manifold whose circuit design can be customized by the user.
[0010] Still another object of the present disclosure provides a valve manifold whose circuit design can be customized by changing just a few components.
[0011] The other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of the preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.

SUMMARY
[0012] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to devices for fluid systems, in particular to a valve manifold that can be mounted with different fluid control/monitoring units through respective adopter plates to achieve different fluid control circuits.
[0013] In an aspect, the proposed valve manifold device for a fluid system includes a manifold having at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port and a plurality of port/mounting positions. The device further includes a plurality of adapter plates adapted to be detachably coupled to one or more of the plurality of the ports/mounting positions. In an aspect, at least some of the adapter plates are adapted to be coupled to a corresponding fluid control/monitoring unit and thereafter coupled to one of the plurality of the ports/mounting positions, such that the fluid control/monitoring units mounted in different combinations results in achieving different fluid control circuits between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet.
[0014] In an embodiment, the manifold may be configured to provide fluidic connectivity between different ports/mounting positions among the plurality of the ports/mounting positions; and
[0015] In an embodiment, the device is characterised by absence of any pipe connections between the plurality of fluid control/monitoring units.
[0016] In an embodiment, the plurality of adopter plated may include at least one blank plate for being fixed to one or more ports/mounting positions among the plurality of the ports/mounting positions that are not coupled with any of the fluid control/monitoring units.
[0017] In an embodiment, the plurality of ports/mounting positions may be arranged on the manifold in a linear arrangement that facilitates flow of a corresponding fluid through the plurality of the ports/mounting positions fluid in a sequential manner.
[0018] In an embodiment, the fluid control/monitoring units may include at least one of a pressure gauge, at least one valve module implementing a logic selected from a group comprising 1oo1 logic, 1oo2 logic and 2oo2 logic, at least one block & bleed module, at least one manual On/ off valve, at least one air filter regulator and at least one non-return valve.
[0019] In an embodiment, the different fluid control circuits may include a circuit for ballast control valve system, which may be achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, two block and bleed modules, one valve module implementing 2oo2 logic, an air operated valve and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence.
[0020] In an embodiment, the different fluid control circuits may include a circuit of emergency shutdown valve system, which can be achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, at least one block and bleed module, one valve module implementing 1oo1 logic, one air operated valve and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence.
[0021] In an embodiment, the different fluid control circuits may include a circuit of blow down valve system, which can be achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, one block and bleed module, one valve module implementing 1oo1 logic, one air operated valve and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence.
[0022] In an embodiment, the different fluid control circuits may include a circuit of shut down valve system, which can bve achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, three block and bleed modules, one solenoid valve and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence
[0023] In an embodiment, the different fluid control circuits may include a circuit of UV2 valve system, which can be achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, three block and bleed modules, one valve module implementing 1oo1 logic and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence.
[0024] In an embodiment, an input to the achieved fluid control circuit, when the achieved fluid control circuit uses the air filter regulator, may be through the air filter regulator, and the input port may be rendered redundant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0026] FIGs. 1A and 1B illustrate exemplary representation of the disclosed valve manifold device, according to embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIGs. 2A to 2D illustrate exemplary implementations of the valve manifold device of FIGs. 1A and 1B by combination of different types of valve units in different ports/ mounting positions, in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3A illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of implementation of the valve manifold device of FIG. 1A and 1B as a ballast control valve system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 3B illustrates an exemplary circuit diagrams of implementation of the valve manifold device of FIG. 1A and 1B as an emergency shut-down valve system and blow down valve system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. 3C illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of implementation of the disclosed valve manifold device as a shut-down valve system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 3D illustrates an exemplary circuit diagram of implementation of the valve manifold device of FIG. 1A and 1B in yet another application, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0032] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. If the specification states a component or feature “may”, “can”, “could”, or “might” be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0033] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0034] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all references below to the “invention” may in some cases refer to certain specific embodiments only. In other cases, it will be recognized that references to the “invention” will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily all, of the claims.
[0035] Various terms are used herein. To the extent a term used in a claim is not defined, it should be given the broadest definition persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0036] Throughout this specification, the term “circuit design” and variations thereof are to be construed as being inclusive of all arrangements of components involved in transportation fluids through a system including, but not limited, to piping circuitry, piping circuits, pneumatic circuits, fluid circuits, and implementations of piping & instrumentation diagrams.
[0037] Embodiments described herein relate, to a valve manifold device. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a modular valve manifold device whose circuit design can be modified enabling a user to customize the manifold according to his requirements. Specifically, alteration of the circuit of the disclosed manifold can be done by changing/ configuring the right combination of valve modules of the manifold. Further, the present disclosure provides a valve manifold device that allows onsite maintenance or repairs.
[0038] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the valve manifold device (also referred to simply as valve manifold or as device, and the terms are used interchangeably herein) may include a manifold with a plurality of port /mounting positions and a plurality of adopter plates adapted for assembling different units/modules to the port /mounting positions of the manifold. The manifold allows the valve manifold device to be integrated with any fluid transporting system. The manifold may be configured to a fluid system via securing means, including, but not limited to screws, nails, cables, magnets, and adhesives. The plurality of port /mounting positions may be configured in a variety of arrangements. For instance, in one embodiment, the ports and mounting positions may be configured in a linear arrangement.
[0039] In an aspect, the valve manifold device may further include a plurality of adapter plates configured to be detachably fixed to the ports/ mounting positions. The ports/ mounting positions in the manifold may allow the at least one adapter plate to be arranged in any desired circuit design. The at least one adapter plates of the manifold may be configured to allow transportation of fluids from a first adapter plate to a second adapter plate directly, without the need for additional tubes or fittings. The at least one adapter plates may be assembled to the manifold using means including or limited to, screws, nails, cables, magnets and adhesives.
[0040] In an aspect, the valve manifold may include at least one valve module that may be configured to controllably regulate pressure and flow rate of a fluid in said valve manifold. In an embodiment, the at least one valve module may be assembled to the valve manifold via the at least one adapter plate. In an embodiment, the valve modules may be of the configurations/arrangements of block and bleed valves, pilot valves, air operated valves, and solenoid valves. In another embodiment, the valve modules may be a combination of the aforementioned types of valves that may implement a 1oo1, 1oo2 or 2oo2 logic. Further, in an embodiment, the at least one valve module may also have any combination of numbers of inlet and outlet ports, including, but not limited to the 2/2, 3/2, or 5/2 type of Direct acting Solenoid valves or Air Operated valves. In another embodiment, the at least one valve module may be indicative of a non-return valve that ensures the fluid flows in only one direction. 1, 2 or No NRV combination can be made.
[0041] In an aspect, the valve manifold may also include at least one or ZERO pressure gauge corresponding to the at least one valve module, for providing a measure of the fluid’s pressure in said valve manifold. The at least one pressure gauge may be configured to the valve manifold via the at least one adapter plates. Further, in an embodiment where functionalities of the regulator, the at least one valve module or the at least one non-return valve are not required or needed, the at least one adapter plate indicative of a blank plate may be configured to the corresponding port of in the manifold.
[0042] In an aspect, the arrangement of configuration of the adapter plates in the manifold may be customizable. The circuit design of the valve manifold may be customized by changing the number, order and type of the at least one adapter plates or valve or plugs. Further, since the adapter plates are removably configured to the ports, the number, order and type of the adapter plates may be rearranged in accordance to the change in use requirements. The manifold may also allow for onsite repair or maintenance.
[0043] In an aspect, the fluid may include, but not be limited to gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries. In some examples, the fluids may include, but not limited to, water, air, natural gases, oils, and the like.
[0044] In an aspect, valve manifold may also include an inlet through which the fluid enters into the valve manifold, and an outlet through which the fluid exits the valve manifold.
[0045] In an aspect, the valve manifold may further include a regulator, said regulator being at least one of a precision regulator, filter regulator or a general-purpose regulator. The regulator may be configured to the valve manifold via the at least one adapter plates. In one embodiment, the regulator may be configured at the inlet. In another embodiment, the regulator may be configured adjacent to the at least one valve module.
[0046] In an aspect, the valve manifold may also include a manual valve for manually controlling the flow rate of the fluid in the valve manifold. The manual valve may be a push-pull type valve that can be used by a human operator. The manual valve may be configured to the valve manifold via the at least one adapter plate.
[0047] The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 1A where an exemplary representation of the proposed valve manifold is disclosed, the valve manifold 100 may include a manifold130 with a plurality of ports/ positions for mounting different units. The manifold 130 allows the valve manifold 100 to be assembled with any fluid transporting system. The manifold 130 may be configured to said systems via securing means, including, but not limited to screws, nails, cables, magnets, and adhesives. The ports may be configured in a variety of arrangements. For instance, in one embodiment, the ports may be configured in a linear arrangement.
[0049] In an aspect, the valve manifold 100 may further include at least one adapter plate 145(individually referred to as the adapter plate 145, and collectively referred to as the adapter plates 145), configured to the ports. The ports in the manifold may allow the adapter plates 145 to be arranged in any desired circuit design. In an embodiment, the adapter plates 145 of the manifold 130 may be configured to allow transportation of fluids from a first adapter plate 145 to a second adapter plate 145 directly, without the need for additional tubes or fittings. The adapter plates 145 may be assembled to the manifold 130 using means including or limited to, screws, nails, cables, magnets and adhesives. The absence of tubes and fittings in the manifold 130 ameliorates the difficulties faced during maintenance and repair of the valve manifold 100. For instance, the absence of tubes and fittings reduces the risks of leakage during repair and maintenance. Moreover, the absence of tubes and fittings allows several components of the valve manifold 100 to be easily dismantled or de-configured for repair and maintenance.
[0050] In an aspect, the valve manifold 100 may include at least one valve module 150 (shown clearly in FIG. 2-A) (individually referred to as the valve module 150, and collectively referred to as the valve modules 150) that may be configured to controllably regulate pressure and flow rate of a fluid in said valve manifold 100. In an embodiment, the valve modules 150 may be configured to the valve manifold 100 via the adapter plates 145. The valve modules 150 may have different internal positions, including at least one position that allows fluids to freely or partially flow through the valve modules 150, and at least one position where said valve modules 150 blocks the flow of said fluids. In an embodiment, valve modules 150 may be of the type including, but not be limited to ball valve, butterfly valve, check valve, diaphragm valve, gate valve, globe valve, knife gate valve, parallel slide valve, pinch valve, piston valve, plug valve, sluice valve, and the like, Air operated valve, solenoid valve, pilot operated valve. Further, in an embodiment, the valve modules 150 may also be of the configurations/arrangements of block and bleed valves, pilot valves, air operated valves, and solenoid valves. In one embodiment, the valve modules 150 may be a combination of the aforementioned types of valves that may implement a 1oo1, 1oo2, 2oo2, 1oo2 or 2oo2 logic. Further, in an embodiment, the at least one valve module 150 may also have any combination of numbers of inlet and outlet ports, including, but not limited to the types 2/2, 3/2, or 5/2 type of Direct acting Solenoid Valves or Air Operated valves. In another embodiment, the valve manifold 100 may also include valve module 150 indicative of a non-return valve that ensures the fluid flows in only one direction.
[0051] In an aspect, the valve manifold 100 may also include at least one pressure gauge corresponding to each of the valve modules 150, for providing a measure of pressure in said valve manifolds 100. The at least one pressure gauge may be configured to the valve manifold 100 via the adapter plates 145.
[0052] In an aspect, the arrangement of the adapter plates 145 of the manifold 130 may be customizable. Such arrangement of the adapter plates may constitute a circuit design. The circuit design of the valve manifold 100 may be customized by changing the arrangement, number, order and type of the adapter plates 145. In an embodiment where the ports/ mounting positions in the manifold 130 may be in a linear arrangement, the circuit design of the valve manifold 100 may be customized by changing the number, order and type of the adapter plates 145. Further, since the adapter plates are removably configured to the ports/ mounting positions, the number, order and type of the adapter plates 145 may be rearranged in accordance to the change in use requirements. The manifold 130 may also allow for onsite repair or maintenance. For instance in an embodiment where a first adapter plate 145 associated with one of the positions requires maintenance or repairs, said first adapter plate 145 alone can be removed for repairs or maintenance onsite. Further, second adapter plate 145 can be assembled in place of the removed adapter plate, until the repairs or maintenance is complete on the first adapter plate 145 for the assembly to remain functional.
[0053] In an embodiment, the fluid may include, but not be limited to gases, liquids, fluidized solids, or slurries. In some examples, the fluids may include, but not limited to, water, air, natural gases, oils, and the like.
[0054] In an aspect, valve manifold 100 may also include an inlet 110 through which the fluid enters into the valve manifold 100, and an outlet 180 through which the fluid exits the valve manifold 100. The inlet 110 may be any orifice, opening, projection, passage or a tube extending from the valve manifold 100 that allows the fluid to enter into said valve manifold 100. Meanwhile, the outlet 180 may be any orifice, opening, projection, passage or a tube extending from the valve manifold 100 that allows the fluid to exit said valve manifold 100.
[0055] In an aspect, the valve manifold may further include a regulator 115, said regulator 115 being at least one of a precision regulator, filter regulator or a general-purpose regulator. The regulator 115 may be configured to the valve manifold via one of the adapter plates 145. In an embodiment where the regulator 115 may be a precision regulator, said regulator 115 may provide precise pressure control and pressure adjustment of the flow of fluids. The regulator 115 being a precision regulator, may ensure fluids pass at a consistent speed or pressure through the valve manifold 100. In an embodiment where the regulator 115 is a filter regulator, said regulator 115 may filter out impure elements or undesired elements in the fluid. The impure elements or undesired elements in the fluids may, depending on the situation, include contaminants, particulate matter, dirt, debris, moisture, and other gaseous, liquid, fluidized solids or slurries composing said fluid that may be undesirable. In an example, the regulator 115 being a filter regulator may filter out oil and dirt from a liquid fluid composed of oil, water and dirt. In an embodiment where the regulator 115 is a general-purpose regulator, said regulator 115 may provide consistent and reliable pressure control of flow of fluids through the valve manifold 100. In one embodiment, the regulator 115 may be configured at the inlet 110. In another embodiment, the regulator 115 may be configured adjacent to the at least one valve module 150.
[0056] In an embodiment, the valve manifold 100 may also include a manual valve 170 for manually controlling the flow rate of the fluid in the valve manifold 100. The manual valve 170 may be a push-pull type valve that can be used by a human operator. The manual valve 170 may be configured to the valve manifold 100 via one of the adapter plates 145.
[0057] FIG. 1B illustrates an exemplary representation of the disclosed valve manifold, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0058] FIG. 1B shows the valve manifold where the adapter plates 145 may be configured to the ports 145. In an embodiment, the adapter plates 145 may be specially designed for the sizes and orientations of the regulator 115 and the valve modules 150 indicative of a non-return valve. In such embodiments, the valve manifold 100 may include one adapter plate 145 indicative of a regulator plate 145A and a non-return valve plate 145B respectively for the regulator 115 and the valve module 150 indicative of a non-return valve. In yet another embodiment, the adapter plate 145 may be blank plate 145C that may be configured to the ports 140 when functionalities of the regulator 115, and the valve modules 150 are not required.
[0059] The following figures and corresponding description provide exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, said exemplary embodiment being representative of some combinations of circuit designs achievable by the valve manifold 100. However, these embodiments do not constitute the entire set of circuit designs achievable by the present disclosure. The valve manifold 100 in the present disclosure may include other suitable circuit designs, or a combination of such circuit designs, as may be obvious to those skilled in the art.
[0060] FIG. 2A illustrates an exemplary implementation of circuit design of the valve manifold 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0061] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2A relates to a valve manifold 100 having a circuit design indicative of a ballast control valve system. The ballast control valve system may find applications in, including but not limited to shipping vessels, oil extraction, gas cylinder safety valves, and the like. In an embodiment, the valve manifold 100 may include the regulator 115 indicative of an air filter regulator configured between the inlet 110 and manifold 130. The regulator 115 may receive the fluid via the inlet 110, and ensures the fluids flow at a consistent speed and pressure to the manifold 130. Then, the fluid may flow into a first valve module 150-1 indicative of a non-return valve configured to a first adapter plate 145-1 (not shown in FIG. 2A) in the manifold 130. The first valve module 150-1 ensures the fluid flows only in one direction. Then, the fluid may flow into a second valve module 150-2 indicative of a block and bleed module configured to a second adapter plate 145-2 in the manifold 130. 150-2 is a block and bleed manifold, which can enable checking the inlet/source pressure to valve manifold. Thereon, the fluid may flow into a third valve module 150-3 indicative of a pilot valve with 2oo2 logic configured to a third adapter plate 145-3 in the manifold 130. The third valve module 150-3 may allow users to easily regulate a higher pressure of the fluid. The fluid then flows into a fourth valve module 150-4 indicative of an air operated valve configured to a fourth adapter plate 145-4 in the manifold 130. 150-4 is a block and bleed manifold, which can enable checking the pressure after the pilot valve manifold 150-3. Fourth valve module 150-4 may be a block and bleed manifold, which can enable checking the pressure of the pilot valve manifold 150-3. Then, the fluid flows into the manual valve 170 configured to the manifold 130. The manual valve 170 allows human operators to manually regulate the flow of the fluid, depending on the use requirements.
[0062] The fluid then may flow into a fifth valve module 150-5 indicative of a block and bleed module configured to a fifth adapter plate 145-5 in the manifold 130, before exiting the valve manifold 100 through the outlet 180. The fluid may flow through each of the first, third, and fifth, 170 valve modules when said valve modules 150 are in an open condition. Meanwhile, the said first, third, fourth and 170 valve modules may block the flow of the fluids, when said valve modules 150 are in a closed condition. In an embodiment, depending on the number of the ports and mounting positions in the manifold 130, one or more adapter plates 145 indicative of blank plates 145C may be configured on the ports and mounting positions that are not in use.
[0063] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary implementation of circuit design of the valve manifold 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0064] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B relates to a valve manifold 100 having a layout indicative of emergency shutdown valve system. Such an embodiment may find applications in situations where the flow of fluids may need to be stopped upon detection of a predetermined list of events. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2B also relates to a valve manifold 100 having a layout indicative of blow down valve system. Such an embodiment may find applications where the flow of high differential pressure fluids may need to be controlled/regulated. In an embodiment, the valve manifold 100 may include the regulator 115 indicative of an air filter regulator configured between the inlet 110 and manifold 130. The regulator 115 may receive the fluid via the inlet 110, and ensures the fluids flow at a consistent speed and pressure to the manifold 130. Then, the fluid may flow into a first valve module 150-1 indicative of a non-return valve configured to a first adapter plate 145-1 (not shown in FIG. 2B) in the manifold 130. The first valve module 150-1 ensures the fluid flows only in one direction. Then, the fluid may flow into a second valve module 150-2 indicative of a block and bleed module configured to a second adapter plate 145-2 in the manifold 130. The second valve module 150-2 may isolate or block the flow of the fluid. Thereon, the fluid may flow into a third valve module 150-3 indicative of a pilot valve with 1oo1 configured to a first adapter plate 145-3 in the manifold manifold 130. The third valve module 150-3 may allow users to easily regulate a higher pressure of the fluid. The fluid then flows into a fourth valve module 150-4 indicative of a bleed and block module configured to a fourth adapter plate 145-4. The fluid then flows into a fourth valve module 150-4 indicative of a bleed and block module configured to a fourth adapter plate 145-4. Thereon, the fluid may flow into a fifth valve module 150-5 indicative of an air operated valve configured to a fifth adapter plate 145-5 in the manifold 130. The fifth valve module 150-5 may be configured to actuate when the pressure of the fluid exists a predefined threshold. Then, the fluid flows into the manual valve 170 configured to the manifold 130. The manual valve 170 allows human operators to manually adjust the flow rate of the fluid, depending on the use requirements.
[0065] The fluid then may flow into a sixth valve module 150-6 indicative of a block and bleed module configured to a sixth adapter plate 145-6 in the manifold 130, before exiting the valve manifold 100 through the outlet 180. The fluid may flow through each of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth valve modules 150(1-6) when first, third, fifth and 170 said valve modules 150 (1-6) are in an open condition. Meanwhile, the said first, third, fifth and 170 valve modules may block the flow of the fluids, when said valve modules are in a closed condition. In an embodiment, depending on the number of the ports 140 in the manifold 130, one or more adapter plates 145 indicative of blank plates 145C may be configured on the ports or mounting positions that are not in use.
[0066] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary implementation of circuit design of the valve manifold 100, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0067] The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C relates to a valve manifold 100 having a layout indicative of emergency shutdown valve system. Such an embodiment may find applications in situations where the flow of fluids may need to be stopped upon detection of a predetermined list of events. The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2C also relates to a valve manifold 100 having a layout indicative of UV2 system. In an embodiment, the valve manifold 100 may include the regulator 115 indicative of an air filter regulator configured between the inlet 110 and the manifold 130. The regulator 115 may receive the fluid via the inlet 110, and ensures that the fluids flow at a consistent speed and pressure to the manifold 130. Then, the fluid may flow into a first valve module 150-1 indicative of a non-return valve configured to a first adapter plate 145-1 (not shown in FIG. 2C) in the manifold 130. The first valve module 150-1 ensures the fluid flows only in one direction. Then, the fluid may flow into a second valve module 150-2 indicative of a block and bleed module configured to a second adapter plate 145 in the manifold 130. The second valve module 150-2 may isolate or block the flow of the fluid. The fluid then flows into a third valve module 150-3 indicative of pilot valve of the type 1oo2 configured to a third adapter plate 145-3 in the manifold 130. Then, the fluid flows into the manual valve 170 configured to the manifold 130. The manual valve 170 allows human operators to manually adjust the flow rate of the fluid, depending on the use requirements. The fluid then may flow into a fourth valve module 150-4 indicative of a block and bleed module configured to a fourth adapter plate 145-4 in the manifold 130, before exiting the valve manifold 100 through the outlet 180.
[0068] The fluid may flow through each of the first, second, third and fourth valve modules 150(1-4) when valve modules 1, 2, 170, 4 are in an open condition. Meanwhile, the said first, , third, and 170 valve modules may block the flow of the fluids, when said valve modules are in a closed condition. In an embodiment, depending on the number of the ports 140 in the manifold 130, one or more adapter plates 145 indicative of blank plates 145C may be configured on the ports 140 not in use.
[0069] FIGs. 3A to 3D show circuit diagrams for different functionalities that can be achieved by the disclosed valve manifold by configuring the valve manifold as shown in FIGs. 2A-2D.
[0070] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present disclosure may be provided using some or all the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0071] The present disclosure provides a valve manifold that overcomes the drawbacks of conventional solutions.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a valve manifold that is modular and does not use tube or fittings.
[0073] The present disclosure provides a valve manifold that allows for onsite repair and maintenances.
[0074] The present disclosure provides a valve manifold whose circuit design can be customized by the user.
[0075] The present disclosure provides a valve manifold whose circuit design can be customized by changing just a few components.
List of References:
100 – Valve manifold
110 - Inlet
115 - Regulator
130 - Manifold
140 – Ports
145 – Adapter plates
145A – Regulator plate
145B – Non-return valve plate
145C – Blank Plates
150 - Valve Module
151 - Non-return valve
157 - Pressure Guage
170 - Manual valve
180 - Outlet
,CLAIMS:1. A modular valve manifold device for a fluid system, the device comprising:
a manifold having at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port and a plurality of port/mounting positions; and
a plurality of adapter plates adapted to be detachably coupled to one or more of the plurality of the ports/mounting positions;
wherein at least some of the plurality of adapter plates are adapted to be coupled to a corresponding fluid control/monitoring unit and thereafter coupled to one of the plurality of the ports/mounting positions; and
wherein assembly of different combinations of the adapter plates along with the corresponding fluid control/monitoring units to the manifold results in achieving different fluid control circuits between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device is characterised by absence of any pipe connections between the plurality of fluid control/monitoring units.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the manifold is configured to provide fluidic connectivity between different ports/mounting positions among the plurality of the ports/mounting positions.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of adopter plated comprise at least one blank plate for being fixed to one or more ports/mounting positions among the plurality of the ports/mounting positions that are not coupled with any of the fluid control/monitoring units.
5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fluid control/monitoring units comprise at least one of a pressure gauge, at least one valve module implementing a logic selected from a group comprising 1oo1 logic, 1oo2 logic and 2oo2 logic, at least one block & bleed module, at least one manual On/ off valve, at least one air filter regulator and at least one non-return valve.
6. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the plurality of ports/mounting positions are arranged on the manifold in a linear arrangement that facilitates flow of a corresponding fluid through the plurality of the ports/mounting positions fluid in a sequential manner.
7. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the different fluid control circuits comprises a circuit for ballast control valve system achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, two block and bleed modules, one valve module implementing 2oo2 logic, an air operated valve and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence.
8. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the different fluid control circuits comprises a circuit of emergency shutdown valve system achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, at least one block and bleed module, one valve module implementing 1oo1 logic, one air operated valve and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence.
9. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the different fluid control circuits comprises a circuit of blow down valve system achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, one block and bleed module, one valve module implementing 1oo1 logic, one air operated valve and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence.
10. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the different fluid control circuits comprises a circuit of shut down valve system achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, three block and bleed modules, one solenoid valve and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence
11. The device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the different fluid control circuits comprises a circuit of UV2 valve system achieved by coupling of one air filter regulator, one non-return valve, three block and bleed modules, one valve module implementing 1oo1 logic and one manual valve to the manifold through the respective adopter plates in a predefined sequence.
12. The device as claimed in claim 5, wherein an input to the achieved fluid control circuit, when the achieved fluid control circuit uses the air filter regulator, is through the air filter regulator, and the input port is rendered redundant.