A float valve based on a novel float structure and a refrigeration system incorporating the float valve

Abstract

This invention relates to a float valve based on a novel float structure and a refrigeration system incorporating such a float valve. The float valve of this invention includes a valve body, a connecting rod, and a float. One end of the connecting rod is connected to a liquid outlet, and the other end is connected to the float, which is disposed within the valve body. The float housing has an inlet port and an outlet port. An inlet check valve is installed on the inlet port, and an outlet check valve is installed on the outlet port. The inlet check valve flows from the outside of the float housing to the inside, and the outlet check valve flows from the inside of the float housing to the outside. Its advantages are: by installing two opposing check valves on a complete float housing, the pressure inside the housing is made equal to the pressure inside the valve body cavity, solving the pressure difference problem; this float relies on the buoyancy of the liquid and the difference in gravity of the housing to achieve displacement in height, avoiding the problem of the float becoming unbalanced due to pressure changes in the closed air pocket inside the float.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a float valve based on a novel float structure and a refrigeration system including the float valve. Background Technology

[0002] Float valves are frequently used to control flow rate and liquid level. Their structure includes a float and a connecting rod. The float must always remain afloat on the liquid surface. When the liquid level rises, the float rises as well, causing the connecting rod to rise as well. The connecting rod is connected to the valve at the other end. When the float reaches a certain position, the connecting rod supports the piston; when the liquid level drops, the float drops as well, and the connecting rod closes the piston. Float valves can regulate flow rate and control liquid level by adjusting the position of the float on the liquid surface. The float is a crucial component of the float valve. Currently, there are two types of floats: spherical and hemispherical. Spherical floats are used in applications with low pressure requirements and are usually complete spherical shells. These floats rely on the buoyancy of the liquid and the difference in gravity between the spherical shell and the float's height to achieve displacement, such as in water systems. For applications with high pressure, a hemispherical shell is used to overcome the pressure difference between the inside and outside of a complete spherical shell. In this type of float, the pressure of the gas sealed inside the hemispherical shell and the difference in gravity between the hemispherical shell and the float's height are used to achieve displacement. While this method solves the pressure difference problem, it is difficult to achieve gas-liquid separation, especially in refrigeration systems, because saturated refrigerant will undergo phase change when pressure and temperature fluctuate slightly, causing the float valve to malfunction.

[0003] The applicant's search revealed that no existing literature contains a float structure that can both solve the pressure difference problem and prevent the float from becoming unbalanced when the pressure changes in the sealed air chamber. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a float valve based on a novel float structure that is suitable for high-pressure environments, can prevent the float from becoming unbalanced when the closed air chamber changes pressure, and can control the system flow rate and liquid level, as well as a refrigeration system including the float valve.

[0005] The present invention provides a float valve based on a novel float structure, the technical solution of which is as follows:

[0006] A float valve based on a novel float structure includes a valve body, a connecting rod, and a float. One end of the connecting rod is connected to the liquid outlet, and the other end is connected to the float. The float is disposed within the valve body.

[0007] The float housing is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlet is equipped with an inlet check valve, and the air outlet is equipped with an outlet check valve. The inlet check valve is open from the outside of the float housing to the inside, and the outlet check valve is open from the inside of the float housing to the outside. Alternatively, the float housing is provided with an air hole, and a conduit is provided on the air hole. One end of the conduit is connected to the inside of the float valve housing, and the other end is connected to the liquid level line above the float valve.

[0008] Preferably, an inlet conduit is provided on the air inlet, one end of which is connected to the inside of the float valve housing, and the other end is connected to the liquid level line above the float valve. An inlet check valve is provided in the inlet conduit.

[0009] Preferably, an outlet conduit is provided on the vent hole, one end of which is connected to the bottom of the float valve housing and the other end is connected to the outside of the float valve housing; an outlet check valve is provided in the outlet conduit.

[0010] Preferably, the air inlet and air outlet are located in the upper half of the float; the outlet duct has a bent structure.

[0011] Preferably, the inlet and outlet of the float valve are located at the bottom of the valve body.

[0012] Preferably, the float valve body is also provided with an air outlet.

[0013] The present invention also provides a carbon dioxide refrigeration system, including a compressor, a condenser, a liquid receiver, and an evaporator connected in sequence; a gas-liquid separator is provided between the condenser and the liquid receiver, the gas-liquid separator including the above-mentioned float valve based on the novel float structure, the liquid inlet of the float valve is connected to the liquid outlet of the condenser, the liquid outlet of the float valve is connected to the liquid receiver, and the gas outlet of the float valve is connected to the gas inlet of the condenser.

[0014] Preferably, a check valve is installed on the pipe between the outlet of the float valve and the inlet of the condenser.

[0015] Preferably, a suction assembly is provided between the compressor and the condenser. The suction assembly is connected to the float valve and can draw the gas in the float valve back into the pipeline between the compressor and the condenser for continued condensation.

[0016] Preferably, the condenser is a flash condenser, which includes a closed shell, a negative pressure fan, a heat exchange device, and a liquid atomizing device. The negative pressure fan is installed on the closed shell, and the negative pressure fan creates a negative pressure environment inside the closed shell. The liquid atomizing device and the heat exchange device are installed inside the closed shell. The liquid atomizing device sprays the atomized liquid into the closed shell. The atomized liquid evaporates into steam under the negative pressure environment, condensing and liquefying the carbon dioxide medium in the heat exchange device.

[0017] The implementation of this invention has the following technical effects:

[0018] This invention relates to a float valve based on a novel float structure. Two opposing one-way valves are installed on a complete float shell to achieve equal pressure between the inside of the float shell and the valve body cavity, thus solving the pressure differential problem. This float relies on the buoyancy of the liquid and the difference in gravity of the float shell to achieve vertical displacement, avoiding the problem of float imbalance caused by pressure changes in the closed air pocket inside the float. It combines the advantages of traditional spherical and hemispherical floats, and can not only control system flow and liquid level, but its advantages are even more prominent in industries requiring gas-liquid separation, such as refrigeration systems.

[0019] Extending the outlet check valve conduit to the bottom prevents the gas inside the float from liquefying due to temperature or pressure fluctuations. When the pressure inside the float is high, the liquid is discharged to the outside of the shell through the check valve and thin tube in the event of a sudden pressure fluctuation, thus ensuring safe operation without changing the weight of the float. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a float valve structure based on a novel float structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the float structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a carbon dioxide refrigeration system including the float valve of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a structure with multiple float valves connected in series.

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a flash condenser.

[0025] In the diagram: 10. Compressor; 11. Condenser; 12. Liquid receiver; 13. Evaporator; 14. Gas-liquid separator; 140. Float; 141. Connecting rod; 142. Valve body; 143. Inlet check valve; 144. Outlet check valve; 145. Inlet conduit; 146. Outlet conduit; 147. Housing; 148. Liquid outlet; 149. Liquid inlet; 150. Gas outlet; 15. Suction assembly; 16. Check valve; 17. First Venturi tube; 18. Second Venturi tube; 19. Third Venturi tube; 20. First float valve; 21. Second float valve; 22. Third float valve; 23. Negative pressure fan; 24. Enclosed housing; 25. Heat exchanger; 26. Liquid atomizing device; 27. First static pressure chamber; 28. Second static pressure chamber; 29. ​​Pressure regulating device; 30. Water supply device. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the described embodiments are only intended to facilitate the understanding of the present invention and do not constitute any limitation thereof.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a float valve based on a novel float structure, including a valve body 142, a connecting rod 141, and a float 140. One end of the connecting rod 141 is connected to the liquid outlet 148, and the other end is connected to the float 140. The float 140 is disposed inside the valve body 142. The housing 147 of the float 140 is provided with an air inlet and an air outlet. An inlet check valve 143 is provided on the air inlet, and an outlet check valve 144 is provided on the air outlet. The inlet check valve 143 conducts from the outside to the inside of the housing 147 of the float 140. The outlet check valve 144 connects the float 140 from the inside of the housing 147 to the outside. In this embodiment, the float valve based on the novel float 140 structure uses two opposing check valves installed on the complete float 140 housing 147 to achieve equal pressure inside the housing and inside the valve body 142, thus solving the pressure difference problem. This float 140 achieves its displacement in height by relying on the buoyancy of the liquid and the difference in gravity of the housing, avoiding the problem of the float 140 becoming unbalanced due to pressure changes in the closed air pocket inside the float 140. It combines the advantages of traditional spherical and hemispherical floats, not only controlling system flow and liquid level, but also showing significant advantages in industries requiring gas-liquid separation, such as CO2 refrigeration systems.

[0029] See Figure 2 As shown, an inlet conduit 145 is provided on the air inlet port. One end of the inlet conduit 145 is connected to the inside of the float valve housing 147, and the other end is connected above the liquid level line of the float valve. An inlet check valve 143 is provided in the inlet conduit 145. An outlet conduit 146 is provided on the exhaust port. One end of the outlet conduit 146 is connected to the bottom of the float valve housing 147, and the other end is connected to the outside of the float valve housing 147. An outlet check valve 144 is provided in the outlet conduit 146. The outlet check valve 144 extends to the bottom to prevent the gas inside the float 140 from liquefying due to temperature or pressure fluctuations, or to prevent external liquid from accidentally entering the float. When the pressure inside the float 140 is high, in the event of a sudden pressure fluctuation, the liquid is discharged to the outside of the housing 147 through the check valve and the thin tube, thus not changing the weight of the float 140 and ensuring safe operation. The air inlet and exhaust ports are located in the upper part of the float 140; as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the outlet conduit 146 has a bent structure. See also... Figure 1As shown, the inlet 149 and outlet 148 of the float valve are located at the bottom of the valve body 142. An outlet 150 is also provided on the valve body 142, located at the top of the valve body 142, for gas-liquid separation. This arrangement ensures that the gas and liquid phases are separated within the float valve cavity, resulting in uniform temperature distribution between the two phases. The connecting rod 141 can be a straight arm or a curved arm structure. A valve controlling the flow of liquid is provided at the outlet 148.

[0030] See Figure 3 As shown, this embodiment provides a carbon dioxide refrigeration system including the aforementioned float valve based on the novel float structure. The system comprises a compressor 10, a condenser 11, a liquid receiver 12, and an evaporator 13 connected in sequence. A gas-liquid separator 14 is provided between the condenser 11 and the liquid receiver 12. The gas-liquid separator 14 is the aforementioned float valve based on the novel float structure. The inlet 149 of the float valve is connected to the outlet 149 of the condenser 11, the outlet 148 of the float valve is connected to the liquid receiver 12, and the outlet 150 of the float valve is connected to the inlet 150 of the condenser 11. A one-way valve 16 is provided on the pipe between the outlet 150 of the float valve and the inlet 11 of the condenser 11, allowing only one-way gas flow through the float valve. Furthermore, a suction assembly 15 is provided between the compressor 10 and the condenser 11. The suction assembly 15 is connected to a float valve, and the suction assembly 15 can draw the gas in the float valve back into the pipeline between the compressor 10 and the condenser 11 for continued condensation. The suction assembly 15 is a Venturi tube or a Venturi assembly of multiple Venturi tubes connected in parallel, and the gas-liquid separator 14 is a float valve or a float valve assembly of multiple float valves connected in series.

[0031] As a connection method, see Figure 4 As shown, the carbon dioxide refrigeration system includes a first venturi tube 17, a first float valve 20, a second venturi tube 18, a second float valve 21, a third venturi tube 19, and a third float valve 22. The first venturi tube 17 is installed on the pipe between the compressor 10 and the condenser 11. The first float valve 20, the second float valve 21, and the third float valve 22 are connected in series between the condenser 11 and the receiver 12. The throat interface of the first venturi tube 17 is connected to the outlet 150 of the first float valve 20. The second venturi tube 18 is installed between the first float valve 20 and the condenser 11, and its throat interface is connected to the outlet 150 of the second float valve 21. The third venturi tube 19 is installed between the first float valve 20 and the second float valve 21, and its throat interface is connected to the outlet 150 of the third float valve 22.

[0032] A Venturi tube is an application based on the Venturi effect, which refers to the phenomenon that confined flow experiences an increase in velocity when passing through a narrowed cross-section, with the velocity inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area. In simpler terms, this effect means that a low pressure is generated near a high-speed flowing fluid, resulting in adsorption. A Venturi tube works by narrowing the airflow, increasing the gas velocity; the low pressure generated near the high-speed flowing gas creates a negative pressure environment inside the Venturi tube, which then exerts an adsorption effect on the connected external environment. By combining the Venturi effect with the inherent properties of carbon dioxide, the gaseous carbon dioxide in the receiver 12 can be repeatedly condensed without increasing the power components or affecting the efficiency of the compressor 10, thereby improving the system's refrigeration efficiency.

[0033] See Figure 5 As shown, preferably, the condenser 11 is a flash condenser, which includes a closed shell 24, a negative pressure fan 23, a heat exchange device 25, and a liquid atomizing device 26. The negative pressure fan 23 is installed on the closed shell 24, and the negative pressure fan 23 creates a negative pressure environment inside the closed shell 24. The liquid atomizing device 26 and the heat exchange device 25 are installed inside the closed shell 24. The liquid atomizing device 26 sprays the atomized liquid into the closed shell 24. The atomized liquid evaporates into steam under the negative pressure environment, condensing and liquefying the carbon dioxide medium in the heat exchange device 25.

[0034] Furthermore, the exhaust volume of the negative pressure fan 23 is greater than the evaporation rate of the atomized liquid within the closed housing 24. This serves two purposes: firstly, it effectively removes steam from the closed housing 24, improving the evaporation efficiency of the atomized liquid; secondly, it maintains a negative pressure environment within the closed housing 24. The pressure in the static pressure chamber within the closed housing 24 is at least 20 Pa lower than the ambient atmospheric pressure. The condensation pressure within the condenser tube does not exceed the critical pressure of carbon dioxide, which is 74 kg / cm³. 2 .

[0035] A first static pressure chamber 27 is formed between the negative pressure fan 23 and the heat exchange device 25, and a second static pressure chamber 28 is formed between the liquid atomizing device 26 and the heat exchange device 25. The negative pressure fan 23 creates a negative pressure environment in the second static pressure chamber 28, and the liquid atomizing device 26 sprays atomized liquid into the second static pressure chamber 28 so that the atomized liquid evaporates into steam.

[0036] The flash condenser 11 includes a pressure regulating device 29. The inlet of the pressure regulating device 29 is located outside the closed housing 24, and the outlet is located inside the closed housing 24. The pressure regulating device 29 can send a regulated airflow into the closed housing 24 to promote the flow of steam within the closed housing 24 and form an aerosol within the closed housing 24. The liquid atomizing device 26 includes a water replenishment device 30, preferably a softened water replenishment device, which can remove inorganic salts such as calcium and magnesium. After the water has been treated by the softened water replenishment device, no external impurities have entered, which minimizes the risk of scaling on the condenser tubes and increases their service life.

[0037] The flash condenser 11 has the following technical advantages:

[0038] 1. By promoting the evaporation of atomized water in a closed negative pressure environment, the overall temperature in the closed environment is reduced. The heat exchange device 25 can achieve the cooling effect through radiation in a low-temperature environment, and is not affected by the temperature and humidity of the outside natural wind. It can be used in more different environments.

[0039] Under negative pressure, aerosols are formed by the dispersion and suspension of atomized water particles in a gaseous medium, creating a colloidal dispersion system. Because the dispersion medium of the aerosol is gas, and gas has low viscosity, the density difference between the dispersed phase and the dispersion medium is significant. This leads to easy aggregation of particles upon collision and evaporation of liquid particles, giving aerosols unique characteristics. Aerosol particles have a considerable specific surface area and surface energy, which can rapidly evaporate liquefied water, improving the cooling effect. In practical applications, considering the convenience and accessibility of external air, a small amount of air is introduced as the gaseous medium for suspending the atomized water particles. To verify that the flash condenser 11 is unaffected by the temperature and humidity of a small amount of external air entering, some steam can also be introduced as the gaseous medium from the outlet of the negative pressure fan 23.

[0040] The atomized water generated by the water atomizing device rapidly flashes in the negative pressure environment of the containing chamber, changing from water mist to steam, absorbing heat and lowering the ambient temperature inside the sealed shell 24. The steam generated by the flashing of the atomized water can be discharged outside the sealed shell 24 through the negative pressure fan 23. Thus, the atomized water in the containing chamber continuously evaporates into steam, releasing cooling energy; the steam is then continuously discharged outside the sealed shell 24 through the negative pressure fan 23, completing the refrigeration process. Utilizing the low-temperature environment inside the sealed shell 24, substances can be cooled or de-temperatured.

[0041] 2. Since there is no need for convection heat exchange with the external environment during the refrigeration process, the flash closed condenser 11 of the present invention has a small installed capacity and the overall equipment occupies a small space, which is convenient for installation and saves space.

[0042] 3. The flash-type closed condenser 11 of the present invention achieves refrigeration entirely through the evaporation of atomized water. The process of water changing from liquid to gas can release cold energy for refrigeration, and at the same time, the temperature of the steam discharged by the equipment will not rise. Therefore, no heat is actually emitted into the atmosphere during the refrigeration process, and no heat island effect is generated. It not only has high refrigeration efficiency, but also stable and reliable refrigeration effect.

[0043] Example 2

[0044] The technical solution of this embodiment differs from that of Embodiment 1 in that an air hole is provided on the shell of the float in this embodiment, and a conduit is provided on the air hole. One end of the conduit is connected to the inside of the float valve shell, and the other end is connected to the liquid level line above the float valve. The conduit extends to the bottom of the float. When the gas inside the float liquefies or enters the liquid due to temperature or pressure fluctuations, and when the pressure inside the float is high, the liquid is discharged to the outside of the shell through the thin tube under the condition of instantaneous pressure fluctuation, thereby not changing the weight of the float and ensuring safe operation. This can replace the two reverse one-way valve technical solutions in Embodiment 1. The parts that are the same as in Embodiment 1 will not be described again here.

[0045] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications or equivalent substitutions can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention without departing from the essence and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention.

Claims

1. A carbon dioxide refrigeration system comprising a compressor, a condenser, a liquid accumulator and an evaporator connected in sequence; characterized in that: the carbon dioxide refrigeration system further comprises a first Venturi tube, a first float ball valve, a second Venturi tube, a second float ball valve, a third Venturi tube and a third float ball valve, the first Venturi tube is arranged on a pipeline between the compressor and the condenser, the first float ball valve, the second float ball valve and the third float ball valve are arranged in series between the condenser and the liquid accumulator, a throat interface of the first Venturi tube is connected with a gas outlet of the first float ball valve, the second Venturi tube is arranged between the first float ball valve and the condenser, a throat interface of the second Venturi tube is connected with a gas outlet of the second float ball valve, the third Venturi tube is arranged between the first float ball valve and the second float ball valve, a throat interface of the third Venturi tube is connected with a gas outlet of the third float ball valve; the first float ball valve, the second float ball valve and the third float ball valve each comprise a valve body, a connecting rod and a float ball, one end of the connecting rod is connected with a liquid outlet, the other end is connected with the float ball, and the float ball is arranged in the valve body; an air inlet hole and an air outlet hole are arranged on a shell of the float ball, an inlet check valve is arranged on the air inlet hole, and an outlet check valve is arranged on the air outlet hole, the inlet check valve is communicated from outside to inside of the float ball shell, and the outlet check valve is communicated from inside to outside of the float ball shell; an inlet guide pipe is arranged on the air inlet hole, one end of the inlet guide pipe is connected to inside of the float ball valve shell, and the other end is connected to above a liquid level line of the float ball valve, and the inlet check valve is arranged in the inlet guide pipe; an outlet guide pipe is arranged on the air outlet hole, one end of the outlet guide pipe is connected to a bottom of the float ball valve shell, and the other end is connected to outside of the float ball valve shell; the outlet check valve is arranged in the outlet guide pipe; the air inlet hole and the air outlet hole are arranged in an upper half of the float ball; the outlet guide pipe is in a bent structure; the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the float ball valve are arranged at a bottom of the valve body, the liquid outlet is provided with a valve controlling liquid flow, and the valve body is further provided with a gas outlet arranged at a top of the valve body.

2. A carbon dioxide refrigeration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the condenser is a flash condenser, the flash condenser comprises a closed shell, a negative pressure fan, a heat exchange device and a liquid atomization device, the negative pressure fan is arranged on the closed shell, the negative pressure fan forms a negative pressure environment inside the closed shell, the liquid atomization device and the heat exchange device are arranged in the closed shell, the liquid atomization device sprays atomized liquid into the closed shell, and the atomized liquid evaporates into steam under the negative pressure environment, and the carbon dioxide medium condensate in the heat exchange device is liquefied.

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