Energy recovery valve system with lateral flow valve for controlling fluid flow in a conduit

Abstract

Valve system for controlling the flow of a fluid in a pipe, comprising: • a valve body (102) for insertion in an interruption of said pipe and provided with an inlet (103) and an outlet (104) for the flow of the fluid in said pipe; • a lateral flow valve (106) arranged in said valve body (102) upstream of the fluid flow, which develops substantially transversely to the pipe, said valve comprising an obturator (107) movable transversely in said pipe so as to "laterally" interrupt a portion of the fluid flow in said pipe; • drive means (109) for moving said obturator from a first position in which said pipe is completely open to a second position in which said pipe is completely closed; • a rotor substantially shaped as a turbine (111) arranged inside the valve body (102) downstream of said valve (107) with respect to the fluid flow, said rotor being located at a distance from said valve, included in a pressure recovery area, said pressure being generated by said valve without said turbine, said distance being defined by the achievement of a block downstream of said valve having a straight pressure line and a constant pressure angle.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to an energy recovery valve system having a lateral flow type valve for controlling fluid flow in a pipeline. Background Technology

[0002] Several types of valves are known in the art for controlling fluid flow in pipelines, and they are used as shut-off devices within pipelines, typically pressurized pipelines.

[0003] These valves are capable of selectively closing the pipes connected to them in order to control fluid flow, whether it is a compressible fluid (e.g., gas or steam) or an incompressible fluid (e.g., liquid). For this purpose, valves known in the art include a stopper of a suitable shape that is housed in a suitable seat within the pipe.

[0004] In particular, gate valves are known to be valves that expand in a substantially transverse direction within a pipe: the gate moves laterally within the pipe, thereby “laterally” stopping the flow of some fluid within the pipe, meaning that fluid can only flow in the lateral portion of the pipe that is kept open by the gate.

[0005] However, the flow regulation effect of the known valves is poor. Flow regulation through the valves is inaccurate, and it is difficult to accurately determine the actual amount of fluid flowing through a partially closed valve. Moreover, when partially closed to regulate fluid flow, the partially closed valve introduces a significant local energy dissipation within the fluid itself, which is essentially lost. This dissipation results in a reduction in the energy associated with the fluid, leading to a decrease in fluid velocity and / or pressure. Typically, this dissipation does not provide any energy benefit to the system with the valve. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an energy recovery valve system having a lateral flow type valve for controlling fluid flow in a pipeline, which has an improvement over the prior art.

[0007] The present invention relates to a valve system for controlling fluid flow in a pipeline, the valve system comprising: a valve body surrounding a lateral flow valve; and a rotor substantially shaped as a turbine (hereinafter referred to as a rotor or turbine) capable of recovering a portion of the energy dissipated by the control valves during their control actions, which would otherwise be dissipated and lost.

[0008] The turbine is positioned downstream of the valve relative to the fluid flow, a location characterized by the presence of a vein preceding the valve.

[0009] The turbine positioning region is determined by the upstream valve and the section where the pressure is fully restored downstream of the valve; this region can be indicatively defined within a range of 5-6 pipe diameters and also affects valve opening and hydrodynamic conditions.

[0010] The turbine's axis of rotation is preferably perpendicular to the flow and the closing direction of the gate / blocker, located in a plane parallel to the valve closing direction, and at a variable height depending on the shape of the gate / blocker.

[0011] Furthermore, the turbine can be fully contained within a suitable seat in the valve body, the size of which is equal to the size of the downstream pipe, or a seat of a different size may be required, depending on the application and the permissible external dimensions.

[0012] The valve body can be manufactured as a single piece containing both the valve and the turbine, or it can be divided into at least two parts, one containing the valve and the other containing the turbine.

[0013] Within the framework of this invention, the term "lateral flow type valve" includes various types of valves that extend substantially laterally in a pipe, including a stopper capable of moving in a substantially lateral direction within the pipe to "laterally" interrupt fluid flow within a portion of the pipe itself, meaning that fluid can only flow in the lateral portion of the pipe that is kept open by the stopper. In some non-limiting instances, the valve is of the gate or sluice gate type.

[0014] This invention relates to a valve system for controlling fluid flow in a pipeline, the valve system comprising:

[0015] A valve body for insertion into the interruption of the pipe, and provided with an inlet and an outlet for fluid to flow in the pipe;

[0016] A transverse flow type valve, which is deployed substantially laterally in a pipe and arranged in the valve body upstream of the fluid flow, the valve includes a blocker that is capable of moving laterally in the pipe in order to "laterally" interrupt a portion of the fluid flow in the pipe;

[0017] A drive mechanism for moving the blocker from a first position to a second position, in which the conduit is fully open and in which the conduit is fully closed;

[0018] The rotor, which is essentially shaped like a turbine, is arranged in the valve body downstream of the valve relative to the fluid flow. The rotor is located at a certain distance from the valve, including within a pressure recovery zone, where the pressure is generated by the valve without the turbine. The distance is determined by reaching a tract downstream of the valve that has a straight pressure line and a constant pressure angle.

[0019] A particular object of the present invention is to provide an energy recovery valve system having a lateral flow valve for controlling fluid flow in a pipeline, as described in the claims that form part of this specification. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Other objects and advantages of the invention will become clear from the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments (and variations thereof) provided herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are provided by way of non-limiting example only, in which:

[0021] - Figure 1 and Figure 2 The diagrams illustrate first variations of the valve system of the present invention in partially open and partially closed configurations, respectively.

[0022] - Figure 3 and Figure 4 The diagrams illustrate second variations of the valve system of the present invention in partially open and partially closed configurations, respectively.

[0023] - Figure 5 The qualitative trend of the average pressure line is shown at a conventional gate valve (dashed line) and at the same valve with the energy recovery system of the present invention located downstream of it (solid line).

[0024] - Figure 6 and Figure 7 The schematic diagram illustrates first and second variations of the valve body of the valve system according to the present invention;

[0025] - Figure 8-11 This illustrates some variations of the turbine in the valve system according to the present invention.

[0026] - Figure 12 This represents another variation, which includes a fluid flow deflector upstream of the valve.

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, the same reference numerals and letters denote the same items or parts. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a valve system 101 according to the present invention is shown. The valve system 101 includes a valve body 102 having an inlet 103 and an outlet 104 that allow fluid to flow in a conduit 105. Under operating conditions, the valve system 101 can be installed at a suitable interruption in the conduit 105, for example, included in a pressurization system.

[0029] The valve system 101 includes a valve 106 with a blocker 107 and a rotor (or turbine) 111 in the body 102. The blocker 107 is positioned upstream in the pipe relative to the direction of fluid flow, and the rotor (or turbine) 111 is positioned downstream of the valve relative to the direction of fluid flow.

[0030] The valve body 102 is inserted into a suitable interruption of the pipeline in a manner known to itself, and its connection is achieved by, for example, a flange or another known system.

[0031] As described above, valve 106 is a "lateral flow" type valve that is substantially laterally deployed in the pipe and includes a blocker 107 capable of lateral movement in the pipe to "laterally" interrupt a portion of the fluid flow in the pipe, meaning that fluid can only flow in the side portion of the pipe that is kept open by the blocker (see example...). Figure 1 (Fluid flow lines in the middle).

[0032] The valve is a known type: it can be a common gate valve (an inexpensive solution), such as a flat gate valve, shaped as a vane or crescent (with a linear or curved vane profile), or even a ball valve or hemispherical valve. The stopper can be, for example, a gate type and / or a sluice gate type. Other shapes of "lateral flow" valve types are also possible.

[0033] The blocker 107 is connected to the actuator 109, which controls the movement of the blocker 107 when it is fully or partially opened or closed. The actuator can be a mechanical actuator, such as a user-operable knob, or a pneumatic or electromechanical actuator, and can be manufactured in a manner known to them.

[0034] The blocker 107 will guarantee a fluid seal in the pipeline for any fluid type at any blocker location. Known components and techniques can be used to achieve this seal.

[0035] The valve system 101 also includes a rotor 111, which is substantially shaped as a turbine fixed on a shaft 112 for rotation on the shaft 112.

[0036] The turbine is used to rotate under the action of the fluid flowing through valve 101, which will be described in more detail below.

[0037] The turbine's rotation axis 112 is perpendicular to the flow and the closing direction of the blocker 107, located in a plane parallel to the valve closing direction, at a variable height depending on the valve's shape.

[0038] This arrangement of the rotating axis allows for better utilization of fluid recirculation downstream of the valve. The height of the rotating axis relative to the pipe axis should be selected based on the system's most frequent operating conditions. In particular, when the valve must remain open for a longer period at a percentage equal to or less than 50% of its stroke, a solution where the rotor height is the same as the pipe axis height is preferred, allowing the turbine to be accommodated in a section with the same diameter as the pipe. Figure 1 Conversely, when the valve must remain open for a longer period exceeding 50% of its stroke, a preferred solution is one where the rotor height is higher than the pipe axis height, so that the turbine housing cross-section is larger than the pipe diameter. Figure 3 ).

[0039] Choosing a turbine with an axis perpendicular to both the main flow direction and the closing direction of the blocker 107 is crucial for ensuring proper system operation when regulating flow (i.e., when the valve is partially open). In fact, in this solution, the valve also functions as a transmitter for directing flow to the turbine blades, in addition to regulating flow.

[0040] Moreover, by making better use of the energy recovery potential of the system described herein, the system, installed immediately downstream of the valve, more precisely in the region where the fluid experiences maximum acceleration (contraction) and energy recovery occurs, will be able to recover a portion of the energy dissipated by the control valve in order to control the fluid.

[0041] Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a valve system 101 in a partially open configuration, which allows fluid to pass through at a rate that depends on the orifice of the blocker 107.

[0042] Figure 2 The diagram illustrates a valve system 101 in a closed configuration, which essentially prevents fluid from flowing through the valve. Since no fluid can reach the rotor 111, the rotor 111 will remain stationary and will not generate power.

[0043] As mentioned above, the location of the turbine downstream of the valve must be included in the pressure recovery region, where the pressure is generated by the valve without the turbine, typically within a range of 5-6 times the pipe diameter downstream of the valve. This region can be identified by pressure measurements taken downstream of the valve, which will give an average qualitative trend of the pressure gauge, similar to... Figure 5 As shown. The distance is determined by the block downstream of the valve where a straight pressure line and a constant pressure angle are reached, typically a straight pipe of constant diameter. This distance can vary depending on the valve orifice and flow conditions; however, it can be assumed that, on average, the point where the valve achieves full pressure recovery is located at a distance of 5-6 times the pipe diameter downstream of the valve.

[0044] More specifically, Figure 5 The fluid flow lines and pressure trends at the valve system in pipe 105 are schematically highlighted. As mentioned above, the trend of the fluid flow lines varies depending on the degree of closure of valve 106, with the flow lines compressing on the side kept open by the valve, approaching the valve, and then expanding downstream.

[0045] Regarding the trend of fluid pressure ( Figure 5 At valve 106, the pressure decreases to a minimum Pmin downstream of the valve, and the fluid velocity increases. Further downstream, the pressure gradually returns to a linear pressure trend. The dashed line represents the pressure trend without a turbine, while the solid line represents the same average trend with a turbine. The difference (ΔP') between the minimum pressures reached schematically represents the amount of energy that the turbine can recover without significantly affecting the total energy dissipated in the control action, which is schematically represented by the pressure drop (ΔP) (in this case, the pressure) applied by the valve to regulate the flow.

[0046] Advantageously and preferably, the turbine is positioned in the region of minimum pressure. A portion of the energy ΔP' (obtained in the region of minimum pressure Pmin) is recovered by the turbine, while the downstream ΔP value remains unchanged.

[0047] Therefore, the downstream ΔP value (pressure drop) obtained by appropriately designing the valve size must first be determined, for example by assuming a specific degree of valve closure and a specific fluid pressure value. By inserting a turbine at the point of minimum pressure (maximum speed), the turbine will be able to recover the portion of energy corresponding to ΔP', i.e., the difference between the minimum pressures (which would otherwise be lost), independently of the turbine speed, while keeping the downstream ΔP value constant.

[0048] The dimensions of the valve body portion, including the turbine, can be independent of the dimensions of the valve portion, that is, equal to or different from the dimensions of the valve portion, thus allowing for a wide variety of construction variations, even when the dimensions of the turbine are involved.

[0049] Figure 3 and 4 This illustrates a variation of the valve system, in which valve 106 is partially open and closed, and the portion of valve body 102' including the turbine is larger than the portion of valve body including the valve itself. Therefore, the turbine can also be larger. Furthermore, the turbine axis can be offset relative to the central axis of the pipe. Preferably, it can be raised on the side where the valve gate is engaged. Thus, when the valve is fully open, in addition to generating energy more efficiently, the turbine will also provide less resistance to fluid flow.

[0050] refer to Figure 6 and 7 The valve body 102 can also have other variations. It can be manufactured as a single piece including both the valve and the turbine (102, Figure 6Alternatively, it can be composed of two different parts (102a, 102b) connected together. Figure 7 It consists of a valve and a turbine.

[0051] Therefore, it is possible to manufacture new valves incorporating turbines or to "add" to existing valves. In the latter case, considerable advantages will be gained for many applications where the valve type cannot be changed, thus offering the possibility of simply inserting a turbine, which will be "added" to an existing valve, integrated with it, and made usable for different purposes. In addition to expanding the number of valve types capable of recovering energy, it will also expand the possibilities of energy recovery in fluid dynamics processes.

[0052] One end of the shaft 112 protrudes from the valve body 102. The protruding end of the shaft 112 is preferably connected to a user device 114. The user device 114 is used to utilize the mechanical power provided by the shaft 112 due to the rotation of the rotor 111.

[0053] Therefore, user equipment 114 can be a generator or a mechanical device, such as a fan. User equipment 114 may also include known transmission couplings or speed reducers, which are not shown for simplicity.

[0054] Depending on various operating conditions, the deflector 121 may be included upstream of the valve, inserted into the engagement side 120 of the valve blocker. Figure 12 The deflector can be a simple plate anchored and welded to a support, or it can have a shape with higher aerodynamic efficiency. The deflector helps prevent any dissipation concentrated at the gate edge 108. This will increase energy generation capacity when the valve is fully or nearly fully open.

[0055] The valve system according to the invention may include a rotor, which is substantially shaped as a turbine and manufactured according to different manufacturing schemes, which will depend substantially on the type of application of the valve itself.

[0056] The rotor's construction will depend primarily on the type of fluid the valve will be optimized for, whether it is gas, liquid, steam, or any other multiphase fluid.

[0057] This diversity is also related to specific liquid types, such as those used for liquids with different viscosities or densities. For example, valves that operate using oil (as opposed to those using water) will require different characteristics, such as a higher flow coefficient to achieve increased flow rates; and the rotor blades must be self-cleaning.

[0058] Figure 8This illustrates a feasible embodiment of a rotor 111 mounted on a shaft 112. The rotor 111 includes four blades 201 for rotating under the influence of fluid flow through a valve 101 and generating torque that drives the shaft 112.

[0059] Preferably, the blades of rotor 111 are bent toward the fluid inlet, thereby improving efficiency and facilitating rotor start-up. Furthermore, it is preferable that the blades of rotor 111 are sized to occupy as much of the pipe's cross-section as possible.

[0060] Figure 9 Another embodiment of the rotor 901 that can be used in the control valve according to the invention is shown. In this variation, the rotor 901 includes four blades that are rotated by the fluid flowing through the valve and generate torque that drives the shaft 112.

[0061] The rotor 901 includes multiple holes 902, which increase the surface area of ​​the fluid flow channels and the flow coefficient.

[0062] The orifice 902 is preferably located near the axis of rotation of the rotor 902 so that the outermost part of the blade (i.e., the position where the lever arm is longest) will still be working, thereby generating more power.

[0063] Other variations of the rotor can also be envisioned, which differ fundamentally from each other in the number and shape of the blades.

[0064] Figure 10 The diagram illustrates a valve 101b including a rotor 111b with three blades, which is preferably intended for use with very viscous liquids.

[0065] Figure 11 The diagram illustrates a valve 101c including a rotor 111c comprising ten blades, which is preferably intended for use with gas.

[0066] The blades can also be flat; for example, this choice should be determined by production cost requirements.

[0067] Therefore, the valve system according to the invention is able to recover at least a portion of the energy dissipated by the flowing fluid. The recovered energy will depend on the valve opening angle, i.e., the rotation angle of the blocker, and on the efficiency of the turbine.

[0068] However, without departing from the scope of protection of this invention, the above non-limiting examples can be modified in other ways, including all equivalent embodiments known to those skilled in the art.

[0069] However, without departing from the scope of protection of this invention, the elements and features shown in several preferred embodiments may be combined together.

[0070] Based on the above description, those skilled in the art can realize the purpose of this invention without introducing any other structural details.

Claims

1. Valve system for controlling the flow of a fluid in a pipe, comprising: - a valve body (102) for insertion in an interruption of said pipe and provided with an inlet (103) and an outlet (104) for the flow of the fluid in said pipe, - a lateral flow valve (106) arranged in the valve body (102) upstream of the fluid flow, which develops substantially transversely to the pipe, said valve comprising an obturator (107) movable transversely in said pipe so as to "laterally" interrupt a portion of the fluid flow in said pipe; - drive means (109) for moving said obturator from a first position in which said pipe is completely open to a second position in which said pipe is completely closed; characterized in that it further comprises: - a rotor (111) substantially shaped as a turbine, arranged inside the valve body (102) downstream of the obturator (107) with respect to the fluid flow, said rotor being located at a distance from said obturator comprised in a pressure recovery zone, said pressure being generated by the valve in the absence of said turbine, said distance being 5-6 times the diameter of the pipe.

2. The valve system of claim 1, wherein: Said lateral flow valve (106) is a flat gate valve, shaped as a blade, or shaped as a crescent with linear or curved blade profile, or shaped as a ball valve or half-ball valve.

3. The valve system of claim 1, wherein: Said obturator is of the gate and / or flap type.

4. Valve system according to claim 1 or 2 or 3, characterized in that: Said rotor (111) has an axis of rotation (112) which is perpendicular to the fluid flow in the pipe and to the closing direction of the obturator (107).

5. The valve system of claim 4, wherein: Said axis of rotation (112) of the rotor (111) comes out of the valve body (102) and is intended to be connected to user means (114) which exploit the rotational energy of the rotor.

6. The valve system of claim 1, wherein: Said rotor (111) is arranged at a point of the pressure recovery zone at a minimum pressure value.

7. The valve system for controlling fluid flow in a pipe of claim 4, wherein: Said rotor (111) comprises a plurality of blades (201) substantially transverse to the flow of the passing fluid and fixed to said axis of rotation (112).

8. The valve system of claim 7, wherein: Said rotor blades (201) are curved towards the direction of entry of the fluid flow into the valve system.

9. The valve system of claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein: Said valve body (102) is made as a single piece, or is composed of two distinct parts (102a, 102b) joined together, the first part comprising said valve and the second part comprising said rotor, said second part being of different size than said first part.

10. The valve system of claim 1 or 2 or 3, wherein, Said valve system further comprises a deflector element (602) positioned in the area of engagement of the obturator (107) upstream of the valve (106), said deflector element being intended to interact fluidodynamically with said fluid flow.

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