valve

Abstract

A valve comprising a housing (1), a valve body (2) having a fluid inlet (5) and a fluid outlet (6), the valve body (2) comprising a first valve element (3) and a second valve element (4) arranged in the housing (1), a gap (14) formed between the valve elements (3, 4), the first valve element (3) being configured as a sleeve (3) having an inner surface tapering at least section-wise towards the fluid outlet (6), the second valve element (4) being configured as a cone (4) mounted in the sleeve (3) having the same inclination as the inner surface of the sleeve (3) to form the gap (14), an annular space (8) leading to the fluid outlet (6) being formed between the sleeve (3) and an inner surface of the housing (1), the sleeve (3) having a through hole (10) towards the annular space (8) and the cone (4) having a through opening (9) towards the fluid inlet (5), the sleeve (3) and the cone (4) being axially adjustable relative to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to valves.

[0002] Such valves are used, for example, in emulsification and mixing processes, particularly in cases involving multiphase fluids with large flow rates. In these situations, the emulsion and dispersion are pumped to process-related pressures, typically ranging from about 50 to 500 bar, and pressurized through a narrow gap in a valve called a homogenizing valve.

[0003] When expansion occurs, the desired fragmentation of the dispersed phase is achieved due to turbulence and shear forces. The goal is to achieve the smallest possible particle size and narrowest possible particle size distribution, as well as the least possible energy usage. Background Technology

[0004] The clearance height depends on the volumetric flow rate of the process fluid and should be kept as small as possible to achieve the desired characteristics. For this reason, so-called multi-clearance valves are used for larger volumetric flow rates, where the total flow is distributed in parallel over a single clearance of small height formed by multiple valve discs. This type of valve, as disclosed, for example, in EP 0034675, has been known for over 40 years.

[0005] This type of multi-gap valve is particularly used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, as well as the food industry, for example, in the processing of dairy products or juices.

[0006] Valves suitable for this purpose are particularly disclosed in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,749,650 A, WO 01 / 03818 A1, and WO01 / 03819 A1. In these configurations, a plurality of annular valve discs are stacked and configured such that a gap is formed between two valve discs stacked on top of each other.

[0007] During valve operation, the volumetric flow rate of fluid flows in from the fluid inlet at the center of the valve disc and flows radially through the gap, thus splitting it into individual volumetric flows flowing radially. These are then deflected and reassembled, and expanded to back pressure through a second valve.

[0008] However, known valves have considerable drawbacks in both their construction and operation.

[0009] Each valve disc must be made of a hard, wear-resistant, and rust-free material, which is related to the high cost of material procurement and processing.

[0010] Furthermore, these valves consist of a large number of individual parts, and their manufacture and assembly require considerable effort, which naturally increases the likelihood of malfunctions.

[0011] The high cost is also due to the fact that, for example, in valves known from U.S. Patent No. 5,749,650 A, spring elements are provided for valve disc centering. This requires a correspondingly large radial mounting space, resulting in an overall valve size that contradicts the requirements of dimensional optimization of the space shape.

[0012] Furthermore, the valve's cleaning capability is limited by the installation space required for the spring, which is a significant disadvantage for applications in industries such as the food industry, where so-called CIP cleaning (CIP = Clean in Place) is required without disassembling the components.

[0013] A corresponding gap of a given depth between valve discs can only be introduced during the manufacture of the valve discs with a correspondingly large grinding effort.

[0014] Furthermore, when coordinating clearance height with volumetric flow rate at a given homogenized pressure, adaptation issues arise with conventionally designed valves. The clearance height is determined by a fixed distance, achieved through grinding, between the contact surface and the valve surface through which the flow passes.

[0015] At a given process pressure, the sum of the required clearance areas for the flow rate is predetermined. If the number of valve discs is an integer, adjustments are usually required to achieve precise pressure. This is achieved by deforming the upper valve disc with excessive driving force. This problem becomes particularly pronounced when variable, especially very different, volumetric flow rates occur during operation. As a result, the clearance height is no longer constant, but can become smaller or even completely closed in the upper region due to deflection.

[0016] Since the gap height affects product quality, each gap is no longer constant, which will have a negative impact on uniform distribution overall, which runs counter to the process objectives and quality requirements.

[0017] Nevertheless, the valve's functional reliability cannot be guaranteed because the large pressure-bearing surface of the valve disc requires a large driving force. This force can become excessive if process-related failures occur, such as those caused by air bubbles in the flow or brief interruptions due to process switching. Such excessive force leads to high bending stress, especially on the upper valve disc facing the fluid inlet, which could potentially cause it to rupture.

[0018] In the case of valves based on existing technology, the actuation force is mainly generated in a force-controlled manner, that is, by hydraulic means, in order to apply the necessary large force. The energy required for this is usually not part of the valve installation, necessitating the installation and operation of a separate unit, which also relates to increased investment and operating costs.

[0019] Another problem with existing technology solutions is related to pressure spikes that can lead to process failures and high-voltage component rupture.

[0020] In fact, transient zero-flow conditions can cause the homogenizer gap to close completely and temporarily. If the affected cylinder switches from the discharge stroke to the suction stroke again, the unaffected cylinder will take over the work, and full flow will restart, pumping against the closed homogenizer valve.

[0021] This results in pressure peaks exceeding twice the nominal pressure.

[0022] In this context, the technical objective of this invention is to propose a valve that overcomes the aforementioned deficiencies of the prior art.

[0023] US document 4,679,592 A discloses a valve internals design for reducing valve cavitation. The valve and base are axially movable and have frustoconical facing surfaces, forming an annular space between these surfaces to control flow rate. The base has an outer frustoconical surface and multiple pairs of ports communicating with an inner bore. These ports are aligned such that flow from the ports collides with each other within the internal cavity of the valve seat to reduce cavitation.

[0024] Valves known in the prior art from documents WO 92 / 16288 A1 and US 1,483,742 A. Summary of the Invention

[0025] The purpose of this invention is to further develop a valve with a simpler structure, lower manufacturing cost, and higher functional reliability.

[0026] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve that achieves more precise clearance setting compared to the prior art.

[0027] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve that is less likely to handle failures and wear / breakage of high-pressure components, particularly due to zero-gap conditions.

[0028] Another object of the present invention is to provide a valve that is easier to clean and is particularly suitable for CIP cycles.

[0029] The aforementioned technical task and specific objective are essentially achieved through a valve, which includes:

[0030] - Outer shell;

[0031] - A valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, the valve body including a first valve element and a second valve element disposed in the housing;

[0032] - The gap formed between valve elements

[0033] Its features are:

[0034] - The first valve element is constructed as a sleeve with an inner surface that tapers gradually towards the fluid outlet, at least in sections.

[0035] - The second valve element is configured as a cone mounted in a sleeve, having the same slope as the inner surface of the sleeve to form a gap.

[0036] - An annular space leading to the fluid outlet is formed between the inner surfaces of the sleeve and the outer shell.

[0037] - The sleeve has a through hole facing the annular space, and the cone has a through opening facing the fluid inlet.

[0038] - The sleeve and cone are axially adjustable relative to each other.

[0039] According to one aspect of the invention, the through opening and through hole are offset in the axial direction of the valve body.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the through opening and the through hole are radially aligned.

[0041] In particular, the cone has a central axially extending channel leading to the fluid inlet.

[0042] According to one aspect of the invention, the fluid outlet is concentric with and separate from the channel in the cone.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the valve further includes a force-controlled or path-controlled adjustment element for axial adjustment of the sleeve relative to the cone.

[0044] According to one aspect of the invention, the annular space has a transverse channel leading to the fluid outlet.

[0045] According to one aspect of the invention, the through opening and / or through hole extends into a circumferential groove with a wider cross-section on the mutually facing sides of the through opening and through hole.

[0046] According to one embodiment, the through openings and / or through holes are each arranged at the same distance from each other.

[0047] In one embodiment, the fluid inlet and fluid outlet extend coaxially.

[0048] In another embodiment, the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet are at an angle to each other.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the inclination angle of the inner surface of the sleeve is greater than the self-locking angle.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, the first valve element is an integral piece, and the second valve element is an integral piece.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the valve further includes at least a first high-pressure gasket disposed between the first valve element and the second valve element.

[0052] Preferably, the valve further includes a spacer disposed in the space between the first end of the first valve element, the housing, and the second valve element.

[0053] The primary feature of the new valve is that it can be manufactured functionally with only a small number of components. This results in significant advantages over existing technologies in both manufacturing and assembly, as well as in operation. Furthermore, these advantages are due to reduced production costs, decreased susceptibility to failure, and lower operating expenses.

[0054] In the cited prior art, for multiple pairs of valve discs, there is an axial gap between each pair of valve discs formed by a first valve element and a second valve element. According to the present invention, the multiple gaps are formed by only two valve elements: a sleeve as the first valve element and a cone mounted in the sleeve as the second valve element. Each gap has a channel leading to an annular space disposed between the sleeve and the housing and leading to a fluid outlet, the housing surrounding the valve body.

[0055] Crucially, the inner surface of the sleeve facing the cone tapers towards the fluid outlet, and the outer surface of the cone conforms to the same slope. The clearance height, i.e., the distance between the outer surface of the cone and the inner surface of the sleeve, is adjustable and is synchronized across all clearances via axial relative adjustment of the sleeve to the cone, which can be achieved through an adjusting element.

[0056] As the fluid expands, the two opposing jets meet each other in adjacent circumferential grooves after the gap outlet, thereby producing an additional homogenization effect.

[0057] The required actuation force is also significantly lower than that of known valves, and the regulating element can operate with high precision in either force control or path control. Force control can be driven hydraulically or pneumatically, while path control can be driven using fine threads, differential threads, piezoelectric actuators, etc. Path control provides higher system rigidity, which is beneficial for applications requiring short response times, such as rapid control tasks to compensate for pressure pulsations.

[0058] Based on control signals, quantitative information about the current clearance height of all clearances can be obtained, which is crucial for control and monitoring tasks, documentation, and quality assurance.

[0059] Other advantages of this invention stem from its relatively small size and low hydraulic pressure during operation. This, along with the small number of components required, enables operation at higher operating pressures. The compact and robust design, and the absence of spring elements, also minimizes sensitivity to vibration, which in the prior art can manifest as high-frequency flow noise when a spring-mass system is excited at its resonant frequency.

[0060] In addition to being used as a homogenizing valve as described above, the new valve can also be used as a hydraulic valve, such as a 2 / 2 directional valve or a pressure reducing valve in water hydraulic systems and oil hydraulic systems. In the same process, this leads to a high degree of standardization and improved spare parts management in plant engineering.

[0061] It is also conceivable to use a regulating element that acts in both directions to operate the valve, thus making operation possible when the flow direction is reversed, which is particularly advantageous when the valve is cleaned by CIP. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Embodiments of the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0063] - Figure 1 The valve according to the invention is shown in a cross-sectional side view;

[0064] - Figure 2 shows the results based on Figure 1 The amplified portion of the valve marked X in the diagram;

[0065] - Figure 3 The diagram shows... Figure 1 Another embodiment of the valve focuses on the inlet side. Detailed Implementation

[0066] exist Figure 1 In the diagram, the valve is shown in a cross-sectional side view. The valve has a housing 1, within which a rotationally symmetrical valve body 2 is arranged. The valve body 2 consists of a first valve element configured as a sleeve 3 and a second valve element designed as a cone 4 mounted in the sleeve 3. The cone 4 has a central, axially aligned channel 7 that is fluidly connected to a fluid inlet 5.

[0067] Advantageously, sleeve 3 is a single piece, and cone 4 is a single piece.

[0068] In this context, the word "one piece" means that the component is made of a single, indivisible block.

[0069] The valve includes a fluid inlet 5 and a fluid outlet 6.

[0070] The fluid outlet 6 is coaxially arranged and spatially separated from it; in this example, the fluid outlet 6 is incorporated into the cylindrical end region of the cone 4. Instead of axial alignment of the fluid inlet 5 and / or the fluid outlet 6, the alignment can also be angular, particularly right-angled, thereby allowing for flexible and inexpensive valve installation.

[0071] According to one aspect of the invention, the inner surface of the sleeve 3 is tapered in the direction of the fluid outlet 6, while the outer surface of the cone 4 is inclined in the general direction of the inner surface of the sleeve 3. The inclination angle α relative to the longitudinal axis of the cone 4 is selected such that the inclination angle α is greater than the self-locking angle.

[0072] Specifically, the sleeve 3 is disposed on the cylindrical end region of the cone 4, and the inner surface of the sleeve 3 is also cylindrical in this region.

[0073] Starting from channel 7, radially oriented through openings 9 are provided in the wall of cone 4.

[0074] Each through opening 9 leads to the circumferential groove 13 on the side facing the inner surface of the sleeve 3.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the width of the circumferential groove 13 is greater than the diameter of the through opening 9.

[0076] In terms of its construction, the through hole 10 is incorporated into the wall of the sleeve 3.

[0077] According to one aspect of the invention, the through hole 10 is offset relative to the through opening 9 of the cone 4 in the axial direction of the valve body 2.

[0078] Each through hole 10 leads to the circumferential groove 13 on the side facing the cone 4.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the width of the circumferential groove 13 is greater than the diameter of the through hole 10.

[0080] Preferably, the through hole 10 and the through opening 9 are arranged at the same distance in the axial and circumferential directions.

[0081] Conversely, facing the inside of the outer casing 1, the through hole 10 enters the annular space 8 formed between the inside of the outer casing 1 and the sleeve 3.

[0082] Specifically, the annular space 8 is connected to the fluid outlet 6 in a fluid-open manner through the transverse channel 11.

[0083] Radially aligned transverse channels 11 are arranged in the cylindrical end regions of sleeve 3 and cone 4.

[0084] At the cylindrical end of the cone 4 associated with the fluid outlet 6, a force-controlled adjusting element 12 with an axially reciprocating piston 16 is arranged.

[0085] Because of the force-controlled adjusting element 12 and the axially reciprocating piston 16, axial relative movement between the sleeve 3 and the cone 4 is possible, so as to achieve a precise height of the circumferential clearance 14 through which fluid can be compressed. Figure 1 The direction of fluid flow is indicated by arrows.

[0086] According to one aspect of the invention, the valve includes a first high-pressure gasket 17 disposed between the sleeve 3 and the cone 4.

[0087] Preferably, the valve further includes a second high-pressure gasket 18 disposed between the sleeve 3 and the cone 4.

[0088] High-pressure gaskets 17 and 18 seal the high-pressure side between sleeve 3 and cone 4 in their respective cylindrical cross-sections.

[0089] According to one embodiment of the present invention, such as Figure 3 As shown, the valve includes a spacer ring 19.

[0090] Specifically, the spacer 19 is arranged in the space between the first end of the sleeve 3 and the outer surface of the outer shell 1 and the cone 4.

[0091] Spacer 19 is close to the outer surface of outer shell 1, first end of sleeve 3 and outer surface of cone 4.

[0092] Spacer 19 provides additional safety features to prevent “zero gap” situations.

[0093] exist Figure 2 In the enlarged illustration, details of a region are shown where the opposing inclined surfaces of the sleeve 3 and the cone 4 form a circumferential gap 14. Their contours conform to the blade-like edge 15. The impact effect of the exit jet traveling in opposite directions within the circumferential groove 13 can be seen from the arrow indication.

[0094] Under pressure, fluid is fed through fluid inlet 5 into channel 7 of cone 4, through through opening 9 in gap 14, and further squeezed through through hole 10 in annular space 8. From there, fluid is guided through transverse channel 11 to fluid outlet 6.

[0095] The two valves according to the claimed invention can also be arranged in parallel.

[0096] Modular systems with two or more valves are therefore conceivable.

[0097] The features and advantages of the valve according to the present invention are obvious.

[0098] In particular, the valve achieves more precise clearance settings compared to existing technologies due to the use of two integral parts—a sleeve and a cone—especially for multi-clearance solutions that utilize many components with individual manufacturing tolerances, resulting in uneven hydraulic machining.

[0099] In addition, the spacer prevents "zero gap" conditions and associated impact loads.

Claims

1. A valve, comprising: Outer shell (1); A valve body (2) having a fluid inlet (5) and a fluid outlet (6), the valve body (2) including a first valve element (3) and a second valve element (4) arranged in the housing (1); The gap (14) formed between the valve elements (3, 4); - The first valve element (3) is constructed as a sleeve having an inner surface that tapers gradually in sections toward the fluid outlet (6). - The second valve element (4) is configured as a cone mounted in the sleeve, having the same slope as the inner surface of the sleeve to form the gap (14), the cone having a central axially extending channel (7) leading to the fluid inlet (5). - An annular space (8) leading to the fluid outlet (6) is formed between the inner surfaces of the sleeve and the outer shell (1). - The sleeve has a through hole (10) facing the annular space (8), and the cone has a through opening (9) facing the fluid inlet (5). - The sleeve and the cone are axially adjustable relative to each other. The fluid outlet (6) is characterized in that it is concentric with and separate from the channel (7) in the cone.

2. The valve of claim 1, wherein, The through opening (9) and the through hole (10) are offset in the axial direction of the valve body (2).

3. The valve of claim 1 or 2, wherein, The through opening (9) and the through hole (10) are radially aligned.

4. The valve according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a force-controlled or path-controlled adjusting element (12) for axial adjustment of the sleeve relative to the cone.

5. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The annular space (8) is connected to the fluid outlet (6) in a fluid-open manner through a transverse channel (11).

6. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The through opening (9) and / or the through hole (10) pass into a circumferential groove (13) with a wider cross-section on the mutually facing sides of the through opening (9) and the through hole (10).

7. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The through opening (9) and / or the through hole (10) are each arranged at the same distance from each other.

8. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The fluid inlet (5) and the fluid outlet (6) extend coaxially or at an angle to each other.

9. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The inclination angle (α) of the inner surface of the sleeve is greater than the self-locking angle.

10. The valve according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first valve element (3) is an integral part, and the second valve element (4) is an integral part.

11. The valve according to claim 1 or 2 further includes at least a first high-pressure gasket (17) disposed between the first valve element (3) and the second valve element (4).

12. The valve according to claim 1 or 2 further includes a spacer (19) disposed in the space between the first end of the first valve element (3), the housing (1), and the second valve element (4).

13. The use of the valve according to claim 1 as a homogenizing valve, as a hydraulic shut-off valve, as a hydraulic pressure reducing valve, or as a hydraulic throttle valve.

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