Valve element, method for operating the valve element, and process valve

Abstract

A valve element (100) for a diaphragm valve (400) having a valve seat (102) is disclosed, wherein at least two walls (104, 106) of the valve element (100) converge on one another towards the valve seat (102), wherein the at least two walls (104, 106) at least partly delimit a common dry space (110), and wherein at least one of the walls (104, 106) comprises a recess (114, 116) which is closed fluid-tightly by a sensor device (124, 126) for providing at least one sensor signal (S_124, S_126).

Description

[0001] Title : Valve body , method for operating the

[0002] Valve body and process valve

[0003] Description

[0004] The invention relates to a valve body, a method for operating the valve body and a process valve.

[0005] The problems of the prior art are solved by a valve body according to claim 1, by a method according to a dependent claim and by a process valve according to a further dependent claim.

[0006] One aspect of the description relates to the following subject matter: a valve body for a diaphragm valve with a valve seat, wherein at least two walls of the valve body converge towards the valve seat, wherein the at least two walls delimit a common dry space at least in sections, and wherein at least one of the walls comprises a recess which is closed in a fluid-tight manner with a sensor device for providing at least one sensor signal.

[0007] The proposed valve body offers several advantages. Firstly, the sensor device is compact, as the sensor is located within the envelope of the fluid channel or fluid chamber surrounding the valve seat due to its arrangement in the dry space. Secondly, the sensor device is positioned close to the valve seat, which makes it possible to observe the dynamic fluid processes in the vicinity of the seat.

[0008] An advantageous example is characterized in that a fluid-exposed sensor surface of the at least one sensor device follows an inner contour of the associated fluid chamber surrounding the sensor surface.

[0009] Advantageously, no flow-related disadvantages arise from the provision of the sensor device.

[0010] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve body has a first opening which leads to the valve seat or allows a view of it, that the valve body has a second opening opposite the first opening which leads into the dry space, and that the second opening is closed by means of a cover.

[0011] The cover advantageously protects the drying chamber and the components associated with the sensor device arranged therein from environmental influences and manipulation. An advantageous example is characterized in that the other of the walls comprises a further recess, which is closed by a further sensor device for providing at least one further sensor signal.

[0012] Advantageously, a measurement can be carried out on both sides, particularly when the valve is closed.

[0013] An advantageous example is characterized in that the two sensor devices are arranged equidistant from the web-shaped valve seat.

[0014] The equidistant spacing of the sensor devices relative to the seat contour advantageously allows the valve body to operate in both flow directions, while the sensor signals remain analyzable. The symmetrical arrangement thus advantageously allows sensing to function in both possible flow directions. This simplifies valve body assembly, since there is no preferred direction, at least with regard to the sensor devices.

[0015] An advantageous example is characterized in that the flow direction is oriented from a first fluid connection in the direction of a second fluid connection, wherein the sensor device facing the first fluid connection is arranged closer to the valve seat than the sensor device facing away from the first fluid connection.

[0016] Advantageously, the sensor device facing the inlet is placed closer to the valve seat, i.e., on the upstream side. Pressure conditions there tend to be more favorable for measurement, for example, higher pressures than in the ambient air, which improves measurement accuracy, particularly with regard to pressure measurements.

[0017] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve body comprises an evaluation unit which is designed to determine a further variable as a function of the at least one sensor signal or as a function of the at least one sensor signal and as a function of the at least one further sensor signal.

[0018] Advantageously, the evaluation unit carries out an evaluation close to the valve body, whereby a further processed variable is already available in the area of ​​the valve body.

[0019] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve body comprises a display unit for the visible representation of the at least one further variable and / or the at least one sensor signal.

[0020] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve body comprises a communication interface, which is designed in particular as a wired interface with a plug connector or as a wireless interface, which is set up to send the at least one further variable and / or the at least one sensor signal.

[0021] An advantageous example is characterized in that the valve body has a cable duct which leads out of the dry space, in particular in the direction of a valve drive, i.e. to the side of the opening, wherein at least one line for guiding the at least one sensor signal and / or the at least one further variable is arranged within the cable duct.

[0022] Advantageously, the sensor signal and / or the additional variable determined by the evaluation unit can be diverted from the dry chamber to be evaluated or displayed elsewhere. On the other hand, the valve position or the actual position of the shut-off device, in particular of the valve diaphragm, can be tapped on the drive side via the at least one sensor signal and used to determine the actual volume flow.

[0023] An advantageous example is characterized by the fact that the cable duct connects the drying room and a connection area for a valve drive.

[0024] Advantageously, the cable carrying the sensor signal can be contacted in the area of ​​the connection area for the valve drive and can be continued in the direction of the valve drive and a control unit arranged there.

[0025] One aspect of the description relates to the following subject matter: A method for operating the valve body according to the previous aspect, the method comprising: determining an actual volume flow as a function of the at least one sensor signal representing a first medium pressure, as a function of the at least one further sensor signal representing a second medium pressure and as a function of a signal representing an actual position of a shut-off device of the process valve, and providing, in particular displaying and / or transmitting, the actual volume flow.

[0026] Another advantageous example is characterized in that the method comprises: determining a summed volume as a function of the determined volume flow; and providing, in particular displaying and / or transmitting, the summed volume.

[0027] An advantageous example is characterized in that the method additionally comprises: receiving a target volume flow for the process valve; and determining a target position for the valve membrane as a function of the actual volume flow and as a function of the target volume flow.

[0028] The drawing shows:

[0029] Figures 1 to 3 each show an example of a valve body; and

[0030] Figure 4 shows in schematic form a process valve and a block diagram for operating the valve body or the process valve.

[0031] Figure 1 shows a longitudinal section through a valve body 100 for a diaphragm valve with a valve seat 102 having a web-shaped, concave contour. Two walls 104, 106 of the valve body 100 converge from a bottom of a respective fluid chamber 142, 162 opposite the valve seat 102 toward one another, with the at least two walls 104, 106 defining, at least in sections, a common dry space 110. The walls 104, 106 comprise a respective recess 114, 116 which is sealed in a fluid-tight manner by an associated sensor device 124, 126 for providing at least one sensor signal S_124, S_126.

[0032] A first fluid connection 140 leads into the first fluid chamber 142. A second fluid connection 160 leads into the second fluid chamber 162. The web-like, convex seat contour of the valve seat 102 separates the two fluid chambers 142 and 162 from one another. The walls 104 and 106 connect the valve seat 102 to a wall 144, 164 of the respective fluid chamber 142, 162 opposite the valve seat 102. The two walls 104, 106 therefore taper to a point in the longitudinal section of the valve body 100 shown, or in a section perpendicular to the web-like valve seat 102, and thus meet one another in the valve seat 102. In the opposite direction, the walls merge into walls of the fluid channels, which run parallel to the central longitudinal axis M.

[0033] A respective fluid-exposed sensor surface 134, 136 of the sensor device 124, 126 follows an inner contour of the associated fluid chamber 142, 162 surrounding the sensor surface 134, 136. For example, the sensor surface 134, 136 is flush with the surrounding inner surface of the fluid chamber 142, 162. In the example shown, the sensor surface 134, 136 is flat.

[0034] An imaginary main flow direction SR in a fluid chamber 142, 162 or an axis parallel to the central longitudinal axis M and the fluid-exposed sensor surface 134, 136 of the sensor device 124, 126 encloses, in a section perpendicular to the profile of the valve seat 102, for example, an angle between 20° and 45°, in particular between 30° and 40°. The sensor surface 134, 136 is thus inclined to the associated main flow direction. The sensor surface 134, 136 is advantageously located in the fluid flow such that measured values ​​can be recorded in or near the main flow region. On the other hand, the sensor surfaces 134, 136 are positioned in flow regions favorable for differential pressure measurement due to their inclination to the associated main flow direction.

[0035] The valve body 100 comprises a first opening 112, which leads to the valve seat 102 or provides a view of it. The valve body 100 comprises a second opening 118, opposite the first opening 112, which leads into the dry chamber 110. The second opening 118 is closed by a cover 120. The dry chamber 110, which is separated from the fluid chambers 142, 162, thus has the closable second opening 118, which leads into the dry chamber 110 and to a dry side of the respective sensor device 124, 126, in particular to an electrical contact of the respective sensor device 124, 126.

[0036] The dry chamber 110 extends from the opening 118 across the central longitudinal axis M of a fluid chamber 142, 162 to a bottom 111. The bottom 111 is arranged on the opposite side of the valve seat 102.

[0037] When the cover 120 is closed, the drying chamber 110 is defined by the walls 104 and 106, the cover, and the sensor devices 124 and 126. In the example shown, the cover 120 is designed as a hood. Of course, the cover 120 can also be designed flat, in particular as a disc, to save installation space.

[0038] In the case of the two sensor devices 124, 126 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the other of the walls 106 comprises the further recess 116, which is closed by the further sensor device 126 for providing at least one further sensor signal S_126. In Figure 1, the two sensor devices 124, 126 are arranged equidistant from the web-shaped valve seat 102. The first and the second sensor device 124, 126 are therefore arranged symmetrically to an imaginary center plane defined by the seat contour of the valve seat 102 and by an actuating axis S.

[0039] The valve body 100 comprises an evaluation unit 170 which is designed to determine a further variable S_170 as a function of the at least one sensor signal S_124 or as a function of the at least one sensor signal S_124 and as a function of the at least one further sensor signal S_126.

[0040] The valve body 100 comprises a display unit 172 for the visible representation of the at least one further variable S_170 and / or the at least one sensor signal S_124, S_126.

[0041] The valve body 100 comprises a communication interface 174, which is designed, for example, as a wired interface with a plug-in connector or as a wireless interface. The communication interface 174 is configured to transmit the at least one further variable S_170 and / or the at least one sensor signal S_124, S_126. The further variable S_170 is, for example, an actual volume flow or a flow direction.

[0042] In the example shown, the evaluation unit 170 is arranged within a space defined by the dry chamber 110 and the cover 120. Alternatively, the evaluation unit 170 can also be arranged outside this space, for example in the area of ​​the drive or away from the diaphragm valve, or within the dry chamber 110.

[0043] For power supply, the valve body 100 has an accumulator 176 or a battery. Alternatively or additionally, a wired power supply may be provided.

[0044] In one example, an autonomous energy generation takes place from temperature differences of the valve body in order to supply the evaluation unit 170 or the accumulator 176 with electrical energy.

[0045] In the example shown, the valve body 100 has a cable duct 130 which leads out of the dry space 110, in particular in the direction of a valve drive 410, i.e. to the side of the opening 112. The cable duct 130 connects the dry space 110 and a connection area 132 for the valve drive. Arranged within the cable duct 130 is at least one line for conducting the at least one sensor signal S_124, S_126 and / or the at least one further variable S_170. In addition, a power supply line can be routed via the cable duct 130. The connection area 132 frames the opening 112. Arranged between the connection area 132 and the opening 112 is a clamping section 136 in the form of a surface against which a membrane is pressed in the outer clamping area and creates a seal to the outside. The clamping section 136 is raised in the direction of the opening 112.

[0046] In one example, the respective sensor device 124, 126 comprises at least one or more of the following additional sensors: a pressure sensor for providing the sensor signal representing a process medium pressure, a temperature sensor for providing the sensor signal representing a process medium temperature, a turbidity sensor for providing the sensor signal representing a turbidity of the process medium, a conductivity sensor for providing the sensor signal representing a conductivity of the process medium, a pH sensor for providing the sensor signal representing a pH value of the process medium, a color sensor for providing the sensor signal representing a color of the process medium. The position of the aforementioned additional sensors can deviate from positions 134 and 136.For the measured variables mentioned, the position of the respective additional sensor can also be located away from the slopes in the fluid chamber 143 / 162.

[0047] Figure 2 shows, in contrast to Figure 1, that the sensor devices 124, 126 are spaced at different distances from the valve seat 102. The flow direction SR is oriented from the first fluid connection 140 in the direction of the second fluid connection 160. The sensor device 124 facing the first fluid connection 140 is arranged closer to the valve seat 102 than the sensor device 124 facing the first fluid connection 140.

[0048] Sensor device 126 facing away from fluid connection 140.

[0049] Of course, the respective position of the sensor devices 124, 126 may differ from the positions shown. For example, one of the sensor devices 124, 126 may be arranged remotely from the dry space 110, or the location of the arrangement may vary relative to the dry space 110 and relative to the sealing web 102. In particular, the position of the respective sensor device 124, 126 is adapted to the expected flow and pressure conditions of the fluid channel surrounding the sealing web 102 and its inner contour.

[0050] In contrast to Figures 1 and 2, Figure 3 shows that only a single sensor device 124 is present and is assigned to the drying chamber 110. It shows an operating mode in which the sensor device 124 is arranged on the upstream side.

[0051] In an example not shown, the sensor device 124 is arranged on the opposite side of the sealing web 102, that is, downstream of the sealing web 102 in the flow direction. This embodiment is advantageous, for example, when the pressure on the upstream side is known from another source and is determined, for example, by another sensor device on the upstream side, which is arranged away from the drying chamber 110.

[0052] Figure 4 shows the process valve 400 in schematic form and a block diagram for a method for operating the process valve 400 or for operating the valve body 100 by means of the evaluation unit 170. The evaluation unit 170 is arranged, for example, at a position 170a, i.e., on the valve body 100 opposite the valve drive 410, or at position 170b, i.e., on or near the valve drive 410.

[0053] A position of a valve diaphragm 420 driven by a valve drive 410, together with the valve seat 102 of the valve body 100, determines an effective opening cross-section of the process valve 400. A receiving unit 436 receives an actual position P of a valve diaphragm 420 of the process valve 400 or of the valve drive 410. Alternatively, another variable representing the actual position P can be used, such as the parameter P_set explained below.

[0054] A determination unit 432 is set up to determine an actual volume flow Q as a function of the at least one first medium pressure representing sensor signal S_124 and as a function of the at least one further sensor signal S_126 representing a second medium pressure and a signal which represents an actual position P of the shut-off body, i.e. of the membrane 420. A provision unit 434 is set up in particular to display and / or to transmit the actual volume flow Q by data technology. The actual volume flow Q is therefore determined as a function of the first and the second process medium pressure, in particular a difference between the two pressures, and as a function of a valve position or actual position P.

[0055] For compressible media, the density Rho of the process medium and a detected temperature of the process medium, which is provided by at least one of the sensor devices 124, 126, are also determined during the previous determination. In one example, the temperature can also be assumed to be fixed. For non-compressible media, the aforementioned parameters can be omitted, which is why these signal paths are shown in dashed lines.

[0056] To determine the actual volume flow, the determination unit 432 accesses previously determined data stored on a storage unit M. The previously determined data include, for example, a valve body-specific characteristic map, a machine-trained function, or parameters of a function in order to determine the actual volume flow Q from the input data supplied to block 432.

[0057] In addition to the process valve-related determination, display and data transmission of the actual volume flow Q, there are further application scenarios for the determined actual volume flow Q, the signal paths of which are shown in dashed lines.

[0058] For volume flow control, a receiving unit 440 receives a target volume flow Q_set for the process valve 400. This can, for example, be entered manually on the process valve 400 or specified by a central system control. To control the volume flow, a difference D between the actual volume flow Q and the target volume flow Q_set is determined at the addition point 442. Depending on the difference D, a controller 444 determines the target position P_set or a control signal for the drive 410.

[0059] Another example includes volume counting. This includes determining 450 a summed volume V as a function of the determined volume flow Q over time. The determined volume flow V is then provided 452, in particular shown on a display and / or transmitted to another unit of the system.

[0060] In one example, the flow direction is determined based on the sensor signals S_124, S_126, which represent a respective fluid pressure. This can be done by simply calculating the difference. If the value is positive, a first flow direction exists; if the value is negative, a second flow direction exists. The flow direction can be displayed, for example, on the valve body or on the valve using the display unit.

[0061] In another example, a flow rate is determined based on the sensor signals S_214, S_126. The flow rate is determined using the determined fluid pressure and the Navier-Stokes equations or a function representing them. In one example, the flow rate is displayed on the valve body or on the valve using the display unit.

[0062] Furthermore, the determination of the volume V flowing through the valve body 100 can be used to dose the process fluid. For this purpose, a filling volume V_set is transmitted 462 to a unit 460. The unit 460 monitors the current value of the volume V. If the filling volume V_set is reached by the summed volume V, the unit 460 determines the signal P_Set to close the process valve 400 and resets the summed volume to zero via a reset signal RES. A new filling process is started by applying the filling volume V_set again or a separate signal.

Claims

Claims A valve body (100) for a diaphragm valve (400) with a valve seat (102) wherein at least two walls (104, 106) of the valve body (100) converge towards the valve seat (102), wherein the at least two walls (104, 106) at least partially define a common dry space (110), and wherein at least one of the walls (104, 106) comprises a recess (114, 116) which is fluid-tightly sealed with a sensor device (124, 126) for providing at least one sensor signal (S_124, S_126). The valve body (100) according to claim 1, wherein a fluid-exposed sensor surface (134, 136) of the at least one sensor device (124, 126) follows an inner contour surrounding the sensor surface (134, 136) of the associated fluid chamber (142, 162). The valve body (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (100) has a first opening (112) which leads to the valve seat (102).which reveals this, and wherein the valve body (100) has a second opening (118) opposite the first opening (112), which leads into the drying chamber (110), and wherein the second opening (118) is closed by means of a cover (120). The valve body (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the other of the walls (106) comprises a further recess (116) which is connected with a further. The sensor device (126) for providing at least one further sensor signal (S_126) is closed. The valve body (100) according to claim 4, wherein the two sensor devices (124, 126) are arranged equidistant from the web-shaped valve seat (102). The valve body (100) according to claim 4, wherein the flow direction (SR) is oriented from a first fluid port (140) towards a second fluid port (160), and wherein the sensor device (124) facing the first fluid port (140) is arranged closer to the valve seat (102) than the sensor device (126) facing away from the first fluid port (140). The valve body (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (100) comprises an evaluation unit (170) which is configured to measure a further quantity (S_170) depending on the at least one sensor signal (S_124) or depending on the at least one sensor signal (S_124) and depending on the at least one further sensor signal (S_126). The valve body (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (100) comprises a display unit (172) for the visible representation of the at least one further quantity (S_170) and / or the at least one sensor signal (S_124, S_126). The valve body (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body () a communication interface (174), which is especially known as The valve body (100) comprises a wired interface with a connector or a wireless interface configured to transmit at least one further parameter (S_170) and / or at least one sensor signal (S 124, S 126). The valve body (100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the valve body (100) includes a cable duct. (130) which leads out of the drying chamber (110), in particular in the direction of a valve actuator (410), i.e., to the side of the opening 112, and wherein at least one line for carrying the at least one sensor signal (S_124, S_126) and / or the at least one further quantity (S_170) is arranged within the cable duct (130). The valve body (100) according to the preceding claim, wherein the cable duct (130) connects the drying chamber (110) and a connection area (132) for a valve actuator. A method for operating the valve body (100) according to one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: Determine (432) an actual volume flow rate (Q) as a function of the at least one sensor signal (S_124) representing a first medium pressure, as a function of the at least one further sensor signal (S_126) representing a second medium pressure and as a function of a signal representing an actual position (P) of a shut-off device of the process valve. Providing (434), in particular displaying and / or transmitting, the actual volume flow (Q). The method according to the preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises: Receiving (440) a target volume flow (Q_set) for the process valve (400) ; Determine (442, 444) a target position (P_set) for the valve diaphragm (420) as a function of the actual volume flow (Q) and as a function of the target volume flow (Q_set); and Operating the process valve (400) depending on the determined target position (P_set). The method according to claim 12 further comprising: Determine (450) a summed volume (V) as a function of the determined volume flow rate (Q); and Providing (452), in particular displaying and / or transmitting, the summed volume (V). A process valve (400) comprising the valve body (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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