Synchronized valve operation without influence from hydrostatic pressure

Abstract

The invention relates to energy-usage in start-stop mechanisms when circulating fluid to elevated containers in general, and more specifically a method for operation of a start-stop mechanism without any influence from hydrostatic pressure, with multiple input and output connections operationally connected to at least one closed container, each with at least one input and at least one output operatively connected to a pressurized system, and at least one input and at least one output operatively connected to another pressurized system with differences in pressure.

Description

[0001] Synchronized valve operation without influence from hydrostatic pressure

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The invention relates to energy-usage in start-stop mechanisms when circulating fluid to elevated containers in general, and more specifically a method for operation of a start-stop mechanism without any influence from hydrostatic pressure, with multiple input and output connections operationally connected to at least one closed container, each with at least one input and at least one output operatively connected to a pressurized system, and at least one input and at least one output operatively connected to another pressurized system with differences in pressure.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] From prior art WO2022186699A1 and non-resistive circulation to elevated containers, one should refer to traditional start-stop mechanism (valve) operations who regulates, directs, or controls the flow of a fluid in circulation circuits.

[0006] From prior art one should refer to circulation systems where the primary operation is to transport fluid upwards. When using start-stop mechanisms (valves) for such circulation they will be subjected to hydrostatic pressure and as a result friction and energy usage during its operation.

[0007] One group of methods are describing start-stop mechanisms (valves), where the hydrostatic pressure that can influence the start-stop mechanism is defined by flow or circulation in the horizontal plane, where flow is produced by circulation units for the purpose of recirculation or regulation of the flow to consumers.

[0008] The most significant variation of the methods is when circulating fluid from a source container to a container in an elevated position relative to the source container, where the fluid flows from the source container into the elevated container in a non-resistive manner. In such operations a start-stop mechanism (valve) in a circulation circuit can be exposed by hydrostatic pressure, defined by the height between the valve and the fluid level in the elevated container, or the valve and the fluid level in the source container. The pressure can be substantial and is according to prior art often defined by the term pump-head (the elevated height), defined by the difference between the fluid level in the source container and the fluid level in the elevated container. The fluid level in the source container defines the reference point for the elevation. This height creates a pressure of approximately 100 millibar per meter.

[0009] These methods are referred to as normal fluid circulation methods, where the purpose is to replace fluid in an elevated container.

[0010] The main problems for valve operation in circulation to elevated positions are:

[0011] 1. The start-stop mechanism is subjected to a pressure of approximately 100 millibar per meter (10000 Pascal) of hydrostatic pressure.

[0012] 2. The start-stop mechanism will have to operate with very high energy-levels due to the friction in the start-stop mechanism due to the hydrostatic pressure.

[0013] 3. With many start-stop operations in a certain timeframe the energy usage will be multiplied, and excessive.

[0014] 4. The start-stop mechanism is submitted to pressure over the entire valve area (usually pi*RA2 where R is the pipe radius). With higher (pipe) dimensions the forces acting on the start-stop mechanism will increase with increasing area. This requires more energy use for higher operational speed, or slower speed to conserve energy use during its operation.

[0015] As an example, valve operations not submitted to hydrostatic pressure, will solve many problems:

[0016] • Energy usage will be low.

[0017] • Reduced friction will enable faster rotation and will enable higher frequency when starting and stopping the flow with the start-stop mechanism.

[0018] • Higher frequency start-stop switching in the valve will prevent water flow to stop. Prior Art

[0019] From prior art, a vital observation is that traditional valves are mainly operating under pressure. Operating valves under pressure is a highly resistive operation, due to the forces on the valve area. This force is normally specified as F=P*A and with one meter height and 10000 pascal (100 mBar) this pressure will apply a force of approximately 32 kgf on a 200 mm diameter valve opening. This energy will require a traditional valve to use a substantial amount of energy to open or close, or even to be held in position. Increasing height, increases energy-use.

[0020] Many have tried to solve how to transport water from low pressure systems to high pressure systems. Mainly they try to overcome the obstacles evident in the energy formula E=mgh or the force from pressure formula F=P*A. From the first formula E=mgh it seems impossible to change any of the parameters to reduce energy consumption when transporting water upwards, and from the F=P*A it seems more likely to be possible to manipulate pressure or area to be able to overcome the forces of gravity.

[0021] One invention that directly addresses the pressure for moving water vertically is W02010031162A1, using pressure differentials to lift water from one section to the other in multiple sections to higher and higher elevations. In this invention the amount of energy used to create each pressure differential will equal the pressure created by the hydrostatic forces. If a pressure differential is supposed to move water one meter, it must overcome the hydrostatic pressure at 10000 pascal (100 mBar) to be able to create a flow against the pressure. The invention specify that energy wasted can be used to make this process more efficient, but the amount of energy used to lift water will still be the same. The invention is not relevant to the solution provided in this invention.

[0022] Another invention US2021084871A1, is using intermediate storages and valve arrangements in a closed system where each level of circulation, try to avoid heights above 8 meters (max 10), the limit for a vacuum to withstand a downwards flow. They are also using the pressure differential between vacuum and atmospheric pressure to avoid downwards flow. The problem with this invention is that the land-based fish tanks are normally very big (4-20 meters in diameters). A vacuum at -80000 pascal or (-800 mBar) will be likely to damage tanks due to an extremely high pressure and force exerted on the tank. The invention is not relevant to the solution in this invention.

[0023] The problems with pressure and gravity, is solved by the invention NO347278B1. An equal pressure from both sides of a siphon is used to circulate water, and thus the gravity component in the formula E=mgh or formula F=P*A, is applied on two pipes, thereby creating a hydrostatic balance where El = E2 or P1=P2. Consequently, the height, gravity and mass does not have any influence on the circulation. One problem evident in this invention is that the valves must be operated when holding hydrostatic pressure from the fluid. This is solved by this invention, by reducing the valve area to a fraction of the real size of the valve, by using a solenoid with very low valve area as a pressure equalization mechanism. If A (area) is close to zero, forces and thus energy consumption may be very low. The invention has a major obstacle, which this invention successfully solves. Disclosure of the invention

[0024] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0025] The problems listed below are relating to all known methods of valve operations under the influence of hydrostatic forces.

[0026] • Energy use due to hydrostatic pressure.

[0027] • Friction in rotational movement due to hydrostatic pressure

[0028] • Almost impossible to perform high speed valve movement, enabling continuous flow.

[0029] Elevation will normally create a downward flow if fluid is flowing naturally.

[0030] This flow can be prevented by start-stop mechanisms, to avoid fluid to flow in a downward motion. The hydrostatic pressure creates several problems for the startstop mechanisms when starting or stopping the flow. The start-stop mechanisms are subjected to very high pressure and friction in the valves due to this pressure. This will consequently introduce high energy usage during operation. They are also subjected to very high forces on the closing and opening mechanism, forces that are increasing with higher pipe dimensions and thus higher valve area.

[0031] Start stop mechanisms can stop flow and create disruption in the continuous motion of the flow. This will increase energy usage unless the valve can have more rapid movement and higher start-stop (open-close) speed with lower energy use.

[0032] Means for Solving the Problems

[0033] The objective is achieved according to the invention by an apparatus for operating a rotational mechanism in a valve-assembly without being influenced by the hydrostatic forces, as defined in the preamble of claim 1 , having the features of the characterizing portion of claim 1 , and a method for non-pressurized operation of a rotational mechanism as defined in the preamble of claim 9, having the features of the characterizing portion of claim 9.

[0034] A number of non-exhaustive embodiments, variants or alternatives of the invention are defined by the dependent claims. The present invention attains the above-described objective using a plurality of operations with at least one start-stop mechanism to prevent a downward flow.

[0035] Effects of the Invention

[0036] The technical differences over the traditional start-stop mechanisms, is that the operational energy usage of the start-stop mechanisms is very low, because the valve always operate with zero differential pressure on both sides of the valve. No hydrostatic forces from the water column between the source container and the elevated container influences the start-stop mechanism. Only low-pressure flow and friction from seals’ influences the operational energy usage.

[0037] These effects provide in turn several further advantageous effects:

[0038] • It makes it possible to operate with very low friction forces.

[0039] • It makes it possible to start and stop the flow through the valve much faster than normal valves due to a rapid rotational motion.

[0040] • It makes it possible reduce energy consumption in valve operations considerably.

[0041] • It makes it possible to remove pressure spikes from the circulation when the valves are switching.

[0042] • it makes it possible to increase the elevated height without affecting the valve operations.

[0043] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0044] The above and further features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims and together with advantages thereof will become clearer from consideration of the following detailed description of an exemplary embodiment of the invention given with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] Figure 1 is an illustration of prior art and is a circulation system for non-resistive circulation of fluid from a source container to an elevated container.

[0046] Figure 1 B is a detailed illustration of prior art and an air evacuation device, evacuating unwanted elements from a circulation system. Figure 1C is a detailed illustration of prior art and a group of conveyors creating a circulation circuit for fluid circulation.

[0047] Figure 2 is a detailed illustration of a start-stop mechanism.

[0048] Figure 2A is a detailed illustration of the left view of a start-stop mechanism.

[0049] Figure 2B is a detailed illustration of the top view of a start-stop mechanism.

[0050] Figure 2C is a detailed illustration of the front view of a start-stop mechanism.

[0051] Figure 2D is a detailed illustration and section view of the channels connecting the interior and exterior on the start-stop mechanism on both sides for pressure equalisation.

[0052] Figure 2E is a detailed illustration of the left-back-bottom corner view of a start-stop mechanism.

[0053] Figure 3 is a detailed illustration and exploded view of the start-stop mechanism.

[0054] Figure 4 is a detailed illustration of two start-stop mechanisms, connected to a closed container shown as a centrifugal circulation mechanism (pump).

[0055] Figure 4A is the left view of two start-stop mechanisms, connected to a closed container shown as a centrifugal circulation mechanism (pump).

[0056] Figure 4C is a detailed illustration and section view showing some of the internal circulation mechanism.

[0057] Figure 5 is a detailed illustration of how this invention is related to prior art in Figure 1 Figure 6 is a detailed illustration of how it is possible to connect multiple devices in parallel according to prior art.

[0058] Description of the Reference Signs

[0059] The following reference numbers and signs refer to the drawings:

[0060] Detailed Description

[0061] Various aspects of the disclosure are described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. This disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to any specific structure or function presented throughout this disclosure. Rather, these aspects are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Based on the teachings herein one skilled in the art should appreciate that the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein, whether implemented independently of or combined with any other aspect of the disclosure.

[0062] For example, an apparatus may be implemented, or a method may be practiced using any number of the aspects set forth herein. In addition, the scope of the disclosure is intended to cover such an apparatus or method which is practiced using other structure, functionality, or structure and functionality in addition to or other than the various aspects of the disclosure set forth herein. Any aspect of the disclosure disclosed herein may be embodied by one or more elements of a claim. Terminology

[0063] The exemplary embodiment of this invention is described in connection with the terminology to illustrate that numerous alternatives, modifications and equivalents to the exemplary embodiments are available.

[0064] • Circulation comprises all forms of movement or flow with a continual change of place among the constituent particles in a matter in a circuit.

[0065] • A Circulation Mechanism comprises all forms of mechanisms making circulation possible (a motor with an impeller / propeller, a piston etc.)

[0066] • A Rotation Mechanism comprises all forms of mechanisms making rotational motion possible.

[0067] • A connection is a mechanism for joining two things together, or to things joined together.

[0068] • Flow comprises all forms of particles with a continual change of place among the constituent particles in a matter along a path.

[0069] • A Container comprises all methods for containment of matter.

[0070] • An elevated container comprises all methods for containment of matter at elevated positions above a zero-reference point.

[0071] • A seal comprises all methods to join systems and mechanisms together by preventing leakage, containing pressure, or excluding contamination.

[0072] • An equalisation mechanism is a mechanism that performs an evenly and uniformly distribution of things (e.g. pressure, fluids etc.)

[0073] • A gear comprises circular toothed machine parts which mesh with another (compatible) toothed part to transmit (convert) torque and speed.

[0074] • A bearing is a machine element that constrains relative motion to only the desired motion and reduces friction between moving parts.

[0075] • A washer is a thin plate (typically disk-shaped, but sometimes square) with a hole (typically in the middle) that is normally used to distribute the load of a fastener.

[0076] • A fastener or fastening is a hardware device that mechanically joins or affixes two or more objects together.

[0077] • A Fluid comprises all forms of matter having particles that easily move and change their relative position without a separation of the mass.

[0078] • A start-stop mechanism comprises all forms of mechanisms that prevents or allows the passage of matter.

[0079] • A circuit comprises all forms of paths or routes between two or more points in space. • A conveyor comprises all forms circuits for the transportation of matter along a circuit.

[0080] • A circulation unit is referring to prior art in Figure 1 , and Figure 2

[0081] Principles forming the basis of the invention

[0082] The invention will be further described in connection with exemplary embodiments which are schematically shown in the drawings.

[0083] To simplify the exemplary embodiments, water (seawater) is used as a fluid, and the invention is filled with fluid in all exemplary embodiments.

[0084] All start-stop mechanisms throughout the description are specified as valves (knife-valves, check-valves etc.) with a rotational mechanism within the valve as the opening and closing mechanism. All circulation conveyors throughout the description are specified as pipes. These mechanisms are most common in circulation systems and are schematically shown in the drawings. All combinations of conveyors, startstop mechanisms, pipe-bends and pipe branches or other mechanisms that forms a circulation circuit, will be specified as a circulation circuit or plainly a circuit.

[0085] To simplify the term closed container 2, from prior art, the closed container in the exemplary embodiments of this invention will refer to the closed container of the centrifugal pump 83 or 106. It will also be referred to as the pump housing. The container for the suction input, 91 and the container for the centrifugal pump 88, will in combination be referred to as the closed container 83 or 106 since both are operatively connected by an adapter 93 and forming a combined closed container.

[0086] To clarify the term circulation mechanism, this will normally be considered the impeller 94. It is the only mechanism that can provide circulation. An impeller cannot create rotation without some kind of rotational device 82, an electrical motor.

[0087] When referring to the impeller 94 (or the motor 82,86 or 107) as the circulation mechanism, it is implied that both the impeller and motor together is motorized circulation mechanism as shown.

[0088] By referring to prior art in Figure 1 , this invention will replace the valves 13 and 14, and the invention will be directly connected to the closed container 83, as shown in Figure 4. By comparing the prior art Figure 1 , with Figure 5 the group of conveyors (pipes) 4 and 5, is replaced by the conveyors 101 and 112, the valves 13 and 14 is replaced by, valves 105 and 108, the closed container 2 is replaced by the closed container 106 (83) and the circulation mechanisms 11 and 12 is replaced by the motorized impeller 86, 94.

[0089] The centrifugal pump, or pump housing with suction and outlets are not a part of this invention and is only used for illustrative purposes. But from prior art shown in Figure 1 , comparable with Figure 5, it should be understandable how this invention can be used in a non-resistive circulation to elevated containers.

[0090] It is vital to understand that pressure from elevation, shown in Figure 5 is used in this exemplary embodiment to indicate that the valves 105, and 108 is influenced by a hydrostatic pressure. This pressure can be a pressure created by circulation mechanisms or by other means. This indicates that there is no requirement that he containers 100 and 113 have elevation. The containers 100 and 113 could be closed pressurized tanks, at the same vertical level. An important feature is that the pressure from the containers differs substantially so that the invention is energy efficient when establishing a fluid circulation (exchange) between the two containers who differs in pressure. In the case of pressurized tanks, and if different tanks are used for input and output conveyors (114,115,116,117), it is important that they are pairwise balanced. From prior art, it is specified that the pressure is substantially equal in the group of conveyors 101 (114, 115), the group of conveyors 112 (116, 117) and the tanks (pressure source), they are connected to.

[0091] We will specify the high-pressure circulation circuit of the system as the circulation circuit connected to the elevated container. All parts included in the high- pressure circulation circuit are the output 116 and input 117 pipes 112, and pipes adapter 111 including its check-valve 50, solenoid-valve 109, circular knife valve 108 and its motor 110, and the closed container (pump housing) 106. The high-pressure side is indicating that the valve 105, is holding the highest pressure in the system (Figure 5), when the high-pressure circulation circuit is circulating fluid.

[0092] We will specify the low-pressure circulation circuit of the system as the circulation circuit connected to the source container. All parts included in the low- pressure circulation circuit are the input 114 and output 115 pipes 101 , and pipes adapter 102 including its check-valve 50, solenoid-valve 103, circular knife valve 105 and its motor 104, and its connected closed container (pump housing) (106). The low-pressure side is indicating that the valve (108), is holding the lowest pressure in the system (Figure 5), when the low-pressure circulation circuit is circulating fluid.

[0093] Low energy usage

[0094] The inventions’ main function is to remove hydrostatic pressure from fluid during valve operation. This can be understood by Figure 2, where a solenoid valve 24 is connected with conveyors 27 and 28 to both sides of the valve. A channel 35, 36 inside the housing is creating path between both sides of the valve 21.

[0095] The effect is that any pressure difference over the valve 21 , will be equalized when the solenoid-valve 24 is open. The invention is not limited to one such equalisation mechanism and can contain multiples of the mechanism to ensure a fast and efficient equalisation of pressure between all inputs and outputs on both sides of the valve.

[0096] The operation for the valve is specified in prior art, where the valve 13, must be closed when valve 14 is open, and similarly the valve 14 must be closed when valve 13 is open. This requirement from prior art is used by the invention to move hydrostatic pressure from the valve being operated to the valve not being operated.

[0097] From Figure 5, both the valves 105 and 108, is closed and both the solenoid valves 103 and 109 is closed. Then the upper valve 108 will have a pressure defined by the fluid level in the elevated container 113, and the lower valve 105 will have a pressure defined by the fluid level in the source container 100. If we open the solenoid 109, the valve 108 will not be influenced by any hydrostatic pressure, and the lower valve 105 will be influenced by a hydrostatic pressure defined by both the fluid level in the elevated container 113, and the fluid level in the source container 100. If the valve 108 is operated and opened, it is not influenced by any hydrostatic pressure. If we close valve 108, it is still not influenced by any hydrostatic pressure.

[0098] If the valve 108, and solenoid valve 109 is both closed, and solenoid valve 103 is opened, the valve 105 is not influenced by any pressure, and the valve 108 will be influenced by a pressure defined by both the fluid level in the elevated container 113, and the fluid level in the source container 100. If the valve 105 is operated and opened, it is not influenced by any hydrostatic pressure. If we close valve 105, it is still not influenced by any hydrostatic pressure. Now we can close the solenoid valve 103 and repeat the above operations. From the logic above, we can state that the switching motion from prior art between the valves 13 and 14, will have challenges with hydrostatic forces, and this is solved with this invention because of zero influence from hydrostatic forces during operation.

[0099] The requirement is that both valves know about their respective positions and will require electronic control and monitoring of the motors 104 and 110, the respective position of the gears 60 and 61 , and the solenoid valves 103 and 109. This can be done with sensors for monitoring pressure and monitoring rotation. Electronic control implies also programmed control of the electronic devices, like motors, solenoid-valves and circulation mechanisms.

[0100] This will lead to a valve operation with very low energy-usage compared to prior art and current valve technologies, since the synchronized motion of two valves and four conveyor connections (inputs and outputs) are used in a non-resistive circulation to elevated containers with dual valve switching operation.

[0101] Rotational motion

[0102] From prior art, traditional operation of valves is an on-off mechanical motion. This means that most valves must be rotated in one direction when opened and the other direction when closed. Usually this is due to the high influence of hydrostatic forces or resistance due to high flow.

[0103] This change in direction is not beneficial for valves who need a high frequency operation.

[0104] This is solved by rotational gears 60 and 61 in Figure 3, where the gear 61 is containing two valve openings for both the input and output of the valve. The dual opening will close both the input and output, when rotated 90 degrees from its open position. Another 90-degree rotation will again open both the inputs and outputs for flow.

[0105] The gear rotation is supported by mechanical thrust-bearings 58, 59, 63, 65, 66 and 67, and some washers 62 and 64, and the rotational motion will only be influenced by some friction from the sealing O-rings 56,57 and 68,69 mounted on the outer casing 54 and 70. This friction is low since the valve is not influenced by hydrostatic forces. The rotational motion will be synchronized in both valves 105 and 108, together with a synchronized opening and closing of the solenoid-valves 103 and 109. According to prior art in Figure 1 , the valves 105 and 108 cannot be open at the same time, and similarly both solenoid-valves 103 and 109 cannot be open at the same time.

[0106] This will enable a high frequency operation where each valve 105, 108 and its sealing O-rings 56,57,68,69 only will be influenced by hydrostatic pressure when they are in a stationary closed position. Hydrostatic pressure on the valve in closed position will increase the sealing function of the O-rings 56,57,68,69, and released by operation of the solenoid valve 71 when the valve is operated (gear rotating).

[0107] Since the innovation is removing of hydrostatic forces during the operation of the start-stop mechanism, we have solved the problem with slow rotational motion because of high friction caused by hydrostatic pressure in prior art.

[0108] From prior art, a common gate knife valve is actuated by a threaded stem that connects the actuator (e.g. handwheel or motor) to the gate knife, and need to be rotated fast for it to be fully closed.

[0109] High frequency operation

[0110] From prior art shown in Figure 1 , we understand that the opening of valves and starting and stopping of circulation mechanisms will influence the movement of the fluid in a negative way. When one valve 13 is closed, the fluid in the conveyors 4 will stop. This interruption will reduce the effect of non-resistive circulation since the fluid must be put in motion when the valve is opened and circulation mechanism 11 is starting the motion again.

[0111] From prior art Figure 1 , we will understand that the non-resistive circulation is due to switching the valves in a continuous operation, close valve 14, open valve 13 - close valve 13, open valve 14.

[0112] The interruption in flow due to the switching motion can be remedied using a very big, closed container 2, with very long switching times (low frequency). Or it can be solved by increasing switching frequency, giving the fluid little time to stop before the motion is started again. The introduction of a check valve 25, will prevent the water from stopping, when the valve 21 is closed. The check valve 25 will have a direction so that the water input (23 or 26) to the valve 21 will flow to the output (26 or 23) when the valve 21 is closed. When the valve 21 is opened again, the check valve 25 will close and the fluid flow is resumed. In Figure 5 both check valves in the adapter 102 or 111 , will have this functionality.

[0113] A requirement is that the circulation mechanism in the closed container 106 always provide flow when the valve opens. The direction of the check-valve will be from conveyor input to conveyor output since the output will have a higher pressure than the suction input and will be closed when the valve 21 is open. When the valve 21 closes, the suction input will have higher pressure than the output, and the check valve will open.

[0114] Rotational operation with low energy usage, will enable a more continuous flow by the inclusion of the check-valve 25 and a higher rotational frequency operation of the valves.

[0115] From prior art Figure 1 represents one circulation unit. This definition can also be used for Figure 5. It can therefore be understood that a parallel operation of circulation units specified in prior art, a higher frequency operation of the valves will create a continuous flow, and where the check-valve 25 will have less significance, and with multiple parallelly coupled circulation units (three or more) it might be rendered useless.

[0116] Explanation of the Figures

[0117] Figure 1 - Prior art

[0118] We will not go into depth in explaining this figure, since it is thoroughly explained in prior art WO2022186699A1 , Figure 1 as a circulation unit performing a non-resistive circulation from a source container to an elevated container.

[0119] From prior art the circulation unit can be parallelly coupled and serially coupled, to increase flow or the operational height. Prior art in Figure 1 , is equal to Figure 5, and defines a circulation unit.

[0120] Figure 2

[0121] Figure 2A is a detailed illustration of the left view of a start-stop mechanism, showing the valve as a very slim rotational knife valve 21 with a solenoid 22, and an electric motor 20.

[0122] Figure 2B is a detailed illustration of the top view of a start-stop mechanism, showing the knife valve as a very slim rotational knife valve with two casing elements 29, and 30, where input / output conveyor adapters 23, 26 with standard adapter-plates. A solenoid valve 24 is connected to tubes and fittings 27, 28 to the interior on both sides of the valve. Opening the solenoid valve 24, will equalize the pressure on both sides of the valve, and it will operate as an equalizing mechanism.

[0123] Figure 2C is a detailed illustration of the front view of a start-stop mechanism, showing the adapters for the input or output connection for conveyors 31 , 34 and the input or output connection for the closed container 32,33.

[0124] Figure 2D is a detailed illustration and section view of the channels connecting the interior and exterior on the start-stop mechanism on both sides for pressure equalisation. The channel 35 is connecting the interior (closed container) to the exterior (conveyor adapter 23,31) through channel 36 and equalizes the pressure on both sides of the valve. When these channels are connected with fittings and tubes through a solenoid 24, the solenoid will allow for either equalisation of pressure on both sides of the valve in open position or allow for pressure to differ on both sides of the valve in closed position, both states normally occurring when the valve 21 is closed.

[0125] Figure 2E is a detailed illustration of the left-back-bottom comer view of a start-stop mechanism, where the standard connectors 37, 38 is shown.

[0126] Figure 3

[0127] Figure 3 is a detailed illustration and exploded view of the start-stop mechanism (valve). The main function of the valve is a rotational knife valve, where the mechanical rotational gears 60 and 61 rotates the knife 61. When the two holes in the largest gear 61 (knife) coincides with the holes in the outer casing 54, and the holes in the outer casing 70, the start-stop mechanism is fully open. When gear 61 and the two holes in the largest gear 61 is rotated 90 degrees from fully open, it is fully closed. Both casings 54, 70 contains O-ring seals 56,57, 68, 69. In fully closed position the valve can experience pressure from the input or output conveyors 51 , 52. This pressure will increase the sealing function to the O-rings. The solenoid 71 have a pressure equalisation function, to equalize the pressure in the valve’s closed position prior to valve operation (opening), and it have a pressure build-up function in the valve’s closed position after valve operation (closing).

[0128] The check valve 50 is a flow continuation device. Since the water is flowing into the input of the valve, and out from the output, the check valve has a direction and can open from the input to the output. This will have a positive effect when the valve is in closed position. The water has a momentum, and when the valve is closing, this momentum will be moved from the input to the output through the check valve and is a pressure relief function to avoid pressure from the flow to act on the valve. The momentum will be picked up after the valve is opened, to resume flow.

[0129] Since the flow is interrupted, this interruption will have less effect with higher (open-close) switching frequency of the valve.

[0130] Figure 4

[0131] Figure 4 is a detailed illustration of two start stop mechanisms connected to a closed container, shown as a centrifugal circulation mechanism (pump housing).

[0132] Figure 4A show the conveyor adapters with a check-valve 80 and 85, the lower valve 81 and the upper valve 84, a centrifugal pump housing as a closed container 83, and a rotational circulation device (motor) 82 connected to the impeller 94 in the centrifugal pump housing 83.

[0133] The circulation mechanism, a centrifugal pump is not a part of this patent but differs from the traditional centrifugal pump since it contains two suction inputs 90 and 92 and two pressure outputs 87 and 89. The suction housing 91 is connected to the impeller housing 88 in the centrifugal pump through an adapter 93. Together they form a closed container with a circulation mechanism similar to prior art in Figure 1 reference sign 2.

[0134] Figure 5

[0135] Figure 5 is a detailed illustration of how this invention is related to prior art in Figure 1 . The below list shows the relations between Figure 1 and Figure 5.

[0136] Figure 5 only differs from Figure 1 , by the motorized circulation mechanism 107, replacing both circulation mechanisms 11 and 12. The outer pipe 8 in Figure 1 is not included in Figure 5, because it is not needed.

[0137] The extraction mechanism 16 extracting air 15 is not included in the closed container 106 in Figure 5, because in a centrifugal pump, air will normally and naturally evacuate in the flow. Except from these differences the operation of the circulation unit from prior art is similar.

[0138] Figure 6

[0139] Figure 6 is a detailed illustration of how it is possible to connect multiple devices in parallel according to prior art.

[0140] Parallel operation of the invention will require electronic control and synchronized movement of all parts. Electronic control implies also programmed control of the electronic devices, like motors, solenoid-valves and circulation mechanisms.

[0141] In figure 6, the inputs 123 and 125 are connected by a conveyor and will connect to one pipe leading to the elevated container. Similarly, the outputs 124 and 126 will be connected by a conveyor and connected to a pipe leading to the elevated container.

[0142] Similar connections are made with inputs 136 and 138, and outputs 137 and 139.

[0143] This means that the parallelly connected units will share a group of conveyors 101 and 112 if the parallel configuration replaces the single configuration on Figure 5,

[0144] The centrifugal pump housings 129 and 130 are separated by a housing adapter 133 with seals according to prior art and are two separated closed containers. But as seen they share the same shaft 132, and motor 131.

[0145] Best Modes of Carrying Out the Invention

[0146] Best mode of operation for valve switching:

[0147] Figure 5 show the invention in relation to prior art in Figure 1 , where two electronically controlled and synchronized start-stop mechanisms 105, 108 is representing the innovation. Electronic control implies also programmed control of the electronic devices, like motors, solenoid-valves, and circulation mechanisms.

[0148] The start-stop mechanisms (valves) contribute to a non-resistive circulation to an elevated container and are solving how to provide a fast-switching operation without being influenced by the hydrostatic pressure.

[0149] The hydrostatic pressure will create problems for the operation of traditional valves and will consume much energy in its start-stop (open-close) operation. We have shown that by switching operation between the valves, we avoid hydrostatic pressure during operation, and we will be able to introduce rotational motion at a faster speed with a circular knife valve.

[0150] Prior to operation of the valves, the system must be filled with water. In prior art this is normally done by priming (filling) the centrifugal housing 106, or other external systems. For non-resistive circulation to elevated containers without lifting water (only circulating), the entire system must be filled with water. We assume that the systems initial position is with all valves 105, 108, 103, 109 closed, and all circulation mechanisms stopped.

[0151] With the centrifugal pump housing filled with water, we can start the motorized circulation mechanism 107 even with the valves closed. This will initiate both an input and output pressure at the valves. Since the prior art in Figure 1 , specify that friction in the pipes is the only pressure to overcome in the circulation, this is a very low pressure (non-resistive), compared to prior art.

[0152] Before opening the knife-valve 105, we are opening the solenoid-valve 103, to release the hydrostatic pressure created by the group of conveyors 101 , by equalising the pressure over the knife-valve 105. The knife valve 105 is now not influenced by any hydrostatic pressure, since the hydrostatic pressure from the group of conveyors 101 , 112, and the centrifugal pump 106 is moved to the knife valve 108.

[0153] Since water is used in the exemplary embodiments and this considered an incompressible fluid, there are not any flow (neglectable) in the circuit created by the solenoid valve 103 and its connected tubes and fittings during operation. With an almost neglectable flow, the solenoid-valve can be very small, and the tubes and fittings can have a very small diameter, since their size is adapted to the speed of the equalisation and the amount of flow from the fluid.

[0154] By rotating the knife-valve 105 with the motor 104, 90 degrees (clockwise rotation), the lower valve opens. No hydrostatic forces are influencing the valve operation, except the low-pressure flow from the circulation device 107.

[0155] During a short timeframe after opening the valve, the volume of water inside the centrifugal housing 106 has been replaced, and the valve rotates an additional 90 degrees and closes. After closing the valve, the solenoid 103 closes.

[0156] Because water in the group of pipes 101 is still moving during the closing of the valve 105, this movement is diverted through the check-valve in the conveyor adapter 102.

[0157] Before opening the knife-valve 108, we are opening the solenoid-valve 109, to release the hydrostatic pressure created by the group of conveyors 112 and the centrifugal pump housing 106, by equalising the pressure over the knife-valve 108. The knife valve 108 is now not influenced by any hydrostatic pressure since the hydrostatic pressure from the group of conveyors 101, 112, and the centrifugal pump 106 is moved to the knife valve 105. Since water is used and is considered an incompressible fluid, there are not any flow (neglectable) in the circuit created by the solenoid valve 109 and its connected tubes and fittings during operation.

[0158] By rotating the knife-valve 108 with the motor 110, 90 degrees (clockwise rotation), the lower valve opens. No hydrostatic forces are influencing the valve operation, except the low-pressure flow from the circulation device 107.

[0159] During a short timeframe after opening the valve, the volume of water inside the centrifugal housing 106 is replaced, and the valve rotates an additional 90 degrees and closes. After closing the valve, the solenoid 109 closes.

[0160] Because water in the group of pipes 112 is still moving during the closing of the valve 108, this movement is diverted through the check-valve in the conveyor adapter 111.

[0161] The circulation device is always providing the correct pressure to overcome the friction in the group of pipes 112 and 101 , with a continuous rotation during the entire operation. It is possible to have a variable rotational speed on the circulation mechanism to account for differences in friction between the group of pipes 101 and 112.

[0162] The operation described above is repeated continuously with a clockwise rotation of both the knife valves and the circulation device.

[0163] This operation shows how the innovation, by using prior art in Figure 1 , can operate valves with very low energy by switching the hydrostatic pressure between the valves in the closed container. The valve holding the pressure from the hydrostatic forces are never operated when pressurized, and the valve operated are only influenced by a low-pressure flow, and friction in the O-ring sealing. However, the flow influencing the valve is both an input and output flow and will be understood as two opposing forces on the valve gear 61 . Consequently, flow will have little influence on the valve operation.

[0164] Best mode of operation for parallel configuration

[0165] Prior art specifies that the circulation unit in Figure 1 can be connected in parallel. This is indicated in Figure 6 where two centrifugal pumps are connected with an adapter 133 and sharing the shaft 132 and the electric motor 131 , where the shaft is running through both units.

[0166] The sawtooth pattern on the left in Figure 6 indicates that the drawing can continue to other drawings with multiple units.

[0167] From prior art, such a configuration is widely known as a multistage centrifugal pump, where outputs are connected to inputs to increase the pump head (pumping height).

[0168] In this invention we do not need multiple stages, and parallelly coupled units have inputs and outputs connected for non-interrupted flow.

[0169] From the best mode of operation for parallel operation, the inputs to the elevated container are connected and the outputs to the elevated container are connected, as explained in the section - Explanation of the Figures, for Figure 6. Similar connections are made for the inputs and outputs to the source container.

[0170] We reuse the switching of the valves on unit one 130 as a series of operations called Switch Operation 1 :

[0171] * Operate low-pressure valve 134.

[0172] 1 . Open solenoid-valve.

[0173] 2. Rotate the knife-valve 90 degrees, to open it.

[0174] 3. Let through some flow.

[0175] 4. Rotate the knife-valve 90 degrees, to close it.

[0176] 5. Close the solenoid valve.

[0177] • Repeat steps 1-5 for the operation of the high-pressure valve 128.

[0178] We reuse the switching of the valves on unit two 129 as a series of operations called Switch Operation 2:

[0179] • Operate high-pressure valve 127.

[0180] 1 . Open solenoid-valve.

[0181] 2. Rotate the knife-valve 90 degrees, to open it.

[0182] 3. Let through some flow.

[0183] 4. Rotate the knife-valve 90 degrees, to close it.

[0184] 5. Close the solenoid valve. Repeat steps 1-5 for the operation of the low-pressure valve 135.

[0185] The best mode of parallel operation is to perform an electronically controlled Switch Operation 1 , and Switch Operation 2 at the same time, in a synchronized manner.

[0186] 1 . Switch operation 1 and 2 will open valves 134 and 127 at the same time.

[0187] 2. Switch operation 1 and 2 will close valves 134 and 127 at the same time.

[0188] 3. Switch operation 1 and 2 will open valves 135 and 128 at the same time.

[0189] 4. Switch operation 1 and 2 will close valves 135 and 128 at the same time.

[0190] Sequence 1-4 above will repeat itself during the operation of the parallelly coupled circulation units.

[0191] This means that we will have continuous operation on both centrifugal pumps with extremely low energy consumption on the valve, since the non-resistive circulation in prior art Figure 1 , are not influenced by hydrostatic forces, and this innovation provides valves that also can operate without any influence from the hydrostatic forces.

[0192] This valve operation is a huge improvement from current technologies, where valves mainly operate under pressure if the valves are used in a configuration with hydrostatic pressure created by elevation.

[0193] Alternative Embodiments

[0194] A number of variations may be envisaged.

[0195] High-pressure / low-pressure valve combination

[0196] The two valves 105,108 can be incorporated as one start-stop mechanism with four connections. One input and one output define the low-pressure circulation circuit to the source container, and one input and one output define the high-pressure circulation circuit to the elevated container. When the device is created as one device, it is possible to create mechanical connections between the rotational elements 60, 61 , and the circulation device 94, in such way that the minimum number of motors are only one.

[0197] The rotational translation envisaged might be more complicated but allow for less electronic control of the elements in the mechanical design. If mechanical connections between all rotational elements are made, these can also be incorporated into a mechanical control of the solenoid-valves.

[0198] In a configuration with two separate valves, one valve operates without hydrostatic pressure, and the other valve are holding the pressure. This functionality must be implemented in a combined valve with four connections, where one valve input-output pair, are holding pressure, and the other valve input-output pair are operating without pressure.

[0199] High-pressure / high-pressure and low-pressure / low-pressure combinations

[0200] In parallel operation the valves 127, 128 from the source container can be combined to one unit with four connections. One input and one output define the low- pressure circulation circuit to the source container, and one input and one output define the second low-pressure circulation circuit to the source container.

[0201] This device will be similar to the low-pressure / high-pressure valve combination specified above.

[0202] Valve patterns for multiple pumps, sources and containers

[0203] Figure 8 show an alternative version of the valve with where the rotational element 61 , is replaced with rotational element 150,158. The rotational element indicates four pipe connections to the valve compared to the input output conveyors shown in Figure 2-6, connected to the rotational knife valve with only two pipe connections.

[0204] This solution can combine two valves into one valve, with one input / output 151 ,152,159,160 and one input / output, 154,155,161 ,162. Indicator lines A, 153 and B, 156 and C, 157 is three possible states. State A represent an input output to either the source or elevated container. State B represent an input output to either the source or elevated container. State C represents the valve closed.

[0205] This solution can be extended to multiple input outputs far beyond four connections. Where the state pattern can be much more complex than three states as indicated.

[0206] Either the holes are aligned along the diameter as shown in Figure 7, or the holes (connections) are rotated along the circle’s circumference shown in Figure 8, or both a pattern evident in Figure 7.

[0207] A valve with multiple input and outputs, may facilitate two valves in the valve alternatives above. The high-pressure / low-pressure valve combination, the high- pressure / high-pressure and low-pressure / low-pressure combination is facilitated with

[0208] Clutch actuation of multiple rotational elements

[0209] In an alternative version, the gear or knife valves 174,175 are stacked on top of each other creating multiple alternative connections to the valve.

[0210] For stacked patterns, aligning holes creates a path for the flow in a circulation circuit

[0211] The two disks, can use traditional clutch technologies common in cars, to compress the disks against each other so that seals or o-rings (not shown) around the holes ensures correct sealing when the openings are aligned to create input or output flow on the correct pipe inputs or outputs.

[0212] The multiple rotational elements will be able to create many alternatives for four holes to be open simultaneously, and many alternatives for only three or two open holes simultaneously.

[0213] By using patterns, stacked disks (knife valves) and clutch technologies, the options available to create complex circulation circuits will be like patterns in a Jacquard Loom.

[0214] This solution will enable multiple pumps to share one valve when circulating from a source or an elevated container. The solution also enables one pump to circulate between multiple elevated containers or multiple sources. Industrial Applicability

[0215] The invention according to the application finds use in non-resistive circulation in containers at elevated heights, using particularly energy efficient start-stop mechanisms, where the hydrostatic influence from the water column is zero. Only flow and friction from valve sealing is influencing the operation.

[0216] Fish-farming on land, industry and datacentre cooling, and elevated greenhouses are applications that predominantly need energy efficient circulation at elevated heights. But start-stop mechanisms in prior art have slow switching speeds, or too high energy usage when increased speed is needed.

[0217] The inventions’ application is mostly for non-resistive circulation to elevated containers, since this method is switching valves over a closed container, and thereby have the functionality where this innovation has its applicability.

[0218] But non-resistive circulation to elevated containers have a high industrial applicability, and the valves will probably be used in many industries where this technology can be used.

[0219] The valves high operational speed and low energy usage can have usage in many other applications, due to these features.

Claims

Claims1 . A system for starting and stopping the exchange of fluid in a closed container between a low-pressure side and a high-pressure side in a hydrostatically balanced fluid system without being operationally influenced by the differences in hydrostatic pressure, comprising: a high-pressure circulation circuit, further comprising closed container (106), valve assembly (108), high-pressure conveyor adapter (111 ), high-pressure output conveyor (116) and high-pressure input connector (117) a low-pressure circulation circuit, further comprising closed container (106), valve assembly (105), low-pressure conveyor adapter (102), low-pressure output conveyor (114) and low-pressure input conveyor (115), a rotational mechanism (61 ) for regulating the high-pressure circulation circuit and low-pressure circulation circuit valve assemblies to start or stop the fluid flow, characterised in further comprising: a high-pressure equalisation mechanism (109), operatively connected between high-pressure conveyor adapter (111 ) and closed container (106), a low-pressure equalisation mechanism (103), operatively connected between low-pressure conveyor adapter (102) and closed container (106), wherein the equalisation mechanisms (103,109) when engaged, provide a fluid flow bypassing the rotational mechanism in order to equalise a pressure difference between high-pressure conveyors and the closed container, or between the low-pressure conveyors and the closed container, wherein the high-pressure rotational mechanisms can operate without any influence from the hydrostatic pressure in the high-pressure circulation circuit or the low-pressure rotational mechanisms can operate without any influence from the hydrostatic pressure in the low-pressure circulation circuit, wherein the rotational mechanisms for the high-pressure and low-pressure valve assembly are never open at the same time, ensuring that the closed container is either a part of the high-pressure circulation circuit, or the low-pressure circulation circuit enabling an exchange of fluid from the low-pressure side to the high-pressure side, by ensuring no flow through the closed container from the high-pressure circulation circuit to the low-pressure circulation circuit.

2. The system according to claim 1 , characterised in further comprising a plurality of start-stops mechanisms connected in parallel.

3. The system according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in further comprising a start-stop mechanism for transferring pressure from the input to the output reducing operational pressure from flow on the rotational mechanism when closing the start-stop mechanism.

4. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterised in further comprising of sensors for monitoring of pressure.

5. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterised in further comprising of sensors for monitoring of rotation.

6. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterised in further comprising of multiple pressure equalisation units.

7. The system according to any of claim 3-6, characterised in further comprising means for electronic control of the start-stop mechanism.

8. The system according to any of claim 3-7, characterised in further comprising means for programmed control of the start-stop mechanism.

9. The system according to any of the previous claims, characterised in further comprising a rotational mechanism with multiple perforated holes enabling multiple circulation circuits to multiple closed containers or elevated containers.

10. A method for starting and stopping the exchange of fluid in a closed container.between a low-pressure side and a high-pressure side in a hydrostatically balanced fluid system without being operationally influenced by the hydrostatic pressure, according to claim 1 , the method comprising: a) activate one equalisation mechanism (103,109) to provide a fluid flow bypassing the rotational mechanism in order to equalise a pressure difference in the high-pressure circulation circuit or in the low-pressure circulation circuit, b) activate one rotational mechanism in one valve assembly (108,105) to regulate flow in the high-pressure circulation circuit or low-pressure circulation circuit to start the fluid flow, c) activate one rotational mechanism in one valve assembly (108,105) to regulate flow in the high-pressure circulation circuit or low-pressure circulation circuit to stop the fluid flow, d) deactivate one equalisation mechanism (109,103) to end the fluid flow bypassing the rotational mechanism.

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