Rapid-action venting valve, in particular for a steam-peeling system

Abstract

The invention relates to a valve in the form of a seat valve, having: at least one inlet (I) and at least one outlet (O), wherein a flow direction of a fluid controlled through the valve runs from the inlet to the outlet; a housing (2); an actuator (5), in particular in the form of a rod, bolt, plunger or tube, with a rotationally symmetrical ram (3) arranged thereon, wherein the actuator can be adjusted to at least one first end position (valve closed) and at least one second end position (valve open), wherein the ram at least partially rests against a rotationally symmetrical valve seat (4) in the first end position and does not rest against the valve seat in the second end position; and a control device (6) for adjusting the actuator, wherein the ram has a lateral face which has at least one flow region (3a), for directing a fluid flow, and at least one sealing region (3b), for resting against the valve seat in the first end position, wherein the flow region is concave, and wherein a circumferential edge (3c), nose or a circumferential projection is arranged between the flow region and the sealing region.

Description

[0001] Quick release valve, especially for a steam peeling system

[0002] The present invention relates to a valve in the form of a seat valve, with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, wherein a flow direction of a fluid regulated by the valve runs from the inlet to the outlet, a housing, an actuator, in particular in the form of a rod, bolt, piston or tube, with a rotationally symmetrical plunger arranged thereon, wherein the actuator is adjustable into at least a first end position (valve closed) and into at least a second end position (valve open), wherein the plunger rests partially on a rotationally symmetrical valve seat in the first end position and does not rest on the valve seat in the second end position, and with a control device for adjusting the actuator.

[0003] Seat valves have long been known and available on the market in a wide variety of forms. These seat valves differ considerably depending on their design and intended use. All seat valves share a basic principle of operation: an adjustable valve element rests against a valve seat when the valve is closed and is lifted off the seat to open the valve.

[0004] Poppet valves are generally suitable for all fluids, although the requirements placed on the poppet valve vary depending on the fluid used and the applied pressure. Those skilled in the art will be aware that a valve for a very thin and ultra-pure gas such as hydrogen must be designed differently than, for example, a poppet valve in an internal combustion engine. There are also so-called steam peeling systems, for example for the industrial peeling of potatoes or fruit. In these systems, the food to be peeled is first cleaned and then placed in a steam pressure vessel. There, the food is exposed to a specific steam pressure of, for example, 16 bar, which softens the peel. The pressure is then released, causing the peel to peel off and leave the steam pressure vessel together with the steam.

[0005] The faster the steam leaves the steam pressure vessel, the better the peeling result. For this reason, steam release valves strive to achieve a large valve diameter and a short opening time, while of course still having to withstand the applied pressure.

[0006] Another problem is that the food is usually not completely clean before peeling, so contaminants such as sand and other solids are pressed out of the pressure vessel along with the peeling residue. The steam release valve is therefore subject to severe mechanical wear, increasing its susceptibility to failure and maintenance cycles. In addition, the solids, especially their deposits and the damage they cause, can impair the valve's sealing effect.

[0007] The present invention is therefore based on the object of providing a seat valve which functions quickly and reliably even with contaminated fluids, in particular in steam peeling systems, and which requires as little maintenance as possible.

[0008] This object is achieved by a valve having the features of claim 1 in that the plunger has a jacket surface which has at least one flow region for directing a fluid flow and at least one sealing region for contact with the valve seat in the first end position, wherein the flow region is concave, and wherein a circumferential edge, nose or circumferential projection is arranged between the flow region and the sealing region. Due to the different regions of the jacket surface of the plunger, the flow region of the plunger can guide or direct the fluid, which in particular also contains solids such as sand, in a direction which points away from the sealing region. In order to achieve this in terms of flow technology, the flow region is concave and the jacket surface of the plunger has a circumferential edge, nose or circumferential projection between the regions.At this point, the fluid dynamics of the stamp change abruptly.

[0009] If the flow area directs the contaminated fluid away from the sealing area when the valve is open, the sealing area is exposed to significantly less wear and tear and is therefore less prone to failure and maintenance. Furthermore, fewer solids can accumulate on the sealing area, which would otherwise impair the valve's tightness. The valve according to the invention is therefore particularly reliable and wear-resistant.

[0010] Further advantages arise from the subclaims.

[0011] In a particularly preferred embodiment of the valve, the flow area does not rest on the valve seat in the first end position.

[0012] In this design, the flow area is not directly involved in the valve's sealing effect. Contamination and wear in the flow area therefore have no direct impact on the valve's tightness.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the flow region is arranged upstream of the sealing region in the flow direction, such that the friction of the fluid at the flow region is greater than the friction of the fluid at the sealing region.

[0014] This effect can be achieved, for example but not exclusively, with an angle between the flow area and the sealing area of ​​approximately 95-120° near the edge. For example, the concave flow area can have a nearly horizontal section in the flow direction upstream of the edge, and the sealing area can have a nearly vertical section downstream of the edge. As a result, the friction and thus also the wear and contamination in the sealing area are significantly lower than the wear and contamination in the flow area. Of course, the sealing area can have a contour adapted to the valve seat in the flow direction. Likewise, the angle between the areas near the edge can also be greater than 120° or less than 95°, for example 90°.What is crucial is that the flow area and the edge fulfil the previously described function, namely that the sealing area is subject to reduced wear and reduced contamination.

[0015] In a further, likewise preferred embodiment, a deflection chamber for deflecting and directing the fluid and a switching chamber in which the plunger is adjusted are arranged in the housing, wherein the deflection chamber is arranged upstream of the switching chamber in the direction of flow.

[0016] In this form, the plunger can be arranged, for example, in the switching chamber and rest against the valve seat when the valve is closed. To open the valve, the plunger is lifted, for example, from the valve seat into the switching chamber. In this embodiment, the applied fluid pressure can thus support the opening process and shorten the switching time and / or relieve the load on the control device. Because the deflection chamber is arranged upstream of the switching chamber and thus upstream of the plunger in the flow direction, the fluid flow within the deflection chamber can be advantageously directed in a way that is beneficial for the switching performance and / or reduced wear on the valve.

[0017] In a further embodiment, the valve seat is formed by a taper between the deflection chamber and the switching chamber.

[0018] The taper can be formed, for example, by a projection formed in the housing between the deflection chamber and the switching chamber. However, the taper or valve seat can also be formed by a separate component. The separate component can be attached to the housing either permanently or detachably, for example, by a clamp or screw connection. In particular, the valve seat or taper can form the transition or separation between the deflection chamber and the switching chamber.

[0019] In a further embodiment, a guide nose is arranged in the deflection chamber to direct the fluid.

[0020] The guide nose can in particular be molded or cast onto the switch. However, it is also possible for the guide nose to be attached as a separate component in the deflection chamber. Here and in the following, a guide nose is understood to be a functional element that specifically directs the fluid flow entering the deflection chamber during opening. In particular, this can be a functional element that redirects the fluid flow towards the switching chamber and thus improves the switching performance on the one hand and reduces the load on the chamber wall on the other. The guide nose does not necessarily have to be a nose in the narrow sense, but can also be a funnel or a concave recess. The decisive factor is that this functional element fulfills the purpose described above.

[0021] In a further embodiment, an inner wall of the deflection chamber is made of a different material than the housing.

[0022] The material of the inner wall can, in particular, be more friction-resistant than the material of the housing. This significantly reduces wear on the inner wall caused by friction caused by solids and contaminants. This further reduces the susceptibility to failure and the maintenance cycles of the valve as a whole. In this embodiment, either the entire inner wall or just sections of the inner wall can be made of a different material. For example, only particularly stressed or strained sections of the inner wall can be made of a different material.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment, the inner wall is in the form of a protective basket or protective cup and is removable from the housing. In this embodiment, the inner wall of the deflection chamber can thus be designed as a separate component that can be replaced independently of the housing. As soon as the inner wall is worn, it can be replaced and the valve is quickly ready for use again and does not have to be replaced as a whole. The terms protective basket and protective cup are to be interpreted broadly and can vary in shape depending on the design and geometry of the deflection chamber and are not limited to a classic cup or basket shape. The decisive factor is that the heavily stressed inner wall or sections of the inner wall can be removed and serviced or replaced independently of the valve housing.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the deflection chamber can be closed by a removable cover, wherein the actuator extends through the cover.

[0025] The cover can, for example, be designed in the form of a flange and be flanged or screwed to the housing or the deflection chamber. Of course, other fastening methods are also conceivable and possible, such as clamp connections or clamps / clips, as is common in vacuum technology. It is crucial that the cover is removable for valve maintenance and that the cover fastening meets the tightness requirements.

[0026] The control device for the actuator, for example, in the form of a pneumatic or hydraulic system that drives the actuator, can be located outside the deflection chamber. The actuator extends through the cover and into the housing, the deflection chamber, and the switching chamber. The passage must, of course, also meet the tightness requirements.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the cover has a particularly cylindrical or conical guide section that extends into the deflection chamber, wherein the guide section encompasses the actuator at least partially circumferentially. The guide section can, in particular, form a guide for the actuator within the deflection chamber and simultaneously protect the actuator or a casing of the actuator from friction caused by solids and contaminants. Additionally or alternatively, with a corresponding design, the guide section can also direct the fluid or the fluid flow and thus advantageously influence the flow properties within the deflection chamber.

[0028] In a further embodiment, the guide nose is arranged on the guide section.

[0029] The guide nose can then advantageously be removed together with the cover and serviced or replaced. The guide nose and the guide section can also advantageously be coordinated with each other and interact with regard to the direction of the fluid flow.

[0030] In a further preferred embodiment, the outer surface of the stamp extends at least partially over the actuator or encompasses it in sections and engages in the guide section in the second end position.

[0031] Because the outer surface of the plunger at least partially surrounds the actuator, the actuator is protected against wear caused by solids and contaminants. Because the outer surface of the plunger engages the guide section in the second end position, i.e., when the valve is open, the actuator is protected by the outer surface even in the extended state and is completely surrounded and protected by the outer surface or guide section within the deflection chamber in every switching position. This contributes in particular to low wear caused by solids and contaminants.

[0032] In a further embodiment, the actuator, the plunger, the protective cage or the protective cup and the valve seat are removable together with the cover. For example, the protective cage can be attached to the cover and the valve seat can be attached to the protective cage or molded onto it. The plunger is molded onto the actuator, which can reach through the cover. In this way, the heavily stressed functional elements of the valve can be detached from the valve housing in a single step, which significantly simplifies maintenance. This is particularly, but not only, advantageous in embodiments in which the plunger is arranged behind the valve seat in the direction of flow, since the valve seat would otherwise block the plunger from being removed.

[0033] In a further embodiment, the valve seat is formed, attached or attachable to the protective cage or the protective cup.

[0034] The valve seat can, for example, be a substantially annular component that is screwed or flanged to the protective cage, with its inner wall flush with the protective cage. This allows the valve seat to be replaced independently of the protective cage if necessary. In a design with a molded-on valve seat, the number of components is reduced, which can also be advantageous.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the actuator is subjected to force by at least one spring, in particular in the direction of the second end position.

[0036] The spring can, for example, act in the opening direction of the valve and thus assist the opening process or the control device. In a design with a plunger arranged downstream of the valve seat in the direction of flow, the spring force, together with the control device and the pressure of the fluid, can move the actuator to the second end position. This advantageously shortens the switching time of the valve and relieves the load on the control device. However, embodiments are also conceivable and possible in which the spring acts in the opposite direction, so that the valve opens when the applied pressure of the fluid exceeds the spring force, and the valve thus acts like a safety valve. Those skilled in the art will understand that they can and must adapt the spring force and direction to the specific valve arrangement.In a preferred embodiment, the valve is a quick vent valve for steam peeling systems.

[0037] Due to its low wear, easy maintenance, and short switching time, the valve according to the invention is particularly suitable for this application, but not only for this purpose. Of course, other applications are also conceivable and possible, especially when controlling fluids containing solids or contaminants. This includes industrial systems and pipelines, as well as combustion engines.

[0038] The invention also relates to a steam peeling system with a valve of the type described above.

[0039] The invention is explained in more detail below using two exemplary embodiments. Naturally, the invention is not limited to these exemplary embodiments.

[0040] They show:

[0041] Figure 1a shows a cross section through a valve according to the invention;

[0042] Figure 1b shows a detailed view of a plunger of a valve according to the invention;

[0043] Figure 2 shows a cross section through a further embodiment of a valve according to the invention;

[0044] Figure 3 shows a cross section through a further embodiment of a valve according to the invention without a cover.

[0045] Figure 1a shows a cross-section through a valve 1 according to the invention in the form of a seat valve with a housing 2, an inlet 1, an outlet 0, a plunger 3 and a valve seat 4. The plunger 3 is arranged on an actuator 5 and is adjusted by the latter. To adjust the actuator 5, the valve has a control device 6 which has a pneumatic pressure vessel 6a and a coupling 6b. A deflection chamber 7 and a switching chamber 8 are arranged in the housing 2, with the plunger 3 being arranged essentially in the switching chamber 8 and being able to be adjusted therein. In the position shown, the plunger 3 is in the second end position, which means that the valve is open. The path of the fluid in the flow direction, namely inlet 1, deflection chamber 7, switching chamber 8, outlet 0, is thus free.

[0046] In the first end position of the piston 3 (not shown), i.e. when the valve 1 is closed, the piston 3 rests against the valve seat 4 and thus closes the passage between the deflection chamber 7 and the switching chamber 8.

[0047] The outer contour of the plunger 3 has a concave flow area 3a and a sealing area 3b, with a circumferential edge 3c arranged between the areas 3a, 3b. The concave flow area 3a is designed such that the fluid flow is directed when the valve 1 is open, such that the fluid flow containing solids and contaminants does not impact the sealing area 3b, or does not impact it directly, or does not impact it with the same friction. The fluid flow is directed towards the inner wall of the switching chamber 8, thereby significantly reducing wear and contamination of the sealing area 3b. In the first end position (not shown), only the sealing area 3b rests against the corresponding section of the valve seat 4. The tightness of the valve 1 is thus subject to significantly reduced wear.

[0048] The outer surface of the plunger 3 also has an elongated section 3d which partially surrounds the actuator 5 and projects into the deflection chamber 7, which protects the actuator 5 from wear caused by the solids of the fluid flow even when the valve 1 is open.

[0049] In the embodiment shown, the deflection chamber 7 serves to deflect the fluid flow from the inlet I to the outlet O. The inner wall of the deflection chamber 7 is formed by a protective cage 7a, which is made of a different material than the housing 2 and is removable from the housing. The valve seat 4 in the form of an annular component is fastened to the protective cage 7a by means of a screw connection 4a. The housing 2 has a cover 9 in the form of a flange, which is fastened to the housing 2 by means of a screw connection 9a. A guide section 9b is formed on the cover 9, which projects into the deflection chamber 7 and circumferentially surrounds and protects the actuating means 5, which passes through the cover 9. The outer surface of the plunger 3 or section 3d also engages in the guide section 9b in the second end position (and thus also in the first end position). The actuating element 5 is thus completely protected against the fluid flow orThe solids contained within are protected. In addition, the conical shape of the guide section 9b also serves to direct the fluid flow.

[0050] A guide nose 9c is formed on the guide section 9b, wherein the guide nose 9c is funnel- or trough-shaped in this case and also directs the fluid flow toward the switching chamber 8. The actuator 5 is also subjected to force in the direction of the switching chamber 8 by a spring 9d arranged in the cover 9.

[0051] The protective cage 7a is attached to the cover and can therefore be removed from the housing 2 together with the cover 9, the valve seat 4 and the plunger 3, for example for maintenance, cleaning or replacement.

[0052] The cover 9 has additional functional components, such as a bushing 9e for guiding the actuator 5, which contains another spring and can be removed for maintenance. At the end of the guide section 9b, another bushing 9e is also arranged for guiding the actuator 5 and for sealing.

[0053] The position of the valve 1 is indicated externally by a scale 5a arranged on the actuator 5.

[0054] Figure 1b shows a detailed view of the plunger 3. The sealing area 3b of the outer surface of the plunger 3 corresponds to a sealing area 4a of the valve seat 4. The flow area 3a does not contact the valve seat 4 when the valve 1 is closed. When the valve 1 is open, the concave flow area 3a directs the fluid flow through its shape and the relationship of the areas 3a, 3b near the edge 3c to each other or through the edge 3c in such a way that friction and contamination of the sealing area 3b are reduced.

[0055] As can be seen in the figure, at least one further area 3e adjoins the sealing area. This area 3e or the adjoining areas may have a different shape than the sealing area 3b for manufacturing reasons. However, they can also be further optimized with regard to flow properties.

[0056] Figure 2 shows another embodiment of a valve 1 according to the invention. Most of the functional elements of the valve 1 essentially correspond to those of the embodiment shown in Figure 1a, so that the same reference numerals are used for the sake of clarity. Furthermore, a repeated description of the essentially equivalent elements is omitted here.

[0057] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 1a, no guide lug is formed on the guide section 9b. Furthermore, the valve seat 4 has a slightly different contour and simultaneously forms a section of the inner wall of the switching chamber 8. As in the previously described embodiment, the valve seat 4 is removable from the housing 2 together with the cover 9 and the protective cage 7a. Furthermore, the switching chamber 8, like the deflection chamber 7, has a removable inner wall in the form of a protective cage 8a.

[0058] A further difference lies in the design of the outer surface of the plunger 3. The concave flow region 3a opens into the edge 3c with a steeper gradient. The sealing region 3b, on the other hand, is less steep than in Figure 1a or Figure 1b. As a result, the two regions 3a, 3b near the edge 3c are at a flatter angle to one another than in Figure 1a. At the same time, the concave flow region extends further into the deflection chamber 7, so that the cylindrical region 3d is shorter than in Figures 1a and 1b. The basic mode of operation, however, is essentially the same as in the previously described embodiment. The sole purpose here is to show that the regions 3a, 3b of the plunger 3 can be designed in different ways, as long as the basic inventive idea, namely directing the fluid flow with respect to the sealing region, is fulfilled.

[0059] Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a valve 1 according to the invention. The basic functional principle is the same as in the two previously described embodiments. However, unlike the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2, the valve shown in Figure 3 does not have a removable cover flange. Instead, the deflection chamber 7 is arranged entirely within the housing 2. The guide section 9b is molded onto an inner wall of the housing 2 and cannot be removed from the housing 2.

[0060] The housing 2 also has a further housing part 2a, onto which the housing 2 is mounted. A protective casing 4' is held between the housing 2 and the second housing part 2a, which, together with a housing section of the housing 2, forms the valve seat 4. The protective casing 4' also forms an inner wall of the switching chamber 8, which is thereby protected.

[0061] A further difference from the embodiments shown in Figures 1 and 2 is that the embodiment shown in Figure 3 does not have a protective cage inserted into the deflection chamber 7.

[0062] With this embodiment, the functional principle described above can be implemented much more simply and cost-effectively. A disadvantage of this embodiment compared to the other two described embodiments is that valve 1 must be removed from the line for maintenance purposes. Independent removal and maintenance via the removable cover flange is not possible with this embodiment.

Claims

Patent claims 1. A valve (1) in the form of a seat valve, with at least one inlet (I) and at least one outlet (O), wherein a flow direction of a fluid regulated by the valve (1) runs from the inlet (I) to the outlet (O), a housing (2), an actuator (5), in particular in the form of a rod, bolt, piston or tube, with a rotationally symmetrical plunger (3) arranged thereon, wherein the actuator (5) is adjustable into at least a first end position (valve closed) and into at least a second end position (valve open), wherein the plunger (3) rests partially against a rotationally symmetrical valve seat (4) in the first end position and does not rest against the valve seat (4) in the second end position, and with a control device (6) for adjusting the actuator (5), characterized in that the plunger (3) has a jacket surface which has at least one flow region (3a) for directing a fluid flow,and at least one sealing region (3b) for contact with the valve seat (4) in the first end position, wherein the flow region (3a) is concave, and wherein a circumferential edge (3c), nose or circumferential projection is arranged between the flow region (3a) and the sealing region (3b).

2. Valve (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the flow region (3a) does not rest against the valve seat (4) in the first end position.

3. Valve (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the flow region (3a) is arranged in the flow direction upstream of the sealing region (3b), such that the friction of the fluid at the flow region (3a) is greater than the friction of the fluid at the sealing region (3b).

4. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a deflection chamber (7) for deflecting and directing the fluid and a switching chamber (8) in which the plunger (3) is adjusted are arranged in the housing (2), the deflection chamber (7) being arranged upstream of the switching chamber (8) in the direction of flow.

5. Valve (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the valve seat (4) is formed by a taper between the deflection chamber (7) and the switching chamber (8).

6. Valve (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that a guide nose (9c) for directing the fluid is arranged, in particular formed or cast, in the deflection chamber (7).

7. Valve (1) according to one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that an inner wall of the deflection chamber (7) consists of a different, in particular more friction-resistant, material than the housing.

8. Valve (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the inner wall is designed in the form of a protective basket (7a) or protective cup and is removable from the housing (2).

9. Valve (1) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the deflection chamber (7) can be closed by a removable cover (9), the actuator (5) extending through the cover (9).

10. Valve (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the cover (9) has a, in particular cylindrical or conical, guide section (9b) which projects into the deflection chamber (7), wherein the guide section (9b) encompasses the actuator (5) at least in sections on the circumference.

11. Valve (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the guide nose (9c) is arranged on the guide section (9b).

12. Valve (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the outer surface of the plunger (3) extends at least in sections over the actuator (5) or encompasses it and engages in the guide section (9b) in the second end position.

13. Valve (1) according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that the actuator (5), the plunger (3), the protective cage (7a) or the protective cup and the valve seat (4) are removable together with the cover (9).

14. Valve (1) according to one of claims 8 to 13, characterized in that the valve seat (4) is formed, fastened or can be fastened to the protective cage (7a) or the protective cup.

15. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator (5) is subjected to force by at least one spring (9d), in particular in the direction of the second end position.

16. Valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is a quick vent valve for steam peeling systems.

17. Steam peeling system with a valve (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

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