Actuated Compressor Valve With Integral Cage-Seat and Replaceable Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current actuated valves for reciprocating compressors are cumbersome and prone to malfunctioning, which affects their efficiency and reliability in controlling the suction, compression, and discharge phases.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a valve with a seat, cage, and actuation stem, where the cage and seat can be manufactured monolithically or separately and connected to form an integral body, with a sealing arrangement to prevent gas leaks, and a replaceable seat plate for improved durability and control, allowing for precise actuation and reduced weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If actuated valves are used to control suction and discharge phases independently of pressure differential, then flowrate modulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage and seat are merged into a single integral body, eliminating the need for separate cage and seat components and their associated fastening mechanisms. This reduces the number of parts and simplifies the overall valve structure while maintaining the actuated control capability for flowrate modulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed with modular components including a replaceable seat plate that can be independently replaced from the integral cage-seat body. This segmentation allows for simplified maintenance and repair without requiring replacement of the entire valve assembly, thus managing complexity through modular design.
2Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used in actuated valves, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage and seat are combined into a single integral body that can be manufactured as one piece using additive manufacturing or other monolithic fabrication processes. This reduces the number of parts from two separate components to one, simplifying assembly while maintaining manufacturing flexibility through modern fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
While the cage and seat are integrated, the seat plate is designed as a replaceable component that can be manufactured separately and installed in the integral body. This selective segmentation maintains ease of manufacture for the complex integral body while allowing simple separate manufacturing of the replaceable seat plate.
3Reliability
If wear-resistant materials are used in valve components, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seat plate is segmented as a replaceable component that can be manufactured with high precision using specialized processes, while the main cage body uses more durable integral construction. This allows concentration of precision manufacturing requirements on the smaller seat plate rather than the entire valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The replaceable seat plate is designed to be discarded when worn and replaced with a new one, rather than attempting to restore or repair the worn surface. This extends the service life of the expensive integral cage body while managing wear through simple component replacement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
A valve for a reciprocating machine is disclosed. The valve includes a seat provided with flow apertures therein. A valve closing member is adapted to co-act with the seat for selectively closing and opening the flow apertures. A cage is connected to the seat and forms a guide, in which the actuation stem of a valve closing member is slidingly engaged and guided.