Actuated Valve Bypass Equalization for Differential Pressure Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydraulic systems face challenges in achieving adequate pressure equalization across valves before opening, particularly in three chamber pump systems, where downstream filling across a pressure differential is required, and current methods like external by-pass passages or pilot valves are not desirable.
Innovation Solution
An actuated valve with a by-pass passage and a poppet valve system, where a control rod biases the by-pass valve to achieve pressure equalization, allowing the main valve closure to move from a closed to an open condition, using a central spindle and hollow cylindrical guide, with labyrinth formations to reduce noise and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external by-pass passage with a pilot valve is used to achieve pressure equalisation, then the main valve can open across a pressure differential, but the device complexity increases and maintenance cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The by-pass passage is merged with the main valve closure body, eliminating the need for separate external by-pass passages and pilot valves. The by-pass passage extends through the main valve closure itself, integrating multiple functions into a single component structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The main valve closure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the main valve closure and houses the by-pass passage with its own valve closure. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the system.
2Reliability
If the main valve closure is held closed by a closing spring, then the valve remains sealed, but the force required to open the valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The by-pass valve opens first to equalise pressure before the main valve opens. This preliminary action reduces the pressure differential that the main valve must overcome, making opening easier while maintaining sealing when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve system is segmented into two independent valve closures: a main valve closure for primary flow control and a by-pass valve closure for pressure equalisation. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimised for its specific function.
3Reliability
If a by-pass valve is provided within the main valve closure, then pressure equalisation is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The by-pass valve closure and by-pass passage are nested within the structure of the main valve closure. The by-pass passage extends through the main valve closure body, and the by-pass valve closure is positioned within the by-pass valve chamber formed in the main valve closure.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enables efficient pressure equalization with reduced noise and wear, allowing the main valve to open effectively across a pressure differential, maintaining the system with simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the main valve closure biased into the closed condition by a closing spring
Implementation Method 2
engage against the by-pass valve closure to apply an opening bias to first open the by-pass valve for a required degree of pressure equalisation across the main valve closure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An actuated valve includes a main valve closure (102) with a spindle (106) provided thereon and guided for sliding movement in a valve body (104). A by-pass passage (120) extends through the main valve closure (102) with a poppet valve (132) inside the passage (120). An inlet (150) to the passage (120) is provided on a first, high pressure side (HP) of the main valve closure (102), corresponding to the main valve inlet. A control rod (128) extends through a main valve seat (103) from a second side of the main valve closure (102) and into an outlet (122) of the by-pass passage (120). The control rod (128) provides an actuator to first bias a poppet valve closure (132) off an annular poppet seat (148) for pressure equalisation across the main valve and, thereafter, to move the main valve into an open condition. A flow dissipator (152, 156) is provided in the by-pass passage (120).