Adjustable Multi-Gap Valve Structure for Stable Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-gap valves are costly, complex, difficult to clean, prone to wear and cracking, and struggle with inconsistent gap heights and pressure peaks, leading to product quality issues and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-gap valve design featuring a cone and sleeve structure with adjustable gaps, angled fluid outlet, and stop elements to prevent zero gaps, using monolithic or joined pieces for reduced complexity and enhanced reliability, with a compact and flexible configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple valve discs are stacked to form multi-gap valves for larger volume flows, then the total flow rate is divided into parallel gaps of small height achieving desired homogenization properties, but the valve becomes more complex and costly with high material and processing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple valve discs stacked vertically, with each disc creating a separate gap for fluid flow. This segmentation allows the total volume flow to be divided into multiple parallel flow paths, enabling handling of larger volume flows while maintaining small gap heights for effective homogenization.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve discs are nested stacked one on top of another within the valve body, forming a compact multi-gap structure. This nested arrangement allows multiple flow gaps to be integrated within a single valve assembly, reducing overall complexity compared to using separate valves.
2Reliability
If spring elements are provided for centering the valve discs, then the valve discs remain properly positioned, but the radial installation space increases leading to larger overall valve size
Solution Approach 1:
The spring elements that were previously used for centering valve discs are removed from the valve design. Instead, the valve discs are positioned and maintained in place by the geometric arrangement of the valve body and disc structures, eliminating the need for additional centering components and reducing radial installation space.
3Manufacturing precision
If the gap height is reduced to achieve desired homogenization properties, then particle fragmentation is improved, but the valve requires precise manufacturing with great grinding effort
Solution Approach 1:
The gap heights are predetermined by the geometric design of the valve body and valve discs during the manufacturing process. By planning the gap dimensions in the initial design phase and using precision machining techniques, the required gap heights are achieved without requiring post-manufacturing adjustment or excessive grinding effort.
4Device complexity
If fixed distance between contact surfaces is used to determine gap height, then the valve structure is simplified, but adaptation to different volume flows and pressures is limited creating pressure peaks
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design incorporates adjustable elements that allow the gap heights to be dynamically modified according to operating conditions. This enables the valve to adapt to different volume flows and pressure conditions, preventing pressure peaks while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 new design achieves precise gap settings, reduces wear and cracking, facilitates easy cleaning, and prevents pressure peaks, enhancing operational reliability and product quality.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid coming from the inlet presses on a surface of the impact head exerting on it a pressure which tends to widen the gap
Implementation Method 2
A pusher capable of contrasting the pressure of the fluid in an axial direction is applied to the impact head. The dimension of the gap is controlled by acting directly on the pusher as a function of the valve flow rate and pressure operating values
Implementation Method 3
The fluid loses pressure by passing through the gap and is simultaneously accelerated, thus allowing fragmentation of the particles in suspension
Implementation Method 4
The fluid loses pressure by passing through the gap and is simultaneously accelerated, thus allowing fragmentation of the particles in suspension
Implementation Method 5
A multi-gap valve (100) for homogenizing a fluid flow, in particular for homogenizing a suspension
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-gap valve including:a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet;a cone having an inner channel developing along an axial direction and having through openings emerging in the inner channel, the inner channel being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet;a sleeve arranged coaxially and external to the cone;a plurality of gaps formed between the cone and the sleeve, the sleeve and said cone being axially adjustable relative to one another so as to vary the dimension of the gaps;an annular chamber obtained between the sleeve and an inner surface of the housing and being in fluid communication with the fluid outlet;wherein the fluid inlet is axially aligned with the channel and the fluid outlet is misaligned with respect to the axial direction of said channel.