Adjustable Recirculating Valve Dynamic Bypass Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic recirculation valves have a fixed bypass capacity that may not align with actual process conditions, requiring manual field adjustments to accommodate design differentials, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable automatic recirculation valve with a dynamic adjustment assembly that regulates the operating lift of the bypass valve, allowing for field-adjustable fluid flow capacity through a main valve body, main valve disk, and bypass valve, enabling flexible Cv rating adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the bypass valve capacity is fixed during manufacturing, then the device structure is simple, but the valve cannot adapt to varying process conditions and requires manual field adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the bypass valve capacity adjustable through a dynamic adjustment assembly that includes a threaded rod, lock nut, and position indicator. This allows the bypass valve lift to be modified in the field to match actual process conditions, transforming a static fixed-capacity valve into a dynamic adjustable-capacity valve without overcomplicating the overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual field adjustments are made to change Cv rating, then the valve can accommodate design differentials, but the operation becomes inefficient and installation becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling field operators to independently adjust the bypass valve capacity using the integrated adjustment assembly. The threaded rod with lock nut allows operators to manually adjust and lock the bypass valve lift position without requiring specialized tools or expertise, making the valve self-configurable to match actual process conditions.
3Reliability
If the bypass valve is always open for recirculation, then pump overheating is prevented, but the valve cannot respond to varying process flow conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using the main valve's position to automatically control the bypass valve's opening degree. When the main valve opens to pass process flow, it mechanically closes the bypass valve through the linkage mechanism. This feedback mechanism ensures the bypass valve responds automatically to actual flow conditions, preventing pump overheating only when necessary.
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
Enables easy field adjustability of bypass flow capacity, ensuring optimal fluid flow and preventing pump overheating across varying process conditions without the need for manual reconfiguration, thereby improving operational efficiency and reducing installation complexities.
Implementation Method 1
A pressure differential across the main valve element causes the valve to open to permit process flow to the main outlet
Implementation Method 2
A bypass valve, responsive to opening and closing of the main valve, controls the flow of fluid between the main inlet and the recirculating outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable automatic recirculation valve includes a valve body, a main valve disk, a bypass valve and a dynamic adjustment assembly. The main valve disk is positioned within the valve body and opens in response to fluid flow between a main inlet and a main outlet. The bypass valve controls the flow of fluid between the main inlet and the recirculating outlet. A dynamic adjustment assembly, housed within the valve body controls the operating lift associated with the maximum opening of the bypass valve to regulate fluid flow capacity to the recirculating outlet.