Adjustable Valve Actuator Stop for Precise Partial Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve actuators lack the ability to precisely adjust fluid flow rates between fully open and closed positions, limiting control over fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
The actuator is threadably adjustable on the valve to adjust the position of the actuator stop portion with respect to the valve seat, allowing for selection of a partial flow position between fully open and closed positions, and includes securing arrangements to prevent inadvertent rotation and maintain the selected position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the actuator is designed with fixed travel distance to ensure full valve opening, then the valve can achieve fully open position, but the flow rate cannot be adjusted between fully open and closed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator stroke is made adjustable through a threadably adjustable connection between the actuator body and valve body, allowing the stop portion position to be changed relative to the valve seat. This enables dynamic adjustment of the valve opening position and flow rate without changing the fundamental actuator structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical parameter of actuator stroke length is changed by threading the actuator body to different positions on the valve body. This adjusts the distance between the stop portion and valve seat, thereby changing the valve opening degree and achieved flow rate.
2Ease of operation
If the actuator is made adjustable to change stop portion position, then flow rate control is improved, but the actuator may be inadvertently rotated or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
A securing arrangement is provided that prevents inadvertent rotation or displacement of the actuator body relative to the valve body. This counteracts potential erroneous movements before they can affect the valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing arrangement acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator body and valve body, providing a positive locking connection that maintains the adjusted position without requiring continuous active control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If additional travel distance is provided in the piston to ensure full valve opening, then the valve achieves complete opening, but the valve closing member cannot be limited to partial flow positions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the valve opening position through the piston travel distance, the system dynamically adjusts the stop portion position on the valve body. This allows the same actuator to limit the valve closing member to various partial flow positions by changing the stop portion location relative to the valve seat.
Data Source
AI summary
In an actuated valve assembly, the valve includes a valve body defining a fluid passageway, an annular valve seat disposed on the valve body surrounding the fluid passageway, and a valve closing member movable between a closed position sealing against the valve seat and a fully open position spaced apart from the valve seat to permit flow. The actuator includes an actuator housing and an actuating mechanism movable within the actuator housing, by operation of the actuator, between a closing position in which the actuating mechanism holds the valve closing member in the closed position, and an opening position in which the actuating mechanism permits movement of the valve closing member toward the fully open position, the opening position being defined by engagement of the actuating mechanism with a stop portion of the actuator. The actuator is threadably adjustable on the valve to adjust a position of the actuator stop portion with respect to the valve seat, such that the opening position of the actuating mechanism may be selected to limit the valve closing member to a partial flow position between the fully open position and the closed position.