Angled Aperture Valve Cage for Erosion Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional valve assemblies with plug and cage arrangements face challenges in efficiently controlling fluid flow across all positions, particularly in preventing premature wear and ensuring even fluid distribution, which affects the control of flow rate and pressure.

Innovation Solution

The valve assembly features a cage with apertures angled to the longitudinal axis, directing fluid flow initially upstream and then downstream, and tangential inlet design for even fluid distribution, reducing direct impact on the flow control assembly and minimizing erosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the apertures in the cage extend radially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but fluid flow distribution is uneven and wear occurs prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluid flow distribution uniformityVSAvoidaperture configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The apertures in the cage are configured to extend at an angle between 45 and 90 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the cage, rather than radially perpendicular as in conventional designs. This asymmetric angular configuration creates a flow path that directs fluid away from the plug and cage surfaces, reducing direct impact and erosion while improving flow distribution uniformity across all aperture positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Speed

If the inlet directs fluid flow directly onto the flow control assembly, then the valve response is quick, but erosion and wear of the flow control assembly occur prematurely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve response speedVSAvoiderosion and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The inlet is configured to distribute fluid flow evenly across the cross-section of the cage before the fluid enters the apertures. This preliminary distribution action ensures that fluid does not concentrate on specific areas of the plug or cage, preventing localized erosion and wear while maintaining rapid valve response through the optimized angular aperture configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The angled aperture configuration converts the potentially harmful direct fluid impact into a beneficial flow pattern. By directing fluid at an angle away from the plug and cage surfaces, the design transforms what would be erosive direct impact into a controlled flow path that reduces wear while maintaining effective flow control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional radial apertures are used, then the cage structure is simple, but fluid shear is high causing premature wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecage manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidfluid shear induced wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The key parameter changed is the aperture angle relative to the longitudinal axis. By specifying an angular range of 45 to 90 degrees instead of the conventional 90-degree radial configuration, the design modifies the fluid flow characteristics to reduce shear stress on the plug and cage surfaces while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standard machining processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This design enhances fluid control by reducing wear, improving flow rate and pressure management, and minimizing fluid shear, making it suitable for handling multiphase fluids from subterranean wells.

Implementation Method 1

The apertures in the cage extend through the cage at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cage in the upstream direction such that, in use, fluid entering the cage through the apertures is directed into the cage at an angle to the longitudinal axis in an upstream direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow direction control through angled aperture geometry:

Data Source

PatentUS10125571B2Valve assembly with cage and flow control assembly

Publication Date: 2018.11.13 CAMERSON INT CORP

AI summary

A valve assembly is provided, the assembly comprising a valve housing; an inlet for fluid entering the valve housing; an outlet for fluid leaving the valve housing; a flow control assembly disposed within the valve housing between the inlet and the outlet, whereby fluid entering the valve housing is caused to flow through the flow control assembly, the flow control assembly comprising a cage having apertures therethrough to provide passage for fluid passing from the inlet to the outlet, the cage having a longitudinal axis and an outlet end, in use fluid generally flowing within the cage in a downstream direction towards the outlet end; a closure assembly moveable with respect to the cage to open or close each of the apertures through the cage, to thereby control the flow of fluid through the cage; wherein the apertures in the cage extend through the cage at a first angle being an angle to the longitudinal axis of the cage in the upstream direction. A cage for use in a valve assembly is also provided.