Annular Piston Valve for Multi-Port Flow Switching and Bypass
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems for controlling liquid flow in water treatment processes are complex and require multiple valves and piping for functions like selective flow direction, mixing, and regeneration, which can be inefficient and require separate maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A control valve with a movable piston and annular flow cavities that allows selective fluid communication between multiple ports, enabling the valve to direct liquid flow through different paths, integrate functions like water shutoff and bypass, and facilitate resin regeneration within a water treatment system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves and piping are used to control liquid flow in water treatment processes, then the system can achieve selective flow direction, mixing, and regeneration functions, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (shutoff valve, bypass valve, and flow direction control) into a single integrated valve body with a piston mechanism. The valve body includes multiple ports and internal passages that can selectively connect different flow paths, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves and reducing system complexity while maintaining full functionality for flow control, mixing, and regeneration operations
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly performs multiple functions: it can shut off flow, bypass flow, direct flow to different paths, and enable mixing operations. The piston mechanism with its profile configuration and annular flow cavities provides universal flow control capability that replaces what previously required multiple specialized valves, thereby reducing device complexity while preserving adaptability
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate valves are used for water shutoff and bypass functions, then the flow control capabilities are achieved, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorate due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The shutoff and bypass functions are merged into a single valve assembly operated by one piston mechanism. The piston's longitudinal movement selectively positions flow paths, allowing the operator to control both shutoff and bypass operations through a single component rather than coordinating multiple separate valves, thereby improving ease of operation and simplifying maintenance requirements
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 valve system simplifies liquid flow control, reduces the need for separate valves and piping, and allows for efficient resin regeneration, enhancing the overall performance and maintenance of water treatment processes.
Implementation Method 1
A piston is movably positionable longitudinally within the cylinder bore. The exemplary piston includes a profile configuration which includes a plurality of longitudinally disposed annular flow cavities. Selectively positioning the piston longitudinally in the bore through operation of a valve controller causes the different ports of the valve to be placed in fluid communication.
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve (10) includes a valve body with a plurality of ports (A, B, C, D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow passages (53, 55, 57). A piston (34) which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore (32) within the valve body through operation of a valve controller (70). The valve controller is selectively operative to control the position of the piston so as to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. The valve controller further includes a installable and removable valve controller housing (74) which is releasably engageable with a valve base (72). The valve may include a changeable piston and changeable injector and plug components to adapt the valve to different flow and fluid mixing requirements.