Axial Drag Valve With Internal Sleeve Actuator for Low-Wear Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rotary, sliding stem, and sleeve valves face issues such as significant wear on seals and bearings, requiring frequent replacements, and frictional losses, as well as limited adjustability and high maintenance due to non-replaceable valve components.
Innovation Solution
The axial drag valve design features a piston sleeve and flow control element within a housing, allowing for axial movement between closed and open positions without rotation, utilizing a guide member and end cap to manage fluid flow and energy dissipation, and includes features like flushing holes and feedback devices for precise control and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rotary stem valves use seals and bearings to prevent fluid leakage, then sealing performance is improved, but seal wear increases and requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the rotary shaft and its associated seals and bearings from the valve system. Instead, a drag sleeve moves linearly within the valve body, eliminating the need for rotary sealing mechanisms. This extraction of the problematic rotary components directly resolves the contradiction by preventing seal wear while maintaining sealing function through linear movement seals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the rotary mechanical system with a linear drag mechanism. The drag sleeve moves axially rather than rotating, substituting the rotary shaft mechanism. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for rotary seals and bearings, thereby improving seal service life while maintaining reliable sealing through the drag sleeve's linear motion.
2Ease of operation
If rotary valve shaft rotates 90 degrees to open/close valve passage, then valve control is achieved, but substantial wear occurs on seals and bearings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the rotary shaft and its associated wear-prone seals and bearings from the system. The valve control function is achieved through linear axial movement of the drag sleeve instead of rotary motion. This elimination of rotary components directly reduces seal wear while maintaining effective valve control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the rotary mechanical system with a linear drag mechanism. The drag sleeve's axial movement replaces the 90-degree rotation, achieving valve control without the harmful wear associated with rotary seals and bearings. This mechanical substitution resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and reduction of harmful wear factors.
3Ease of operation
If sliding stem valve moves stem linearly to open/close passage, then valve operation is simplified, but significant wear occurs on seals
Solution Approach 1:
The drag sleeve serves multiple functions: it acts as both the sealing element and the flow control component. By integrating these functions into a single axial-moving component, the patent simplifies the overall structure while reducing seal wear. The drag sleeve's dual functionality maintains ease of operation while improving seal service life through its linear motion design.
4Reliability
If seals are used to prevent fluid leakage between stem and valve body, then sealing is improved, but friction increases requiring substantial force to move stem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional rotary seals and bearings that create high friction. The drag sleeve uses a linear motion sealing mechanism that generates significantly less friction. This extraction of problematic sealing components reduces the actuation force required while maintaining reliable sealing through the drag sleeve's axial movement.
5Manufacturing precision
If sleeve valve uses fixed valve plug and sleeve configuration, then flow control is achieved, but adaptability is reduced requiring entire valve replacement for different flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve into separable components: the valve body and the drag sleeve assembly. The drag sleeve can be independently removed and replaced without replacing the entire valve. This segmentation enables easy adjustment of flow characteristics by swapping sleeves, improving adaptability while maintaining precise flow control through the drag mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability by allowing the drag sleeve to be easily replaced with different configurations. This enables the valve to adapt to different flow requirements without replacing the entire assembly. The dynamic nature of the sleeve replacement system improves versatility while maintaining manufacturing precision through consistent drag sleeve design.
6Reliability
If entire valve assembly is replaced to change valve plug or load characteristics, then correct valve performance is achieved, but maintenance time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve into a permanent valve body and a replaceable drag sleeve assembly. This allows maintenance personnel to replace only the drag sleeve component rather than the entire valve assembly. The segmentation principle reduces maintenance time significantly while ensuring correct valve performance through proper sleeve selection and installation.
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 reduces wear and friction, enhances adjustability, and minimizes maintenance by allowing for axial movement without rotation, improving flow control and energy dissipation while maintaining low noise performance.
Implementation Method 1
A fluid pressure differential exists across the piston sleeve which, when sufficient, overcomes the static friction between the piston sleeve and the housing thereby effectuating movement of the piston sleeve.
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a guide member and end cap to manage fluid flow and energy dissipation
Implementation Method 3
A sealing member is provided within the housing and is engageable by the piston sleeve when the piston sleeve is in its retracted position. A fluid pressure differential exists across the piston sleeve which, when sufficient, overcomes the static friction between the piston sleeve and the housing
Data Source
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AI summary
In accordance with the present invention, there is provided an axial drag control valve which includes an internal disk stack trim and an internal actuator. The fluid inlet and outlet of the valve are disclosed along a common axis, which is further shared with the actuator of the valve. The actuator moves along this particular axis to control the fluid flow rate, pressure, or temperature of the system. The valve actuator may be powered by air from an external source.