Axial Flow Control Valve Internal Actuator Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing axial flow valves with externally mounted actuators face issues such as unwanted leakage, increased manufacturing complexity and costs due to precise alignment requirements, and larger dimensions, which lead to higher maintenance needs and environmental pollution.
Innovation Solution
An internal, axially aligned motor assembly and cartridge assembly within the valve body, eliminating the need for external packing and reducing misalignment, with a compact design that simplifies manufacturing and maintenance while minimizing leakage and flow restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an externally mounted actuator is used, then the valve can be actuated, but leakage occurs past the valve body due to packing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is merged with the valve body by integrating it into the bonnet assembly, eliminating the external mounting configuration. The motor assembly becomes part of the internal valve structure, with the valve stem directly coupling the motor to the flow control member, thereby eliminating the need for external packing and preventing leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic external packing system is extracted and removed from the design. By taking out the external actuator mounting arrangement and its associated packing, the source of leakage is eliminated while the actuation function is preserved through the internal motor assembly.
2Reliability
If an externally mounted actuator is used, then the valve can be actuated, but misalignment between valve body and actuator increases manufacturing complexity and costs
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator and valve body are merged into a single integrated assembly where the motor is mounted within the bonnet. This integration eliminates misalignment issues between separate components and simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts that require precise alignment during assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of mounting the actuator externally to the valve body, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the actuator internally within the bonnet assembly. This reversal of the conventional configuration eliminates alignment problems between external components.
3Reliability
If an externally mounted actuator is used, then the valve can be actuated, but the dimensional envelope and weight of the control valve assembly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator and valve body are combined into a single integrated unit, eliminating the need for separate external mounting structures, additional flanges, and extensive support hardware. This merging significantly reduces the overall weight and dimensional envelope of the control valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor assembly is nested within the bonnet structure, with the actuator components contained inside the valve body's internal volume. This nesting arrangement eliminates the need for external mounting space and reduces the overall footprint and weight of the assembly.
4Reliability
If an externally mounted actuator is used, then the valve can be actuated, but additional space is required which is often limited in practice
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is nested within the bonnet, utilizing the internal volume of the valve structure for actuator placement. This nesting eliminates the need for external mounting space and reduces the overall footprint of the valve assembly to the minimum required for the valve body itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator and valve body are merged into a single compact unit, eliminating the space required for external mounting flanges, alignment features, and support structures. This merging significantly reduces the area occupied by the valve assembly.
Data Source
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AI summary
Axial flow control valves are described herein. An example axial flow control valve described herein includes a valve body defining a passageway between an inlet and an outlet that is substantially parallel to a fluid flow path at the inlet and the outlet of the valve body. The example control valve includes a cartridge assembly removably coupled to the valve body and disposed within the passageway of the valve body between the inlet and the outlet. The cartridge assembly is substantially axially aligned with the passageway and includes a motor to operate the axial flow control valve between a first position to prevent the flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet and a second position to allow the flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet.