Axially Adjustable Flow Control Valve with Integral Test Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current ball valves in HVAC systems face challenges in accurately regulating fluid flow due to non-linear relationships between valve openness and flow rates, requiring oversized pumps, high operational force, cavitation, noise, and difficulties in measuring differential pressure, especially in tight spaces with limited access.
Innovation Solution
An axially adjustable valve with integral high and low pressure test ports, using ceramic control disks for smooth operation and reduced friction, allowing for precise flow control and differential pressure measurement close to the valve, with optional Cv setting and 300° rotational range for enhanced adjustability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quarter-turn ball valve is used for flow control, then complete shutoff or full flow can be achieved within a 90° turn, but the valve cannot regulate evenly and the relationship between valve openness percentage and flow percentage is non-linear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the valve opening from a circular shape to a parabolic or characterized insert shape. This parameter change transforms the non-linear flow characteristic into a more linear relationship between valve openness percentage and flow percentage, enabling precise flow regulation while maintaining ease of operation.
2Productivity
If a ball valve is used, then flow control is achieved, but it is very difficult to accurately measure flow anywhere near the valve due to throttling or jetting aspects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a parabolic or characterized insert as an intermediary element between the ball valve components. This insert modifies the flow pattern to eliminate throttling and jetting effects, creating a flow regime that allows for accurate flow measurement near the valve while maintaining flow control capability.
3Measurement precision
If a venturi is used to measure flow accurately, then low pressure loss and high accuracy are achieved, but the length of straight piping required is greatly increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow control function and flow measurement function into a single integrated valve assembly. By incorporating the parabolic or characterized insert directly into the valve body, the system achieves both accurate flow control and accurate flow measurement without requiring separate venturi sections and long straight piping runs.
4Productivity
If a ball valve operates at low flow rates with substantial pressure differential, then flow control is achieved, but tremendous amounts of cavitation and noise exist
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the flow path geometry parameters by introducing a parabolic or characterized insert that gradually accelerates and directs the flow. This parameter change eliminates sudden pressure drops and flow separation, preventing cavitation and noise generation while maintaining the ability to control flow across a wide range including low flow rates with substantial pressure differentials.
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 solution provides accurate, compact, and adaptable fluid flow control, reducing cavitation and noise, enabling precise measurement and adjustment of flow rates, and optimizing pump operation by allowing for linear flow control and efficient differential pressure measurement.
Implementation Method 1
a venturi tubes is used to calculate pressure differential and thus fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
using ceramic control disks for smooth operation and reduced friction
Data Source
AI summary
A rotationally adjustable valve is disclosed whereby the user is able to control the flow of fluids from complete shutoff to maximum flow by rotating the adjustment means of the valve, said rotation being axial to the flow of the fluid. Additionally, the user is able to attach high and low pressure test probes directly to the valve, as it is rotatably adjusted, so that additional equipment is not required next to the valve. An embodiment of this invention includes the use of an adjustable Cv disk to set the maximum flow of the valve, rather than just create a simple 180° on/off, very similar to a current 90° ball valve that this device will replace.