Manual Balancing Valve with Equalizing Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional manual balancing valves for large piping sizes above 12 inches are not available due to size, weight, and cost issues, requiring separate throttling and flow measurement devices, which result in complex installations, limited flow range, and inability to handle turbulent flow.
Innovation Solution
A large-sized manual balancing valve with a butterfly valve configuration, incorporating equalizing rings for differential pressure measurement and a gear box for precise flow control, allowing operation in both laminar and turbulent flows without separate flow measuring devices or long pipes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate throttling valve and flow measuring device are used for large size piping, then flow control function is achieved, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the throttling valve and flow measurement device into a single integrated balancing valve unit. The valve body incorporates both the flow control mechanism and the flow measurement primary element, eliminating the need for separate devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The balancing valve is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs flow throttling, flow measurement, and differential pressure measurement. The valve body integrates multiple functions that were previously requiring separate components, making the system more versatile and easier to install.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate throttling valve and flow measuring device are used, then flow control is achieved, but installation complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the throttling and measurement functions into one valve body, the installation process is simplified to a single unit installation rather than coordinating multiple separate devices. This reduces installation complexity and improves ease of operation on site.
3Measurement precision
If fixed nozzle or flow nozzle with limited range is used, then flow measurement is achieved, but flow measurement range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a variable geometry flow measurement primary element that can adapt to different flow conditions. The element's geometry can be adjusted or is designed to provide accurate measurement across a wide range of flow rates, unlike fixed nozzles that are optimized for specific flow ranges.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional balancing valve configuration is used, then flow control is achieved, but face to face distance becomes too long for available space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a butterfly valve configuration where the flow control and measurement elements are arranged in a compact, planar layout rather than extending axially. This dimensional reorganization significantly reduces the face-to-face distance while maintaining all necessary flow control and measurement functions.
5Measurement precision
If conventional separate system is used, then flow measurement is achieved, but material cost increases due to long piping requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the flow measurement primary element directly into the valve body, the patent eliminates the need for separate long piping sections that were previously required for accurate flow measurement. This significantly reduces material consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
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 a cost-effective, reliable, and easy-to-use flow control system with precise regulation capabilities, reducing installation complexity and material costs, while maintaining a compact face-to-face distance and enabling flexible orientation.
Implementation Method 1
The first and the second equalizing rings are adapted to provide static pressure value at each of the upstream and the downstream ends for determining differential pressure across the manual balancing valve and thereby the fluid flow rate across the manual balancing valve
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a manual balancing valve having an upstream end and a downstream end, and a first equalizing ring (500a) and a second equalizing ring (500b) configured at the upstream end and the downstream end, respectively. Each of the first and the second equalizing rings comprises an annular body (505) defined between an inner peripheral edge portion (510) and an outer peripheral edge portion (515), an annular chamber (520) configured adjacent to the inner peripheral edge portion, a plurality of holes (525) configured on the inner peripheral edge portion and in fluid communication with the annular chamber, and a pressure tap (T) in fluid communication with the annular chamber and extending radially outward of the annular body. The first and the second equalizing rings are adapted to provide static pressure value at each of the upstream and the downstream ends so as to measure differential pressure therebetween and control the fluid flow rate through the valve.