Reversible Actuator Mounting in One-Way Ball Valves
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball valves with motorized actuators face challenges in easily converting the actuator mounting from one side to the other, and they struggle to prevent suspended solids and debris from entering the valve during fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a valve body with symmetrically arranged windows for the head block and covering element, allowing the actuator to be mounted on either side without reassembly of the ball. This configuration ensures that the ball is always rotated in the same direction, preventing debris from entering the valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve is designed as a one-way valve with pressure reducing elements inserted into the axial cavity of the ball, then the noise produced by compressible fluids is reduced and cavitation phenomena are prevented, but the valve cannot be converted to have the motorized actuator mounted on the opposite side without complex conversion operations
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is designed with an asymmetric shape relative to the plane passing through its axis of rotation, with different shapes between the inlet and outlet of the axial cavity to accommodate pressure reducing elements. This asymmetric design maintains the one-way valve functionality while allowing the head block to be positioned on either side of the valve body through symmetric window arrangement in the valve body.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed with symmetrically arranged first and second windows that can both receive the head block or covering element. This universal design allows the same valve body to accommodate actuator mounting on either the left or right side without requiring different valve body designs, enabling easy conversion between mounting configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the ball is rotated by a motorized actuator to adjust fluid flow, then the fluid flow control is achieved, but the actuator may have large dimensions even larger than the valves themselves
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is positioned laterally at the end of the valve body rather than directly on top, utilizing the lateral dimension created by the symmetric window arrangement. This dimensional repositioning allows for more compact integration of the actuator with the valve body, reducing the overall footprint and allowing the actuator size to be more proportional to the valve size.
3Productivity
If the valve is opened to allow fluid flow, then the fluid can pass through the axial channel, but suspended solids and debris may enter the valve and cause damage to the ball, seals, bearings or moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The ball is designed with a preliminary rotation direction that ensures suspended solids and debris are removed from the fluid stream before the valve fully opens. By pre-rotating the ball in a specific direction during the opening process, debris is directed away from the valve's moving parts, preventing damage before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
A ball valve (10) is described comprising a valve body (12) in which an axial channel (14) for the unidirectional flow of a fluid is obtained. The axial channel (14) extends between an inlet port (11) and an outlet port (13) for the fluid, wherein the ports are axially aligned with the axis of the axial channel (14). The valve is provided with a motorized actuator (20) for adjusting the position of the fluid adjusting ball (15) and comprises a head block (17) for installing the motorized actuator (20) on the valve body (12). The head block (17) includes at least one stem (21) for rotating the ball (15). The valve body (12) has a first window (26) whose axis is coincident with the axis of rotation of the ball (15) and at least one second window (27) whose axis is coincident with the axis of rotation of the ball (15). The first and second windows (26, 27) are symmetrically made in opposite parts of the valve body (12) with respect to the axis of the axial channel (14) and have the same shape and size to receive, on one side, the head block (17) on the valve body (12) and, on the opposite side of the valve body (12), a covering element (18). The head block (17) has an engaging portion (71) having shape and size adapted to allow it to be inserted into the first window (26) or into the second window (27).