Ball Valve Purge Port Layout for Split-Flow Cavity Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ball valve purging systems are ineffective in preventing the entry of entrained materials into the valve cavity when the valve is operated between fully open and closed positions, especially when the process fluid flow rate exceeds the purge fluid flow rate, leading to potential corrosion and operational interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of strategically positioned purge ports on the valve body that direct a portion of the purge fluid into the valve member passage and another portion into the cavity between the valve body and member, allowing for simultaneous and direct purging of both areas, even when the valve is in operation, using a split flow concept that diverts fluid at interfaces or obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single purge port supplies purge fluid into the valve body, then the purge fluid can enter the cavity, but it cannot simultaneously and directly purge both the passage and the cavity when the valve is in operation
Solution Approach 1:
The purge port is divided into multiple separate ports: a first purge port that supplies purge fluid into the passage and a second purge port that supplies purge fluid into the cavity. This segmentation allows independent purging of different areas, ensuring both the passage and cavity are effectively cleaned even when the valve is in operation, thereby resolving the contradiction between purge effectiveness and configuration complexity.
2Productivity
If the process fluid flow rate is much greater than the purge fluid flow rate, then the valve can handle high process fluid flow, but the purge fluid cannot prevent entrained materials from entering the cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The purge ports are positioned to supply purge fluid in advance into both the passage and the cavity before process fluid with entrained materials can enter. The first purge port introduces purge fluid into the passage to prevent materials from entering, while the second purge port introduces purge fluid into the cavity to maintain positive pressure and inhibit material entry, enabling effective purging even at high process fluid flow rates.
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 configuration enhances the effectiveness of the purging process by ensuring thorough cleaning of the valve member and cavity, reducing purge time and medium usage, and promoting reliable and safe operation under various conditions, including high-pressure and high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
a first stream of the purge fluid is supplied substantially directly into the passage through the valve member while a second stream of the purge fluid is supplied substantially directly into the cavity between the valve body and the valve member
Data Source
AI summary
Valve assemblies, systems, and methods may include at least one purging assembly comprising at least one purge port extending through a valve body or housing in order to supply a purge fluid into the valve body or housing. The at least one purge port is positioned on the valve body or housing to redirect a portion of the purge fluid as the purge fluid exits the at least one purge port.