Biogas Digester Check Valve Float Locking Against Liquid Carryover
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Solution Overview
Problem
The Biogas industry and natural gas business face challenges with liquids entering the gas gathering system, leading to extended downtimes, cleaning requirements, and additional equipment needed to dry the gas before it can be sold.
Innovation Solution
A biogas digester check valve assembly is designed to prevent liquids from entering the methane gas gathering system by using a valve pill float that locks the valve, allowing methane gas to exit while keeping liquids out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a check valve assembly is used to prevent liquids from entering the gas gathering system, then liquid contamination is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve assembly is divided into multiple functional components: a valve body containing the flow path, a float element that moves independently to control the valve opening, a cage structure that guides the float, and a seat that provides sealing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to prevent liquid contamination without requiring an overly complex integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The float element acts as an intermediary mechanism between the gas flow and the valve opening. As gas flows through the system, the float rises and automatically opens the valve passage, while liquids are blocked by the valve seat. This intermediary float mechanism provides automatic control without requiring external actuators or complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a valve pill float mechanism is used to automatically lock the valve, then operational reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve pill float mechanism is designed to be self-actuating based on the gas flow itself. When gas flows through the valve, the float automatically rises and locks into position, opening the valve without requiring external power or control. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable operation while minimizing the complexity of additional control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The float mechanism uses the weight and buoyancy forces of the valve pill float as counterbalancing forces to control valve opening and closing. The float's weight provides the closing force, while gas pressure provides the opening force, creating a balanced automatic locking mechanism that is reliable yet mechanically simple.
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 biogas digester check valve assembly effectively prevents liquids from entering the gas gathering system, reducing downtime, cleaning needs, and equipment requirements, thereby ensuring the quality and readiness of methane gas for distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A valve pill float fits inside the plurality of threaded valve cage rods and against the cage retainer plate
Data Source
AI summary
A biogas digester check valve assembly is configured to eliminate liquids in a methane gas gathering system. The biogas digester valve assembly has a cage retainer plate joined to a plurality of threaded valve cage rods. A valve pill float fits inside the plurality of threaded valve cage rods and against the cage retainer plate. A valve soft seat is joined to a soft seat retainer and the valve seat. A carrier base plate is joined to the valve seat and the plurality of threaded valve cage rods. A valve seat carrier is joined to the valve seat. A valve body top half is joined to the carrier base plate. A welded neck flange is joined to the carrier base plate with a check valve. The valve pill float locks the biogas digester valve to prevent liquids from leaving the methane gas gathering system and permitting methane gas to exit.