Break Check Valve Dampening for Low Water Hammer Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Break check valves used in fluid distribution systems can cause water hammer and pressure spikes when they close too quickly, leading to potential system failure and property damage.
Innovation Solution
A break check valve with a hydraulic dampener or biasing member that slows the closure of the valve member from an open to a closed position, using a piston and cylinder mechanism to resist rapid rotation and control fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the break check valve closes quickly to stop fluid flow, then the response time is improved, but water hammer and pressure spikes occur causing system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a dampener mechanism that is pre-configured to cushion the valve member during its closure motion. The dampener is positioned and prepared in advance to engage with the valve member, providing progressive resistance that cushions the closing action and prevents water hammer before it can occur. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining quick response while eliminating the harmful pressure spikes through pre-positioned cushioning elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampener acts as an intermediary between the valve member and the fluid system. It mediates the closure action by introducing a controlled resistance force that transforms the abrupt valve closure into a gradual process. This intermediary mechanism allows the valve to respond quickly to closing signals while the dampener absorbs the shock, preventing water hammer and pressure spikes from propagating through the system.
2Productivity
If the valve member rotates rapidly to the closed position, then the productivity is improved, but the force generated causes excessive load on system components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the resistance force dynamic rather than static. The dampener is designed to provide progressive resistance that increases as the valve member approaches the closed position. This dynamic characteristic allows the valve to maintain high closure speed for most of the travel while automatically increasing resistance near the end to control the closing force and prevent excessive load on system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The dampener mechanism changes the parameter of resistance force during the closure process. It transforms the constant high-speed motion into a controlled deceleration profile by varying the resistive force. The dampener allows rapid closure initially but progressively increases resistance to reduce the closing force near the end position, thereby maintaining productivity while protecting system components from excessive loads.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a dampener is added to slow valve closure, then water hammer is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dampener mechanism is designed using the nested doll principle by integrating it within the existing valve body structure. The dampener components are nested within the valve assembly, with the piston and cylinder elements fitting within the available space. This nested configuration reduces the overall device complexity by utilizing the existing structural envelope rather than adding external components, thereby reducing water hammer without significantly increasing the valve structure complexity.
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
Reduces or eliminates water hammer and pressure spikes, protecting the system from damage while maintaining efficient fluid control.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic dampener coupled to the valve member in each of the open position and the closed position of the valve member, the hydraulic dampener configured to resist rotation of the valve member towards the closed position of the valve member
Implementation Method 2
a biasing element received within or coupled to the cylinder, the biasing element configured to resist rotation of the first valve member towards the closed position of the valve member
Data Source
AI summary
A valve closure device for a break check valve is provided. The device includes one or more valve members configured to rotate from an open position to a closed position only when a pipe system fitting initially coupled to the break check valve is separated from the break check valve, and a dampener coupled to the valve member in the open position and the closed position of the valve member. The one or more valve members can be configured to discontinue fluid communication through the break check valve during a separation event. The dampener can include a hydraulic dampener or a biasing element configured to slow movement of the one or more valve members towards the closed position thereof.