Integrated Bypass Balancing Valve for In-Service Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing balancing valves in hot water networks require additional bypass systems for maintenance, which increase complexity and cost, and are prone to clogging due to particle deposition, leading to potential disruptions in water flow.
Innovation Solution
A balancing valve with a built-in bypass passage and adjustable control element allows for maintenance without interrupting fluid flow, featuring a rotatable valve body with a by-pass position that disconnects the main fluid passage from network pressure, enabling cleaning or repair without additional systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an external bypass system is added to enable maintenance without flow interruption, then maintenance continuity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the bypass function directly into the valve body by integrating a bypass passage and control mechanism within the same component. This eliminates the need for separate external bypass piping and fittings, thereby maintaining continuous flow capability during maintenance while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the main flow control component and the bypass system. The integrated design allows the single component to handle both normal operation and maintenance modes, reducing the total number of components needed in the network.
2Strength
If the valve body is made of metal for durability, then strength is improved, but particle deposition and clogging increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite construction where the valve body is made of metal (brass) for structural strength and durability, while the bypass passage and control elements are made of plastic or polymer materials. This combination leverages the advantages of both materials: metal provides the necessary mechanical strength, while the plastic components reduce particle deposition and clogging issues.
3Manufacturing precision
If a needle control element is used for fine flow adjustment, then flow control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves fine flow adjustment by varying the position of the control element within the bypass passage, changing the effective flow area parameter. This allows precise flow control through a simple linear movement of the control element rather than requiring complex machining of the valve body itself, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while simplifying the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention proposes a balancing valve, a fluid network with such a balancing valve, and a method of maintaining such a balancing valve. The balancing valve comprises a housing having a main fluid passage extending along a main flow axis, a valve body disposed within the housing in the fluid passage, wherein the valve body has a first through hole forming a first fluid passage with a variable first fluid passage cross section. The valve body has a second through hole distinct from the first through hole and forming a second fluid passage in the valve body. The first fluid passage is a main fluid passage and the second fluid passage is a by-pass passage.