Three-Disc Ceramic Valve Structure for Larger Flow Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves suffer from high pressure loss, limited opening area, and mechanical inefficiencies, particularly in ceramic disc valves used for shut-off applications, which are unsuitable for distribution lines due to significant pressure loss and actuating torque issues.
Innovation Solution
A valve design with at least three valve discs, where one is non-rotatable and two are rotatable, featuring passage openings that allow a maximum opening area of over 50% of the flow cross-section, optimized for reduced pressure loss and enhanced stability, using ceramic materials for low wear and actuating forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ceramic disc valves are used for shut-off applications, then wear resistance and actuating torque are improved, but pressure loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve shut-off mechanism is divided into multiple ceramic discs (at least three discs) instead of using a single disc. This segmentation allows the flow cross-section to be partially preserved while achieving effective shut-off, thereby reducing pressure loss while maintaining the wear resistance benefits of ceramic materials
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-disc two-dimensional shut-off approach to a multi-disc three-dimensional arrangement. By stacking multiple discs with passage openings at different positions and orientations, the valve achieves shut-off functionality while preserving more of the original flow cross-section, thus reducing pressure loss
2Reliability
If disc valves with two valve discs are used, then shut-off function is achieved, but opening area is limited to maximum 50% of flow cross-section
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the shut-off function across multiple ceramic discs (at least three discs) with passage openings, the invention enables a larger cumulative opening area. Each disc contributes to the shut-off function while allowing flow through its passage opening, collectively providing more than 50% of the flow cross-section as opening area
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple valve discs are arranged in a nested configuration within the valve body, with each disc containing passage openings. This nested arrangement of multiple discs with openings allows the flow cross-section to be effectively utilized while maintaining shut-off capability, achieving opening area greater than 50% of the flow cross-section
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for regulating the flow of a medium, with a housing, with at least three valve discs, wherein at least one valve disc is arranged in the housing so as to be non-rotatable, wherein at least two valve discs are arranged so as to be rotatable relative to the at least one valve disc arranged so as to be non-rotatable, wherein the valve discs each have at least one passage opening, wherein the passage openings are designed in such a way that in a first relative position of the valve discs the flow of the medium is blocked and in a second relative position the flow is maximally open and wherein the passage openings are formed in such a way, that in the second relative position the passage openings of the valve discs expose an opening area of more than 50%, preferably more than 60%, particularly preferably more than 65%, of the area of the flow cross-section.