Check Valve Ball Mechanism for Flow Meter Backflow Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Oval gear flow meters face accuracy issues in low flow rate and non-uniform flow applications due to oscillations and backflow, leading to false signals and increased errors, and the addition of check valves increases system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A flow-regulating device incorporating check valves directly within the fluid line, featuring a first and second flange with a ball mechanism that allows unidirectional flow, minimizing leakage and backflow, and optionally including seating members and inserts for enhanced sealing and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If check valves are added to regulate flow direction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve is integrated directly into the flow meter housing, merging two separate components (flow meter and check valve) into a single unified device. This eliminates the need for separate check valve installations and reduces overall system complexity while maintaining the dual functions of flow measurement and backflow prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The flow meter housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it houses the flow measurement mechanism and simultaneously incorporates the check valve mechanism with ball and seat components. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform both flow measurement and flow direction regulation
2Reliability
If check valves are added to prevent backflow, then reliability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve components (ball, seat, housing) are manufactured as an integrated assembly with the flow meter, combining two manufacturing processes into one. This reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly operations, and lowers manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable backflow prevention
3Productivity
If oval gear meters are used in low flow rate applications, then productivity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The check valve prevents backflow and oscillations before they can affect the oval gear measurement mechanism. By blocking reverse flow at the inlet, the system eliminates the source of measurement errors and false rotational counts that would otherwise occur during low flow rate operation
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 solution improves the accuracy of flow measurement by reducing false rotational counts and fluid leakage, enabling precise flow rate measurement even at low flow rates and non-uniform conditions, while simplifying the system by integrating check valves directly into the flow meter.
Implementation Method 1
flow from the first orifice to the second orifice is configured to lift the ball from the first orifice, and push the ball towards the second orifice
Implementation Method 2
back pressure may act on the ball to move the ball back to the first orifice, thereby preventing flow from a backward direction
Implementation Method 3
The first flange may have a crushable rib or a groove for a seal (e.g., O-rings) on its outer surface which eliminates leakage around the first flange
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include a flow regulating device. The flow regulating device may include a check valve. The check valve can have a first flange, a second flange and a ball seated against a seat defined by the first flange. The check valve is in a closed position when the ball is seated against the first flange. One or more stoppers may be positioned at a distance from the first flange. A fluid may flow through a first orifice and a second orifice defined in the first and second flanges respectively, when the first check valve is in an open position. The fluid lifts the ball from the first orifice, and pushes the ball towards the second orifice. The stoppers abut the ball when the first check valve is in a fully open position.