Dual-Flapper Check Valve Assembly for Vortex-Induced Flutter
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional check valves in gas turbine engines experience flapper flutter due to vortex shedding and pressure fluctuations, leading to wear and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A check valve assembly featuring two flappers hingedly coupled with a pin and a perforated plate assembly downstream, aligned parallel to the fluid flow, which breaks vortices and reduces pressure fluctuations, thereby minimizing flapper flutter and extending the life of the check valve.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional check valves are used without additional components, then the device complexity is low, but flapper flutter occurs due to vortex shedding and pressure fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
A plate assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the flapper and the fluid flow. This plate breaks up vortices and reduces pressure fluctuations, thereby protecting the flapper from flutter and wear without fundamentally changing the check valve's core function
Solution Approach 2:
The plate assembly is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be positioned at different locations within the valve body. This segmentation allows the plate to effectively disrupt vortex patterns while maintaining ease of installation and adjustment
2Productivity
If the check valve operates in high-flow conditions, then the productivity is high, but vortex shedding and pressure fluctuations increase causing flapper wear
Solution Approach 1:
The plate assembly utilizes the high-velocity fluid flow to generate controlled turbulence and vortex breakdown in a beneficial manner. By strategically positioning the plate, the harmful vortex shedding that causes flapper wear is converted into a controlled flow pattern that reduces pressure fluctuations and protects the flapper
Solution Approach 2:
The plate assembly serves as a mediator between the high-velocity fluid flow and the flapper, absorbing and redistributing the kinetic energy and pressure fluctuations before they reach the flapper, thereby protecting it during high-productivity 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 effectively reduces flapper flutter by up to 60%, prolonging the life of the check valve and reducing component scrap rates by minimizing wear caused by vortex shedding and pressure fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
flapper flutter due to vortex shedding and pressure fluctuations
Implementation Method 2
pressure fluctuations
Data Source
AI summary
A check valve assembly for a supply pipe. The check valve assembly includes a hinge pin, a first flapper, and a second flapper. The first flapper is pivotally coupled to the second flapper with the hinge pin. The check valve assembly also includes a stopper located between the first flapper and the second flapper. The stopper is configured to limit movement of the first flapper and the second flapper. The check valve assembly further includes a plate assembly located downstream of the stopper. The plate assembly is configured to break vortices formed in a fluid flow across the first flapper and the second flapper.