Compact Valve Assembly Layout for Condensation-Resistant Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure-dependent valve arrangements for tanks and systems face challenges in managing low flow resistance, reliability, and safety, particularly when dealing with flammable gases and varying pressures, with issues such as difficult access to adjust closing forces and potential damage from excessive pressures or negative pressures.
Innovation Solution
A pressure-dependent valve arrangement with a downwardly directed system connection, featuring a single suction valve and a pressure valve, allows for easy adaptation to different tasks, includes a compact design with flame arresters, and uses a modular system for adjustable opening forces, ensuring efficient pressure equalization and safety against fire and condensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple suction valves are arranged around the pressure valve, then the flow cross-section is increased and negative pressure reduction is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of access for adjustment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: a pressure valve for positive pressure relief and a suction valve for negative pressure relief. This segmentation allows each valve to be optimized independently while maintaining a manageable overall structure that avoids the complexity of multiple suction valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional radial arrangement of multiple valves to a three-dimensional vertical stacking configuration. The suction valve is positioned above the pressure valve in the vertical dimension, allowing both valves to access the common chamber while maintaining simple external access for adjustment of both valves from the top.
2Ease of operation
If the suction valve is arranged above the pressure valve, then access to the pressure valve is improved, but the flow cross-section for negative pressure relief is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension to stack the suction valve above the pressure valve, both accessing a common chamber. This vertical arrangement in the third dimension allows excellent accessibility for adjusting both valves from the top while maintaining adequate flow cross-section through proper sizing of each individual valve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the parameters of individual valves (size, shape, flow coefficients) to compensate for the reduced number of suction valves. By carefully selecting and sizing the single suction valve, adequate flow cross-section is achieved without requiring multiple valves, thus maintaining both accessibility and productivity.
3Ease of operation
If a lateral system connection is used, then access for adjustment is improved, but the tank volume increases and flame safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the system connection laterally as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by directing the system connection vertically downward to the bottom of the tank. This inversion eliminates the lateral extension that would create fire hazards, allowing flames to burn safely above the valve assembly without threatening the tank connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of vertical flame paths into a benefit by positioning the system connection at the bottom. This configuration allows flames to burn freely in the upper portion above the valve assembly without threatening the tank connection, effectively using the vertical space to protect rather than endanger the system.
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 valve arrangement provides low flow resistance, high reliability, and safety by minimizing condensate accumulation, allowing for rapid pressure equalization and preventing damage from fires, even in applications with flammable liquids.
Implementation Method 1
The suction valve and the discharge valve both communicate with the same chamber (18). Therefore, only a single flame arrester (36) having a relatively large flow cross-section needs to be provided for both inward and outward flowing gas or air flows.
Implementation Method 2
Only a single flame arrester (36) having a relatively large flow cross-section needs to be provided for both inward and outward flowing gas or air flows.
Data Source
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AI summary
The valve arrangement (10) according to the invention is based on a basic design suitable for a wide range of applications, which, due to the presence of a single inlet valve (27), offers high reliability when opening due to negative pressure. The arrangement of the suction valve (27) and the pressure valve (32) next to one another at the same height also results in a very compact housing (11) with a small internal volume (16), which results in a low susceptibility to condensation. Due to the only low susceptibility to condensation, the risk of sticking is reduced, particularly when the inlet valve (27) remains in the closed position for an extended period, for example in situations where the valves (27, 32) rarely or never open.