Cone Valve Barrier Piston for Particle Blocking and Pressure Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cone valves used in pressure exchange chamber pumping systems face issues with solid particles from the medium settling in the valve cavity, which can interfere with the proper functioning of the valve.
Innovation Solution
The valve design incorporates a barrier piston with a radial clearance less than 2mm to inhibit the passage of large solid particles, and bleed passages to prevent pressure differentials that could hinder valve operation. Additionally, a sleeve is used to absorb eccentric forces and protect the chamber from high-velocity particles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cone valve is used to handle medium with solid particles, then the valve can regulate flow, but solid particles settle in the cavity and interfere with valve functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The valve cavity is segmented into two regions by the barrier piston: a first region above the piston where solid particles are blocked, and a second region below the piston where medium flows. This segmentation prevents particle settlement in the actuator space while maintaining flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier piston acts as an intermediary element that selectively blocks solid particles from entering the cavity above it, while allowing fluid medium to pass through via bleed passages. This intermediary structure protects the valve actuation mechanism from particle interference.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve cavity is completely sealed to prevent particle entry, then particle interference is reduced, but pressure differentials build up and hinder valve operation
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier piston incorporates bleed passages that allow fluid medium to pass through while blocking solid particles. These porous-like structures equalize pressure on both sides of the piston, preventing harmful pressure differentials that would hinder valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier piston has different properties in different regions: it is solid and particle-blocking in the main body, but contains localized bleed passages that permit fluid flow. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous particle rejection and pressure equalization.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the radial clearance is reduced to block particles, then particle passage is inhibited, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring a very small radial clearance to block all particles, the design uses a moderate clearance combined with the barrier piston structure. The piston's physical presence and the bleed passage configuration provide sufficient particle blocking without demanding excessive manufacturing precision on the clearance dimension.
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
This design ensures reliable operation by preventing solid particles from interfering with the valve's displacement and reducing wear through the use of a sleeve and bleed passages, thereby maintaining efficient fluid flow and valve functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a barrier piston which is receivable in the cavity for reciprocation between a closed position in which it blocks off the passage of large solid particles into a chamber above the piston
Implementation Method 2
The valve includes one or more bleed passages which reduce pressure differentials that could hinder displacement of the closure unit
Implementation Method 3
a sleeve is used to absorb eccentric forces and protect the chamber from high-velocity particles
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve (18.1) includes a first and second port (50, 52) connected by a flow path to allow medium containing solid particles to pass therethrough. The valve also includes a valve seat (61), a closure unit (62), and a cavity (85) configured to receive at least part of the closure unit. The closure unit further comprises (i) a barrier piston (74) inhibiting the flow of solid particles from the second port when the closure unit is in its closed position; (ii) a bleed passage connecting the cavity with the second port to provide a pressure balancing arrangement that reduces a pressure therebetween, and (iii) a downwards sloping top extending from a central portion of the barrier piston to the outer surface of the barrier piston to permit fine particles in the cavity to settle through the bleed passage towards the second port.