Curved Control Valve Flow Path for Lower Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control valves experience turbulence and reduced flow rates due to sharp angles and obstructive support members, which impede fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A control valve design featuring a body with a flow passage that includes a first and second portion with specific angular orientations and a sleeve to minimize directional changes, eliminating support members and optimizing the flow path for reduced turbulence and increased flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional control valve design with support members and sharp angles is used, then structural support is provided, but turbulence increases and flow rate decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes support members from the flow passage that were present in conventional control valves. By extracting these obstructive elements, the flow path is cleared of turbulence-inducing obstacles, directly resolving the contradiction between needing structural support and maintaining smooth fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs rounded corners and curved transitions in the flow passage geometry instead of sharp angles. This curvilinear design reduces flow separation and turbulence while maintaining structural integrity, effectively addressing the harmful turbulence effect without sacrificing structural support.
2Productivity
If sharp angles and multiple redirections are used in flow passage, then compact design is achieved, but flow rate is reduced due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage is designed with rounded corners and smooth curved transitions instead of sharp angles. This geometric modification reduces flow separation and turbulence, thereby increasing flow rate while maintaining a compact valve body configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the flow passage, specifically the corner radii and transition angles, to optimize flow characteristics. By changing these geometric parameters to more gradual transitions, the valve achieves both compact dimensions and improved flow rate.
3Reliability
If support members are included in seat retainer, then seat ring is held in position, but flow is obstructed and turbulence is exacerbated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates support members from the seat retainer structure. By removing these obstructive elements, the flow passage is cleared, reducing turbulence and improving flow rate while alternative positioning mechanisms ensure the seat ring remains securely held in position.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat retainer is designed as a segmented or distributed structure that provides positioning support without requiring protruding support members into the flow passage. This segmentation allows the retainer to hold the seat ring securely while maintaining an open, unobstructed flow path.
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve includes a body and a sleeve, the body having a flow passage therethrough, the flow passage having an inlet, an outlet, a first portion, a second portion, a junction of the first portion and the second portion, and an opening to the second portion. The first portion has a first axis centered through the inlet, a first bend, and a second axis. The second portion has a third axis centered through the outlet, a second bend, and a fourth axis. The fourth axis is perpendicular to the second axis. The first portion is upstream of the junction and the second portion is downstream of the junction. The second axis is centered through the junction. The opening has a fifth axis aligned with the second axis. The sleeve is fastened to the body within the first portion, the sleeve having a sixth axis aligned with the second axis.