Control Valve Load Distributor Reduces Cover Stud Stress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary control valves for turbines have large covers and cover studs that are subjected to excessive load from pressurized vapor, leading to structural challenges and inefficiencies in design.
Innovation Solution
A load distributor is integrated between the control unit and the main body of the control valve, distributing the load applied by pressurized vapor to the main body, allowing for a smaller cover and cover studs by sequentially transmitting and returning the load through a distribution and return assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a large cover and cover studs are used to withstand excessive vapor pressure load, then the structural strength is improved, but the device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
A load distributor is introduced as an intermediary component between the control unit and the main body. This load distributor includes a load distribution assembly and a load return assembly that work together to redistribute the vapor pressure load. The load distribution assembly receives the full load from the control unit, while the load return assembly returns a portion of this load back to the control unit, thereby reducing the net load on the cover and cover studs.
2Strength
If a large cover and cover studs are used to withstand excessive vapor pressure load, then the structural strength is improved, but the size of the components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load distributor serves as a mediator that actively manages the load distribution. The load distribution assembly is fitted to the inner side of the main body and transmits a portion of the load applied to the control unit to the main body. Simultaneously, the load return assembly returns a portion of the load back to the control unit, enabling the use of smaller cover and cover studs while maintaining structural strength.
3Device complexity
If the cover and cover studs are made smaller to reduce device complexity, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to withstand vapor pressure load deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load distributor acts as an intelligent intermediary that actively balances the load distribution. By using the load distribution assembly to transmit load to the main body and the load return assembly to return load to the control unit, smaller cover and cover studs can be used while the overall system maintains the ability to withstand the full vapor pressure load through optimized load paths.
4Ease of manufacture
If the load is concentrated on the cover and cover studs, then the structural design is simpler, but excessive load causes component size and complexity to increase
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than concentrating the load on the cover and cover studs, the load distributor is introduced as an intermediary that actively redistributes the load. The load distribution assembly transmits a portion of the load to the main body, while the load return assembly returns a portion to the control unit. This creates a more balanced load distribution that reduces the size requirements for the cover and cover studs.
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve includes a main body encasing a vapor channel configured to supply pressurized vapor from an evaporator to a turbine; an control unit, disposed in the vapor channel of the main body, for controlling an amount of vapor supplied to the turbine; and a load distributor, disposed between the control unit and the main body, for sealing the main body and for distributing to the main body a load applied to the control unit by the pressurized vapor in the vapor channel. The load distributor being fitted between the control unit and the main body enables the main body to be sealed, while distributing a load that has conventionally been concentrated on the cover and the cover studs. Since a load is distributed to the main body, a control valve for power generation systems can be designed with a smaller cover and smaller cover studs.