Break-Away Coupling Valve Seat for Surge Pressure Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Break-away valve assemblies are prone to surge pressures during fluid transfer, which can damage pumps and other systems, and existing pressure relief valves increase complexity and pose a risk to users by releasing fluid radially.
Innovation Solution
A coupling with a valve biased in two directions, where the valve extends into a larger portion of the valve seat to release fluid if pressure exceeds a threshold, reducing pressure without additional bores and minimizing risk to users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional pressure relief valves are added to the coupling body, then surge pressure relief capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional bores required in the body
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure relief function is merged with the existing valve and valve seat structure. The valve seat is designed with two portions of different internal diameters, where the first portion seals against the valve under normal conditions and the second portion provides pressure relief when surge pressure occurs. This eliminates the need for separate pressure relief bores in the coupling body.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly serves multiple functions: it acts as both a sealing valve during normal operation and a pressure relief valve during surge conditions. The dual-portion valve seat enables the same component to perform both sealing and pressure relief functions, reducing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional pressure relief valves are used to release fluid radially, then surge pressure relief is achieved, but user safety is compromised due to fluid release towards the user
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of releasing fluid radially outward towards the user, the pressure relief mechanism directs fluid axially through the valve seat structure. The second portion of the valve seat provides an escape path that directs fluid away from the user's position, inverting the traditional radial release pattern to improve safety.
3Reliability
If the valve extends into the second portion of the valve seat, then controlled fluid release for pressure relief is enabled, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve seat is designed with different local qualities - the first portion has a smaller internal diameter for sealing, while the second portion has a larger internal diameter for pressure relief. This local differentiation allows the valve to perform both sealing and pressure relief functions with appropriate tolerances for each region, managing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 solution effectively relieves surge pressure by allowing a controlled leakage of fluid, reducing the risk of damage to system components and minimizing exposure to users, while maintaining a simpler system design.
Implementation Method 1
a valve (100) arranged in an annular body (200), the annular body having a valve seat (204) comprising a first portion (205) and a second portion (206), adjacent to the first portion, of greater internal diameter relative to the first portion, the valve being biased in a first direction to seal against the valve seat on disconnection of the coupling from the adapter
Implementation Method 2
the valve is adapted to extend past the first portion into the second portion of the valve seat to release a volume of fluid if the pressure acting on the valve exceeds a predetermined surge pressure threshold
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling for a break-away valve assembly includes a coupling and an adapter, the coupling including: a valve arranged in an annular body, the annular body having a valve seat including a first portion and a second portion, adjacent to the first portion, of greater internal diameter relative to the first portion, the valve being biased in a first direction to seal against the valve seat on disconnection of the coupling from the adapter, wherein the valve is biased in a second direction, and the valve is adapted to extend past the first portion into the second portion of the valve seat to release a volume of fluid if the pressure acting on the valve exceeds a predetermined surge pressure threshold.