Cryogenic Shut-Off Valve Buffer Sealing Against Debris Ingress
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryogenic fluid shut-off valves struggle to reliably control the flow of extremely cold fluids like liquid helium and liquid hydrogen due to the extreme operating conditions, leading to inefficiencies and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A cryogenic shut-off valve design featuring a valve body, bonnet, plug, stem, spindle, and pivot ball mechanism that allows for precise control of fluid flow through a fluid pathway, using materials capable of withstanding extreme temperatures and incorporating a buffer to minimize contamination and debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valve designs are used for cryogenic fluids, then the valve structure is simple, but the valve fails to reliably control flow due to extreme cold temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple specialized components: a valve body for structural support, a bonnet for sealing, a plug for flow control, a stem for actuation, and a pivot ball mechanism for motion conversion. Each component is optimized for cryogenic service, with materials and designs specifically tailored to withstand extreme temperatures while maintaining reliable operation.
2Temperature
If standard materials are used, then manufacturing is easier, but the valve cannot withstand extreme cryogenic temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs composite material construction, combining stainless steel components for structural integrity and cryogenic resistance with specialized sealing materials. The plug and seat are designed with materials specifically selected for low-temperature performance, while the bonnet and body use weldable stainless steel grades that maintain toughness at cryogenic temperatures, balancing manufacturability with extreme temperature resistance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the valve uses a simple sealing mechanism, then the structure is simpler, but debris can ingress and cause contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates a buffer zone within the bonnet chamber that prevents debris from reaching the critical sealing interface between the plug and valve seat. This preliminary protective action occurs before debris can cause contamination, maintaining seal integrity without requiring complex active filtration systems.
4Ease of operation
If the valve uses a direct linear actuation mechanism, then the operation is simpler, but precise control at cryogenic temperatures is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs a dynamic mechanism where rotational motion of the spindle is converted into precise linear motion of the plug through the pivot ball. This mechanical advantage system provides fine control over plug position and consequently flow rate, while the sealed bonnet chamber isolates the actuation mechanism from cryogenic temperatures, maintaining operational precision.
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 design ensures reliable operation and minimizes contamination by maintaining a fluid tight seal and preventing debris ingress, even at cryogenic temperatures, enhancing the control and safety of cryogenic fluid handling.
Implementation Method 1
a pivot ball positioned between and operatively coupled to the stem and the spindle, wherein the pivot ball is configured to translate linear and rotational movement of the spindle into linear movement of the stem and the plug
Implementation Method 2
a spindle comprising external threads and operatively coupled to the stem, wherein the spindle is configured to move along the longitudinal axis of the bonnet as the spindle is rotated via the external threads about the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 3
a plug configured to slide along the longitudinal axis of the bonnet between a closed position at which the plug sealingly engages the valve seat and an open position at which the plug is disengaged from the valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
Shut-off valves for cryogenic fluids are disclosed herein. A shut-off valve includes a body that defines void(s) in fluid communication with a valve inlet and a valve outlet. The shut-off valve includes a valve seat defined by the body, a housing connected to the body, and a valve spindle disposed within the housing. The valve spindle includes a seat disc configured to sealingly engage with the valve seat. The shut-off valve includes a buffer composed of a cryogenic temperature resistant material circumferentially surrounding and connected to at least a portion of the valve spindle and slidingly engaged with an internal surface of the housing. The shut-off valve includes a valve actuating member operatively connected to the valve spindle and configured to cause an axial movement of the valve spindle, the seat disc, and the buffer to control a flow of a fluid.