Curved Flow-Passage Control Valve for Low-Turbulence Flow
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 having an inlet, an outlet, and portions with aligned axes, a valve seat positioned at the junction, and a stem with a seal that moves axially to control fluid flow, minimizing directional changes and eliminating obstructive elements to enhance 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 previously obstructed fluid flow. By extracting these unnecessary structural elements, the flow path is cleared of obstructions, reducing turbulence and improving flow rate without compromising valve functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces sharp angles with curved transitions in the flow passage. The rounded contours eliminate abrupt directional changes, allowing fluid to flow smoothly through the valve body, seat, and plug areas, thereby reducing turbulence and enhancing flow characteristics.
2Ease of operation
If multiple directional changes in flow passage are implemented, then valve control function is achieved, but flow rate is reduced due to turbulence
Solution Approach 1:
The flow passage incorporates curved transitions instead of sharp angles, allowing fluid to change direction smoothly as it passes through the valve seat and around the plug. This maintains the necessary control functionality while minimizing turbulence and maximizing flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the geometry parameters of the flow passage, including angles and curvature radii, to balance control effectiveness with flow performance. By adjusting these parameters, the valve achieves proper sealing and control while maintaining high flow rates with minimal turbulence.
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve body has a flow passage including an inlet, an outlet, a first portion, and a second portion, the first portion having a first axis centered through the inlet, a first bend, and a second axis, the second portion having a third axis centered through the outlet, a second bend, and a fourth axis, the fourth axis perpendicular to the second axis. The first portion is to an upstream side of a junction of the first portion and the second portion, and the second portion is to a downstream side of the junction. The second axis is centered through the junction. An opening to the second portion has a fifth axis aligned with the second axis.