Dense Phase Flow Valve With Surge Chamber And Resilient Diaphragm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dense phase flow control systems for granular materials face inefficiencies and material damage due to excessive forces and clogging issues, necessitating a reliable valve that can manage continuous flow without damaging the granular material.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a cylindrical body with a slideable disk and resilient diaphragm, actuated by an activation medium, which moves between open and closed positions to control granular material and air flow, minimizing damage and preventing clogging through a series of chambers and biasing members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves are used to control dense phase flow, then flow control is achieved, but granular material is damaged by excessive forces and clogging occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into distinct functional zones: a surge chamber upstream of the disk that isolates granular material from the sealing interface, and a streamlined downstream section that facilitates material flow. This segmentation prevents material accumulation at critical interfaces, eliminating clogging while maintaining continuous flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the traditional valve sealing approach by placing the resilient member on the upstream side of the disk rather than the downstream side. This reversal allows the resilient member to seal against the surge chamber wall while the disk face remains exposed to granular material flow, preventing material trapping and clogging at the sealing interface.
2Ease of operation
If control valving is used to manage granular material distribution, then flow direction is controlled, but excessive forces damage the granular material
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body geometry is specifically designed with streamlined contours and optimized angles that reduce flow resistance and minimize turbulent eddies. The downstream section features gradual transitions rather than sharp corners, which reduces flow separation and lowers the forces exerted on granular material during direction changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The surge chamber acts as an intermediary between the upstream material source and the disk sealing interface. It provides a buffer volume that allows material to be held without direct contact with the sealing mechanism, reducing the forces transmitted to the granular material while maintaining effective flow control.
3Loss of energy
If existing valve mechanisms are used, then flow stopping is achieved, but inefficiency and power loss occur in dense phase systems
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient member maintains continuous contact with the surge chamber wall to seal against backpressure, while the disk maintains continuous exposure to granular material flow. This continuous sealing action prevents pressure leaks without requiring repeated engagement and disengagement cycles, maintaining system efficiency and reducing energy loss throughout operation.
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 valve efficiently controls dense phase flow, minimizing granular material damage and conserving energy by selectively stopping the flow of granular material and air, ensuring continuous operation without clogging, thus addressing the inefficiencies and damage concerns in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member operationally coupled to the first member. The resilient member is moveable between a retracted position and an expanded position at which the resilient member is engaged with the interior surface to substantially prevent the fluid from flowing through the outlet
Implementation Method 2
An activation source is in selective fluid communication with the first member to move the first member between the open and closed positions
Data Source
AI summary
A valve for controlling a flow of granular material and fluid comprises a body having a first end, a second end, and defining an interior surface. An inlet is formed proximate the first end for receiving the granular material and fluid. An outlet is formed downstream of the inlet for selectively discharging the granular material and fluid. A first member is slideably captured within the body and a resilient member is operationally coupled to the first member. The first member is moveable between an open position at which the granular material and fluid flow through the outlet, and a closed position upstream of the outlet at which the granular material is substantially prevented from flowing through the outlet. The resilient member is moveable between a retracted position and an expanded position at which it is engaged with the interior surface to substantially prevent the fluid from flowing through the outlet.