Diamond-Shape Valve Cage Trim for Surge Flow Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid valve trim assemblies with cage openings, such as circular and triangular configurations, often restrict fluid flow during high demand or surge operations due to insufficient flow capacity, limiting their ability to meet increased fluid flow requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of a trim assembly with diamond-shaped openings in the cage, which provides a high flow area with minimal valve plug travel, enhancing radial strength and allowing for increased fluid flow during surge conditions, while also being compact enough for use in smaller valve bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional cage openings (circular or triangular) are used, then the valve structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the flow capacity is insufficient during high demand or surge operations
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is divided into multiple functional regions with different opening patterns: a first region with circular openings for normal flow characterization and a second region with diamond-shaped openings for high-capacity surge flow. This segmentation allows each region to serve its specific function while collectively resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high flow capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a longitudinal dimension to the cage structure, creating multiple regions along the length of the cage with different opening configurations. This dimensional approach allows the valve to handle both normal and surge conditions simultaneously by directing flow through appropriate regions, thereby increasing overall flow capacity without excessive structural complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If the cage openings are increased to meet surge flow requirements, then the flow capacity increases, but the radial strength of the cage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cage have different opening characteristics: the first region has circular openings that maintain structural integrity for normal operations, while the second region has diamond-shaped openings optimized for high-capacity surge flow. This local differentiation allows the cage to provide both strength and surge capacity without compromising either property globally.
Solution Approach 2:
The cage functions as a composite structure with two distinct opening patterns serving different purposes. The combination of circular and diamond-shaped openings creates a hybrid structure that leverages the strengths of both patterns: circular openings for structural strength and diamond openings for high flow capacity during surge conditions.
3Quantity of substance
If the valve plug travel is increased to increase flow area, then the flow capacity improves, but the response time during surge operations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cage is pre-configured with diamond-shaped openings in the second region that are immediately available for surge flow. When surge conditions occur, the valve plug simply needs to move to a position that opens these pre-existing high-capacity pathways, rather than requiring large travel to create flow area. This preliminary configuration enables rapid response to surge conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid valve includes a valve body (12) having a fluid inlet (14) and a fluid outlet (16) connected by a fluid passageway (18). A valve seat (24) is disposed within the fluid passageway. A fluid control member (26) is movably disposed within the fluid passageway, the fluid control member cooperating with a trim assembly (20) to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. The trim assembly includes a cage (22) having a plurality of diamond-shaped openings (42) disposed in a wall (38) thereof.