Differential Pressure Valve with Auxiliary Flushing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing differential pressure valves in flow systems, such as those used in district heating, face challenges in maintaining low obstruction during flushing processes, as they often require adjustment to keep the valve open, which is not efficiently addressed by current technologies.
Innovation Solution
A differential pressure valve design featuring a membrane that deflects under pressure, with an auxiliary valve connected to control pressure communication across the membrane, allowing for full deflection in one direction to keep the valve open during flushing, utilizing impulse tubes for pressure connection and incorporating a regulation part with adjustable biasing means for compactness and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the valve is designed to maintain low obstruction during flushing, then the valve can be kept open, but the pressure regulation function may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into two independent functional parts: a main valve for pressure regulation and an auxiliary valve for flushing control. The auxiliary valve is connected to either the first or second pressure communication means, allowing independent control of flushing flow without affecting the main pressure regulation function. This segmentation enables the valve to maintain low obstruction during flushing while preserving pressure regulation reliability.
2Ease of operation
If an auxiliary valve is added to control pressure communication, then the valve can be kept open during flushing, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary valve is integrated into the existing valve housing structure, merging the flushing control function with the main valve body. The auxiliary valve shares common components such as the membrane assembly and housing, reducing the overall complexity increase. This merging approach allows the valve to be kept open during flushing while minimizing the addition of separate components.
3Ease of repair
If the regulation part is sealed and detachable, then ease of maintenance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into detachable segments: a regulation part containing the membrane and biasing means, and a valve part containing the flow control elements. The regulation part can be sealed and detached for maintenance without affecting the installed valve in the flow circuit. This segmentation improves ease of repair by allowing independent access to the regulation part while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through modular design.
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 solution ensures the valve remains open during flushing, reducing obstruction and allowing for efficient fluid flow, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design by integrating the auxiliary valve and using detachable, non-fluid-contacting regulation parts.
Implementation Method 1
a membrane adapted to deflect under the influence of a differential pressure across said membrane
Data Source
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AI summary
A method to keep a differential pressure valve open during flushing, the valve comprising a membrane adapted to deflect under the influence of a differential pressure and means to communicate pressures to the opposing sides of the membrane, where the method consists in closing an auxiliary valve connected to the means operating the valve in the closing direction.