Double Gate Valve Actuation Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double shut-off valves face challenges in maintaining a structurally simple and reliable design while minimizing the force required for actuation, as they often experience significant media flow deflections and inefficient closing forces due to the design of intermediate chambers and valve units.
Innovation Solution
The design features a coaxial intermediate chamber with different diameter sections, utilizing pressure equalization bores in pot pistons to support closing forces with medium pressure and coil springs, reducing the effort needed for actuation by minimizing the surface area affected during closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the intermediate chamber has a housing design causing strong changes in direction of the medium, then the valve structure is compact, but the media flow experiences significant deflections and energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate chamber is divided into two distinct chamber sections with different diameters, allowing the medium to flow through a more efficient path with reduced deflections while maintaining compact valve structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the intermediate chamber have different diameters optimized for their specific functions: the first chamber section has a smaller diameter for compactness while the second chamber section has a larger diameter to reduce flow deflections and energy loss
2Device complexity
If the valve units are designed as mere valve disks without pressure equalization bores, then the construction is simple, but the closing force efficiency is reduced and actuation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure equalization bores are incorporated into the valve units to utilize medium pressure for supporting the closing force, reducing the actuation effort required while maintaining construction simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The medium pressure itself is utilized to support the closing force through the pressure equalization bores, allowing the system to use its own operating pressure to assist in the closing action without requiring additional external forces
3Ease of manufacture
If the intermediate chamber has a constant diameter over its height, then the manufacturing is simplified, but the flow pattern is less favorable and energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediate chamber is designed with different diameters in different sections, optimizing the flow pattern in each section while maintaining manufacturability through standard machining operations
4Device complexity
If both actuators are adjusted in the same direction to open and close the valve, then the actuation mechanism is simplified, but the force required for actuation is not minimized
Solution Approach 1:
Pressure equalization bores are incorporated into the valve units to utilize medium pressure for supporting the closing force, reducing the actuation effort required while maintaining construction simplicity
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
This configuration results in a reliable and low-force actuation mechanism, allowing the double shut-off valve to function effectively as a safety shut-off valve, with the medium pressure supporting the closing force and reducing opening forces, enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the bottom of the piston-type actuator associated with the outlet space is provided with at least one pressure equalization bore, whereby, in the closed position of this second valve unit, in addition to the spring force acting in the direction of the valve seat, preferably by means of a helical compression spring, will through the pressure of the medium, e.g. be exercised
Implementation Method 2
the spring force acting in the direction of the valve seat, preferably by means of a helical compression spring
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The double gate valve has housing (1) and an intermediate chamber arranged between an inlet chamber (1.1) and an outlet chamber (1.2). The two valve seats (1.41,1.31) are assigned to the intermediate chamber. The valve seats lie at a distance from each other in a coaxial manner, against which the valve disk lies in a sealing manner in an inoperative and closing position of the double gate valve. The actuators are adjusted in opposite directions on one hand into their closed positions and on the other hand into their open positions.