Double-Ported Control Valve for Precise Low-Flow Regulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control valves are inadequate for low flow rate applications, as they lack precise control over fluid flow through multiple passages, leading to inefficiencies and limitations in managing fluid flow rates.
Innovation Solution
A double ported control valve design featuring a valve body with coaxial first and second valve seats, a sliding valve stem, and a control element with two portions that can shift between closed, intermediate, and open positions, allowing for selective flow through both passages, enabling precise control over fluid flow rates by seating or spacing the control element portions against the valve seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a control valve with a single flow passage and control element is used, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to precisely control fluid flow rates through multiple passages is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve is segmented into multiple flow passages (first and second flow passages) with corresponding valve seats and control element portions. This allows independent control of different flow paths, enabling precise flow rate control for low flow rate applications while maintaining a structured, modular design that manages complexity through functional division.
Solution Approach 2:
The control valve design provides multi-functionality by enabling control of both high flow rates (through the second flow passage) and low flow rates (through the first flow passage) using a single integrated valve structure. The control element can selectively block or open different passages, making the valve adaptable to varying flow rate requirements without requiring multiple separate valves.
2Productivity
If a control valve with larger control element and flow orifice is used, then higher flow rates can be controlled, but the valve cannot achieve precise control over lower flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow control function is segmented across two separate flow passages with different sized orifices. The first flow passage with its smaller control element portion handles low flow rate applications with precision, while the second flow passage with the larger control element portion handles high flow rate applications. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve precise control across a wide flow rate range without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes parameter changes by providing two distinct flow passages with different orifice sizes and control element dimensions. This allows the system to change the effective flow control parameters depending on which passage is active, enabling precise control of both low and high flow rates within a single valve assembly.
3Measurement precision
If a control valve with smaller control element and flow orifice is used, then lower flow rates can be controlled, but the valve cannot handle higher flow rates effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The control valve achieves universality by incorporating two flow passages that can be selectively activated. The first flow passage with the smaller control element provides precise low flow rate control, while the second flow passage with the larger control element provides high flow rate capacity. The valve can function effectively across the entire flow rate spectrum by selecting the appropriate passage based on flow requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An example method includes moving a first portion of a control element and a second portion of the control element coupled to the first portion from a closed position to an intermediate position. In the closed position, the first portion being seated against a first valve seat thereby preventing flow through a first orifice and the second portion being seated against a second valve seat thereby preventing flow through a second orifice. In the intermediate position, flow through the first orifice is deterred and flow through the second orifice is permitted. The method includes moving the first portion and the second portion from the intermediate position to an open position. In the open position, the first portion being spaced from the first valve seat thereby permitting flow through the first orifice and the second portion being spaced from the second valve seat thereby permitting flow through the second orifice.