Double-Seat Valve Cleaning Gap for Inaccessible Surface Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double-seat valves in food, beverage, medicine, and biotechnology applications face limitations in effectively cleaning inaccessible areas during the cleaning process, particularly in tank bottom valves where low pressure cleaning liquids are used.
Innovation Solution
The valve design introduces an additional cleaning position by creating a gap between the closing members when both are lifted from their seats, utilizing a modular adjusting device with drive modules to facilitate a powerful cleaning stream, allowing for thorough cleaning of previously inaccessible areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If both closing elements are lifted from their valve seats to enable cleaning of previously inaccessible areas, then cleaning coverage is improved, but the structural complexity of the adjusting device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting device is divided into multiple drive modules (first drive module, second drive module, third drive module) that can independently control the position of closing elements. This segmentation allows complex cleaning positions to be achieved through coordinated action of simpler modular components, resolving the contradiction between cleaning coverage and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjusting device enables dynamic positioning of closing elements with multiple degrees of freedom, allowing transitions between different cleaning positions (first cleaning position, second cleaning position, third cleaning position). This dynamic capability provides comprehensive cleaning coverage while maintaining a manageable structure through programmable control sequences.
2Productivity
If a gap is created between closing elements for powerful cleaning flow, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjusting device utilizes pneumatic or hydraulic drive modules to control the positioning of closing elements and create gaps for cleaning flow. This approach converts complex mechanical control into simpler fluid pressure control, improving cleaning effectiveness while reducing control mechanism complexity through standardized actuator technology.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple cleaning positions are implemented, then thorough cleaning of all surfaces is achieved, but the operating time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process utilizes periodic action by implementing automated sequences that cycle through different cleaning positions (first, second, and third cleaning positions) in predetermined patterns. This allows thorough cleaning of all surfaces including previously inaccessible areas while maintaining efficient operation through programmed repetition and optimization of position transitions.
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 design enhances the cleaning ability of double-seat valves, ensuring all valve surfaces are thoroughly cleaned, exceeding the hygienic standards of previous designs, especially in tank bottom applications where low pressure cleaning is common.
Implementation Method 1
The assembly is provided with a piston which can be acted upon with a pressure medium, for example air, and which, under the pressure medium actuation, effects the additional position
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve (1) with a housing (2) which delimits an interior (6), a first connection (3), a second connection (4), a passage (7) which fluidically connects the first connection (3) to the second connection (4), a first closing element (8) and a second closing element (9), said closing elements (8, 9) being received in the interior (6) and surrounding an intermediate space (12) which is connected to a third connection (5), and an adjustment device (20) which, in a closed position, is designed to bring the first closing element (8) into sealing contact with a first valve seat (10) formed in the passage (7) and the second closing element (9) into sealing contact with a second valve seat (11) formed in the passage and, in an open position, release the first and second closing element (8, 9) from the first and second valve seat (10, 11), wherein the first closing element (8) is sealingly received in the second closing element (9). In order to achieve an improved cleaning process of the valve, the adjustment device (20) is designed to form a gap (S), which connects the intermediate space (12) to the interior (6), between the first and second closing element (8, 9) and simultaneously release the first and second closing element (8, 9) from the first and second valve seat (10, 11). The invention additionally relates to a cleaning method.