Filling Valve Compression Unit for Water Hammer Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing filling valves for cisterns experience pressure surges and water hammers during closure, leading to potential damage and leaks, especially when designed as diaphragm valves.
Innovation Solution
A filling valve with a compression unit containing a damping element that compresses to absorb pressure surges when the valve closes, reducing the impact of sudden water flow cessation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the filling valve closes to stop water flow, then the valve achieves its function of controlling water supply, but pressure surges and water hammer occur causing damage to the valve and pipe network
Solution Approach 1:
A compression unit with a compressible element (spring or foam) is integrated into the valve stem assembly. This element is pre-positioned to compress during valve closure, absorbing pressure surges before they propagate through the system. The cushioning element is designed to deform in anticipation of pressure shocks, protecting the diaphragm and pipe network from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression unit acts as an intermediary between the valve stem and the diaphragm. When pressure surges occur during closure, the compressible element absorbs and dissipates the shock energy, preventing direct transmission to the diaphragm and other upstream components. This mediator protects fragile parts from high-pressure impulses.
2Ease of operation
If a diaphragm valve design is used, then the valve provides effective flow control, but high pressure shocks can damage the diaphragm causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The compression unit with its compressible element is positioned to provide cushioning protection to the diaphragm before pressure shocks can cause damage. The element compresses during valve operation to absorb harmful pressure impulses, allowing the diaphragm to maintain its integrity while still providing effective flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression unit serves as a protective intermediary between the water supply system and the diaphragm. It absorbs and dissipates high-pressure shocks before they reach the diaphragm, preventing damage while allowing the diaphragm to continue functioning as an effective flow control mechanism.
3Speed
If the valve stem closes abruptly to stop water flow, then the valve responds quickly to control water supply, but sudden stop causes water hammer and pressure surges
Solution Approach 1:
The compression unit is integrated into the valve stem assembly to provide cushioning during the closure process. As the valve stem moves to close the valve, the compressible element absorbs the kinetic energy and prevents abrupt stopping, thereby eliminating water hammer effects while maintaining quick response capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The compression unit introduces dynamic characteristics to the valve closure process. The compressible element deforms during closure, providing a progressive damping effect that reduces the abruptness of valve stem movement and eliminates water hammer while maintaining operational speed.
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 damping element effectively minimizes pressure surges, preventing damage to the filling valve and upstream components by dissipating the shock, thus enhancing durability and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
the output volume can be compressed to a compression volume upon the occurrence of a pressure shock resulting from the closing of the valve stem
Implementation Method 2
The damping element is designed to be elastically resilient. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one damping element has the shape of an elastically formed solid body
Implementation Method 3
The air volume is filled with air. Air has a compression modulus, which is advantageous for pressure surges that occur
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A filling valve (1) for filling a cistern with flushing water, comprising a valve housing (2), a water guide channel (3) arranged in the valve housing (2) with an inlet (4) and an outlet (5), wherein flushing water can be guided in the flow direction (F) from the inlet (4) to the outlet (5), and a controlled, in particular a float-controlled, valve (6) with a valve tappet (7) and a valve seat (8), wherein the valve tappet (7) can be moved back and forth between a closed position, in which the valve tappet (7) rests with a sealing section (9) sealingly on the valve seat (8) in such a way that the water guide channel (3) is closed, and a flow position, in which the valve tappet (7) lies with the sealing section (9) at a distance from the valve seat (8) in such a way that the water guide channel is open, wherein the filling valve (1) further comprises at least one compression unit (10) with a damping element (11),which damping element (11) provides an output volume, wherein the output volume can be compressed to a compression volume upon the occurrence of a pressure shock resulting from the closing of the valve stem (7).