Fixed Cone Sleeve Valve Ribs and Velocity Diffusers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fixed cone sleeve valves face issues with flow restriction due to ribs within the fluid passageway, non-uniform pressure differentials causing material brittleness and fatigue, and significant drag from fluid velocity.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of ribs downstream of the inlet conduit supporting a shut-off member, along with velocity diffusers and a shredder to redistribute flow uniformly, allowing easy debris removal and increased efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If ribs are placed within the fluid passageway to support the shut-off member, then the shut-off member is securely supported, but the fluid passageway is obstructed and flow is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport strengthVSAvoidflow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The ribs are repositioned from the inlet conduit interior to the downstream housing interior, changing their spatial location from within the fluid passageway to outside it. This dimensional relocation allows the ribs to maintain their support function while eliminating their obstructive effect on fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If ribs are used to support the shut-off member, then structural support is provided, but non-uniform pressure differentials cause cold working and material brittleness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidmaterial durability

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The velocity diffusers and velocity shredders are extracted as separate removable components from the fixed rib structure. This allows the flow-conditioning elements to be independently maintained and replaced without affecting the rib support structure, addressing the reliability issue by enabling easy maintenance of components subject to wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve design incorporates movable and adjustable components including the gate mechanism and removable velocity diffusers/shredders. This dynamic design allows for maintenance, adjustment, and replacement of components to prevent fatigue and maintain reliability over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If velocity diffusers and shredders are added to redistribute flow uniformly, then flow uniformity and efficiency are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve efficiencyVSAvoidvalve structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The velocity diffusers and velocity shredders are designed as removable components that can be detached from the ribs for maintenance. This dynamic, modular design allows the complex flow-conditioning elements to be easily accessed, cleaned, or replaced without disassembling the entire valve, thereby managing complexity through maintainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If velocity diffusers are permanently attached to ribs, then flow redistribution is maintained, but debris removal becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow uniformityVSAvoiddebris removal ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The velocity diffusers are designed with removable attachments to the ribs, transforming them from fixed permanent components to dynamically adjustable ones. This allows operators to detach the velocity diffusers when debris accumulation occurs, enabling easy access for cleaning while maintaining flow redistribution functionality during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances flow uniformity, reduces drag, and prevents material fatigue, while maintaining high efficiency and ease of maintenance by allowing detachable velocity diffusers for debris removal.

Implementation Method 1

velocity diffusers and velocity shredders that reduce the problems associated with pressure differentials and redistribute the flow downstream of the inlet conduit in a manner resulting in more uniform flow downstream of the inlet conduit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow redistribution:

Implementation Method 2

The gate typically is linearly movable over the inlet conduit in a telescoping manner and in a manner such that it is able to engage against the shut-off member to prevent fluid from passing through the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical blocking:

Data Source

PatentUS7708024B2Fixed cone sleeve valve having ribs downstream of the gate for supporting the cone and other components of the valve

Publication Date: 2010.05.04 HARTMAN THOMAS A

AI summary

A valve comprises a housing, a conduit, and a shut-off member, and a plurality of ribs. The conduit is fixed in position relative to the housing. The ribs are spaced from the conduit. The shut-off member is fixed in position within a cavity of the housing via the ribs. The gate has a fluid passageway extending therethrough and is movable relative to the shut-off member between opened and closed positions. The gate is able to linearly reciprocate between opened and closed positions along the center axis of the conduit. The gate is engaged with the shut-off member when the gate is in the closed position in a manner preventing fluid from flowing through the fluid passageway of the gate. The opened position of the gate allows fluid to flow through the fluid passageway of the gate.