Float Box Air Valve Assembly for Easy Seal Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing float boxes require complex disassembly and reassembly processes for replacing the internal seal element, especially in confined spaces like a pump skid housing, due to the need to maintain the vacuum hose connection during replacement.
Innovation Solution
A float box design with an air valve assembly that allows easy replacement of the seal element by inserting a valve body into a valve holder, featuring accessible bolt heads and a seal chamber with an access opening, enabling replacement with limited sight or tactile manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve housing is designed as a multi-part structure with internal seal elements, then the air valve assembly can function properly, but the replacement of the seal element becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into separable parts: the outer valve housing and the inner seal holder assembly. The seal holder can be independently removed from the valve body through the access opening, allowing the seal element to be replaced without disassembling the entire valve housing. This segmentation enables easy maintenance while preserving the functional integrity of the air valve assembly.
2Strength
If the valve housing is bolted to the float housing, then the assembly is secure, but the replacement operation becomes difficult in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The seal holder is extracted as a separate, independently removable component from the valve body. It can be taken out through the access opening without needing to unbolt the entire valve housing from the float housing. This extraction design allows maintenance personnel to replace the seal element even when the float box is integrated into a pump skid housing with limited reachability and sight.
3Reliability
If the seal element is positioned inside the valve housing, then it is protected, but it requires regular disassembly for replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The seal holder is nested within the valve body, and the seal element is nested within the seal holder, creating a hierarchical structure. The seal holder can be independently accessed and removed through the access opening in the valve body, allowing the seal element to be replaced without removing the entire valve housing. This nested design protects the seal element while enabling quick replacement.
Data Source
AI summary
A float box for priming a fluid pump is provided. The float box comprises a floater inside a float chamber, and an air valve assembly that is operated by the floater. The air valve assembly comprises a valve holder that bounds a valve chamber and an insert opening towards the valve chamber, and a valve body that is inserted in the valve chamber. The valve body comprises a valve cover that closes the insert opening, and a seal holder inside the valve chamber. The seal holder has a seal chamber with an access opening where the seal chamber debouches spaced apart from the valve cover. The air valve assembly comprises a seal element with a seal channel inside the seal chamber, and a valve head that is connected with the floater to close off and release the seal channel.