Flow Straightening Seat Ring for Control Valve Turbulence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Top-entry globe valves with non-axial flow paths often experience turbulence, leading to operational inefficiencies and increased costs due to radiated noise and turbulent flow, which existing seat rings fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A seat ring with an annular body and a flow separator featuring separate passageways that segregate fluid flow into multiple paths, disrupting turbulence and promoting uniform flow by being integrated into the valve body's gallery, thereby reducing pressure and force fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a top-entry globe valve with non-axial flow path is used, then ease of maintenance is improved, but turbulence and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple separate passageways within the flow separator, dividing the turbulent single flow path into multiple controlled streams. This segmentation allows the flow to be organized into orderly patterns while maintaining the top-entry globe valve configuration for ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow separator introduces a new spatial dimension within the gallery by placing the flow straightening structure between the inlet and outlet orifices. This additional dimensional element transforms the turbulent non-axial flow into more uniform flow patterns without changing the overall valve topology.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a flow separator with multiple passageways is added, then turbulence is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow separator is merged with the seat ring assembly, combining flow control functions with the existing valve structure. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies installation while achieving flow stabilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow separator serves multiple functions simultaneously: it straightens flow, reduces turbulence, stabilizes pressure, and controls fluid direction. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the flow path is made axial, then turbulence is reduced, but adaptability to different piping configurations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flow separator acts as an intermediary element between the inlet and outlet orifices, mediating the transition from non-axial to more uniform flow. This intermediary structure enables the valve to maintain adaptability to various piping configurations while achieving flow stabilization.
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 solution effectively reduces turbulence and pressure fluctuations, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing downtime by promoting uniform fluid flow and stabilizing the force applied to control elements, allowing for the use of smaller, less expensive actuators.
Implementation Method 1
The flow separator is disposed within at least a portion of the port of the annular body and includes a flow straightening portion defining a plurality of separate passageways. Each of the plurality of separate passageways has a length and a hydraulic diameter wherein the length is larger than the hydraulic diameter to form separate passageways that segregate the flow of fluid through the port into a plurality of separate flow paths to interrupt turbulence in the gallery.
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat ring (20) for a control valve (10) has a valve body (12) defining an inlet (22), an outlet (26), and a gallery (30). The seat ring includes an annular body (44) and a flow separator (46). The annular body is adapted to be disposed in the gallery of the valve body and includes an interior sidewall (54) defining a port (56)for accommodating fluid flow through the gallery. The flow separator is disposed within the port and includes a flow straightening portion (80) defining a plurality of separate passageways (86). Each of the plurality of separate passageways has a hydraulic diameter (Dh) and a length (L) that is larger than the hydraulic diameter. As such, the passageways separate the flow of fluid through the port into a plurality of separate flow paths (78) to interrupt turbulence adjacent to the port.