Flow Control Valve Layout for Lower Differential Pressure Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing flow control valves experience an increase in differential pressure force due to fluid pressure imbalances, which affects the valve member's operation, particularly when the pressure equalizing hole is positioned opposite the inflow port, leading to increased force exertion on the valve member.
Innovation Solution
The flow control valve design includes a pressure equalizing hole positioned off-center from the inflow port, connected to the outside of the base member, reducing fluid pressure in the back pressure chamber and minimizing the differential pressure force applied to the valve member. This configuration ensures the pressure equalizing hole is not in an area with high fluid pressure, thereby reducing the force exerted by differential pressure effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the pressure equalizing hole is positioned on the center line opposite the inflow port, then the structure is simple and symmetric, but the fluid pressure in the back pressure chamber increases leading to increased differential pressure force on the valve member
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalizing hole is positioned asymmetrically relative to the inflow port, specifically at a location that is not on the center line opposite the inflow port. This asymmetric positioning prevents the formation of high fluid pressure zones in the back pressure chamber, thereby reducing the differential pressure force acting on the valve member while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
2Force
If the pressure equalizing hole is positioned to avoid high fluid pressure areas, then the differential pressure force is reduced, but the positioning becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure equalizing hole is positioned at a specific location in the base member where the local fluid pressure characteristics are favorable. By selecting a position that avoids high pressure zones created by fluid flow patterns, the design achieves effective pressure equalization with manageable positioning requirements.
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 off-center positioning of the pressure equalizing hole effectively reduces the differential pressure force applied to the valve member, enhancing the valve's operational efficiency and stability by minimizing fluid pressure increases in the back pressure chamber, even at varying valve opening degrees.
Implementation Method 1
the flow channel (16) that is continuous with the valve port (15) is connected to an outside of the base member (10) through at least one pressure equalizing hole (17)... reduces the difference (i.e. force exerted by differential pressure) between the fluid pressure applied to the valve member (6) from a side nearer to the valve port (15) and the fluid pressure applied to the valve member (6) from a side nearer to the back pressure chamber (23)
Data Source
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AI summary
[Object] To provide a flow control valve in which the force exerted by the differential pressure to be applied to a valve member is reduced effectively. [Solution] A flow control valve 1 includes a bottomed cylindrical base member 10 having a valve chamber 13, and a valve member 6 placed in such a manner as to face a valve port 15 formed in a bottom wall portion 12 of the base member 10. A back pressure chamber 23 separated from the valve chamber 13 is formed outside the base member 10. The base member 10 includes a base body 11 having an inflow port 19 that is open on a valve chamber 13. The bottom wall portion 12 of the base member 10 has a flow channel 16 that is continuous with the valve port 15, and a pressure equalizing hole 17 through which the flow channel 16 is connected to the outside of the base member 10. When viewed in a facing direction in which the valve member 6 and the valve port 15 face each other, the pressure equalizing hole 17 is shifted from a position that is on a center line M of the inflow port 19 and that is opposite the inflow port 19.