Fluid Control Valve Actuation Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Plug valves require high actuation forces due to fluid pressure, which reduces their dynamic response, making them less suitable for high-performance applications like turbine fuel metering.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control valve design with a metering plug and internal chamber configuration that captures dynamic pressure through a sensing port and flow passageway, counteracting the fluid pressure force with chamber pressure, and optionally featuring a conical body, lip portion, and angled sensing port to reduce actuation forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a plug valve is used to control fluid flow, then the valve can effectively block or allow fluid flow between inlet and outlet, but high actuation force is required due to fluid pressure acting on the end face of the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a pressure equalization chamber that applies counteracting pressure on the end face of the plug valve. This counter-pressure balances the fluid pressure acting on the plug, significantly reducing the net actuation force required to move the valve between open and closed positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatic pressure through the pressure equalization chamber to counterbalance the hydraulic force of the process fluid acting on the plug valve end face. By introducing a pneumatic counter-pressure mechanism, the system reduces the mechanical actuation force required.
2Reliability
If high actuation force is required for the plug valve, then the valve can maintain sealing against high fluid pressure, but the dynamic response of the valve is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By applying counteracting pressure in the pressure equalization chamber, the net force required to move the plug is reduced, enabling faster acceleration and deceleration of the valve plug. This improves the dynamic response while maintaining sealing reliability through the balanced pressure system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic pressure equalization system that responds to changes in fluid pressure and valve position. The pressure equalization chamber dynamically adjusts to maintain force balance during valve movement, enabling faster response times while preserving sealing performance.
3Device complexity
If a conventional plug valve design is used, then the structure is simple, but expensive high-performance actuators are required to achieve fast actuation
Solution Approach 1:
By introducing the pressure equalization chamber with counteracting pressure, the system reduces the actuation force requirement. This enables the use of less expensive, simpler electric actuators while maintaining fast response performance, thereby reducing overall system cost without sacrificing reliability.
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 design reduces actuation forces, enabling the use of inexpensive, fast-acting electric actuators and improving dynamic response, particularly for high-performance applications.
Implementation Method 1
A nose portion is formed at an opposite end of the metering plug. A sensing port is formed at the nose portion. The sensing port is in fluid communication with fluid flow at the outlet.
Implementation Method 2
Pressure in this internal cavity generates a pressure force on a shoulder of the valve that urges the valve in one direction and, therefore, counteracts the force of the fluid acting on the end face of the valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A fluid control valve includes a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet. A metering plug is located within the valve housing, and is configured to move linearly within the valve housing along a valve axis between an open position to allow fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet, and a closed position to block fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet. A reference plane is oriented perpendicular to the valve axis. The metering plug includes a nose portion having a sensing port in fluid communication with fluid flow at the outlet. The sensing port is oriented perpendicular to the valve axis and generally parallel to the reference plane.