Gate Valve Sensing Bore and Vein Corrosion Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate valves face challenges in sensing fluid flow characteristics and preventing corrosion, particularly in aqueous environments, due to the difficulty in accessing and protecting the sensing bore from corrosion, which can lead to degradation and affect fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a sensing bore defined in the stem of a gate valve, which allows for non-intrusive sensing of fluid aspects and includes a vein that extends into the sensing bore to prevent corrosion, enabling the placement of sensors for pressure and other fluid properties without increasing the lay length of the body and reducing the risk of damage during assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensing bore is added to the gate valve for fluid sensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing bore is integrated directly into the stem of the gate valve, merging the sensing function with an existing structural component. This eliminates the need for separate sensing ports or additional valve components, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing increases in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The stem of the gate valve serves dual functions: it operates as the mechanical actuating component for the gate and simultaneously houses the sensing bore for fluid property measurement. This multi-functionality allows the valve to perform both flow control and fluid characterization without requiring separate dedicated structures
2Measurement precision
If the sensing bore is accessible for sensor placement, then measurement precision is improved, but the sensing bore is more susceptible to corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
A vein is introduced as an intermediary component that extends into the sensing bore and provides corrosion protection. The vein acts as a barrier between the corrosive fluid environment and the sensing bore, allowing sensor placement and fluid measurement while preventing direct corrosive attack on the bore structure
Solution Approach 2:
The vein is pre-installed in the sensing bore before final assembly, providing beforehand protection against corrosion. This preliminary protective measure ensures that the sensing bore is already shielded when the valve is put into service, preventing corrosion damage before it can occur
3Productivity
If the gate valve is made compact, then productivity is improved, but the lay length of the body increases with sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing bore is combined with the existing stem structure rather than being added as a separate external component. This integration allows the sensing function to be incorporated without increasing the overall lay length of the valve body, maintaining compact dimensions for efficient installation while enabling fluid sensing capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A gate valve includes a body, a stem, and a sensing bore. A subassembly includes a body, the body defining a sensing bore; and at least one of a vein and a plug in the sensing bore. A method of sensing an aspect of a water control system includes gaining access to the water control system through an access bore in a gate valve; at least temporarily removing water for testing from the access bore; and sensing an aspect of the removed water.