Flow-Splitter Globe Valve for Swirl and Vibration Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Globe valves experience vibrations and noise due to S-shaped flow paths, and are prone to failures from inlet flow instability and swirls, which generate unacceptable forces on the plug.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a flow splitter that divides the fluid inlet into symmetrical ports, reducing swirls and altering the outlet flow path to be nearly rectilinear, thereby minimizing stress and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the valve uses a conventional S-shaped flow path design, then the valve structure is simple and compact, but the fluid flow generates vibrations and noise due to local speed increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is segmented into multiple sections: an inlet section, a intermediate section with flow straighteners, and an outlet section. This segmentation allows the fluid to transition through controlled stages, reducing turbulence and velocity fluctuations that cause vibrations and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow straighteners are introduced as intermediary elements between the inlet and outlet passages. These flow straighteners act as mediators that condition the fluid flow, eliminating swirls and stabilizing the velocity profile before the fluid enters the throttling cage, thereby reducing harmful vibrations and noise.
2Device complexity
If the valve inlet directly communicates with the throttling cage, then the valve structure is simple, but inlet flow instability and swirls generate unacceptable forces on the plug
Solution Approach 1:
The valve structure is divided into distinct functional zones: an inlet passage, an intermediate flow conditioning section with flow straighteners, and an outlet passage leading to the throttling cage. This segmentation isolates the plug from direct exposure to unstable inlet flow conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
Flow straighteners serve as intermediary elements that condition the fluid flow between the inlet passage and the throttling cage. They eliminate swirls and stabilize the flow pattern, protecting the plug from unacceptable forces while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Device complexity
If the outlet flange is positioned underneath the throttling cage, then the valve structure is compact, but the S-shaped flow path causes local speed increase and generates vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The flow path is divided into multiple sections with flow straighteners positioned in the intermediate section. This segmentation allows the fluid to transition through controlled stages, reducing velocity fluctuations and preventing the local speed increase that causes vibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow straighteners are designed to dynamically condition the fluid flow, adapting to varying flow rates while maintaining stable flow patterns. This dynamic flow conditioning prevents the formation of high-speed jets that generate vibrations throughout the valve operation range.
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 flow splitter effectively reduces vibrations and noise, and alleviates the risk of plug failure by stabilizing the flow and reducing the impact of inlet swirls, enhancing the operational reliability of the valve.
Implementation Method 1
The flow splitter preferably extends across the fluid inlet, dividing said fluid inlet in at least two ports in fluid communication with the outer cavity
Implementation Method 2
The plug is closely received in the throttling cage and movable along the longitudinal axis thereof, to selectively cover the flow ports of the throttling cage, thereby restricting flow between the outer cavity and the inner cavity
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The valve (101) comprises a valve body (103) with a fluid inlet (107), a fluid outlet (109), an inner cavity (105) and an outer cavity (141) at least partly surrounding the inner cavity. The outer cavity (141) is in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (107) and with the inner cavity (105) and the inner cavity (105) is in fluid communication with the fluid outlet (109). A flow splitter (143, 145) is provided, forming at least two flow passages (141A, 141B) in the outer cavity (141).