Hydraulic Iris Break Check Valve for Water Hammer Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Break check valves in fluid distribution systems, such as those used with hydrants, can cause water hammer and pressure spikes due to rapid closure, leading to potential system failure and infrastructure damage.
Innovation Solution
A break check valve with a hydraulic assembly and iris blades that gradually close to mitigate water hammer, featuring a valve member that rotates from an open to a closed position in response to fluid pressure, and a hydraulic device that modulates fluid flow to control closure speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the break check valve closes rapidly to stop fluid flow during dislocation, then the response time is improved, but water hammer and pressure spikes occur causing system damage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member is designed to rotate dynamically from an open position to a closed position rather than moving linearly. This rotational movement allows the valve to gradually close, reducing water hammer effects while still providing timely response to dislocation events. The hinge coupling enables controlled rotation that balances response speed with pressure management.
Solution Approach 2:
A hydraulic assembly with a fluid passage is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the valve member and the closing action. The fluid passage creates hydraulic resistance that slows and controls the closure speed of the valve member, preventing sudden shutdown that causes water hammer while still achieving flow stoppage within an acceptable time frame.
2Loss of substance
If the break check valve closes quickly to prevent fluid loss, then the fluid flow control is improved, but pressure spikes occur causing component failure
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational closure mechanism allows the valve to transition gradually from fully open to fully closed, preventing abrupt flow cessation that generates pressure spikes. The dynamic rotation enables controlled fluid flow reduction that stops fluid loss without creating excessive pressure that could damage system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic assembly acts as a mediator between the flowing fluid and the valve closure action. By introducing fluid resistance through the fluid passage, the system achieves progressive flow reduction that prevents both fluid loss and pressure spikes, protecting downstream components from damage.
3Productivity
If the valve member rotates to closed position to stop flow, then the flow control function is improved, but water hammer occurs due to rapid closure
Solution Approach 1:
The valve member utilizes rotational movement instead of linear motion to achieve flow control. This rotational mechanism, coupled with the hinge coupling, enables the valve to close gradually while maintaining effective flow control functionality. The dynamic rotation prevents sudden flow cessation that generates water hammer.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid passage in the hydraulic assembly serves as an intermediary that modulates the closure process. It creates hydraulic resistance that slows the rotational movement of the valve member, ensuring that flow control is achieved without generating water hammer from rapid closure.
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
Reduces water hammer and pressure spikes by gradually closing, thereby protecting the system from damage and maintaining fluid flow integrity during dislocation events.
Implementation Method 1
such valves can result in water hammer if they close too quickly
Implementation Method 2
an axis of the fluid passage at the outlet can intersect the at least one valve member
Data Source
AI summary
A break check valve can include one or more rotating members configured to rotate to alter the break check valve from an open position to a closed position upon dislocation of a pipe system fitting, the break check valve being altered from an open position to a closed position when acted upon by fluid within a piping system.