Integrated Equalization Valve for High Pressure Differential Operation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piping systems face challenges with flow valves, such as gate valves, when large pressure differentials are present, leading to difficulty in operation and potential damage, and the separate operation of equalization valves adds complexity and vulnerability during transportation and operation.
Innovation Solution
An integrated equalization valve with a flow valve, featuring a gate with equalization channels and an actuation stem that moves between positions to block or unblock the equalization pathway, allowing for pressure equalization and valve operation, is designed to address these issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external equalization valve is provided, then pressure equalization can be achieved, but the equalization valve becomes vulnerable to damage during transportation and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The equalization valve is integrated into the flow valve body, combining two previously separate components into one unified structure. The equalization valve shares the same robust housing and mounting infrastructure as the flow valve, eliminating the vulnerability of separate external equalization valves while maintaining pressure equalization functionality through internally configured equalization ports and channels.
2Reliability
If separate operation of equalization valve and flow valve is implemented, then pressure equalization can be performed, but the operation process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism merges the operation of both valves into a single action. The flow valve and equalization valve share a common actuator or are mechanically linked such that opening or closing the flow valve automatically triggers the corresponding equalization valve action, eliminating the need for separate manual operation and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The equalization valve is pre-configured to automatically activate before the flow valve during the opening sequence. Pressure equalization occurs automatically as a preliminary step when the flow valve begins to open, eliminating the need for manual pre-equalization operations and streamlining the overall process.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If integrated equalization valve is provided, then the equalization valve is protected from damage, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the equalization valve into the flow valve body, the patent eliminates the need for a separate external equalization valve and its associated mounting hardware. The integrated design uses the flow valve's existing robust structure for protection, while internal channels and ports provide the equalization function, actually reducing overall component count and complexity despite the integrated nature.
Data Source
AI summary
An equalization valve includes a valve body defining a gate slot; a gate defining an equalization chamber, a first equalization channel, and a second equalization channel, the equalization chamber and the first and second equalization channels defining an equalization pathway across the gate; and an actuation stem slidable within the equalization chamber between a first chamber position, wherein the actuation stem blocks the equalization pathway, and a second chamber position, wherein the actuation stem unblocks the equalization pathway; wherein the actuation stem is further slidable within the gate slot of the valve body between a first valve position, wherein the gate is seated with the valve body, and a second valve position, wherein the gate is unseated from the valve body.