Integrated Expansion Tank Valve for Reversible Liquid Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reversible liquid circulation in industrial circuits are complex, costly, and unreliable due to the need for multiple valves and precise control, leading to issues with pressure distribution and cavitation when reversing fluid direction.
Innovation Solution
A system with a control valve and a permanently connected expansion tank that maintains communication with the circuit, independent of the valve's position, reducing the need for additional valves and simplifying control, while ensuring a minimum pressure is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple valves and precise control systems are used to manage reversible circulation, then the circuit can maintain pressure distribution, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the expansion tank with the valve body into a single integrated component. The expansion tank is formed within the valve body structure, eliminating the need for separate expansion tank components and their associated valves. This merging reduces the number of parts while maintaining the ability to control pressure distribution during reversible circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions: it acts as both the valve structure for flow control and as the expansion tank for pressure compensation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated expansion tank components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability in pressure management during direction reversal.
2Reliability
If additional valves are installed to manage reversible circulation, then pressure control is improved, but the pressure loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the expansion tank within the valve body, the invention eliminates additional valve components that would otherwise be required. This reduction in the number of valves directly decreases the cumulative pressure losses associated with multiple valve operations during reversible circulation.
3Reliability
If precise control systems are implemented to manage direction reversal, then operational reliability is improved, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the expansion tank into the valve body eliminates the need for separate control systems for the expansion tank. This merging reduces control system complexity and associated costs while maintaining operational reliability through the unified design.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the expansion tank is disconnected during direction reversal, then cavitation is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By forming the expansion tank within the valve body, the invention ensures that the expansion tank remains connected to the circuit during direction reversal through the integrated structure. The valve mechanism inherently manages the connection without requiring additional valves or complex control systems, thus preventing cavitation while maintaining simplicity.
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
This solution enhances the reliability and operational range of reversible circuits by reducing complexity, minimizing pressure loss, and preventing cavitation, thus improving the overall efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the system.
Implementation Method 1
The expansion tank (100) is configured to compensate for variations in volume and/or pressure of the liquid in the circuit
Implementation Method 2
comprises a gas, preferably a pressurizing gas (103), configured to compensate at least in part for variations in volume and/or pressure of the liquid in the circuit so as to maintain in the circuit a pressure greater than or equal to a desired minimum pressure
Implementation Method 3
a control valve comprising at least one inlet and one outlet, each intended to be connected to a branch of the circuit and comprising a movable shutter whose position makes it possible to regulate the flow rate of the liquid flow through the valve
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for regulating a liquid flowing in a circuit (10) able to reverse the flow direction, the system comprising: - a regulating valve (200) comprising at least one inlet and one outlet and comprising a movable covering flap, the position of which makes it possible to adjust the flow rate of the liquid through the valve (200), - an expansion reservoir (100) in communication with the liquid flowing in the circuit (1) and intended to contain liquid and a compensating gas, - the expansion reservoir (100) is connected to the circuit (1) by means of the valve (200) and such that the expansion reservoir (100) communicates with at least one from among the inlet and the outlet of the valve (200) irrespective of the position of the covering flap, the position of the covering flap being independent of the pressure of the fluid in the expansion reservoir (100). The invention also relates to a circuit incorporating this system as well as a use of said system.