Integrated Fluid Regulator Drain Valve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control systems face challenges in efficiently removing fluid from fluid valves during maintenance, leading to increased complexity and cost due to the need for additional components and longer piping runs, which complicates maintenance and occupies valuable space.
Innovation Solution
Integration of fluid removal or drain valves with fluid regulators, allowing for complete drainage of process fluid while maintaining the same face-to-face dimensions, thereby reducing the need for additional components and shortening piping runs by eliminating spool pieces and enabling both regulating and draining functionalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate drain valves and spool pieces are used for fluid removal, then fluid drainage functionality is achieved, but device complexity and piping length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the drain valve functionality directly into the regulator body by creating an integrated valve assembly. The drain valve is positioned within the regulator housing and shares the same body structure, eliminating the need for separate spool pieces and external drain valve components. This merging reduces the overall number of components while maintaining complete fluid drainage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The regulator body is designed to serve multiple functions: primary fluid regulation and complete drainage. By incorporating the drain valve within the regulator housing and positioning it to access all fluid cavities, the device achieves multi-functionality without requiring additional specialized components for drainage operations.
2Ease of operation
If separate drain valves and spool pieces are used for fluid removal, then fluid drainage functionality is achieved, but installation space and piping runs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The drain valve is integrated within the regulator body housing, eliminating the need for external spool pieces and reducing piping run length. The compact integration allows the drainage function to be achieved within the existing regulator footprint without extending piping runs to remote drain locations.
3Device complexity
If integrated drain valve is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated valve assembly is designed as a modular component that can be manufactured and tested separately before final integration into the regulator body. This segmentation approach allows for precise manufacturing of the valve portion independently, then assembly into the regulator housing, maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving component reduction.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for removing fluid from fluid valves are described. An example apparatus for controlling fluid flow includes a fluid regulator (302) having a body (306) defining an inlet port (308), an outlet port (310) and an aperture (312) therebetween. The body (306) further defining a bore (318) fluidly coupled to a valve (304) and at least one of the outlet port (310) or the inllet port. The valve is to enable fluid contained within the body to be removed therefrom.