Isolatable Non-Slam Piston Check Valve for Double Block and Bleed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Industrial piping systems require multiple standardized valve spaces for check and block valves, leading to inefficiencies in space, weight, and cost, as well as increased fugitive emissions and maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A single valve body with a segment ball valve and a check valve, where the cavity between them serves as a neutral zone for sealing integrity checks and can be injected with inert media, allowing for double block and bleed operations within a standard space, reducing the need for separate valve connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate standardized valve spaces are used to accommodate check valve and block valve, then each valve can be independently installed and replaced, but the piping system requires more space, weight, and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a check valve and a block valve into a single integrated valve assembly that occupies only one standardized valve space in the piping system. The check valve and block valve are positioned at different axial locations within the same valve body, allowing both functions to coexist in a single standardized space, thereby eliminating the need for two separate valve spaces while maintaining independent operability and replaceability of each valve component.
2Reliability
If two separate valves are used for double block and bleed operation, then sealing integrity can be verified, but the system requires more connections and space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates both block valve and check valve into a single valve assembly with a shared valve body, reducing the number of separate connections required in the piping system. The merged design maintains the double block and bleed functionality by positioning both valves such that they can independently seal, allowing verification of sealing integrity through the cavity between them while requiring fewer external connections.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a larger valve assembly is connected between standardized flanges, then both valve functions are achieved, but the standardized spacing is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the check valve and block valve at different axial locations within the same valve body, effectively nesting multiple valve functions within a single standardized valve space. This nested arrangement allows both check valve and block valve functionalities to be achieved while the entire assembly fits within the standardized face-to-face dimension of a single valve, maintaining compatibility with standardized flange spacing.
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 configuration minimizes space, weight, and costs by integrating both valves into one standard space, reducing fugitive emissions and maintenance, while ensuring safe fluid segregation during hot work operations.
Implementation Method 1
a check valve is located within the central passage downstream from the segment ball valve, the check valve being biased to prevent the fluid from traveling upstream through the central passage
Implementation Method 2
this cavity can be injected with a neural media, such as nitrogen or other known inert gas or liquid, to provide neutral blanket against a flow of flammable fluid coming from the upstream direction
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve assembly (10) includes a valve body (18) with a central passage (22), an upstream end (16a) for receiving a fluid, and a downstream end (16b) for discharging the fluid. A segment ball valve (28) rotates between a valve open position to allow the fluid to flow through the central passage, and a valve closed position to prevent the fluid from flowing through the central passage. A check valve (30) located within the central passage downstream from the segment ball valve is biased to prevent the fluid from traveling upstream through the central passage, and to allow the fluid to travel downstream past the check valve. A locking mechanism (56) secures the check valve in a locked position to prevent the fluid from flowing past the check valve. A sealable cavity is located between the segment ball valve and the check valve, to contain a neutral media to achieve a double block and bleed feature.