Lifting Valve Structure for Hygienic CIP and Low Deposit Buildup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices in spray-drying systems face challenges in maintaining high hygienic standards and effective cleaning-in-place (CIP) due to potential deposits from powdered fluids, requiring improved design for reduced contact areas and enhanced cleanability.
Innovation Solution
A compact lifting valve device with a stationary piston and integrated pneumatic drive, featuring a semi-axial seal and annular channel with a choke gap, along with anti-rotation mechanisms and a sensor system, to minimize contact areas and facilitate efficient cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional pneumatic drive with a separate spring assembly is used, then the valve device requires more installation space, but the closing body has a larger contact area with the product which reduces cleanability
Solution Approach 1:
The pneumatic drive components (spring assembly, cylinder) are merged with the closing body to form an integrated unit. The closing body itself serves as the piston, eliminating the need for a separate spring assembly and reducing the overall contact area with the product.
Solution Approach 2:
The cylinder is integrated into the closing body structure, with the piston moving within the closing body itself. This nesting approach minimizes external components and reduces the wetted surface area.
2Reliability
If the closing body is allowed to tilt during movement, then the valve device requires larger spacing between sliding bearings, but this increases the space required by the valve device
Solution Approach 1:
The guide surfaces and sliding bearings are asymmetrically positioned and dimensioned to provide stabilizing forces that prevent tilting. The asymmetric geometry creates natural alignment that restricts rotational movement during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The distance between sliding bearings is optimized to a specific parameter range (approximately one third to one half of the closing body length) that provides sufficient tilting prevention without excessive space requirements.
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
The solution enhances hygienic properties and CIP capability by reducing deposit formation, improving cleanability, and maintaining a compact, cost-effective design, while preventing tilting and rotation, thus ensuring better accuracy and reduced space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a piston (12) to which a pressure medium can be applied and which is received in a cylinder (10)
Implementation Method 2
in which closed position the closing body and the valve seat are in sealing contact
Implementation Method 3
a first sliding bearing and a second sliding bearing are provided that are arranged at opposite ends of the housing part
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device, in particular a lifting valve device, includes a housing, a valve seat, and a movable closing body that can be brought into an open position in an opening movement and into a closed position in a closing movement. In the closed position, the closing body and the valve seat are in sealing contact. The valve device also includes a piston to which a pressure medium can be applied and that is received in a cylinder. To improve hygienic properties, it is proposed that the cylinder is part of the closing body.