Mixproof Valve Nozzle Design for Dual-Spray Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning systems for valve seats and interior surfaces in mixproof valves are inefficient and often leave areas unclean, requiring manual intervention and excessive cleaning liquid, which compromises hygiene and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A cleaning system with nozzle means that creates two distinct spray patterns to effectively clean interior surfaces and valve seats, utilizing a pressurized cleaning agent directed through strategically positioned apertures and undercut means to ensure thorough and hygienic cleaning, with the ability to change nozzle configurations for varying cleaning needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual cleaning is used to clean valve parts, then some areas can be cleaned as effectively as possible, but other areas remain in a somewhat unclean state
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system divides the cleaning function into multiple nozzles positioned at different locations within the valve body. Each nozzle targets specific areas (valve seats, interior surfaces, stems) to ensure complete coverage without missing any zones, thereby achieving both effectiveness and hygiene reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system is integrated into the valve structure itself, with nozzles positioned to clean the valve components automatically during operation. The valve cleans itself without requiring external manual intervention, ensuring consistent hygiene standards across all surfaces
2Loss of substance
If cleaning is carried out with a partly open valve seat to minimize cleaning liquid usage, then liquid consumption is reduced, but the cleaning coverage and effectiveness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs multiple nozzles with different spray patterns (full cone, half cone, flat fan) positioned to target specific local areas. This allows concentrated cleaning action on critical surfaces using minimal liquid, rather than requiring the entire valve seat to be open for general flooding
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning system adapts its spray patterns dynamically based on valve position and cleaning requirements. Different nozzle configurations are activated as needed, allowing the system to maintain effective cleaning coverage while optimizing liquid usage according to actual cleaning needs
3Reliability
If automated cleaning systems are implemented to improve hygiene, then cleaning consistency is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is merged with the existing valve structure, with nozzles integrated into the valve body and stems. This combination eliminates the need for separate external cleaning equipment, maintaining hygiene consistency through automation while minimizing additional system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve components (stems, seats, body) serve dual functions: they perform the primary valve operation and simultaneously act as the cleaning system structure. The nozzles utilize existing valve geometry for positioning, making the cleaning system universal to the valve design without adding significant complexity
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 system enables fast, reliable, and hygienic cleaning of valve surfaces and seats, minimizing liquid usage and ensuring thorough coverage, thus improving cleaning efficiency and hygiene.
Implementation Method 1
nozzle means for creating two different spray patterns
Implementation Method 2
connected to a supply of pressurized cleaning agent
Data Source
AI summary
A cleaning system for cleaning one or more valve seats in a valve and for cleaning one or more interior surfaces of said valve with a cleaning agent, where said cleaning system are preferably arranged in a mixproof valve (1) consisting of at least a valve body (2), one or more valve seats (5, 9), a first valve plug (4) with a first stem (6) and a second valve plug (8) with a second stem (10), the second valve plug having a central hollow part (11) for guiding the first stem. Said cleaning system has nozzle means (17) for creating two different spray patterns, said nozzle means being arranged between and/or on the first stem and the hollow central part of the second valve plug, where a first spray pattern is primarily used for cleaning the interior surfaces of said valve and where a second spray pattern is primarily used for cleaning one or more of said valve seats, while the valve is open between a product area (14) and a drain area (15).