Adjustable Multi-Gap Valve Structure for Stable Homogenization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-gap valves are costly, complex, difficult to clean, prone to wear and cracking, and suffer from inconsistent gap heights and pressure peaks, leading to quality issues and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A multi-gap valve design featuring a sleeve and cone structure with angled fluid outlet, adjustable gaps, and a stop element to prevent 'zero gap' situations, using monolithic or joined pieces for reduced complexity and enhanced reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple valve discs are stacked to form multiple gaps for larger volume flows, then the flow rate capacity is improved, but the valve complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple valve discs into a single monolithic body with integrated flow channels. Instead of stacking separate discs to create multiple gaps, the invention creates a unified structure where the monolithic body contains internal passages that form the homogenization gaps, eliminating the need for multiple separate components while maintaining the capability to handle larger volume flows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the flow path within the monolithic body to create multiple distinct gaps or channels. By dividing the internal flow path into separate segments, the valve can process larger volume flows through parallel channels while maintaining a simple external structure without requiring stacked discs.
2Manufacturing precision
If spring elements are provided for centering the valve discs, then the centering accuracy is improved, but the radial installation space and overall valve size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the spring elements entirely from the design. Instead of using springs to center the valve discs, the monolithic structure provides inherent geometric centering through its precisely engineered internal passages and gap formations, eliminating the need for separate centering mechanisms and their associated space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The centering function is merged into the monolithic body structure itself. The internal passages and gap geometries are directly formed within the single piece, providing both structural support and precise gap definition without requiring separate centering components like springs.
3Reliability
If the valve discs are made of hard, wear-resistant, rust-free material, then the durability and wear resistance are improved, but the material procurement and processing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the monolithic body: structural support, flow channel formation, gap definition, and wear resistance. By integrating these functions into a single component made from appropriate materials, the design eliminates the need for multiple specialized materials while achieving the required durability and wear resistance.
4Manufacturing precision
If the gap height is reduced to achieve desired homogenization properties, then the homogenization quality is improved, but the pressure loss and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from controlling homogenization through a single gap dimension to using multiple dimensions: the monolithic body incorporates three-dimensional internal passages and multiple gap regions. This allows optimization of the flow path length, gap distribution, and channel geometry to achieve effective homogenization while managing pressure loss through dimensional optimization rather than simply reducing gap height.
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 design results in a more cost-effective, compact, and reliable valve with precise gap settings, easier cleaning, and reduced risk of malfunction, ensuring consistent product quality and operational stability.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid coming from the inlet presses on a surface of the impact head exerting on it a pressure which tends to widen the gap
Implementation Method 2
The fluid loses pressure by passing through the gap and is simultaneously accelerated, thus allowing fragmentation of the particles in suspension
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2
AI summary
A multi-gap valve (100) comprising: − a fluid inlet (5) and a fluid outlet (6); − a cone (4) having an inner channel (7) developing along an axial direction (AA) and having through openings (9) emerging in the inner 5 channel (7), the inner channel (7) being in fluid communication with the fluid inlet (5); − a sleeve (3) arranged coaxially and external to the cone (4); − a plurality of gaps (14) formed between the cone (4) and the sleeve (3), the sleeve (3) and said cone (4) being axially adjustable relative to one 10 another so as to vary the dimension of the gaps (14); − an annular chamber (8) obtained between the sleeve (3) and an inner surface of the housing (1) and being in fluid communication with the fluid outlet (6); wherein the fluid inlet (5) is axially aligned with the channel (7) and the 15 fluid outlet (6) is misaligned with respect to the axial direction (AA) of said channel (7).