Multi-Port Control Valve Piston for Water Treatment Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements for controlling liquid flow to multiple paths are complex, especially when different flow sequences and paths are required for various process steps, and they often necessitate separate valves and piping for functions like chemical removal and resin regeneration in water treatment systems.
Innovation Solution
A control valve with a movable piston and annular flow cavities that allows selective fluid communication between multiple ports, enabling the valve to direct liquid flow through different paths, integrate functions like chemical removal and resin regeneration, and eliminate the need for separate valves and piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves and piping are used to control liquid flow to multiple paths and perform different process steps, then the system can achieve the required flow control functionality, but the device complexity and piping requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with a piston element that can selectively direct fluid flow through different annular passages. The piston with its multiple annular cavities integrates the functionality of what would traditionally require separate valves and piping, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability for multiple process steps including chemical removal and resin regeneration
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is designed as a universal multi-functional device where a single valve body with a movable piston can perform multiple functions: directing flow to different paths, enabling chemical removal processes, and facilitating resin regeneration. The piston's ability to position multiple annular cavities in fluid communication with different ports allows one valve to replace multiple specialized valves
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve (10) includes a valve body with a plurality of ports (A, B, C, D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow passages (53, 55,57). A piston (34) which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore (32) within the valve body through operation of a valve controller (70). The valve controller is selectively operative to control the position of the piston so as to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. A pump controller is operative to selectively control operation of a water well pump that supplies water to the control valve.