Multiport Vertical Axial Valve for Simulated Moving Bed Processes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current multiport rotary disc valves require multiple units to handle increased capacities in simulated-moving-bed processes, leading to inefficiencies and higher costs due to the need for simultaneous actuation of numerous separate valves.

Innovation Solution

A unitary multiport vertical axial valve design featuring a stator and rotor with non-circular, vertically expanded ports arranged in a circumferential pattern, enabling simultaneous interconnection of conduits in a predetermined sequential cycle, with fluid-tight contact and channel means for continuous communication between ports.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple separate valves are used to handle increased capacities in simulated-moving-bed processes, then the ability to distribute multiple fluid streams is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase due to the need for numerous separate valves that must be simultaneously actuated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapacity to distribute fluid streamsVSAvoidnumber of valves required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate valve functions into a single multiport rotary valve assembly. The rotor contains multiple ports that can simultaneously connect different process streams (feed, extract, raffinate, flush) to appropriate beds, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves while maintaining the ability to distribute all fluid streams in the simulated-moving-bed process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary valve assembly performs multiple functions within a single device: it distributes feed streams to adsorption beds, collects extract streams from beds, manages raffinate streams, and facilitates flush operations. This multi-functionality allows one valve assembly to replace what would traditionally require several separate valves, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If multiple separate valves are used to handle increased capacities, then the flow distribution capability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for simultaneous actuation of numerous separate valves

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow distribution capabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple valve functions into a single rotary assembly with a common actuation mechanism, the system allows all port connections to be controlled simultaneously through one operation. The rotor rotates to align multiple ports with corresponding stator ports at once, eliminating the need to manually actuate numerous separate valves in sequence or simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rotary valve operates through periodic rotation, cycling through different connection configurations in a predetermined sequence. This periodic action automatically manages the complex timing requirements of simultaneous stream interconnections, simplifying operation compared to manually coordinating multiple separate valve actuations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Ease of operation

If a single multiport valve is used to simultaneously transfer all fluid streams, then the ease of operation is improved, but the productivity may be limited by the capacity of a single valve unit

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidvalve capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent expands the valve capacity by adding dimensional complexity to the port configuration. The rotor and stator contain multiple ports arranged in different dimensions and orientations, allowing the single valve to handle increased numbers of fluid streams and larger capacities while maintaining ease of operation through unified actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If numerous separate valves are used, then the adaptability to different process requirements is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocess configuration flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of valve units

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multiport rotary valve provides universal adaptability to different simulated-moving-bed process configurations through its multiple ports that can be configured for various stream connections. The same basic valve structure can accommodate different numbers of beds, different stream requirements (feed, extract, raffinate, flush), and different process schemes, eliminating the need for multiple specialized valve units

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS7870870B2Multiport vertical axial valve with sealing rotor

Publication Date: 2011.01.18 UOP LLC

AI summary

This invention discloses an axial multiport rotary valve capable of accomplishing the simultaneous interconnection of a plurality of conduits in accordance with a previously determined cycle, where any conduit communicates with no more than one other conduit at any one cycle step, or valve index position. The rotary valve comprises a hollow stator element and a rotor element inside the hollow interior of the stator element which rotates with a substantially vertical axis of rotation within the stator element, the surfaces of both elements being in the form essentially of a frustum of an inverted cone. Bed-line ports in the stator and rotor have a non-circular shape with a greater dimension in the vertical plane for higher capacities than provided in the known art.