Nested Closing Elements in Double-Seat Valves for Low-Pressure Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double seat valves in food, beverage, medicine, and biotechnology systems face limitations in achieving thorough cleaning, particularly in inaccessible areas during the switching position, and often require low-pressure cleaning liquids which are not effective.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an intermediate space between closing elements, which is opened to create a gap for enhanced cleaning, utilizing a modular adjustment device with actuator modules to lift both closing elements from their seats, allowing a powerful cleaning stream to access previously inaccessible areas, including the use of pistons and pressure media for actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cleaning liquid flows over the exposed valve seat during switching position, then the valve seat and closing element are cleaned, but the cleaning effectiveness is reduced due to low pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is positioned in a preliminary cleaning state where the closing element is lifted from the valve seat before actual cleaning occurs. This preliminary positioning allows cleaning liquid to access the valve seat surface effectively, even at low pressures, by eliminating the sealing contact that would otherwise block cleaning fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process is segmented into distinct phases: first lifting the closing element to expose the valve seat, then allowing cleaning liquid to flow over the exposed surface. This segmentation enables thorough cleaning of previously inaccessible areas without requiring high pressure, as each phase is optimized for its specific function.
2Reliability
If the closing element remains in sealing contact with the valve seat, then the valve maintains its sealing function, but the valve seat becomes inaccessible for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design incorporates dynamic positioning of the closing element, allowing it to transition between sealing contact and lifted positions. During normal operation, the closing element maintains sealing contact for reliable function. During cleaning cycles, it is dynamically repositioned to a lifted state, exposing the valve seat to cleaning liquid flow without requiring disassembly or complex mechanisms.
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
This approach enables thorough cleaning of all valve surfaces, surpassing the hygienic standards of prior art by creating a powerful cleaning flow that effectively cleans the gap and closing elements, even under low-pressure conditions, and allows for modular adaptation and retrofitting.
Implementation Method 1
the assembly is provided with a piston to which a pressure medium can be applied, for example air, and that, under the action of the pressure medium, effects the additional position
Implementation Method 2
Cleaning liquid flows over the exposed valve seat and cleans it and the closing element
Data Source
AI summary
A valve has a housing that delimits an interior, a first connection, a second connection, a passage that fluidically connects the first and second connections, first and second closing elements received in the interior and surrounding an intermediate space connected to a third connection, and an adjustment device that, in a closed position, brings the first closing element into sealing contact with a first valve seat formed in the passage and the second closing element into sealing contact with a second valve seat formed in the passage. The first closing element is sealingly received in the second closing element. For cleaning, the adjustment device forms a gap that connects the intermediate space to the interior, between the first and second closing elements and simultaneously releases the first and second closing elements from the first and second valve seats in an open position. A cleaning method is also described.