Sliding Obturator Eclipse Valve for Serviceable Flow Shutoff
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valve designs fail to effectively perform both flow regulation and flow stoppage, leading to increased complexity, size, weight, and maintenance issues, as well as potential for cavitation and water hammer, and often require removal and replacement of the entire valve assembly for service.
Innovation Solution
The eclipse valve design features two sliding obturator plates with off-center openings that align for open position and eclipse each other for closed position, utilizing a pinion gear and driver element for movement, allowing for efficient flow control with minimal moving parts and in-line serviceability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valve designs use multiple components for flow regulation and stoppage, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines flow regulation and flow stoppage functions into a single valve assembly using two obturator plates that work together. The first obturator plate provides flow regulation while the second obturator plate provides flow stoppage, eliminating the need for separate block and bleed valves. This merging of functions reduces device complexity while maintaining full flow control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve is segmented into two independent obturator plates that can be serviced separately. The first obturator plate and second obturator plate are distinct components that can be accessed and replaced independently through the flow path, allowing for easier maintenance while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valve designs use multiple components for flow regulation and stoppage, then flow control capability is improved, but the valve assembly size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple valves into a single compact assembly. The two obturator plates are positioned within the same valve body and operate in conjunction with each other, eliminating the need for separate block and bleed valves that would increase overall assembly size. This integration reduces the volume occupied by the valve system while maintaining full flow control functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valve designs use multiple components for flow regulation and stoppage, then flow control capability is improved, but expense increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single manufactured unit, reducing the total number of parts that need to be procured, installed, and maintained. The integrated design with two obturator plates eliminates the need for separate block and bleed valves, reducing overall system cost while maintaining full flow control capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional valve designs use multiple components for flow regulation and stoppage, then flow control capability is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges flow regulation and stoppage functions into a single passive mechanical system. Both obturator plates operate through mechanical actuation without requiring additional power consumption for separate control mechanisms. The integrated design reduces the total energy required to operate the valve system while maintaining full flow control capability.
5Reliability
If conventional valve designs use soft seals directly in the flow path, then sealing capability is improved, but wear resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function into two separate obturator plates, each with its own sealing surfaces. The first obturator plate seals against one surface while the second obturator plate seals against another surface. This segmentation distributes wear across multiple surfaces and allows individual plates to be replaced when wear occurs, extending the overall system lifespan while maintaining reliable sealing capability.
6Reliability
If shutter valve uses multiple obturator elements, then flow stop capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow stop capability of multiple shutter elements into a simpler two-plate system. The first obturator plate and second obturator plate work together to provide complete flow stop capability, eliminating the need for three or more separate shutter elements. This merging reduces construction complexity while maintaining the reliability of full flow stop capability.
7Reliability
If shutter valve uses multiple moving parts, then flow stop capability is improved, but ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the valve into two independent obturator plates that can be accessed and serviced separately. Each plate can be removed and replaced independently through the flow path without requiring complete disassembly of the valve assembly. This segmentation greatly improves ease of repair while maintaining the flow stop capability provided by the two-plate system.
8Ease of repair
If choke valve separator is used, then in-line service capability is improved, but flow capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the in-line service capability of the choke valve with the full flow capability of a standard valve design. The two obturator plates are configured to provide complete bore flow when open, eliminating the flow restriction inherent in choke valves.同时, the plates can be serviced independently through the flow path, maintaining in-line service capability while restoring full flow capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An eclipse valve includes at least two reciprocating obturator plates captured in a sealed housing. The obturator plates fill the width of a cavity within the housing and can be moved between aligned and unaligned positions. Each of the obturator plates have an opening through the plate, and when the obturator plates are aligned, the openings through the plates are aligned with each other, and with front and rear openings in the housing, allowing flow through the valve. The plates can be moved to reduce the overlap of the openings through the plates within the housing in an eclipse manner to adjust the rate or amount of flow, and to shut off flow by completely un-aligning the openings.