Orifice Check Valve for Controlled Backflow Pressure Equalization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional check valves either permanently restrict fluid flow or fail to manage pressure differentials, leading to potential damage from pressure drops or spikes in electrochemical devices like electrolysers.

Innovation Solution

A check valve with a restricted channel and additional channels for controlled backflow and pressure equalization, featuring a movable valve member with a sealing mechanism and calibrated channels to manage fluid flow and pressure differentials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional check valve is used to prevent backflow, then flow in one direction is entirely blocked, but pressure differentials cannot be equalised leading to potential device damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against pressure shocksVSAvoidpressure drops and spikes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member incorporates a restricted channel that allows controlled backflow through a limited pathway while the rest of the valve remains sealed. This local quality differentiation enables selective pressure equalisation without compromising overall flow control, protecting the device from pressure shocks while allowing gradual pressure differential equalisation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of completely blocking backflow, the valve permits a restricted amount of backflow through the calibrated channel. This partial action allows sufficient pressure equalisation to prevent damage from pressure drops and spikes, while restricting the flow enough to maintain protective function. The restricted channel provides just enough backflow to equalise pressure differentials without excessive flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Reliability

If an orifice plate is used to restrict flow, then flow parameters are fixed based on orifice dimension, but flowrate cannot be varied during normal operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled backflow for pressure equalisationVSAvoidvariable flow rates

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The valve member is designed to move dynamically between open and closed positions based on pressure differential conditions. During normal operation, the valve member remains in the open position allowing full flow. When pressure differentials exceed thresholds, the valve member transitions to a closed position with only the restricted channel open, enabling controlled backflow. This dynamic behavior provides adaptability across different operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The valve member serves multiple functions: it acts as a full-flow open valve during normal operation, transitions to a restricted channel configuration for pressure equalisation during pressure drops, and provides shock protection during pressure spikes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate orifice plates and check valves, providing variable flow control and pressure management in a single device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Protects electrochemical devices from pressure shocks and drops by allowing controlled backflow and equalization, ensuring safe operation and preventing damage.

Implementation Method 1

at least one restricted channel through the valve member, wherein, in the closed position, the at least one restricted channel is arranged to allow a restricted backflow of fluid through the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential equalisation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the sealing means is arranged to prevent fluid flow from an inlet of the valve housing through or around the valve member when the valve member is in the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSealing:

Data Source

PatentUS20250389338A1Orifice check valve

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 ENAPTER SRL

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a check valve (1) comprising: a valve housing (10); a valve member (11) within the housing, the valve member being movable between an open position and a closed position; and at least one restricted channel (14) through the valve member, wherein, in the closed position, the at least one restricted channel is arranged to allow a restricted backflow of fluid through the valve. The present disclosure also relates to a system comprising: an electrochemical device and the check valve, wherein the check valve is connected to an outlet pipeline of the electrochemical device.