Parallel Flow Path Valve Trim for Erosion Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control valves face limitations in flow rangeability and erosion resistance, particularly in high-pressure applications, where traditional multi-stage, multi-path designs either increase weight significantly or fail to effectively manage fluid velocities.
Innovation Solution
A control valve design featuring a multi-stage, multi-path trim with flow paths arranged parallel to the valve axis, utilizing an external sleeve plug and annular cage with feed slots and tortuous resistance paths, which provides flexible resistance adjustment and superior erosion resistance by relocating the plug out of high-velocity areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional multi-stage, multi-path designs use concentric cages or stacked disks with flow paths arranged perpendicular to the valve axis, then flow control capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional flow path arrangement by positioning flow paths parallel to the valve axis rather than perpendicular to it. This inversion simplifies the overall structure while maintaining multi-stage, multi-path flow control capability, directly resolving the contradiction between flow control adaptability and structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The valve trim is segmented into multiple independent flow paths (first flow path, second flow path, third flow path) with distinct resistance elements, ligaments, and openings. This segmentation enables sophisticated flow control across different valve positions without requiring complex concentric cage structures, reducing overall device complexity while preserving adaptability
2Measurement precision
If the plug is positioned in high-velocity flow areas for direct flow control, then flow regulation precision is improved, but erosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plug is extracted from the high-velocity flow path and repositioned in a low-velocity area. Flow control precision is maintained through the distributed resistance elements, ligaments, and openings that directly interact with the flow, while the plug itself is protected from erosion by its relocated position
Solution Approach 2:
The resistance elements, ligaments, and openings serve as intermediary flow control mechanisms between the upstream and downstream chambers. These intermediaries provide precise flow regulation without requiring the plug to be positioned in high-velocity areas, thereby protecting the plug from erosion while maintaining control precision
3Reliability
If multiple pressure reduction stages are implemented with extensive trim structures, then erosion resistance is improved, but weight increases quadratically
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional concentric cage structures to a two-dimensional planar arrangement of flow paths within the valve body. This dimensional change allows multiple pressure reduction stages to be implemented with significantly reduced material requirements, achieving erosion resistance without quadratic weight increase
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve trim are assigned different functions: the first flow path with first resistance element handles high-pressure reduction, the second flow path with second resistance element handles intermediate pressure reduction, and the third flow path with third resistance element handles final pressure reduction. This local specialization allows efficient weight distribution across multiple stages
4Adaptability or versatility
If flow paths are arranged perpendicular to the valve axis using concentric cages, then flow rangeability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow paths are inverted from the conventional perpendicular arrangement to a parallel arrangement with the valve axis. This simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for complex concentric cage assemblies and stacked disk structures, while maintaining flow rangeability through the multi-path configuration
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple flow paths and their associated resistance elements are merged into a single integrated valve body structure rather than being separate assembled components. This merging simplifies manufacturing by reducing the number of parts and assembly steps required, while preserving the multi-stage flow control capability
Data Source
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AI summary
A control valve which includes a discrete, multi-stage, multi-path valve trim, located in concentric cylinders, along the outlet axis of the valve, with potential to characterize flow resistance at different opening points. In accordance with the present disclosure, there is provided a control valve having a multi-stage, multi-path trim installed therein. Traditional multi-stage, multipath valves use a series of concentric cages or stacked disks flow elements to control the flow of fluid inside the valve. The cages or stacked disks contain flow paths that are arranged perpendicular to the valve axis. In the control valve of the present invention, the flow paths are arranged parallel to the valve axis. The present control valve includes an external sleeve valve plug which throttles a flow control element comprising an annular, generally cylindrical cage which is disposed within an outer liner or seat ring.