Passive Flap Valve for Selective Gas Extraction From Mixed Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for separating gas from a mixed flow of liquid and gas are complex due to the use of actively controlled devices and centrifugal devices, which are not suitable for external flows and increase system complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A passively actuated valve system with a pivotable flap valve, where the pivot axis is offset from the central axis and mass is unevenly distributed, allowing the valve to open during gas flow and close during liquid flow, utilizing internal vacuum and hydrodynamic forces to selectively extract gas without liquid entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If actively controlled devices and sensors are used to separate gas from liquid, then gas extraction capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is designed to automatically open during gas flow and close during liquid flow without external control signals. The asymmetric mass distribution and offset pivot axis create a self-sensing mechanism that responds directly to the dynamic forces generated by different fluid types, eliminating the need for sensors and active control systems while maintaining effective gas extraction
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic control systems (sensors, actuators, control logic) with a purely mechanical passive valve mechanism. The valve uses hydrodynamic forces and gravitational torque to automatically regulate flow based on fluid type, substituting mechanical intelligence for electronic complexity
2Productivity
If centrifugal devices are used to separate gas from liquid, then separation efficiency is improved, but device complexity and suitability for external flows worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential separation function from complex centrifugal devices and implements it through a simple passive valve mechanism. By removing unnecessary components and retaining only the critical flow-regulating function, the system achieves effective gas-liquid separation without the complexity of centrifugal mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The valve automatically adapts to different flow conditions (gas vs. liquid) through its asymmetric design, which responds to the dynamic forces generated by each fluid type. This self-regulating mechanism provides separation efficiency comparable to centrifugal devices but with far simpler construction and better suitability for external flows
3Ease of manufacture
If a standard symmetric valve is used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the valve cannot selectively respond to gas vs. liquid flow
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates asymmetric mass distribution with a higher mass on the shorter side of the pivot axis. This asymmetry creates different torque characteristics that allow the valve to respond differently to gas flow versus liquid flow, enabling selective opening during gas flow and closing during liquid flow while remaining manufacturable as a single-piece casting or welded structure
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
The valve system reduces system complexity and cost while maintaining precision, effectively extracting gas from mixed flows by using self-sensing and passively actuated mechanisms, eliminating the need for active control and centrifugal devices.
Implementation Method 1
The location of the center of gravity of the valve relative to the offset pivot point ensures that the valve remains closed during flow of liquid over the valve
Implementation Method 2
The internal side of the valve facing the bore is subjected to a vacuum
Implementation Method 3
in the presence of the internal vacuum, the unequal mass distribution about the offset pivot axis allows the flap of the valve to tilt in one direction
Implementation Method 4
As liquid flows over the valve in a certain direction, the hydrodynamic forces of the flowing liquid can force the valve to remain in a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A system for gas extraction is provided with a flap valve coupled to a bore with a pivot axis offset from an axis of the bore. The valve includes a higher mass on a shorter side of the pivot axis. A valve surface on the shorter side is inclined above a horizontal plane when the valve closes. The valve opens during liquid and gas flow to extract gas from the flow. As liquid flows over the valve, the valve is forced to close. The center of gravity of the valve relative to the offset pivot point ensures that the valve remains closed during liquid flow. As gas flows over the valve, closing forces are reduced and under internal vacuum, the mass distribution about the offset pivot axis allows the flap of the valve to tilt; opening the valve and allowing gas to enter the bore.