Piston Valve Annular Passages Flow Path Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements for controlling liquid flow to multiple paths are complex, especially when different flow sequences and paths are required for various process steps, and they often necessitate separate valves and piping for functions like water treatment and regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A control valve with a movable piston and annular flow cavities that allows selective fluid communication between multiple ports, enabling the valve to direct liquid flow through different paths, integrate functions like water shutoff and bypass, and facilitate resin regeneration in water treatment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves and piping are used to control liquid flow to multiple paths, then each specific flow path can be controlled independently, but the device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with a piston element that has multiple annular cavities. The piston can selectively communicate different ports (inlet, outlet, bypass, drain) through its annular cavities in different positions, eliminating the need for multiple separate valves and reducing piping complexity while maintaining the capability to control multiple flow paths independently
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve body performs multiple functions that would traditionally require separate valves: it can direct flow to the outlet, bypass flow around the treatment tank, shut off flow completely, and drain the tank. The piston element with its multiple annular cavities provides universal control capability for all these different flow paths and process steps through a single device
2Ease of operation
If separate valves are used for water shutoff and bypass functions, then each function can be controlled independently, but the number of components and piping increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body integrates both the shutoff function and bypass function into a single device. The piston element with its annular cavities can selectively connect the inlet port to either the outlet port (normal flow) or the bypass port (bypass flow), and can also close both paths for shutoff. This merging eliminates the need for separate shutoff and bypass valves while maintaining independent control of each function through the piston position
Data Source
AI summary
A control valve (10) includes a valve body with a plurality of ports (A, B, C, D, E, F) and a plurality of annular flow passages (53, 55, 57). A piston (34) which includes a plurality of annular flow passages and a longitudinal flow passage is selectively movable within a bore (32) within the valve body through operation of a valve controller (70). The valve controller is selectively operative to control the position of the piston so as to enable liquid flow through a plurality of flow paths. The valve controller further includes a installable and removable valve controller housing (74) which is releasibly engageable with a valve base (72). The valve may include a changeable piston and changeable injector and plug components to adapt the valve to different flow and fluid mixing requirements.