Piston Valve Annular Passages Water Treatment Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements for controlling liquid flow are complex when multiple flow paths and sequences are required, especially in water treatment systems, and they often necessitate separate valves and piping for functions like chemical removal and resin regeneration.
Innovation Solution
A control valve with a movable piston and annular flow passages that allows selective direction of liquid flow through multiple paths, incorporating a valve controller for operation with water treatment systems, enabling functions like chemical removal and resin regeneration without separate valves or piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate valves and piping are used for different flow paths, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions into a single integrated valve body with a piston that can selectively direct liquid flow through different annular passages. This merging approach maintains system reliability by providing dedicated flow paths while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need for multiple separate valves and piping connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed as a multi-functional component that can handle multiple flow paths and process steps through a single device. The piston mechanism enables the same valve body to perform different functions (directing flow to different paths, mixing, bypassing) by changing the position of the piston, thereby reducing the need for multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate valves are used for different process steps, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple valve functions required for different process steps are merged into a single valve assembly. The piston can be positioned at different locations to achieve various flow paths and process functions, allowing the operator to control multiple processes through one device rather than coordinating multiple separate valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body is designed to be universally applicable to multiple process steps through its multi-functional piston mechanism. A single valve can adapt to different operational requirements (different flow paths, mixing operations, bypass functions) by repositioning the piston, simplifying operation while maintaining adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate valves and piping are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple valve functions into a single manufactured component - the valve body with integrated annular passages and piston. This approach maintains manufacturing precision by ensuring proper alignment and sealing surfaces are built into the monolithic structure, while reducing device complexity by eliminating the need to assemble and align multiple separate valves and piping components.
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 arrangement simplifies the management of liquid flow in water treatment systems by enabling selective direction of liquid through multiple paths, integrating functions like chemical removal and resin regeneration, and allowing for easy maintenance and operation.
Implementation Method 1
A piston is movably positionable longitudinally within the cylinder bore. Selectively positioning the piston longitudinally in the bore through operation of a valve controller causes the different ports of the valve to be placed in fluid communication.
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.