Piston Valve with Annular Passages for Flow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve arrangements for controlling liquid flow in multiple flow 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 liquid shutoff and bypass.
Innovation Solution
A control valve with a movable piston and annular flow cavities that allows selective direction of liquid flow through multiple paths, incorporating a valve controller for operation with process equipment, enabling integration of liquid shutoff and bypass functions without separate valves and piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate valves and piping are used for liquid shutoff and bypass functions, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (shutoff, bypass, and flow direction control) into a single integrated valve assembly. The piston element simultaneously controls multiple flow paths through its position within a single valve body, eliminating the need for separate shutoff and bypass valves while maintaining all required functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single valve assembly performs multiple functions: it directs liquid flow through different paths, provides shutoff capability, and enables bypass flow. The piston element can be positioned to achieve various flow configurations, making one component universal for tasks that previously required multiple specialized valves.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate valves are used for different flow paths, then flow control precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow control functions are merged into a single valve body with a piston element that simultaneously manages multiple flow paths. The piston's position relative to annular passages and ports enables precise control of different flow sequences without requiring operation of multiple separate valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston element dynamically positions itself within the valve body to control flow paths. By moving the piston to different positions, the system can switch between various flow configurations (normal flow, bypass, shutoff) using a single dynamic component rather than multiple static valves.
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 an installable and removable valve controller housing (74) which is releasably 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.