Multi-Port Piston Valve for Water Treatment Flow Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems for controlling liquid flow in water treatment processes are complex and require multiple valves and piping for functions like selective flow direction, mixing, and regeneration, which can be inefficient and require frequent maintenance.
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 a water treatment system, reducing the need for separate valves and piping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate valves and piping are used to control liquid flow direction, mixing, and bypass functions, then functional reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (flow direction control, mixing, bypass, shutoff) into a single integrated valve assembly. The valve body contains multiple ports and internal passages that work together with a piston to accomplish functions that traditionally required separate valves and piping arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously or sequentially: directing liquid flow to different paths, mixing liquids, providing bypass flow, and shutting off flow. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple specialized components.
2Device complexity
If a single integrated valve is used to control multiple flow paths and functions, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a valve body with integrated passages, a piston with sealing surfaces, and a controller. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested separately while maintaining overall system precision through standardized interfaces and assembly procedures.
3Ease of repair
If multiple separate valves are used for flow control functions, then ease of repair is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple functions into one valve assembly, the system reduces the total number of components that need to be installed, commissioned, and maintained. This improves productivity by streamlining operations while the modular design maintains ease of repair through standardized components.
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 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.