Plug Valve Internal Check Valve Catalyst Erosion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing plug valves used in fluid catalytic methods suffer from catalyst particle infiltration due to turbulent airflow, leading to abnormal wear from catalyst erosion.

Innovation Solution

A valve device with a plug closure member and a check valve system, featuring a stop device with radially projecting vane plates and a check valve with a larger diameter plate that moves between closed and open positions to control lift air flow, reducing catalyst particle ingress by minimizing turbulence and ensuring uniform airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a check valve is used to control air flow exit, then air flow control is improved, but catalyst particle infiltration increases due to turbulent airflow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow controlVSAvoidcatalyst particle infiltration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The check valve plate is segmented into multiple vanes that can move independently or in coordination. This segmentation allows the valve to control airflow in a more gradual and distributed manner, reducing the intensity of turbulence and minimizing catalyst particle infiltration while maintaining effective airflow control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The check valve employs dynamic movement of the plate between open and closed positions responsive to pressure differentials. This dynamic operation allows the valve to adapt to varying flow conditions, opening to allow airflow when pressure differential is favorable and closing to prevent backflow and reduce turbulence-induced particle infiltration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a hollow tube plug valve with internal check valve is used, then air flow control is improved, but abnormal wear occurs due to catalyst erosion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair flow controlVSAvoidvalve durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention converts the harmful turbulent airflow into a beneficial controlled flow pattern. By designing the check valve plate with specific geometry and movement characteristics, the airflow that would normally cause turbulence and erosion is redirected to flow smoothly through defined passages, eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining the airflow control function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The check valve plate acts as an intermediary element between the incoming airflow and the hollow tube plug valve. It mediates the flow by filtering out catalyst particles through its structure and controlling the airflow pattern, thereby protecting the plug valve from direct exposure to erosive catalyst-laden turbulent flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the check valve plate diameter is increased to improve flow control, then airflow regulation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow control precisionVSAvoidvalve structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The check valve plate is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it controls airflow regulation, filters catalyst particles, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality allows a single component to achieve flow control precision without requiring additional separate components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution effectively reduces catalyst particle entry into the valve, minimizing wear and ensuring consistent airflow, thereby extending the valve's operational lifespan and maintaining flow control efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

The check valve can move between an open position, in which air flow can exit the valve device, and a closed position, in which air flow is prevented from exiting the valve device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

air flow past the check valve can be turbulent, thus allowing catalyst particles to infiltrate the hollow tube plug valve during normal operation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTurbulence: Turbulence

Data Source

PatentEP2436958B1Plug valve with an internal check valve
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 TAPCOENPRO LLC
  • EP2436958B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2436958B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2436958B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A valve device (10) is provided for controlling air flow. The valve device (10) includes a plug closure member (50) having an interior chamber (64) and a stop device (120) positioned within the interior chamber (64) of the plug closure member (50). The valve device (10) further includes a check valve (100) having a plate (102) positioned adjacent an inlet opening (66) of the plug closure member (50) and an alignment device (112) attached to the plate (102) and received within a stop opening (122) of the stop device (120). The check valve (100) is movable between a closed position in which the plate (102) limits passage of a lift air through the interior chamber (64) and an open position in which the plate (102) allows passage of the lift air through the interior chamber (64). The stop device (120) engages the check valve (100) in the open position.