Plug Valve Expansion Channel for Reversible Liquid Circulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reversible liquid circulation in circuits are complex, costly, and unreliable due to the need for multiple valves and precise control, leading to issues with pressure distribution and potential cavitation, especially in high-temperature applications like sodium coolant reactors.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a plug valve with an expansion channel and a permanently connected expansion tank, allowing for reversible liquid circulation without the need for multiple valves, which simplifies control and reduces pressure loss, ensuring reliable operation across a wide range of flow rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple valves and control devices are used to enable reversible circulation, then the circuit can maintain pressure distribution in both directions, but the device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the expansion tank with the valve body into a single integrated component. The expansion tank is formed within the valve body structure, eliminating the need for separate expansion tank components and their associated control valves. This merging reduces the total number of components while maintaining the ability to handle reversible circulation and pressure regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body serves multiple functions: it acts as both a control valve for flow regulation and as an expansion tank for pressure compensation. This multi-functionality allows the single component to handle both flow control and volume compensation for thermal expansion, reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.
2Reliability
If isolation valves are added to protect the expansion tank from high pressure, then the expansion tank is protected, but the control precision and reliability decrease due to frequent valve operations
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the expansion tank within the valve body, the patent eliminates the need for isolation valves between the expansion tank and the circuit. The expansion tank is permanently connected and cannot be accidentally isolated, removing the control precision issues associated with frequent valve operations while maintaining protection through the valve's inherent pressure regulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve body itself acts as an intermediary structure that provides both flow control and expansion accommodation. The integrated design allows the valve to mediate between the high-pressure circuit and the expansion tank, using the valve's pressure regulation function to protect the expansion tank without requiring separate isolation valves.
3Device complexity
If the expansion tank is permanently connected to the circuit, then the system complexity is reduced, but the pressure distribution may be affected when circulation direction reverses
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the expansion tank within the valve body creates a permanently connected system with minimal components. The valve body structure itself provides the connection pathway, eliminating the need for separate pipes and valves while maintaining proper pressure distribution through the valve's inherent flow control capability that adapts to circulation direction changes.
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 system enhances reliability and reduces complexity by maintaining permanent communication between the expansion tank and the circuit, preventing cavitation and allowing for efficient operation in high-temperature environments, such as sodium coolant reactors, while minimizing the number of components and control components.
Implementation Method 1
variations in the volume of the liquid present in the circuit. This variation in volume is due to variations in temperature of the liquid
Implementation Method 2
the position of the plug relative to a body of the valve making it possible to regulate the rate of flow of liquid through the valve
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for regulating a liquid flowing in a circuit (1), the system comprising: a ball valve (200) comprising at least one inlet and one outlet, the ball (210) comprising an inner passage (212) through which the liquid flowing from the inlet toward the outlet of the valve (200) is intended to pass when the valve is at least partially open, an expansion reservoir (100) in communication with the liquid flowing in the circuit (1) and intended to contain liquid and a compensating gas, the ball comprising at least part of an expansion channel (213, 217, 218, 221) that has at least one lateral opening, the valve being configured such that at least when the valve is closed: the lateral opening is in direct communication with the liquid coming from the inlet or the outlet of the valve (200), when the valve is at least partially open, the lateral opening cooperates with an inner wall (207) secured to a body (201) of the valve (200) so as to form a pipe in communication on the one hand with the expansion reservoir (100) and on the other hand with the inner passage (212). The invention also relates to a circuit incorporating this system as well as a use of said system.