Pressure-Balanced Valve for Rapid Separator Cleaning with Reverse Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cleaning valves for separators are not robust, cost-effective, and lack the ability to open quickly, which limits their effectiveness in achieving a sudden burst of reverse flow for efficient cleaning of separator bodies.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a main valve closure body that opens towards a low-pressure side, a control body with a variable control chamber, and a trigger valve with a pressure-balanced mechanism, allowing for rapid opening and effective use of low pressure to force the valve open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a conventional cleaning valve design is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the valve cannot open quickly and is not robust
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design incorporates a dynamic opening mechanism where the valve body is forced open by pressure differential rather than mechanical actuation. The valve transitions from a static closed state to a dynamic open state when the downstream pressure exceeds the upstream pressure, enabling rapid opening without complex mechanical actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses pneumatic pressure differential to actuate the valve opening. A pressure equalization passage allows downstream pressure to act on the valve body, forcing it open when the pressure differential is sufficient. This pneumatic actuation mechanism replaces complex mechanical opening devices while achieving rapid valve opening.
2Productivity
If a cleaning valve designed for quick opening is used, then the cleaning efficiency is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design is self-actuating, using the process本身的压力 differential to open the valve. No external actuators, sensors, or control systems are needed - the valve automatically opens when downstream pressure exceeds upstream pressure by a sufficient margin, and automatically closes when the pressure differential decreases. This self-service mechanism eliminates expensive control components while maintaining high cleaning efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs simple, inexpensive components that can be manufactured at low cost. The pressure equalization passage and sealing elements are designed to be simple and robust, allowing for economical manufacturing while achieving the desired rapid opening function for effective cleaning.
3Ease of operation
If a robust and automation-friendly valve is used, then the valve is easy to maintain and automate, but it may not open quickly enough for effective cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical actuation systems (motors, solenoids, pneumatic cylinders) with a pressure-driven mechanical opening mechanism. The valve opens automatically based on pressure differential, eliminating the need for electrical or complex mechanical actuators. This substitution achieves both automation capability and rapid opening speed with a simple, maintainable design.
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 design enables rapid and efficient cleaning of separator bodies by allowing a sudden burst of reverse flow, while being robust, cost-effective, and suitable for automation, thus improving the maintenance and operational efficiency of separators.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure-balanced trigger valve with a trigger space that comprises a first trigger chamber, a second trigger chamber and a third trigger chamber... when the trigger valve in its closed state, the first trigger chamber is open to the third trigger chamber, such that vacuum applied through the control connector is applied to the control chamber through the first and third trigger chambers
Implementation Method 2
vacuum applied through the control connector is applied to the control chamber through the first and third trigger chambers... allowing the main valve closure body to open
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4~5b
Figure 6a~6b
AI summary
This document discloses a valve comprising a main valve closure body, arranged on a low pressure side of the valve and moveable to open towards the low pressure side, a control body, fixedly connected to the main valve closure body, such that a position of the main valve closure body is fixed relative to a position of the control body, a control chamber, partially defined by the control body, whereby a volume of the control chamber is variable in relation to the position of the control body, and a control fluid connector for controlling a pressure in the control chamber. The document also discloses use of the valve in a separator for separating dust and debris from an airflow, a separator comprising such a valve and a method of operating a separator.