Pressurized Fluid Valve With Two-Stage Opening for Safe Purging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valves for pressurized fluid systems face issues with sudden opening, leading to safety hazards, equipment damage, and inefficient purging operations due to high-pressure gas release, which can cause noise, equipment damage, and risk of bottle tipping.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a control mechanism with a return member and mechanical stop for stable maintenance in active positions, allowing for controlled flow rates and ergonomic operation through separate manual control members for two distinct opening sections, ensuring safe and efficient purging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a manual control mechanism (lever, handwheel) is used to open the valve, then the valve can be operated easily, but the opening becomes excessively abrupt causing safety hazards and equipment damage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve opening process is segmented into two distinct phases: a first opening phase that limits the flow rate to a predetermined low value, and a second opening phase that allows full flow. This is achieved through a control mechanism with two distinct actuation positions - a first position that opens the valve partially with flow limitation, and a second position that opens the valve fully. The segmentation prevents abrupt opening by breaking the single opening action into controlled stages.
2Productivity
If the valve opens abruptly to allow full flow, then productivity is improved, but safety hazards and equipment damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The valve control mechanism incorporates dynamic control with two distinct operational states. The control mechanism can be actuated to a first position for controlled low-flow operation (purging mode) or to a second position for full-flow operation (productivity mode). This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining safety through the ability to start with limited flow and then increase to full flow when needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a gradual opening mechanism with two concentric valves is used, then safety is improved, but the solution is poorly suited for purging operations and encourages unintentional opening
Solution Approach 1:
The control mechanism provides different local qualities for different operational needs. The first actuation position provides flow-limited opening specifically optimized for purging operations, while the second actuation position provides full-opening capability for normal operation. This local differentiation in the control mechanism's functionality allows optimal performance for both purging and standard operations without compromising safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
Valve housing a circuit (3) and an assembly of valve shutter(s) (6, 7) comprising at least one shut-off valve shutter, the valve (1) comprising a mechanism (8, 9) for manually controlling the assembly of valve shutter(s) (6, 7) between a rest position in which the circuit (3) is closed, and an active position in which the circuit (3) is open with a first bore section (S1), the control mechanism (8, 9) comprising an intermediate position of opening for intermediate opening of the circuit (3) with a second bore section (S2) lower than the first bore section (S1), the valve (1) comprising a member (12) for returning the control mechanism (8, 9) to its rest position.