Progressive Throttle Valve Closure to Reduce Hydraulic Shock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves experience substantial shock loads when rapidly stopping high-velocity fluid flow, which can damage the system, particularly in Pressure Exchange Chamber (PEC) pumping systems where conventional shock load prevention methods like gas dampeners cannot be used.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a frusto-conical valve seat, a guide portion, and a throttle element with a front portion of increasing cross-sectional area, an intermediate portion, and a frusto-conical rear portion, which progressively decreases the flow path's cross-sectional area as the closure member moves towards its closed position, reducing shock loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the valve closes rapidly to stop high-velocity fluid flow, then the flow stopping function is achieved, but substantial shock loads are generated that can damage the system
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle element is positioned to engage the flow path before the closure member reaches the valve seat. This preliminary action gradually restricts the flow area, reducing fluid velocity before complete closure occurs, thereby preventing shock loads while maintaining effective flow stopping capability
Solution Approach 2:
The throttle element acts as a cushioning mechanism by progressively reducing the flow cross-sectional area before the closure member seals the valve. This gradual restriction cushions the fluid deceleration, preventing the sudden pressure surge that would otherwise occur with rapid closure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the throttle element's intermediate portion is made sufficiently long, then shock loads are reduced by progressive area decrease, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The throttle element is integrated with the closure member as a single unified component rather than separate parts. This merging reduces the number of components and assembly steps while maintaining the progressive flow restriction function that reduces shock loads
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 effectively reduces shock loads by progressively decreasing the flow path's cross-sectional area, preventing hydraulic shock in high flow rate applications and ensuring system integrity.
Implementation Method 1
closure of the driving fluid inlet valve (which stops the fluid flow) can result in substantial hydraulic shock or pressure surges
Data Source
AI summary
A valve (19.1) is described that includes: a flow path connecting a housing inlet (42) and outlet (44); a valve seat (48)) positioned in the flow path; a closure member (50) displaceable between a closed position and an open position; and a throttle element (52) displaceable together with the closure member. The throttle element comprises a front portion (70) of increasing cross-sectional area, a frusto-conical rear portion (72), and an intermediate portion (74) sufficiently long so that the intermediate portion enters a guide portion (49) of the flow path before a seal (56) makes contact with the valve seat. The throttle element is configured progressively to decrease the effective cross-sectional area of the flow path as the closure member is displaced form its open position towards its closed position.