Pilot-Operated Pulse Valve Layout for Higher Dust-Cleaning Flow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pulse valve assemblies in dust collectors have inefficiencies due to tortuous fluid paths, which affect the cleaning efficacy and flow rate of dust removal processes.

Innovation Solution

A pulse valve assembly design featuring a cylindrical main valve body with axially extending inlet and radially inwardly located outlet ports, along with a pilot valve system that includes normally closed and open passages to efficiently move the main valve spool between closed and open positions, reducing fluid path tortuosity and enhancing flow efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional pulse valve assemblies are used, then dust collection function is provided, but fluid path tortuosity reduces flow efficiency and cleaning efficacy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflow rateVSAvoidfluid path tortuosity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions outlet ports from axial to radial orientation, changing the spatial dimension of fluid discharge. This dimensional change creates a more direct flow path from inlet to outlet, reducing tortuosity and improving flow efficiency without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The valve body is segmented into multiple independently positioned inlet and outlet ports arranged circumferentially. This segmentation allows optimization of each port's position to minimize flow path length and tortuosity, enabling higher flow rates while maintaining a compact valve structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If pilot valve system is added to control main valve spool, then valve operation control is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevalve controlVSAvoidvalve structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A pilot valve is introduced as an intermediary control element that uses a small controlled aperture to regulate pressure in the spool chamber, thereby controlling the main valve spool position. This intermediary approach enables precise valve operation control while keeping the main valve structure relatively simple

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses pneumatic pressure control through the pilot valve to actuate the main valve spool. By controlling air pressure in the spool chamber, the system achieves easy and reliable valve operation without complex mechanical linkages, improving ease of operation while managing structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 design results in a higher-flow pulse valve with a less tortuous path, improving the efficiency of dust removal and cleaning processes by allowing increased fluid volume and flow rates through the valve assembly.

Implementation Method 1

pressurizes the first pressure chamber and depressurizes the second pressure chamber to move the main valve spool to the open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

main valve member configured to block fluid flow between the inlet port and the outlet port when the main valve spool is in the closed position and permit fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port when the main valve spool is in the open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectValve closure: Valve

Implementation Method 3

provide a pulse or burst of high velocity fluid flow (e.g., air), which creates a pressure wave that acts on the one or more filter elements

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure wave: Shock Wave

Data Source

PatentEP4031789B1Pulse valve
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 MAC VALVES INC
  • EP4031789B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4031789B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4031789B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A pulse valve assembly is disclosed. The pulse valve comprises: a main valve comprising a main valve body, a main valve bore extending within the main valve body, and a main valve spool slidingly disposed in the main valve bore for movement between a closed position and an open position; and a pilot valve which is configured to selectively move the main valve spool between the closed position and the open position.