Pump Valve Floating Ball Sealing High Pressure Wear
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pump valves, particularly those used in abrasive and heterogeneous mixtures, face limitations in reliability, wear resistance, and pressure handling due to differential pressure constraints and the risk of particle settlement, especially at higher operating pressures and larger nominal sizes.
Innovation Solution
A two-part valve housing design featuring a floating ball or cylindrical body connected via a connecting rod, with a valve seat usable on both sides, replaces traditional sealing elements, utilizing buoyancy for downflow and constant force for upflow operations, ensuring reliable sealing and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If floating ball valves are used for conveying heterogeneous mixtures, then the valve is suitable for solids-containing media, but the valve strength is limited at pressures ≥ 20bar due to differential pressure constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into two functional parts: a floating ball for sealing and a separate closure body for structural strength. The floating ball (made of buoyant material) provides the sealing function against solids-containing media, while the closure body (made of strong material) handles the high pressure loads, with both parts connected by a connecting rod. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without the trade-off present in conventional single-integrated designs.
2Stress or pressure
If spring-loaded ball or cone valves are used for higher operating pressures, then the valve can handle pressures > 35 bar, but the spring fatigue strength is reduced due to abrasive effects and corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is completely removed from the valve design. Instead of using a spring to provide closing force, the invention employs a floating ball that utilizes buoyancy forces from the pumped medium itself to actuate the closing body. This extraction of the spring eliminates the fatigue and corrosion problems associated with spring-loaded valves, while maintaining the ability to handle high operating pressures through the robust closure body design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cone valves are used for conveying media containing solids, then the valve can handle heterogeneous mixtures, but particles settle in the valve guide leading to high wear and blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The valve employs a spherical floating ball instead of a conical closure. The spherical geometry has no sharp edges or corners where particles can settle, and the curved surface minimizes contact area with the valve guide. This spheroidal shape allows heterogeneous mixtures to pass through without particle accumulation, significantly reducing wear and blockage risks while maintaining effective sealing through the floating ball's contact with the valve seat.
4Productivity
If larger nominal valve sizes are manufactured, then the delivery rate increases, but the economic feasibility and manufacturing value are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design uses a universal floating ball mechanism that can be scaled to various sizes without changing the fundamental operating principle. The floating ball, connecting rod, and closure body configuration remains the same across different nominal sizes, allowing standardized manufacturing processes to be applied. This universality enables economical production of larger valves for high delivery rates while maintaining the same reliable sealing and wear-resistant characteristics as smaller versions.
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
This design enhances the robustness and contamination resistance of pump valves, allowing for larger sizes and higher pressures while minimizing wear and pressure losses, ensuring reliable operation across varying flow directions.
Implementation Method 1
a floating body (3) is arranged in the upper part (1) of the valve housing, which is connected to the closing body (6) via a connecting rod (5)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6~8
AI summary
The valve has a valve housing including an upper part (1) and a lower part (7), where a partially-spherical closing body (6) is provided in the lower part. A floating body e.g. floating ball (3), is arranged in the upper part. The floating body is connected with the closing body by a connecting rod (5). A valve seat (4) is arranged between the closing body and the floating body. Guide ribs (2, 8) are provided in the respective upper and lower parts. The valve seat serves as a common centering from the upper part to the lower part. An independent claim is also included for an upflow-pump valve.