Radial Piston Pipe Separator for Orientation-Independent Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe separators are not compact enough and often require reconfiguration based on flow direction, leading to increased complexity and material costs due to the need for different orientations and components like discharge funnels, which affects flow efficiency and ease of installation.
Innovation Solution
A compact pipe separator design with coaxially arranged non-return valves and a drain valve system that includes a piston movable between the inlet and medium-pressure chamber, allowing for flexible installation orientations and reduced material usage through the use of plastic components, along with a detachable adapter for the drain funnel, enabling efficient flow management and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If traditional pipe separators are designed with axial piston arrangement and fixed orientation components, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and installation flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional axial piston arrangement to a radial piston arrangement where the piston moves perpendicular to the flow direction. This dimensional change allows the piston to be positioned outside the main flow path while still effectively controlling the drain valve, thereby simplifying the overall structure and reducing device complexity without compromising stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the piston guidance function from the main flow path by providing a dedicated guidance bore in the housing. This segmentation allows the piston to be independently guided outside the flow path while the flow moves freely through the medium-pressure chamber, reducing interference and simplifying the integration of components
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional pipe separators require reconfiguration based on flow direction, then the adaptability to different orientations is improved, but the loss of time for installation and reconfiguration increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the piston and drain valve system to be orientation-independent. The radial piston arrangement with dedicated guidance bore allows the device to function correctly regardless of the direction of liquid flow or installation orientation, making it a universal component that can be installed in any position without requiring reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The piston is pre-positioned and guided by the housing bore in a fixed radial arrangement, eliminating the need for field reconfiguration. The guidance structure is built-in during manufacturing, so the device arrives ready for immediate installation in any orientation without requiring additional assembly steps or orientation adjustments
3Device complexity
If the piston is positioned within the flow path in the medium-pressure chamber, then the flow management is simplified, but the pressure drop across the separator increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the piston from the main flow path and positions it in the peripheral region of the medium-pressure chamber. The piston is guided by a dedicated bore in the housing, allowing it to control the drain valve without interfering with the central flow. This extraction eliminates the piston's interference with the flow while maintaining its control function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a drain valve as an intermediary component between the piston and the flow path. The piston controls the drain valve, which in turn controls the flow to the drain outlet. This intermediary arrangement allows the piston to be positioned outside the main flow path while still effectively managing flow, thereby eliminating direct interference and reducing pressure drop
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 achieves better flow conditions, reduced pressure drop, and increased flexibility in installation orientations, making it suitable for various pipe configurations without the need for reconfiguring the pipeline, while also lowering material costs and simplifying maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a drain valve (59) loaded by a loading spring (52) with a seat seal (72) and a valve (67) cooperating with the seat seal
Implementation Method 2
the movable part of the discharge valve is connected to a spring-loaded piston movable in the housing, and the piston on the one hand against the spring action of the loading spring is acted upon by inlet pressure and, on the other hand, by medium pressure
Implementation Method 3
an upstream non-return valve (18) arranged in the housing, (c) a downstream non-return valve (20)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The assembly (10) has upstream and downstream back-flow preventers (18, 20) arranged in a housing and coaxially arranged with each other at a pipeline. A valve seat (54) is co-acted with the seat seal. A housing connecting piece (40) is provided at the housing for discharging liquid, which is emerged through an outlet valve. A piston (60) is moved perpendicular to a flow direction prevailing in a medium pressure chamber (33). The piston is movably guided in the pressure chamber outer side of a flow prevailing in the connecting piece. The piston and the valve seat are made of plastic material.