Reactor Valve Stem With Integrated Probe Passageways
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flush bottom outlet valves in industries like chemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical require costly re-certification and additional hole drilling for installing multiple probes, making it impractical to monitor internal vessel reactions effectively using Process Analytical Technology (PAT).
Innovation Solution
A valve system with integrated probe passageways and a circumferential seal allows for the insertion and removal of probes without disassembling the valve fixtures, enabling real-time monitoring without additional hole drilling, using a valve stem with O-ring seals and a releasable coupler for probe management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If additional holes are drilled in the vessel for installing multiple probes, then monitoring capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem is designed to serve dual functions: controlling the valve and accommodating multiple probes through integrated passageways. This allows the same component to perform both flow control and monitoring functions, eliminating the need for separate mounting holes in the vessel body.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe passageways are nested within the valve stem structure, allowing probes to be housed inside the stem rather than requiring external mounting. This nesting approach enables multiple probes to be accommodated within the existing valve components without modifying the vessel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional holes are drilled in the vessel for installing multiple probes, then monitoring capability is improved, but re-certification requirements increase cost
Solution Approach 1:
By making the valve stem multi-functional to accommodate probes, the invention avoids creating new penetration points in the vessel body, thereby eliminating the need for additional re-certification while maintaining monitoring capabilities.
3Ease of repair
If the full holder is removed when replacing a probe, then probe replacement is possible, but operation complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The probe holding mechanism is segmented into separate components within the valve stem, allowing individual probes to be accessed and replaced through dedicated access points without removing the entire valve assembly or other probes.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem design incorporates dynamic accessibility, where probes can be independently removed and reinstalled during operation without requiring complete disassembly of the valve system, enabling flexible maintenance and probe replacement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple probes are installed in the valve stem, then monitoring versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The valve stem is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple probe types and configurations through standardized passageways, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve stem geometry is optimized with adjustable parameters such as passageway number, position, and diameter to accommodate different probe configurations, allowing versatility to be tuned without fundamentally changing the base design complexity.
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
Enables efficient and cost-effective monitoring of vessel reactions by allowing multiple probes to be installed and removed without affecting valve operation, reducing manpower and equipment needs, while maintaining zero-leakage sealing and versatile probe handling.
Implementation Method 1
the seal comprises at least one O-ring surrounding said passageway
Implementation Method 2
the circumferential seal being adapted to seal around the probe in the passageway while allowing the probe to be inserted and removed by moving axially in the passageway
Data Source
AI summary
A valve system for a vessel has a valve body, and a valve stem extending through the valve body and terminating in a plug for axial movement between open and closed position as the stem moves through the valve body. There is at least one probe passageway through the valve stem, at least one of which has a circumferential seal for engaging a probe inserted in the passageway and being exposed in a vessel. The circumferential seal seals the inside of a vessel from atmosphere while allowing a probe to be inserted and removed by moving axially in the passageway. This avoids need to remove the valve system to insert or remove a probe, and indeed a single expensive probe is used at different times with different valve systems. When no exposed probe is required, the seal may be completed by simply inserting a dummy probe in the passageway.