Rotating Ball Valve With Progressive Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve constructions for reducing liquid pressure often lead to flash boiling due to sudden pressure drops, causing energy distribution issues and potential damage to materials, and are limited in capacity due to the need for multiple pressure steps which occupy valuable volume.
Innovation Solution
A valve construction using a rotatable ball with multiple hollow pipes or flow channels that gradually increase in cross-sectional area from inlet to outlet, allowing continuous pressure reduction without flash boiling, by distributing pressure reduction across the pipes rather than the valve seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stress or pressure
If conventional valves with sudden pressure drops are used, then pressure reduction is achieved, but flash boiling occurs causing energy distribution issues and material damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure reduction process is segmented into multiple stages by dividing the flow path into several sections with progressively larger cross-sectional areas. This segmentation allows the pressure to be reduced in controlled steps rather than suddenly, preventing flash boiling while achieving the required pressure reduction from inlet to outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-dimension pressure drop (sudden reduction at valve seat) to a multi-dimensional progressive pressure reduction by creating flow channels with gradually increasing cross-sectional areas along the flow direction. This dimensional expansion of the flow path enables continuous pressure regulation without harmful flash boiling.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple pressure steps are used to prevent flash boiling, then flash boiling is reduced, but valve capacity decreases due to volume occupation by pressure step structures
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the pressure reduction function with the valve body structure itself by forming flow channels directly within the ball valve body. This integration eliminates the need for separate pressure step components that would occupy additional volume, thereby maintaining high valve capacity while achieving progressive pressure reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball valve body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the closing mechanism for flow control and incorporates the pressure reduction channels within its structure. This multi-functionality allows the valve to achieve both flow regulation and progressive pressure reduction without requiring additional dedicated pressure step components.
3Stress or pressure
If pressure reduction occurs at the valve seat, then pressure drop is achieved, but flash boiling occurs causing material damage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention performs preliminary pressure reduction actions before the liquid reaches the valve seat by creating flow channels that gradually reduce pressure from the inlet toward the outlet. This preliminary pressure reduction prevents the sudden pressure drop at the valve seat that would cause flash boiling and subsequent material damage.
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 solution effectively prevents flash boiling and maintains stable energy distribution, reducing the likelihood of material damage while increasing valve capacity by allowing continuous pressure regulation without sudden drops.
Implementation Method 1
the inside of each hollow body comprises a solid unit that together with the inside of the hollow body defines a separate flow channel exhibiting a gradually or continuously increasing flow cross section, calculated from an inlet end to an outlet end of the hollow body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3C
Figure 3D
AI summary
A construction is described for the reduction of pressure in a liquid that flows through an extended hollow body, characterised in that the hollow body comprises a unit that defines one or more flow channels, said channels show a stepwise, or continuously, increasing flow cross section calculated from an inlet end to an outlet end of the one or more channels. Also described is an application area for the construction. In addition, a valve construction is described for the reduction of the pressure in a liquid flow comprising a closing body that can be set between a position that closes for through-flow of liquid and a position that opens for full through-flow, where the closing body comprises one or more pipes in which bodies are arranged for stepwise or continuous increase of the liquid flow area and thereby the reduction of the liquid pressure.