Rotating Damper Pressure Relief Valve for Chatter Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spring-loaded flare tips in waste gas burners experience volumetric gas flow limitations due to exit velocity constraints and produce undesirable 'chatter' noise at varying pressures, which can damage the valve seat.
Innovation Solution
A combustible gas burner with a pressure relief valve featuring a valve body that rotates about an axis in response to pressure changes, using a valve body rotator to regulate gas flow and reduce chatter, maintaining a substantially constant exit velocity and preventing rapid valve movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a spring-loaded valve body is used to regulate gas flow, then the valve can respond to pressure changes, but the exit velocity increases with pressure squared causing volumetric gas flow limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rotational motion as a new dimension to the traditionally linear valve movement. The valve body is constrained to move primarily in rotation about the outlet axis rather than linearly away from the seat. This dimensional change allows the valve to regulate flow through angular position while maintaining a more consistent exit velocity profile, as the rotational movement modifies the effective opening area without directly increasing gas velocity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from linear displacement to rotational angle. By using a rotary mechanism with a rod positioned at an angle to the axis, the system transforms pressure-driven linear motion into rotational motion. This parameter transformation allows for finer control over the variable opening area while decoupling the relationship between pressure and exit velocity that exists in conventional linear springs-loaded valves.
2Ease of operation
If the valve body is free floating or spring-loaded, then the valve can lift off the seat to allow gas flow, but chatter occurs at low pressures causing noise and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic rotational mechanism that allows the valve body to rotate smoothly in response to pressure changes. The rotary design with angular positioning provides inherent damping characteristics that prevent the rapid oscillations characteristic of chatter. The valve can gradually open and close through rotational movement rather than rapidly impacting the seat, eliminating the harmful chatter noise while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rod positioned at an angle to the axis as an intermediary mechanism between the pressure source and the valve body. This intermediary transforms direct linear force into rotational motion, providing a mechanical advantage that smooths the opening and closing action. The angular positioning of the rod creates a lever effect that reduces the impact forces on the valve seat, preventing chatter while still allowing the valve to respond effectively to pressure changes.
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 solution effectively reduces or eliminates chatter noise, maintains consistent gas flow velocity, and prevents damage to the valve seat by translating pressure-driven movement into rotational motion, enhancing the operational stability and efficiency of the burner.
Implementation Method 1
a valve body configured to engage the valve seat and move along an axis relative to the valve seat in response to a pressure at the outlet
Implementation Method 2
a valve body rotator configured to rotate the valve body about the axis in response to movement of the valve body along the axis relative to the valve seat
Implementation Method 3
The rotational movement of the valve body can reduce or eliminate chatter
Data Source
AI summary
A combustible gas burner includes gas flow conduit or a housing having an outlet and a pressure relief valve. The pressure relief valve includes a valve seat at the outlet, a valve body and a valve body rotator. The valve body is configured to engage the valve seat and move along an axis relative to the valve seat in response to a pressure at the outlet to regulate the flow of combustible gas through the outlet. The valve body rotator is configured to rotate the valve body about the axis in response to movement of the valve body along the axis relative to the valve seat.