Rotating Valve Closure Element with Circumferential Flushing Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shut-off devices for pipelines are unsuitable for transporting highly viscous and thermally unstable fluids due to the formation of dead spaces that can lead to fluid degradation, explosive reactions, and safety risks, as they fail to provide effective flushing and sealing without dead spaces.
Innovation Solution
A shut-off device with a rotatable closure element that creates a free space between the closure element and the valve housing, ensuring fluid flow through this space in all positions to prevent dead spaces, using a design that adapts to fluid viscosity and includes specific geometries and materials to prevent fluid inclusion and ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a closure element is used to achieve secure sealing in shut-off devices, then sealing reliability is improved, but dead spaces are formed that lead to fluid degradation and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is divided into multiple segments that can move relative to each other, allowing the sealing surfaces to maintain contact while creating flow paths that eliminate dead spaces. The segmented design enables fluid to flush through areas that would otherwise be stagnant.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a radial dimension for fluid flow by creating circumferential gaps between the closure element and valve housing. This radial flow path allows flushing in a direction perpendicular to the traditional axial flow, effectively eliminating dead spaces while maintaining sealing.
2Reliability
If the closure element is designed to flow around in the passage position, then sealing force is applied to sealing surfaces, but high forces and viscosities cause difficulties with high-pressure fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses fluid pressure to assist in maintaining the sealing force. The pressurized fluid flows through the circumferential gaps and helps keep the closure element seated against the sealing surface, reducing the mechanical force required from the actuator while maintaining reliable sealing under high-pressure conditions.
3Ease of operation
If a transverse opening is provided on the outlet side, then a flushing flow is prevented in some areas, but this creates dead spaces that are unsuitable for highly viscous fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates different flow characteristics in different regions of the valve. The circumferential gaps provide continuous flushing paths in the radial direction, while the central passage area handles the main fluid flow. This local differentiation ensures that highly viscous fluids are continuously flushed from all areas, including regions that would otherwise be dead spaces.
4Reliability
If the gap cross section is small in the flow position, then sealing is improved, but flushing flow is insufficient to prevent dead spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves this contradiction by creating flushing paths in a radial dimension circumferentially around the closure element, rather than relying solely on axial flow through a large gap. This allows the gap cross-section to remain small for sealing while the circumferential path provides sufficient flushing flow area.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
The invention relates to a shut-off member which has a valve housing (1) with an interior and with at least one inlet (4) and at least one outlet (5), and a closure element (2) which is mounted in the interior so as to be rotatable about an axis, wherein a free space for through-flow of a fluid between inlet (4) and outlet (5) is present between the closure element (2) and the valve housing (1), and a pair of sealing surfaces (6, 7) is provided on the at least one inlet (4) between valve housing (1) and closure element (2), and wherein the sealing surface (7) of the closure element (2) is pivotable by rotation of the closure element (2) and, in the locked position of the shut-off member, blocks the inlet (4) by bearing in a fluid-tight manner on the sealing surface (6) of the valve housing (1), wherein a gap or free space is provided around the closure element (2).