In-Situ Sealing Surface Processing Machine for Valve Repair

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for repairing the eroded attachment surface of the packing sheet in valve devices require detaching the valve device from power-generating facilities, leading to prolonged downtime and difficulties in performing the repair work efficiently.

Innovation Solution

A sealing surface processing machine that includes a pedestal attached to the valve main body, a movable main body, a tool holder, a rotating part, and adjustment devices to position and tilt the tool holder for precise cutting of the attachment surface, allowing for in-situ repair without disassembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the valve device is detached from the power-generating facility for repair processing, then the attachment surface can be processed by a predetermined processing device, but the downtime is prolonged and workability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment surface processing qualityVSAvoiddowntime for repair work
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

A processing machine is introduced as an intermediary device that can be attached directly to the valve main body at the power-generating facility. This processing machine includes a pedestal attached to the valve main body, a main body with a tool holder, and moving parts that enable the cutting tool to process the attachment surface in-situ, eliminating the need to detach the valve device for repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing machine incorporates a first moving part that moves the tool holder along the first direction (parallel to valve body movement) and a second moving part that moves the tool holder along the second direction (intersecting with valve body movement). This dynamic positioning system enables flexible and precise processing of the attachment surface without requiring valve device detachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If the valve device is detached and transported to another factory for repair, then comprehensive processing can be performed, but the complexity of work increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverepair work accessibilityVSAvoidrepair process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing machine is designed with multi-functionality to perform various processing operations on the attachment surface. It includes a cutting tool for removing eroded portions, a first moving part for positioning along the valve body movement direction, and a second moving part for positioning in the intersecting direction, enabling comprehensive repair capabilities within the power-generating facility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The processing machine serves as a self-contained intermediary system that brings factory-level processing capabilities directly to the power-generating facility. By attaching the processing machine to the valve main body, it provides comprehensive processing functions without requiring external transportation or complex external equipment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the attachment surface is not processed, then the valve device can operate continuously, but the eroded surface disturbs steam flow and reduces performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous operation capabilityVSAvoidsteam flow performance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The processing machine is designed to perform preliminary processing of the attachment surface by removing eroded portions before they significantly affect steam flow performance. The cutting tool, positioned by the moving parts, can proactively restore the attachment surface to its original condition, preventing performance degradation while allowing continuous operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3427892B1Sealing surface processing machine and method
Publication Date: 2020.04.22 MITSUBISHI HITACHIPOWER SYST LTD
  • EP3427892B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3427892B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3427892B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In this sealing surface processing machine and method, provided are: a pedestal (10) which is attached to a valve main body (110); a main body (20) which is movably supported on the pedestal (10); a tool holder (60) for holding a cutting tool (T) for processing an attachment surface (114); a main shaft (40) which rotates the tool holder (60) relative to the main body (20), around an axis parallel to the movement direction of a valve element (124); a first moving part (30) which is capable of moving the tool holder (60) relative to the main body (20), along the Z-axis direction along which the valve element (124) moves; a second moving part (50) which is capable of moving the tool holder (60) relative to the main body (20), along the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction which intersect the movement direction of the valve element (124); a first adjustment device (70) which adjusts the position of the main body (20) in the Z-axis direction relative to the pedestal (10); and a second adjustment device (80) which adjusts the position of the main body (20) in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction relative to the pedestal (10).