Separator Nozzle Body Reuse via 180-Degree Rotation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing system separators require frequent replacement of nozzle bodies due to wear, leading to increased maintenance costs and inefficiencies in valve seat usage.
Innovation Solution
Designing nozzle bodies with identical geometric structures for both inlet-side and outlet-side non-return valves, allowing for 180° rotation and reuse, with distinct valve seats for each position, and incorporating retaining clips and spring elements to prevent incorrect installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If nozzle bodies are designed with single valve seats for specific positions, then installation precision is improved, but maintenance frequency increases due to wear
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle body is designed with two valve seats (first and second valve seats) that can function in different positions. The same nozzle body can be installed on either the inlet-side or outlet-side non-return valve, with each position activating a different valve seat. This universal design allows the nozzle body to serve multiple functions and positions, extending its service life by enabling reuse after rotation when one valve seat becomes worn.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If nozzle bodies are made from wear-resistant materials, then durability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive wear-resistant materials, the invention discards the worn valve seat area and recovers the nozzle body by rotating it 180 degrees. The unused valve seat (which was inactive during previous operation) becomes the active sealing surface after rotation. This approach extends the service life of the nozzle body without requiring costly materials, as the body is recovered and reused with its previously inactive valve seat.
3Reliability
If retaining clips and spring elements are added to prevent incorrect installation, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle body incorporates asymmetric features including a radially external projection and corresponding grooves in the housing, along with retaining clips and spring elements. These asymmetric elements create a mechanical interlocking system that physically prevents incorrect installation. The projection fits into specific grooves only in the correct orientation, and the retaining clips with spring elements provide additional mechanical constraint. This asymmetric design ensures reliable correct installation while maintaining relatively simple construction.
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 approach enables each nozzle body to be used multiple times, reducing maintenance costs and preventing incorrect installation, thus enhancing the longevity and cost-effectiveness of system separators, especially when using materials prone to wear.
Implementation Method 1
The spring force provided by the spring element presses the valve disc of the respective backflow preventer against a valve seat provided by the respective nozzle body.
Implementation Method 2
the drain valve being controlled depending on a differential pressure between the pressure in the inlet chamber and the pressure in the intermediate chamber. Then, when this differential pressure drops below a defined limit, the drain valve opens to vent the intermediate chamber to the atmosphere.
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The separator (10) has a housing (11) that accommodates an inlet chamber (14), an intermediate chamber (15) and an outlet chamber (16). A drain valve ventilates the intermediate chamber arranged between inlet-sided and outlet-sided non-return valves (12, 13) and controlled depending on differential pressure between pressures in the inlet and intermediate chambers. Nozzle bodies (19) of the respective non-return valves are formed as identical and comprise valve seats (23, 24) that are active if the nozzle bodies are installed at the respective non-return valves.