Split Gate Valve Rolling Actuator Force Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large bore and high pressure gate valves require excessive mechanical force to open and close, making testing and operation challenging due to the need to seal both sides, which is inefficient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A split gate valve design with a pair of gate sections and a rolling actuator, such as a ball screw or roller screw, that reduces the mechanical force required to operate by converting rotational input into linear motion, allowing for a double seal to be tested simultaneously and enabling operation in various bore sizes and pressure ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single gate is used to seal one side of the passage, then the valve structure is simple, but both sides of the gate valve need to be tested separately which increases testing time and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is divided into two separate gate sections (first gate section and second gate section) that can seal opposite sides of the passage simultaneously. This segmentation allows both sides of the valve to be tested at the same time, eliminating the need for separate testing operations and reducing overall testing time.
2Productivity
If a split gate design is used to seal both sides of the passage, then testing efficiency improves, but very high turning force is required to mechanically open and close the valve
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical threaded stem system is replaced with a rolling actuator system that uses a rolling element (such as a ball screw or roller screw) to convert rotational motion into linear motion. This substitution dramatically reduces the friction and turning force required to move the gate sections, making the high-productivity split gate design practical for operation.
3Ease of operation
If a rolling actuator is introduced to reduce operating force, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction parameter between the actuator and gate stem is fundamentally changed by introducing rolling elements (balls or rollers) that convert sliding friction into rolling friction. This parameter change reduces the operating force by a factor of 10 or more, significantly improving ease of operation. The complexity increase is offset by the availability of standardized rolling actuator components.
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 split gate valve design reduces the mechanical force needed to open and close, facilitating efficient operation of large bore and high pressure valves by minimizing torque and friction, thus enabling effective fluid control and seal testing in diverse industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a rolling actuator (e.g., ball screw or roller screw) that reduces the mechanical force required to operate by converting rotational input into linear motion
Data Source
AI summary
Provided in some embodiments is a system that includes a split gate valve including first and second gate sections coupled together and configured to move together within a cavity of the split gate valve between an open position and a closed position. The split gate valve includes a rolling actuator to reduce friction and to convert a rotational input into a linear motion to move the first and second gate sections between the open and closed positions. In other embodiments is provided a method that includes converting a rotational input into a linear motion to activate a split gate valve via a rolling actuator. The method also includes seating first and second gate sections of the split gate valve against opposite first and second seats to provide a double seal.