Spring Seat for Internal Valve Pressure Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Internal valves face challenges in efficiently equalizing pressure differentials and controlling excess fluid flow in high-pressure environments, particularly in applications involving hazardous materials, where existing poppet and bleed valve systems may not adequately prevent leaks or spills.
Innovation Solution
The internal valve assembly incorporates a poppet valve and a bleed valve with a spring seat that allows for pressure equalization and excess flow control, featuring a spring-biased mechanism to shift the poppet valve between open and closed positions and a spring seat with flow apertures to facilitate fluid communication, ensuring safe fluid flow management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a spring-biased poppet valve mechanism is used to control fluid flow, then the valve can automatically respond to pressure changes, but the complexity of the valve assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring mechanism, poppet valve, and bleed valve into a single integrated assembly where the spring serves dual purposes: biasing the poppet valve closed and providing the force to open the bleed valve during pressure equalization. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining automatic pressure response capability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element performs multiple functions within the valve assembly: it biases the poppet valve to the closed position under normal conditions, provides the forcing mechanism to open the bleed valve during pressure equalization, and automatically resets the system after pressure equalization. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate actuators and control mechanisms
2Reliability
If a bleed valve is added to equalize pressure before opening the main valve, then pressure differential control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bleed valve is integrated with the poppet valve assembly such that both valves share common components including the spring mechanism, valve stem, and seating surfaces. The bleed valve body is positioned within the main valve body, and the spring simultaneously controls both the poppet and bleed valve operations, reducing overall complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The bleed valve performs pressure equalization as a preliminary action before the main poppet valve opens. By equalizing the pressure differential across the main valve through the bleed path, the system prepares for safe main valve opening, preventing sudden pressure shocks and improving reliability of the overall pressure control system
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 configuration effectively equalizes pressure differentials, prevents excessive fluid flow, and ensures safe operation by automatically restricting flow rates, thereby protecting against leaks and spills in high-pressure applications.
Implementation Method 1
A spring may be disposed in the bore and may be positioned to bias the poppet valve between the open position and the closed position to respond to fluid pressure changes
Implementation Method 2
The spring may be arranged to shift the poppet valve toward the closed position and open the bleed valve while the valve stem is in the third position
Implementation Method 3
The flow aperture may be disposed in the bleed flow path and may permit fluid communication between the bleed inlet and the bleed outlet
Data Source
AI summary
An internal valve includes a valve body, a valve stem, a poppet valve, and a bleed valve. The bleed valve includes a body with a bore. A spring seat fits within the bore and is coupled to the valve stem, and includes a guide sized to receive the valve stem and a flow aperture. The flow aperture defines a connecting bleed path that fluidly connects a bleed flow path and a bleed outlet. The valve stem shifts from a first position where the poppet valve and the bleed valve are closed, to a second position where the bleed valve is open and the poppet valve is closed, and a third position where the poppet valve is open and the bleed valve is closed. A spring disposed in the bore bears against the spring seat and is arranged to close the poppet valve and open the bleed valve.