Stacked Flow Control Members for Compact Pressure Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow control devices for high-pressure control valves do not effectively dissipate energy within a given set of dimensions, as they primarily induce axial fluid flow directions with minimal tangential or transverse components, limiting energy dissipation and pressure reduction.
Innovation Solution
A flow control device comprising stacked annular flow control members with overlapping apertures or recesses of varying sizes and shapes to promote tangential or transverse fluid flow, increasing energy dissipation through additional changes in flow direction and friction resistance, while blanking plates restrict axial flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If radial flow paths are used with minimal tangential components, then the device structure is simple, but energy dissipation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces tangential flow components in addition to the axial flow direction, transforming the flow path from a simple radial pattern to a three-dimensional convoluted path that utilizes multiple spatial dimensions. This increases energy dissipation by creating additional flow direction changes without significantly increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs curved and angled aperture edges in the flow control members that guide fluid flow along curved trajectories rather than straight lines. This curvature induces tangential flow components and increases the number of flow direction changes, thereby enhancing energy dissipation within the given device dimensions
2Loss of energy
If the number of flow direction changes is increased, then energy dissipation increases, but the device dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the flow control function across multiple thin flow control members stacked in series, each contributing a small portion to the overall energy dissipation. By segmenting the total flow path into multiple small stages, the device achieves high energy dissipation through cumulative effect while maintaining a compact overall volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple flow control members with apertures within a compact stacked arrangement, where each member's apertures are positioned to create overlapping flow paths. This nested configuration allows the fluid to traverse multiple flow direction changes within a small radial and axial space, increasing energy dissipation without proportionally increasing device volume
3Ease of manufacture
If apertures of uniform size are used, then manufacturing is simple, but tangential flow promotion is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent varies the aperture sizes, shapes, and orientations in different local regions of the flow control members. Specifically, apertures are configured with different radial extents and angular orientations in different circumferential positions, creating local variations that promote tangential flow components and enhance energy dissipation, while each individual aperture remains simple to manufacture
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 design enhances energy dissipation and reduces fluid pressure by inducing repeated changes in flow direction, achieving increased energy dissipation within a smaller device or equivalent size, and may require additional clamping to manage torque if spiral flow paths are formed.
Implementation Method 1
each change in fluid flow direction dissipating a quantity of energy
Implementation Method 2
increasing the available flow area through the stack of plates... the fluid flowing from an opening in one of the plates to an opening in an adjacent one of the plates
Implementation Method 3
the shapes and/or sizes of at least some of the apertures or recesses of at least one of the flow control members are adapted to promote tangential or transverse fluid flow within the body
Implementation Method 4
the openings in the apertured plates are positioned such that the openings provided in adjacent ones of the plates in the stack partially overlap one another resulting in the formation of a series of convoluted flow paths
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control device is described comprising a body including a first flow control member 24a and a second flow control member 24b, each of which is provided with apertures or recesses 30, 36, 38, the apertures or recesses 30 of the first flow control member 24a overlapping the openings or recesses 36, 38 of the second flow control member 24b to define a flow path extending between a first surface 26 of the body and a second surface 28 of the body, wherein the shapes and/or sizes of at least some of the apertures or recesses 30, 36, 38 of at least one of the flow control members 24a, 24b are adapted to promote tangential or transverse fluid flow within the body.