Steam Powered Pump Balanced Valve Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam-powered pumps face inefficiencies in condensate collection and handling, requiring high-pressure working fluids to discharge condensate, which limits their ability to maximize condensate return to the boiler and overall system efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A steam-powered pump utilizing a bi-stable overcenter mechanism with a balanced valve design, where a tank filled with condensate is pressurized by steam or compressed air to force liquid to a higher pressure destination, and a steam trap mechanism to isolate steam from condensate, optimizing flow capacity and differential pressure without mechanical linkage constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a typical pump/trap seat design is used, then the valve can operate at a given differential pressure, but the flow area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the valve seat geometry to create a balanced valve design. The seat is configured with a first portion and a second portion having different diameters, creating an area difference that balances the forces. This geometric parameter change allows the valve to achieve both larger flow area and reduced operating force simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The balanced valve design creates a force equilibrium where the inlet pressure acts on both portions of the valve seat. The area difference between the first and second portions is designed to balance the differential pressure force, putting the valve in a state of force equilibrium that requires minimal actuation force while maintaining large flow capacity.
2Productivity
If the seat diameter is increased to maximize flow capacity, then the flow area increases, but the force required to open the valve increases as the square of the seat diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter distribution across the valve seat by creating two portions with different diameters. This non-uniform parameter distribution allows the valve to achieve high flow capacity through the larger first portion while the smaller second portion limits the force required to overcome differential pressure, breaking the square-law relationship between diameter and force.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the valve seat are given different local qualities (diameters) to perform different functions. The first portion with larger diameter provides flow capacity, while the second portion with smaller diameter controls the force requirement. This local differentiation allows simultaneous optimization of both flow capacity and actuation force.
3Ease of operation
If high-pressure working fluid is used to discharge condensate, then condensate can be discharged from the vessel, but the ability to maximize condensate return to the boiler is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional high-pressure working fluid discharge mechanism with a balanced valve system that uses differential pressure balancing. This mechanical substitution allows condensate to be discharged more efficiently while maintaining the pressure differential needed for return flow to the boiler, thereby improving overall productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The balanced valve design changes the pressure distribution parameters across the valve seat, creating a force balance that allows discharge at lower working fluid pressures. This parameter change enables both ease of condensate discharge and maximizes the pressure available for returning condensate to the boiler.
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 solution enhances pumping capacity and efficiency by allowing 3 to 4 times the flow area of a typical pump/trap seat, reducing the force required to operate the valve and improving condensate return to the boiler, thus optimizing steam system performance.
Implementation Method 1
gas pressure (typically steam or compressed air) is used to move a liquid (typically steam condensate) from a low pressure source to a high pressure destination
Implementation Method 2
The gas pressure, called motive pressure, must be greater than the pressure of the destination
Implementation Method 3
A bi-stable overcenter type of mechanism is used to actuate the motive and vent valves, which have opposite action
Implementation Method 4
The work done by the float as it rises is stored in springs that act on the overcenter links. As the float forces the links to travel over center, the spring energy forces the links to quickly change position
Implementation Method 5
The valve seat has two sealing faces that close simultaneously. The inlet pressure acts simultaneously on both the upper and lower surfaces of the valve plunger. The net force is greatly reduced since it is controlled by the difference in area of the two seating diameters
Implementation Method 6
Check valves are used to permit the liquid to only flow from source to destination
Implementation Method 7
A typical type of trap in the air heating process above would use float connected to a valve (similar to a toilet tank valve). Liquid entering the valve causes the float to rise and open the valve
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a non-electric pump. Gas pressure, typically steam or compressed air, is used to move a liquid, typically steam condensate, from a low pressure source to a high pressure destination. A tank fills with liquid from the source. Once full, the motive pressure is admitted to the tank and the pressure forces the liquid to the destination. When the tank is empty, the motive valve shuts and a vent valve opens to vent off the motive gas. A balanced trap plunger with an unattached float linkage provides for improved pump efficiency.