Steam Valve Heat Buffer Structure for Linkage Thermal Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steam valve designs for steam turbines face malfunctions due to thermal expansion in the link mechanism caused by heat from the steam, which affects the operation and reliability of the steam valve.
Innovation Solution
A steam valve design incorporating a heat buffer member with a heat buffer plate and support column to isolate the link mechanism from direct heat transfer from the valve casing, along with a link base that supports the link mechanism and fixes the actuator casing to the heat buffer member, effectively dissipating heat and reducing thermal expansion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the link mechanism is directly connected to the valve stem in the valve casing, then the structure is simple, but thermal expansion occurs in the link mechanism due to heat from the steam
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the valve structure into two separate regions: a hot region (valve casing containing the steam flow path) and a cold region (link mechanism mounting region). The heat buffer member acts as a thermal separator, segmenting the heat transfer path and isolating the link mechanism from the high-temperature steam environment while maintaining structural connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat buffer member serves as an intermediary component between the hot valve casing and the cold link mechanism. It absorbs and buffers thermal energy, preventing direct heat transmission to the link mechanism while allowing mechanical connection and operation transmission.
2Reliability
If the link mechanism is isolated from the valve casing using a heat buffer member, then thermal expansion is suppressed, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat buffer member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a thermal insulator to protect the link mechanism from heat, serves as a structural support component for mounting the link mechanism, and provides a mounting surface for the actuator. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the heat buffer plate is positioned close to the valve casing, then the structure is compact, but heat transmission to the link mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention optimizes the positional parameter of the heat buffer plate, placing it at a specific distance from the valve casing that balances thermal protection and structural compactness. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient thermal buffering while maintaining a compact overall valve structure.
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 design suppresses the occurrence of malfunctions due to heat-induced thermal expansion, enhancing the operational reliability and stability of the steam valve by dissipating heat away from the link mechanism and reducing stress on the link mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
the heat buffer member includes a heat buffer plate separated from the valve casing toward a tip side... and a support column that fixes the heat buffer plate to be immovable relative to the valve casing
Implementation Method 2
there is a concern that thermal expansion may occur in the link mechanism, resulting in malfunction of the link mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
This steam valve includes a valve casing, a valve body, a valve stem, an actuator, a heat buffer member, a link mechanism, and a link base. The heat buffer member includes: a heat buffer plate separated toward a leading end side from the valve casing in an axial direction in which the valve stem extends; and a support column that fixes the heat buffer plate to the valve casing so as to be incapable of relative movement. The actuator includes: an actuator casing; and an actuator rod that extends in the axial direction from in the actuator casing and that moves in the axial direction with respect to the actuator casing. The link base is fixed to the heat buffer member and extends from the heat buffer member in an axial perpendicular direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction. The actuator casing is fixed to the link base.