Steam Valve Pressure Cushioning for Rapid Closure Impact Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing steam valve lacks a mechanism to absorb impact during rapid closure, leading to potential damage of the stop valve and valve seat, and has difficulties in quickly switching the second pressure space from a high-pressure to a low-pressure state due to thermal deformation and inadequate detection of operation failures.
Innovation Solution
A steam valve design with a tubular stop valve and a valve main body that includes a protrusion portion with a ring shape, allowing for pressure adjustment in separate pressure spaces to slow down the stop valve's engagement with the valve seat, and a switching mechanism to rapidly change the pressure state, along with an inspection method to detect operation failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the stop valve is designed without an impact absorption mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the stop valve and valve seat may be damaged during rapid closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cushioning chamber between the stop valve and valve seat that can be pre-filled with cushioning medium (steam or gas). When rapid closure occurs, this pre-prepared cushioning medium absorbs the impact energy, preventing damage to the valve components. The cushioning chamber includes discharge holes that allow controlled release of the cushioning medium, creating a gradual deceleration effect rather than sudden impact.
2Reliability
If the switching mechanism is disposed at a position apart from the valve main body, then it is easier to avoid thermal deformation, but it takes a long time to switch the second pressure space from high-pressure to low-pressure state
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat-insulating member (such as a heat-insulating plate or air gap) between the switching mechanism and the hot steam environment. This intermediary component blocks thermal transmission, allowing the switching mechanism to be positioned closer to the valve main body without suffering thermal deformation. The heat-insulating member has high thermal resistance and can withstand the thermal environment while protecting the switching mechanism.
3Speed
If the protrusion portion is moved quickly without pressure adjustment, then the response speed is fast, but the impact damage to valve seat and stop valve increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure control to regulate the movement of the protrusion portion. The pressure control mechanism adjusts the pressure in the cushioning chamber to control the speed at which the protrusion portion moves toward the valve seat. By controlling the pressure differential and the discharge rate of cushioning medium through discharge holes, the system achieves both fast response and impact mitigation through controlled pneumatic deceleration.
4Speed
If the cushioning chamber discharge holes are large, then the pressure equalization is fast, but the impact absorption effect is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the discharge hole configuration dynamic and adjustable. The number, size, and opening state of discharge holes can be changed based on operating conditions. During normal operation, multiple discharge holes remain open for fast pressure equalization. During rapid closure events, the discharge holes can be dynamically controlled to reduce their effective area, extending the cushioning period and improving impact absorption. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to optimize between speed and impact protection based on real-time needs.
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 limits damage to the stop valve and valve seat during rapid closure, enables quick switching of pressure states, and facilitates the detection of operation failures, ensuring stable power generation and efficient system operation.
Implementation Method 1
The protrusion portion is moved upwardly and downwardly by adjusting the pressure in the first pressure space and the second pressure space
Data Source
AI summary
A steam valve has a tubular stop valve configured to move toward an upper end side and a lower end side along an axial direction when the stop valve is opened and closed respectively; and a valve main body configured to accommodate the stop valve. The stop valve has a ring-shaped protrusion portion protruded outwardly in a radial direction. The valve main body has an accommodation space for accommodating the protrusion portion which is divided by the protrusion portion into a first pressure space and a second pressure space. First and second feed/discharge portions configured for adjusting a pressure in the first pressure space and the second pressure space respectively are further provided. The protrusion portion is moved upwardly and downwardly by adjusting the pressure in the first pressure space and the second pressure space.