Steam Turbine Valve Layout for Stable Rod Motion and Compact Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve devices for steam turbines face challenges in securing stable rod movement while maintaining assembling properties, often resulting in increased size and complexity due to the integration of adjusting and stop valves, which can lead to issues with scale adhesion and clogged pathways.
Innovation Solution
A valve device configuration featuring orthogonal intermediate and outlet flow paths, a linkage shaft, and a hydraulic actuator system that includes a piston rod and rod guide with controlled oil flow, allowing for reduced size and improved assembling properties by ensuring smooth rod movement and preventing scale adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the rod of the main steam stop valve is moved in the horizontal direction with a hydraulic cylinder, then the valve device can control steam flow, but the valve device becomes large in the horizontal direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the movement direction of the main steam stop valve rod from horizontal to vertical direction, and repositions the hydraulic cylinder to act vertically. This dimensional change allows the actuator to be integrated within the valve body footprint rather than protruding horizontally, reducing the overall valve device size while maintaining steam flow control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydraulic cylinder is positioned inside the valve body structure, with the piston rod connected to the valve rod through a connecting mechanism. This nesting arrangement allows the actuator to be contained within the valve assembly boundaries, eliminating the need for external horizontal protrusion and reducing the valve device's external dimensions.
2Area of stationary object
If the rod of the main steam stop valve is moved in the vertical direction parallel to the steam-regulating valve rod, then the valve device size is reduced, but the flow path shapes become complicated and assembling property deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the valve body into separate modular sections with standardized interfaces. The flow paths are designed as separateå¯ assembled components that can be manufactured independently and then joined together using standardized connection methods, simplifying the assembly process despite the complex internal flow path geometry required for vertical rod movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent positions the steam-regulating valve rod and main steam stop valve rod in different vertical planes or at different heights, allowing both to move vertically without interfering with each other's assembly. This spatial arrangement in the vertical dimension enables simplified assembly while maintaining compact overall size.
3Ease of operation
If a guide with very narrow clearance is provided to move the rod only in horizontal direction, then the rod movement is controlled, but scale may adhere to the rod and clog the narrow region impeding movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a lubricating film or protective coating as an intermediary between the rod surface and the guide clearance. This intermediary layer prevents scale adhesion by creating a low-friction barrier, allowing the rod to move smoothly within the narrow clearance without scale accumulation impeding movement, thus maintaining both control and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a hydraulic film or pressurized lubricant introduced into the guide clearance to maintain separation between the rod and guide surfaces. This fluid layer prevents scale from adhering to the rod by maintaining a consistent gap, ensuring reliable rod movement while preserving the narrow clearance design for precise control.
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 configuration enhances the stability and accuracy of rod movement, reduces the overall size of the valve device, and improves assembling properties by simplifying the internal structure and preventing scale-induced clogs, thereby improving the efficiency and reliability of the steam turbine.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic cylinder that is configured to cause a piston rod portion to advance and retreat
Implementation Method 2
a rod guide portion that has a tubular shape into which the piston rod portion is inserted and guides movement of the piston rod portion
Data Source
AI summary
A valve device includes a valve casing 21, an intermediate rod portion 29, and an intermediate actuator unit 30. In the valve casing 21, a rod insertion hole into which the intermediate rod portion 29 can be inserted is formed. The intermediate actuator unit 30 includes a hydraulic cylinder that causes a piston rod portion to advance and retreat in a direction orthogonal to a second center axis direction D2. The hydraulic cylinder includes a rod guide portion that guides movement of the piston rod portion. A gap between an inner circumferential surface of the rod insertion hole and an outer circumferential surface of the intermediate rod portion 29 is formed to be wider than a gap between an inner circumferential surface of the rod guide portion and an outer circumferential surface of the piston rod portion.