Streamlined Gate Valve Geometry for Mid-Stroke Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gate valves experience turbulence and reduced fluid flow when the gate stops mid-stroke due to the seal member preventing smooth fluid flow, requiring a longer stroke range to accommodate a larger volume of fluid.
Innovation Solution
A gate valve design featuring a valve body with a linear flow path and a gate with a streamlined curved surface that moves axially to close the flow path, reducing turbulence and allowing larger fluid volumes to flow even when the gate is mid-stroke by regulating fluid flow around the gate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a seal member protrudes from the gate body to ensure sealing performance, then sealing performance is improved, but fluid flow becomes turbulent and harder when the gate stops in mid-stroke
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by forming the outer surface of the gate as a streamlined curved surface that extends in the flow direction. This curved geometry allows fluid to flow smoothly around the gate even when it stops in mid-stroke, reducing turbulence and enabling larger fluid volumes to pass through while the gate is partially blocking the flow path.
2Productivity
If the gate is raised by a considerable distance to allow larger volume of fluid to flow, then fluid flow volume is improved, but the stroke range of the gate becomes longer
Solution Approach 1:
The streamlined curved surface on the gate allows fluid to flow smoothly around it even when the gate is in mid-stroke position. This enables larger fluid volumes to pass through without requiring the gate to be raised to its fully open position, thereby reducing the required stroke range while maintaining high fluid flow volume.
3Productivity
If the outer surface of the gate is configured as a streamlined curved surface, then fluid flow smoothness is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate's outer surface is formed as a streamlined curved surface through standard manufacturing processes such as casting or machining. This curvature can be integrated into the gate body design and manufactured in conjunction with the sealing surface, allowing the curved geometry to be produced without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity or cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A gate valve includes a valve box; a linear channel formed inside the valve box; a valve disc displaceable in an axis direction perpendicular to the channel and that can obstruct the channel by the external surface thereof abutting the inner wall of the channel; a valve rod that extends from the base end of the valve disc; and a valve chamber that accommodates the valve disc. The external surface of the portion of the valve disc protruding into the channel while in an open position is configured to be a streamline curved face.