Triple-Offset Valve Layout for Unobstructed High-Cv Flow

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional valves experience a pressure drop and reduced flow coefficient due to the obstruction caused by the disc and shaft in the flow path, even when fully open, limiting their maximum achievable flow capacity.

Innovation Solution

The design features a triple-offset valve with a stem and disc configuration where the stem portions are co-axial and do not project into the flow passageways, allowing the disc to rotate freely between open and closed positions without obstructing the flow path, and includes a removable seat ring with a locator for precise positioning, ensuring unobstructed flow and increased flow coefficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a disc and shaft are positioned in the flow path to control flow, then the valve can regulate flow between open and closed positions, but the disc and shaft obstruct the flow path even when fully open, causing pressure drop and reducing flow coefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow regulation capabilityVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is extracted from the flow path by positioning it in the valve body such that it does not protrude into the flow passage. The disc is extracted from obstructing the flow path by designing it with a through-opening that aligns with the flow passage, allowing the disc to rotate without blocking the flow even when in the open position. This extraction of obstructing elements from the flow path eliminates the pressure drop and increases the flow coefficient while maintaining flow regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If a disc and shaft are positioned in the flow path to control flow, then the valve can regulate flow between open and closed positions, but the presence of the disc and shaft reduces the maximum achievable flow coefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow regulation capabilityVSAvoidflow coefficient

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is extracted from the flow path by positioning it in the valve body such that it does not protrude into the flow passage. The disc is extracted from obstructing the flow path by designing it with a through-opening that aligns with the flow passage, allowing the disc to rotate without blocking the flow even when in the open position. This extraction of obstructing elements from the flow path eliminates the pressure drop and increases the flow coefficient while maintaining flow regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of designing the disc as a solid obstacle that blocks flow when closed and moves parallel to the flow path when open, the invention inverts the approach by creating a through-opening in the disc. This allows the disc to function as a closure when rotated to block the opening, while in the open position the through-opening aligns with the flow passage to create an unobstructed flow path, effectively inverting the traditional disc valve operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Device complexity

If a traditional disc and shaft configuration is used, then the valve structure is simple, but the shaft projects into the flow passageway causing obstruction and reduced flow capacity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevalve structureVSAvoidflow capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft is extracted from the flow path by positioning it in the valve body such that it does not protrude into the flow passage. The disc is extracted from obstructing the flow path by designing it with a through-opening that aligns with the flow passage, allowing the disc to rotate without blocking the flow even when in the open position. This extraction of obstructing elements from the flow path eliminates the pressure drop and increases the flow coefficient while maintaining flow regulation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP3865742A1Valve with unobstructed flow path having increased flow coefficient

Publication Date: 2021.08.18 CRANE CHEMPHARMA & ENERGY CORP

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Figure 1C

AI summary

A unibody valve (2) comprising a valve body (4) including a first end (8) and a second end (10) spaced apart along a longitudinal axis (12), a central portion (6) disposed between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end and the second end define a first flow passageway (26) and a second flow passageway (28), respectively, and wherein the central portion defines an interior chamber (32), and a disc (54) disposed within the interior chamber, wherein the interior chamber includes an enlarged side portion (14) positioned outside of the at least one of the first flow passageway and the second flow passageway projected along the longitudinal axis, wherein the disc is disposed in the enlarged side portion when in an open position.