UV-Sterilized Control Valve for Clean Process Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Control valves in process plants, particularly in the food and pharmaceutical industries, face challenges in preventing contamination and germ formation due to varying flow behaviors of process media, necessitating effective sterilization methods for both surfaces and media.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a sterilization unit within the control valve using UV light sources, specifically UVc LEDs, for contact-free sterilization of inner surfaces and process media, which are energy-efficient and compact, allowing for flexible arrangement and rapid sterilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sterilization methods are used for control valves, then sterilization effectiveness is achieved, but additional sterilization steps and equipment are required, increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sterilization unit is integrated directly into the control valve body, merging the sterilization function with the valve structure. The UV light source is positioned within the valve housing to irradiate internal surfaces and process medium, eliminating the need for separate external sterilization equipment and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining sterilization effectiveness
2Use of energy by stationary object
If UVc LEDs are used for sterilization, then energy efficiency and compactness are improved, but the sterilization unit requires precise arrangement within the valve housing
Solution Approach 1:
The UV LED is positioned at specific locations within the valve housing where it can most effectively irradiate critical surfaces and the process medium. The design considers local irradiation requirements, placing the light source to optimize coverage of internal surfaces while maintaining energy efficiency and compact dimensions
3Reliability
If the sterilization unit is integrated into the control valve, then sterilization effectiveness is improved, but the valve housing design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it contains the process medium, provides structural support for the valve components, and houses the UV sterilization unit. This multi-functionality approach integrates the sterilization capability into the existing valve structure without requiring completely separate housing designs
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 solution achieves a high level of cleanliness and functionality within the control valve, enabling its use in high-cleanliness applications by effectively sterilizing surfaces and media, reducing the need for additional sterilization steps and ensuring efficient germ elimination.
Implementation Method 1
The sterilization unit is designed for sterilizing the internal surfaces and/or the process medium by means of electromagnetic radiation, particularly in the UV range of the electromagnetic spectrum
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control valve (10a; 10b; 10c) for a process plant, in particular with high cleanliness requirements, for example in the food and/or pharmaceutical industry, with a valve housing (12a; 12b; 12c) which forms at least one throttling point (14a; 14b; 14c) for a process medium, with a valve element (16a; 16b; 16c), with a valve rod (18a; 18b; 18c) and with a drive unit (20a; 20b; 20c) which is provided to move the valve element (16a; 16b; 16c) via the valve rod (18a; 18b; 18c) in a region of the throttling point (14a; 14b; 14c). It is proposed that the control valve (10a; 10b; 10c) incorporates a sterilization unit (36a; 36b; 36c) for sterilizing internal surfaces (40a; 40b; 40c) of the control valve (10a; 10b; 10c), in particular the valve body (12a; 12b; 12c), and/or the process medium, wherein the sterilization unit (36a; 36b; 36c) comprises at least one UV light source (38a, 38a"; 38b; 38b', 38b"; 38c).