V-Configured Valved Assembly for Metering Plants
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing metering plants for liquid products in the chemical, pharmaceutical, and textile sectors face challenges due to complex and costly three-way ball valve configurations, and simpler two-way on/off valves result in encumbrance and product stagnation issues during flushing.
Innovation Solution
A valved assembly with opposed V-configured valves and single-piece modules reduces encumbrance, head losses, and cavity depth, featuring inverted-V inlet connectors for easier cleaning and connection, replacing traditional configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If three-way ball valves are used in opposed horizontal configuration, then shutoff function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex three-way ball valve mechanism and replaces it with simpler two-way on/off valves arranged in a specific configuration. The T-shaped channel internal structure is removed in favor of direct two-way valve bodies with external routing, significantly reducing mechanical complexity while preserving the shutoff function through alternative valve arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using three-way valves with internal T-shaped channels to achieve multi-directional flow control, the invention inverts the approach by using multiple two-way valves arranged in a configuration that achieves the same functional result through external routing and valve positioning rather than internal complexity.
2Device complexity
If two-way on/off valves are used in vertical alignment, then device complexity is reduced, but encumbrance and product stagnation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an asymmetric V-shaped arrangement of the two-way valves instead of symmetric vertical alignment. This asymmetric configuration optimizes space utilization, reduces the overall encumbrance footprint, and creates more favorable flow paths that prevent product stagnation in dead zones while maintaining the simplicity of two-way valve construction.
3Device complexity
If two-way valves are arranged vertically, then device complexity is reduced, but cavity depth increases causing product stagnation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a vertical arrangement to a V-shaped configuration that utilizes horizontal spacing and angular positioning. This dimensional change redistributes the cavity space, reducing the depth dimension while maintaining adequate volume, and creates flow paths that eliminate stagnation zones through improved fluid dynamics in the reconfigured space.
4Reliability
If opposed horizontal valve configuration is used, then shutoff function is achieved, but head losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the geometric parameters of the valve arrangement by transitioning from horizontal opposition to a V-shaped configuration with specific angular relationships. This parameter change optimizes flow paths, reduces turbulence and pressure drops, and minimizes head losses while preserving the essential shutoff function through the strategic positioning of the two-way valves.
Data Source
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AI summary
A valved assembly (1) for plants for metering liquid products such as chemicals and auxiliary substances for dyeing fabrics and the like that are to be fed individually to a line for metered distribution to equipment, said valved assembly comprising a tubular manifold (2) equipped with a plurality of inlets (11) and a corresponding plurality of automatically controlled shutoff valves (3). The shutoff valves (3) are arranged in opposed pairs according to a V configuration with portions (9) of its valve bodies (4,9) integrated in a single piece with the manifold (2).