Vacuum Control Valve Asymmetric Aperture Linear Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum control valves in papermaking processes fail to provide consistent and precise control of vacuum pressure, especially at lower and higher vacuum applications, due to non-linear changes in filtration resistance and varying operating conditions, leading to inadequate drainage and product quality issues.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum control valve with a uniquely configured aperture that increases its open area non-linearly with adjustment, providing a linear change in vacuum pressure across its operating range, allowing for consistent control from low to high vacuum levels using a single valve, regardless of changing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard vacuum control valves are used, then valve operation is simple, but vacuum control precision deteriorates at lower and higher vacuum applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the aperture geometry from a standard circular shape to a specifically designed asymmetric configuration. The aperture has a first portion and a second portion with different rates of area change relative to valve member displacement. This geometric parameter modification enables the valve to provide precise vacuum control across the entire operating range, including previously problematic low and high vacuum applications, while maintaining simple operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple valve sizes are used to cover different vacuum ranges, then vacuum control precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single valve structure with a multi-functional aperture that can precisely control vacuum across the entire operating range. The asymmetric aperture configuration, with its first and second portions having different area change characteristics, allows one valve to perform the function previously requiring multiple valves of different sizes. This eliminates the need for valve size selection and switching, reducing system complexity while maintaining precision control.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional valve apertures are used, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to varying filtration resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the aperture geometric parameters to create an asymmetric configuration that provides superior adaptability to varying filtration resistance conditions. The aperture's first portion and second portion are designed with different area change rates relative to valve member displacement, enabling the valve to adapt to changing process conditions including variations in filtration resistance. While the geometry is more complex than a standard circle, the manufacturing process remains relatively simple, achieving a good balance between ease of manufacture and adaptability.
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 enables precise and consistent vacuum control across a wide range of vacuum pressures, reducing the need for multiple valve sizes and improving drainage efficiency by maintaining a linear vacuum response proportional to the valve's aperture position, thus enhancing papermaking process control and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
vacuum control valve for use in a vacuum drainage system... control either low or high vacuum air flow
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve ( 100 ) for a vacuum drainage system includes a valve body ( 112 ) having an interior chamber operatively connectable to a suction device and through an outlet ( 110 ) to a vacuum source. A movable member ( 105 ) having an aperture ( 107 ) is secured within the chamber and movable through points between closed and open positions to adjust the open area of the aperture and the fluid flow through the outlet. The aperture is configured such that during adjustment to increase the effective operational area of the aperture, a rate of change of th effective operational area increases non- linearly in relation to a linear increase in the distance of travel, while providing advantageous and more controllable linear adjustment of the applied vacuum. The aperture can have a trilateral shape including at least one curved side, or comprise a plurality of sub - apertures, and the movable member can comprise a rotary sleeve.