Triple-Offset Valve Structure for Unobstructed High-Coefficient Flow
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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.
Innovation Solution
A triple-offset valve design with a stem configuration that does not project into the flow passageways, allowing the disc to rotate within an interior chamber and move into a belly pocket when open, ensuring an unobstructed flow path and utilizing a removable seat ring with a locator for proper positioning, which maximizes the flow coefficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a disc and shaft are positioned in the flow path to control valve operation, then the valve can be operated between open and closed positions, but the disc and shaft obstruct the flow path causing pressure drop and reduced flow coefficient
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 passageways. The disc is extracted from the flow path when open by allowing it to rotate into a position where it does not obstruct the flow between the upstream and downstream ends, achieving an unobstructed flow path while maintaining operational capability
Solution Approach 2:
The valve utilizes a triple-offset configuration where the disc is offset from the valve centerline in three dimensions, allowing the disc to rotate out of the flow path when open while maintaining sealing contact with the seat when closed, effectively moving the disc between dimensions to resolve the obstruction issue
2Productivity
If a disc is positioned in the flow path to regulate flow, then the valve can control flow rate, but the presence of the disc reduces the maximum achievable flow coefficient even when fully open
Solution Approach 1:
The disc is extracted from the flow path during the open position by rotating it into a configuration where it does not obstruct the flow between upstream and downstream ends, achieving an unobstructed flow path and maximum flow coefficient while maintaining the ability to regulate flow when positioned for closing
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs a dynamic quarter-turn rotation mechanism that allows the disc to transition between a flow-regulating position and an unobstructed open position, dynamically adjusting the flow path obstruction based on the required flow rate while maximizing productivity when fully open
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A 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), wherein the first end of the valve body includes a bore, and a removable seat (46) disposed in the bore and defining at least in part the first flow passageway.