Valve Body Upper Flow Diverter for Turbulence Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid flow control devices with sliding stem style valve bodies do not optimize fluid movement efficiency due to their geometry, leading to suboptimal fluid flow and pressure variances around the cage.
Innovation Solution
The valve body design includes a first and second opening, a gallery, and flow conduit portions with an upper and optional rear flow diverter, which splits and directs fluid flow to enhance efficiency and reduce turbulence, using integrally formed diverters to optimize fluid path and distribution within the valve body.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional valve body geometry is used, then the structure is simple, but fluid flow efficiency is suboptimal and pressure variances occur
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple flow conduit portions (first flow conduit portion, second flow conduit portion, third flow conduit portion) with distinct functions. Each portion handles specific fluid flow paths, allowing optimization of fluid dynamics in each segment while maintaining overall structural organization.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve body are given different geometric characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The first flow conduit portion has geometry optimized for receiving fluid from the first opening, the second flow conduit portion for receiving fluid from the second opening, and the third flow conduit portion for directing fluid to the outlet. This local optimization improves overall fluid flow efficiency without requiring complete redesign of the entire valve body.
2Productivity
If conventional flow paths are used, then the valve body structure is simple, but turbulence and pressure variances increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow conduit portions are designed with pre-optimized geometries that prepare the fluid flow for efficient movement through the valve. The first flow conduit portion preconditions fluid from the first opening, the second flow conduit portion preconditions fluid from the second opening, and both flows are pre-aligned before entering the third flow conduit portion, reducing turbulence and pressure variances before the fluid reaches the outlet.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow conduit portions incorporate curved transitions and smooth geometric contours rather than sharp angles or abrupt changes. This curvature optimization guides fluid flow smoothly through the valve body, reducing turbulence and pressure variances while maintaining efficient fluid movement from the openings to the outlet.
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 design improves fluid flow path efficiency, reduces turbulence, and evenly distributes fluid flow, increasing the capacity and performance of the valve body by minimizing pressure variances and utilizing the cage openings effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The upper flow diverter is carried by an upper wall portion of the first flow conduit portion and extends into the first flow conduit portion... for diverting the fluid flowing through the first flow conduit portion and into the gallery
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A valve body (12) includes a first opening (32), a second opening (34), a gallery (24), a first flow conduit portion (36), a second flow conduit portion (38), and an upper flow diverter (44). The gallery is disposed between the first and second openings. The first flow conduit portion extends between the first opening and a side opening of the gallery. The second flow conduit portion extends between the second opening and a bottom opening of the gallery. The upper flow diverter is carried by an upper wall portion of the first flow conduit portion and extends into the first flow conduit portion. In one version, the upper flow diverter includes an elongated structure extending at least partially between the first opening and the gallery for diverting the fluid flowing through the first flow conduit portion and into the gallery.