Valve Closure Mechanism for Surge Pressure and Seal Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valves in fluid conduits often cause surge pressures due to instantaneous closure, which can damage pipelines and connected components, and existing mechanisms may not effectively manage seal compression, especially during temperature transitions.
Innovation Solution
A valve component with a valve control mechanism that allows for gradual closure by rotating and linearly moving the valve member, combined with a guide element and cam system for precise control, and a compressible seal for enhanced sealing, minimizing surge pressures and improving reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the valve member is moved instantaneously from open to closed position, then the valve closure speed is improved, but surge pressure increases causing damage to pipeline and components
Solution Approach 1:
The valve closure process is segmented into multiple distinct phases: initial rapid closure phase where the valve member quickly moves from fully open to partially closed position, followed by a controlled deceleration phase, and finally a sealing phase. This segmentation allows the valve to achieve fast closure while avoiding instantaneous complete closure that causes surge pressure
Solution Approach 2:
The valve control mechanism incorporates dynamic speed control where the closure velocity is not constant but varies throughout the stroke. The mechanism allows rapid initial movement followed by automatic deceleration as the valve member approaches the closed position, creating a dynamic closure profile that balances speed with surge pressure mitigation
2Reliability
If a rigid seal is used to ensure sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but seal compression control becomes difficult during temperature transitions
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is designed to change its physical parameters, specifically its compressibility, in response to temperature changes. At cryogenic temperatures, the seal maintains higher rigidity for reliable sealing, while as temperature increases, the seal becomes more compliant to accommodate thermal expansion and maintain compression control
Solution Approach 2:
The seal exhibits dynamic mechanical properties that adapt to operating conditions. The seal material is selected to provide different stiffness characteristics at different temperatures, allowing it to be rigid when needed for sealing and compliant when needed for thermal adaptation
Data Source
AI summary
A valve component for a valve, the valve comprises a valve housing defining a hollow bore along which flowable material may flow. The valve component comprises a valve member movable between a valve open position for the valve member to open the hollow bore and a valve closed position for the valve member to close the hollow bore, anda valve control mechanism including a drive member configured to be operable to move the valve member between the valve open position and the valve closed position, the drive member operable to rotate the valve member between the valve open position and a valve intermediate position and to linearly move the valve member between the valve intermediate position and the valve closed position.