Valve Disk Intermediate Positioning for Cleaning Vortexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve designs struggle to effectively clean hard-to-reach regions within the valve interior during the cleaning process due to incomplete fluid flow, leading to reduced cleaning efficiency and increased cleaning time, as vortex generators used to enhance cleaning also cause friction losses during normal operation.
Innovation Solution
The method involves positioning the valve disk into specific intermediate positions between closed and open positions to enhance vortexing of the cleaning fluid, increasing flow velocity and vortexing in critical areas, and using an actuating device with a programmable microprocessor to control these positions and rotation for optimized cleaning, thereby improving cleaning efficiency without additional manufacturing effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the valve disk is positioned in the open position to minimize flow resistance, then fluid flow through the valve is improved, but cleaning effect in rearmost corners of the valve interior deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve disk is moved dynamically between different intermediate positions during the cleaning process. The system transitions from a static open/closed position paradigm to a dynamic multi-position system, where the valve disk is sequentially positioned at different intermediate locations to optimize cleaning coverage in various regions of the valve interior.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process employs periodic action by successively bringing the valve disk into different intermediate positions at different time intervals. This periodic repositioning ensures that different regions of the valve interior receive adequate cleaning attention, with each position targeting specific areas that require vortexing action.
2Manufacturing precision
If vortex generators are added to enhance cleaning effect, then cleaning of remote corners is improved, but friction losses during normal operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The valve disk itself serves a dual function: it acts as both the flow control element during normal operation and as a vortex generator during cleaning operations. By utilizing the existing valve disk structure and its movement capability, the system eliminates the need for separate vortex generator structures, thereby avoiding additional friction losses during normal operation while still achieving effective vortexing during cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve disk is given multiple functions: it controls fluid flow during normal operation and generates vortices during cleaning operations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated vortex generator structures, maintaining low friction losses during normal operation while providing effective cleaning capability when needed.
3Manufacturing precision
If the valve disk is brought into intermediate positions to enhance vortexing, then cleaning effect is improved, but cleaning time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the valve disk through all possible positions or maintaining it in each position for extended periods, the system applies partial action by selecting specific intermediate positions that provide sufficient vortexing effect for effective cleaning. This optimized approach achieves adequate cleaning results without unnecessarily extending the cleaning cycle duration.
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
This approach ensures thorough cleaning of all valve regions by intensifying vortexing and flow velocity, reducing cleaning time and preventing fluid hammer during operation, thus enhancing the overall cleaning effect and valve performance.
Implementation Method 1
the valve disk impedes the free flow of fluid so that this is substantially more strongly vortexed than if the valve disk were in its open position
Implementation Method 2
the valve disk is brought into an intermediate position in the vicinity of the valve seat so that the flow rate of the cleaning fluid is increased as a result of the constricted flow opening
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for process optimisation for a valve (1) comprising a valve seat (5) arranged in a valve housing (3) between an inlet (7) and an outlet (8), comprising a valve disk (4) which is connected to an actuating rod (10) and comprising an actuating device (2) which acts on the actuating rod (10), by which means the valve disk (4) is brought into a closed position (23) for closing the valve (1) and is pressed onto the valve seat (5) and for opening the valve (1) is raised from the valve seat (5) and brought into an opening position (26), wherein fluid flows through the valve (1) for carrying out the method in the course of cleaning, can be improved with regard to a better cleaning effect in remote regions (14, 15, 16) of the interior (17) of the valve housing (3) whereby during cleaning the valve disk (4) is brought into at least one intermediate position (24, 24, 31) between the closed position (23) and the open position (26).