Control Valve Flow Channels for Uniform Valve Port Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid control valves experience uneven fluid distribution and unbalanced pressure profiles due to fluid flowing preferentially through the front portion of the valve port, leading to a swirling effect and reduced flow velocity at the rear portion, which compromises the quality of end products in applications like combustion turbines.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of discrete flow channels within the valve body that direct fluid flow evenly across the perimeter of the valve port, minimizing the swirling effect and achieving a uniform pressure profile by distributing fluid flow to the front, rear, and side portions of the valve port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fluid flows through a conventional valve port, then fluid flow capacity is achieved, but uneven velocity distribution and unbalanced pressure profile occur
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into multiple discrete flow channels (first, second, and third flow channels) that divide the fluid flow path. Each channel directs fluid to specific regions of the valve port, segmenting the overall flow into controlled portions that reach the front, rear, and side portions of the valve port simultaneously, thereby achieving uniform velocity distribution while maintaining total flow capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve port are provided with different flow characteristics through the discrete flow channels. The first flow channel directs fluid to the front portion, the second to the rear portion, and the third to the side portions, giving each local region its own optimized flow path and characteristics, resulting in balanced pressure profile and uniform velocity distribution across the entire valve port perimeter.
2Ease of operation
If fluid flows preferentially through the front portion of the valve port, then flow path resistance is reduced, but swirling effect and reduced flow velocity at the rear portion occur
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete flow channels are configured to preliminarily distribute fluid to different regions of the valve port before the fluid enters the main flow path. By pre-positioning fluid in the first, second, and third flow channels to target specific portions of the valve port, the system eliminates the need for fluid to travel longer paths or change direction multiple times, ensuring that the rear portion receives fluid at the same velocity as the front portion without creating swirling effects.
3Stability of the object's composition
If discrete flow channels are added to distribute fluid evenly, then velocity uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple flow distribution functions are merged into a single integrated valve body structure. The first, second, and third flow channels are combined within one valve body, eliminating the need for separate components for each flow path. This merging approach achieves uniform velocity distribution and balanced pressure profile while minimizing the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
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 solution ensures a balanced flow velocity and pressure profile across the valve port, allowing for choked fluid flow at a lower overall pressure drop compared to conventional control valves, thereby enhancing the accuracy and quality of fluid control in process systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of discrete flow channels extending between the inlet and the valve port to distribute fluid flowing through the inlet to the valve port
Implementation Method 2
arranged to equalize the velocity of fluid at the perimeter of the valve port, thereby providing a more balanced pressure profile
Data Source
AI summary
A valve body and a control valve including such a valve body, the valve body including an inlet, an outlet, a valve port defined therebetween, and a plurality of discrete flow channels extending between the inlet and the valve port to distribute fluid flow to the valve port in a manner that equalizes the velocity of fluid at the perimeter of the valve port. The plurality of discrete flow channels includes (i) one or more first flow channels arranged to direct a first amount of the fluid flow to a front portion of the valve port, (ii) one or more second flow channels arranged to direct a second amount of the fluid flow to a rear portion of the valve port, and (iii) one or more third flow channels arranged to direct a third amount of the fluid flow to one or both side portions of the valve port.