Valve Media Recirculation Layout to Prevent External Discharge

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Solution Overview

Problem

Bi-directional knife gate valves often discharge media, such as toxic, precious, or acidic substances, to the external environment during transitions, leading to safety, environmental, and regulatory issues.

Innovation Solution

A recirculation device and system that collects and redirects discharged media back to a first pipeline connected to the bi-directional valve, preventing external discharge and utilizing a pressure injection system and non-return valve for efficient recirculation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a bi-directional knife gate valve is used to control media flow, then the valve can effectively regulate flow in both directions, but media is discharged to the external environment during valve transitions causing safety and environmental hazards

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebi-directional flow controlVSAvoidmedia discharge to environment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A recirculation pipeline system is introduced as an intermediary pathway between the valve discharge point and the pipeline inlet. This mediator captures media during valve transitions and redirects it back to the pipeline, preventing environmental discharge while preserving the bi-directional valve's flow control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The media that would normally be discharged harmfully to the environment is instead captured and recirculated back into the pipeline system. The previously harmful discharge flow is converted into a beneficial recirculation flow that maintains pipeline pressure and prevents environmental contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a recirculation device is added to prevent media discharge, then environmental safety is improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia discharge preventionVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recirculation pipeline serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a discharge prevention mechanism, a media recirculation pathway, and a pressure maintenance system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving comprehensive media discharge prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of substance

If media is recirculated back to the pipeline, then valuable or hazardous substances are preserved, but additional infrastructure is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemedia loss preventionVSAvoidpipeline infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recirculation pipeline is merged with the existing pipeline infrastructure by connecting to available pipeline sections and utilizing existing valve positions. This integration approach minimizes the need for completely separate infrastructure, reducing the overall complexity and cost of implementing media preservation while achieving near-complete loss prevention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system effectively prevents media discharge into the external environment, ensuring safety and compliance while allowing for the recirculation of valuable or hazardous substances, thus reducing costs and environmental impact.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure injection system mounted to the second pipeline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

a non return valve mounted to the second pipeline

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOne-way flow control: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS20250075801A1Recirculation Device

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 BRAY INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A system for collecting and allowing transport of media comprising a first pipeline, a bi-directional valve mounted to the first pipeline, and a second pipeline fluidly connected to the bi-directional valve, wherein the second pipeline is fluidly connected to the first pipeline. The system for collecting and allowing transport of media may further comprise a pressure injection system mounted to the second pipeline. The system for collecting and allowing transport of media may further comprise a drain device fluidly connected to the bi-directional valve, wherein the drain device is fluidly connected to the second pipeline. The system for collecting and allowing transport of media may further comprise comprising a non return valve mounted to the second pipeline.