Valve Module Stem Protection Sealing Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing steam turbine plants face challenges in protecting the stem of control valves from high-pressure fluids and preventing damage from foreign substances and high-cycle fatigue due to inadequate sealing and fluid flow control.
Innovation Solution
A valve module comprising a stop valve with a reciprocating stem, a stop valve disc, and a sealing member that engages with the stem to prevent fluid exposure, combined with a control valve to manage fluid flow, is designed to accommodate the stem and control fluid pressure, featuring a sealing member with a concavely curved guide portion and a protruding portion that aligns with the stop valve disc's inward lip to ensure smooth fluid flow and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the stem is exposed to high-pressure fluid in the stop valve, then fluid flow control is simplified, but the stem becomes vulnerable to damage from foreign substances and high-cycle fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing member is introduced as an intermediary component between the stem and the high-pressure fluid. This sealing member surrounds the stem and prevents direct contact between the fluid and the stem, thereby protecting the stem from foreign substances and high-cycle fatigue while maintaining the overall valve structure
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member is designed to surround and enclose the stem within the flow space, creating a nested configuration where the stem is protected inside the sealing member. This nested structure allows the stem to remain functional while being shielded from harmful fluid effects
2Reliability
If the sealing member completely encloses the stem, then the stem is protected from fluid damage, but fluid flow control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member is designed with differentiated local qualities: it provides complete enclosure and protection in regions where the stem is vulnerable to fluid damage, while maintaining openness or reduced complexity in regions where fluid flow control is prioritized. This localized sealing approach protects the stem without unnecessarily complicating the overall fluid flow path
3Productivity
If the control valve is designed for optimal flow rate characteristics, then fluid flow control is improved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The stop valve and control valve are merged into a single integrated valve module with a unified flow space. This combination allows both valves to share common structural elements and flow paths, achieving optimal flow rate control through coordinated operation while reducing overall device size and complexity compared to separate valve installations
Data Source
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AI summary
A valve module is provided in a steam turbine and a power generation system (3211). The valve module includes a stop valve (3210), a control valve (3220), and a case (3230). The stop valve (3210) includes a stem (3211) to reciprocate rectilinearly between a first position (h1) and a second position (h2), a stop valve disc (3212) mounted to an upper portion of the stem (3211), to pass fluid when the stem (3211) is in the first position (h1) and to block fluid flow when the stem (3211) is in the second position (h2), and a sealing member (3213) surrounding the stem (3211) and configured to prevent exposure of the stem (3211) when the stop valve disc (3212) is located at the first position (h1). The valve module is capable of protecting a stem (3211) from high-pressure fluid that is introduced to the stop valve (3210).