Valve Apparatus Non-Threaded Connection Fluid Purity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid regulators face contamination issues due to impurities being introduced through threaded connections, which can lead to improper sealing and damage, especially in high-purity applications, as high-pressure fluids can cause debris to flow and settle on sealing surfaces, compromising the operational integrity of the regulator.
Innovation Solution
A valve apparatus with a non-threaded connection for the flow control assembly downstream of the filter, combined with a seal system and filter that forms an interference fit, prevents impurities from flowing between the high-pressure and low-pressure sides of the fluid flow passageway, isolating them upstream of the filter to maintain fluid purity and prevent damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded connections are used to couple the valve apparatus to the fluid regulator body, then the assembly is secure and stable, but impurities and debris are generated during assembly that can contaminate the fluid flow passageway and settle on sealing surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The valve apparatus is divided into two coupling interfaces: threaded connections on the high-pressure side (upstream of the filter) for secure assembly, and a non-threaded bayonet connection on the low-pressure side (downstream of the filter) that does not generate impurities. This segmentation isolates the contamination-generating threaded connections from the fluid flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded connection is extracted from the fluid flow passageway entirely. By placing threaded connections only on the high-pressure side and using a non-threaded bayonet connection for the low-pressure side, the design removes the source of impurity generation from the clean fluid path, preventing contamination of downstream components.
2Strength
If threaded connections are used for assembly, then the valve apparatus can be securely coupled, but high-pressure fluid can cause impurities to flow through the passageway and contaminate downstream components
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into two distinct types: threaded connections for the housing and cap on the high-pressure side where strength is critical, and a non-threaded bayonet connection for the flow control assembly on the low-pressure side where fluid purity is critical. Each connection type is optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter acts as an intermediary barrier that traps impurities generated during assembly of the threaded connections. By positioning the filter in the fluid flow path between the threaded connection area and the downstream components, it mediates between the strong threaded connections and the purity requirements of downstream equipment.
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 solution effectively reduces contamination of downstream components and equipment by trapping impurities upstream of the filter, ensuring a clean fluid flow and extending the operational life of the valve apparatus by preventing impurities from accumulating on sealing surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The filter forms an interference fit with the housing
Implementation Method 2
A seal system prevents impurities from flowing between the high-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway and the low-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway
Data Source
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AI summary
Valve apparatus to prevent contamination of a fluid in a fluid regulator (300) are described. An example valve apparatus described herein includes a housing (402) disposed within a fluid flow passageway of the fluid regulator to define a low-pressure side (405) of the fluid flow passageway and a high-pressure side (403) of the fluid flow passageway. The housing has a bore (406) that at least partially defines the fluid flow passageway when coupled to the fluid regulator. The housing has a movable valve assembly (408) disposed within the bore via a non- threaded connection in fluid communication with the low-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway and external threads (404) to threadably couple the housing to an opening (342) of the fluid regulator. A seal system (428,442) prevents impurities from flowing between the high-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway and the low-pressure side of the fluid flow passageway.