Valve Pressure Equalization Using Chamber Positive Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for pressure equalization in vacuum valves require separate bypass lines, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially in vacuum technology where precise pressure control is necessary for maintenance and cleaning operations.
Innovation Solution
Generating a positive pressure in one of the chambers to lift the closure member from its valve seat, allowing pressure equalization directly through the opening, eliminating the need for separate bypass lines and enabling efficient pressure equalization between the chamber and the valve housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate bypass lines are used for pressure equalization, then pressure equalization can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the pressure equalization function from the separate bypass line structure and integrates it into the main valve body. The bypass line is eliminated, and pressure equalization is achieved by opening the main valve opening, which directly connects the two chambers. This reduces device complexity while maintaining the pressure equalization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the pressure equalization function with the main valve operation. Instead of having a separate bypass line for pressure equalization, the main valve opening serves dual purposes: controlling material flow and enabling pressure equalization when opened. This consolidation eliminates the need for additional bypass lines and simplifies the overall structure.
2Reliability
If separate bypass lines are installed for pressure equalization, then pressure control is possible, but the ease of operation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the separate bypass line structure that complicated operation and maintenance. Pressure control is achieved by simply opening the main valve, which eliminates the need to operate separate bypass line components. This makes the valve easier to operate and maintain while preserving pressure control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve performs pressure equalization as a self-service function through its main opening. When the valve is opened for normal operation, pressure equalization occurs automatically without requiring separate control mechanisms or bypass lines. This simplifies operation and makes maintenance more accessible.
3Reliability
If additional bypass lines are added for pressure equalization, then pressure equalization is achieved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the additional bypass line components from the valve construction. Pressure equalization is achieved by utilizing the existing main valve opening and chamber structure, removing the need for separate bypass line manufacturing, assembly, and sealing operations. This significantly simplifies manufacturing while maintaining the pressure equalization function.
Solution Approach 2:
The main valve opening is designed to serve multiple functions: controlling material flow between chambers and enabling pressure equalization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated bypass line components, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while achieving the same pressure equalization effect.
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 method allows for efficient pressure equalization without the need for additional bypass lines, facilitating easier maintenance and cleaning of vacuum valves by using the chamber's positive pressure to open the closure member, thus ensuring effective operation in vacuum technology.
Implementation Method 1
the chamber assigned to said opening has generated in it a positive pressure which is higher than a current pressure in the valve-housing interior, wherein, by virtue of this positive pressure, the closure member assigned to said opening is raised up from the valve seat
Data Source
AI summary
Method of operating a valve (1) which connects openings (2, 3) of at least two chambers (4, 5) to one another and, for closing the openings (2, 3) of each of the chambers (4, 5), has at least one dedicated closure member (6, 7), wherein for opening one of the openings (2, 3), the chamber (4, 5) assigned to said opening (2, 3) has generated in it a positive pressure which is higher than a current pressure in the valve-housing interior (8), wherein, by virtue of this positive pressure, the closure member (6, 7) assigned to said opening is raised up from the valve seat (10, 11) assigned to said opening (2, 3) and then, through this opening (2, 3), pressure equalization is carried out between the valve-housing interior (8) and the chamber (4, 5) assigned to said opening (2, 3). (FIG. 1)