Valve Assembly With Integrated Pressure Taps for Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing gas distribution networks lack efficient and cost-effective methods for measuring and regulating fluid flow without requiring additional space or altering the network geometry, and existing flow meters are costly and limited to specific valve types, causing obstruction and increased installation costs.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with integrated pressure taps on a shutter that measures fluid flow by detecting total and static pressures, allowing for flow rate calculation without additional sensors, suitable for various valve types and installable without altering the network geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a dedicated flow meter is inserted in the distribution network, then flow rate measurement is achieved, but construction and installation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the flow measurement function with the existing valve body by integrating pressure taps and a measurement device into the valve assembly itself. This merging eliminates the need for separate dedicated flow meters, thereby reducing construction and installation costs while maintaining flow rate measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: flow regulation through the valve mechanism and flow rate measurement through integrated pressure taps and measurement device. This multi-functionality allows the same component to serve both control and measurement purposes, reducing overall system cost.
2Measurement precision
If a calibrated measurement disc is introduced inside the rotating ball shutter, then flow rate measurement is enabled, but the gas passage section is reduced and obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the valve closure mechanism (ball shutter) and implements it through pressure taps on the valve body instead. This extraction removes the obstructing measurement disc from the gas passage, maintaining full flow capacity while enabling flow rate measurement through pressure differential detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pressure taps as intermediary elements to measure flow rate without physically obstructing the gas passage. Instead of placing a measurement disc directly in the flow path, pressure taps sense the pressure differential caused by flow, providing an indirect measurement that does not reduce passage section or maximum capacity.
3Measurement precision
If known flow meters are installed in transport networks, then fiscal measurement with high accuracy is achieved, but long straight sections of upstream and downstream piping are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the flow measurement function with the existing valve body, eliminating the need for separate long straight piping sections. The pressure taps are integrated into the valve structure itself, allowing flow rate measurement without requiring additional upstream and downstream straight pipe lengths that would be necessary for traditional flow meters.
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
Enables efficient flow regulation and measurement within existing networks, reducing installation costs and space requirements while maintaining network integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a first pressure tap 9' defined and/or mounted on said shutter 5 and at least a second pressure tap 9'' defined and/or mounted on said shutter 5, which respectively define a total pressure tap and a static pressure tap of a Pitot tube
Implementation Method 2
which respectively define a total pressure tap and a static pressure tap of a Pitot tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
Valve assembly (1) for a fluid, comprising a valve body (2) in which a fixed opening (20) is defined and comprising a shutter (5) which is actuated so as to be movable with respect to said fixed opening (20) between at least one open condition, in which it defines at least one passage (2') for the flow of said fluid through the valve assembly (1), and a closed condition in which it blocks the flow of fluid through the valve assembly (1), said valve assembly (1) being characterized in that it further comprises: - at least a first pressure tap (9') defined and/or mounted on said shutter (5) so that, when said shutter (5) is in said at least one open condition, it defines a total pressure tap, - at least one second pressure tap (9") defined and/or mounted on said shutter (5) and configured so as to define a static pressure tap, - measuring means (17) operatively connected to said first pressure tap (9') and to said second pressure tap (9") and configured to detect and/or determine at least one quantity to be used for calculating the speed and/or flow rate (Q) of the fluid through the valve assembly (1).