Valve Purge Port Layout for Cleaning Cavities During Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve purging systems are ineffective in preventing the entry of entrained materials into the valve cavity when the valve is operated between fully open and closed positions, especially when the process fluid flow rate exceeds the purge fluid flow rate, leading to potential corrosion and operational interference.
Innovation Solution
The valve assembly incorporates strategically positioned purge ports that direct a portion of the purge fluid into the valve member passage and another portion into the cavity between the valve body and member, allowing for simultaneous and direct purging of both areas, even when the valve is in operation, using a configuration that splits the fluid flow to effectively clean the valve surfaces and cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single purge port supplies purge fluid into the valve body cavity, then the purge fluid can maintain positive pressure to inhibit process fluid and debris entry, but the purge fluid cannot effectively reach and clean the valve member passage and cavity surfaces when the valve is operated
Solution Approach 1:
The single purge port is segmented into multiple purge ports positioned at different locations on the valve body. Each purge port is strategically positioned to direct purge fluid into specific areas: one port directs fluid into the valve member passage while another directs fluid into the cavity between the valve body and valve member. This segmentation allows the purge system to effectively clean multiple areas simultaneously during valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the valve body receive purge fluid with different flow directions and characteristics. The purge ports are positioned and configured to deliver purge fluid directly to specific locations: the valve member passage receives purge fluid from one port while the cavity between the valve body and valve member receives purge fluid from another port. This local quality approach ensures that each area is purged effectively according to its specific cleaning needs.
2Productivity
If the process fluid flow rate is much greater than the purge fluid flow rate, then the valve can handle high process fluid throughput, but the purge fluid cannot prevent entry of entrained materials into the cavity
Solution Approach 1:
The purge system is segmented into multiple ports that work simultaneously to counteract the high process fluid flow. By having multiple purge ports positioned to cover different areas, the system can maintain effective purging across the entire valve interior even when process fluid flow rate is much higher than purge fluid flow rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge ports are positioned to deliver purge fluid in advance to critical areas before process fluid and entrained materials can penetrate deep into the valve interior. This preliminary action of directing purge fluid into the valve member passage and cavity surfaces creates a protective barrier that prevents debris entry even under high flow conditions.
3Reliability
If purge ports are positioned to supply purge fluid into the valve body, then the valve cavity can be purged, but the valve member passage and cavity surfaces may not be thoroughly cleaned
Solution Approach 1:
The purge ports are positioned and configured to deliver purge fluid with specific local quality to different areas. One purge port is positioned to direct fluid into the valve member passage while another is positioned to direct fluid into the cavity between the valve body and valve member. This ensures that each surface and passage is thoroughly cleaned according to its specific geometric requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The purge fluid delivery is extended into another dimension by positioning ports at different locations and orientations on the valve body. This three-dimensional arrangement of purge ports ensures comprehensive coverage of all interior surfaces and passages, achieving thorough cleaning that a single port configuration cannot provide.
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 configuration enhances the effectiveness of the purging process by ensuring thorough cleaning of the valve surfaces and cavity, reducing the risk of corrosion and operational interference, while also reducing the amount of purging medium required, thereby minimizing environmental impact and energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a first portion of the purge fluid into the at least one passage of the valve member while simultaneously substantially directly supplying a second portion of the purge fluid to a portion of the cavity in the valve body extending between the valve body and the valve member
Implementation Method 2
redirect a portion of the purge fluid as the purge fluid exits a purge port of the purge assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Valve assemblies, systems, and methods may include at least one purging assembly comprising at least one purge port extending through a valve body or housing in order to supply a purge fluid into the valve body or housing. The at least one purge port is positioned on the valve body or housing to redirect a portion of the purge fluid as the purge fluid exits the at least one purge port.