Valve Rod Partial Stroke Cleaning for Seal Wear Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cleaning double seat valves, particularly in areas near the valve rod seal, are inadequate due to low flow rates and abrasive deposits, leading to incomplete cleaning and wear on the valve rod seal.
Innovation Solution
A method where the valve rod, in its closed position, is displaced by a partial stroke into the valve housing during cleaning, maintaining sealing contact and positioning the valve rod seal for improved flow and cleaning efficacy, potentially using multiple intermediate positions and varying stroke sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the valve rod is displaced by a partial stroke into the valve housing during cleaning, then cleaning effectiveness in critical areas near the valve rod seal is improved, but the sealing contact between the closing element and valve seat must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The valve rod is made dynamically adjustable during the cleaning process. By enabling partial stroke displacement of the valve rod into the valve housing while maintaining sealing contact, the system transitions from a static closed position to a dynamic intermediate position that optimizes cleaning effectiveness without compromising seal integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process applies different positional states to different regions of the valve rod. The critical areas near the valve rod seal are displaced into the valve housing for enhanced cleaning, while the closing element maintains its sealing contact at the valve seat, creating localized quality differences in the cleaning approach
2Quantity of substance
If cleaning liquid flows through the process line during cleaning, then general valve housing cleaning is achieved, but flow rates in areas near the valve rod seal are insufficient leading to incomplete cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to the cleaning process by displacing the valve rod axially into the valve housing. This dimensional change creates new flow paths and exposes previously inaccessible critical areas near the valve rod seal to the cleaning liquid, transforming the cleaning approach from surface-level to deep-penetration cleaning
3Reliability
If the valve rod seal remains in contact with the valve rod in closed position, then sealing function is maintained, but abrasive deposits accumulate leading to wear on the seal
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning process with partial stroke displacement is performed preliminarily before normal operation to prevent abrasive deposits from accumulating on the valve rod seal. By cleaning the critical areas in advance while the seal is still functional, the invention prevents future wear and maintains sealing reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful accumulation of abrasive deposits into a benefit by using the cleaning liquid flow during partial stroke displacement to actively remove these deposits. The areas that would normally suffer from deposit accumulation are instead targeted for enhanced cleaning, transforming a harmful accumulation process into a beneficial cleaning opportunity
Data Source
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Figure 2a
AI summary
The method involves inserting a valve rod (6) with a valve rod seal-proximate region (8) into an interior of a valve housing part (9) inwardly around a partial stroke (T) from a closing position (C) of a closing element (5) during a cleaning operation. The closing element is brought into an intermediate position (Z) by the valve rod, where sealing of the valve rod in a cylindrical valve seat (4) is maintained in the intermediate position. Sealing of a valve rod seal (7) relative to the valve rod is maintained in the intermediate position. An independent claim is also included for a valve.