Valve System Segmented Flow Paths for Aseptic Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing valve systems are not well-suited for aseptic applications in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and food industries, as they fail to provide efficient cleaning and flushing of fluid paths while maintaining hygiene standards.
Innovation Solution
A valve system with a main valve and a bypass valve, where the minimum flow cross-section of the bypass valve is greater than the main valve, allowing for controlled fluid flow and efficient cleaning/flushing through a large flow path, with the bypass valve opening for cleaning and the main valve being designed for precise fluid regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the main valve is designed as a small quantity control valve with a small flow cross-section, then precise fluid regulation is achieved, but cleaning and flushing efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The valve system is segmented into two separate flow paths: a first flow path through the main valve for precise small quantity control, and a second flow path through the bypass valve for high-volume cleaning and flushing. This segmentation allows each path to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The bypass valve acts as an intermediary component that provides an alternative flow path specifically for cleaning and flushing operations. By introducing this intermediate element, the system can switch between precise control mode and intensive cleaning mode as needed.
2Productivity
If a high flow rate is used for cleaning the main valve, then cleaning effectiveness improves, but the main valve's ability to control small fluid quantities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two operational states by controlling the bypass valve: when the bypass valve is closed, the main valve operates in precise control mode with its small flow cross-section; when the bypass valve is open, the system enters cleaning mode with high flow rate through the bypass path, and the main valve is simultaneously cleaned by the shear forces of this high-velocity flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is performed periodically by opening the bypass valve for a brief period to flush the main valve, then closing it to resume normal precise control operations. This periodic action allows the main valve to maintain precision while receiving regular cleaning.
3Productivity
If the bypass valve provides a large flow cross-section for cleaning, then cleaning fluid flow rate improves, but the complexity of the valve system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bypass valve serves multiple functions: it provides a high-flow path for cleaning and flushing operations, acts as a shear force generator to clean the main valve components, and enables the system to switch between operational modes. This multi-functionality justifies the added component while providing comprehensive cleaning capability.
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 thorough cleaning and flushing of entire fluid paths, ensuring compliance with hygiene regulations by maintaining high flow rates and shearing forces, even at inaccessible points, thus ensuring the reliability of system components in these industries.
Implementation Method 1
The main valve is cleaned by the shear forces that occur. Due to the comparatively large flow cross section of the second fluid path, the relatively high flow rate required for this can be ensured.
Implementation Method 2
the second flow path in the area of its opening into the valve chamber is directed towards a wall of the valve chamber and/or towards a component of the main valve present in the valve chamber. The consequence of this is that a fluid jet entering the valve chamber from the mouth of the second flow path first hits a solid obstacle and is thus swirled
Implementation Method 3
a sufficient flow speed is generated even at inaccessible points within the valve chamber and thus comparatively high shearing forces to be entrained caused by contamination
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a valve system comprising a housing with an inlet port and an outlet port, a main valve which, in the open state, connects the inlet port to the outlet port via a first flow path, and a bypass valve which, in the open state, connects a region located between the inlet port and the main valve to a region located downstream of the main valve via a second flow path, wherein a minimum flow cross-section of the second flow path is larger than a minimum flow cross-section of the first flow path. The invention also relates to a method for operating a valve system.