Vertical-Flap Explosion Isolation Valve for Faster Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional passive isolation valves with horizontally-hinged gate elements face challenges such as increased weight and larger path of travel with larger valve diameters, leading to longer closure times and potential deformation due to 'chattering', which can compromise the valve's ability to isolate upstream equipment from energetic events.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a passive isolation valve with vertically-hinged gate members, which divides the valve closure into two independent and smaller masses, reducing the impact of gravitational forces. Additionally, the valve incorporates a valve seat cleaning assembly to remove accumulated particulate matter and latch assemblies to secure the gate members in the closed position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a horizontally-hinged gate element is used in a passive isolation valve, then the valve can effectively block communication between inlet and outlet when closed, but the closure time increases and deformation risk increases with larger valve diameters due to increased weight and longer path of travel
Solution Approach 1:
The gate element is divided into multiple vertically-hinged flaps (typically three flaps per gate) instead of using a single large horizontally-hinged gate. This segmentation reduces the path of travel for each individual flap, enabling faster closure times while maintaining effective isolation when all flaps are closed. The vertical hinging also reduces the moment arm and weight considerations compared to horizontal hinging.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from horizontal hinging to vertical hinging of the gate flaps. This dimensional change in the hinging orientation allows the flaps to pivot perpendicular to the traditional horizontal axis, reducing the gravitational moment and enabling faster response times. The vertical orientation also changes the closure path from a long horizontal arc to a shorter vertical movement.
2Weight of moving object
If the gate element is constructed from thinner material to conserve weight, then weight is reduced, but the gate element becomes susceptible to deformation from flow fluctuations and chattering
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the gate into multiple smaller flaps, each individual flap experiences reduced hydrodynamic forces and flow-induced vibrations compared to a single large gate. This segmentation allows each flap to be constructed from thinner material while maintaining sufficient strength and rigidity, as the smaller surface area of each flap reduces the total force exerted by flow fluctuations and chattering.
3Productivity
If particulate matter accumulates near the valve seat, then the valve can operate normally during open state, but complete closure is interfered with and isolation effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The valve incorporates a valve seat cleaning assembly that actively removes accumulated particulate matter from the valve seat area before closure occurs. This preliminary cleaning action ensures that when the flaps close, the sealing surfaces are free of obstructions, guaranteeing effective isolation. The cleaning mechanism operates during normal valve operation to maintain readiness for reliable closure when needed.
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 design enhances the valve's ability to effectively isolate upstream equipment from energetic events by reducing closure time and preventing deformation, while also ensuring reliable operation by removing particulate interference and securely holding the gate members in the closed position.
Implementation Method 1
The gate assembly further comprises at least one biasing mechanism configured to bias the gate members toward the valve open position.
Implementation Method 2
The one or more latch assemblies are configured to be deployed in response to shifting of the gate members to the valve closed position and to hold the gate members in the valve closed position.
Implementation Method 3
valve seat cleaning assemblies configured to remove particulate material that has accumulated near the valve seat and that might interfere with complete closure of the flaps
Data Source
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AI summary
A passive explosion isolation valve (10) is provided that comprises vertically- oriented gate members (40, 42) configured to close automatically in response to an energetic event occurring downstream of the valve. The valve (10) may be optionally equipped with a valve seat cleaning assembly (46) configured to removed accumulated particulate material away from the area of the valve seat (48) and/or one or more latch assemblies (44) configured to secure the gate members (40, 42) in the closed position following closure of the valve (10) in response to an energetic event.