FR2880937A1 - Seat valve for closing and sealing pipe, has body through which fluid penetrates, closing tube integrated to body and streamlined core, and turbine coupled to alternator that is integrated to core - Google Patents

Abstract

The valve has a body (3) through which fluid penetrates. The fluid is deviated by a streamlined core (2). A closing tube (5) is integrated to the body and the core. A turbine (12) is coupled to an alternator (11) integrated to the core. The turbine withdraws mechanical energy in fluid and converts into electric energy. An electronic controlling case (10) blocks the turbine when an accumulator attains its maximal charge.

Description

DESCRIPTION

  Field of the Invention The present invention describes an energy-autonomous closure and sealing device that can be used on circuits carrying gaseous and liquid fluids.

  The device applies to all functions that can be fulfilled by all types of existing valves or faucets.

  The purpose of the device is to replace the existing valves or taps currently, wherever an energy supply in electrical, pneumatic or other form is difficult. These difficulties can be multiple: too much distance, extreme weather conditions, the need for electrical or pneumatic isolation, and more generally a cost too much wiring and power.

  State of the Prior Art and Problem The valves, or valves, and more generally the disconnecting members and sealing members are currently operated by motors or cylinders powered by an external network.

  When these valves or valves are placed in extreme conditions of distance, isolation or environment, the construction of a feed line is problematic and often entails a huge cost.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The device according to the invention consists in producing a seat valve incorporating a power converter which draws this energy from the transported fluid or from the environment to supply the operating device.

  An intermediate energy reserve can be used with advantage, in cases where the converter operates in only one position of the valve, or to supply secondary functions such as sensors, a radio transmitter, or others.

  Advantages The device makes it possible to produce valves operable remotely whatever the surrounding conditions and the geographical position. It also provides remote information on the status of the fluid being transported, the status of the valve and the state of the valve environment.

  The use of the invention is particularly advantageous when the closure member of the valve requires a low operating force. In fact, a low energy consumption implies a great compactness of the device and a puncture of energy to the fluid or the weak environment.

  List of Figures The device which is the subject of the invention will be better understood on reading hereinafter, followed by several figures representing respectively: FIG. 1 describes the application of the preferred device according to the invention, shown in section, in the open position, that is to say leaving free passage to the fluid contained in the pipe, and using a turbine (12) to provide electrical energy.

  FIG. 2 represents a variant of the device according to the invention, integrating an independent turbine (13) magnetically coupled to a device (14) which makes it possible to transmit the movement energy of the fluid without mechanical connection.

  Figure 3 shows a variant of the device according to the invention, using a turbine (12) to provide pneumatic energy.

  Figure 4 shows a variant of the device according to the invention, using the fluid transported in the pipe. For example, a chemical reaction with the fluid or a combustion of the fluid is used to provide electrical energy using a thermocouple (17).

  Figure 5 shows a variant of the device according to the invention, using the fluid transported in the pipe. For example, a chemical reaction with the fluid or a combustion of the fluid is used to provide electrical energy using a turbine (29) coupled to an alternator (11). FIG. 6 represents a variant of the device according to the invention, using the fluid transported in the pipe as a propellant fluid of a pneumatic or hydraulic motor (7). The device is, in this figure, and for example, in the closed position, that is to say, blocking the passage of the fluid. FIG. 7 represents a variant of the device according to the invention, using a magnetohydrodynamic generator (21) to supply electrical energy.

  Figure 8 shows a variant of the device according to the invention, using a thermocouple (17), which takes as heat sources the fluid and the atmosphere, to provide electrical energy.

  Figure 9 shows a variant of the device according to the invention, using a solar panel (23) to provide electrical energy.

  Figure 10 shows a variant of the device according to the invention, using a wind turbine (24) to provide electrical energy.

  Figure 11 shows a motorized parallel seat valve, representing a technology currently used.

  Figure 12 shows a tube-shaped closure member (5), not shown in section, whose autoclave bearing surface is a non-continuous flange on its circumference.

  Detailed description of the use of the method according to the invention Figure 1 describes the preferred application according to the invention.

  The invention consists of a device for closing and sealing between two parts of a fluid circuit, in an energy-independent manner. The invention is installed on a pipe between an upstream flange (1) and a downstream flange (4).

  The invention can use any closure member, but favors the use of a member requiring only a small opening force such as the closure tube (5), on which the upstream static pressure does not only on a collar. Figure 1 shows the invention in the open position, that is to say leaving free passage to the fluid contained in the pipe. In this configuration, the fluid enters the body (3) and is deflected by the profiled core (2). It is when the fluid flows around the profiled core (2) that a part of the flow drives the turbine (12), which is in this figure the primary element of the energy conversion chain. The fluid then exits through the outlet flange (4).

  The turbine (12) is coupled, in this case, to an alternator (11) integrated in the profiled core (2). The electricity generated by the alternator (11) is recovered by the electronic management unit (10), which returns it to the accumulator (8) thus charged. When the accumulator (8) has reached its maximum load, the electronic management unit (10) can block the turbine (12), or disengage the alternator (11).

  The charged accumulator (8) supplies all the functions of the closure device. The main function of closing and sealing, the order of which can be given remotely via the integrated transmitter (26), uses an electric motor (6). Rotation of the motor (6) drives a trapezoidal rod by a bevel gear which pushes the closure tube (5) against the seat supported by the output flange (4). The motor system associated with a trapezoidal rod can be replaced by any other device for pushing the closure member and operating with electrical energy, such as an electric cylinder that directly pushes the closure member. The alternator (11) can supply directly to one or other of the functions of the closure and sealing device.

  2880937 5 When the closure tube (5) is in contact with the seat, as in Figure 6, the fluid no longer circulates and the turbine (12) therefore no longer rotates. The energy contained in the accumulator, however, allows to maneuver the closure member. Closure members requiring a low force of implementation are therefore preferred, such as for example the closure tube (5), on which only a continuous or discontinuous collar on its circumference undergoes the pressure force of the upstream fluid opposing the opening movement.

  All of the members of the invention are integrated in the body (3) and the profiled core (2), for the sake of compactness. However, some functions can be outsourced.

  FIG. 2 represents a variant of the preferred application according to the invention.

  The alternator (11) is here driven by a coupling device (14) magnetic, or by any distance force, a turbine (13) placed in the passage of the fluid.

  The sensor (28) measures fluid characteristics such as pressure, temperature or flow rate. With the transmitter radio (26), this data can be sent and processed remotely.

  Figure 3 shows a variant of the power supply system. A turbine (12) placed in the fluid stream drives a compressor (15). The compressed fluid can be any fluid. In this figure, the compressed fluid is air drawn outside the device. However, the fluid transported in the pipe can also be used.

  The pneumatic distributor (16) manages the supply of the reservoir (9) which contains the fluid under pressure. When the tank is inflated to its maximum pressure, the distributor (16) isolates it from the compressor (15) and controls the stop of the latter by stopping the rotation of the turbine (12) or by decoupling between the turbine (12) and the compressor (15).

  The pressure tank (8) feeds via the pneumatic distributor (16) the various functions of the closure device and in particular the pneumatic or hydraulic motor (7). This motor (7) can be replaced by a pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder.

  Figure 4 shows a variant in which the fluid transported in the pipe is stored in a tank (9) and isolated from the flow by a valve (27). This fluid is then used in an exothermic or endothermic chemical reaction or combustion by the mixer (19). The reservoir (18) is a reserve of fluid necessary for the reaction. However, in the case of combustion or reaction with air, this reserve (18) is optional.

  The reaction thus created is a source of heat for the thermocouple (17). If the reaction is exothermic or if it is a combustion, it is the hot source. If the reaction is endothermic, it is the cold source. The atmosphere is the complementary source.

  The thermocouple (19) thus creates a current, which, managed by the electronic management unit (10), reloads the accumulator (8) or directly supply electrical energy to the various functions of the closure device.

  FIG. 5 represents a variant in which, as in the variant represented by FIG. 4, the transported fluid is used in a chemical reaction or combustion. The heat generated is used for example to rotate a gas turbine (29) coupled to an alternator (11).

  The current thus created, managed by the electronic management unit (10), can recharge the accumulator (8) or directly supply electrical energy to the various functions of the closure device.

  FIG. 6 represents a variant in which the fluid is directly used in the pneumatic or hydraulic motor (7).

  The distributor (16) manages the pressure of the reservoir (9) which can be at the maximum at the dynamic pressure of the fluid during the flow. This pressurized fluid is used as a propellant in the engine (7) and is discharged at atmospheric pressure outside the device.

  This variant of the device makes it possible to produce energy when the closure member (5) seals and blocks the circulation of the fluid. The variants represented by FIGS. 4, 5, 8, 9 and 10 also have this advantage.

  FIG. 7 shows a variant in which the electric energy supplied to the accumulator (8) is supplied by a magnetohydrodynamic generator (21).

  The fluid transported in the pipe is biased by the electrodes (20). When the polarized fluid passes inside the magnetohydrodynamic generator (21), a current is created at its terminals, which, managed by the electronic management unit (10), recharges the accumulator (8) or feeds the various functions directly. of the closure device. All the electrical cables necessary for the operation of the magnetohydrodynamic generator are contained in a sheath (22) external or internal to the body (3).

  FIG. 8 represents a variant in which the electrical energy supplied to the accumulator (8) is supplied by a thermocouple (17) whose sources are the fluid transported in the pipe and the atmosphere. The hot spring is the hottest fluid and vice versa.

  The thermocouple (17) thus creates a current, which, managed by the electronic management unit (10), recharges the accumulator (8) or directly supply electrical energy to the various functions of the closure device.

  FIG. 9 represents a variant in which the electrical energy supplied to the accumulator (8) is supplied by a solar panel (23). The current created by exposure to sunlight is managed by the electronic management box (10). It allows to recharge the accumulator (8) or to directly supply electrical energy to the various functions of the closure device.

  FIG. 10 represents a variant in which the electrical energy supplied to the accumulator (8) is supplied by a wind turbine (24). The current created by the rotation of the wind turbine (24) is managed by the electronic management unit (10). It allows to recharge the accumulator (8) or to directly supply electrical energy to the various functions of the closure device.

  Fig. 11 shows a parallel seat valve actuated by an electric motor (6). The energy required to operate this motor (5) is provided by cables (25) of an external power supply.

  This technology is currently used.

  Figure 12 shows the closure member (5) in uncut view. The pressure force to overcome to open this organ is the pressure force exerted on the surface perpendicular to the axis of the tube (5). The variation of the height of the collar therefore varies this support force. To reduce this force, the collar can, as shown in this figure, be discontinuous on the circumference and have support sectors.

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Claims (9)

  1. Device for sealing on a pipe, characterized in that the or bodies for closing are set in motion directly or indirectly by one or more autonomous energy conversion devices.   2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the autonomous energy conversion device or devices draw their energy from the fluid transported in the pipe, by the conversion of a characteristic of any fluid, such as pressure, the quantity of material, the displacement of the fluid, the heating value or the temperature of the fluid transported.   3. Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the one or more autonomous energy conversion devices, use as a source of mechanical energy or turbines immersed in the fluid.   4. Device according to claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the turbine or turbines immersed in the fluid are coupled by a remote force, such as an electromagnetic force, to one or more secondary rotating devices placed outside the flow and serve as a source of mechanical energy to the energy conversion device or devices.   5. Device according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the one or more autonomous energy conversion devices use as energy source a chemical reaction or combustion maintained by supply of fluid transported in the pipe with or without supplement to the reaction.   6. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the one or more autonomous energy conversion devices use as energy source the environment, by the conversion of a characteristic of any environment, such as the solar, wind, hydraulic or thermal energy.   7. Device according to claim 1 and optionally 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, characterized in that the energy produced by the energy conversion device (s) is stored before being used by the device. one or other of the functions of the closure and sealing device.   8. Device according to claim 1 and optionally 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7, characterized in that one or remote transmitters are integrated and allow remote control of one or the other of the functions of the closure and sealing device, to know the state of the closure and sealing device and to know the characteristics of the fluid by possible integrated sensors.   9. Device according to claim 1 and optionally 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, characterized in that the closing member (s) are tubes optionally closed at their end and whose shape is varied. autoclave closing force by varying the surface or shape of a shoulder that may be continuous around the circumference of the tube or fractionated into sectors. 25 30