JPS62180179A - Axial multiport rotary valve - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus for transferring multiple fluid streams between different locations. It relates to a single multi-boat rotary valve capable of achieving simultaneous interconnection of a large number of conduits according to sequence.

Prior Art U.S. Pat. No. 3,040,777 to Carman et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 3,422.848 to Liebman et al. A plate valve is described. However, the valves described in these documents cannot be used to implement a process such as that disclosed in Gerholdt US Pat. No. 4,402,832. A valve with similar utility to the Carman and Liebman device is disclosed in Gerholdt et al. US Pat. No. 3,192.954. This valve uses a cylindrical rotor within a peripheral stator as illustrated in FIG.

Separation of various substances by selective adsorption using a simulated moving bed of adsorbent is an example of a process in which axial multi-boat rotary valves are useful. The simulation of moving adsorbent beds is described in U.S. Pat. No. 2,985,58 to Broughton et al., supra.
9. FIG. 11 illustrates the process and apparatus of this patent. Achieving this mimicry requires sequentially combining the feedstock stream into a series of beds. These floors are considered to be parts of a single large floor whose movement is simulated. Each time the feedstock stream is redirected, it is necessary to redirect at least three streams, which may be the flow entering the bed, the feedstock flow, or the flow exiting the bed. Moving bed simulation involves dividing a bed into a series of fixed beds and moving the points at which liquid flow is introduced and extracted through that series of fixed beds, instead of moving the bed through the introduction and extraction points. It may also be written as The rotary valve used in the blowing process can be described as achieving simultaneous interconnection of two separate groups of conduits.

There are many different process requirements in a moving bed similision process, resulting in different flow schedules and thus variations in the rotary valve system.

For example, in addition to the four basic streams described in Broughton, it may be desirable to utilize one or more streams to purge or flush the pipeline. Flash flow is used to prevent undesired mixing of the components. The Fura Sosh material is selected to be undesirable for mixing with the main stream entering the pipeline after completion of the flash. US Patent 3 of Stein et al.
, 201° 491 is a reference for flash lines as applied to Broughton's process. It is desirable to pass fluid through the bed in a direction opposite to normal flow. This is commonly seen in Reinkel's US Pat. No. 4.319.
This is known as backflushing, which is a problem in G.929. Other applications of the multiport rotating disc valve variety are described in Broughton, US Pat. No. 4,313. O
No. 15; Odawara et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,157.267; Ishikawa et al. U.S. Pat.

The above patents (U.S. Patents 3,040,777 and 3,4
The multi-boat rotating disc valve shown in 22° 848) was made in a variety of sizes up to valves utilizing rotors 4% feet (1.37 m) in diameter. These valves have 7 concentric circumferential groups and 24 boats spaced around the periphery of the stator. This approximately 26,
A single bulb of this size weighing 000 Bond has an overall height of approximately 8% feet (4,6m) and measures approximately 8'i5 x
It occupies a flat area of 8'A fee 1. (2,6 x 2.6 m). These numbers do not include separate hydraulic units powered by hydraulically driven actuators attached to the valve body. It is clearly desirable to use devices of less bulk and weight to accomplish the same function, and the present invention provides for such a smaller rotary valve.

It can achieve interconnection of conduits in two groups and has further uses as discussed below.

The Carson (U.S. Pat. No. 3,040,777) multi-boat rotating disc valve has two independent groups of conduits so that each conduit in the first group can communicate individually with all the conduits in the second group. provides a satisfactory valve design for simultaneous interconnection of three groups of conduits, but is not suitable when three groups of conduits must be interconnected simultaneously in the same manner. Broughton (U.S. Pat. No. 2,985)
．． 589), it can be seen that only two groups of conduits need to be interconnected.

One group consists of conduits that provide flow into and out of the simulated moving bed adsorbent system, i.e., flows that are switched between beds, such as feedstock flow.

The second group consists of conduits connected to the individual beds for supplying and removing fluids from the beds, one connected between each of the two beds. Since each conduit of the second loop serves the dual function of supply and removal, it is unnecessary to provide a conduit for supplying fluid separate from a conduit for removing fluid.

The device of the invention is used when it is necessary to interconnect three different groups of conduits simultaneously according to a predetermined cycle. An example of a process involving three conduit groups is described in Gerhold U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,832.
seen in As noted above, it is highly desirable to use a single device, thereby avoiding the problems associated with multiple separate valves that must be operated simultaneously.

PROBLEM SOLVED BY THE INVENTION The present invention provides a single axial multi-boat rotary valve useful for transferring a number of different fluid flows between various positions according to a predetermined cycle. Regarding. Fluid flow is contained within conduits interconnected by valves. A conduit does not communicate with more than one other conduit in one cycle step or valve index position.

The conduits to be interconnected are attached to a hollow stator or stator assembly consisting of three parts or elements, each of which is cylindrical.

There are fluid flow channels in the rotating body or rotor assembly within the stator assembly. The rotor assembly assumes various positions according to the cycle steps, and the conduits distribute fluid flowing into and out of the valve differently at each cycle step. Between the rotor and stator assemblies there is an annular space containing sealing means for preventing leakage and limiting flow passages.

There are many instances where it is necessary to direct a flow of fluid to one location for a period of time, and then to another location for a period of time, and thus to multiple locations. The relatively simple problem of directing a single fluid stream to various destinations in a predetermined cycle or periodic sequence can be accomplished using one or more devices, such as a multi-boat rotary plug valve. easily achieved. When it is necessary to send more than a single fluid stream to various destinations simultaneously, a single device is used rather than a large number of individual valves, as discussed in the Carson patent cited above. It is highly desirable to do so.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a single valve for simultaneously achieving interconnection of a number of conduits according to a predetermined cycle, in which a conduit communicates with no more than one other conduit at one valve indexing position. An object of the present invention is to provide a mechanical valve device. It is also a further object of the present invention to provide a valve that is smaller in physical size and has fewer retention requirements than prior art valves.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Broad embodiments of the invention include (a) having a hollow interior and comprising a central element, a first end element and a second end element;
Each of the elements comprises a stator assembly (bl) having a cylindrical shape, a central element, a first end element and a second end element, each of the elements having a cylindrical shape; A first annular space is formed between a first end element of the child and a first end element of the stator, and a second annular space is formed between a second end element of the rotor and a second end element of the stator. an annular space is formed and installed in the hollow interior of the stator assembly such that a central annular space is formed between a central element of the rotor and a central element of the stator, and according to a predetermined cycle; The various valve indexing positions rotate about an axis of rotation, the axis being a longitudinal axis of both the rotor and stator assemblies, and communicating between the fluid passages formed in the annular space. a rotor assembly having a plurality of internal channels; (c) a plurality of channels disposed in the stator assembly for coupling the conduit to a valve for providing fluid passage between the conduit and the annular space within the stator assembly; nozzles, (dl) such that the nozzles of the various pairs communicate at each valve indexing position according to a predetermined cycle, and the fluid supplied by one nozzle enters the other nozzle to flow out of that valve. in the annular space, through one of the toroidal fluid passages, the rotor assembly channel and the other one of the toroidal fluid passageways, in order to prevent external leakage, limit the fluid passageway, and A valve comprising means for preventing mixing of fluids flowing through the valve.

Unique features of certain embodiments of the invention include fluid flow passages, shown here as tie pipes, and central stator element passages. These fluid flow passages enhance the flexibility of the axial multi-port rotary valve to accommodate a variety of process equipment requiring the interconnection of multiple conduits. The tie pipe communicates between the annular space formed between the rotor and stator end elements. The central stator element passageway allows fluid to enter the valve through a nozzle mounted on the stator central element and exit the valve through another nozzle mounted on the stator central element; Bypassing the end element of the valve.

Next, the present invention will be specifically explained with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 depicts a representative process system used to describe the present invention. This process system is fully described in the aforementioned Gerholt U.S. Pat. It will be done. As shown in Figure 1,
There are six individual distribution areas or units numbered 1-6. There are conduits carrying four fluid streams: two streams entering the process system and two streams exiting the process system called feedstock, extractant, desorbent and raffinate. These four streams are called process streams. The manner of interconnection of the separation units by conduits carrying several fluid flows is varied to simulate movement of the units in the same direction as the fluid flows.

There are six stages in the complete cycle, ie, six different interconnection devices to be accomplished by the valves. Two of the stages are shown in FIG. 1, and from these two the other four stages are easily understood. As the process, or valve, is indexed through each stage of the cycle, the flow is transferred to different units. To simulate the movement of the separation unit to the right in FIG. 1, the flow moves to the left. As shown in step 1 of Figure 1,
In stage 1, feedstock is fed into unit 1, impure extract is removed from unit 1 and flows to unit 2, diluted extract is recycled from the outlet to the inlet of unit 3, and the desorbent is circulated between units. The dilute raffinate flows from the bottom of unit 4 to the top of unit 5 and the impure raffinate is recycled in unit 6.

At the end of stage 1, the valve is indexed or rotated to the stage 2 position, as shown in stage 2 of FIG. It is taken out and sent to UNIF L-1. In step 2, the impure extract is IE,
E for extract, OH for diluted extract, D for desorbent, DR for diluted raffinate, R1 for raffinate, and R1 for impure raffinate! Abbreviations such as F are used for R1 feedstock oil. It can be seen that in stage 3 the feedstock is sent to unit 5 and corresponding changes are made in the other flow sources and destinations. In stage 6, the feedstock is sent to unit 2 and in the next stage returns to unit 1 and the cycle is repeated.

In FIG. 2, the valve is depicted as a box, and the flow of FIG. 1 into and out of this box is indicated by arrows.

Each arrow can be viewed as a conduit or pipeline (
The direction of flow is as shown. There are thus six conduits carrying fluid to the valve, one in communication with the outlet of each separation unit, and six conduits carrying fluid out of the valve, one in communication with the population of each separation unit. Additionally, there are four conduits for the above process flows. The conduits connected to the valves may be placed in three groups: process flow, unit inlet, and unit outlet.

In FIG. 3, a hollow stator assembly is comprised of a central element 11, an end element 12, and an end element 13. In this embodiment of the invention, the end elements of the stator assembly are bolted to the central element. A rotor assembly consisting of a central element and two end elements is placed within the hollow interior of the stator assembly. The rotor assembly or stator assembly, regardless of the terminology used herein, is separable into parts, and the use of the word element does not imply that the assembly must be separable into three elements. The rotor and stator elements are cylindrical in shape.

In this embodiment, the central element is larger in diameter than the end elements, which is not necessarily the case in other embodiments. The size is determined by the number of fluid flows through the valve, its routing, its size, and mechanical requirements. Only a portion of each rotor end element is shown in FIG. The rotor end element 17 projects from the stator end element 12 and the rotor end element 18 extends from the stator end element 1.
It stands out from 3. The rotor has shafts 19 and 21
is attached and the rotor is connected to support assemblies 22 and 2.
Supported by 3. A means for rotating the rotor assembly about an axis of rotation is indicated at 20. The axis of rotation is the extended centerline of shafts 19 and 21, or the longitudinal axis of both assemblies. In this particular example,
The rotor is rotated in 60° increments and one of the rotor's six rest positions is defined as the valve index position and represents the rotor position during a single cycle stage. Such means for indexing the shaft, or for rotating the shaft in increments usually less than a full revolution, are well known and may be hydraulic, electrical, or electromechanical.

An example of a rotating means is U.S. Pat. No. 2.948.16 to Peirce et al.
Seen in 6.

Each stator end element has a flange 14 to which a seal ring follower 15 is attached by bolts 16. The operation of the seal ring follower is discussed below. Nozzles such as 26 and 27 are attached to the stator and provide fluid passage between the interior of the stator and the four tubes coupled to the nozzles. The nozzles are divided into four sets depending on their position in the stator assembly. Nozzle 26 is representative of a first set of nozzles located on one stator end assembly, in this case the end element shown on the left. Nozzle 28 is representative of a second set of nozzles located on the other stator end element shown to the right of the figure.

A third set of nozzles 1- is attached to the central stator element adjacent to the left stator end element and includes nozzle 27.

Nozzle 29 is representative of a fourth set of nozzles mounted on the center stator adjacent to the right stator end element. Stator tie pipe 31 connects nozzles 36 and 78 and provides fluid passage therebetween. Similarly, stator tie pipe 30 provides a passageway for fluid flow between nozzles 26 and 64. Arrow 35 indicates FIG.

The representation in FIG. 3 is the same as that in FIGS. 1.2 and 8.

Also, the letters correspond to the abbreviations in Figures 1 and 2, for example, F
indicates the flow of raw oil. Although not all nozzles are shown in FIG. 3, all sixteen conduits discussed in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2 are coupled to the stator assembly by nozzles. There are six nozzles in the third set, including nozzle 27. A third set of two nozzles is located on the back side of the stator center element and is not visible in FIG. The third set of nozzles are equally spaced 60° apart around the stator central element, with their centerlines in a single plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The fourth set of nozzles is arranged in the same manner as the third set. Only three of the fourth set of nozzles are visible in FIG.

In Figures 1.3 and 8, the display IT~6T and IB~
6B refers to a specific separation unit and a specific conduit attached to the unit. For example, IT indicates that a conduit attached to that nozzle communicates between that nozzle and the top of separation unit 3, and 3B indicates that a conduit attached to that nozzle communicates between that nozzle and the bottom of separation unit 3. Indicates that there is communication between “Top” and “
The term "bottom" is only used in FIG. 1 because the inlet of the separation unit is shown at the top of the drawing.

In FIG. 4, the numbers from FIG. 3 are used as they are. The rotor end element 17 is located inside the stator end element 12. Nozzles 26 and 36 of FIG. 3 are shown in FIG. Two internal channels 37 and 38 are shown in rotor end element 17. There are two further channels (not shown) in the rotor element 17, with a total of four channels of the first group being connected to the rotor central element (not shown in FIG. 4). It extends inside. Channel 37 communicates with nozzle 26 and channel 38 communicates with nozzle 36. The stator end element 12 has an inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the rotor end element 17, thus forming an annular space between these elements.

As shown in FIG. 4, this annular space is filled with a sealing ring. A terminal seal ring 39 contacts the portion of the seal ring follower 15 that projects into the annular space. Adjacent to the terminal seal ring 39 is a rotating seal ring 40, followed by a stationary seal ring 43.
There is. Another rotating seal ring 40 adjoins a stationary seal ring 43 on the other side. FIG. 5 shows a single rotating seal ring 40. FIG. In the same manner, an annular space is formed between the rotor end element 18 and the stator end element 13 (FIG. 3) and also between the rotor central element and the stator central element.

All nozzles communicate with the annular space between the rotor assembly and stator assembly. The sealing ring is the means by which the passage of fluid in the end element annular space is limited, mixing of fluids in the annular space is prevented, and external leakage is prevented. For example, fluid flowing through channel 37 and nozzle 26 is separated from fluid in channel 38 and nozzle 36 by a seal ring. A rotating seal ring 40 extends around the periphery of the rotor end element, with an annular passageway 44 formed between the inner wall of the stator end element and the outer surface of the ring 40 in a portion of the annular space between the stator and rotor end elements. configured to be used.

Figure 5 shows a complete seal ring. However, the O-ring 52 has been omitted from the interior surface of the seal ring depicted in FIG.

An opening 45 (FIG. 5) in seal ring 40 mates with channel 37 and connects channel 37 with annular passage 44.
Fluid can flow between the

The annular passageway 44 is circumferential and extends 360° around the rotor assembly so that the passageway is always connected to the nozzle 26.
, so that nozzle 26 and channel 37 are always in communication.

Similarly, each other channel of the left rotor end element is always attached to the left hand rotor end element and communicates with a particular nozzle (nozzles 32, 34 and 36). 0-
A ring 52 is placed on each side of ring 40 as shown in FIG. Prevents flow in the longitudinal direction parallel to the axis.

The end sealing ring 39 does not rotate and is fixed by a setscrew 8 inserted through the wall of the stator element and projecting into the cavity 42. The rotary seal ring 40 is attached to the rotor and rotates together with the rotor.

The installation is done by group 41 of each rotary seal ring 40 (
(Fig. 5). Tongs (rabbits) that align the groups on the end elements for each seal ring 40 (
(not shown in the figure). When the tongue and group are engaged, the sealing ring is fixed. Fixed seal ring 43 is prevented from rotating by a setscrew in the same manner as distal seal ring 39. The 0-ring 52 is connected to the rotor end element and the rotary seal ring 4 as described above.
0 and likewise between the stator end element and the stationary seal ring 43 or the end seal ring 39. Leakage occurs between the stator wall and the rotating seal ring 40. This leakage is lubricated and contained at a sealing interface 53 that extends 360° around the rotor end element and lies in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. The sealing surface at interface 53 is a well-known material used in applications where a stationary sealing surface mates with a rotating sealing surface. For example, common pair seal face materials are carbon and tungsten. Seal ring 40 may be made entirely of tungsten, and rings 39 and 43 may be made entirely of carbon, or carbon and tungsten may be applied to other base ring materials to form a sealing surface at interface 53. be able to.

The arrangement of the left rotor end element can now be fully understood. A seal ring 40 is placed on each of the four nozzles of stator end element 12. A stationary seal ring 43 is placed between the rotatable seal rings. There are three locking rings on each end element.

There is an end sealing ring 39 at each end of the annular space formed by the left end element. The rotor end element shown on the right in FIG. 3 is arranged in the same manner. Only one end of the annular space between the end elements can be seen in FIG. The other end is shown in FIG. 6, where it is seen that the seal ring assembly is held by a shoulder on the rotor adjacent the rotor sleeve 51. At the other end, the ring assembly is secured by a seal follower 15 (FIG. 4).

Seal follower 15 also applies sealing force to the seal surface interface. Each bolt 16 has a spring 2
5 is included. Spacer 24 allows spring 25 to be compressed by bolt 16, thus pressing seal follower 15 towards the stator central element, thereby providing a sealing force.

FIG. 6 shows the other end of the stator element 12 and the rotor end element 17 and a portion of the stator center element 11 and a portion of the rotor center element 46. Rotor central element 46 and rotor end element 17 are secured together by bolts 47. The rotor sleeve 51 provides a space between the stator element 12 and the rotor element 17 and acts as a bearing. Channels 37 and 38 communicate with the annular space between rotor central element 46 and stator central element 11. Fluid is nozzle 2
7 and channel 37 and between nozzle 50 and channel 38. Limiting the fluid passage of these and other flows in the central element annular space, preventing mixing is achieved by the rotor sealing element 48. FIG. 9 shows a cross section of a single rotor seal element 48. FIG. 10 is a top view of rotor seal element 48 including the sealing surface. 7th
The figure shows a rotor central element 46 with several rotor seal elements 48.

Although the arrangement of the left part of the valve in Figure 3 has been described in detail,
Similarly, the right hand part of the valve consisting of the rotor and stator end elements and the right hand part of the rotor and stator central element. Figures 4 and 6 in mirror image form depict the right hand portion of the bulb.

Further, the invention will be explained according to FIGS. 6.7 and 10. In the rotor assembly, rotor seal elements are located at the central element end of each channel and at each end of each passageway. These sealing elements delimit fluid passage in the central annular space and prevent fluid mixing. In this example, there are 12 rotor seal elements, 8 for the channels and 4 for the passages. Number 60 indicates the fluid passage. A length of cylindrical conduit consisting of a long cylindrical portion of rotor seal element 48 is placed within a portion of channel 37. That portion of the channel 37 is larger in diameter than the rest of the channel so that a shoulder is formed to retain the spring 49 (FIG. 6). Each rotor seal element is provided with an O-ring 59 around its outer periphery to prevent leakage between the annular space and the channel wall. A curved rectangular plate is attached to the cylindrical part and covered by a rotor sealing element 56 (9th
figure). The spring 49 has a sealing surface 5 against the inner surface of the stator central element 11 which is smooth and polished to prevent leakage on the inner wall of the stator central element.
Pressing 5. The sealing surface 55 is a portion of the rotor sealing element sheet 56 and is formed from a soft elastic material. The rotor seal element seat 56 has two retainers 57 and 4
It is fixed by two screws 58. Rotation of the rotor assembly will wear the surface 55 as a result of movement of the surface around the inner wall of the stator central element. Spring 49 provides and maintains a sealing force while rotor element 5
6 needs to be replaced periodically. Movement of rotor sealing element 48 in the enlarged portion of channel 37 is relatively small, and such movement does not affect the sealing ability of O-ring 59.

With respect to FIG. 4, it can be seen that channels 37 and 38 are made up of three sections. One section is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and rests entirely on the rotor end element. One section is parallel to this axis and is located on both the rotor end element and the rotor center element. One section is perpendicular to the axis and placed entirely within the rotor central element. The other six channels in this example (for a total of eight channels) are similar.

In Figure 8 all nozzles of sets 3 and 4 are shown. Nozzles IB-6B are shown in sections,
They are uniformly spaced all 60° around the stator central element 11 in a single plane. As shown in FIG. 1, nozzles IT and 6 are connected by conduits to the top of the separation zone.
T is arranged in the same manner, but offset 30' from the third set of nozzles. In this embodiment, the 300 offset is present solely for convenience in coupling the conduit to the stator center element. For example, if nozzles 29 and 50 (FIG. 3) are both at the bottom, the pipe flange at nozzle 29 will be at nozzle 50.
flanges and get in the way of each other. The direction of rotation of the rotor assembly is indicated by arrow 62.

The complete fluid transfer path is now understood. For example, in stage 1 of a six-stage cycle, nozzle 5B (FIG. 8) is connected to the bottom of separation unit 5 by a conduit.
Raffinate®, which entered the valve by step 1) and entered nozzle 32 through channel 61, exits the process system by nozzle 32 (FIG. 3). In stage 2 of the process, R is the separation zone 4 (Fig. 1,
Flows from stage 2) and thus exits the valve through nozzle 4B.

Since the rotor has indexed 60° from stage 1 to stage 2, nozzle 4B is aligned with channel 61 and the raffinate flows through channel 61 to nozzle 32. Stage 3.4
．． 5 and 6, the raffinate flow is switched in the same manner as discussed above. Between each end of channel 61 and the nozzle, the raffinate flows into the annular space. This flow is prevented from mixing with other flows through the valve by the sealing means described above.

In yet another example of a fluid flow passage through a valve,
I from the bottom of separation unit 6 (Fig. 1, stage 1)
R enters the valve through nozzle 27 (Figure 3.6.8) and flows to nozzle 26 via channel 27 (Figures 3 and 4). From the nozzle 26, the stator tie pipe 30
, or via tie conduit 30 to nozzle 64 (FIG. 3). Tie pipe is used herein to mean a conduit that connects and communicates between two nozzles of a valve. The impure Rough Ine 1 then passes from nozzle 64 to nozzle 65 (FIG. 8, stage 1) through channels (not shown) in the right rotor end element and the right part of the rotor center element.
flows to Nozzle 65 is connected to a conduit that carries the flow to the top of separation zone 6 . In stage 2 of the cycle, the rotor indexes impure raffinate from separation unit 5 into channel 37.

It can be seen that the first set of nozzles communicates with the third set of nozzles by channels in the first group, passages on the left between the end elements, and passages in the central annular space. The second set of nozzles communicates with the fourth set of nozzles in a similar manner.

In FIG. 1 it can be seen that the conduit containing impurities from the bottom of the separation unit 1 has to be combined with the conduit feeding the separation unit 2. This is accomplished by passage 66 in the rotor extract. With respect to FIG. 8, stage 1, passage 66 is located entirely within the rotor central element and connects nozzles 67 and 68. The passageway 66 consists of three parts. The first end portion is exactly aligned with the nozzle 67, as seen in stage l of FIG. The second end portion is not visible in FIG. 8, but is identical in configuration to the first portion and fits exactly with the nozzle 68. aisle 66
The third part joins the first two parts and is perpendicular thereto. The end element is disconnected from the central element, but the third portion may be drilled from one side of the rotor central element, and the first portion of the drilled hole adjacent the end of the central element is Can be filled. Rotor sealing elements 48 are used at the ends of the annular spaces and passageways 66 in the same manner as at the ends of the channels. During stage 2 of the cycle, passage 66 provides a flow path between nozzles 27 and 69, and so on for other cycles. In the same manner, passage 70 provides a flow path between separation units 4 and 5 in stage 1. Passages 66 and 70 communicate the nozzles in the third set with the fourth set of nozzles.

In this example where the fluid flowing through the process is a liquid, a pump is required at some location. For example, with respect to stage 1 of FIG. 1, a pump is required to transfer the diluted extract from the bottom of unit 6 to the top of unit 6. This pump is physically placed in the tie pipe 30.

In stage 2 of the cycle, this same pump can be used to transfer liquid between 5B and 5T, as seen in FIG. On the other hand, a single pump can be associated with each group and used only as needed to pump the flow associated with that column. Pumps used to transfer liquids, as the need for such equipment is obvious to those skilled in chemical processes;
There is no need to say further about devices such as compressors.

Figures 11 and 12 show an example where a valve is used to interconnect multiple conduits in two groups. This process is described in Proton's U.S. Patent No. 2,985.589.
It is a process of A description of the process is disclosed in this patent and is supplemented below.

The explanation of this example does not need to be as detailed as the previous example, since the basic principle of the invention can be seen from the above example.

This example is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Container 7
There are 12 floors in 1. One bed 72 is shown in cutaway section in FIG.

The floor 72 is held at the bottom of the conical section by floor support means. The liquid is evenly distributed to the top of the bed by a distributor 73, which is a perforated plate. Liquid flowing through the bed is collected in sump 74. When liquid is to be removed from reservoir 74, it flows out through internal conduit 75 communicating between the reservoir and conduit 106 outside container 71. Conduit 106 transports liquid to the valve. If no liquid is removed, the flow passage is blocked at the valve and the liquid overflows the sump and flows through the downcomer pipe 77 to the other distributor 73;
Distributed on the floor below.

When liquid is added, it flows through the valve through conduit 106 and is distributed over the next lower bed in the same manner as the liquid flowing through bed 72.

There are four elementary streams coupled to vessel 71, the beds of which are changed at each cycle stage. These are displayed in the same manner as in the process of Figure 1, eg, F indicates feedstock. Since there are 12 beds, liquid flows into and out of only certain beds during any third cycle stage. For example, liquid flows through conduit 10G during all third stage and the other two stages, and all liquid flows through downcomer pipe 77. The floors are numbered 81 to 812 starting from the top of container 71. Floor 72 is B6. The 12 conduits must then be connected to containers and valves. These are shown by twelve lines 101-112 connected to the large central part of the bulb. This large section represents the stator center element. In cycle stage 1, feedstock (F) flows through bed B6.

The raffinate (R) flows from bed B9, and the desorption agent (D)
flows to bed 812 and extract (E) flows from bed B9.

In stage 2, F goes to B7, R goes to BIO, D goes to B
1, E flows from B4. Flow sequentially flows in a similar manner through the remainder of the 12 stages of the cycle.

The twelve conduits 101-112 are connected in the same manner as in the previous example to twelve nozzles mounted on the stator central element. As in that example, five of the conduits are not visible in the full valve drawing (Figure 12). 12th
The nozzles in the figure are labeled 101-106 and 112, indicating the conduits connected to them. For example, conduit 10
6 is used for floor B6. Specific example and Gerhold process used in this example (U.S. Pat. No. 4,402.832)
There are three significant differences between the embodiments described in connection with . There are no passageways such as 66 and 70 in the rotor center element. No tie pipe required. A third difference is that the rotor assembly in this embodiment rotates in 30° increments to include 12 cycle stages. As in the Gerhold process, there are four nozzles attached to each rotor end element. Each of the four elementary streams leads to each end element. For example, feedstock (F) in conduit 120 (FIG. 12) is supplied to each end element by conduits 121 and 122 branching from conduit 120. In cycle stage l, F entering the valve through nozzle 123 is in the annular space between the rotor and stator central elements, since the nozzle of the central element is not aligned with any of the four channels in the right rotor end element. The flow does not flow beyond the sealing element at. In cycle stage 2, when the rotor assembly is indexed 30°, F flows through channels in the right rotor end element and the right portion of the rotor center element into nozzle 123 and into conduit 107.
(FIG. 11) flows out of the valve through a nozzle attached. Conduit 107 supplies a stream of feedstock to bed B7. During stage 2, F entering the valve through nozzle 124 is plugged in the same manner as in stage 1. That is, the channel end in the left part of the rotor central element is closed by the wall of the stator central element. Other basic flow, D
, E and P also communicate in the same manner. It should be noted that in this embodiment, the passageway shown in FIG. 8 is not present. Therefore, neither the two nozzles on the left nor the two nozzles on the right of the central element are aligned with any channel, even when the other four nozzles are aligned. Thus, during one cycle, the nozzles on one of the two sides of the central element do not communicate with any channel, and only 4 of the 6 nozzles on the other side communicate with the channel;
Fluid flows to only four nozzles.

Seal means other than the seal rings described above may also be used. The annular space between the end element rings is filled with a conventional shaft packing and compressed by means similar to the sealing ring follower 15. A fixed lantern ring is used in place of the rotating seal ring to provide a fluid flow path similar to the annular passageway 44. Other alternatives to the seal rings described above are lip tie seals. These alone are
Alternatively, it is used in conjunction with rings spaced along the shaft to help limit fluid passages. Such a ring is identical in form to a stack of flat washers. In a similar manner, there is the use of a rotor sealing element 48, such as a lip tie seal, or a self-lubricating plastic liner. The liner is made of reinforced or unreinforced tetrafluoroethylene and has openings at appropriate locations to allow fluid flow. Solid retention means are provided at various points to minimize the tendency of the liner to "creep".

In each of the above examples, the first and second sets of nozzles each have four nozzles, and the third and fourth sets each have six nozzles. Of course, it is possible to design valves with different numbers of nozzles to fit more or fewer conduits. Depending on the flow pattern required in a particular process, different numbers of tie-bys can be used to connect different groups of nozzles. When using tie pipes, it is necessary to place a pipe expansion joint in the tie pipe to prevent damage to the valve and/or leakage due to expansion caused by the high temperatures flowing through the valve. As discussed above, it is desirable to utilize a flush fluid, and nozzles and channels are readily provided for this purpose. When the rotary valve is on separate feed, it means that the rotor assembly is moving. The valve index position relates to one of the rotor assembly positions that are fixed and the openings are precisely aligned. The components of the present invention are fabricated from any suitable structural material such as metal or plastic. The size of the flow passages is easily achieved with reference to many standard methods available.

To describe the valve dimensions, there are 6 separation units and 1 diameter
A rotor assembly for a valve suitable for use in the Gelholt process discussed above, with a suitable fluid flow rate requiring a 38.1 mm channel is:
With a diameter of 5 inches (127 mm) at the end elements and 10 inches (254 mm) at the central element and an overall length of 42 inches (1,07 m), the total length of the valve including the drive mechanism is approximately 7 feet (2,13 m). The rotor end element is 14 inches (355 mm) in diameter with four 4 inch (102 mm) diameter channels that handle fluids at medium pressures.
, 6 mm).

On each side above, the nozzle is shown as a short length of conduit attached to the stator assembly and having flanges for coupling to the conduit to be interconnected by the valve. However, the term nozzle is widely used to refer to a means of communication between a conduit and an annular space.

For example, if it is desired to couple the conduit to the valve by welding, the term nozzle refers to an opening in the wall of the stator assembly, and the stator wall is configured to accept the welded conduit.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing six separation zones, or units, with two different fluid flow devices, each device associated with a single stage of the process of U.S. Pat. No. 4,402,832 (Gerholt). It is. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the valves and conduits to be interconnected by use thereof as required by the process of FIG. FIG. 3 shows an axial multi-port rotary valve with tie pipes and labeled for the process of FIG. The arrows indicate the cross section of FIG. FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the left end of the valve of FIG. 3;
It includes a portion of a stator end element, a portion of a rotor end element, and a seal ring follower. FIG. 5 shows a rotary seal ring with the O-ring omitted. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 3, including portions of the rotor and stator end elements and the central element; FIG. FIG. 7 shows a stator center element with a portion of the stator end element and a center seal element. This is configured for use in the valve of FIG. 8 is a cross-section of the central element used in the valve of FIG. 3; FIG. Two processes are shown. FIG. 9 is a cross-section of the central sealing element indicated by arrow 9 in FIG. FIG. 10 is a top view of the central seal element of FIG. 9; Figure 11 shows Broughton (U.S. Pat. No. 2,985,5
89) is a schematic diagram of the process of 89) showing multiple beds with conduits connecting the beds and a vessel containing axial multi-port rotary valves and conduits for flow into and out of the process. FIG. 12 shows an axial multi-port rotary valve with nozzles shown for the process of FIG. 11 (Proton's process). Patent applicant: N.O.B., Inc.
Original text (no 7th alternation in content) Fig l F/C, 5477 yic;'-i. Techi E:? - Hosho (self-proposal) April 15, 1985 Michibe Uga, Director General of the Patent Office1, Indication of the case, Patent Application No. 019991 of 19882, Name of the invention, Axial multi-boat rotary valve 3, Amendment. Patent applicant address: 6001G Desbrains, Illinois, United States of America Ten U.O.P. Plaza (no address) Name: N.O.P., Inc. 4, agent address ■104 Ginza Diamond, 8-15-10, Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Drawings of Heights No. 410, power of attorney, and translation thereof

Claims (1)

Claims: 1) (a) a stator assembly having a hollow interior and consisting of a central element, a first end element and a second end element, each of the elements having a cylindrical shape; (b ) a rotor assembly comprising a central element, a first end element and a second end element, each of the elements having a cylindrical shape, a first end element of the rotor and a first end element of the stator; a first annular space is formed between a second end element of the rotor and a second end element of the stator; a second annular space is formed between a central element of the rotor and a second end element of the stator; mounted within the hollow interior of the stator assembly such that a central annular space is formed between the stator assembly and the central element of the stator assembly, and rotates about an axis of rotation at various valve indexing positions according to a predetermined cycle; the axis being the longitudinal axis of both the rotor and stator assembly, and the rotor assembly having a number of internal channels; (d) a plurality of nozzles for coupling the conduit to the valve for providing a fluid passageway between the nozzles and the valve; Fluid supplied by one nozzle sequentially passes through one of the toroidal fluid passages, the rotor assembly channel, and the other one of the toroidal fluid passageways before entering the other nozzle to flow out of that valve. means for delimiting a fluid passage in the annular space communicating with the internal channel of the rotor assembly, for preventing mixing of fluid flowing through the valve, and for preventing external leakage; , an axial multi-port rotary valve for achieving simultaneous interconnection of a large number of conduits according to a predetermined cycle. 2) consisting of at least one passageway located entirely within the rotor central element, the passageway having a first end portion and each valve that exactly overlaps a nozzle mounted on the stator central element at each valve indexing position; The axial multi-port rotary valve of claim 1 having a second end portion that precisely overlaps another nozzle mounted on the stator central element in the indexed position. 3) Each of the plurality of internal channels in the rotor assembly has one portion perpendicular to the axis of rotation and located entirely in the rotor end element, parallel to the axis and located in the rotor end element and the rotor center element. Axial multiport according to claim 1, characterized in that it is composed of three parts: one part located on both sides, and one part perpendicular to the axis and located in the rotor central element. rotary valve. 4) the nozzles include a first set attached to the first stator end element, a second set attached to the second stator end element, and a second set of nozzles attached to the central stator adjacent the first stator end element; a third set attached to the central stator element adjacent the second stator end element, and a fourth set attached to the central stator element adjacent the second stator end element, the channels being located in the first rotor end element. a first channel containing a portion
group and a second group comprising a channel having a portion located in the second rotor end element, whereby the first set of nozzles
a group of channels, communicating with the third set of nozzles by passages in the first annular space and passages in the central annular space, and the second set of nozzles communicate with the second set of channels, the second set of nozzles, The axial multi-port rotary valve of claim 1, wherein the valve communicates with the fourth set of nozzles by passages in the central annular space and passages in the central annular space. 5) the means in the annular space consist of a rotating sealing ring attached to and extending around the rotor end element, the ring being approximately equal to the width of the annular space between the rotor and stator end elements; having a height and a length sufficient to include an annular passageway and an opening providing a fluid flow path between the channel and the nozzle, the annular passageway extending 360° around the ring; The ring is bounded on one side by a portion of the interior surface of the stator end assembly and on the other side by a ring that allows fluid from the openings and channels to flow between the exterior surface of the rotor end element and the ring. sealing means for preventing flow along the interface with the internal surface of the ring in the direction of a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation, and the ring extends 360° around the ring in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation. two lubricated rotating sealing surfaces, the lubricity of which is provided by fluid leaking from the annular passageway along the interface between the outer surface of the ring and a portion of the inner surface of the stator end element; The axial multi-port rotary valve according to claim 1, characterized in that: 6) The means in the annular space consist of a stationary sealing ring attached to the stator end element and extending around the rotor end element, the ring sealing the annular space between the rotor and stator end elements. having a height approximately equal to a width, the ring prevents fluid from flowing along the interface between the outer surface of the ring and a portion of the inner surface of the stator end element in the direction of a longitudinal axis parallel to the axis of rotation; and the ring has at least one lubricated stationary sealing surface extending 360° around the ring in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the lubricity of the sealing surface being An axial multi-port rotary valve according to claim 1, characterized in that it is powered by fluid leaking from an annular passage. 7) The means in the annular space consist of a length of cylindrical conduit placed at least in part concentrically on the enlarged diameter end portion of the channel, the enlarged portion being completely connected to the rotor. consisting of a rotor sealing element placed perpendicular to the axis of rotation within a central element and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conduit, further mounted at one end for sealing around the outside of the conduit; consisting of a curved plate having substantially the same radius of curvature as the internal surface of the stator central element, and further along the interface between the surface of the enlarged part of the channel and the external surface of the conduit in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conduit. sealing means for preventing the flow of fluid, and further comprising a curved plate of the stator central element to prevent leakage of fluid along the interface between the curved plate and the internal surface of the stator central element. The axial multi-port rotary valve of claim 1 comprising spring means for making sealing contact with the internal surface.