Abstract
A valve for controlling fluid flow. The valve includes a valve body, a chamber arranged inside of the valve body, a fluid inlet for providing fluid to the chamber, and a fluid outlet for receiving fluid from the chamber. The valve further includes a closing arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet via the chamber, and a differential pressure sensor for measuring the differential pressure over the closing arrangement, between an upstream pressure and a downstream pressure. The differential pressure sensor is integrated in the valve body, and is arranged to measure the differential pressure for at least an open state of the closing arrangement.
Claims
1. A valve for controlling fluid flow, said valve comprising: a valve body, a chamber arranged inside of said valve body, a fluid inlet for providing fluid to said chamber, and a fluid outlet for receiving fluid from said chamber, wherein fluid upstream of said chamber but downstream of said fluid inlet has an upstream pressure, and fluid downstream of said chamber but upstream of said fluid outlet has a downstream pressure, a closing arrangement for controlling the flow of fluid from said fluid inlet to said fluid outlet via said chamber, said closing arrangement having, at least one open state in which fluid is allowed to flow through said chamber, a differential pressure sensor for measuring the differential pressure over said closing arrangement, between said upstream pressure and said downstream pressure, wherein said differential pressure sensor is integrated into said valve body, and wherein said valve comprises a first fluid path enabling a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor and fluid at said upstream pressure, and a second fluid path enabling a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor and fluid at said downstream pressure, wherein said differential pressure sensor is arranged to measure the differential pressure for at least said open state of said closing arrangement.
2. A valve according to claim 1, wherein said differential pressure sensor is arranged to measure the differential pressure between a first point positioned between said fluid inlet and said chamber, and a second point positioned between said chamber and said fluid outlet.
3. A valve according to claim 1, comprising a wall arranged in said valve body, said wall having a cavity holding said differential pressure sensor, a first aperture providing a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor and fluid at said upstream pressure, and a second aperture providing a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor and fluid at said downstream pressure.
4. A valve according to claim 3, wherein said wall is arranged between said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet, and wherein said first aperture is comprised in said first fluid path, and is in pressurized communication with said fluid inlet, and said second aperture is comprised in said second fluid path, and is in pressurized communication with said fluid outlet.
5. A valve according to claim 3, wherein said wall together with said closing arrangement in its closed state, fluidly separates said fluid inlet from said fluid outlet.
6. A valve according to claim 3, wherein said wall is a partition wall separating fluid at said upstream pressure from fluid at said downstream pressure.
7. A valve according to claim 3, wherein said cavity of said wall has an opening in said valve body, said opening facing an outside of said valve enabling removal of said differential pressure sensor from said cavity.
8. A valve according to claim 1, wherein said valve body comprises a first valve body part and a second valve body part sealingly connected to said first valve body part, wherein said second valve body part at least partly houses said closing arrangement.
9. A valve according to claim 1, wherein said differential pressure sensor comprises a first side facing said first fluid path, and a second side facing said second fluid path, wherein the differential pressure sensor is arranged and configured to measure the pressure difference between a fluid acting on said first side, and a fluid acting on said second side.
10. A valve according to claim 1, wherein said fluid inlet and said fluid outlet are co-axial.
11. A valve according to claim 1, wherein said closing arrangement has a closed state in which no fluid, or only a leakage flow, is allowed to flow through said chamber, and wherein said differential pressure sensor is configured for measuring the differential pressure over said closing arrangement at said closed state.
12. A valve according to claim 1, wherein the pressure difference between fluid at said upstream pressure and fluid at said downstream pressure mainly corresponds to a fluid pressure drop over said closing arrangement.
13. A fluid distribution system comprising a valve according to claim 1, and an upstream pipe for delivering fluid to said fluid inlet, said upstream pipe having an end portion connected to said fluid inlet upstream of said closing arrangement of said valve, a downstream pipe for receiving fluid from said fluid outlet, said downstream pipe having an end portion connected to said fluid outlet downstream of said closing arrangement of said valve.
14. A method for measuring the differential pressure over a closing arrangement in a valve having a valve body, said method comprising the steps of: providing a differential pressure sensor integrated in said valve body, wherein said valve comprises a first fluid path enabling a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor and fluid at an upstream pressure of said closing arrangement, and a second fluid path enabling a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor and fluid at a downstream pressure of said closing arrangement, measuring the differential pressure between fluid at said upstream pressure and fluid at said downstream pressure by said differential pressure sensor for at least an open state of said valve.
15. The method according to claim 14, further comprising the step of measuring the differential pressure between fluid at said upstream pressure and fluid at said downstream pressure by said differential pressure sensor for at least a closed state of said valve.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0085] FIG. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept.
[0086] FIG. 1B is a perspective view of the valve shown in FIG. 1A.
[0087] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a valve according to at least another example embodiment of the inventive concept.
[0088] FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a fluid distribution system comprising a valve according to at least one example embodiment of the inventive concept.
[0089] FIG. 4 is a flow chart of the steps in a method for measuring the differential pressure over a closing arrangement in a valve according to at least one embodiment of the inventive concept.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0090] The above, as well as additional objects, features and advantages of the present inventive concept, will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of example embodiments of the present inventive concept, with reference to the appended drawings where the same reference numerals will be used for similar elements. In the following description, the present inventive concept is described with reference to a valve for controlling fluid flow through the valve, to a fluid distribution system comprising such valve, and to a method for measuring the differential pressure over a closing arrangement in a valve.
[0091] FIG. 1A illustrates a valve 1 for controlling fluid flow. The valve comprises a valve body 10, a chamber 20 arranged inside of the valve body 10, a fluid inlet 22 for providing fluid to the chamber 20, and a fluid outlet 24 for receiving fluid from the chamber 20. Thus, the valve 1 is configured to, in use, and when correctly installed in a fluid distribution system, provide a fluid flow, such as a main fluid flow, from the fluid inlet 22 to the fluid outlet 24 via the chamber 20. The valve 1 further comprises a closing arrangement 40 controlling the flow of fluid from the fluid inlet 22 to the fluid outlet 24 via the chamber 20. In FIG. 1A, the closing arrangement 40 is embodied as a valve plug 42 which is connected to a valve rod 44. Moreover, in FIG. 1A, the valve 1 comprises a valve seat 50 comprised in a surface of the valve body 10. The valve plug 42 is here at least partly arranged in the chamber 20 and may be moved relative the valve seat 50. Stated differently, the valve rod 44 and the valve plug 42 is arranged to be moved inside the chamber 20 in a direction towards the valve seat 50 (e.g. in order to close, or at least reduce the fluid flow over, the closing arrangement 40 or the valve 1) and in a direction away from the valve seat 50 (e.g. in order to open, or at least increase the fluid flow over, the closing arrangement 40 or the valve 1). For example, the valve 1 may be arranged in a closed state in which the valve plug 42 is in sealing contact with the valve seat 50 in order to allow no fluid, or only a leakage flow, to flow via the chamber 20, a first open state in which the valve plug 42 is arranged in a first open position wherein the valve plug 42 is distant from the valve seat 50, and any other second open state in which the valve plug is arranged in a second open position wherein the valve plug 42 is less distant from the valve seat 50 compared to when the valve plug 42 is in its first open position. Thus, the first open state may be a fully open state of the valve 1, and the second open state (i.e. any second open state) may be referring to a position of the valve plug 42 corresponding to an opening degree of the valve 1 between the fully open state and the closed state.
[0092] As shown in FIG. 1A, the valve 1 may further comprise a spring 46 arranged in the valve body 10, and being arranged to exert a force to the closing arrangement 40. The spring 46 may be biased towards a normally closed, or a normally open state of the closing arrangement 40.
[0093] Fluid between the fluid inlet 22 and the chamber 20, or between the fluid inlet 22 and the closing arrangement 40, is at an upstream pressure, and fluid between the chamber 20 and the fluid outlet 24, or between the closing arrangement 40 and the fluid outlet 24, is at a downstream pressure.
[0094] Moreover, the valve 1 in FIG. 1A comprises a differential pressure sensor 60 for measuring the differential pressure over the closing arrangement 40, i.e. between fluid at the upstream pressure and fluid at the downstream pressure. In FIG. 1A, the differential pressure sensor 60 is integrated, or is comprised in, the valve body 10 (shown clearly in the enlargement of FIG. 1A). Moreover, the valve 1 comprises a first fluid path 74 enabling a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor 60 and fluid at the upstream pressure, and a second fluid path 76 enabling a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor and fluid at the downstream pressure. More specifically, in FIG. 1A, the valve comprises a wall 70 arranged in the valve body 10. The wall 70 comprises a cavity 72 holding or comprising the differential pressure sensor 60. Moreover, as can be seen in FIG. 1A, the wall 70 comprises a first aperture 74, here being comprised of the first fluid path 74, and a second aperture 76, here being comprised of the second fluid path 76, arranged distant to the first aperture 74.
[0095] The closing arrangement 40 in FIG. 1A has at least one open state in which fluid is allowed to flow through the chamber 20. Typically, the closing arrangement 40 also has a closed stated in which the valve plug 42 is in sealing contact with the valve seat 50 in order to allow no fluid, or only a leakage flow, to flow via the chamber 20. It should be understood that when fluid flows from the fluid inlet 22, via the chamber 20 and over, or around the valve plug 42, to the fluid outlet, the fluid is subject to a pressure drop. Thus, fluid upstream of the chamber 20 but downstream of the fluid inlet 22 has an upstream pressure, and fluid downstream of the chamber 20 but upstream of the fluid outlet 24 has a downstream pressure. Hence, in both the open state and in the closed state of the valve 1 (when fluid at the upstream and downstream pressure are trapped, or at least fluidly separated from each other in relation to the chamber 20), there will be a pressure difference between fluid upstream of the chamber 20 and fluid downstream of the chamber 20.
[0096] Thus, the differential pressure sensor 60 may measure the differential pressure over the closing arrangement 40, between the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure, for the at least one open state of the valve 1, such as e.g. for the fully open state, but preferably also for the closed state of the valve 1. As illustrated in FIG. 1A, the first aperture 74 of the wall 70 comprising the differential pressure sensor 60, provides for a fluid communication, and here also a pressurized communication, between the differential pressure sensor 60, such as a first side 62 of the differential pressure sensor 60, and fluid at the upstream pressure, here at a first point positioned between the fluid inlet 22 and the chamber 20. Correspondingly, the second aperture 76 of the wall 70 comprising the differential pressure sensor 60, provides for a fluid communication, and here also a pressurized communication, between the differential pressure sensor 60, such as a second side 64 of the differential pressure sensor 60, and fluid at the downstream pressure, here at a second point positioned between the chamber 20 and the fluid outlet 24. Thus, the differential pressure sensor 60 is arranged to measure the differential pressure between the first point positioned between the fluid inlet 22 and the chamber 20 (i.e. fluid acting on the first side 62 of the differential pressure sensor 60) and the second point positioned between the chamber 20 and the fluid outlet 24 (i.e. fluid acting on the second side 64 of the differential pressure sensor 60).
[0097] As is also shown in the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the wall 70 comprising the differential pressure sensor 60 is arranged between the fluid inlet 22 and the fluid outlet 24. Thus, the first aperture 74 of the wall 70 is in pressurized communication with the fluid inlet 22, and the second aperture 76 of the wall 70 is in pressurized communication with the fluid outlet 24, regardless of the state of the closing arrangement 40. More specifically, and as shown in FIG. 1A, the wall 70 forms together with the closing arrangement 40 in its closed state, a fluid separation between the fluid inlet 22 and the fluid outlet 24, at least via the chamber 20. Thus, the wall 70 in FIG. 1A may be described as a partition wall 70 as it acts as a partition between fluid at the upstream pressure and fluid at the downstream pressure. Stated differently, the wall 70 in FIG. 1A, extends from a peripheral portion 11 of the valve body 10, such as a peripheral tube portion 11 of the valve body 10, into the valve 1 and extending towards the closing arrangement 40.
[0098] It should be noted that the valve body 10, may according to at least one example embodiment be separated into at least two valve body parts, i.e. a first valve body part 12 and a second valve body part 14. The connection between the first valve body part 12 and the second valve body part 14 is preferably a sealing connection, allowing no fluid to pass between the first valve body part 12 and the second valve body part 14. As shown in FIG. 1A, and even better in FIG. 1B which illustrates the valve 1 of FIG. 1A but in a perspective view, the first valve body part 12 houses at least the fluid inlet 22, the fluid outlet 24, and the majority of the fluid channel there between. The second valve body part 14 is in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B associated with the closing arrangement 40, and thus houses the closing arrangement 40, and the various components related to the closing arrangement 40. The second valve body part 14 may be described as being received by the first valve body part 12, via a receiving opening 13 in the first valve body part 12. Thus, the closing arrangement 40 may during manufacturing of the valve 1, be connected to the remaining part of the valve 1, by inserting the second valve body part 14 with the closing arrangement 40, into the receiving opening 13 of the first valve body part 12.
[0099] Turning to FIG. 2 showing a valve 1 in accordance with an example embodiment of the inventive concept, very similar to the valve 1 of FIG. 1A, why the same reference numerals will be used for corresponding features. The operation and functional principles of the valve 1 are analogous to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1A, and will for the sake of brevity not be further elaborated upon. Focus will now be drawn to the differences between the valve 1 of FIG. 2 and the valve 1 of FIG. 1A.
[0100] In FIG. 2, the differential pressure sensor 60 is integrated in the valve body 10, on an opposite side of the closing arrangement 40, as compared to in FIG. 1A. More specifically, in FIG. 2, the differential pressure sensor 60 is held in a cavity 72 positioned in the second valve body part 14, the cavity 72 being surrounded of wall portions 70, or alternatively is comprised in a wall 70. Thus, in FIG. 2, the differential pressure sensor 60 may e.g. be arranged in its cavity 72 before assembling the second valve body part 14 and its closing arrangement 40. Correspondingly to FIG. 1A, the cavity 72 holding or comprising the differential pressure sensor 60, has a corresponding first aperture 74 and a second aperture 76 arranged distant to the first aperture 74.
[0101] As shown in FIG. 2, the second valve body part 14 comprises a first fluid path 16 in the form of a first internal fluid path 16, or first fluid channel 16 in pressurized communication with fluid at the upstream pressure and in pressurized communication with the first aperture 74 (and hence the differential pressure sensor 60), and a second fluid path 18 in the form of a second internal fluid path 18, or second fluid channel 18 in pressurized communication with fluid at the downstream pressure and in pressurized communication with the second aperture 76 (and hence the differential pressure sensor 60). Hereby, the differential pressure sensor 60 can measure the differential pressure between fluid in the first fluid channel 16, i.e. fluid at the upstream pressure, and fluid in the second fluid channel 18, i.e. fluid at the downstream pressure, even though it is positioned in the second valve body part 14. It should be noted that according to at least some example embodiments, the first fluid path may be referring to the first fluid channel 16 and the first aperture 74, while the second fluid path may be referring to the second fluid channel 18 and the second aperture 76.
[0102] As shown in both the valve 1 of FIG. 1A, and the valve 1 of FIG. 2, the respective cavity 72, 72 of the corresponding wall 70, or wall portions 70 comprises an opening 78, 78 facing an outside of the valve 1, 1 enabling removal of the differential pressure sensor 60 from the respective cavity 72, 72.
[0103] The respective opening 78, 78 is preferably sealed from the respective first and second apertures 72, 72, 74, 74, at least when the differential pressure sensor 60 is held or being comprised in the respective cavity 72, 72. The sealing may e.g. be embodied as a seal arranged along the circumference of the cavity 72, 72.
[0104] As seen in both FIG. 1A and FIG. 2, the fluid inlet 22 and the fluid outlet 24 are arranged co-axial, i.e. along a common axis C. According to at least one example embodiment, a cross section 23 of the fluid inlet 22, and a cross section 25 of the fluid outlet 24, are arranged in parallel. The respective cross section 23, 25 extending perpendicular to the main direction of fluid flow, and/or perpendicular to the common axis C. For example, a centre of the cross section 23 of the fluid inlet 22 may be arranged on the common axis C together with a centre of the cross section 25 of the fluid outlet 24.
[0105] FIG. 3 illustrates a fluid distribution system 100 which could be used e.g. for heating, cooling or water supply. The system 100 is designed to feed a fluid from a source 110 to a consumption point, here illustrated as a cooling unit 120 (but the consumption point could alternatively be comprised of a heater or a consumption water arrangement). Hence, the system 100 in FIG. 3 is configured for cooling e.g. a room in a building with the aid of the cooling unit 120. Furthermore, the system 100 comprises an actuator 130, a valve 101 being controlled by the actuator 130, and piping 150 arranged to guide the fluid and to connect the source 110 with cooling unit 120 via the valve 101, and to transfer the fluid away from the cooling unit 120. The valve 101 may e.g. be identical to the valve 1 of FIG. 1A (or the valve 1 of FIG. 2) why the same reference numerals for the components of the valve 1 in FIG. 1A is used here with FIG. 3 as well.
[0106] In FIG. 3. the piping 150 comprises an upstream pipe 152 for delivering fluid to the fluid inlet 22, the upstream pipe 152 having an end portion 153 connected, such as e.g. directly sealingly connected, to the fluid inlet 22 upstream of the closing arrangement 40 of the valve 101. The piping 150 further comprises a downstream pipe 154 for receiving fluid from the fluid outlet 24, the downstream pipe 154 having an end portion 155 sealingly connected, such as e.g. directly connected, to the fluid outlet 24 downstream of the closing arrangement 40 of the valve 101.
[0107] Turning to FIG. 4, showing a flow chart of the steps in a method for measuring the differential pressure over a closing arrangement in a valve having a valve body according to at least one embodiment of the inventive concept. The valve referred to in the method may e.g. be identical to the valve 1 of FIG. 1A (or the valve 1 of FIG. 2) why the same reference numerals for the components of the valve 1 in FIG. 1A is used here when describing the method shown in with FIG. 4 as well.
[0108] In a first step S1, a differential pressure sensor 60 is integrated in the valve body 10. The valve 1 comprises a first fluid path enabling a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor 60 and fluid at an upstream pressure of the closing arrangement 40, and a second fluid path enabling a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor 60 and fluid at a downstream pressure of the closing arrangement 40.
[0109] In said first step S1, the differential pressure sensor 60 may be provided in a cavity 72 of a wall 70 integrated in the valve body 10. The wall 70 may thus have a first aperture 74 providing a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor 60 and fluid at the upstream pressure of the closing arrangement 40, and a second aperture 76 providing a pressurized communication between the differential pressure sensor 60 and fluid at the downstream pressure of the closing arrangement 40.
[0110] In a second step S2, the differential pressure between fluid at the upstream pressure and fluid at the downstream pressure is measured by the differential pressure sensor 60 for at least an open state of the valve 1.
[0111] Hereby, the differential pressure sensor can measure the differential pressure over the closing arrangement 40, without using conventional measuring nipples. Moreover, the physical distance between main fluid flow of the valve 1 and the differential pressure sensor 60 can be reduced, or kept at a minimum.
[0112] In a third step, S3 the differential pressure between fluid at the upstream pressure and fluid at the downstream pressure is measured by the differential pressure sensor 60 for at least a closed state of the valve 1.
[0113] It should be understood that the inventive concept is not limited to the described exemplary embodiments; rather the scope being generally defined by the accompanying claims. For example, as mentioned above, the differential pressure sensor may be integrated in various positions within the valve body such as in the first valve body part or in the second valve body part. According to one example embodiment, the differential pressure sensor is held in a cavity within the valve body, the cavity comprising the previously described first and second apertures. For example, in the embodiments in which the differential pressure sensor is integrated, or comprised in a wall of the valve body, the wall and the corresponding cavity may be arranged in various walls, or wall portions of the valve body, e.g. in the first valve body part or the second valve body part. Furthermore, more than one differential pressure may be integrated into the valve body, at different positions relative each other.
[0114] Furthermore, any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope, and the word comprising does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite articles a or an does not exclude a plurality.
