In industry, several process media or different material phases are frequently required in a single process space. Up to now, these media have been conducted into the process space via single systems with separate pipework. A new compact array valve requires fewer components and reduces the number of gaskets. In addition to downsizing installation space, it also cuts investment and maintenance costs.
Achim Daume, Björn Carstensen
The array valve is based on reliable standard components of conventional valves. To reduce the number of assemblies and gaskets, several valves can be mounted on a single base plate. The base plate is implemented as a beneficial piping component and acts simultaneously as a collector and/or distributor. It is directly integrated into the process.
The control element is a stroke valve in which a valve stem executes a linear movement perpendicular to the seat area and in doing so opens or closes the flow section by means of a choke element. A special design feature is that the valve flows into the distributor/collector (T-shaped assembly). The flow direction of the medium is variable. The controlled media can be dosed into and removed from the base plate (mixing tube).
Universal process valve
The Daume array valve is a universal process valve which can be used for different media, process sequences and process parameters. It can be installed as a single valve with a distributor/collector or as part of an array with other valves. It can be retrofitted or exchanged easily and inexpensively because it is mounted directly to the machine by means of a bracket. This feature minimises the follow-up costs due to maintenance and repair. Maintenance is straightforward because the valve stem is screwed to the actuator and can simply be pulled out of the valve body.
The developers focused on achieving a compact design to reduce the effort for installation. The array valve also requires less installation space than similar types and eliminates pipework, flanges and gaskets. The risk of leakage, leading to environmental pollution, is lower. Several elements can be screwed to the valve, such as non-return valves, condensate drains or connections for tubes or flanges.
The potential applications for the array valve include the chemical and food industries. In rubber manufacturing, it can be used as a media rail for different mass flows in the production of rubber parts. Nitrogen and steam are ducted successively to an autoclave over the first media rail (supply). The media is later removed from the autoclave via a second media rail (reflux) when the rubber part is manufactured. Opening and closing of the valves can be stored program controlled (SPC). By programming their own switching cycles with the help of the SPC, each user can thus adapt the array valve to the actual process.
Choice of actuators
The standard actuator for the array valve is a pneumatic actuator with spring reset. The control medium is air. Both air-opening/spring-closing and air-closing/spring-opening versions are offered. Another possibility is an electric linear actuator with spring reset and with or without Ex protection. The electric actuator can be driven with 24 to 230 V direct or alternating current. Opening and closing of the valve is controlled by the voltage. The actuating force of the electric actuators is currently inferior to that of a pneumatic actuator. A maximum differential pressure of 10 bar can be realised. The actuators can be variably installed. The maximum service temperature is 220 °C and the maximum service pressure 20 bar (g). All parts in contact with the medium are made of X6 CrNiMoTi17 12 2 stainless steel. The array valve is soft-seated. A metal seat can be supplied on request. The valve is normally manufactured with a DN 25 seat area and a KVS value of 10, with other nominal diameters optionally available. The stuffing box is maintenance-free with PTFE V-rings pre-stressed by a spring. If required, the valve can be equipped with a metal bellows.
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