Adaptive design of a 3-2 directional control valve -

Abstract

Design process represents an important major in Engineering. It involves creating solutions for confronted engineering problem through rational and scientific method. A design process is applied to make a 3-2 directional control valve. This valve should be functioning as Energy Recovery Device for a wave powered reverse osmosis desalination system. The proposed solution is a combination of adaptive and variant design. It involves applying modifications to an existing object so it can fulfill new application requirements. These modifications include optimization in the model geometry, size and material. Proposed solution is a combination of two pilots operated check valve normally closed and normally open. The working condition in a harsh environment such as seawater requires the use of plastic material (Delrin). The size of the plant and the plastic material are affecting the valve size. Design process is made through different steps: task clarification, conceptual design, embodiment design and detail design. At the end a finite element analysis of the proposed model verifies its reliability. A production drawing is available for manufacturing. A 3d printed model is for demonstration.