Force required to dislodge a sphere from pipe (Valve design)

In summary, the conversation discusses the design of a valve that utilizes a ball to seal it. The ball is pushed up by the force of water flowing into the valve, until it seats into the top hole/chamfer and seals off the valve, stopping the flow of water. The known factors for determining the force required for this process are the area of the ball, area of the circular openings, and the desired pressure. The conversation also mentions a similar valve design from the past, but notes that the buoyancy of the ball is not a factor in this case. The weight of the ball is not mentioned as a known factor.
  • #1
mkematt96
25
0
I'm designing a valve that uses a ball to seal the valve. When the valve is empty there is no force acting on top of the ball. When water flows in, it will push up on the ball to dislodge it, water will flow into the valve and push the ball up until it seats into the top hole/chamfer which then seals off the valve. This will stop for the flow of water through the valve. We know the area of the ball, area of the circular openings, and the pressure at which we want the ball to be dislodge. Would it be as simple as saying Pressure = Force/Area and Force = Pressure * Area?
 
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  • #2
I think you only need the area of the openings. For purposes of that force calculation, it doesn't matter what shape the ball is. A disk flapperr would have the same force.

Your valve reminds me of the snorkel valve with a ping pong ball that I had as a child. But that valve relied on the ball's buoyancy.
 
  • #3
What you did not include in your set of "knowns" is the weight of the ball, which will determine the force required to lift the ball from a given bottom seat diameter.
 

1. What is the force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe?

The force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe, also known as the dislodging force, is the minimum amount of force needed to overcome the resistance and remove the sphere from the pipe. This force is dependent on various factors such as the size and weight of the sphere, the material and size of the pipe, and the design of the valve.

2. How is the force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe determined?

The force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe is determined through various experimental and theoretical methods. These include performing physical tests on different sizes and types of spheres and pipes, using mathematical equations to calculate the force, and conducting simulations to analyze the behavior of the sphere and pipe under different conditions.

3. What is the significance of knowing the force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe?

Knowing the force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe is crucial in designing and selecting the appropriate valve for a specific application. It ensures that the valve can effectively remove the sphere from the pipe without requiring excessive force, which can lead to damage or malfunction of the valve. It also helps in determining the safety and reliability of the valve in preventing blockages and controlling the flow of fluids.

4. How does the design of the valve affect the force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe?

The design of the valve plays a significant role in determining the force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe. Different valve designs, such as ball valves, butterfly valves, and gate valves, have varying degrees of resistance to the movement of the sphere. The shape and size of the valve's opening, as well as the material and texture of its surface, can also affect the dislodging force.

5. Can the force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe be reduced?

Yes, the force required to dislodge a sphere from a pipe can be reduced by using certain techniques in valve design. These include using smooth and slippery materials for the valve's surface, reducing the size of the valve's opening, and incorporating special mechanisms such as springs and levers to aid in the removal of the sphere. However, it is essential to balance the reduction of force with the valve's functionality and efficiency in controlling fluid flow.

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