How does a spiral valve work?

A spiral valve, also known as a helical valve or a helical rotor pump, is a positive displacement pump that utilizes a helical-shaped rotor to create pressure and move fluid through a spiral-shaped housing. The working principle of a spiral valve can be understood through the following steps:

1. Initial Position: The pump initially has the spiral housing and helical rotor in a specific position, with the rotor located at the inlet port and a seal formed between the rotor and housing.

2. Rotor Rotation: The rotor is driven by an external power source, causing it to rotate within the spiral housing. As the rotor rotates, it creates a continuous seal with the housing, preventing fluid from flowing back.

3. Fluid Trapping: The helical shape of the rotor and the spiral housing create pockets or chambers that trap a specific amount of fluid. These pockets move along the spiral path as the rotor rotates.

4. Compression: As the rotor rotates, the fluid is compressed within the pockets. The spiral shape of the housing gradually reduces the volume of the pockets, increasing the pressure of the trapped fluid.

5. Fluid Discharge: The pressurized fluid is then discharged through the outlet port, which is located at the end of the spiral path. The continuous rotation of the rotor ensures a constant flow of fluid from the inlet to the outlet.

6. Continuous Operation: The process of fluid trapping, compression, and discharge continues as the rotor rotates continuously. The spiral valve maintains a positive displacement of fluid, meaning that a fixed amount of fluid is moved with each revolution of the rotor.

The advantages of spiral valves include their ability to handle high pressures, low pulsation, and a wide range of fluid viscosities. They are commonly used in various industrial and commercial applications, including oil and gas, chemical processing, food processing, and water treatment.