Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A seal (200) for a valve (100), said valve (100) having a disc (120) configured to regulate the flow of fluid through said valve (100), said seal (200) comprising:
a sealing member (210) disposed proximal to said disc (120) of said valve (100), and configured to restrict the flow of a fluid through said valve (100) when said valve (100) is in closed position;
a retainer (220) partially abutting said disc (120), said retainer (220) configured to retain said sealing member (210) in place, and to support said sealing member (210) to restrict its deformation; and
a seal support member (230) partially abutting said disc (120), said seal support member (230) configured to reinforce said sealing member (210) and restrict its deformation.
2. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing member (210) partially abuts said disc (120) and said seal support member (230).
3. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said retainer (220) is made integral with said seal support member (230).
4. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing member (210) partially abuts said retainer (220) and said seal support member (230).
5. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing member (210) partially abuts said disc (120), said retainer (220), and said seal support member (230).
6. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing member (210) abuts said seal support member (230).
7. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seal support member (230) has a ring shaped structure defined by an operative inner surface and an operative outer surface, and said operative inner surface and said operative outer surface have a shape selected from the group consisting of a circular shape, an elliptical shape, and any combinations thereof.
8. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seal support member (230) is of a material selected from the group consisting of ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, polymers, reinforced polymers, carbon-graphite combination materials, and any combinations thereof.
9. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said retainer (220) is of a material selected from the group consisting of ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and any combinations thereof.
10. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said seal support member (230), and said retainer (220) are configured by a process selected from the group consisting of a casting, a forging, a machining, and any combinations thereof.
11. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing member (210) has a laminated structure comprising a plurality of metal plates bonded with a plurality of graphite sheets or a plurality of polymeric materials.
12. The seal (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said sealing member (210) is a solid ring of a material selected from the group consisting of ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, polymers, reinforced polymers, carbon-graphite combination materials, and any combinations thereof.
, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of seals in valve.
DEFINITIONS
As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used indicate otherwise.
Obturator – The term “Obturator” hereinafter refers to a disc or a plate that acts as a closure element of a valve to facilitate selective flow of fluid therethrough.
Disc – The term “Disc” hereinafter refers to a disc or an obturator of a valve.
Triple offset butterfly valve – The term “Triple offset butterfly valve” hereinafter refers to a butterfly valve having a first offset between axis of a shaft and a seat of the valve, a second offset between an axis of a valve shaft and a center line of a bore of the valve, and a third offset between an axis of seat cone angle and center line of the bore of the valve.
Regulate – The term “Regulate” hereinafter refers to regulate or restrict a flow of a fluid through a valve.
Gear Operator – The term “Gear operator” hereinafter refers to a gear unit arrangement assembled with a valve, which actuates the valve.
Raw plates – The term “raw plates” hereinafter refers to un-machined metal plates which are machined to configure a component.
BACKGROUND
A conventional seal is provided on a disc or an obturator of a valve to achieve sealing between the disc and a valve body. The conventional seal experiences high torque exerted thereon while operating the valve. Particularly, in triple offset butterfly valves, the high torque exerted on the conventional seal may deform the seal within its elastic limit or permanently. Further, the fluid exerts high pressure on the seal. The seal is not sufficiently rigid, and gets deformed under high pressure exerted thereon resulting in inconsistent valve performance. The deformation of the seal leads to leakage of the fluid through the valve when the valve is in closed position, thereby adversely affecting the valve sealing performance.
Therefore, there is felt a need of a seal for a valve that alleviates the above mentioned drawbacks of the conventional seal.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a seal for a valve that is rigid in nature, and can withstand high pressure and torque exerted thereon.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a seal that ensures consistent valve performance.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a seal that is cost effective.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a seal for a valve. The valve has a disc configured to regulate or restrict the flow of fluid through the valve. The seal comprises a sealing member, a retainer, and a seal support member. The sealing member is disposed proximal to the disc of the valve, and configured to restrict the flow of a fluid through the valve when the valve is in closed position. The retainer partially abuts the disc of the valve. The retainer is configured to retain the sealing member in place, and to support the sealing member to restrict its deformation. The seal support member partially abuts the disc of the valve, and is configured to reinforce the sealing member and to restrict its deformation.
In an embodiment, the retainer is made integral with the seal support member.
In another embodiment, the sealing member partially abuts the retainer and the seal support member.
In yet another embodiment, the sealing member partially abuts the disc and the seal support member.
In yet another embodiment, the sealing member partially abuts the disc, the retainer, and the seal support member.
In still another embodiment, the sealing member abuts the seal support member.
The seal support member has a ring shaped structure defined by an operative inner surface and an operative outer surface. The operative inner surface and operative outer surface have a circular shape, an elliptical shape, or any combinations thereof.
The seal support member is of a material selected from the group consisting of ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, polymers, reinforced polymers, carbon-graphite materials, and any combinations thereof.
The retainer is of ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and any combinations thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A seal for a valve, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a valve and a seal of the present disclosure;
Figure 2 illustrates a magnified cross-sectional top view of the valve and the seal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 3 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the valve and the seal, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 4 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the valve and the seal, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the valve and the seal, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the valve and the seal, in accordance with yet another embodiment of the present disclosure; and
Figure 7 illustrates a cross-sectional top view of the valve and the seal, in accordance with still another embodiment of the present disclosure.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
A – Valve and seal of the present disclosure
100 – Valve
110 – Valve body
120 – Disc
200 – Seal
210 – Sealing member
220 – Retainer
230 – Seal support member
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The present disclosure envisages a seal for a valve that is rigid in nature, and can withstand high pressure and torque exerted thereon.
The seal, of the present disclosure, is now described with reference to figure 1 through figure 7.
A seal 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure, is configured to be fitted in a valve 100. The valve 100 has a valve body 110 and a disc 120. The disc 120 is disposed within the valve body 110, and is configured to regulate the flow of fluid through the valve 100. The disc 120 is rotated using an operator (not shown in figures), typically a gear operator. The rotation of the disc 120 either facilitates the flow of a fluid or restricts the flow of the fluid through the valve 100. The disc 120 can also facilitate partial flow of the fluid through the valve 100. The seal 200 abuts the disc 120 and prevents leakage through the valve 100 in its closed position.
In an embodiment, as shown in figure 1 and figure 2, the seal 200 comprises a sealing member 210, a retainer 220, and a seal support member 230. The sealing member 210 is disposed proximal to the disc 120 of the valve 100. The sealing member is configured to restrict the flow of a fluid through the valve 100 when the valve 100 is in closed position. The sealing member 210 has a laminated structure comprising a plurality of metal plates bonded with a plurality of graphite sheets. In another embodiment, the sealing member 210 has a laminated structure comprising a plurality of metal plates bonded with a plurality of polymeric materials.
Additionally, the sealing member can be configured as a solid ring. The solid ring is of a material selected from the group consisting of ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, polymers, reinforced polymers, carbon-graphite combination materials, and any combinations thereof.
The retainer 220, as shown in figure 1 to figure 7, partially abuts the disc 120 of the valve 100. The retainer 220 is configured to retain the sealing member 210 in place. Further, the retainer 220 is configured to support the sealing member 210 to restrict its deformation. The sealing member 210 experiences high torque exerted thereon while operating the valve 100. Further, the sealing member 210 is exposed to high pressure exerted by the fluid. The sealing member 210 deforms under such high torque and pressure. The retainer 220 provides support to the sealing member. The retainer 220 is configured by a process selected from the group consisting of a casting process, a forging process, a machining process, and any combinations thereof. In an embodiment, the retainer 220 is manufactured from a raw plate by machining process. In yet another embodiment, the retainer 220 can be manufactured by machining a plurality of raw plates.
In an embodiment, the retainer 220 is of a material selected from the group consisting of ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, and any combinations thereof.
The seal support member 230 partially abuts the disc 120 of the valve 100. The seal support member 230 is configured to reinforce the sealing member and to restrict its deformation. The seal support member 230 is of a metallic material. The use of metallic material facilitates strengthening of the sealing member 210, and restricts its deflection under high fluid pressure and applied torque.
In an embodiment, the seal support member 230 is of a material selected from the group consisting of ferrous alloys, non-ferrous alloys, polymers, reinforced polymers, carbon-graphite combination materials, and any combinations thereof.
The shape of the seal support member 230 is complimentary to the outer periphery of the disc 120. In an embodiment, the seal support member 230 has a ring shaped structure defined by an operative inner surface and an operative outer surface. The inner and outer surfaces of the seal support member 230 have a circular or an elliptical shape. The seal support member 230 is configured by a process selected from the group consisting of a casting process, a machining process, a forging process, and any combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the seal support member 230 is manufactured by machining a plurality of raw plates. In another embodiment, the seal support member 230 is configured by machining a raw plate.
In an embodiment, as shown in figure 1, figure 2, and figure 3, the sealing member 210 partially abuts the disc 120 and the seal support member 230. The retainer 220 partially abuts the disc 120 and the seal support member 230. More specifically, the sealing member 210 is disposed between the disc 120 and the seal support member 230. In another embodiment, as shown in figure 3, two seal support members 230 are configured which partially abut the disc 120 and the sealing member 210.
In another embodiment, as shown in figure 4, the retainer 220 is made integral with the seal support member 230. The retainer 220 partially abuts the disc 120 and the sealing member 210. The sealing member 210 is disposed between the retainer 220 and the disc 120. The integral configuration of the retainer 220 and the seal support member 230 reduces its manufacturing time and cost.
In yet another embodiment, as shown in figure 5, the sealing member 210 partially abuts the retainer 220 and the seal support member 230. More specifically, the sealing member 210 is disposed proximal to the disc 120 between the retainer 220 and the seal support member 230.
In yet another embodiment, as shown in figure 6, the sealing member 210 partially abuts the disc 120, the retainer 220, and the seal support member 230. More specifically, the seal support member 230 and the sealing member 210 is disposed between the retainer 220 and the disc 120.
In yet another embodiment, as shown in figure 7, the sealing member 210 abuts the seal support member 230. The seal support member 230 has a C-shaped configuration forming a slot therewithin. The sealing member 210 is received within the slot and securely held by the seal support member 230.
A conventional seal (not shown in figures) is tested against the corresponding pressure. A valve having the conventional seal is mounted horizontally on a test rig. The valve is kept in open position, and water is filled upto the seating area of the valve body. The valve is then closed by applying torque. Depending upon the class of the valve, hydrostatic pressure is applied for particular time duration.
In an exemplary trial, a conventional seal showed first sign of leakage after specified test duration. After the first sign of leakage, the dimensions of the conventional seal are measured. The dimensions, of the elliptical major diameter and the minor diameter, were found to be reduced after the trial. The change in dimensions depicts deformation. In the exemplary test conducted on the conventional seal, the major diameter and the minor diameter of the conventional sealing member were reduced by 2.5 mm and 0.5 mm respectively under the application of fluid pressure of 110 bar for two minutes. In another exemplary test conducted on the conventional seal of another valve size, the major diameter and the minor diameter of the conventional sealing member were reduced by 0.54 mm and 0.4 mm respectively under the application of fluid pressure of 110 bar for two minutes.
The seal 200 was tested as per the aforementioned procedure of testing the conventional seal. It was observed that the valve performance was consistent, and no leakage was observed through the valve. The consistent valve performance depicts that the deformation of the sealing member is within the minimal limit. Therefore, the seal 200 is rigid in nature and can withstand high pressure and torque exerted thereon. Further, as the seal 200 can withstand high fluid pressure, the valves to be used in high pressure fluid application can be manufactured using the seal 200. Furthermore, no higher strength or higher grade material is used to manufacture the seal 200, thereby reducing the cost of manufacturing. In addition, no higher dimension material is used to manufacture the seal 200 which further reduces the cost of manufacturing.
The seal, of the present disclosure can be used in any type of valve. The seal of the present disclosure is particularly useful in case of butterfly valves. More specifically, the seal can be effectively used in triple offset butterfly valves to prevent leakage therethrough.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a seal for a valve that:
• is rigid in nature, and can withstand high pressure and torque exerted thereon;
• ensures consistent valve performance; and
• is cost effective.
The disclosure has been described with reference to the accompanying embodiments which do not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully revealed the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
Throughout this specification the word “comprise”, or variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.