Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. An ingress prevention seal for a valve, said valve (200) comprising:
an actuating means (210) configured to control the flow of a fluid flowing through said valve (200);
a first bearing (206) and a second bearing (208) disposed proximal to said actuating means (210), and configured orthogonal to each other; and
a plate (212) configured to support said first bearing (206) and said second bearing (208);
said seal comprising:
a first ingress prevention ring (202) disposed at the upstream end (206a) of said first bearing (206), and being configured to restrict the ingress of fine solid particles in said first bearing (206); and
a second ingress prevention ring (204) disposed at the upstream end (208a) of said second bearing (208), and being configured to restrict the ingress of fine solid particles in said second bearing (208).
2. The seal as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first ingress prevention ring (202) and said second ingress prevention ring (204) are manufactured using a material selected from the group consisting of polymers, plastomer, soft metals, and graphite.
3. The seal as claimed in claim 2, wherein said polymer is selected from the group consisting of Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Devlon, Stanyl, Delrin, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), Polyethylene terephthalate, Polyphenylene sulfides, Polyetheramideketone (PEAK), Polyaryletherketone (PAEK), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyamide-imide (PAI), and other derivatives of polytetrafluoride.
4. The seal as claimed in claim 1, wherein the profile of said first ingress prevention ring (202) and said second ingress prevention ring (204) are selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, a trapezoid, and any geometrical or non-geometrical shape thereof.
5. The seal as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first ingress prevention ring (202) and said second ingress prevention ring (204) are independently either compressible or non-compressible.
6. A valve (200) comprising the ingress prevention seal as claimed in any of the preceding claims for restricting the ingress of fine solid particles.
7. The valve as claimed in claim 6, wherein said valve (200) is a trunnion mounted ball valve.
8. The valve as claimed in claim 6, which includes a trunnion plate, wherein the shape of said trunnion plate (212) is selected from the group consisting of a rectangular, a square, a triangle, a circle, a trapezoid, and any geometrical or non-geometrical shape thereof.
9. The valve as claimed in claim 6, which includes a first bearing and a second bearing, wherein the first bearing and the second bearing are trunnion bearing and thrust bearing respectively.
, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of mechanical engineering. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to valves.
BACKGROUND
In a ball valve the flow of the fluid is controlled by means of an obturator, i.e., a ball. The ball is configured to have a bore which is in line with the bore of a pipeline and facilitates the flow of fluid through the pipeline and the ball when the ball valve is in an open position. Further, when the ball valve is rotated by 90 degrees, in closed position, it becomes perpendicular to the pipeline bore thereby restricting the flow of the fluid.
Conventionally, a trunnion mounted ball valve includes a trunnion bearing and a thrust bearing for reducing the friction between the mating parts, i.e., a ball and a trunnion plate. All these frictional forces are transferred to the bearing located at a boss of the ball. A coating material is applied to the trunnion bearing and the thrust bearing which reduces the operating torque of the ball valve.
Further, in many oil and gas applications, the trunnion bearing and the thrust bearing are prone to the ingress of foreign particles such as debris, dirt, dust, solid media, and the like. The ingression of these foreign particles damages the coating material and develops friction between the ball and the bearings which in turn leads to increase in torque of the ball valve. Therefore, to prevent the ingression of the foreign particles in trunnion bearing, a groove is machined in an area proximal to an upstream end of the trunnion bearing. The machined groove is configured to accommodate an O-ring that is used for preventing the ingression of the foreign particles. The O-ring is typically manufactured using an elastomer. However, the machining of the groove near the trunnion bearing weakens the trunnion ball, thereby leading to stress concentration and subsequent deformation of the trunnion ball.
Further, it is difficult to achieve ingress prevention for the thrust bearing due to the requirement of additional machining and material which increases the overall cost making it unviable.
There is therefore felt a need to provide an ingress prevention seal for a valve which alleviates the above mentioned drawbacks.
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 an ingress prevention seal on a valve that eliminates the requirement of machining grooves thereon.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an ingress prevention seal that reduces the friction.
Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an ingress prevention seal that is cost effective.
Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an ingress prevention seal that can be easily retrofitted.
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 invention envisages an ingress prevention seal for a valve. The valve comprises an actuating means, a first bearing, a second bearing, a plate, and the ingress prevention seal. The actuating means is configured to control the flow of a fluid flowing through the valve. The first bearing and the second bearing are disposed proximal to the actuating means and are configured orthogonal to each other. The plate is configured to support the first bearing and the second bearing.
The ingress prevention seal of the present disclosure includes a first ingress prevention ring and a second ingress prevention ring. The first ingress prevention ring is disposed at the upstream end of the first bearing, and is configured to restrict the ingress of fine solid particles in the first bearing. In an embodiment, the first bearing is a trunnion bearing. The second ingress prevention ring is disposed at the upstream end of the second bearing, and is configured to restrict the ingress of fine solid particles in the second bearing. In an embodiment, the second bearing is a thrust bearing.
In an exemplary embodiment, the valve is a trunnion mounted ball valve.
In one embodiment, the first ingress prevention ring and the second ingress prevention ring are manufactured using a material selected from the group consisting of polymers, plastomer, soft metals, and graphite. In an embodiment, the polymer is selected from the group consisting of Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Devlon, Stanyl, Delrin, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), Polyethylene terephthalate, Polyphenylene sulfides, Polyetheramideketone (PEAK), Polyaryletherketone (PAEK), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyamide-imide (PAI), and other derivatives of polytetrafluoride.
In another related embodiment, the profile of the first ingress prevention ring and the second ingress prevention ring are selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, a trapezoid, and any geometrical or non-geometrical shape thereof.
In still another related embodiment, the first ingress prevention ring and the second ingress prevention ring are compressible.
In an embodiment, the shape of the plate, i.e., a trunnion plate is selected from the group consisting of a rectangular, a square, a triangle, a circle, a trapezoid, and any geometrical or non-geometrical shape thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
The ingress prevention seal for a valve of the present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an expanded view of a portion of a conventional trunnion mounted ball valves;
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a valve and a zoom-in view depicting an ingress prevention seal;
Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view depicting a first bearing and a second bearing of the valve of Figure 2;
Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view depicting a gap between an actuating means and a first bearing of the valve of Figure 2; and
Figure 5 depicts various shapes of a first ingress prevention ring and a second ingress prevention ring of the ingress prevention seal of Figure 2.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
102 – O-ring
104 – Trunnion Bearing
106 – Thrust Bearing
108 – Ball
110 – Groove
200 – Valve
202 – First ingress prevention ring
204 – Second ingress prevention ring
206 – First Bearing
206a – Upstream end of first bearing
208 – Second Bearing
208a – Upstream end of second bearing
210 – Actuating means
212 – Plate
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Figure 1 illustrates an expanded view of a portion of a conventional trunnion mounted ball valves depicting a trunnion bearing 104 and a thrust bearing 106. A groove 110 is machined in an area proximal to one end of the trunnion bearing 104. The groove 110 is configured to accommodate an O-ring 102. The O-ring 102 is used for preventing the foreign particles such as dirt, dust, solid media, and the like from entering the trunnion bearing 104. Typically, the O-ring 102 is manufactured using an elastomer. The machining of the groove 110 near the trunnion bearing 104 weakens the trunnion ball 108 thereby leading to stress concentration and subsequent deformation of the trunnion ball during operation.
Moreover, the use of the elastomer O-ring 102 causes friction which leads to increase in input torque. Also, it is difficult to achieve ingress prevention for the thrust bearing 106 due to the requirement of additional machining and material which increases the overall cost.
The present disclosure envisages an ingress prevention seal for a valve that is designed to overcome the drawbacks of the conventional systems. A preferred embodiment of the ingress prevention seal for a valve, of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawing. The preferred embodiment does not limit the scope and ambit of the disclosure. The description provided is purely by way of example and illustration.
A preferred embodiment of the ingress prevention seal for the valve, of the present disclosure will now be described in detail with reference to the Figure 2 through Figure 4.
Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a valve 200. Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged view depicting a first bearing 206 and a second bearing 208 of the valve 200. Figure 4 illustrates an enlarged view of the valve 200 depicting a gap (A) between an actuating means 210 and the first bearing 206.
In accordance with the present disclosure, the valve 200 includes an ingress prevention seal (not exclusively labelled in the figures), the first bearing 206 (hereinafter also referred as “first washer”), the second bearing 208 (hereinafter also referred as “second washer”), the actuating means 210, and a plate 212. The valve 200 is a trunnion mounted ball valve. The plate 212 is configured to provide support to the first bearing 206 and the second bearing 208. In an embodiment, the plate 212 is a trunnion plate and is rectangular in shape. In an embodiment, the first bearing 206 is a trunnion bearing. In another embodiment, the second bearing 208 is a thrust bearing. In yet another embodiment, the trunnion bearing is also referred as trunnion washer. In still another embodiment, the thrust bearing is also referred as thrust washer.
The actuating means 210 is configured to control the flow of a fluid flowing through the valve 200. The first bearing 206 and the second bearing 208 are disposed proximal to the actuating means 210 and are configured orthogonal with respect to each other. In an embodiment, the actuating means 210 is a ball. In another embodiment, the actuating means 210 is an obturator.
The ingress prevention seal in accordance with the present disclosure includes a first ingress prevention ring 202 and a second ingress prevention ring 204. The first ingress prevention ring 202 is disposed at the upstream end 206a of the first bearing 206, and is configured to restrict the ingress of fine solid particles in the first bearing 206. The second ingress prevention ring 204 is disposed at the upstream end 208a of the second bearing 208, and is configured to restrict the ingress of fine solid particles in the second bearing 208.
In an embodiment, the first bearing 206 and the second bearing 208 absorb the loads generated by the pressure acting on the actuating means 210, and also provides consistent torque and support to the actuating means 210.
The gap (A) is maintained between the actuating means 210 and the first bearing 206. The length of the gap (A) is determined as per the type of valve 200. In an embodiment, the length of the gap (A) is 50 microns. In another embodiment, the length of the gap (A) is in the range of 1 micron to 200 microns.
In an embodiment, the first ingress prevention ring 202 and the second ingress prevention ring 204 are compressible.
The arrangement of the first ingress prevention ring 202 and the second ingress prevention ring 204 ensures non-entry of any fine solid particles, such as dirt, dust, solid media, and the like, thereby providing ingress protection to the first bearing 206 and the second bearing 208.
In one embodiment, the material used for manufacturing of the first ingress prevention ring 202 and the second ingress prevention ring 204 is selected from a group consisting of polymers, plastomer, soft metals, and graphite. In an embodiment, the polymer is selected from a group consisting of Polyether ether ketone (PEEK), Devlon, Stanyl, Delrin, Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), Polyethylene terephthalate, Polyphenylene sulfides, Polyetheramideketone (PEAK), Polyaryletherketone (PAEK), Polyetherimide (PEI), Polyamide-imide (PAI), and other derivatives of polytetrafluoride.
Figure 5 depicts various shapes of the first ingress prevention ring 202 and the second ingress prevention ring 204 of the ingress prevention seal. In an embodiment, the profile of the first ingress prevention ring 202 is selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, a trapezoid, and any geometrical or non-geometrical shape thereof. In another embodiment, the profile of the second ingress prevention ring 204 is selected from the group consisting of a square, a rectangle, a triangle, a circle, a trapezoid, and any geometrical or non-geometrical shape thereof.
In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the first ingress prevention ring 202 can be retrofitted in the conventional trunnion mounted ball bearing by filling the grooves formed therein.
In an embodiment, the shape of the plate 212 is selected from the group consisting of a rectangular, a square, a triangle, a circle, a trapezoid, and any geometrical or non-geometrical shape thereof.
The present invention successfully provides ingress protection to the first bearing 206 and second bearings 208 without weakening the components, without machining of components, without increasing the operating torque, and with the use of an inert material, which is suitable for a wide range of applications in a cost-effective manner. Although the present disclosure is described using the trunnion mounted ball valve, the ingress prevention seal can be used in any other valves, pumps, actuators, and the like.
Further, the ingress prevention seal of the present disclosure is compatible with all types of valve where a stem or a shaft is used along with a bearing. In an embodiment, the ingress prevention seal of the present disclosure finds application in pumps, compressors, alternators, generators, rotary machineries, and the like.
TECHNICAL ADVANCES AND ECONOMICAL SIGNIFICANCE
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of an ingress prevention seal that:
• eliminates the requirement of machining grooves;
• reduces friction;
• can be easily retrofitted; 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.