Description:[0001] Embodiments of a present disclosure relate to a valve housing and more particularly to a single-piece lined ball valve and a method for operating the same.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A valve is a device that manages the flow of a fluid by opening, closing, or partially obstructing the fluid within a system or a process. The valve not only manages the flow of fluids but also the flow of gasses, fluidized solids, and the like. Various types of valves are available such as air logic valves, balancing valves, ball valves, and the like.
[0003] Specifically, ball valves include a valve body that includes a plurality of ports. A valve member within the valve body selectively directs fluid between selected ports based upon an orientation of the valve member. The valve member directs the fluid through the ball valve via a passage in the valve member that can be selectively aligned with the ports, thereby creating a fluid flow passage. The valve is said to be in the “open” position when the passage of the valve member is selectively aligned with the port. Similarly, the valve is said to be in the “closed” position when the passage of the valve member is out of alignment with the ports. In other words, the ball valves are quarter-turn valves generally in the shape of a sphere that swivels in the pipe stream to either block or allow, the flow of the fluid. Similarly, a lined valve is a type of fluorine plastic lined corrosion-resistant valve, which lined fluorine resin in steel or iron valve pressure bearing inner wall or the surface of inner parts.
[0004] Currently, a steel ball valve with fluoropolymer-lined ball valves is available in the market. In such ball valves, the ball seat may not be adjusted after assembly in order to achieve the desired load or torque on the ball and its subsequent operation. In the currently available ball valves, torque is required to increase for operating the ball valve after a certain time period. There is a need of a ball valve system in which the valve seats are adjustable without dissembling the valve. Also, currently available ball valves do not provide a leakproof operation.
[0005] Hence, there is a need for a single-piece lined ball valve and a method for operating the same which addresses the aforementioned issues.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment of the disclosure, a single-piece lined ball valve is disclosed. The single-piece lined ball valve includes a ball assembly. The ball assembly is configured with a stem structure, a plurality of valve seats, a coupler, and a housing. The ball valve assembly is configured with a stem structure and forms a chamber for a flow of a substance through the chamber. The stem structure is operatively coupled with a handle. The stem structure includes a protruding part with a threaded hole to accommodate a locking plate. The stem structure is configured to control the pressure of the substance flowing through the chamber. The plurality of valve seats is operatively connected to the ball valve assembly for maintaining a torque on the ball valve assembly. The coupler is operatively coupled with the ball valve assembly and configured to connect the stem structure and the handle. The coupler includes a bottom part including a slot. The bottom part is configured to couple the protruding part with the slot. The coupler also includes an upper part configured to fit into the slot of the bottom part of the handle. The upper part includes a hole to accommodate the fastener for connecting the coupler to the handle. The housing is configured to accommodate the ball valve assembly with the stem structure, a plurality of valve seats, and a coupler The housing includes mechanically loaded adapter configured to adjust the plurality of valve seats for loading a ball of the valve.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment, a method for operating a ball assembly is disclosed. The method includes providing, a ball valve assembly configured with a stem structure and forming a chamber for a flow of a substance through the chamber. The method also includes including, by the stem structure operatively coupled with a handle, a protruding part with a threaded hole to accommodate a locking plate. Further, the method includes controlling, by the stem structure, the pressure of the substance flowing through the chamber. Furthermore, the method includes maintaining, by a plurality of valve seat, a torque on the ball valve assembly. Furthermore, the method includes connecting, by a coupler, the stem structure to the handle. Furthermore, the method includes coupling, by a slot of a bottom part of the coupler, the protruding part with the slot. Furthermore, the method includes connecting, by a fastener of an upper part of the coupler, the coupler to the handle. Furthermore, the method includes accommodating, by a housing, the ball valve assembly with the structure, a plurality of valve seats, and a couple. Furthermore, the method includes adjusting, by an adapter of the housing, the valve seat for loading a ball of the valve.
[0008] To further clarify the advantages and features of the present disclosure, a more particular description of the disclosure will follow by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which are illustrated in the appended figures. It is to be appreciated that these figures depict only typical embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the appended figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying figures in which:
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a ball valve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the ball valve assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and
[0011] FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method for operation of a ball valve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0012] Further, those skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device may have been represented in the figures by conventional symbols, and the figures may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the figures with details that will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0013] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the disclosure, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the figures and specific language will be used to describe them. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the disclosure is thereby intended. Such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated system, and such further applications of the principles of the disclosure as would normally occur to those skilled in the art are to be construed as being within the scope of the present disclosure.
[0014] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process or method that comprises a list of steps does not include only those steps but may include other steps not expressly listed or inherent to such a process or method. Similarly, one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components preceded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices, sub-systems, elements, structures, components, additional devices, additional sub-systems, additional elements, additional structures, or additional components. Appearances of the phrase "in an embodiment", "in another embodiment" and similar language throughout this specification may, but not necessarily do, all refer to the same embodiment.
[0015] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The system, methods, and examples provided herein are only illustrative and not intended to be limiting.
[0016] In the following specification and the claims, reference will be made to a number of terms, which shall be defined to have the following meanings. The singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0017] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a ball valve assembly and a method for operating the same. As used herein, the term “singe-piece line ball valve” denotes a one-piece ball valve, where the ball valve and the stem are combined to form a ‘single piece’ with a fluoropolymer lining. Further, the ball valve described hereafter in FIG. 1 is the ball valve assembly and the method for operating the same.
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a ball valve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ball valve assembly (100) includes a ball assembly (102). The ball assembly includes a ball valve assembly (102) configured with a stem structure (104), a plurality of valve seats (116), a coupler (118), and a housing (122).
[0019] The ball valve assembly (102) is configured with a stem structure (104) and forms a chamber (106) for a flow of a substance through the chamber (106). The stem structure (104) includes a protruding part (110) with a threaded hole (112) to accommodate a locking plate (114). In one embodiment, the locking plate (114) is a mechanical or hardware device which is used for locking of the valve when it is open or close position. The stem structure (104) is also configured to control the pressure of the substance flowing through the chamber (106). In one embodiment, the chamber (106) is of a size such that, the chamber (106) allows the substance to flow smoothly.
[0020] The plurality of valve seats (116) is operatively connected to the ball valve assembly (102) for maintaining a torque on the ball valve assembly (102). In one embodiment, the valve seat (116) is responsible for sealing the substance inside and uniformly distributing the seating stress. In another embodiment, a soft valve seat design is disclosed in the present disclosure. In such an embodiment, the design used is an elastomer, polymer, and the like, and is used to the seal and inserted into a seat ring like a metal ring.
[0021] The coupler (118) is operatively coupled with the ball valve assembly (102) and configured to connect the stem structure (104) and the handle (108). The coupler (118) includes a bottom part which further includes a slot (120). The bottom part is configured to couple the protruding part (110) with the slot (120). The coupler (118) also includes an upper part configured to fit into the slot of a bottom part of the handle (108). The upper part comprises a hole to accommodate the fastener (130) for connecting the coupler (118) to the handle (108). In one embodiment, the coupler is a rod that transmits the power between two rotating mechanisms or a rotating part and a reciprocating part.
[0022] The housing (122) is configured to accommodate the ball valve assembly (102) with the stem structure (104), a plurality of valve seats (116), and a coupler (118), wherein the housing (122) comprises mechanically loaded an adapter (124) configured to adjust the plurality of valve seats (116) for loading a ball of the valve (102). In one embodiment, the housing (122) is responsible to keep all parts of the ball assembly (100) together.
[0023] In one embodiment, the present disclosure includes a single-piece lined ball valve, with a fluoropolymer-lined ball valve. In another embodiment, the single-piece steel lined ball valve has a single cast piece body with the adaptor for the purpose of seating the ball.
[0024] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ball valve assembly of FIG. 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The ball valve assembly (102) is configured with the stem structure (104). The stem structure (104) is also configured to control the pressure of the substance flowing through the chamber (106). The stem structure (104) is operatively coupled with the handle (108). In one embodiment, the handle (108) is used for opening and closing of the ball valve assembly (102). In another embodiment, the handle (108) is made of steel, metal, and the like. In one embodiment, the stem structure (104) includes a fluoropolymer lining along the periphery of the stem structure (104). In one embodiment, the handle (108) is configured to open and close the single-piece valve (102).
[0025] The plurality of valve seats (116) is operatively connected to the ball valve assembly (102) for maintaining the torque on the ball valve assembly (102). In one embodiment, the plurality of valve seats (116) is adjustable when the valve gets stuck during operation, enabling the movement of the stem structure (104) without disassembling the ball valve assembly (102). In one embodiment, the coupler (118) includes a coupling nut. The coupling bolt is Allen bolt-shaped and joins two male threads together. In one embodiment, the Allen bolt is a bolt with a hexagonal socket in its head.
[0026] The housing (122) is configured to accommodate the ball valve assembly (102) with the stem structure (104), a plurality of valve seats (116), and a coupler (118). The housing (122) includes a mechanically loaded adapter (124). The adapter (124) is configured to adjust the plurality of valve seats (116) for loading a ball of the valve (102). In one embodiment, the housing (122) comprises a fluoropolymer lining (126) along the inner walls of the housing (122). In one embodiment, the adapter (124) is configured to pressurize the plurality of valve seats (116) to avoid leakage. In such an embodiment, the adapter (124) is configured with a locking arrangement (128) to fix the setting of the ball valve assembly (102) in the operative position.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a flow chart representing steps involved in a method (200) of operating a ball valve assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The method (200) includes providing, a ball valve assembly configured with a stem structure and forming a chamber for a flow of a substance through the chamber in step (202). The method also includes, by the stem structure operatively coupled with a handle, a protruding part with a threaded hole to accommodate a locking plate in step (204). The method also includes fixing, the protruding part with a threaded hole with the handle via the locking plate.
[0028] Further, the method includes controlling, by the stem structure, the pressure of the substance flowing through the chamber in step (206). The method includes lining, of a fluoropolymer material along the periphery of the stem structure. The method also includes opening and closing, by the handle, the single-piece valve.
[0029] Furthermore, the method includes maintaining, by a plurality of valve seats, a torque on the ball valve assembly in step (208). The method also includes adjusting, the plurality of valve seats, when the valve gets stuck during operation. The method also includes enabling, the movement of the stem structure without disassembling the ball valve assembly.
[0030] Furthermore, the method includes connecting, by a coupler, the stem structure to the handle in step (210). The method also includes transmitting, by the coupler, the power between the handle and the stem structure.
[0031] Furthermore, the method includes coupling, by a slot of a bottom part of the coupler, the protruding part with the slot in step (212). The method also includes transmitting, the power from the slot of the bottom part of the coupler to the protruding part
[0032] Furthermore, the method includes connecting, by a fastener of an upper part of the coupler, the coupler to the handle in step (214). The method also includes fastening, by the fastener for joining the coupler with the handle.
[0033] Furthermore, the method includes accommodating, by a housing, the ball valve assembly with the structure, a plurality of valve seats, and a coupler in step (216). The method also includes fluoropolymer lining, of housing along the inner walls of the housing.
[0034] Furthermore, the method includes adjusting, by an adapter of the housing, the valve seat for loading a ball of the valve in step (218). The adjustment of the valve seat can be made even after the ball valve is assembled completely. This achieves desired load on the ball valve for its smooth operation without any chance of leakage. Further, consider a scenario wherein the ball of the valve gets stuck during operation. In such a scenario, the valve seat can be adjusted enabling the movement of the ball without disassembling of the ball valve. The method also includes pressurizing, by the adapter, and the plurality of valve seats to avoid leakage. The method also includes fixing, by the adapter with a locking arrangement, the setting of the ball valve assembly in the operative position.
[0035] Various embodiments of the present disclosure enable fluoropolymer lining for a ball valve assembly to avoid leakage of the substance. The single-piece lined ball valve disclosed in the present disclosure enables the valve seat to be adjusted after assembling of the ball valve in order to achieve the desired torque on the ball and its subsequent operation. In the single-piece lined ball valve in the present disclosure, there is no need to increase the torque to operate the single-piece lined ball valve. Also, in a case when a single-piece lined ball valve gets stuck during operation, the user will be able to adjust the seat setting enabling the movement of the ball without disassembling the valve. The single-piece lined ball valve provides jacketing on the body. The single-piece lined ball valve in the present disclosure eradicates the problem of leakage from the joint of the valve.
[0036] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person skilled in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.
[0037] The figures and the foregoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, order of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts need to be necessarily performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A single-piece lined ball valve (100) comprises:
a ball valve assembly (102) configured with a stem structure (104) and forming a chamber (106) for a flow of a substance through the chamber (106), wherein:
the stem structure (104) comprises a protruding part (110) with a threaded hole (112) to accommodate a locking plate (114); and
wherein the stem structure (104) is configured to control the pressure of the substance flowing through the chamber (106);
a plurality of valve seats (116) operatively connected to the ball valve assembly (102) for maintaining a torque on the ball valve assembly (102);
a coupler (118) operatively coupled with the ball valve assembly (102) and configured to connect the stem structure (104) and a handle (108), wherein the coupler (118) comprises:
a bottom part comprising a slot (120), wherein the bottom part is configured to couple the protruding part (110) with the slot (120); and
an upper part configured to fit into the slot of a bottom part of the handle (108), wherein the upper part comprises a hole to accommodate the fastener (130) for connecting the coupler (118) to the handle (108); and
a housing (122) configured to accommodate the ball valve assembly (102) with the stem structure (104), a plurality of valve seats (116), and a coupler (118), wherein the housing (122) comprises mechanically loaded an adapter (124) configured to adjust the plurality of valve seats (116) for loading a ball of the valve (102).
2. The ball valve assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stem structure (104) comprises a fluoropolymer lining (126) along the periphery of the stem structure (104).
3. The ball valve assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the handle (108) is configured to open and close the ball valve assembly (102).
4. The ball valve assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of valve seats (116) is adjustable when the valve gets stuck during operation, enabling the movement of the stem structure (104) without disassembling the ball valve assembly (100).
5. The ball valve assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the housing (122) comprises a fluoropolymer lining (126) along the inner walls of the housing (122).
6. The ball valve assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adapter (124) is configured to pressurize the plurality of valve seats (116) to avoid leakage.
7. The ball valve assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adapter (124) is configured with a locking arrangement (128) to fix the setting of the ball valve assembly (102) in the operative position.
8. A method (200) for operating a ball valve assembly comprises:
providing, a ball valve assembly configured with a stem structure and forming a chamber for a flow of a substance through the chamber; (202)
including, by the stem structure operatively coupled with a handle, a protruding part with a threaded hole to accommodate a locking plate; (204)
controlling, by the stem structure, the pressure of the substance flowing through the chamber; (206)
maintaining, by a plurality of valve seat, a torque on the ball valve assembly; (208)
connecting, by a coupler, the stem structure to the handle; (210)
coupling, by a slot of a bottom part of the coupler, the protruding part with the slot; (212)
connecting, by a fastener of an upper part of the coupler, the coupler to the handle; (214)
accommodating, by a housing, the ball valve assembly with the structure, a plurality of valve seats, and a coupler; (216) and
adjusting, by an adapter of the housing, the valve seat for loading a ball of the valve. (218)

Dated this 11th day of October 2022

Signature

Jinsu Abraham
Patent Agent (IN/PA-3267)
Agent for the Applicant