VALVE SEAT RETAINER

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a retention arrangement for a seat (20) in a valve body (11), wherein the seat has a first seat side (23) and a second seat side (24), including: a seat spacer (30) wherein the seat spacer has a first seat spacer side (31) and a second seat spacer side (32), wherein the seat spacer is adjacent to the seat; a fastener (40) inserted into the second seat spacer side, wherein the fastener includes a head above the second seat spacer side, and further wherein the head is movable towards and away from the second seat spacer side; and a seat retainer (50) adjacent to the head of the fastener, wherein the seat retainer has a first seat retainer side and a second seat retainer side.

Description

1 / 10 “VALVE SEAT RETENTION COVER” Fundamentals of the Invention Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure refers to seating or sealing arrangements for metal-seated butterfly valves. Metal-seated butterfly valves are used in a wide variety of industries, including oil and gas, petroleum, petrochemical, chemical, power generation, pulp and paper, and mining, among many others. Butterfly valves belong to a family of valves called quarter-turn valves. These valves are used to stop, regulate, or start the flow of fluid or medium in piping. There are several types of butterfly valves, among them triple-displacement butterfly valves. The unique geometry of a triple-displacement valve makes it anti-friction, with a metal-to-metal sealing system that provides zero leakage with the minimum torque required for operation.Triple displacement butterfly valves with metal seats are suitable for operation in light vacuum applications at high pressure and ideal for applications requiring absolute zero leakage.

[0002] Most conventional triple displacement valves are manufactured with an integral seat; therefore, even minor wear or damage to the seat may result in the need to remove the valve and send it to a repair shop or factory for the addition of additional seat material, followed by remachining of the integral seat and its hardened surface. This results in significant delays and costs, even lost production. Furthermore, conventional butterfly valve seat arrangements that do not feature an integral seat often have a large number of fasteners that can be lost during intensive operation and accidentally fall off. Conventional butterfly valve seat arrangements without an integral seat may also use adjusting screws or screws with tightening nuts, which cannot be independently adjusted to properly compress the seat gasket and require the use and removal of additional components.

[0003] Therefore, there is a need for an improved seat retention arrangement in metal-seated butterfly valves, capable of independently replacing the seat and sealing ring, which allows the seat, sealing ring and other components to be replaced with minimal Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 62 / 85 2 / 10 delayed startup and downtime; wherein the enhanced seat retention arrangement prevents the possibility of any fasteners falling into the seat retention arrangement; and additionally wherein the enhanced seat retention arrangement has the ability to independently adjust to properly compress the seat joint, without the need to remove additional components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The disclosure relates to a retention arrangement for a seat in a valve body, wherein the seat has a first seat face and a second seat face, including: a seat spacer, wherein the seat spacer has a first seat spacer face and a second seat spacer face, wherein the seat spacer is adjacent to the seat; a fastener inserted in the second face of the seat spacer, wherein the fastener includes a head above the second face of the seat spacer, and further wherein the head is movable toward and away from the second face of the seat spacer, and a seat retainer adjacent to the head of the fastener, wherein the seat retainer has a first seat retainer face and a second seat retainer face. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] The exemplary embodiments may be better understood, and various objectives, features, and advantages may become apparent to those skilled in the art, by reference to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are used to illustrate exemplary embodiments only, and should not be considered limiting in scope, as the disclosure may admit other equally effective exemplary embodiments. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and certain features and views of the figures may be shown exaggerated in scale or diagram for the sake of clarity and conciseness.

[0006] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view in a horizontal median plane of an exemplary embodiment of a butterfly valve with an enhanced check arrangement mounted to a seat, wherein the butterfly valve is in a fully closed position. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 63 / 85 3 / 10

[0007] Figure 2 illustrates an enlarged partial cross-sectional isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a butterfly valve and the enhanced seat retention arrangement fitted.

[0008] Figure 3 illustrates an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the butterfly valve with the enhanced seat retention arrangement mounted as shown in Figure 1.

[0009] Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of exemplary embodiments of a seat and a seat joint for an enhanced seat retention arrangement.

[0010] Figure 5 illustrates a partial isometric view of an exemplary embodiment of a butterfly valve and a seat of an improved seat retention arrangement.

[0011] Figure 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of a seat spacer and locking screws for an improved seat retention arrangement.

[0012] Figure 7 illustrates a partial isometric view, with part of the valve body removed, of exemplary embodiments of a seat, a seat spacer, and fastening screws of an enhanced seat retention arrangement in a butterfly valve.

[0013] Figure 8 illustrates a partial isometric view, with part of the valve body removed, of exemplary embodiments of a seat, a seat spacer, locking screws and a seat retainer of an improved seat retention arrangement in a butterfly valve.

[0014] Figure 9 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of exemplary embodiments of a seat spacer, fastening screws and a seat retainer of an improved seat retention arrangement.

[0015] Figure 10 illustrates a partial isometric view, with part of the valve body removed, of exemplary embodiments of a seat, a seat spacer, locking screws, a seat retainer and a seat retaining ring of an improved seat retention arrangement in a butterfly valve.

[0016] Figure 11 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a seat retaining ring of an improved seat retaining arrangement in a butterfly valve body. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 64 / 85 4 / 10 Description of the Modalities

[0017] The following description includes exemplary apparatus, methods, techniques, and instruction sequences incorporating techniques of the inventive matter. However, it is understood that the described modalities can be practiced without these specific details.

[0018] Figure 1 illustrates a cross-sectional view in a horizontal median plane of an exemplary embodiment of a butterfly valve 10 with an improved retention arrangement, system or apparatus 70 mounted for a seat 20, wherein the butterfly valve 10 is in a fully closed position 16. Figures 2 and 3 illustrate an enlarged cross-sectional view of the exemplary embodiment of the butterfly valve 10 having the improved seat retention arrangement 70 mounted for a seat 20.The butterfly valve 10 includes at least: a valve body 11 that defines a valve opening, through hole or access port 12 through which a fluid may flow; a control element or disc 15 that is configured to be rotatable within the valve opening 12 between a fully closed position 16, which blocks or prevents fluid flow through the valve opening 12, and various open positions, including partially open, which allow fluid passage through the valve opening 12; and an enhanced seat retention arrangement 70 configured to engage the disc seal ring 17 of the disc 15 and prevent fluid leakage when the butterfly valve 10 is in the fully closed position 16. The disc 15 may have a substantially circular circumference or outer surface, around which a seal ring or removable disc seal 17 may be inserted.The sealing ring or removable disc seal 17 comes into contact with the seat 20 when the valve 10 is in the closed position 16.

[0019] The enhanced seat retention arrangement 70 for seat 20 includes at least the seat spacer 30, the screws, fasteners or retaining bolts 40, the seat retainer 50 and the seat retaining ring 60. The valve opening or through hole 12 may have a substantially circular circumference defined on the inner surface of the valve body 11 (as per, for example, at least Figure 5). The components of the seat retention arrangement 70 for seat 20 are inserted into the valve opening 12, adjacent to and along the circular circumference of the valve opening 12; consequently, Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 65 / 85 5 / 10 each of the seat 20, the seat gasket 22, the seat spacer 30, the seat retainer 50 and the seat retaining ring 60 may have a substantially annular, ring-like or ring-like shape, with each having a first surface and a second surface connected by an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein the inner surface of each is faced, nearer or adjacent to the through hole 12, and wherein the outer surface of each is faced, nearer or adjacent to the valve body 11.

[0020] The sealing in the butterfly valve 10 occurs between the engagement of the seat 20 and the seal 17, that is, when the butterfly valve 10 is in the closed position 16. The seat 20 is one of the most important elements of a butterfly valve 10. Inadequate retention of the seat 20 will lead to leakage of fluid from the valve 10, resulting in loss of process fluid. In the improved seat retention arrangement 70, the seat 20 is retained in the valve body 11 by means of the seat spacer 30, the fixing screws 40, the seat retainer 50 and the seat retaining ring 60. Furthermore, although the exemplary embodiments represent a butterfly valve 10 with triple displacement, it should be recognized that any valves 10 with a metal seat, including butterfly valves 10 without triple displacement and valves that are not butterfly valves, are covered by this disclosure.

[0021] Referring to Figures 1 to 4, a first surface or face 23 of the annular or ring-shaped seat 20 is installed within the valve body opening 12, against an inner surface of the valve body 11. In certain exemplary embodiments, as illustrated, the seat 20 may be installed against or adjacent to a shoulder or extension 11 of the valve body opening 12. The seat 20 may additionally define a seat groove, depression or trough 21 within the first face or surface 23 of the seat 20. A seat gasket 22 is inserted into this seat groove 21 and is located or supported between the valve body 11 and the first surface 23 of the seat 20 in the enhanced seat retention arrangement 70 assembled. A thin film of lubricant is applied to the surface of the seat gasket 22, which is adjacent or contiguous to the valve body 11.Headquarters 20 additionally defines a second surface or face 24 of headquarters 20, located opposite the first face 23 of headquarters 20. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 66 / 85 6 / 10

[0022] Figures 1 to 3 show exemplary embodiments of an improved seat retention arrangement 70 fully assembled for seat 20. Figures 5, 7 to 11 show partially assembled exemplary embodiments of the improved seat retention arrangement 70; in particular, Figures 5, 7, 8 and 10 show the progressive assembly or installation of the improved seat retention arrangement 70 on the valve body 11.

[0023] As can be seen in Figure 5, the seat 20 and the seat gasket 22 are installed or positioned through the access port 12 in the valve body 11, where the seat gasket 22 rests against the valve body 11. The valve body 11 defines a valve body notch 13 that corresponds to and aligns with a seat notch 25 when the seat 20 is in the correct mounting position. The seat alignment knob 14 can then be positioned or installed through the access port 12 in either the valve body notch 13 or the seat notch 25 to ensure that the seat 20 remains aligned with the valve body 11.

[0024] The second surface 24 of the seat 20 is adjacent to a first surface or face 31 of the seat spacer 30 when in the enhanced seat retention arrangement 70 assembled, as can be seen in Figures 1 to 3 and 7 to 10. Figure 6 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional isometric view of the seat spacer 30. The seat spacer 30 further defines a second surface or face 32 of the seat spacer 30, located opposite the first face 31 of the seat spacer 30. Several holes or bores 33 open through the first surface 31 and the second surface 32 of the seat spacer 30 (although, in alternative exemplary embodiments, the hole 33 does not necessarily extend to the first surface 31, but opens to the second surface 32). A fixing screw or other movable fastener 40 is inserted into each hole 33, through the second surface 32.The fastening screws or movable fasteners 40 comprise a head or top 41 and a shaft 42, wherein the shaft 42 is threaded and engaged with the hole or bore 33, and the head or top 41 is located above the second surface 32 of the seat spacer 30. The head 41 may contain a set of cavities or protrusions that allow a wrench, hex key, ratchet, screwdriver or any other suitable rotary tool or handle with a corresponding set of cavities or protrusions to transfer rotational motion to it. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 67 / 85 7 / 10 the threaded shaft portion 42, which then moves the fastening screw 40 in and out, or toward and away from the second surface 32, depending on the direction of rotation. In certain exemplary embodiments, the fastening screws 40 are socket head fastening screws, although other types of fasteners 40 may be used, as is known to any person skilled in the art. In particular, socket head fastening screws 40 may be preferred in certain exemplary embodiments because they allow for a higher torque application compared to other fasteners 40; socket head fastening screws 40 may provide a stronger hexagonal fit.As can be seen in Figure 7, after assembling the seat 20 in Figure 5, the seat spacer 30 is positioned in the valve body 11, wherein the first surface 31 of the seat spacer 30 is adjacent to the second surface 24 of the seat 20, and wherein the fixing screws 40 and the second surface 32 of the seat spacer 30 are facing upwards.

[0025] Subsequently, and referring again to Figures 8 and 9, the seat retainer 50 is positioned, located or installed in the valve body 11, above or adjacent to the fixing screws 40. The seat retainer 50 also defines a first surface or face 53 and a second surface or face 54 that lies opposite the first surface or face 53. The seat retainer 50 includes a series of recessed holes, openings or orifices 52 defined through the first surface 53 and the second surface 54. Each recessed hole, opening or orifice 52 has or connects a wider diameter opening 52a near the first face 53 and a narrower diameter opening 52b near the second face 54. The wider diameter 52a of the recessed hole 52 may have a substantially complementary fit to the head 41 of the fixing screws 40.The narrower diameter 52b of each countersunk hole 52 is narrower than the width or diameter of the head or top of each fastening screw 41, but wide enough to allow access to any socket, protrusion or cavity defined in the head of the fastening screw 41 for a wrench, hex key, ratchet, screwdriver or other access tool. Thus, when the improved seat retention arrangement 70 is assembled, each head 41 of the fastening screws 40 is positioned or inserted into the wider diameter opening 52a of the countersunk hole 52, and the wider diameter. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pages 68 / 85 The narrow 8 / 10 52b prevents the loss of any fixing screws 40 through the second face 54 of the seat retainer 50. The wider diameter 52 can complementarily fit the top or head 41 of the fixing screws or fasteners 40. When inserting the seat retainer 50 into the valve body 11, the operator must ensure that each of the larger ends 52a of the countersunk holes 52 engages and rests on a corresponding fixing screw head 41.

[0026] The seat retainer 50 also defines a conical, chamfered or inclined surface of the seat retainer 51 that connects the second surface 54 and an outer wall 55 of the seat retainer 50, on which the seat retaining ring 60 rests when correctly mounted in the seat retaining arrangement 70. As can be seen in Figures 10 and 11, the seat retaining ring 60 can be an open or interrupted ring, having a first flat end 61 and a second end 62.

[0027] The valve body 11 defines a groove or slot 63 in which the seat retaining ring 60 is installed. The flat end 61 of the seat retaining ring 60 is first inserted into the groove or slot 63 in the valve body; the seat retaining ring 60 lies along the circumference of the retaining ring 60 until the second end 62 also snaps into place within the groove or slot 63 of the valve body.

[0028] To complete the assembly and installation, each of the heads 41 of the fastening screws 40 is rotated in one direction to extend out of the seat spacer 30 or loosened out of the seat spacer 30. In certain exemplary embodiments, this may occur in a counterclockwise rotation direction. The extension of the fastening screws 40 out of the seat spacer 30 also extends or moves the seat retainer 50 and the conical surface of the seat retainer 51 toward the seat retaining ring 60, which is fitted into the groove 63 of the body. The fastening screws 40 may be turned or rotated in a cross-pattern sequence until the conical face of the seat retainer 51 rests or engages with the seat retaining ring 60 in the groove or slot 63 of the body.The fastening screws 40 must continue to be extended out of the seat spacer 30 until the seat retainer 50 is sufficiently secured, engaged, or pressed against the seat retaining ring 60, as desired by the operator. The seat retaining ring 60 is flexible or malleable. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 69 / 85 9 / 10 and therefore the thrust of the seat retaining ring 60 is transmitted through the seat retainer 50, then to the fixing screw(s) 40 and then to the seat spacer 30 to fix, secure or retain the seat 20 in place within the body 11. Therefore, the thrust is activated by turning the fixing screw(s) 40 counterclockwise to force the seat retainer 50 against the seat retaining ring 60. In certain exemplary embodiments, the seat retaining ring 60 may be made of stainless steel.

[0029] In the improved seat retention arrangement 70, positive locking or retention of the seat 20 is achieved by at least two factors, including thread tension and head bearing surface contact, and the seat retainer 50 and seat 20 are fastened or retained by loosening or extending the fastening screws 40 by means of counterclockwise rotation. Thread tension refers to the thread of the fastening screw shaft 42 within the holes 33 of the seat spacer 30. Head bearing surface contact refers to the support of the fastening screw head 41 against the counterbored hole 52; in certain exemplary embodiments, the fastening screw head 41 rests against the wider or larger diameter end 52a of the counterbored hole 52.In conventional seat retention arrangements, positive seat locking is usually achieved by only one factor – such as top locknuts or locking bolts – and the seat retainer is secured only by tightening the nuts or bolts in a clockwise direction. Therefore, turning the locking bolts 40 counterclockwise to secure, fasten, or retain the seat 20 is counterintuitive in the valve body environment 11, as defined. The locking bolts 40 of the enhanced seat retention arrangement 70 can also be recessed in conjunction with the seat spacer 30 – therefore, there is minimal or no possibility of the locking bolts 40 accidentally falling out. In comparison, conventional seat retention arrangements tend to use many small bolts that are prone to being lost during assembly; these small bolts are individually positioned on the valve and are easily lost.The 40 fastening screws of the enhanced 70 seat retention arrangement can be adjusted independently to properly compress the 22 joint; there is no need to remove additional components - as would be the case when using adjustment screws or screws with a tightening nut. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 70-85 10 / 10

[0030] Although embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and exploitations, it will be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and that the scope of the inventive matter is not limited to them. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible. The teachings and disclosure of International Publication WO2011 / 143598 A2 entitled “Valve assembly and method of using same” are incorporated into the present invention by reference.

[0031] Multiple cases may be provided for components, operations or structures described in the present invention as a single case. These and other variations, modifications, additions and improvements may fall within the scope of the inventive matter. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 71 / 85

Claims

1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. A retention arrangement for a seat in a valve body, wherein the seat has a first seat face and a second seat face, CHARACTERIZED in that it comprises: a seat spacer wherein the seat spacer has a first seat spacer face and a second seat spacer face, wherein the seat spacer is adjacent to the seat; a fastener inserted into the second face of the seat spacer, wherein the fastener includes a head above the second face of the seat spacer, and further wherein the head is movable toward and away from the second face of the seat spacer, and a seat retainer adjacent to the head of the fastener, wherein the seat retainer has a first seat retainer face and a second seat retainer face.

2. Retention arrangement according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED in that the seat retainer defines a countersunk hole through the first face of the seat retainer and the second face of the seat retainer, and further in that the countersunk hole is complementary to the head of the fastener.

3. Retention arrangement according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the seat retainer defines a conical surface connecting the second face of the seat retainer to an outer wall of the seat retainer.

4. Retention arrangement according to claim 3, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a seat retention ring adjacent to the conical surface of the seat retainer.

5. Retention arrangement according to claim 2, CHARACTERIZED in that the fastener head is configured to extend outward from the second face of the seat spacer when the fastener is rotated counterclockwise, and the fastener head exerts greater force against the seat retainer as it is increasingly expanded.

6. Retention arrangement according to claim 5, CHARACTERIZED in that the fastener is a socket head fastening screw. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 72 / 85 2 / 4 7. A method for retaining a seat in a valve body, wherein the seat has a first seat face adjacent to the valve body and a second seat face, CHARACTERIZED in comprising the steps of: positioning a seat spacer adjacent to the seat and in the valve body, wherein the seat retainer has a first seat retainer face and a second seat retainer face; wherein the seat spacer includes a movable retainer; positioning a seat retainer adjacent to the second face of the seat spacer and in the valve body; positioning a seat retaining ring in a defined groove in the valve body; extending the movable retainer outward from the second face of the seat spacer and thus moving against the seat retainer towards the seat retaining ring.

8. Method according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that the step of extending the movable fastener comprises the step of rotating the movable fastener in a counterclockwise direction.

9. Method according to claim 8, CHARACTERIZED in that the movable fastener comprises a plurality of movable fasteners, and the step of positioning the seat spacer adjacent to the seat and in the valve body also comprises the step of simultaneously lowering all movable fasteners in the valve body.

10. Method according to claim 9, CHARACTERIZED in that the step of extending the movable fixator comprises extending the plurality of movable fixators in a cross-pattern sequence.

11. Method according to claim 10, CHARACTERIZED in that the plurality of movable fasteners comprises a plurality of socket head fastening screws.

12. Method according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises the step of securing the seat retainer against the seat retaining ring as a result of the step of extending the movable fastener. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, pp. 73 / 85 3 / 4 13. Method according to claim 12, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises the step of locking the seat in the valve body via thread tension and contact of the bearing surface of the movable fastener against the seat retainer.

14. Method according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED in that the seat retainer defines a countersunk hole, and further comprises the step of positioning the countersunk hole adjacent to the top of the movable fastener.

15. Valve with an improved retention arrangement for a seat, wherein the seat has a first seat surface and a second seat surface, CHARACTERIZED by comprising: a valve body defining a through hole, wherein the first seat surface is positioned adjacent to the valve body in the through hole; a seat spacer having a first seat spacer surface and a second seat spacer surface, wherein the first seat spacer surface is adjacent to the second seat surface; a fastener threaded into the second surface of the seat spacer, wherein one top of the fastener is movable toward and away from the second surface of the seat spacer;a seat retainer adjacent to the top of the fastener, wherein the seat retainer has a first seat retainer surface and a second seat retainer surface, and a seat retaining ring inserted into a defined groove in the through hole of the valve body.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a recessed hole defined through the first surface of the seat retainer and the second surface of the seat retainer, wherein the recessed hole is complementary to the top of the fastener.

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a first notch defined in the valve body; a second notch defined in the seat, and an alignment knob inserted in both the first notch and the second notch.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17, CHARACTERIZED in that it further comprises a wide end of the recessed hole complementary to the top of the fastener; and a narrow end of the recessed hole, wherein the narrow end of the recessed hole has a diameter smaller than the top of the fastener.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, CHARACTERIZED in that the fastener comprises a socket-head fastening screw.

20. Apparatus according to claim 19, CHARACTERIZED in that the seat retainer defines an inclined surface connecting the second surface of the seat retainer to an outer wall of the seat retainer; and wherein the seat retaining ring abuts the inclined surface.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, CHARACTERIZED in that the socket head screw is configured to increase a clamping force on the seat retainer and seat retaining ring as the top moves away from the second surface of the seat spacer.

22. Method for retaining a seat in a valve body, CHARACTERIZED by comprising the steps of: turning a retaining screw in a seat spacer in a counterclockwise direction, wherein the seat spacer is adjacent to the seat; forcing a seat retainer adjacent to the retaining screw against a flexible seat retaining ring; forcing or transmitting a force from the flexible seat retaining ring to the seat retainer; forcing or transmitting said force to the retaining screw, and forcing or transmitting said force to a seat spacer to secure the seat in place within the valve body. Petition 870250083183, dated 09 / 16 / 2025, p. 75 / 85

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