Y-valve assembly and method

Abstract

The Y-block has a relatively enlarged body, a main leg, and a Y-leg with a Y-end flange removably mating directly to a valve body of a ball valve having a flow control element, a fixed valve seat, a spring-driven valve seat, and a first end closure connection, the first end closure connection has a valve seat recess that receives one of the valve seats. And the other valve seat is accommodated in a valve seat groove in the valve body or the second end closing connecting piece. The Y-leg has a central portion between the Y-end flange and the body, the central portion having an outer diameter that is smaller than a lateral dimension of the body.

Description

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the priority of U.S. Serial No. 63407830, filed on September 19, 2022. Background Art

[0003] Severe service ball valves are used in a variety of processes and under various conditions, including extreme temperatures, high pressures, abrasive particles, acidic fluids, heavy solid buildup, critical safety applications, large pressure differentials, speed control, noise control, etc. A severe service ball valve can be characterized as a valve suitable for use at relatively high pressures, pressure drops, and / or temperatures. The pressure and / or pressure differential may exceed 0.7 MPa (100 psi), 7 MPa (1000 psi), or even 70 MPa (10,000 psi), while the temperature may exceed 100 °C, 200 °C, or even 500 °C. The difficult process fluid may be corrosive, may include abrasive particles, may be prone to solidification (unless maintained above a specific temperature), may be prone to solid buildup, etc. The severe service ball valve is characterized by a metal-to-metal sealing contact between the ball and the seat, and the seat typically includes a fixed seat and a spring-driven seat disposed on both sides of the flow control element. By setting the fixed seat on the normal low-pressure downstream side of the valve, the best performance can be obtained here. Since the fixed seat is more critical for the normal valve function, maintainability usually requires accessibility to the fixed seat.

[0004] In various processes, severe service ball valves can be used in redundant branches or paths of the process to achieve a configuration that allows selective isolation of two paths to maintain the process flow (or isolation) via one path, while providing service or maintenance to the unused, isolated branch. Similarly, various paths can be adopted in severe service processes, where different process steps may be required depending on the characteristics of the specific flow. In an arrangement for providing multiple paths within a system, a multi-port manifold is connected to two or more severe service ball valves via an intermediate flange and bolt connection. However, in severe service applications, dead volume in the flow paths leading to such alternate branches and within them can cause problems, such as solids may accumulate in non-flow areas and / or stresses due to thermal cycling may become extreme. In addition, the design is flexible and a more critical fixed seat can be set.

[0005] US 9366347 B2 discloses a Y-shaped connector in which a severe service ball valve is integrally formed in the Y-shaped connector to form a multi-port valve assembly. However, the resulting assembly is oversized, very heavy, and difficult to machine, transport, and install due to its large size and weight, and difficult to service due to machine shop limitations, which become increasingly important as valve size and pressure ratings increase. For example, a 1500# class 14-inch valve assembly can weigh over 14,000 kg (31,000 lbs). Additionally, application considerations may dictate the position of the stationary seat on a particular side of the valve, which may not be consistent with process considerations. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present disclosure addresses dead-end, size, weight, and other issues of valve assemblies by providing two preferably severe service ball valves that are only partially integrated with the Y-valve assembly at their outlet terminals. The Y-shaped connector is formed from a separate Y-shaped block that has flanges at its ends that mate directly with the respective valve bodies of the ball valves using mating holes and bolts. This creates an assembly that includes at least three main components (the Y-shaped block and two valve bodies) and is smaller, lighter, less costly to produce, easier to machine, easier to transport, and easier to service in the field compared to the '347 patent in which the valve bodies are machined in the Y-shaped block. For example, in addition to separating portions of the ball valves from the Y-shaped block, in some embodiments, the central portion between the Y-end flange and the body of the Y-shaped block can have an outer diameter that is smaller in lateral dimension relative to the body. The dead-end distance is limited to the space required for a wrench on the nut that holds the bolt attaching the Y-end flange to the valve body and is comparable to or only slightly longer than the dead-end distance of the '347 patent. Additionally, the design also allows for flexibility in positioning the stationary seat adjacent to or away from the Y-shaped block on either side of the ball valve. Further, in some embodiments disclosed herein, the dead-end space can be readily cleaned, which can further inhibit solid formation when the adjacent ball valve is closed.

[0007] Broadly speaking, in one aspect, the present invention provides a Y - type valve assembly comprising: a Y - shaped block including a relatively enlarged body, a main leg, and two Y - shaped legs connected to the body, wherein the Y - shaped legs have respective Y - end flanges that removably mate directly with the valve bodies of respective ball valves, wherein the Y - shaped legs include a central portion between the Y - end flanges and the body of the Y - shaped block, the central portion having an outer diameter that is smaller in transverse dimension relative to the body. There is a process fluid flow passage through the main leg, the Y - shaped legs, and the ball valves. One or preferably two ball valves include flow control elements rotatably received in valve cavity bores formed in the valve bodies to selectively permit or block process fluid flow through the valve cavity bores. First and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receive a fixed and a spring - actuated valve seat, the fixed and spring - actuated valve seats having spherical surfaces that engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control elements. A first end - closing connector includes a first valve - attaching flange (which is the same flange as the Y - end flange) and a first annular axial extension received in the valve cavity bore from the first attaching flange, wherein the first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of the first annular axial extension. The second annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of a second annular axial extension from a second attaching flange of a second end - closing connector or (in the absence of a second end - closing connector) is formed in the valve body.

[0008] In a first embodiment, the Y - type valve assembly comprises: a Y - shaped block having a body, a main leg, and two Y - shaped legs connected to the body, wherein the Y - shaped legs have respective Y - end flanges that removably mate directly with the valve bodies of respective ball valves. The Y - shaped legs include a central portion between the Y - end flanges and the body, the central portion having an outer diameter that is smaller in transverse dimension relative to the enlarged body. There is a process fluid flow passage through the main leg, the Y - shaped legs, and the ball valves. One or preferably two ball valves include flow control elements received in valve cavity bores formed in the valve bodies to selectively permit or block process fluid flow through the valve cavity bores, first and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receive a fixed and a spring - actuated valve seat, the fixed and spring - actuated valve seats having spherical surfaces that engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control elements, and an end - closing connector including an attaching flange and an annular axial extension received in the valve cavity bore opposite the Y - shaped block from the attaching flange. The first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of the annular axial extension.

[0009] The first and second sets of mating valve holes and bolts detachably secure the Y-end flange and the attachment flange to the valve body, respectively. A second annular valve seat groove is formed in a coaxial annular shoulder that forms around the valve cavity hole in the valve body between the flow control element and the Y-end flange, wherein the second annular valve seat groove is spaced from and independent of the Y-end flange. The Y-end flange has an outer diameter that is less than the diameter of the valve body, wherein the set of mating holes and bolts of the first group includes a Y-end hole that is radially spaced between the outer diameter of the Y-end flange and the projection of the diameter of the valve cavity hole.

[0010] Preferably in the first embodiment, the main leg and the Y-shaped legs are integrally formed with the body of the Y-shaped block, e.g., where the Y-shaped block is monolithic. Each Y-shaped leg is coaxial with the valve cavity bore and defines an annular space between the Y-end flange and the body about a central portion. A first set of bolts threadedly engage therewith and pass through the valve body and are axially retractable into the annular space. The depth of penetration into the valve body is less than the axial distance from the bolt end to the annular space of the body such that the bolts can be fully retracted into the annular space to disengage the Y-end flange from the valve body and to laterally move the valve body relative to the Y-end flange. Preferably, the total length of the bolts can exceed the total axial distance between the Y-end flange and the body since it is desirable to reduce the length of any dead zones in the Y-shaped legs and the bolts can be placed through the holes in the Y-end flange before the valve body is positioned for attachment. In the second embodiment, in one or preferably two ball valves, the first attachment flange also serves as the Y-end flange and at least one set of mating valve holes and bolts removably fix the first attachment flange to the valve body. That is, the first attachment flange is the Y-end flange of the Y-shaped block and is integrated into the ball valve by supporting the inner end of an annular axially extending portion received in the valve cavity bore at a first annular valve seat groove. Thus this embodiment provides a Y-type valve assembly comprising: a Y-shaped block including a relatively enlarged body, a main leg, and two Y-shaped legs connected to the body, where the Y-shaped legs have respective Y-end flanges that removably mate directly with the valve bodies of respective ball valves, where the Y-shaped legs include a central portion between the Y-end flanges and the body, the central portion having an outer diameter that is relatively small in lateral dimension with respect to the enlarged body; and a process fluid flow path through the main leg, the Y-shaped legs, and the ball valves. One or preferably two ball valves include: a flow control element received in a valve cavity bore formed in the valve body to selectively permit or block process fluid flow through the valve cavity bore; first and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receiving a fixed and a spring-actuated valve seat, the fixed and spring-actuated valve seats having spherical surfaces that engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control element; where the Y-end flange is the first attachment flange of a first end closure connection including an annular axially extending portion received in the valve cavity bore from the first attachment flange. The first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of the first annular axially extending portion. A set of mating valve holes and bolts removably fix the first attachment flange to the valve body. The second annular valve seat groove is formed in a coaxial annular shoulder formed about the valve cavity bore in the valve body opposite the Y-shaped block or in the inner end of a second annular axially extending portion of a second attachment flange from a second end closure connection.

[0011] In this embodiment, the length of the blind tube can be further reduced relative to the first embodiment, but at the cost of slightly increasing the weight of the Y-block with the integral end closure connection. Additionally, a lateral wash hole can be provided through the Y-end flange into the blind tube area, and the associated ball valve can be in the closed position during the washing of the blind tube area to improve the washing efficiency. Further, since the first annular valve seat groove is easily repairable, it preferably supports the more critical fixed valve seat and allows flexibility in design to position the fixed valve seat in the first annular valve seat groove on either side of the ball valve. Alternatively, where both the first and second annular valve seat grooves are available, the design allows flexibility to position the fixed valve seat in either of the valve seat grooves.

[0012] In the third embodiment, the second end closure connection is absent, and the second annular valve seat groove is formed in an annular shoulder in the valve body, the annular shoulder being formed around the process fluid flow passage at the end of the valve cavity bore remote from the Y-block. In this variant, the second annular valve seat groove is independent of any end connection.

[0013] Accordingly, the third embodiment provides a Y-valve assembly comprising: a Y-block including a body, a main leg, and two Y-shaped legs connected to the body, wherein the Y-shaped legs have respective Y-end flanges that removably mate directly with the valve bodies of respective ball valves, wherein the Y-shaped legs include a central portion between the Y-end flanges and the body, the central portion having an outer diameter that is smaller than the lateral dimension of the enlarged body; and a process fluid flow passage through the main leg, the Y-shaped legs, and the ball valves. One or preferably two ball valves include: a flow control element received in a valve cavity bore formed in the valve body to selectively permit or block the flow of process fluid through the valve cavity bore; first and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receiving a fixed and a spring-actuated valve seat, the fixed and spring-actuated valve seats having spherical surfaces that engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control element; an end closure connection including the Y-end flange as an attachment flange and an annular axial extension of the self-attachment flange received in the valve cavity bore. The first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of the annular axial extension. A set of mating valve holes and bolts removably secure the first attachment flange to the valve body. The second annular valve seat groove is formed in a coaxial annular shoulder opposite the Y-block, the coaxial annular shoulder being formed around the valve cavity bore in the valve body at an end of the valve cavity bore remote from the Y-block (preferably wherein the fixed valve seat is received in the first annular valve seat groove and the spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in the second annular valve seat groove).

[0014] In this embodiment, the ball valve body preferably includes an integral valve end connection opposite the Y-block, such as a clamping hub. This embodiment has the advantages of facilitating the manufacture of the valve body using conventional techniques and facilitating manufacture and assembly. Relative to other embodiments, this embodiment also has the following advantages: elimination of one bolt joint for each ball valve assembly, and elimination of potential leak paths and flow turbulence that would otherwise result from this connection. This version is also advantageous when a more critical fixed seat needs to be provided adjacent to the Y-block, because when the Y-valve assembly is applied in scenarios where the process fluid pressure in the Y-block is lower than that maintained in the process leg or other piping, the process leg or other piping is isolated from the process fluid in the Y-block by the closure of the ball valve (such as the outlet side in parallel piping equipment), and it is easily repairable there (e.g., the low-pressure side of the ball).

[0015] In a fourth embodiment, there is a second end closure connection, and the second end closure connection includes a second attachment flange and a second set of mating valve holes and bolts (preferably in addition to the bolts and holes in the first set) that sealably fix the second attachment flange to the valve body, where the valve cavity hole accommodates a second annular axial extension.

[0016] Thus this embodiment provides a Y-valve assembly comprising: a Y-block including a body, a main leg, and two Y-shaped legs connected to the body, where the Y-shaped legs have respective Y-end flanges that removably mate directly with the valve body of a respective ball valve, where the Y-shaped legs include a central portion between the Y-end flange and the body, the central portion having an outer diameter that is smaller in transverse dimension relative to the body; a process fluid flow path through the main leg, the Y-shaped legs, and the ball valve; and a first set of mating Y-end holes and bolts that removably fix the Y-end flange to the valve body. One or two ball valves include: a flow control element rotatably accommodated in a valve cavity hole formed in the valve body to selectively permit or block the flow of process fluid through the valve cavity hole; a first end closure connection including the Y-end flange as a first attachment flange, and a first annular axial extension from the Y-end flange that is accommodated in the valve cavity hole; a second end closure connection including a second attachment flange and a second annular axial extension from the attachment flange that is accommodated in the valve cavity hole; a second set of mating valve holes and bolts that sealably fix the second attachment flange to the valve body (preferably where the second set is in addition to the first set); first and second annular valve seat grooves formed in the inner ends of the respective first and second annular axial extensions respectively accommodate a fixed and a spring-driven seat, the fixed and spring-driven seats having spherical surfaces that engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control element.

[0017] This embodiment has the advantage of providing a three-piece ball valve, the valve body and the second end closure connection of which are smaller and lighter than the valve bodies of the first and second embodiments described above. In addition, this embodiment provides a removable rear end cap, since the second end closure connection can be removed from the valve body to facilitate access and repair, thereby allowing the more critical fixed valve seat to be removed from the Y-block for repair, regardless of whether it is positioned on either side of the flow control element relative to the Y-block. Thus, this configuration has the advantage of facilitating the placement of the spring-actuated and fixed valve seats on either side of the flow control valve, such as providing a spring-actuated valve seat on the normal high-pressure side of the ball, providing flexibility for configuring for the high-pressure side and the low-pressure side of the process, for example, in a parallel-path process with redundant pressure reducing valves, where a first Y-valve assembly is used for: being arranged upstream of the corresponding pressure reducing valve relative to the relatively high-pressure process inlet side, with the fixed valve seat being arranged opposite the ball valve from the Y-end, and being arranged downstream of the pressure reducing valve relative to the relatively low-pressure process outlet side, with the fixed valve seat being arranged between the ball valve and the Y-end.

[0018] In another aspect, a method includes selectively operating a flow control element in a valve between open and closed positions for fluid flow or isolation. In an embodiment, the flow control element can be operated independently to operate simultaneously or sequentially. In a preferred embodiment, a method of operating the above-described Y-valve assembly includes selectively operating a flow control element in a ball valve between open and closed positions to allow process fluid to flow through one or two ball valves and to prevent process fluid from flowing through one or two ball valves.

[0019] In another embodiment, a method of operating the Y-valve assembly of any one of the above-described second and third embodiments includes selectively operating a flow control element in a ball valve between open and closed positions to allow process fluid to flow through one or two ball valves and to prevent process fluid from flowing through one or two ball valves, and supplying a cleaning fluid through a cleaning hole formed in the Y-end flange to clean the process fluid flow channels in the corresponding Y-shaped legs. This embodiment preferably includes independently rotating the flow control element of the ball valve from the open position to the closed position and supplying a cleaning fluid through the cleaning hole of the ball valve to clean the process fluid flow channels during and / or after the corresponding flow control element is rotated to the closed position.

[0020] In another embodiment, a method of operating a Y-valve assembly of any of the first, second, and third embodiments includes positioning a first one of the Y-valve assemblies in a first position in a process, such as, for example, the inlet side of a redundant path process; positioning a second one of the Y-valve assemblies in a second position in the process, (such as, for example, the outlet side of a redundant path process), wherein the first position (e.g., the inlet side) is generally at a higher pressure than the second position (e.g., the outlet side); positioning the fixed valve seat in the ball valves of the first and second Y-valve assemblies in a serviceable manner on the generally low pressure side relative to the flow control element (such as, for example, opposite the Y-end in the first Y-valve assembly and adjacent the Y-end in the second Y-valve assembly); and selectively operating the flow control element in the ball valves of the first and second Y-valve assemblies between open and closed positions to allow process fluid to flow through one or both of the ball valves and to block process fluid from flowing through one or both of the ball valves.

[0021] Preferably, in the method of operating a Y-valve assembly just described, the first Y-valve assembly includes a Y-valve assembly according to one of the first and third embodiments described above, wherein the fixed valve seat is opposite the Y-block, and the second Y-valve assembly includes a Y-valve assembly according to one of the second and third embodiments described above, wherein the fixed valve seat is adjacent the Y-block, for example, wherein the first Y-valve assembly includes a Y-valve assembly according to the first embodiment, wherein the fixed valve seat is opposite the Y-block, and wherein the second Y-valve assembly includes a Y-valve assembly according to the second embodiment described above, wherein the fixed valve seat is adjacent the Y-block, or alternatively, wherein the first and second Y-valve assemblies include a Y-valve assembly according to the third embodiment described above, wherein the fixed valve seat is opposite the Y-block in the first Y-valve assembly and wherein the fixed valve seat is adjacent the Y-block in the second Y-valve assembly. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a Y-valve assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the valve stem adapter shown on the left side and the bare valve stem shown on the right side.

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a plan sectional view of the Y-valve assembly of

[0024] Figure 3 is Figures 1 - 2 a vertical sectional view of the Y-valve assembly of

[0025] Figure 4 is Figure 3 an enlarged view of the spring-driven valve seat details in

[0026] Figure 5 is Figure 3 an enlarged view of the fixed valve seat in

[0027] Figure 6 is Figure 3 An enlarged view of the Y-end connector / valve body bolt joint details of

[0028] Figure 7 is Figure 3 An enlarged view of the valve stem / valve stem packing / actuator adapter details in

[0029] Figure 8 A perspective view of a cross-sectional plan view of a Y-valve assembly according to another embodiment, where the valve stem adapter is shown on the left side and the bare valve stem is shown on the right side.

[0030] Figure 9 is Figure 8 A plan cross-sectional view of the Y-valve assembly of

[0031] Figure 10 is a Figures 8 - 9 Vertical cross-sectional view of one of the valves of the Y-valve assembly of

[0032] Figure 11 A perspective view of a Y-valve assembly according to another embodiment, where the valve stem adapter is shown on the left side and the bare valve stem is shown on the right side.

[0033] Figure 12 is Figure 11 A plan cross-sectional view of the Y-valve assembly of , where the open valve is shown on the left side and the closed valve is shown on the right side, and the fixed valve seat is disposed opposite the Y-end.

[0034] Figure 13 is a Figures 11 - 12 Vertical cross-sectional view of one of the valves of the Y-valve assembly of , where the fixed valve seat is disposed adjacent to the Y-end. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0035] Define

[0036] As used herein, the term "assembly" refers to a collection of parts that are manufactured and assembled together to form a substantially complete machine, structure, or machine unit, or such assembled parts.

[0037] As used herein, the terms "ball" and "flow control element" of a ball valve are used interchangeably and refer to a plug that is at least partially spherical and has a flow hole therethrough, and fluid flow can be allowed or blocked by rotation.

[0038] As used herein, the term "ball valve" refers to a valve having a substantially spherical flow control element disposed in a flow hole through the valve body, and the flow control element can be rotated to align ("open") or misalign ("close") the hole through the flow control element, where the flow hole passes through the valve body.

[0039] As used herein, the term "hole" refers to a hole or passage made by a drill bit or similar means.

[0040] As used herein, the term "clamping hub" refers to a flange hub similar to a flange hub adapted to sealingly clamp to an adjacent pipe (such as a pipe, fitting or other component).

[0041] As used herein, the "closed position" of a flow control element refers to a flow control element having a rotating flow hole to inhibit or prevent fluid communication with the flow hole of the valve.

[0042] As used herein, a "triangular washer" refers to an annular washer made of a seamless ring and having a spline profile with a dimension between peaks slightly larger than the sum of the dimensions of the opposing sealing grooves.

[0043] As used herein, the term "end connector" refers to a connecting component for a pipe fitting (such as a valve), the connecting component being removably or permanently installed near the first end of the fitting and having a connecting profile (such as a welding profile or a flange (such as a clamping hub)) at the second end remote from the fitting for preferably removably attaching to a downstream or upstream pipe or fitting. As used herein, the term "end closure connector" refers to an end connector for a valve, the end connector being sealingly and removably connected to a flow passage opening from the valve body end and mounting or supporting the valve seat of the flow control element. The end closure connector may include a flange end connector, such as a clamping hub for removably connecting to a downstream or upstream pipe or fitting, or may have a connecting profile permanently attached to the pipe or fitting, such as by welding.

[0044] As used herein, "flange" refers to a rib or edge for strength, for guiding, or for attaching to another object.

[0045] As used herein, "hub" refers to the central part of a circular object (such as a wheel or a propeller).

[0046] As used herein, the "open position" of a flow control element refers to a flow control element having a fully or partially aligned flow hole for fluid communication with the flow hole of the valve.

[0047] As used herein, the terms "outer" and "inner" related to a ball valve assembly respectively refer to positions or articles disposed axially away from and close to or towards the flow control element; or to positions or articles disposed radially away from and close to or towards the axis of the flow hole.

[0048] As used herein, "seal" refers to a tight and perfect or nearly perfect closure (for preventing the passage of gas or water).

[0049] As used herein, "valve seat" refers to the portion of a valve that contacts a flow control element and is used to form a liquid-tight seal or to hold the flow control element against a seal-forming seat. A "fixed valve seat" refers to a valve seat that is held between the flow control element and the valve body and thus generally does not move relative to the valve body and the flow control element, while a "spring-actuated valve seat" refers to a valve seat that is biased by a spring.

[0050] As used herein, "valve body" refers to the main, central or principal portion of a valve that generally houses a flow control element.

[0051] As used herein, "valve cavity" refers to the space within the valve body that houses the flow control element; in addition, it refers to the space between the inner surface of the main passage or bore of the valve body and the flow control element. The outer surface of the valve cavity is generally formed as the main bore in the valve body.

[0052] As used herein, the term "Y-block" refers to a pipe element or fitting having three legs that serve as ports or inlets / outlets, such as a T-piece or a Y-piece, and particularly having the shape of the letter Y. The "main leg" of the Y-block refers to the leg that is angled with respect to the other legs, while the "auxiliary legs" are angled with respect to the main leg and form an acute angle between them.

[0053] Embodiment

[0054] In one aspect, the present invention provides a Y-type valve assembly. The assembly has a Y-block, which is preferably integral and has a main leg and two preferably integral Y-shaped legs, each Y-shaped leg having a Y-end flange that is connected to the valve body of a respective ball valve (preferably a severe service ball valve). Process fluid flow channels are formed through the main leg, the Y-shaped legs and the ball valves respectively. A first set of mating Y-end holes and bolts removably fix the Y-end connection flange to the valve body. Each ball valve includes a flow control element housed in a valve cavity bore formed in the valve body, a fixed and spring-actuated valve seat having a spherical surface for sealingly engaging the flow control element, first and second annular valve seat grooves for respectively housing the valve seats, and at least one first end closure connection for the valve body.

[0055] The Y-shaped legs preferably include a central portion between the Y-end flange and the body of the Y-block, the central portion having an outer diameter that is smaller than the lateral dimension of the relatively enlarged body.

[0056] The first end closure connector includes an attachment flange for attaching the first end closure connector to the valve body, an end connector on one side of the attachment flange, and an annular axially extending portion on the other side of the attachment flange. The annular axially extending portion is received in the valve cavity bore and has a first annular valve seat groove formed in the inner end of the axially extending portion (i.e., adjacent to the flow control element), and one of a fixed or spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in the first annular valve seat groove. The mating holes and bolts are preferably tapped and threaded.

[0057] The Y-end flange of the Y-block may be or include the attachment flange of the first end closure connector, or may be separate from the attachment flange of the first end closure connector and directly mate with the corresponding valve body of the ball valve. The valve body preferably has mating threaded holes to receive the bolts and secure the Y-end flange and / or the attachment flange of the first end closure connector (if different) to the valve body.

[0058] In one embodiment, the valve body of at least one (i.e., one or preferably two) of the ball valves forms an annular shoulder around the flow passage at one end of the valve cavity bore adjacent to the Y-end connector flange of the Y-block. The first end closure connector is disposed in the other end of the valve cavity bore, i.e., on the other side of the flow control element opposite the Y-block. A fixed valve seat is preferably disposed in the first annular valve seat groove formed in the inner end of the axially extending portion of the first end closure connector. A spring-actuated valve seat is preferably disposed in a second annular valve seat groove formed in the valve body at the shouldered end of the valve cavity bore, i.e., adjacent to the Y-block. In this embodiment, the Y-end flange of the Y-block is directly connected to the valve body independent of the valve seat groove, i.e., it is not an end closure connector. Thus, an annular shoulder is provided between the flow control element and the Y-end flange, spacing the Y-end flange from the second annular valve seat groove independent of the Y-end flange.

[0059] Preferably, the Y-end connector flange has an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the corresponding valve body. The first set of mating holes and bolts includes Y-end holes radially spaced between the projection of the outer diameter of the Y-end flange and the diameter of the valve cavity bore. The second set of mating valve holes and bolts removably secures the attachment flange of the first end closure connector to the valve body.

[0060] Preferably, the main leg and the Y-shaped leg are integrally formed with the body of the Y-shaped block. For example, the Y-shaped block can be integral, or formed by machining elements from a single metal block. Each Y-shaped leg can be coaxial with the valve cavity hole. An annular space can be defined around the central portion between the Y-end flange and the body. The bolts attaching the Y-end flange can be screwed into tapped holes in the valve body and can be conveniently axially retracted into the annular space around the Y-shaped leg. The space between the Y-end flange and the body of the Y-shaped block should be sufficient to allow the bolts to retract completely from the valve body so that the valve body can be disengaged and laterally moved away from the Y-end flange. On the other hand, to reduce the length of the blind tube in the Y-shaped leg, if the annular space around the Y-shaped leg is not large enough for lateral placement, the bolts can be inserted into holes in the Y-end flange before placing the valve body for attachment.

[0061] A first gasket can be provided to form a seal between the valve body and the Y-end flange and / or the attachment flange of the end closure connector, and a second gasket can be provided between the valve body and the first end closure connector. For example, a triangular gasket can be received in opposing seal grooves formed in the valve body and the Y-end flange at the periphery of the fluid flow path, and opposing, adjacent circumferential seal grooves formed in the valve body and the attachment flange adjacent to the outer diameter of the first annular axial extension.

[0062] If desired, the end closure connector of the ball valve can include a clamping hub opposite the axial extension, for example providing a port for connection to a downstream (or upstream) pipe.

[0063] In this embodiment, the spring-actuated valve seat of at least one ball valve can be biased by at least one spring adjacent to the valve seat groove in the valve body, and the fixed valve seat can sealingly engage the first end closure connector at the annular convex surface. Preferably, the spring-actuated valve seat is biased by: an inner spring in an inner spring pocket, the inner spring pocket formed around the flow hole in the valve body adjacent to the inner diameter of the spring-actuated valve seat and biasing the end surface of the spring-actuated valve seat, and an outer spring in an outer spring pocket, the outer spring pocket formed adjacent to the outer diameter of the spring-actuated valve seat and biasing the outwardly extending flange onto the spring-actuated valve seat. Preferably, the convex surface of at least one ball valve is formed on the first end closure connector, and the fixed valve seat is tightly biased onto the convex surface by a seat locking ring that engages the outer radial edge of the fixed valve seat and is fixed to the first end closure connector by a plurality of radially spaced threaded members.

[0064] In another embodiment, the Y-end flange is the end-closure connector attachment flange. One of the spring-actuated and fixed valve seats is disposed in the end-closure connector / Y-end connector flange valve seat recess, while the other of the spring-actuated and fixed valve seats is disposed in an annular valve seat recess formed in the valve body, at the shoulder end of the valve cavity bore, i.e., on the other side of the flow control element attached to the attachment / Y-end flange. Preferably, the valve body includes a clamping hub adjacent the shoulder end of the valve cavity bore, e.g., to provide a port for connecting the flow path to a downstream or upstream pipe. Preferably, a lateral flush hole is provided through the first end-closure connector flange of at least one ball valve to the flow path in the corresponding Y-shaped leg.

[0065] If desired, the fixed valve seat may be disposed in a first annular valve seat recess formed in the end of the annular axial extension, and the spring-actuated valve seat may be disposed in a second annular valve seat recess formed in the valve body. In this embodiment, the spring-actuated valve seat is axially biased by at least one spring, and the fixed valve seat sealingly engages the annular axial extension of the first end-closure connector at the convex surface, as described above. As described above, the spring-actuated valve seat may be biased by an inner spring and an outer spring; and / or the convex surface may be biased against the convex surface by a seat locking ring that is fixed to the first end-closure connector by a plurality of radially spaced threaded members.

[0066] Alternatively, the spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in a first annular valve seat recess on the axial extension, while the fixed valve seat is disposed in a second valve seat recess in the valve body. Here, the spring-actuated valve seat may be biased by at least one spring, e.g., the inner spring and outer spring adjacent the end-closure connector valve seat recess as described above, while the fixed valve seat is biased against the convex surface by a seat locking ring that is fixed to the valve body by a plurality of radially spaced threaded members.

[0067] In another embodiment, the first attachment flange of the first end-closure connector of at least one ball valve is one of the Y-end flanges of the Y-shaped block and is connected to the valve body at one end of the valve cavity bore. The at least one ball valve includes a second end-closure connector at the other end of the fluid flow path. The second end-closure connector includes: an attachment flange; an annular axial extension that is received in the valve cavity bore from one side of the attachment flange and has a second annular valve seat recess formed in its inner end; and preferably, an end connector on the other side of the attachment flange remote from the valve body, which preferably includes an end connector flange, such as a clamping hub. Another set of mating holes and bolts secures the second attachment flange to the valve body. One of the spring-actuated and fixed valve seats is disposed in a first annular valve seat recess formed in the first end-closure connector, while the other of the spring-actuated and fixed valve seats is disposed in a second annular valve seat recess formed in the second end-closure connector. Preferably, a lateral flush hole is provided to pass through the first attachment / Y-end flange of at least one ball valve to the fluid flow path in the corresponding Y-shaped leg of the Y-shaped block.

[0068] If desired, the fixed seat may be disposed in the first annular seat recess of the first end closure connector, while the spring-actuated seat is disposed in the second annular seat of the second end closure connector. Here, the spring-actuated seat may be biased as described above by at least one spring or preferably internal and external springs, and also as described above, the fixed seat may sealingly engage the annular convex surface formed in the first annular seat recess on the first end closure connector and be biased against the convex surface by a seat locking ring that engages the outer radial edge of the fixed seat and is fixed to the annular axial extension of the first end closure connector by a plurality of radially spaced threaded members.

[0069] Alternatively, the spring-actuated seat may be disposed in the first annular seat recess, while the fixed seat is in the second annular seat recess.

[0070] In any embodiment, the main leg of the Y-block may include a clamping hub; and / or the Y-legs may include a central portion between the Y-end flange and the body of the Y-block, the central portion having an outer diameter that is smaller in transverse dimension relative to the body. Alternatively or additionally, a gasket (preferably a triangular gasket) is disposed in the opposing seal grooves formed between the valve body and the adjacent Y-end flange, first attachment flange (if different), and / or second attachment flange (if present).

[0071] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a Y-valve assembly of any of the above embodiments. The method includes selectively operating a flow control element in the valve between open and closed positions for fluid flow or isolation.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment of the method, the first attachment flange of at least one of the ball valves is the Y-end flange and includes a lateral flush hole leading to a flow passage in the corresponding Y-leg of the Y-block. The method may include the additional step of supplying a flush fluid through the flush hole to flush the flow passage, preferably while closing the corresponding ball valve or supplying the flush fluid after closing or while the ball valve is closed.

[0073] Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated by like reference numerals, Figures 1 - 7Shown is a Y-valve assembly 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein a Y-block 102 is directly connected to the valve bodies 104 of valves 106A, 106B. The Y-block 102 has a body 108, a main open flange leg 110, a flow channel 112, and two Y-legs 114A, 114B to which corresponding ball valves 106A, 106B are connected, and the ball valves 106A, 106B can ideally be severe service ball valves. The flow channel 112 generally provides an outlet for process fluid through the legs 110, 114A / B and the body 108, and is preferably formed as a hole coaxial with the corresponding legs 110, 114A / B.

[0074] In any embodiment, the legs 114A, 114B of the Y-block 102 preferably have a central portion 118 disposed between a Y-end flange 120 and the body 108, and the central portion has an outer diameter smaller than the dimensions of the body 108 and / or the flange 120.

[0075] In this embodiment, the flanges 120 of the legs 114A, 114B are directly connected to the valve body 104 via bolts 122 (e.g., threadedly) received in holes 124 in the valve body, and the bolts 122 pass through holes 126 in the flanges 120 and are fixed with nuts 128, as Figure 3 and 6 best seen in. It can be seen that the bolts 122 are generally arranged along a bolt circle having a diameter larger than that of the flow channel 112 and are disposed within the outer diameter of the flange 120. By using a wrench on the nut 128 in the space near the narrow central portion 118 between the flange 120 and the enlarged body 108, the bolts 122 can be advanced into or retracted from the holes 126. Thus, by removing the clamp from the clamping hub 144 and disengaging the valve body 104 from the flange 120 by retracting the bolts 122, the valve body 104 can be removed from the side without any other disconnection or removal of the Y-block 102 or other piping.

[0076] The gasket 121 can be a triangular gasket, which can be used to provide a seal at the joint, as Figure 6 best seen in. For example, the gasket 121 can be received in opposing seal grooves 121A, 121B formed in the flange 120 and the valve body 108 adjacent to the peripheries of the flow holes 112, 134.

[0077] The Y-legs 114A, 114B are as short as possible, but should be long enough to allow a wrench to access the nut 128 between the bolt 122 and the body 108.

[0078] Each valve 106 has a valve body 104 connected to an end closure fitting 130, a spherical flow control element 132 positioned in a flow orifice 134, a spring-driven pusher seat 136, a fixed valve seat 138, and a stem 170. The flow control element 132 floats between the seats 136, 138. Typically but not always, the spring-driven seat 136 is disposed upstream or on the high-pressure side of the valve 106, while the fixed valve seat 138 is disposed downstream or on the low-pressure side, where the spring-driven seat urges the flow control element 132 against the fixed valve seat 138 to form a primary seal. This arrangement is useful when process fluid flow typically enters the valve 106 from the Y-block 102. This arrangement facilitates the maintainability of the downstream fixed valve seat 138, as it can be accessed by removing the first end closure fitting 130. Alternatively, the positions of the seats 136, 138 can be interchanged.

[0079] The valve body 104 has a central cavity bore 140 sized to accommodate the flow control element 132. The end closure fitting 130 preferably includes a clamping hub 142 adapted to clamp to a pipe or pipe component (not shown) provided with a similar hub. The end closure fitting 130 has an attachment flange 144 located at the outer end of an axially extending portion 146 entering the valve cavity bore 140 and is removably connected to the valve body 104. A flow orifice 148 is formed through the axially extending portion 146, the flange 144, and the clamping hub 142.

[0080] The attachment flange 144 can be secured to the valve body 104 by bolts 149 and nuts 150 and sealed with washers 152 positioned in opposing seal grooves 154A, 154B formed in the inner surface of the flange 144 adjacent the outer diameter of the axially extending portion 146 and in the outer surface of the valve body 104 adjacent the inner diameter of the valve cavity bore 140. A valve seat groove 156 is formed in the inner end of the axially extending portion 146.

[0081] From Figure 3 the details of the spring-driven valve seat 136 are shown in Figure 4Inside. The valve seat 136 is disposed in an annular valve seat recess 162 formed adjacent the Y-block 102 at the outer end of the bore 140 of the valve body 104. The valve seat 136 has a spherical surface 158 for engaging the flow control element 132, preferably sealingly engaging the flow control element 132. The outer end 160 of the valve seat 136 is received in the valve seat recess 162 formed in the valve body 104. The valve seat 136 is spring-biased by at least one spring (e.g., a Belleville spring), preferably at least two springs, disposed between the valve seat and the valve body 104, such as an inner load spring 164 disposed in an inner spring pocket 166, biasing the outer surface 168 of the valve seat 136 adjacent the inner diameter of the valve seat 136, and an outer Belleville load spring 170 disposed in an outer spring pocket 172, biasing an annular shoulder (such as a surface on the outwardly extending flange 174 of the valve seat 136) adjacent the outer diameter of the valve seat 136. If desired, a release groove 176 may be formed adjacent its outer diameter in the valve seat recess 162. A chamfer groove 178 may be formed adjacent the spherical surface 158 at the inner diameter of the flow bore 134 to facilitate smooth rotational sliding of the flow control element 132 at the edge of the flow bore 134.

[0082] From Figure 3 Details of the fixed valve seat 138 are shown in Figure 5 Inside. The valve seat 138 is disposed in an annular valve seat recess 156 formed in the inner end of the annular axial extension 146 of the end closure connector 130, the end closure connector 130 being received in the valve bore 140 opposite the Y-block 102. The valve seat 138 has a spherical surface 182 for sealingly engaging the flow control element 132, and an outer end 184 received in the valve seat recess 156 formed in the inner end of the annular axial extension 146 of the end closure connector 130 and sealingly engaging the annular raised surface 186. A valve seat lock ring 188 is fixed to the annular axial extension 146 by a plurality of radially spaced threaded members 190 to tightly bias the outer radial edge 192 of the valve seat 138. A chamfer groove 194 may be formed adjacent the inner diameter of the spherical surface 182 to facilitate smooth rotational sliding of the flow control element 132 at the edge of the flow bore 134.

[0083] As Figure 3As can be seen, the rod 200 has a ball adapter 202 at its lower end, which has a non-circular cross-section, such as square or rectangular, and engages with a complementary-shaped slot or groove 204 formed in the flow control element 132. Through this engagement, rotation of the rod 200 causes the flow control element 132 to rotate between the open and closed positions. If desired, the ball adapter 202 can be integrally formed with the rod 200 or provided as a separate piece attached to the end of the rod by bolts or otherwise. Desirably, the ball adapter 202 has a larger diameter than the rod hole 206 to prevent the rod from being blown out, and the ball adapter 202 can rest against an annular groove 208 coaxial with the rod hole 206 formed in the valve body 104.

[0084] Figure 1 and Figure 3 The adaptation of the exposed rod 200 on the right-hand valve 106B and the rod adapter 228 and mounting flange adapter 240 on the left-hand valve 106A is shown. The details of the rod adaptation on the valve 106A from Figure 3 are shown in Figure 7 The rod 200 passes through a rod hole 206 formed in the valve body 104. A packing ring 208, for example five, is provided in the packing gland 210 and is compressed by the gland pusher 212 and an elastomeric load spring 214 fixed to the valve body 104 by bolts 216. The packing ring 208 can be protected by a metal anti-extrusion ring 210 below and / or above the packing ring 208.

[0085] The upper end 218 of the rod 200 extends adjacent to, into or through a hole 220 formed in laterally spaced brackets 222, which hole can accommodate a coaxial rod bushing 224 shouldered in the hole 220 at its upper end 226. The rod adapter 228 has a lower end 230 which engages the upper end 218 of the rod 200 by a rod key (not shown) received in a keyway 231, and an upper end 232 which engages an actuator (not shown) by an actuator / rod adapter key (not shown) received in a keyway 234.

[0086] The brackets 222 can be supported on legs 236 fixed to the valve body, for example by welding as at 238 (see Figure 1 ) or by bolt connection. The actuator is typically attached to the brackets 222 by being bolted to a mounting flange adapter 240 which is bolted to the brackets 222. If desired, the mounting flange adapter 240 can be provided with one or more holes 242 to accommodate locking pins (not shown) to prevent inadvertent operation of the valve 106, as described in US11,174,963.

[0087] To facilitate the installation of the valve stem 200, the valve 106 may optionally be provided with an axially aligned access port 244, which is sealed by an access cover 246 bolted to the valve body 104. This allows the valve stem 200 to be inserted through the port 244 into the stem bore 206 and into the support bore 220 before the flow control element 132 is installed. Typically, when the valve stem 200 is inserted into the support bore 220, the packing ring 206, anti-extrusion ring 208, gland pusher 212, and spring 214 are installed in the open area between the support 222 and the valve body 104, and then the gland pusher 212 is fixed to the valve body 104.

[0088] Additionally, the Y-block 102 and / or the valve 106 may be provided with lifting lugs 250, screws 252 (which may include guards 254), etc. to facilitate lifting, attachment of accessories, etc.

[0089] Figures 8 - 10 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the Y-valve assembly 300 includes Y-shaped legs 302A, 302B having Y-end closed connectors 304, which are integral with a Y-block 306 having a Y-end flange 308 similar to Figures 1 - 7 the Y-end flange 120 in. In this embodiment, the Y-end flange 308 of the end closed connector 304 preferably has the same diameter as the valve body 310 and is directly bolted to the valve body 310. The valve bodies 310 of the valves 311A, 311B may be provided with clamping hubs 312, as Figures 9 - 10 best seen in. This arrangement has the advantage of distributing some of the weight from the valves 311A, 311B to the Y-block 306.

[0090] In this embodiment, the fixed valve seat 316 is preferably located adjacent to the Y-block 306 in a first annular valve seat 317 at the end 317A of the annular axial extension 317B of the end closed connector 304, while the spring-actuated valve seat 314 is located adjacent to the clamping hub 312 opposite the Y-block 306 in a second annular valve seat 315 formed in the valve body 310. This arrangement is useful when the process fluid flow typically enters the Y-block 306 from the valves 311A, 311B. Alternatively, the positions of the valve seats 314, 316 can be interchanged (not shown).

[0091] Additionally, as Figure 9 best seen, the assembly 300 may be provided with transverse cleaning holes 318A, 318B that pass through the flanges of the end connectors 304, 308, respectively. The cleaning holes 318A, 318B can be used to clean the blind leg regions 320A, 320B, preferably when the respective valves 311A, 311B are closed.

[0092] The parts and components of the assembly 300 are otherwise the same as Figures 1 - 7The parts and components of the embodiments are the same or similar.

[0093] Figures 11 - 13 Another embodiment of the present invention is shown, in which the Y - valve assembly 400 includes Y - shaped legs 402A, 402B, and the Y - shaped legs 402A, 402B have a first Y - end closing connector 404 integral with the Y - shaped block 406 as in Figures 8 - 10 . In this embodiment, the Y - end flanges 408A, 408B of the first end closing connectors 404A, 404B preferably have substantially the same diameter as the valve body 410 and are directly bolted to the valve body 410 as in Figures 8 - 10 . However, the valves 411A, 411B are three - piece assemblies, and the valve body 410 is connected to a second end closing connector 412 opposite the Y - shaped block 406. The second end closing connector 412 may be provided with a clamping hub 414, as best seen in Figures 12 - 13 . A gasket 415 identical to the gasket 152 in Figures 1 - 10 may provide a seal between the valve body 410 and the second end closing connector 412.

[0094] This arrangement has the further advantage of distributing some of the weight from the valve body 410 to the second end closing connector 412.

[0095] In this embodiment, the spring - actuated valve seats 416 may be positioned in the first annular valve seats 417 at the ends 417A of the annular axial extensions 417B of each end closing connector 404A, 404B (see Figure 12 ), or in the annular valve seats 419 at the ends 419A of the annular axial extensions 419B of each second end closing connector 412 (see Figure 13 ). The fixed valve seats 418 may be positioned in the other annular valve seats 419 at the ends 419A of the annular axial extensions 419B of each second end closing connector 412 ( Figure 12 ) or in the first annular valve seats 417 at the ends 417A of the annular axial extensions 417B of each end closing connector 404A, 404B ( Figure 13 ). When the process fluid flow is generally from the valves 411A, 411B into the Y - shaped block 406, Figure 13 's arrangement is useful, and when the process fluid flow is normally from the Y - shaped block 406 to the valves 411A, 411B, Figure 12 's arrangement is useful.

[0096] In addition, as in Figure 12Best visible in, the assembly 400 may be provided with transverse cleaning holes 420A, 420B respectively passing through the flanges 408A, 408B of the first end closing connectors 404A, 404B. The cleaning holes 420A, 420B may be used to clean the blind leg regions 422A, 422B, preferably when the corresponding valves 411A, 411B are closed.

[0097] The parts and components of the assembly 400 are otherwise the same as or similar to Figures 1 - 10 the parts and components of the embodiment of.

[0098] In use, the method of operating the Y - type valve assemblies 100, 300, 400 includes selectively operating the flow control element 132 (see Figure 2 , 9 , 12) between open and closed positions to cause process fluid to flow through one or both of the valves 106A / 106B, 311A / 311B, 411A / 411B and to prevent process fluid from flowing through one or both of the ball valves. For example, Figure 2 , 9 and 12 generally show the A - valve open and the B - valve closed. In the presence of cleaning holes 320A / 320B ( Figures 8 - 10 ) and 420A / 420B ( Figures 11 - 13 ), the method may further include supplying cleaning fluid through the cleaning holes to clean the corresponding blind legs 322A / 322B, 422A / 422B in the process fluid flow channel 112, preferably with the adjacent ball valves 311A / 311B, 411A / 411B closed simultaneously or afterwards.

[0099] Another method of operating the Y - type valve assemblies 100, 300, 400 includes positioning the first of the Y - type valve assemblies 100, 300, 400 in a first position in the process, such as the inlet side of a redundant path process; positioning the second Y - type valve assembly in a second position in the process, such as the outlet side of a redundant path process, where the first position (inlet side) is generally at a higher pressure than the second position (outlet side), substantially as shown in Figures 7 - 8 of the above - mentioned '347 patent, i.e., in a redundant or parallel path process or apparatus. The method also includes positionably fixing the valve seats in the ball valves of the first and second Y - type valve assemblies relative to the flow control element on the generally low - pressure side (preferably opposite the Y - end in the first Y - type valve assembly and adjacent the Y - end in the second Y - type valve assembly); selectively operating the flow control elements in the ball valves of the first and second Y - type valve assemblies between open and closed positions to cause process fluid to flow through one or both of the ball valves and to prevent process fluid from flowing through one or both of the ball valves.

[0100] For example, in this method, the first Y - type valve assembly having a high - pressure process inlet may include Figures 1 - 7the Y - type valve assembly 100, or Figure 12 the assembly 400, where the fixed valve seat is opposite the Y - shaped block; and a second Y - type valve assembly having a low - pressure process outlet may include Figures 8 - 10 the Y - type valve assembly 300, or Figure 13 the assembly 400, where the fixed valve seat is adjacent to the Y - shaped block. Preferably, the first Y - type valve assembly includes a Y - type valve assembly 100 according to Figures 1 - 7 while the second Y - type valve assembly includes Figures 8 - 10 a Y - type valve assembly where the fixed valve seat is opposite the Y - shaped block; or the first Y - type valve assembly includes a Y - type valve assembly 400 according to Figure 12 where the fixed valve seat is opposite the Y - shaped block, and the second Y - type valve assembly includes Figure 13 a Y - type valve assembly where the fixed valve seat is adjacent to the Y - type block.

[0101] List of Embodiments

[0102] Accordingly, the present invention provides the following embodiments:

[0103] Embodiment 1: A Y - type valve assembly, comprising: a Y - shaped block including a body, a main leg, and two Y - shaped legs connected to the body, where the Y - shaped legs have respective Y - end flanges that removably mate directly with the valve bodies of respective ball valves. The Y - shaped legs include a central portion between the Y - end flanges and the body, and the central portion has an outer diameter that is relatively small compared to the relatively enlarged body. There is a process fluid flow passage through the main leg, the Y - shaped legs, and the ball valves. One or both of the ball valves include: a flow control element that is received in a valve cavity bore formed in the valve body to selectively allow or block the flow of process fluid through the valve cavity bore. First and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receive a fixed and a spring - actuated valve seat, and the fixed and spring - actuated valve seats have spherical surfaces that engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control element. A first end - closing connector includes a first attachment flange and a first annular axially - extending portion from the first attachment flange that is received in the valve cavity bore. The first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of the first annular axially - extending portion. At least one set of mating valve holes and bolts that removably secure the Y - end flange and / or the first attachment flange to the valve body. The second annular valve seat groove is formed in a coaxial annular shoulder formed around the valve cavity bore in the valve body, or in the inner end of a second annular axially - extending portion from a second attachment flange of a second end - closing connector.

[0104] Example 2: The Y-type valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein the first end closure connector is disposed opposite the Y-shaped block; an annular shoulder is provided between the flow control element and the Y-end flange; the second annular valve seat groove is spaced and independent from the Y-end flange; and the Y-end flange has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the valve body. At least one set of mating holes and bolts includes a Y-end hole that is radially spaced between the outer diameter of the Y-end flange and the projection of the diameter of the valve cavity hole to fix the Y-end flange to the valve body. A second set of mating valve holes and bolts removably fixes the attachment flange of the first end closure connector to the valve body.

[0105] Example 2A: A Y-type valve assembly including a Y-shaped block having a relatively enlarged body, a main leg, and two Y-shaped legs connected to the body, wherein the Y-shaped legs have respective Y-end flanges that removably mate directly with the valve bodies of respective ball valves, wherein the Y-shaped legs include a central portion between the Y-end flange and the body, the central portion having an outer diameter with a relatively smaller lateral dimension with respect to the body; a process fluid flow passage through the main leg, the Y-shaped legs, and the ball valves, wherein one or both of the ball valves include a flow control element received in a valve cavity hole formed in the valve body to selectively permit or block the flow of process fluid through the valve cavity hole, a first and a second annular valve seat groove respectively receiving a fixed and a spring-actuated valve seat, the fixed and spring-actuated valve seats having spherical surfaces that engage corresponding spherical surfaces on the opposite side of the flow control element, an end closure connector including an attachment flange and an annular axially extending portion received in the valve cavity hole from the attachment flange and opposite the Y-shaped block, wherein the first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of the annular axially extending portion. A first and a second set of mating valve holes and bolts that respectively removably fix the Y-end flange and the attachment flange to the valve body. The second annular valve seat groove is formed in a coaxial annular shoulder that is formed around the valve cavity hole in the valve body between the flow control element and the Y-end flange, wherein the second annular valve seat groove is spaced from and independent of the Y-end flange. The Y-end flange has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the valve body, wherein the first set of mating holes and bolts includes a Y-end hole that is radially spaced between the outer diameter of the Y-end flange and the projection of the diameter of the valve cavity hole.

[0106] Example 3: The Y-type valve assembly according to Example 2 or Example 2A, wherein the main leg and the Y-shaped legs are integrally formed with the body of the Y-shaped block, preferably, wherein the Y-shaped block is integral. Each Y-shaped leg is coaxial with the valve cavity hole, and the central portion defines an annular space around the central portion between the Y-end flange and the body. At least one set or the first set of bolts threadedly engage through the valve body and are axially retractable into the annular space. The depth of penetration into the valve body is less than the axial distance from the end of the bolt to the annular space of the body such that the bolt can be fully retracted into the annular space to disengage the Y-end flange from the valve body and to laterally move the valve body relative to the Y-end flange. Preferably, the total length of the bolt exceeds the total axial distance between the Y-end flange and the body.

[0107] Example 4: The Y-valve assembly according to Example 2 or Example 3, wherein a first gasket is disposed between the valve body and the Y-end flange to form a first seal; and a second gasket is disposed between the valve body and the first end closure connection to form a second seal.

[0108] Example 5: The Y-valve assembly according to Example 4, wherein the first gasket is a triangular gasket which is disposed in opposing, adjacent circumferential seal grooves formed in the perimeter of the process fluid flow passage; and the second gasket is a triangular gasket which is disposed in opposing, adjacent circumferential seal grooves formed in the valve body and the Y-end flange adjacent the outer diameter of the first annular axially extending portion.

[0109] Example 6: The Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 2 to 5, wherein the first end closure connection includes a first end connection which includes a first clamping hub, and the main leg includes a second end connection which includes a second clamping hub.

[0110] Example 7: The Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 2 to 6, wherein the fixed valve seat is disposed in the first annular valve seat groove, and the spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in the second annular valve seat groove.

[0111] Example 8: The Y-valve assembly according to Example 1, wherein in one or both of the ball valves, the first attachment flange also serves as the Y-end flange, and wherein at least one set of mating holes and bolts removably secures the first attachment flange to the valve body.

[0112] Example 8A: Y-valve assembly, comprising: a Y-block including a relatively enlarged body, a main leg, and two Y-shaped legs connected to the body, wherein the Y-shaped legs have respective Y-end flanges which removably mate directly with the valve bodies of respective ball valves, and wherein the Y-shaped legs include a central portion between the Y-end flanges and the body, the central portion having an outer diameter with a relatively smaller transverse dimension with respect to the body. There is a process fluid flow passage through the main leg, the Y-shaped legs, and the ball valves. One or both of the ball valves include: a flow control element received in a valve cavity bore formed in the valve body to selectively permit or block process fluid flow through the valve cavity bore. First and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receive a fixed and a spring-actuated valve seat, the fixed and spring-actuated valve seats having spherical surfaces which engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control element. The Y-end flange is a first end closure connector which includes a first attachment flange and a first annular axial extension from the first attachment flange which is received in the valve cavity bore. The first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of the first annular axial extension. A set of mating valve holes and bolts removably fix the first attachment flange to the valve body. The second annular valve seat groove is formed in a coaxial annular shoulder formed around the valve cavity bore in the valve body, opposite the Y-block, or in the inner end of a second annular axial extension from a second attachment flange of a second end closure connector.

[0113] Example 9: The Y-valve assembly according to Example 8 or Example 8A, wherein one or both of the ball valves include a lateral cleaning hole through the first attachment flange to the process fluid flow passage in the respective Y-shaped leg.

[0114] Example 10: The Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 8, 8A, and 9, wherein the fixed valve seat is disposed in the first annular valve seat groove and the spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in the second annular valve seat groove.

[0115] Example 11: The Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 8 to 10, wherein the spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in the first annular valve seat groove and the fixed valve seat is disposed in the second annular valve seat groove.

[0116] Example 12: The Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 8 to 11, wherein the second annular valve seat groove is formed in an annular shoulder in the valve body, the annular shoulder being formed around the process fluid flow passage at an end of the valve cavity bore remote from the Y-block (preferably wherein the fixed valve seat is received in the first annular valve seat groove and the spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in the second annular valve seat groove).

[0117] Example 12A: Y - type valve assembly, comprising: a Y - shaped block including a relatively enlarged body, a main leg, and two Y - shaped legs connected to the body, wherein the Y - shaped legs have respective Y - end flanges which are detachably and directly mated with the valve bodies of respective ball valves, and wherein the Y - shaped legs include a central portion between the Y - end flanges and the body, the central portion having an outer diameter with a relatively smaller transverse dimension with respect to the body. There is a process fluid flow passage through the main leg, the Y - shaped legs, and the ball valves. One or both of the ball valves include a flow control element which is received in a valve cavity bore formed in the valve body to selectively permit or block the process fluid flow through the valve cavity bore. First and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receive a fixed and a spring - actuated valve seat, the fixed and spring - actuated valve seats having spherical surfaces which engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control element. The end - closing connector includes the Y - end flange as an attachment flange, and an annular axial extension from the attachment flange is received in the valve cavity bore. The first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of the annular axial extension. A set of mating valve holes and bolts detachably fix the attachment flange to the valve body. The second annular valve seat groove is formed in a coaxial annular shoulder opposite the Y - shaped block, the coaxial annular shoulder being formed around the valve cavity bore in the valve body at an end of the valve cavity bore remote from the Y - shaped block (preferably wherein the fixed valve seat is received in the first annular valve seat groove and the spring - actuated valve seat is disposed in the second annular valve seat groove).

[0118] Example 13: The Y - type valve assembly according to Example 12 or Example 12A, wherein one or both of the ball valve bodies include a valve end connector integral with the valve body and opposite the Y - shaped block.

[0119] Example 14: The Y - type valve assembly according to any one of Examples 12 to 13, consisting of a Y - shaped block with an integral end - closing connector and two valve bodies bolted to the end - closing connector as three main components, wherein the Y - type valve assembly includes no more than two bolt joints.

[0120] Example 15: The Y - type valve assembly according to any one of Examples 8 to 11, wherein the second end - closing connector includes a second attachment flange and a second set of mating valve holes and bolts (preferably in addition to the bolts / holes from the first set) which sealably fix the second attachment flange to the valve body, and wherein the valve cavity bore receives a second annular axial extension.

[0121] Example 15A: Y-valve assembly, comprising: a Y-block including a relatively enlarged body, a main leg, and two Y-shaped legs connected to the body, wherein the Y-shaped legs have respective Y-end flanges which removably mate directly with the valve bodies of respective ball valves, and wherein the Y-shaped legs include a central portion between the Y-end flanges and the body, the central portion having an outer diameter which is relatively small in transverse dimension with respect to the body. There is a process fluid flow path through the main leg, the Y-shaped legs, and the ball valves. One or two of the ball valves include: a flow control element received in a valve cavity bore formed in the valve body to selectively permit or block process fluid flow through the valve cavity bore. First and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receive a fixed and a spring-actuated valve seat, the fixed and spring-actuated valve seats having spherical surfaces which engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control element. The Y-end flange is a first attachment flange of a first end closure connector which includes a first annular axial extension received in the valve cavity bore from the first attachment flange. The first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end of the first annular axial extension. A set of mating valve holes and bolts removably secure the first attachment flange to the valve body. The second annular valve seat groove is formed opposite the Y-block, in the inner end of a second annular axial extension received in the valve cavity bore from a second attachment flange of a second end closure connector, wherein the second end closure connector includes the second attachment flange and a second set of mating valve holes and bolts (preferably in addition to the bolts / holes in the first set) sealably secure the second attachment flange to the valve body.

[0122] Example 16: The Y-valve assembly according to Example 15 or Example 15A, wherein the second end closure connector includes an end connector which includes a clamping hub opposite the Y-block.

[0123] Example 17: The Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein: the Y-block is integral and / or the main leg of the Y-block includes an end connector which includes a clamping hub.

[0124] Example 18: The Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 17, wherein gaskets (preferably triangular gaskets) are provided in opposing seal grooves formed in the valve body, the Y-end flanges, the first end closure connector flange, and / or the second end closure connector flange.

[0125] Example 19: The Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 18, wherein: the Y-block is integral; the main leg of the Y-block includes an end connector which includes a clamping hub; and wherein gaskets, preferably triangular gaskets, are provided in opposing seal grooves formed in the valve body, the Y-end flanges, the first end closure connector flange, and / or the second end closure connector flange.

[0126] Example 20: The Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein the two ball valves have the same construction: a flow control element received in a valve cavity bore formed in the valve body to selectively allow or block flow through the valve cavity bore; first and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receiving a fixed and a spring-actuated valve seat having spherical surfaces that engage corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control element; a first end closure connector including a first attachment flange and a first annular axial extension from the first attachment flange; and at least one set of mating valve holes and bolts that sealably fix the first attachment flange to the valve body; and a second annular valve seat formed in the valve body or the second end closure connector.

[0127] Example 21: A method of operating the Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, including selectively operating the flow control element in the ball valve between open and closed positions to allow process fluid to flow through one or both ball valves and block process fluid from flowing through one or both ball valves.

[0128] Example 22: A method of operating the Y-valve assembly according to Example 9 and any one of Examples 10 to 20 when dependent on Example 9, including selectively operating the flow control element in the ball valve between open and closed positions to allow process fluid to flow through one or both ball valves and block process fluid from flowing through one or both ball valves, and supplying a cleaning fluid through a cleaning hole to clean the process fluid flow channels in the respective Y-shaped legs.

[0129] Example 23: The method according to Example 22, including independently rotating the flow control element of the ball valve from an open position to a closed position and supplying a cleaning fluid through the cleaning hole of the ball valve to clean the process fluid flow channels during and / or after the respective flow control element is rotated to the closed position.

[0130] Example 24: A method of operating the Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 1 to 20, including positioning a first of the Y-valve assemblies in a first position in the process (preferably the inlet side of a redundant path process); positioning a second of the Y-valve assemblies in a second position in the process (preferably the outlet side of a redundant path process), wherein the first position (inlet side) is generally at a higher pressure than the second position (outlet side); positionably and repairably the fixed valve seats in the ball valves of the first and second Y-valve assemblies on the generally low-pressure side relative to the flow control element (preferably opposite the Y-end in the first Y-valve assembly and adjacent the Y-end in the second Y-valve assembly); selectively operating the flow control element in the ball valves of the first and second Y-valve assemblies between open and closed positions to allow process fluid to flow through one or both ball valves and block process fluid from flowing through one or both ball valves.

[0131] Example 25: A method of operating a Y-valve assembly according to Example 24, wherein the first Y-valve assembly comprises a Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 8, 15, 15A, and 16, wherein the fixed valve seat is opposite the Y-block, and wherein the second Y-valve assembly comprises a Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 12, 12A, 13, 14, 15, 15A, and 16, wherein the fixed valve seat is adjacent to the Y-block; preferably, wherein the first Y-valve assembly comprises a Y-valve assembly according to Example 8, wherein the fixed valve seat is opposite the Y-block, and wherein the second Y-valve assembly comprises a Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 12, 12A, 13, and 14, wherein the fixed valve seat is adjacent to the Y-block; more preferably, wherein the first Y-valve assembly comprises a Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 15, 15A, and 16, wherein the fixed valve seat is opposite the Y-block, and wherein the second Y-valve assembly comprises a Y-valve assembly according to any one of Examples 15, 15A, and 16, wherein the fixed valve seat is adjacent to the Y-block.

[0132] The foregoing disclosure shows embodiments in which the two ball valves of the Y-valve assembly are preferably the same or similar; however, it is also contemplated that the ball valves disclosed herein may be mixed, for example, Figures 1 - 7 , Figures 8 - 10 or Figures 11 - 13 one of the ball valve / Y-end flange arrangements in

[0133] The present invention has been described above with reference to specific examples and embodiments. The scope and bounds of the present invention are not limited by the foregoing disclosure, which is merely illustrative, but rather should be determined in accordance with the full scope and spirit of the appended claims. Given the description and examples, various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. All such variations are intended to be covered within the scope and spirit of the appended claims. The applicant expressly disclaims any reliance on 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) for any limitation of any claim herein, except for claims that expressly use the word "means" and the associated function and have no recitation of structure. This priority document is incorporated herein by reference.

Claims

1. A Y-type valve assembly, comprising: A Y-shaped block, including a relatively enlarged body, a main leg, and two Y-shaped legs connected to the body, wherein the Y-shaped legs have corresponding Y-end flanges, and the Y-end flanges are detachably and directly engaged with the valve bodies of corresponding ball valves. The Y-shaped legs include a central portion located between the Y-end flanges and the body, and the central portion has an outer diameter with a relatively smaller lateral dimension with respect to the body; A process fluid flow passage through the main leg, the Y-shaped legs, and the ball valve; One or both of the ball valves include: A flow control element received in a valve cavity hole formed in the valve body to selectively allow or block the process fluid from flowing through the valve cavity hole; First and second annular valve seat grooves respectively receiving a fixed and a spring-driven valve seat, and the fixed and spring-driven valve seats have spherical surfaces engaging corresponding spherical surfaces on opposite sides of the flow control element; A first end closure connector, including a first attachment flange and a first annular axial extension portion received in the valve cavity hole from the first attachment flange, wherein the first annular valve seat groove is formed in the inner end portion of the first annular axial extension portion; At least one set of mating valve holes and bolts for detachably fixing the Y-end flange and / or the first attachment flange to the valve body; and Wherein, the second annular valve seat groove is formed in a coaxial annular shoulder formed around the valve cavity hole in the valve body, or is formed in the inner end portion of a second annular axial extension portion from a second attachment flange of a second end closure connector.

2. The Y-type valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The first end closure connector is disposed opposite to the Y-shaped block; The annular shoulder is disposed between the flow control element and the Y-end flange; The second annular valve seat groove is spaced and independent from the Y-end flange; The Y-end flange has an outer diameter smaller than the diameter of the valve body, and the at least one set of the mating holes and bolts includes Y-end holes, and the Y-end holes are radially spaced between the outer diameter of the Y-end flange and the projection of the diameter of the valve cavity hole to fix the Y-end flange to the valve body; And A second set of mating valve holes and bolts for detachably fixing the attachment flange of the first end closure connector to the valve body.

3. The Y-type valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein: The main leg and the Y-shaped legs are integrally formed with the body of the Y-shaped block. Preferably, the Y-shaped block is integral; Each Y-shaped leg is coaxial with the valve cavity hole, and the central portion defines an annular space around the central portion between the Y-end flange and the body; The at least one set of the bolts threadedly engage with and pass through the valve body, and can be axially retracted into the annular space; And The depth through the valve body is less than the axial distance from the end of the bolt to the body through the annular space, such that the bolt can be fully retracted into the annular space to disengage the Y-end flange from the valve body and to allow the valve body to move laterally relative to the Y-end flange. Preferably, the total length of the bolt exceeds the total axial distance between the Y-end flange and the body.

4. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein: a first gasket is disposed between the valve body and the Y-end flange to form a first seal; and a second gasket is disposed between the valve body and the first end closure connector to form a second seal.

5. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 4, wherein: the first gasket is a triangular gasket that is disposed in opposing, adjacent circumferential seal grooves formed in the perimeter of the process fluid flow channel; and the second gasket is a triangular gasket that is disposed in opposing, adjacent circumferential seal grooves formed in the valve body and the Y-end flange adjacent to the outer diameter of the first annular axial extension.

6. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein: the first end closure connector includes a first end connector that includes a first clamping hub; and the main leg includes a second end connector that includes a second clamping hub.

7. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 2, wherein the fixed valve seat is disposed in the first annular valve seat groove, and the spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in the second annular valve seat groove.

8. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 1, wherein in one or both of the ball valves, the first attachment flange also serves as the Y-end flange, and wherein the at least one set of mating holes and bolts removably secures the first attachment flange to the valve body.

9. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein one or both of the ball valves include lateral cleaning holes that pass through the first attachment flange to the process fluid flow channels in the respective Y-shaped legs.

10. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein the fixed valve seat is disposed in the first annular valve seat groove, and the spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in the second annular valve seat groove.

11. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 8, wherein the spring-actuated valve seat is disposed in the first annular valve seat groove, and the fixed valve seat is disposed in the second annular valve seat groove.

12. The Y-valve assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the second annular valve seat groove is formed in an annular shoulder in the valve body that surrounds the process fluid flow channel at an end of the valve cavity bore remote from the Y-block.

13. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 12, wherein one or both of the ball valve bodies include a valve end connector integral with the valve body opposite the Y-block.

14. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 13, which consists of the Y-block having an integral end closure connection as three main components and two valve bodies bolted to the end closure connection.

15. The Y-valve assembly according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein: the second end closure connection includes a second attachment flange; and a second set of mating valve holes and bolts sealably fix the second attachment flange to the valve body, wherein the valve cavity hole houses the second annular axially extending portion.

16. The Y-valve assembly according to claim 15, wherein the second end closure connection includes an end connection member, and the end connection member includes a clamping hub opposite to the Y-block.

17. The Y-valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: the Y-block is integral; the main leg includes an end connection member, and the end connection member includes a clamping hub; gaskets, preferably triangular gaskets, are disposed in opposing seal grooves formed in the valve body, Y-end flange, first end closure connection flange, and / or second end closure connection flange; the spring-driven valve seat of the one or two ball valves is biased by: an inner spring in an inner spring pocket that forms around the process fluid flow channel adjacent to the inner diameter of the spring-driven valve seat and biases an end surface of the spring-driven valve seat, and an outer spring in an outer spring pocket that forms adjacent to the outer diameter of the spring-driven valve seat and biases an outwardly extending flange onto the spring-driven valve seat; and / or the fixed valve seat of the one or two ball valves is sealingly engaged between the flow control element and an annular convex surface formed in one of the first and second annular valve seat grooves, wherein the fixed valve seat is biased against the convex surface by a seat locking ring that engages an outer radial edge of the fixed valve seat and is fixed by a plurality of radially spaced threaded members.

18. A method of operating a Y-valve assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11, including selectively operating the flow control element in the ball valve between open and closed positions to allow process fluid to flow through one or two ball valves and prevent the process fluid from flowing through one or two ball valves.

19. A method of operating a Y-valve assembly according to claim 9, including: selectively operating the flow control element in the ball valve between open and closed positions to allow process fluid to flow through one or two ball valves and prevent process fluid from flowing through one or two ball valves; and supplying a cleaning fluid through the cleaning hole to clean the process fluid flow channel in the corresponding Y-shaped leg; preferably including independently rotating the flow control element of the ball valve from the open position to the closed position and supplying the cleaning fluid through the cleaning hole of the ball valve to clean the process fluid flow channel during and / or after the corresponding flow control element is rotated to the closed position.

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