Flow control device and inner valve trim assembly for a flow control device

Abstract

A flow control device includes a valve body and an integral internal valve core assembly. The valve body has an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and outlet. The integral internal valve core assembly is fixed to the valve body. The internal valve core assembly has a valve cage disposed in the flow path, a valve cover coupled to the valve cage, and a retaining element disposed between the valve cage and the valve cover. The valve cage includes an external groove formed on its outer surface, and the valve cover includes an internal groove formed on its inner surface. The retaining element extends into both the internal and external grooves. The height of the internal groove and / or the height of the external groove is greater than the height of the retaining element to allow longitudinal movement of the valve cage within the valve cover when the valve cover and valve cage are assembled.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to flow control equipment, and more specifically, to internal valve core assemblies for flow control equipment. Background Technology

[0002] Control valves are commonly used in process plants to control the flow of fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, etc.) or any other substances through the pipes and / or containers to which they are connected. A control valve typically consists of one or more inlets and outlets and includes a control element or component (e.g., gate, piston, valve cage, valve plug, control member, etc.) that operates to control fluid flow by fluidly coupling the inlet to the outlet orifice. The control member is typically coupled to a bonnet that is mechanically coupled (e.g., bolted, clamped, threaded, etc.) to the valve body. Typically, the control member is configured to engage a sealing structure (e.g., a valve seat) that surrounds the flow path through the valve. A regulator is a self-regulating form of a control valve.

[0003] To couple the valve cover to the valve body, multiple fasteners are used to clamp the valve cover to the valve body. However, due to manufacturing tolerances and additional thermal expansion during use, the clamped control valve internals inherently have a variable height difference between the surfaces of the seat ring washer and the valve cover washer. This variability must be addressed somehow within the mating components. Typically, this is accomplished by stacking multiple components, including a helically wound washer that functions as both a washer and a spring. The valve cover clamps and presses down on the helically wound washer, loading the valve cage, which in turn loads the seat ring flat washer. Furthermore, this stacking of individual components allows the performance of the entire valve body unit to be evaluated only during assembly, rather than just the typically replaced "valve internals" component. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to an exemplary aspect of the present invention, a flow control device includes a valve body and an integral internal valve core assembly. The valve body has an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. The integral internal valve core assembly is fixed to the valve body. The internal valve core assembly includes a valve cage, a valve cover coupled to the valve cage, and a retaining element disposed between the valve cage and the valve cover. The valve cage is disposed in the flow path and includes an external groove formed on the outer surface of the valve cage. The valve cover includes an overlapping portion and an internal groove formed on the inner surface of the valve cover and on the overlapping portion. A retaining ring extends into the internal groove of the valve cover and the external groove of the valve cage. The height of the internal groove of the valve cover and / or the height of the external groove of the valve cage is greater than the height of the retaining element to allow the valve cage to move longitudinally within the valve cover when the valve cover and valve cage are assembled.

[0005] Furthermore, according to any one or more of the foregoing exemplary aspects of the invention, the flow control device may also include any one or more of the following preferred forms in any combination.

[0006] In a preferred embodiment, the retaining element is solid and is one of an O-ring, snap ring, retaining ring, spring retaining ring, shaped wire, or wave spring.

[0007] In another preferred embodiment, the retaining element is a stainless steel spiral retaining ring.

[0008] In another preferred embodiment, the retaining element permanently secures the valve cage to the valve cover, such that the valve cage cannot be removed from the valve cover without damaging the valve cage or the valve cover.

[0009] In another preferred embodiment, the inner valve core assembly includes a control element and a valve stem, the control element being positioned in and guided by the valve cage, and the valve stem being fixed to the control element and extending through a hole in the valve cover.

[0010] In another preferred embodiment, the valve cage includes an integral valve seat, and the control element engages the valve seat in the closed position.

[0011] In another preferred embodiment, the valve cover includes a bevel configured to compress and retain the element during assembly.

[0012] According to another exemplary aspect of the invention, an integral internal valve core assembly for a flow control device includes a valve cage, a valve cover coupled to the valve cage, and a retaining element disposed between the valve cage and the valve cover. The valve cage includes an external groove formed on its outer surface. The valve cover includes an overlapping portion and an internal groove formed on its inner surface and the overlapping portion. A retaining ring extends into the internal groove of the valve cover and the external groove of the valve cage. The height of the internal groove of the valve cover and / or the height of the external groove of the valve cage is greater than the height of the retaining element to allow longitudinal movement of the valve cage within the valve cover when the valve cover and valve cage are assembled.

[0013] Furthermore, according to any one or more of the foregoing exemplary aspects of the present invention, the inner valve core assembly may also include any one or more of the following preferred forms in any combination.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, a retaining element permanently secures the valve cage to the valve cover such that the valve cage and valve cover cannot be separated without damaging the valve cage or valve cover, and the retaining element is one of an O-ring, a retaining ring, a retaining ring, a spring retaining ring, a shaped wire, or a wave spring.

[0015] In another preferred embodiment, the retaining element is a stainless steel spiral retaining ring.

[0016] In another preferred embodiment, the inner valve core assembly includes a control element and a valve stem, the control element being positioned in and guided by the valve cage, and the valve stem being fixed to the control element and extending through a hole in the valve cover.

[0017] In another preferred embodiment, the valve cage includes an integral valve seat that engages the control element in the closed position.

[0018] In another preferred embodiment, the valve cover includes a bevel configured to compress and retain the element during assembly.

[0019] According to another exemplary aspect of the present invention, a method of assembling a flow control device includes the following steps: assembling an integral inner valve core assembly by mounting a retaining member into an external groove of a valve cage and inserting the valve cage into an overlapping portion of a valve cover until the retaining member extends into an internal groove formed in the overlapping portion of the valve cover, wherein the height of the internal groove of the valve cover and / or the height of the external groove of the valve cage is greater than the height of the retaining member to allow the valve cage to move longitudinally within the valve cover when the valve cover and valve cage are assembled; inserting the inner valve core assembly into a valve body; and securing the inner valve core assembly to the valve body.

[0020] Furthermore, according to any one or more of the foregoing exemplary aspects of the present invention, the method of assembling the flow control device may also include any one or more of the following preferred forms in any combination.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the overlapping portion of the valve cover includes a bevel that engages and compresses the retaining member when the valve cage is inserted into the valve cover.

[0022] In another preferred embodiment, the method includes the step of performing at least one of a leakage test and a flow test on the internal valve core assembly before inserting the internal valve core assembly into the valve body.

[0023] In another preferred embodiment, the retaining element is one of an O-ring, a retaining ring, a retaining ring, a spring retaining ring, a shaped wire, or a wave spring.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the retaining element is a stainless steel spiral retaining ring.

[0025] In another preferred embodiment, the retaining element permanently secures the valve cage to the valve cover, such that the valve cage and valve cover cannot be separated without damaging the valve cage or valve cover.

[0026] In another preferred embodiment, assembling the inner valve core assembly includes the following steps: inserting a control element into the valve cage before inserting the valve cage into the valve cover; and inserting the valve stem through a hole in the valve cover and securing the valve stem to the control element. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This includes exemplary flow control devices assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0028] Figure 2 yes Figure 1A partial enlarged view of the valve cover, valve cage, and first exemplary retaining ring of the flow control device;

[0029] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A partial enlarged view of the valve cover, valve cage, and retaining ring;

[0030] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Top view of the retaining ring;

[0031] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 The retaining ring edge Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of line 5-5;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary retaining ring assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a method for assembling a valve cover, valve cage, and retaining ring according to the teachings of this disclosure;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a method for manufacturing a retaining ring based on the teachings of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 9 This is another exemplary flow control device assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0036] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A partial enlarged view of the valve cover, valve cage, and exemplary retaining element of the flow control device;

[0037] Figure 11 yes Figure 10 A partial enlarged view of the valve cover, valve cage, and retaining element; and

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a method for assembling a flow control device according to the teachings of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0039] exist Figure 1 The diagram illustrates a flow control device 10 assembled with a first exemplary retaining ring 14 in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The flow control device 10 is a shut-off valve and includes a valve body 18 having an inlet 26, an outlet 22, and a flow path 30 connecting the inlet 26 and the outlet 22. A valve cage 34 is disposed in the flow path 30 and assists in guiding a control element 38 between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the control element 38 is spaced apart from a valve seat 42, and in the closed position, the control element 38 engages the valve seat 42, as shown in the diagram. Figure 1As shown. Valve cover 46 connects valve body 18 to actuator (not shown) and helps guide valve stem 50 connected to control element 38. The lower portion 54 of valve cover 46 is a bolted flange coupled to valve body 18 by studs and nuts. The lower portion 54 of valve cover 46 overlaps with the upper end 58 of valve cage 34 (according to...). Figure 1 (As shown in the orientation), such that the valve cover 46 and the valve cage 34 are aligned with respect to the longitudinal axis X. A first exemplary retaining ring 14 is disposed between the valve cage 34 and the valve cover 46 and includes an inner cavity 62, as shown in the orientation. Figure 2 and Figure 3 More detailed illustrations are provided.

[0040] Go to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The upper end 58 of the retaining ring 14 and the valve cage 34, as well as the overlapping portion 70 of the valve cover 46, are shown in more detail. The overlapping portion 70 of the valve cover 46 is a stepped annular protrusion extending from the lower part 54 of the valve cover 46. The overlapping portion 70 mates with the corresponding stepped portion 74 of the valve body 18 and surrounds the recessed upper end 58 of the valve cage 34. The valve cover 46 overlaps with the valve cage 34 such that the inner surface 78 of the valve cover 46 engages with the outer surface 80 of the upper end 58 of the valve cage 34 at the mating interface 84. A gap is formed in the mating interface 84, wherein an inner groove 82 is formed in the inner surface 78 of the valve cover 46 and an outer groove 86 is formed in the outer surface 80 of the valve cage 34. When the valve cage 34 is coupled to the valve cover 46, the outer groove 86 of the valve cage 34 is adjacent to the inner groove 82 of the valve cover 46, and the retaining ring 14 is disposed between the adjacent inner groove 82 and the outer groove 86 and extends into the inner groove 82 and the outer groove 86.

[0041] Additionally, a gasket or seal 88 is disposed between the valve cover 46, the valve cage 34, and the valve body 18. Specifically, the seal 88 is clamped between the overlapping portion 70 of the valve cover 46 and the stepped portion 71 of the valve cage 34. In this configuration, the seal 88 can sealably engage the valve cage 34 and the valve cover 46 regardless of their relative positions. The seal 88 is positioned below the retaining ring 14 (in... Figures 1-3 (oriented inwards) and radially outwards. In the example shown, seal 88 is a helically wound gasket. However, in other examples, seal 88 can be a different type of seal. Furthermore, seal 91 is positioned between the shoulder of the overlapping portion 70 of the valve cover 46 and the surface of the stepped portion 74 of the valve body 18. Although seal 91 is shown as a gap-filling gasket or a valve cover gasket, other types of seals can be used.

[0042] The retaining ring 14 of this disclosure is configured to assemble with the existing and fixed envelope dimensions of the valve cage 34 and the valve cover 46. Specifically, the overlapping portion 70 of the valve cover 46 includes a bevel 89 with fixed dimensions to ensure a proper seal between the seal 88 and the valve cage 34. If the bevel 89 is too large to better accommodate the retaining ring, the sealing area of ​​the seal 88 will be compromised and may lead to leakage in the valve assembly. The retaining ring 14 facilitates assembly of existing valve components by including an inlet cutting edge 110. During assembly, the cutting edge 110 of the retaining ring 14 aligns with the bevel 89 formed in the annular portion of the valve cover 46.

[0043] like Figures 2-5 As shown, the retaining ring 14 is a semi-circular component that includes a gap 90 to allow the retaining ring 14 to compress and expand during assembly of the flow control device 10 to fit into the inner recess 82 of the valve cover 46 and the outer recess 86 of the valve cage 34. The retaining ring 14 includes an inner side 94, an outer side 98, and a first parallel side 102 and a second parallel side 106 connecting the inner side 94 and the outer side 98 and extending between the inner side 94 and the outer side 98. A portion of the outer side 98 of the retaining ring 14 is angled to form a cutting edge 110. The outer diameter D of the retaining ring 14 is... O (That is, keep ring 14 in Figure 4 The diameter of its expansion position (as shown) is at least partially along the axial direction (i.e., along...) Figure 5 The outermost diameter 98 of the retaining ring 14 decreases (oriented upwards) to meet the first parallel side 102, forming a cutting edge 110. The cutting edge 110 of the outermost diameter 98 of the retaining ring 14 provides a guide edge for cutting to facilitate the assembly of the valve cover 46 with the valve cage 34. To effectively retain the valve cover 46, the outermost diameter D of the retaining ring 14 is... O The inner diameter is larger than that of the valve cover 46. Thus, during assembly, the valve cover 46 engages the cut edge 110 of the retaining ring 14 to compress the retaining ring 14 until the retaining ring 14 expands and snaps into the inner groove 82 of the valve cover 46.

[0044] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the cutting edge 110 is oriented outward and faces the valve cover 46. The cutting edge 110 of the outer side 98 is partially disposed in both the inner groove 82 of the valve cover 46 and the outer groove 86 of the valve cage 34, such that the midpoint M of the inner cavity 62 is... C Align with the mating interface 84 of valve cage 34 and valve cover 46. Midpoint M of inner cavity 62. C Align with a point on the cutting edge 110, which is referred to as the shear diameter D of the retaining ring 14. S (like Figure 5As shown), at this point, the retaining ring 14 breaks due to shear forces during disassembly. However, in other examples, the cutting edge 110 can extend fully into the internal groove 82 of the valve cover 46, such that the midpoint M of the inner cavity 62... C It is not aligned with interface 84.

[0045] Figure 3 The first parallel side 102 and the second parallel side 106 of the retaining ring 14 are shown engaging with the first parallel surface 114 and the second parallel surface 118 of the outer groove 86 of the valve cage 34. In this configuration, the retaining ring 14 is securely coupled to the outer groove 86 of the valve cage 34 by an interference fit. However, the inner side 94 of the retaining ring 14 is spaced from the inner surface 119 of the outer groove 86 of the valve cage 34 to allow radial movement of the retaining ring 14 relative to the valve cage 34. Specifically, during the assembly of the valve cover 46 to the valve cage 34, when the retaining ring 14 is compressed, the space between the inner side 94 of the retaining ring 14 and the inner surface 119 of the outer groove 86 provides sufficient space for the retaining ring 14 to extend further into the outer groove 86. In other examples, one of the first parallel side 102 and the second parallel side 106 of the retaining ring 14 may be spaced from the first parallel surface 114 and the second parallel surface 118 of the outer groove 86 to provide a gap between the retaining ring 14 and the valve cage 34.

[0046] like Figure 4 As shown, the retaining ring 14 includes an outer diameter D O Inner diameter D I And the gap 90 between the first end 122 and the second end 126 of the retaining ring 14. To hold the valve cover 46 to the valve cage 34, the outer diameter D of the straight portion 130 of the outer side 98 of the retaining ring 14 is... O The outer diameter of the valve cage 34 and the inner diameter of the valve cover 46 are greater than the inner diameter of the retaining ring 14. I The retaining ring 14 is smaller than the outer diameter of the valve cage 34, such that it is securely coupled to the outer groove 86 of the valve cage 34 via a snap-fit ​​connection. As previously described, the gap 90 of the retaining ring 14 allows it to compress and expand, thereby allowing the first end 122 and the second end 126 to move relative to each other, so that the retaining ring 14 can be coupled to the valve cage 34 and retain the valve cover 46 to the valve cage 34. The retaining ring 14 may be, for example, a snap ring that snaps into the inner groove 82 of the valve cover 46 and the outer groove 86 of the valve cage 34 to secure the valve cover 46 to the valve cage 34. In some examples, the retaining ring 14 may be a single-coil or multi-coil ring, a stamped ring, a beveled ring, and may include additional features to facilitate clamping with snap ring pliers. The retaining ring 14 is made of ferrous or non-ferrous metal. For example, the retaining ring 14 may be 300 series stainless steel.

[0047] Now go to Figure 5The pentagonal shape of the cross-section of the retaining ring 14 is defined by an outer side 98 having a straight portion 130 and a cutting edge 110, an inner side 94 parallel to the straight portion 130 of the outer side 98, and a first parallel side 102 and a second parallel side 106 extending between the inner side 94 and the outer side 98. The cutting edge 110 of the outer side 98 extends from the outermost diameter D of the retaining ring 14. O (That is, the straight portion 130) extends to the first parallel side 102. The cutting edge 110 is inclined relative to the first parallel side 102 at an angle α, which is in the range of about 30 degrees to about 60 degrees, and preferably 45 degrees.

[0048] Figure 5 The cross-section of the retaining ring 14 also shows an inner cavity 62, which is disposed between the inner side 94 and the outer side 98 of the retaining ring 14, and has an inclined surface 134 that is substantially parallel to the cutting edge 110 of the outer side 98. Unlike the cross-sectional shape of the retaining ring 14, the inner cavity 62 has a trapezoidal cross-sectional shape. When the retaining ring 14 is disposed between the valve cage 34 and the valve cover 46, the midpoint M of the inclined surface 134 of the inner cavity 62... C Arranged to align with interface 84. The midpoint M... C With the shear diameter D of retaining ring 14 S Alignment: This shear diameter is the point at which the retaining ring 14 breaks (i.e., fractures under relative shear force) when the valve cover 46 separates from the valve cage 34. For example, when the valve cover 46 is lifted (in... Figure 1 When the retaining ring 14 is pulled away from the valve cage 34 (in the orientation direction), a relative shear force acts on the retaining ring 14, causing the retaining ring 14 to be pulled away from the valve cage 34 in the shear diameter D. S The hollow retaining ring 14 of this disclosure requires less shear force to break compared to a solid retaining ring, and is therefore easier to break. Figure 1 Disassembly of the flow control device 10.

[0049] As further described below, the retaining ring can be manufactured using additive manufacturing (AM) technology. To facilitate the AM process, a blind hole or channel 138 is formed in the retaining ring 14 and extends from the inner cavity 62 through at least one of the sides 94, 98, 102, 106 of the retaining ring 14. In the example shown, the blind hole 138 connects the inner cavity 62 to the second parallel side 106. The blind hole 138 has a width W smaller than that of the inner cavity 62. C diameter D C It is configured to allow debris and dust generated during manufacturing to fall out of the inner cavity 62 of the retaining ring 14. In this example, the retaining ring 14 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced blind holes 138 surrounding the retaining ring 14.

[0050] In the example shown, the cut edge 110 of the retaining ring 14 and the inclined surface 134 of the cavity 62 are oriented outwards to face the valve cover 46, such that a portion of the valve cover 46 slides against and engages with the cut edge 110 of the retaining ring 14 during assembly. However, in another example, depending on the assembly and orientation of the valve cover 46 and the valve cage 34, the cut edge 110 of the retaining ring 14 may be oriented inwards (i.e., extending to the second parallel side 106), or the inner side 94 of the retaining ring 14 may have a cut edge. Additionally, in another example, the cavity 62 may be differently shaped and may be pentagonal to match the cross-sectional shape of the retaining ring 14, or the cavity 62 may be entirely different, such as circular, triangular, or other polygonal. Furthermore, the structure of the cavity 62 may vary throughout the circumference of the retaining ring 14. For example, the cavity 62 may include mesh elements to provide an internal structure for the cavity 62, or the cavity 62 may be larger in some areas and smaller in others of the retaining ring 14. In yet another example, the retaining ring 14 may be manufactured without the inner cavity 62 or without the lead-in cutting edge 110.

[0051] For example, Figure 6 It shows that it can be used to keep Figure 1 The second exemplary retaining ring 214 of the valve cage 34 and valve cover 46 of the flow control device 10. Figure 6 The retaining ring 214 is similar to the one described above. Figures 1-5 The retaining ring 14, with similar reference numerals (added 200) for similar components, but with a different cross-sectional shape and inner cavity 262. Similar to the first exemplary retaining ring 14, the second exemplary retaining ring 214 includes an inner cavity 262 with a reduced shear area (compared to a solid retaining ring). This reduces the shear force required to break the retaining ring 214 to remove the valve cage 34 from the valve cover 46. The cross-sectional shape of the inner cavity 262 of the second exemplary retaining ring 214 is also different. In this example, the inner cavity 262 is rectangular and matches the rectangular cross-sectional shape of the retaining ring 214. In this example, the retaining ring 214 does not have an infeed cutting edge but is flexible to facilitate assembly.

[0052] The retaining ring 214 is shown with sensors 250 disposed within an inner cavity 262, such as ultrasonic transducers, laser displacement sensors, vibration sensors, etc. The sensors 250 may be embedded in or mounted on the inner wall 252 of the inner cavity 262 (e.g., between the inner side 294 and the outer side 298 of the retaining ring 214). Specifically, in the example shown, the sensors 250 are positioned adjacent to the inner wall 252 of the inner cavity 262 and may be attached to the retaining ring 214 during manufacturing. The sensors 250 may measure process conditions, component wear, leaks, or may perform other diagnostics on the flow control device 10. The sensors 250 may be coupled to a digital valve controller for automatic monitoring of the flow control device 10. In one example, the retaining ring 214 may include a plurality of sensors 250 spaced circumferentially along the retaining ring 214.

[0053] exist Figure 7 The schematic diagram illustrates an exemplary method 300 for holding the valve cover 46 to the valve cage 34, and refers to... Figures 1-5 The method is described using a first exemplary retaining ring 14. In a first step 310, a retaining ring 14, a valve cage 34, and a valve cover 46 of the flow control device 10 are provided. However, in another exemplary method, the retaining ring 14 may be used to retain different valve components. To assemble the valve cover 46 of the flow control device 10, and specifically, to retain the valve cover 46 to the valve cage 34, in step 320, the retaining ring 14 is first securely coupled to an external recess 86 of the valve cage 34. In step 330, the overlapping portion 70 of the lower portion 54 of the valve cover 46 engages with the retaining ring 14 to compress the retaining ring 14 radially inward and further compress it into the external recess 86 of the valve cage 34. When assembling the first exemplary retaining ring 14 in this particular example, the overlapping portion 70 slides against a cutting edge 110 to facilitate the assembly of the valve cover 46 to the valve body 18. Once the inner groove 82 of the valve cover 46 is aligned with the outer groove 86 of the valve cage 34, the retaining ring 14 expands or engages in the inner groove 82 of the valve cover 46, as... Figures 1-3 As shown, in step 340, the valve cage 34 is coupled to the valve cover 46.

[0054] Now go to Figure 8 An exemplary method 400 for manufacturing retaining rings 14, 214 is shown in the schematic diagram, and reference is made to... Figures 1-5The method is described using a first exemplary retaining ring 14. Method 400 includes a first step 410, depositing a curable material on a working surface. As a result of depositing a continuous layer of curable material, in step 420, a three-dimensional retaining ring 14 is formed, wherein the retaining ring 14 includes an inner side 94 and an outer side 98, and a first parallel side 102 and a second parallel side 106. In step 430, an inner cavity 62 of the retaining ring 14 is formed. In one example, the inner cavity 62 is formed simultaneously with the formation of the three-dimensional retaining ring 14. However, in other examples, the inner cavity 62 may be formed after the body of the retaining ring 14 is formed. Step 430 of forming the inner cavity 62 includes depositing a curable material in a continuous layer to form the inner cavity 62 surrounded by the sides 94, 98, 102, 106 of the retaining ring 14. Step 430 includes forming an inclined surface 134 of the inner cavity 62, which is substantially parallel to the cutting edge 110 of the retaining ring 14.

[0055] Finally, a cutting edge 110 is formed on the outer side 98 of the retaining ring 14, such that the outer diameter D of the retaining ring 14 is reduced. O The diameter decreases along the axial direction toward at least one of the first parallel side 102 and the second parallel side 106. In one example, the cutting edge 110 of the retaining ring 14 is formed simultaneously with step 420. However, in other examples, the cutting edge 110 may be formed after the body of the retaining ring 14 has been formed in step 420.

[0056] Method 400 also includes forming a plurality of blind holes or channels 138 that connect the inner cavity 62 to a second parallel side 106 of the retaining ring 14. The blind holes or channels 138 may be formed simultaneously with the first step 410 and the second step 420 of method 400, or they may be formed after the first step 410 and the second step 420. As previously described, the blind holes or channels 138 are configured to allow debris and dust generated during the additive manufacturing process to fall out of the inner cavity 62 of the retaining ring 14. In this example, the retaining ring 14 has a plurality of circumferentially spaced blind holes or channels 138 surrounding the retaining ring 14.

[0057] The retaining ring 14 of this disclosure can be manufactured using additive manufacturing (AM) technology, investment casting, wire electrical discharge machining, or a combination of these technologies. However, additive manufacturing allows for greater precision in the cavities 62, 262 of the disclosed retaining rings 14, 214, to produce smaller shear zones that facilitate fracture.

[0058] More specifically, in order to form the retention rings 14 and 214 of this disclosure, Figure 8Method 400 utilizes AM technology or processes that construct three-dimensional objects by adding successive layers of material onto a receiving surface or material. AM technology can be performed by any suitable machine or combination of machines. AM technology typically includes or uses computers, 3D modeling software (e.g., computer-aided design or CAD software), machinery, and layered materials. Once a CAD model is generated, machinery can read data from the CAD file and stack or add successive layers of liquid, powder, or sheet material in a layered manner to create the three-dimensional object. AM technology can include any of several technologies or processes, such as stereolithography (“SLA”), digital light processing (“DLP”), fused deposition modeling (“FDM”), multi-jet molding (“MJM”), selective laser sintering (“SLS”), selective laser melting (“SLM”), powder bed fusion, electron beam melting (“EBM”), and arc welding AM processes. In some examples, the AM process may include a directed energy laser deposition process. This directed energy laser deposition process can be performed using a multi-axis computer numerical control (“CNC”) lathe with directed energy laser deposition capabilities. Other manufacturing techniques can be used to produce valve cages according to this disclosure, and are not limited to those listed herein.

[0059] The retaining rings 14, 214 and the manufacturing and assembly methods 400, 300 disclosed herein can provide solutions to problems related to assembling and disassembling valve cover and valve cage assemblies where the envelope size is fixed. Compared to conventional retaining rings, the retaining rings 14, 214 disclosed herein can be customized during manufacturing using AM technology to provide retaining rings 14, 214 by forming cavities 62, 262, which have a reduced shear area and therefore less material. Conventionally, when operating with a fixed envelope size, retaining rings can be made with a reduced ring height or an increased ring gap to reduce the shear area of ​​the ring. However, conventional retaining rings like these will result in undesirable gaps and misalignment between valve components. Therefore, the retaining rings 14, 214 of this disclosure do not compromise the height or ring gap to reduce the shear area, and thus maintain alignment and stability between valve components. In fact, retaining rings 14 and 214 are manufactured according to fixed envelope dimensions to fit tightly into the inner groove 82 of the valve cover 46 and the outer groove 86 of the valve cage 34 of the flow control device 10.

[0060] The retaining ring 14 of this disclosure is adapted to the existing and fixed envelope dimensions of the valve cage 34 and the valve cover 46 by including an inlet cutting edge 110. Typically, one or more valve components may have a beveled surface that facilitates assembly when mating with different valve components. However, retaining the valve cover to the valve cage using a retaining ring can be difficult when an inlet cutting edge is impractical or impossible for a valve component such as the valve cover. To address this issue, when the valve cover 46 does not have a conventional inlet surface and providing an inlet surface for the valve cover 46 would be costly and / or cause sealing problems with the valve cage 34, the inlet cutting edge 110 of the first exemplary retaining ring 14 facilitates coupling the valve cover 46 to the valve cage 34.

[0061] As described above, the retaining rings 14, 214 of this disclosure reduce the shear area by forming cavities 62, 262, which can be precisely formed using AM technology. For example, the inclined surface 134 of the cavity 62 of the first exemplary retaining ring 14 can be manufactured using, for example, powder bed laser metal sintering to form an inclined surface 134 such that it is parallel to the cutting edge 110 of the outer side 98. The inclined surface 134 of the cavity 62 advantageously follows the cutting edge 110 to compensate for any misalignment between the retaining ring 14 and the valve cover 46. In this way, the cavity 62 ensures that small variations in the shear diameter (i.e., when there is a midpoint M between the mating interface 84 and the cavity 62) are within acceptable limits. C (When some misalignment occurs) the shear area is the same. In other examples, additive manufacturing may allow the use of sensor technology within retaining rings 14, 214. As shown in the second exemplary retaining ring 214, a sensor 250 may be disposed within the cavity 262 for measuring valve process conditions and diagnostics. The sensor 250 may be placed in the cavity 262 or embedded in one of the sides of the retaining ring 214 during manufacturing using AM technology. Although not explicitly shown, the previously described first exemplary retaining ring 14 may also be paired with one or more sensors, such as ultrasonic transducers, laser displacement sensors, vibration sensors, etc., for measuring process conditions or other diagnostics within the flow control device 10.

[0062] Although combined Figure 1 The valve cage 34 and valve cover 46 of the flow control device 10 describe retaining rings 14, 214; however, retaining rings 14, 214 may be custom-made to retain different valve components used with different control valve assemblies. For example, retaining rings 14, 214 may be used to retain two valve components, at least one of which is neither a valve cage nor a valve cover. For example, retaining rings 14, 214 may be used to retain two completely different valve components.

[0063] refer to Figure 9The illustration shows a second example flow control device 10A, which includes a valve body 418 and an example internal valve core assembly 412 having a third exemplary retaining element 414 fixed to the valve body 418. In this example, the internal valve core assembly 412 is permanently coupled together using a retaining element that, once assembled, allows linear movement between the valve cage and the valve cover. This linear movement accommodates the machining tolerances of the components and the linear thermal expansion of the parts. Furthermore, because the internal valve core assembly 412 is permanently coupled together, it is possible to test the internal valve core assembly 412, such as leakage testing of the valve seat and seals, and flow testing, before it is assembled into the valve body 418. This is useful, especially since valve seats and seals are common replacement parts when repairing flow control devices. When existing internal component parts are not fully assembled into a complete flow control device, factory performance testing of the internal components is not possible due to the variability of the individual parts and how they are assembled. If the combination of individual parts is subjected to performance testing, and then disassembled and reassembled in different bodies, these parts will not be arranged in the same way as they were during the testing. These parts rely on a metal-to-metal seal, which creates a “matching set” when first assembled. Minor changes in the sealing surface due to the orientation or assembly of the parts will invalidate any previous tests.

[0064] However, the assembled integral internal valve core assembly 412 allows end users to have a factory-tested internal valve core assembly when repairing flow control equipment online or on a workbench. The assembled internal valve core assembly can be inserted into a test fixture that simulates the mating surfaces of the valve body. Then, by applying rod loading and test pressure, the internal valve core assembly 412 can be subjected to seat leakage testing and plug seal leakage testing according to the same standards as the complete flow control equipment. The test forms a “fitting set” between the plug seat, support surface, seal, and sealing surface.

[0065] In the example shown, the flow control device 10A is a shut-off valve, with a valve body 418 having an inlet 426, an outlet 422, and a flow path 30A connecting the inlet 426 and the outlet 422. The internal valve core assembly 412 is an integral assembly fixed to the valve body 418 and typically includes a valve cage 434, a valve cover 446, and a retaining element 414. The internal valve core assembly 412 may also include a control element 438 and a valve stem 450. The valve cage 434 is disposed in the flow path 30A and helps guide the control element 438, positioned within the valve cage 434, between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the control element 438 is spaced apart from the valve seat 442; in the closed position, the control element 438 engages with the valve seat 442, as shown. Figure 9 As shown. Preferably, as Figure 9As shown, valve seat 442 is an integral part of valve cage 434, but can also be a separate part attached to valve cage 434. Valve cover 446 connects valve body 418 to actuator (not shown) and helps guide valve stem 450, which extends through hole 448 in valve cover 446 and is secured to control element 438, for example, by threaded connection. The lower portion 454 of valve cover 446 is a bolted flange coupled to valve body 418 by studs and nuts and overlaps with upper end 458 of valve cage 434, such that valve cover 446 and valve cage 434 are aligned with respect to longitudinal axis X. A third exemplary retaining element 414 is disposed between valve cage 434 and valve cover 446, as shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11 It is shown in more detail and described in more detail below.

[0066] Go to Figure 10 and Figure 11 The upper end 458 of the retaining element 414 and the valve cage 434, as well as the overlapping portion 470 of the valve cover 446, are shown in more detail. The overlapping portion 470 of the valve cover 446 is a stepped annular protrusion extending from the lower portion 454 of the valve cover 446, which mates with the corresponding stepped portion 474 of the valve body 418 and surrounds the recessed upper end 458 of the valve cage 434. The valve cover 446 overlaps with the valve cage 434 such that the inner surface 478 of the valve cover 446 engages with the outer surface 480 of the upper end 458 of the valve cage 434 at the mating interface 484. A gap is formed in the mating interface 484, wherein an inner groove 482 is formed on the inner surface 478 of the valve cover 446 and the overlapping portion 470, and an outer groove 486 is formed in the outer surface 480 of the valve cage 434. When the valve cover 446 is coupled to the valve cage 434, the outer groove 486 of the valve cage 434 is adjacent to the inner groove 482 of the valve cover 446, and the retaining element 414 is disposed between the inner groove 482 and the outer groove 486 and extends into the inner groove 482 and the outer groove 486.

[0067] Additionally, a gasket or seal 488 may be disposed between the valve cover 446, the valve cage 434, and the valve body 418. Specifically, the seal 488 may be clamped between the overlapping portion 470 of the valve cover 446 and the stepped portion 471 of the valve cage 434. In this configuration, the seal 488 can sealably engage the valve cage 434 and the valve cover 446 regardless of their relative positions. The seal 488 may also be disposed below the retaining element 414 (in... Figures 9-11(oriented inwards) and radially outwards. In the example shown, seal 488 is a helically wound gasket. However, in other examples, seal 488 can be a different type of seal. Furthermore, seal 491 can also be positioned between the shoulder of the overlapping portion 470 of the valve cover 446 and the surface of the stepped portion 474 of the valve body 418. Although seal 491 is shown as a gap-filling gasket or a valve cover gasket, other types of seals can be used.

[0068] The retaining element 414 is configured to assemble with the existing and fixed envelope dimensions of the valve cage 434 and the valve cover 446. Specifically, the overlapping portion 470 of the valve cover 446 includes a bevel 489 with fixed dimensions to ensure a proper seal between the seal 488 and the valve cage 434. If the bevel 489 is too large to better accommodate the retaining ring, the sealing area of ​​the seal 488 will be compromised and could potentially lead to leakage in the valve assembly.

[0069] The retaining element 414 is preferably solid and may be one of an O-ring, retaining ring, retaining ring, spring retaining ring, shaped wire, or wave spring, which permanently secures the valve cage 434 to the valve cover 446 such that the valve cage 434 cannot be removed from the valve cover 446 once assembled without damaging the valve cage 434 or the valve cover 446. In the example shown, the retaining element 414 is a stainless steel spiral retaining ring, such as those manufactured by Spirolox. To effectively retain the valve cover 446, the outermost diameter of the retaining element 414 is larger than the inner diameter 449 of the valve cover 446. Thus, during assembly, the bevel 489 of the valve cover 446 engages the retaining element 414 to compress the retaining element 414 until the retaining element 414 expands and engages in the internal groove 482 of the valve cover 446, thereby coupling the valve cover 446 to the valve cage 434.

[0070] like Figure 10 and Figure 11As shown, the height H1 of the inner groove 482 in the valve cover 446 is greater than the height H2 of the retaining element 414, allowing the valve cage 434 to move longitudinally along the longitudinal axis X within the valve cover 446 when the valve cover 446 and the valve cage 434 are assembled. In this configuration, the first parallel side 502 and the second parallel side 506 of the retaining element 414 engage with the first parallel surface 514 and the second parallel surface 518 of the outer groove 486 of the valve cage 434, such that the retaining element 414 is securely coupled to the outer groove 486 of the valve cage 434 by an interference fit. The inner side 494 of the retaining element 414 is spaced apart from the inner surface 519 of the outer groove 486 of the valve cage 434 to allow the retaining element 414 to move radially relative to the valve cage 434. Specifically, during the assembly of the valve cover 446 to the valve cage 434, when the retaining element 414 is compressed, the gap between the inner side 494 of the retaining element 414 and the inner surface 519 of the outer groove 486 provides sufficient space for the retaining element 414 to extend further into the outer groove 486. Alternatively, the height H3 of the outer groove 486 of the valve cage 434 may be greater than the height H2 of the retaining element 414, or both the height H1 of the inner groove 482 and the height H3 of the outer groove 486 may be greater than the height H2 of the retaining element. This would also allow the valve cage 434 to move longitudinally along the longitudinal axis X within the valve cover 446 when the valve cover 446 and the valve cage 434 are assembled. In these configurations, one or both of the first parallel side 502 and the second parallel side 506 of the retaining element 414 may be spaced apart from the first parallel surface 514 and the second parallel surface 518 of the outer groove 486 to provide a gap between the retaining element 414 and the valve cage 434. When the inner valve core assembly 412 is fixed to the valve body 416, the additional recess height of the inner recess 482 and / or the outer recess 486 accommodates the compression of the parts and seals, as well as variations in the machining tolerances of the inner valve core assembly 412 and the valve body 418. The additional height of the inner recess 482 and / or the outer recess 486 also takes into account height variations due to thermal expansion. The valve cage 434 may be made of a different material than the valve body 418 and the valve cover 446. When heated, the different thermal expansion of the materials causes a change in the height of the valve cage 434 relative to the valve body 418. If the valve cage 434 cannot extend further into the valve cover 446, the valve cage 434 will expand faster than the valve body 418, which will cause overstressing of the valve body 418 on the valve cover bolt connection or unloading of the gaskets: thus leading to a malfunction of the flow control device 10A.

[0071] To retain the valve cover 446 to the valve cage 434, the outer diameter of the retaining element 414 is larger than the outer diameter of the valve cage 434 and the inner diameter 449 of the valve cover 446. Furthermore, the inner diameter of the retaining element 414 is smaller than the outer diameter of the valve cage 434, such that the retaining element 414 extends into the inner recess 482 of the valve cover 446 and the outer recess 486 of the valve cage 434 to securely couple the valve cover 446 to the valve cage 434 via a snap-fit ​​connection. The retaining element 414 serves as an ID / OD lock between the valve cage 434 and the valve cover 446.

[0072] exist Figure 12 The schematic diagram illustrates an exemplary method 600 for assembling a flow control device 10A. In a first step 610, an integral internal valve core assembly 412 is assembled. In this example, the internal valve core assembly 412 is assembled by first installing a retaining element 414 into an external recess 486 of a valve cage 434. As described above, the retaining element 414 may be an O-ring, retaining ring, retaining ring, spring retaining ring, shaped wire, or wave spring, and is preferably a stainless steel helical retaining ring. Furthermore, if desired, a control element 438 may also be inserted into the valve cage 434 at this time, and a valve stem 450 may be inserted through a hole 448 in a valve cover 446 and secured to the control element 438. The valve cage 434 is then inserted into the overlapping portion 470 of the valve cover 446 until the retaining element 414 extends into an internal recess 482 in the overlapping portion 470 of the valve cover 446. Once the valve cage 434 and retaining element 414 have been fully inserted into the valve cover 446, the retaining element 414 engages outwardly into the internal groove 482 on the valve cover 446. To facilitate insertion of the valve cage 434 and retaining element 414 into the valve cover 446, the overlapping portion 470 of the valve cover 446 may include a bevel 489 that engages and compresses the retaining element 414 when the valve cage 434 is inserted into the valve cover 446. Preferably, the retaining element 414 permanently secures the valve cage 434 to the valve cover 446 such that the valve cage 434 and the valve cover 446 cannot be separated without damaging the valve cage 434 and / or the valve cover 446. As described above, the height H1 of the internal groove 482 and / or the height H3 of the external groove 486 may be greater than the height H2 of the retaining element 414, thereby allowing the valve cage 434 to move longitudinally within the valve cover 446 when the valve cover 446 and the valve cage 434 are assembled. In step 620, the assembled internal valve core assembly 412 is inserted into the valve body 418. Then, in step 630, the internal valve core assembly 412 is secured to the valve body 418, for example, by bolts or other threaded components. If desired, in optional step 615, once the internal valve core assembly 412 has been assembled and before being inserted into the valve body 418, at least one of a leakage test and a flow test may be performed on the internal valve core assembly 412.

[0073] The accompanying drawings and descriptions provided herein are for illustrative purposes only, illustrating and describing preferred embodiments of the retaining ring. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize from the foregoing discussion that alternative embodiments of the components shown herein can be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Therefore, upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand other alternative structures and functional designs for the retaining ring. Thus, while specific embodiments and applications have been shown and described, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise constructions and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, alterations, and variations that will be apparent to those skilled in the art may be made to the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and components disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A flow control device, comprising: A valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet; and An integral internal valve core assembly, the integral internal valve core assembly being fixed to the valve body, the internal valve core assembly comprising: A valve cage, the valve cage being disposed in a flow path, and including an external groove formed on the outer surface of the valve cage; A valve cover, coupled to the valve cage, and including an overlapping portion and an internal groove formed on the inner surface of the valve cover and on the overlapping portion; and A retaining element is disposed between the valve cage and the valve cover, and extends into the inner groove of the valve cover and the outer groove of the valve cage; wherein, The height of the inner groove of the valve cover and / or the height of the outer groove of the valve cage is greater than the height of the retaining element, so as to allow the valve cage to move longitudinally within the valve cover when the valve cover and the valve cage are assembled.

2. The flow control device according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining element is solid and is one of an O-ring, a retaining ring, a shaped wire, or a wave spring.

3. The flow control device according to claim 2, wherein, The retaining element is a stainless steel spiral retaining ring.

4. The flow control device according to claim 1, wherein, The retaining element permanently secures the valve cage to the valve cover, such that the valve cage cannot be removed from the valve cover without damaging the valve cage or the valve cover.

5. The flow control device according to claim 1, wherein, The internal valve core assembly includes a control element and a valve stem, the control element being positioned in and guided by the valve cage, and the valve stem being fixed to the control element and extending through a hole in the valve cover.

6. The flow control device according to claim 5, wherein, The valve cage includes an integral valve seat, and the control element engages the valve seat in the closed position.

7. The flow control device according to claim 1, wherein, The valve cover includes a bevel configured to compress the retaining element during assembly.

8. An integral internal valve core assembly for a flow control device, the internal valve core assembly comprising: A valve cage, the valve cage including an external groove formed on the outer surface of the valve cage; A valve cover, coupled to the valve cage, and including an overlapping portion and an internal groove formed on the inner surface of the valve cover and on the overlapping portion; as well as A retaining element is disposed between the valve cage and the valve cover, and extends into the inner groove of the valve cover and the outer groove of the valve cage; wherein, The height of the inner groove in the valve cover and / or the height of the outer groove in the valve cage is greater than the height of the retaining element, so as to allow the valve cage to move longitudinally within the valve cover when the valve cover and the valve cage are assembled.

9. The internal valve core assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The retaining element permanently secures the valve cage to the valve cover, such that the valve cage and the valve cover cannot be separated without damaging the valve cage or the valve cover, and the retaining element is one of an O-ring, a retaining ring, a retaining ring, a shaped wire, or a wave spring.

10. The internal valve core assembly according to claim 9, wherein, The retaining element is a stainless steel spiral retaining ring.

11. The internal valve core assembly of claim 8, comprising a control element and a valve stem, the control element being positioned in and guided by the valve cage, the valve stem being fixed to the control element and extending through a hole in the valve cover.

12. The internal valve core assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The valve cage includes an integral valve seat that engages the control element in the closed position.

13. The internal valve core assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The valve cover includes a bevel configured to compress the retaining element during assembly.

14. A method for assembling a flow control device, comprising the following steps: Assemble the integral internal valve core assembly using the following steps: The retaining element is installed into the external groove of the valve cage; The valve cage is inserted into the overlapping portion of the valve cover until the retaining element extends into an internal groove formed in the overlapping portion of the valve cover, wherein the height of the internal groove of the valve cover and / or the height of the external groove of the valve cage is greater than the height of the retaining element, so as to allow the valve cage to move longitudinally within the valve cover when the valve cover and the valve cage are assembled. Insert the internal valve core assembly into the valve body; as well as The internal valve core assembly is fixed to the valve body.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, The overlapping portion of the valve cover includes a bevel that engages and compresses the retaining element when the valve cage is inserted into the valve cover.

16. The method of claim 14, further comprising the step of performing at least one of a leakage test and a flow test on the internal valve core assembly prior to inserting the internal valve core assembly into the valve body.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein, The retaining element is one of an O-ring, a retaining ring, a shaped wire, or a wave spring.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, The retaining element is a stainless steel spiral retaining ring.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein, The retaining element permanently secures the valve cage to the valve cover, such that the valve cage and the valve cover cannot be separated without damaging the valve cage or the valve cover.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein, Assembling the internal valve core assembly includes the following steps: Before inserting the valve cage into the valve cover, insert the control element into the valve cage; and Insert the valve stem through the hole in the valve cover and secure the valve stem to the control element.

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