Systems and methods for improved valve stem coupling assemblies for isolating torque loads from thrust loads

Abstract

A connector that divides an integral valve stem into two separate but connected sections to isolate thrust loads from torque loads.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to gate valve stem connection assemblies. More specifically, this disclosure relates to systems and methods for isolating thrust loads and torque loads applied to an integral stem. Background Technology

[0002] The rod used to connect the actuator to the brake is typically a mating bore. However, mating bore rods are subjected to both thrust and torque loads. In the event of an over-torque condition, the rod may be damaged, requiring the entire brake to be disconnected for a new rod. Therefore, a system and method are needed to isolate torque and thrust loads. Another method is needed to prevent damage to the rod in the event of over-torque. A further need exists for the pre-manufacturing and shipping of replacement rods when rod damage occurs and replacement is required. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The general purpose of the systems and methods disclosed herein is to provide a design solution to the rod connection problem in gate valves. Specifically, a coupler connects a first rod configured to withstand thrust loads and a second rod configured to withstand torque loads. In one non-limiting embodiment, the device includes a first rod, a second rod, and a coupling assembly. In one embodiment, the position of the rod within the coupler is secured by a retaining pin that passes through a channel formed in the coupler and through the end of the respective rod to prevent rod twisting. In some embodiments, the first rod is coupled to a valve gate, and the second rod is coupled to an actuator. The entire device is configured to isolate the thrust force applied to the first rod and the torque force applied to the second rod. Furthermore, when the valve is under over-torque conditions, the retaining pin is designed to shear and fail before any other part of the coupling assembly fails. Additionally, the coupling assembly is designed to allow replacement of a damaged retaining pin without disconnecting the valve by providing an inlet gate for removal and replacement of the failed pin. The device is designed for use with a variety of existing valves, but can also be used with coking tower decoupling valves.

[0004] References to features, advantages, or similar language throughout this specification do not imply that all features and advantages achievable through this disclosure should be present in or in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language relating to features and advantages is to be understood as meaning that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of this disclosure. Therefore, the discussion of features and advantages throughout this specification, and similar language, may, but not necessarily, refer to the same embodiments, but may refer to each embodiment.

[0005] Furthermore, the features, advantages, and characteristics described in this invention can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0006] The features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the invention as set forth below. Attached Figure Description

[0007] To illustrate how the advantages and features of the invention can be obtained, a more specific description of the invention, which has been briefly described above, will be presented by reference to specific embodiments of the invention shown in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered as limiting its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail using the drawings, in which:

[0008] . Figure 1 The coking process is shown;

[0009] . Figure 2 The coking tower and de-heading valve are shown;

[0010] . Figure 3 The actuator and valve are shown;

[0011] . Figure 4 The cross-sections of the actuator and valve are shown;

[0012] . Figure 5 The actuator and actuator housing are shown:

[0013] . Figure 6 A cross-sectional view of the actuator housing with rods and connectors is shown;

[0014] . Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of the actuator housing with rods and connectors is shown;

[0015] . Figure 8 The proximal ends of the first and second rods are shown; and

[0016] . Figure 9 A detailed view of the connecting components is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present embodiment of the invention will be best understood with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like parts are always indicated by like reference numerals. It will be readily understood that, as generally described and shown in the accompanying drawings, the components of the disclosed invention can be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Therefore, as... Figures 1 to 9 The following more detailed description of embodiments of the illustrated device is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as claimed, but rather represents only current embodiments of the invention. Some embodiments include appropriately determining the dimensions of the valve mechanism and applying a sufficient safety factor (“SF”) to make the valve mechanism more robust from the inside of the valve to the actuator. Some embodiments include appropriately determining the dimensions of the actuator / operator to provide continuous valve operation without excessive or inappropriate thrust output. In some embodiments, under over-torque conditions, the invention includes an easily repairable point of failure that is external and accessible without major disassembly. In some embodiments, under over-torque conditions, the invention includes a design that makes repairing the valve costless. In some embodiments, under over-torque conditions, the invention includes a design that prevents the valve from being taken offline for repair.

[0018] In the following description, extensive reference will be made to actuators, gates, and other valve structures not shown in detail in the figures. However, it should be understood that those skilled in the art and those who possess this disclosure will readily understand how this disclosure can be combined with existing valve structures.

[0019] Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention, examples of which are shown in Figures 1 to 9 As shown in the figure, Figures 1 to 9 Various views of a gate valve stem connection assembly 345 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention are shown.

[0020] A comprehensive discussion on delayed coking process and coking tower decoupling.

[0021] In a typical delayed coking process, petroleum residue is fed into one or more coking towers, where it is thermally cracked into light products and solid residue—petroleum coke. Several different physical structures of petroleum coke can be produced. To produce coke, the delayed coker feed originates from crude oil supplied to the refinery, proceeds through a series of process components, and finally flows into one of the coking towers used to produce coke. A basic refinery flow diagram is shown below. Figure 1 As shown, it illustrates two coking towers.

[0022] Due to the shape of the coking tower, coke accumulates and adheres to the flanges or other components used to close the openings of the coking tower during the manufacturing process. To empty the tower, the flanges or components must first be removed or repositioned. In the case of a flanged system, once full, the coking tower is vented to atmospheric pressure, and the top flange is loosened and removed to allow for the placement of a hydraulic coke cutter. Removing or opening the bottom flange or valve is often referred to as "de-heading" because it removes or breaks up the coke heads that have accumulated on the surface of the flange or valve. Once the flanges are removed, the coke is removed from the tower by drilling guide holes from the top to the bottom of the coke bed using a high-pressure water jet. Subsequently, the remaining coke mass in the coking tower is cut into fragments that fall from the bottom and enter a collection box, such as a box on a railcar. The coke is then dehydrated, crushed, and sent to a coke storage or loading facility.

[0023] Example of a coking tower de-heading system

[0024] Although this disclosure can be used in conjunction with top and bottom topping systems, or more precisely, the disclosed invention's independent valve actuator system for topping systems can be adapted and used for both top and bottom openings of coking towers, the following detailed description and preferred embodiments will be discussed only with reference to bottom topping systems. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention as explained and described herein for bottom topping systems of coking towers can also be designed and used as a top topping system of coking towers or for controlling processes in many other processes.

[0025] This disclosure describes a valve system and method for deheading or removing the head from a coking tower after coke production. Since the disclosed invention is particularly suitable for use in coking processes, the following discussion will specifically relate to this manufacturing field. However, it is contemplated that the disclosed invention can be adapted as part of other manufacturing processes that produce various elements or byproducts other than coke, and these processes should therefore be considered within the scope of this application. For example, the deheading system and deheading valve of the disclosed invention can be anticipated for other critical service applications such as inlet feed line isolation, blowdown isolation, fractionator isolation, and reheating.

[0026] . Figure 1 A general description of the petroleum manufacturing and refining process 8 is provided, which includes several components and systems (identified but not discussed). In addition to these components, the petroleum manufacturing and refining process 8 includes at least one coking tower, and as shown, may include a first coking tower 18 and a second coking tower 22, as well as de-heading valves 14-a and 14-b attached to the coking towers. In a typical delayed coking operation, at least two coking towers operate simultaneously to allow for the continuous, batch-continuous manufacturing and refining of petroleum and its coke by-products.

[0027] . Figure 2 A non-limiting example of a de-heading system 10 is shown. The coking tower de-heading system 10 includes a de-heading valve 14, which is removably coupled to a coking tower 18 using various means known in the art. The de-heading valve 14 is typically coupled to the coking tower 18 or a short pipe at its flange port or opening, very similar to the attachment method of flange head units in existing related designs. The de-heading valve 14 is shown as further attached to an upper valve cover 30 and a lower valve cover 34, respectively.

[0028] The valve seat system of the decapsulated valve is designed to cleanly break the bond between the coke and the exposed surface of the valve seal during each stroke. The total thrust required for this action, combined with the thrust needed to overcome valve seat friction and inertia, is carefully calculated and accomplished by actuating the valve seal, thereby repositioning it or changing it from the closed position to the open position.

[0029] . Figure 2 A non-limiting example of a sliding blind gate type de-heading valve 14 according to an exemplary embodiment of the disclosed invention is shown. The sliding blind gate type de-heading valve 14 includes a body 15 removably coupled to an upper valve cover 30 and a lower valve cover 34, each valve cover including an upper chamber 16 and a lower chamber 17, respectively. The body 15 includes a valve opening 20 or port. The body 15 is removably coupled to a complementary flange portion of a coking tower 18 or a short pipe and an associated opening or port, such that each opening is concentric and aligned with each other.

[0030] The sliding blind gate type decapsulating valve 14 also includes a valve closure 11 in the form of a sliding blind plate or a gate. Some embodiments of the gate may have an orifice therein that can be aligned with openings in the coking tower and / or openings in the short pipe and valve opening 20 in the valve body. Alternatively, some gates may be solid and not utilize the orifice therein, but instead utilize a short gate that effectively opens the valve to allow coke to fall from the coking tower 18 through the valve when the shortened gate retracts into the upper valve cover 30.

[0031] The gate slides back and forth linearly and bidirectionally between means for supporting the valve closure (shown in this exemplary embodiment as a valve seat support system 23). The valve seat support system 23 may include any type of valve seat arrangement, including dual independent valve seats, wherein the valve seats are both static, both floating, or dynamic, or a combination thereof. Alternatively, the valve seat support system 23 may include a single valve seat supporting the valve closure 11, wherein the valve seat may include a static, floating, or dynamic valve seat. In another exemplary embodiment, the means for supporting the valve closure may omit the valve seat system and instead support a support system built into the body 15, such that one or more portions or components of the body 15 are selected and fabricated to support the valve closure 11. In any case, the valve seat support system may include a metal contact surface or a gate-seat junction 25 that contacts and seals a metal surface on the valve closure 11, wherein this contact seal is maintained during the coke manufacturing process.

[0032] Valve closure 11 is coupled to a U-shaped clamp 38, which in turn is coupled to a valve stem 40. The valve stem 40 can serve as a system element for oscillating valve closure 11 between an open and closed position. Actuator system 36 can be a hydraulically controlled power source contained within a cylinder and capable of moving valve closure 11 via its linear bidirectional circulation during the coking process, and can be used for de-heading and re-heading of coking tower 18. Alternatively, actuator system 36 can be an electrically controlled power source utilizing an electric actuator 42, which is capable of moving valve closure via its linear bidirectional circulation through a drive system 44 during the coking process, and can be used for de-heading and re-heading of coking tower.

[0033] Reference will now be made in detail to preferred embodiments of the disclosed invention, examples of which are shown in Figures 3 to 4As shown in the figure. In some embodiments, a coking tower decoupling system 10 is disclosed, wherein valve 14 includes an actuator housing 65, an upper valve cover 30, a valve opening 20, and a lower valve cover 34. In some embodiments, valve 14 includes a gate configured to slide bidirectionally between the upper valve cover 30 and the lower valve cover 34. In some embodiments, valve opening 20 includes a blind plate or a gate. In some embodiments, valve 14 includes a support system valve seat 23 configured to bias the valve against the gate to isolate valve opening 20 from the internal valve body. A metal contact surface or gate-seat junction 25 is configured to seal against process and other contaminants and uses a biasing mechanism 145 to isolate valve opening 20 from the valve interior of the body, biasing the support system valve seat 23 against the gate. In some embodiments, the gate is connected to a second end of a second rod 310 via a U-shaped clamp 38, while a first end of the second rod is connected to a connector 315. In some embodiments, a first end of the first rod 305 is coupled to a connector, and a second end of the first rod is coupled to an actuator 100. In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 may be a hollow housing configured to house other components. In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 may enclose internal components. In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 may partially enclose internal components. In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 may include an internal lubricant that pools within the actuator housing 65 and circulates around the internal components to reduce friction caused by movement of the internal components. In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 may be rigid and configured to provide structural support for the internal components and to withstand torque generated by the operation of the internal components during actuation. In some embodiments, the internal components housed within the actuator housing 65 are internally lubricated, and the actuator housing 65 may have an unsealed inlet port. In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 may be a power port 90 to power an actuator mechanism, which may be pneumatically, electrically, or mechanically powered.

[0034] In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 houses a gate stem coupling assembly 345 disposed within the actuator housing. In some embodiments, the gate stem coupling assembly 345 includes a connector 315 connecting a first stem 305 and a second stem 310. In some embodiments, the actuator 100 includes an actuator motor disposed at the actuator end of the actuator housing 65. In some embodiments, the actuator motor is pneumatically powered. In some embodiments, the actuator motor is electrically powered. In some embodiments, the actuator 100 is manually actuated. In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 includes a channel through which an indicator indicates the position of the nut housing. In some embodiments, the indicator channel indicates the position of the gate during its stroke. In some embodiments, the indicator channel indicates to the operator whether the valve is open, partially open, or closed. In some embodiments, the actuator is configured to move the first stem 305 or the second stem 310 bidirectionally through the valve 14 to move the gate or blind plate in the opening or closing direction.

[0035] Now for reference Figures 5 to 9 In some embodiments, a gate valve stem connection assembly 345 is disclosed for isolating the torque load 350 from the thrust load 355. In some embodiments, the gate valve includes an actuator housing 65. In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 is disposed between an actuator 100 at a first end and a valve cover 33 at a second end. In some embodiments, the actuator housing includes a main channel extending longitudinally through the length of the actuator housing 65. In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 includes an observation hole 390 formed in the side of the actuator housing 65, which allows physical inspection of the gate position (whether open or closed). In some embodiments, the actuator housing 65 also includes an inlet door 385 that allows access to the main channel of the actuator housing 65.

[0036] In some embodiments, the coupling assembly includes a first rod 305. In some embodiments, the first rod 305 is disposed in a main channel of the actuator housing 65. In some embodiments, the first rod 305 is smooth and slides within the actuator housing 65 when the first rod 305 is actuated to open or close the valve closure 11. In some embodiments, the first rod extends distally toward the upper valve cover 30 along the longitudinal axis of the actuator housing 65. In some embodiments, the distal end of the first rod 305 is coupled to the valve closure 11. In some embodiments, the first rod is coupled to the valve closure 11 via a U-shaped clip connector. In some embodiments, actuation of the gate applies a thrust load 355 to the first rod 305.

[0037] In some embodiments, the distal end of the first rod 305 includes a U-shaped clamping pin. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first rod 305 includes an insertion end. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first rod 305 is configured to receive a retaining pin, such as via a U-shaped clamp. In some embodiments, the insertion end of the first rod 305 is threaded and configured to screw into a threaded receiver. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the first rod 305 is a fork-shaped receiving portion 370. In some embodiments, the connector 315 end of the first rod 305 includes a fork-shaped receiving portion 370 configured to receive a first pin at multiple locations along the fork-shaped receiving portion 370.

[0038] In some embodiments, the coupling assembly further includes a second rod 310 disposed within the actuator housing 65. In some embodiments, the second rod 310 is aligned with and extends opposite to the proximal end of the first rod 305. In some embodiments, the second rod 310 is threaded. In some embodiments, the distal end of the second rod 310 engages the actuator 100. In some embodiments, the actuator is a planetary roller screw that engages a threaded screw and actuates the gate valve stem coupling assembly 345. In some embodiments, actuation of the actuator 100 applies a torque load 350 on the second rod.

[0039] In some embodiments, the proximal end of the second rod 130 includes an insertion end. In some embodiments, the insertion end of the second rod 310 is threaded and configured to screw into a threaded receiver. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the second rod 310 is configured to receive a retaining pin, such as via a U-clip. In some embodiments, the proximal end of the second rod 310 is a fork-shaped receiving portion 370. In some embodiments, the connector 315 end of the second rod 310 includes a fork-shaped receiving portion 370 configured to receive a second pin at multiple locations along the fork-shaped receiving portion 370, the second pin being configured to receive a first pin.

[0040] In some embodiments, the connector 315 is disposed within the actuator housing 65. In some embodiments, the connector includes a first rod receiving channel 320. In some embodiments, the first rod receiving channel is threaded. In some embodiments, the connector 315 includes a second rod receiving channel 325. In some embodiments, the second rod receiving channel 325 is threaded. In some embodiments, the first rod receiving channel 320 and the second rod receiving channel 325 are aligned. In some embodiments, the threaded receiving end of the proximal end of the first rod 305 is screwed into the first rod receiving channel 320. In some embodiments, the threaded ends of the first rod 305 and the second rod 310 are V-threads (also known as V-shaped threads). In some embodiments, the threads include an 8-pitch to support a thrust load 355 placed thereon. In some embodiments, the second rod 310 is screwed into the second rod receiving channel 325. In some embodiments, when the first rod 305 and the second rod 310 are inserted into the connector 315, the first rod 305 and the second rod 310 are coupled together.

[0041] In some embodiments, a first rod 305 is selectively connected to a first rod receiving channel 320, a second rod 310 is selectively connected to a second rod receiving channel 325, a first retaining pin 335 is selectively inserted into a first pin receiving channel 330 to fix the orientation of the first rod 305 in the first rod receiving channel 320, and a second retaining pin 340 is selectively inserted into the second receiving channel to fix the orientation of the second rod 310 in the second rod receiving channel 325. The first rod 305 and the second rod 310, the first retaining pin 335 and the second retaining pin 340, and the connector 315 constitute a gate valve stem connection assembly 345.

[0042] In some embodiments, the connector 315 includes a plurality of pin receiving channels 330. In some embodiments, the pin receiving channels 330 are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the connector 315. In some embodiments, the channels are formed at an angle different from that orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, a pair of pin receiving channels 330 are aligned on opposite sides of the connector 315 and configured to receive a first retaining pin 335 and a second retaining pin 340 selectively inserted into the pin receiving channels 330. In some embodiments, the first retaining pin 335 and the second retaining pin 340 can be inserted into the pin receiving channels 330 from either side of the connector 315. In some embodiments, the threaded receiving channels 330 are threaded. In some embodiments, the connector 315 further includes a retaining screw 395 that is screwed into the threaded pin receiving channels 330 to secure the first retaining pin 335 and the second retaining pin 340 in the pin receiving channels 330. In some embodiments, when the first retaining pin 335 and the second retaining pin 340 are inserted into the pin receiving channels 330, the rotational orientation of the first rod 305 and the rotational orientation of the second rod 310 are fixed in place.

[0043] In some embodiments, the coupling assembly further includes an anti-rotation block 400. In some embodiments, the anti-rotation block 400 is secured to the assembly by a retaining screw 395 that passes through the anti-rotation block 400 before being screwed into the coupling 315. In some embodiments, the block 400 is located in an observation hole 390. In some embodiments, when the actuator 100 rotates, it applies torque to the assembly, and the anti-rotation block 400 stabilizes the unit by pressing against the observation hole 390 and prevents torque transmission through the coupling 315. In some embodiments, the block 400 serves as a wear-resistant pad. In some embodiments, the block 400 indicates the position of the coupling 315 and thereby indicates the position of the valve closure 11, whether open or closed.

[0044] In some embodiments, the gate valve stem connection assembly 345 is assembled by hand, wherein the first stem 305 is screwed into the first stem receiving channel 320 by hand to achieve the desired engagement depth. Then, a first retaining pin 335 is inserted into the pin receiving channel 330 intersecting the proximal end of the first stem 305 to prevent rotation of the first stem. In some embodiments, the length of the forked receiving portion 370 at the proximal end of the first stem 305 is greater than the width of the first retaining pin 335, such that the first retaining pin 335 can be inserted when the first stem 305 is positioned at various depths in the first stem receiving channel 320.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second rod 310 is hand-screwed into the second rod receiving channel 325 to achieve the desired engagement depth. Then, a second rod receiving pin or a second retaining pin 340 is inserted into a pin receiving channel 330 intersecting the proximal end of the second rod 310 to prevent rotation of the second rod 310. In some embodiments, the length of the forked receiving portion 370 at the proximal end of the second rod 310 is greater than the width of the second retaining pin 340, such that the second retaining pin 340 can be inserted when the second rod 310 is positioned at various depths in the second rod receiving channel 325.

[0046] In some embodiments, the connection between the first and second rods isolates the torque load 350 and thrust load 355 generated during actuation. In some embodiments, isolating the respective loads protects either retaining pin from having to withstand tensile loads, shear forces, and torsional forces. In some embodiments, the first retaining pin 335 is isolated from the combined stresses generated during rod actuation. In some embodiments, the first retaining pin 335 is a shear pin and it resists only torque and operates in a double-shear manner.

[0047] In some embodiments, the connecting V-thread only handles the tensile load caused by the thrust generated by the trapezoidal screw.

[0048] In some embodiments, the connector 315 is configured to connect the first rod 305 and the second rod 310 to isolate the torque load 350 and the thrust load 355. Some embodiments employ a design with a safety factor to make the valve connection from the inside of valve 14 to the actuator 100 more robust. In some embodiments, at least one of the first retaining pin 335 and the second retaining pin 340 includes a torsion shear pin connection sized to exceed the maximum output of the actuator 100 (more robust than the second rod 310). In some embodiments, at least one of the first retaining pin 335 and the second retaining pin 340 will be designed to fail first, typically having an SF of 8. Reference Figure 8 In some embodiments, compared to a first rod 365 having the same slot or fork-shaped receiving portion 370, rod 360 has a smaller diameter at the slot or fork-shaped receiving portion 370, causing the pin to fail first, wherein the pin diameters are equal (torque = F). d). In some embodiments, rod 360 is always under a higher force.

[0049] In some embodiments, the valve stem is in an over-torque state, and the gate valve stem connection assembly 345 is designed to disable the second retaining pin 340 at the end of the second rod 310. In some embodiments where the retaining pin fails, the pin is easily accessible through the inlet gate 385. In some embodiments, the yoke groove is used to receive the anti-rotation block 400. In some embodiments, the inlet gate is opened, the retaining screw 395 is removed, and the damaged first retaining pin 335 and second retaining pin 340 are forced out of the pin receiving channel, and a new pin (such as a standard locating pin) is inserted into the pin receiving channel. In some embodiments, the failed pin should always be the first retaining pin 335, and the second retaining pin 340 should be in good condition but can also be replaced when the first retaining pin 335 is replaced to ensure the valve operator is in a new condition for repair. In some embodiments, the pin is designed to fail first to protect the smooth first rod 305, since the smooth first rod 305 can only be replaced by disassembling the valve.

[0050] Some embodiments appropriately dimension the valve mechanism with a sufficient safety factor to make the valve mechanism more robust from the inside of valve 14 outward to actuator 100. In some embodiments, the threaded second rod 310 and drive nut 46 are wear-resistant components and can be replaced in the field without taking the valve offline. In some embodiments, this is achieved by removing actuator 100 from actuator housing 65 and removing the threaded second rod 310.

[0051] In some embodiments, the trapezoidal thread used on the second rod 310 is sized to minimize wear and withstand combined tensile, torsional, and bearing stresses at maximum actuator output. In some embodiments, the trapezoidal working thread connection is sized to exceed the maximum output of actuator 100. In some embodiments, the trapezoidal thread is designed to have low bearing stress between the threaded rod and the drive nut 46 to improve lifespan and minimize wear.

[0052] In some embodiments, the first retaining pin 335 is designed to fail before any other part of the connector 315 assembly. In some embodiments, the second retaining pin 340 is designed to fail before any other part of the connector 315 assembly.

[0053] In some embodiments, the connector includes an adjusting gap 380 between the proximal end of the first rod 305 and the proximal end of the second rod 310. In some embodiments, the adjusting gap allows selective placement of the stroke position of the valve closure 11, which can be adjusted by rotating a V-thread on the proximal end of the first rod 305 or the proximal end of the second rod 310 to obtain a precise stroke. In some embodiments, the connector is configured to allow a user to selectively set the engagement depth between the rod and the connector 315 so as to adjust the engagement depth by rotating the rod by thread to adjust the position of the rod in the connector 315. In some embodiments, the connector 315 includes a gate coupled to the first rod 305, wherein the gate closing position is set or adjusted by the engagement depth of the first rod 305 in the receiving channel of the first rod 305 to avoid an over-torque state. Therefore, in some embodiments, by placing the valve closure 11 beyond the optimal closing position, the gate is over-torqued, the retaining pin fails, and thus damage to the smooth first rod 305 or the connecting assembly cannot be prevented.

[0054] It should be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the invention. Other modifications may be made within the scope of this disclosure. Therefore, alternative constructions of this disclosure may be used in accordance with the teachings of this document by way of example rather than limitation. Consequently, this disclosure is not limited to those exactly shown and described.

Claims

1. A valve stem connection assembly for isolating torque loads from thrust loads, comprising: The first link is configured to withstand torque loads; The second rod is configured to withstand thrust loads; A connector, the connector comprising: First pole receiving channel The second receiving channel is aligned with the first receiving channel. A plurality of pin receiving channels are oriented to be non-parallel to a first rod receiving channel and a second rod receiving channel, wherein the first rod is selectively connected to the first rod receiving channel, the second rod is selectively connected to the second rod receiving channel, a first fixing pin is selectively inserted into the first pin receiving channel to fix the orientation of the first rod in the first rod receiving channel, and a second fixing pin is selectively inserted into the second pin receiving channel to fix the orientation of the second rod in the second rod receiving channel, wherein the first rod and the second rod, the first fixing pin and the second fixing pin, and the connector constitute the valve stem connection assembly; The connector is configured to connect the first rod and the second rod to isolate torque loads and thrust loads; and The connector end of the first rod includes a fork-shaped receiving portion configured to receive the first retaining pin at multiple locations along the fork.

2. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first rod includes a threaded rod.

3. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second rod includes a smooth rod.

4. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector end of the second rod includes a fork-shaped receiving portion configured to receive the second retaining pin at multiple locations along the fork.

5. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first retaining pin is designed to fail before any other part of the connector assembly.

6. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The second retaining pin is designed to fail before any other part of the connector assembly.

7. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first rod receiving channel and the second rod receiving channel also include threaded walls configured to selectively receive the first rod and the second rod.

8. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The connector also includes an adjustment gap between the first rod receiving channel and the second rod receiving channel, the adjustment gap being configured to allow adjustment of the engagement depth between the first rod and the first rod receiving channel and between the second rod and the second rod receiving channel by threaded rotation of the rod, thereby adjusting the position of the rod in the connector.

9. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The connector further includes a gate connected to the first rod, wherein the closing position of the gate is set or adjusted by the engagement depth of the first rod in the first rod receiving channel to avoid over-torque conditions.

10. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The connector further includes a first actuator coupled to the first rod and a gate coupled to the second rod, wherein the gate is configured to selectively open and close, and wherein, when the gate is subjected to over-torque by placing it beyond its optimal closed position, at least one of the first retaining pin and the second retaining pin is configured to fail before damage to the valve stem connection assembly occurs.

11. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The valve stem coupling assembly also includes an actuator housing, in which the coupling is contained.

12. The valve stem connection assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The actuator housing also includes an inlet door configured to align with the pin receiving channel, thereby allowing a user to selectively access the valve stem connection assembly to replace the retaining pin without disabling the valve stem connection assembly.

13. A valve stem connection assembly for isolating torque loads from thrust loads, comprising: Actuator housing; The first link is configured to withstand torque loads; The second rod is configured to withstand thrust loads; A connector, the connector further comprising: The first rod receiving channel is aligned with the longitudinal axis of the actuator housing. The second receiving channel is aligned with the first receiving channel. Multiple pin receiving channels are provided, the multiple pin receiving channels being oriented non-parallel to the first rod receiving channel and the second rod receiving channel, wherein the first rod is selectively connected to the first rod receiving channel, the second rod is selectively connected to the second rod receiving channel, a first fixing pin is selectively inserted into the first pin receiving channel to fix the orientation of the first rod in the first rod receiving channel, and a second fixing pin is selectively inserted into the second pin receiving channel to fix the orientation of the second rod in the second rod receiving channel, wherein the first rod and the second rod, the first fixing pin and the second fixing pin, and the connector constitute the valve stem connection assembly; A fixing bolt is fixed in the pin receiving channel and is configured to fix the fixing pin in place; An entrance door, disposed in the side of the actuator housing, is configured to provide an entrance to the pin receiving channel; and The connector is configured to connect the first rod and the second rod to isolate torque loads and thrust loads.

14. A valve stem connection assembly for isolating torque loads from thrust loads, comprising: The first link is configured to withstand torque loads; The second rod is configured to withstand thrust loads; The connector further includes: First pole receiving channel The second receiving channel is aligned with the first receiving channel. A plurality of pin receiving channels are oriented to be non-parallel to a first rod receiving channel and a second rod receiving channel, wherein the first rod is selectively connected to the first rod receiving channel, the second rod is selectively connected to the second rod receiving channel, a first fixing pin is selectively inserted into the first pin receiving channel to fix the orientation of the first rod in the first rod receiving channel, and a second fixing pin is selectively inserted into the second pin receiving channel to fix the orientation of the second rod in the second rod receiving channel, wherein the first rod and the second rod, the first fixing pin and the second fixing pin, and the connector constitute the valve stem connection assembly; The connector is configured to connect the first rod and the second rod to isolate torque loads and thrust loads; The valve stem coupling assembly also includes an actuator housing, in which the coupling is contained; and The actuator housing also includes an inlet door configured to align with the pin receiving channel, thereby allowing a user to selectively access the valve stem connection assembly to replace the retaining pin without disabling the valve stem connection assembly.

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