Diaphragm valve with plastic diaphragm

Abstract

Techniques for diaphragm valves with plastic diaphragms and reduced elastomeric backing pads or without the elastomeric backing pads are described, where perimeter or all sealing forces can be applied directly to the diaphragm of the valve assembly. In various examples, the valve assembly can include a pressure ring to apply sealing forces to the surface of the diaphragm with reduced backing pads or without the backing pads, allowing the pressure capacity of the valve assembly to be increased by a factor of two or more. In other examples, elastomeric or metal springs placed above the center diaphragm boss can provide center-to-edge compliance for the passage seal.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 912,864, filed June 26, 2020. The disclosure of the aforementioned application is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Background Technology

[0003] Unless otherwise stated herein, the materials described in this section are not prior art to the claims of this application and are not acknowledged as prior art simply because they are included in this section.

[0004] A diaphragm valve (or disc valve) comprises a valve body with two or more ports, a diaphragm, and a weir or seat, the diaphragm sealing against the weir or seat to close the valve. The peripheral seal of the diaphragm (sealing the valve assembly to prevent external leakage) and the weir seal rely on the elastomeric compliance of the sealing components. The peripheral seal may also depend on the elastomeric spring load to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the valve assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This disclosure generally describes diaphragm valves having a plastic diaphragm and a reduced elastomeric backing or without said elastomeric backing, wherein peripheral or all sealing forces can be applied directly to the diaphragm of the valve assembly.

[0006] According to some examples, a diaphragm valve assembly can include: a valve body having an inner wall, a first port defined by a first portion of the inner wall, a second port defined by a second portion of the inner wall, and a controllable flow path defined by a third portion of the inner wall between the first port and the second port; a plastic diaphragm positioned above an opening along the third portion of the inner wall, the diaphragm being configured to provide a peripheral seal along the periphery of the opening and a channel seal along a diameter-oriented weir-shaped element within the opening; and a pressure ring contacting the peripheral surface of the diaphragm, the pressure ring being configured to provide pressure to the diaphragm. A pressure load to provide the peripheral seal; a reduced-elasticity backing gasket, generally annular and configured to fit over the diaphragm within the pressure ring; a compressor located within the pressure ring and in contact with a portion of the reduced-elasticity backing gasket, the compressor being configured to selectively engage a central portion of the diaphragm to effectively form the channel seal; and a spindle coupled to the compressor, wherein the spindle is configured to actuate the compressor in a position between a closed position and an open position such that the diaphragm forms the channel seal in the closed position or releases the channel seal in the open position.

[0007] According to other examples, the diaphragm valve assembly may include: a handwheel configured to actuate the spindle in a position between the open and closed positions; and a valve cover receiving the pressure ring, the compressor, and the spindle. The diaphragm valve assembly may also include: a cover to be fitted over an upper portion of the valve cover and slidably coupled to the handwheel, wherein the cover includes threads on an inner surface that mate with corresponding threads on an outer surface of the valve cover, and the cover is configured to allow the handwheel to rotate to actuate the spindle in the position. The diaphragm valve assembly may also include: a plurality of pins configured to receive a pressure load from the cover; a load plate positioned to contact the plurality of pins and configured to receive the pressure load from the plurality of pins; and one or more springs positioned to contact the load plate and configured to: receive the load pressure from the load plate; and provide a peripheral sealing thrust to the pressure ring.

[0008] According to another example, the diaphragm valve assembly may also include a diaphragm stud mechanically coupled to the compressor and inserted into the central portion of the diaphragm to engage the diaphragm when the channel seal is released based on a reverse thrust from the compressor. The central portion of the diaphragm may be a raised diaphragm boss, and the reduced backing gasket may be configured to assemble around the diaphragm boss.

[0009] According to some examples, a diaphragm valve assembly can include: a valve body having an inner wall, a first port defined by a first portion of the inner wall, a second port defined by a second portion of the inner wall, and a controllable flow path defined by a third portion of the inner wall between the first port and the second port; a plastic diaphragm positioned above an opening along the third portion of the inner wall, the diaphragm being configured to provide a peripheral seal along the periphery of the opening and a channel seal along a diameter-oriented weir-like element within the opening; a pressure ring contacting a peripheral surface of the diaphragm, the pressure ring being configured to provide a pressure load to the diaphragm to provide the peripheral seal; a compressor located within the pressure ring and in contact with the diaphragm, the compressor being configured to selectively engage a central portion of the diaphragm to effectively form the channel seal; and a spindle coupled to the compressor, wherein the spindle is configured to actuate the compressor in a position between a closed position and an open position such that the diaphragm forms the channel seal in the closed position or releases the channel seal in the open position.

[0010] According to other examples, the diaphragm valve assembly may further include: a handwheel configured to actuate the spindle between the open and closed positions; and a valve cover receiving the pressure ring, the compressor, and the spindle. The diaphragm valve assembly may further include: a cover to be fitted over an upper portion of the valve cover and slidably coupled to the handwheel, wherein the cover includes threads on an inner surface that mate with corresponding threads on an outer surface of the valve cover, and the cover is configured to allow the handwheel to rotate to actuate the spindle to the position. The diaphragm valve assembly may further include: a plurality of pins configured to receive a pressure load from the cover; a load plate positioned to contact the plurality of pins and configured to receive the pressure load from the plurality of pins; and one or more springs positioned to contact the load plate and configured to: receive the load pressure from the load plate; and provide a peripheral sealing thrust to the pressure ring.

[0011] According to another example, the diaphragm valve assembly may also include a diaphragm stud mechanically coupled to the compressor and inserted into the diaphragm boss to engage the diaphragm when the channel seal is released based on a reverse thrust from the compressor. The pressure capacity of the valve assembly is capable of ranging from approximately 2300 psi to approximately 4400 psi. The opening may be generally circular, and the diaphragm may be generally rectangular.

[0012] According to some examples, a diaphragm valve assembly can include: a valve body having an inner wall, a first port defined by a first portion of the inner wall, a second port defined by a second portion of the inner wall, and a controllable flow path defined by a third portion of the inner wall between the first port and the second port; a plastic diaphragm positioned above an opening along the third portion of the inner wall, the diaphragm including a diaphragm sheet and a diaphragm boss protruding from a central portion of the diaphragm sheet, wherein the diaphragm is configured to provide a peripheral seal along the periphery of the opening and a channel seal along a diameter-oriented weir-shaped element within the opening; and a pressure ring contacting the peripheral surface of the diaphragm sheet, the pressure ring being configured to provide a pressure load to the diaphragm sheet to provide the peripheral seal; A compressor, located within the pressure ring, configured to selectively engage the diaphragm boss to effectively form the channel seal; a diaphragm stud, mechanically coupled to the compressor and inserted into the diaphragm boss to engage the diaphragm diaphragm when the channel seal is released based on a reverse thrust from the compressor; a spring, located between the diaphragm boss and the compressor around the diaphragm stud, configured to provide relative compliance with the height of the diaphragm boss; and a spindle coupled to the compressor, wherein the spindle is configured to actuate the compressor in a position between a closed position and an open position such that the diaphragm diaphragm forms the channel seal in the closed position or releases the channel seal in the open position.

[0013] According to other examples, the diaphragm valve assembly may further include: a handwheel configured to actuate the spindle in a position between the open and closed positions; and a valve cover receiving the pressure ring, the compressor, and the spindle. The diaphragm valve assembly may also include: a cover to be fitted over an upper portion of the valve cover and slidably coupled to the handwheel, wherein the cover includes threads on an inner surface that mate with corresponding threads on an outer surface of the valve cover, and the cover is configured to allow the handwheel to rotate to actuate the spindle in the stated position.

[0014] According to another example, the diaphragm valve assembly may further include: a plurality of pins configured to receive a pressure load from the cap; a load plate positioned to contact the plurality of pins and configured to receive the pressure load from the plurality of pins; and one or more springs positioned to contact the load plate and configured to: receive the load pressure from the load plate; and provide a peripheral sealing thrust to the pressure ring. The pressure capacity of the valve assembly is capable of ranging from about 2300 psi to about 4400 psi. The springs may be elastomers or metals. The opening may be generally circular.

[0015] The foregoing overview is merely illustrative and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, other aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent from the diagrams and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0016] The foregoing and other features of this disclosure will become more fully clear from the following description and the appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these drawings depict only a few embodiments according to this disclosure and are therefore not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, which will be described with additional features and details using these drawings, wherein:

[0017] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The exploded top and bottom views of the valve assembly are shown, which has a full flange backing and raised crimps on the diaphragm at the weir seal and peripheral seal.

[0018] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Showing the valve in the closed position Figure 1A and Figure 1B The process flow and weir section of the valve assembly, wherein both the peripheral seal and the weir seal are joined;

[0019] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The exploded top and bottom views of the valve assembly are shown, which has a concentrated contact ring on the backing and eliminates the raised diaphragm curl on the peripheral seal.

[0020] Figure 4A and 4B Show Figure 3A and Figure 3B The process flow and cross-section of the valve assembly;

[0021] Figure 5A and Figure 5B The top and bottom views of the valve assembly are shown, with the peripheral sealing force applied directly to the diaphragm.

[0022] Figure 6A and 6B Show Figure 5A and Figure 5B The process flow and cross-section of the valve assembly;

[0023] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The top and bottom exploded views of the valve assembly are shown, where all sealing forces are applied directly to the diaphragm;

[0024] Figure 8 Show Figure 7A and Figure 7B The cross-section of the weir-shaped component of the valve assembly; and

[0025] Figure 9 Show Figure 7A and Figure 7B The valve assembly has a weir-shaped cross-section, in which a spring is located above the central diaphragm boss to provide center-to-edge compliance for channel sealing.

[0026] Some of these are arranged according to at least some of the implementation schemes described in this article. Detailed Implementation

[0027] Reference is made in the following detailed description to the accompanying drawings, which form part of this document. In the drawings, similar symbols generally identify similar parts unless the context otherwise requires. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not intended to be limiting. Other embodiments and changes may be utilized without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. Various different configurations can be arranged, substituted, combined, separated, and designed as generally described herein and shown in the figures, all of which are expressly covered herein.

[0028] This disclosure generally relates, in particular, to methods, apparatus, systems and / or devices associated with diaphragm valves having a plastic diaphragm and a reduced elastomeric backing or without said elastomeric backing, wherein peripheral or all sealing forces can be applied directly to the diaphragm of the valve assembly.

[0029] In summary, techniques are described for diaphragm valves with a plastic diaphragm and a reduced elastomeric backing or without said elastomeric backing, wherein peripheral or all sealing forces can be applied directly to the diaphragm of the valve assembly. In various examples, the valve assembly can include a pressure ring to apply sealing forces to the surface of the diaphragm with or without said backing, thereby allowing the pressure capacity of the valve assembly to increase two or more times. In other examples, an elastomeric or metallic spring positioned above a central diaphragm boss can provide center-to-edge compliance for the channel seal.

[0030] Figure 1A and Figure 1B The diagram shows an exploded view of the top and bottom of a valve assembly with a full flange backing and raised creases on the diaphragm at the weir seal and peripheral seal.

[0031] Figure 1A and Figure 1B Both include a handwheel 102, a valve cover 104, a backing gasket 106, a diaphragm assembly 108, and a body 110. The body 110 may include an inner wall, a first portion of which defines a first valve port, and a second portion of which defines a second valve port. In some examples, the valve ports may be designated as inlet and outlet ports. The inner wall of the body 110 and the valve ports define a controlled flow path extending along the inner wall between the first and second valve ports. Flow of liquid or gas through the controlled flow path can be controlled by the diaphragm assembly 108, which provides a peripheral seal and a weir-shaped section seal to restrict flow.

[0032] Exemplary embodiments with specific components and configurations are shown and discussed, and these components and configurations should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments. For example, various exemplary valve assemblies with handwheel actuators are shown. Other forms of mechanical actuation for valve spindles / compressors, such as pneumatic (with or without springs) or electric motors, or even hydraulic actuation, may also be used in the exemplary embodiments. Similarly, other parts may be substituted or configured differently depending on the implementation specifications using the principles discussed herein.

[0033] Conventional diaphragm valves with plastic diaphragms have an elastomeric member between the plastic diaphragm and the component providing the sealing load. Both peripheral seals and weir seals rely on the compliance of the elastomeric member to overcome defects in the component and assembly. Peripheral seals also depend on the elastomeric spring load to accommodate different thermal expansion and contraction of the component parts. In the absence of an elastomeric member, the plastic diaphragm may be crushed by the metal component during heating and may loosen upon cooling, thus compromising the peripheral seal.

[0034] Figure 2A and Figure 2B Showing the valve in the closed position Figure 1A and Figure 1B The process flow and weir section of the valve assembly, in which both the peripheral seal and the weir seal are joined.

[0035] exist Figure 2AIn the process view, the valve assembly is shown as having a handwheel 202, a valve cover 204, an elastomer backing gasket 206, a diaphragm assembly 208, and a body 210. In the process flow section, the body 210 is shown as a cross-section along the valve port. The inner wall of the body is shaped such that liquid or gas is guided from the inlet port to the outlet port through a raised central portion (diaphragm valve), wherein the diaphragm assembly 208, when pressed down, contacts the raised portion and seals the passage preventing liquid or gas from passing through. In addition to sealing the passage through the body, the diaphragm assembly 208 also seals the periphery of the central portion to prevent leakage from the inside of the valve assembly to the outside.

[0036] Valve cover 204 houses main shaft 212, which is pressed down onto compressor 216 by movement of handwheel 202. Compressor 216 then presses down on the surface of diaphragm assembly 208 (above the weir-shaped flange and diaphragm boss 219) for channel sealing. Diaphragm stud 218 can be used to provide mechanical force from compressor toward the center of diaphragm assembly 208 when pulled upward to open the channel. O-ring 214 can be used to seal the inner wall of valve cover 204 and the outer surface of compressor 216, as well as the outer wall of valve cover 204 and the inner surface of handwheel 202. The bottom portion of valve cover 204 can be pressed down onto the peripheral surface of diaphragm assembly 208, thereby allowing a seal around the periphery of the protruding portion of body 210.

[0037] An elastomer backing gasket 206 is positioned between the diaphragm assembly 208 and the bottom portion of the valve cover 204, which provides the sealing load. Both peripheral seals and weir seals rely on the elastomer compliance of component and assembly defects. Peripheral seals also depend on the elastomer spring load to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the assembly. In the absence of an elastomer, the plastic diaphragm may be crushed by metal components during heating and may loosen upon cooling, thereby compromising the peripheral seal.

[0038] exist Figure 2B In the cross-section of the weir-shaped member, the diaphragm assembly 208 is shown in a depressed state, wherein the compressor 216, actuated by the main shaft 212, pushes downward on the diaphragm surface above the weir-shaped member crimp and the diaphragm boss 219, and thus presses the central portion of the diaphragm assembly 208 against the metal protruding surface of the valve body, thereby preventing liquid or gas from passing through the valve assembly.

[0039] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The diagram shows an exploded top and bottom view of a valve assembly with a pressure ring on the backing and elimination of raised diaphragm curls on the peripheral seal.

[0040] Figure 3A and Figure 3BBoth include a handwheel 302, a valve cover 304, a pressure ring 312, a backing gasket 306, a diaphragm assembly 308, and a body 310. The body 310 includes an inner wall, a first portion of which defines a first valve port, and a second portion of which defines a second valve port. The inner wall and valve ports of the body 310 define a controllable flow path extending along the inner wall between the first and second valve ports, and include a central portion with a raised body flange for contacting the diaphragm assembly 308 and providing a peripheral seal (through the circumference of the generally circular central portion) and a weir seal (through a linear portion of the diameter of the central portion).

[0041] Figure 3A and Figure 3B The configuration shown provides parallelism between the body flange and the peripheral sealing surface of the pressure ring, including allowable compliance with diaphragm thickness variations from non-parallel top / bottom diaphragm flange surfaces. The surface of the pressure ring used for the peripheral seal can be a highly controlled, flat, machined surface. The surface of the body flange or crimp used for the peripheral seal can also be a highly controlled, flat, machined surface.

[0042] Figure 4A and Figure 4B Showing the valve in the closed position Figure 3A and Figure 3B The process flow and weir section of the valve assembly, in which both the peripheral seal and the weir seal are joined.

[0043] exist Figure 4A In the process view, the valve assembly is shown as having a handwheel 402, a cover 403, a valve cover 404, an elastomer backing gasket 406, a diaphragm assembly 408, and a body 410. In the process flow section, the body 410 is shown as a cross-section along the valve port. The inner wall of the body is shaped such that liquid or gas is guided from the inlet port to the outlet port through a raised central portion (diaphragm valve), wherein the diaphragm assembly 408, when pressed down, contacts the raised portion and seals the passage preventing liquid or gas from passing through. In addition to sealing the passage through the body, the diaphragm assembly 408 also seals the periphery of the central portion to prevent leakage from the inside of the valve assembly to the outside.

[0044] Valve cover 404 houses a main shaft 412, which is pressed down onto compressor 416 by rotational movement of handwheel 402. Compressor 416 then presses down on the surface of diaphragm assembly 408 (above the weir-shaped flange and diaphragm boss 419) for channel sealing. When pulled upward to open the channel, diaphragm stud 418 can be used to provide mechanical force from the compressor toward the center of diaphragm assembly 408. Cover 403 locks valve cover 404 to body 410 and is secured to the upper portion of body by threaded connection. Valve cover 404 also includes spring 424 to provide peripheral sealing load and load plate 426. Pin 432 transfers the cover load to load plate 426, which transfers the load to spring 424 via pressure ring 434, applying peripheral sealing force to diaphragm 408.

[0045] O-ring 414 is used to seal the inner wall of valve cover 404 and the outer surface of pressure ring 434, load plate 426 to the inner surface of valve cover 404, and the outer wall of valve cover 404 and the inner surface of cover 403. Pressure ring 434, as described above, provides force for the peripheral seal between the diaphragm and the body, and the spindle / compressor thrust forms a weir seal, pressing against the diaphragm's central boss above the weir.

[0046] Figure 4A The configuration shown in (and 4B) uses spring 424 to provide peripheral seal thrust throughout its lifespan, thus providing compensation during mechanical and thermal cycling. Furthermore, this configuration provides excellent alignment and position control for all components, including excellent control over the positioning of the body to the upper portion parts, and provides parallelism between the body flange and the peripheral sealing surface of the pressure ring, including allowable compliance to variations in diaphragm thickness from non-parallel top / bottom diaphragm flange surfaces. The surface of the pressure ring used for the peripheral seal can be a highly controlled, flat, machined surface. The surface of the body flange or crimp used for the peripheral seal can also be a highly controlled, flat, machined surface. The compressor surface used for the channel seal is also a highly controlled, machined surface.

[0047] exist Figure 4B In the cross-section of the weir-shaped component, the diaphragm assembly 408 is shown in a compressed state, where, actuated by the main shaft 414, the compressor 416 pushes the diaphragm boss 419 downward, thus pressing the central portion of the diaphragm assembly 408 against the metal protruding surface of the valve body, thereby preventing liquid or gas from passing through the valve assembly. With peripheral sealing pressure transmitted through the elastomer backing gasket, the pressure is limited to approximately 2200 psi. Above this pressure, the elastomer undergoes extreme and unacceptable creep deformation and shearing.

[0048] Figure 5A and Figure 5BThe diagram shows top and bottom exploded views of a valve assembly arranged according to at least some of the embodiments described herein, wherein peripheral sealing forces are applied directly to the diaphragm.

[0049] Figure 5A and Figure 5B Both include a handwheel 502, a cover 503, a valve cover 504, a pressure ring 512, a reduced backing gasket 506, a diaphragm assembly 508, and a body 510. The body 510 includes an inner wall, a first portion of which defines a first valve port, and a second portion of which defines a second valve port. The inner wall and valve ports of the body 510 define a controllable flow path extending along the inner wall between the first and second valve ports, and include a central portion for contacting the diaphragm assembly 508 and providing a peripheral seal (through the circumference of the generally circular central portion) and a weir seal (through a linear portion of the diameter of the central portion).

[0050] Due to the parallelism provided between the peripheral sealing surfaces of the body flange and the pressure ring, where the surface of the pressure ring and the surface of the body flange or crimp can be highly controlled flat machined surfaces, the backing gasket can have a reduced, approximately annular shape, thereby allowing the valve assembly to have a higher pressure capacity.

[0051] Figure 6A and Figure 6B This illustrates a valve in the closed position arranged according to at least some of the embodiments described herein. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The process flow and weir section of the valve assembly, in which both the peripheral seal and the weir seal are joined.

[0052] exist Figure 6A In the process view, the valve assembly is shown as having a handwheel 602, a cover 603, a valve cover 604, an elastomer backing gasket 606, a diaphragm assembly 608, and a body 610. In the process flow section, the body 610 is shown as a section along the valve port. The inner wall of the body is shaped such that liquid or gas is guided from the inlet port to the outlet port through the central portion (diaphragm valve), wherein the diaphragm assembly 608 contacts the periphery of the central portion during installation and contacts the linear portion of the diameter when pressed down to seal the passage preventing liquid or gas from passing through.

[0053] Valve cover 604 houses main shaft 612, which is pressed down onto compressor 616 by rotational movement of handwheel 602. Compressor 616 then presses down on the surface of diaphragm assembly 608 (above the weir-shaped flange and diaphragm boss 619) for channel sealing. When pulled upward to open the channel, diaphragm stud 618 can be used to provide mechanical force from the compressor toward the center of diaphragm assembly 608. Cover 603 locks valve cover 604 to body 610 and is secured to the upper portion of body by threaded coupling.

[0054] O-ring 614 can be used to seal the inner wall of valve cover 604 and the outer surface of pressure ring 512, load plate 626 to the inner surface of valve cover 604, and the outer wall of valve cover 604 and the inner surface of cover 603. The bottom portion of pressure ring 512 can be pressed down onto the peripheral surface of diaphragm assembly 608, thereby allowing the periphery of the protrusion of sealing body 610 to be sealed.

[0055] Due to the spring force provided to the pressure ring 512 by the spring 624, the elastomeric backing gasket 606 has a generally annular shape that does not cover the contact area between the pressure ring and the diaphragm along the periphery. Even under extreme thermal and mechanical cycling conditions, and even on flat flanges with extremely poor surface finish, eliminating the elastomeric backing gasket above the diaphragm's peripheral seal allows for the use of concentrated high pressures (e.g., up to 4400 psi) to provide enhanced peripheral sealing capability. The reduced backing gasket 606 can be a simple washer-shaped stamped sheet that is easy to mount on the diaphragm boss and does not require a special orientation process.

[0056] exist Figure 6B In the weir-shaped cross-section, the diaphragm assembly 608 is shown in a depressed state, wherein, actuated by the main shaft 614, the compressor 616 pushes the diaphragm boss 619 downward, and thus presses the central portion of the diaphragm assembly 608 against the metal surface of the valve body, thereby preventing liquid or gas from passing through the valve assembly. A valve assembly configuration with a reduced backing can have an enhanced pressure capacity, for example, from 2300 psi to approximately 4400 psi.

[0057] When providing a peripheral seal for a diaphragm on a poor body surface, it may be necessary to increase the sealing pressure, causing the plastic diaphragm to mold into the surface defects. A layer of elastic material (elastomer backing) between the upper compression structure and the lower diaphragm is used to dilute the load over a larger area, thereby reducing pressure. If the required pressure is very high, such as the pressure required to mold plastic into a flange defect, the elastomer may undergo compressive shear, rupture, and cause the elastomer layer to fail over its lifetime. Simple elastomer backings made from cut discs have cutouts inside and around the periphery for the diaphragm to connect to the compressor. These fibers also provide the ability to break the sealing cap of the passage when strength requires an embedded fabric. Having an elastomer layer below the compressor allows the system to accommodate part variations and misalignment between parts and subassemblies. However, the elastomer layer also dilutes the actuator load over a larger area, thereby reducing the passage sealing pressure and similarly reducing sealing efficiency. Some, but not all, losses can be mitigated by... Figure 3A and Figure 3B The discussed diaphragm is re-rolled to restore its shape. The use of a backing gasket also adds to the valve assembly's components, requiring control and orientation of these components. This increased cost and complexity is not only evident in the initially supplied valve but also recurs with each diaphragm assembly replacement.

[0058] Figure 7A and Figure 7B The diagram shows top and bottom exploded views of a valve assembly arranged according to at least some of the embodiments described herein, wherein all sealing forces are applied directly to the diaphragm.

[0059] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Both include a handwheel 702, a cover 703, a valve cover 704, a pressure ring 712, a diaphragm assembly 708, and a body 710. The body 710 includes an inner wall, a first portion of which defines a first valve port, and a second portion of which defines a second valve port. The inner wall and valve ports of the body 710 define a controllable flow path extending along the inner wall between the first and second valve ports, and include a central portion for contacting the diaphragm assembly 708 and providing a peripheral seal (through the circumference of the generally circular central portion) and a weir seal (through a linear portion of the diameter of the central portion).

[0060] exist Figure 7A and Figure 7B In this configuration, the elastomer backing is completely removed. Therefore, the required pressure load can be met with reduced force. The elastomer backing can be eliminated from the valve assembly in systems with the advantages of pressure rings and internal springs as described above. In such systems, the requirements for compressor thrust compliance can be significantly reduced.

[0061] Figure 8 This illustrates a valve in the closed position arranged according to at least some of the embodiments described herein. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The valve assembly has a weir-shaped section, in which both the peripheral seal and the weir seal are joined.

[0062] exist Figure 8 In the cross-sectional view of the weir-shaped component, the valve assembly is shown as having a handwheel 802, a cover 803, a valve cover 804, a diaphragm assembly 808, and a body 810. In the process flow section, the body 810 is shown as a section along the valve port. The inner wall of the body is shaped such that liquid or gas is guided from the inlet port to the outlet port through the central portion (diaphragm valve), wherein the diaphragm assembly 808 contacts the periphery of the central portion during installation and contacts the linear portion of the diameter when pressed down to seal the passage preventing liquid or gas from passing through.

[0063] Valve cover 804 houses main shaft 812, which is pressed down onto compressor 816 by rotational movement of handwheel 802. Compressor 816 then presses down on the surface of diaphragm assembly 808 (above the weir-shaped flange and diaphragm boss 819) for channel sealing. When pulled upward to open the channel, diaphragm stud 818 can be used to provide mechanical force from the compressor toward the center of diaphragm assembly 808. Cover 803 locks valve cover 804 to body 810 and is secured to the upper portion of body by threaded coupling 822.

[0064] O-ring 814 can be used to seal the inner wall of valve cover 804 and the outer surface of pressure ring 712, load plate 828 to the inner surface of valve cover 804, and the outer wall of valve cover 804 and the inner surface of cover 803. The bottom portion of pressure ring 712 can be pressed down onto the peripheral surface of diaphragm assembly 808, thereby allowing a seal around the periphery of body 810.

[0065] Because of the spring force provided to the pressure ring 712 by the spring 824, the elastomeric backing is completely eliminated. Even under extreme thermal and mechanical cycling conditions, and even on flat flanges with extremely poor surface finish, the elimination of the elastomeric backing above the peripheral and channel seals of the diaphragm allows for the use of concentrated high sealing pressures (e.g., up to 4400 psi) to provide enhanced peripheral sealing capability, as well as increased valve capacity or the option of using smaller, less expensive actuations.

[0066] Figure 9 An arrangement according to at least some embodiments described herein is shown. Figure 7A and 7B The valve assembly has a weir-shaped section, in which a spring is located above a central diaphragm boss to provide center-to-edge compliance for the channel seal in the closed valve position, wherein both the peripheral seal and the weir-shaped seal engage.

[0067] exist Figure 9 In the cross-sectional view of the weir-shaped component, the valve assembly is shown as having a handwheel 902, a cover 903, a valve cover 904, a diaphragm assembly 908, and a body 910. In the process flow section, the body 910 is shown as a section along the valve port. The inner wall of the body is shaped such that liquid or gas is guided from the inlet port to the outlet port through the central portion (diaphragm valve), wherein the diaphragm assembly 908 contacts the periphery of the central portion during installation and contacts the linear diameter portion (weir-shaped component) when pressed down to seal the passage preventing liquid or gas from passing through.

[0068] Valve cover 904 houses a main shaft 912, which is pressed down onto compressor 916 by rotational movement of handwheel 902. Compressor 916 then presses down on the surface of diaphragm assembly 908 (above the weir-shaped flange and diaphragm boss 919) for channel sealing. When pulled upward to open the channel, diaphragm stud 918 can be used to provide mechanical force from compressor toward the center of diaphragm assembly 908. Spring (elastic or metallic) 932 replaces the elastic backing gasket below compressor 916 to provide relative compliance for boss height. Cover 903 locks valve cover 904 to body 910 and is secured to the upper portion of body by threaded connection 922. Valve cover 904 also includes spring 924 to provide peripheral sealing load and load plate 926.

[0069] O-ring 914 can be used to seal the inner wall of valve cover 904 and the outer surface of pressure ring 712, load plate 928 to the inner surface of valve cover 904, and the outer wall of valve cover 904 and the inner surface of cover 903. The bottom portion of pressure ring 712 can be pressed down onto the peripheral surface of diaphragm assembly 908, thereby allowing a seal around the periphery of body 910.

[0070] As described above, a small spring 932 (elastic or metallic) can be used above the diaphragm boss to provide relative compliance for the boss height instead of the elastomer below the compressor. In the case of eliminating the backing gasket, some other form of passage seal compliance may be required. Placing a compliance material above the diaphragm boss helps ensure that the actuator thrust is evenly distributed between the seal below the boss and the rest of the passage seal.

[0071] As previously stated, the implementation is not limited to handwheel actuation. Pneumatic (with or without springs) or electric motor actuation, or even hydraulic actuation, may also be used in the exemplary implementation without departing from the principles described herein.

[0072] The benefits of the valve assembly devices disclosed herein are multifaceted. For example, valve assemblies with reduced or removed elastomeric backing gaskets disclosed herein can allow for increased and / or concentrated peripheral sealing loads, enabling and maintaining the seal when a plastic diaphragm is used on a body flange with a poor surface finish. Exemplary systems can also allow for concentrated channel sealing loads, thus enabling and maintaining the seal with reduced actuation thrust. This efficiency can further allow for reduced actuator size and cost while increasing cycle life. Another benefit of the exemplary valve assembly may include simplifying the plastic diaphragm assembly to eliminate component and / or component complexity, while increasing control through improved seal reliability.

[0073] This disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, which are intended as illustrative of various aspects. Many modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure. In addition to the methods and apparatuses listed herein, functionally equivalent methods and apparatuses within the scope of this disclosure are also possible based on the foregoing description. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. This disclosure is limited only by the terms of the appended claims and the full scope of the equivalents granted by those claims. The terminology used herein is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be restrictive.

[0074] The topics described herein sometimes refer to different components contained within or connected to different other components. Such depicted architectures are merely examples, and many other architectures can actually be implemented to achieve the same functionality. Conceptually, any arrangement of components that achieves the same functionality is actually “associated” to enable the desired functionality. Therefore, any two components combined in this document to achieve a particular functionality can be considered “associated” with each other to enable the desired functionality, regardless of the architecture or intermediate components. Similarly, any two such associated components can also be considered “operably connected” or “operably coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality, and any two components that can be suchly associated can also be considered “operably coupled” to each other to achieve the desired functionality. Specific examples of operational coupling include, but are not limited to, components that can be physically connected and / or physically interact, and / or components that can interact wirelessly and / or wirelessly, and / or components that logically interact and / or can logically interact.

[0075] In relation to the general use of plural and / or singular terms herein, those skilled in the art can convert plural to singular and / or singular to plural as appropriate to the context and / or application. For clarity, various singular / plural permutations may be explicitly described herein.

[0076] Generally, the terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., the body of the appended claims), are intended to be “open-ended” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to”, the term “having” should be interpreted as “at least having”, the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to”, etc.). Those skilled in the art will further understand that if a particular number of introduced claim statements are desired, this intention will be explicitly stated in the claims, and if no such statements are present, this intention does not exist. For example, to aid understanding, the appended claims may contain the use of introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim statements. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed as implying that a claim statement introduced by the indefinite article “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such an introduced claim statement to containing only one embodiment of such a statement, even when the same claim contains introductory phrases such as “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should be interpreted as meaning “at least one” or “one or more”); the same applies to the use of definite articles used to introduce claim statements. Furthermore, even if a specific number of introduced claim statements are explicitly stated, those skilled in the art will recognize that such statements should be interpreted as meaning at least that number (e.g., the explicit statement “two statements” without other modifiers means at least two statements or two or more statements).

[0077] Furthermore, in cases where conventions such as "at least one of A, B, and C" are used, generally, those skilled in the art will understand the meaning of the convention and anticipate such constructions (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include, but is not limited to, systems having only A, only B, only C, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). Those skilled in the art should further understand that any disjunctive words and / or phrases that in fact represent two or more alternative terms, whether in the specification, claims, or drawings, should be understood to cover the possibility of including one, any, or both of the stated terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the possibility of "A" or "B" or "A and B".

[0078] For any and all purposes, such as providing a written description, all scopes disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subscopes and combinations thereof. Any enumerated scope is readily identifiable by sufficient description and is capable of being decomposed into at least two, three, four, five, ten, etc., identical parts. As a non-limiting example, each scope discussed herein is readily decomposed into a lower third, a middle third, and an upper third, etc. Those skilled in the art will also understand that all language, such as “up to,” “at least,” “more than,” “less than,” etc., includes the enumerated number and refers to a scope that can subsequently be decomposed into subscopes as discussed above. Finally, a scope includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 units means a group having 1, 2, or 3 units. Similarly, a group having 1-5 units means a group having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 units, and so on.

[0079] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments are also possible. The aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for illustrative purposes and are not intended to be restrictive, wherein the true scope and spirit are indicated by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A diaphragm valve assembly, the diaphragm valve assembly comprising: A valve body having an inner wall, a first port defined by a first portion of the inner wall, a second port defined by a second portion of the inner wall, and a controllable flow path defined by a third portion of the inner wall between the first port and the second port; A plastic diaphragm, positioned above the opening along the third portion of the inner wall, the diaphragm being configured to provide a peripheral seal along the periphery of the opening and a channel seal along a diametrically oriented weir within the opening; A pressure ring, which contacts the peripheral surface of the diaphragm, is configured to provide a pressure load to the diaphragm to provide the peripheral seal; A backing pad with reduced elasticity, the backing pad being generally annular and configured to be fitted over the diaphragm within the pressure ring; A compressor located within the pressure ring and in contact with the reduced backing portion, the compressor being configured to selectively engage the central portion of the diaphragm to effectively form the channel seal; A main shaft connected to the compressor, wherein the main shaft is configured to actuate the compressor in a position between a closed position and an open position, such that the diaphragm forms the channel seal in the closed position or releases the channel seal in the open position; A handwheel, configured to actuate the spindle between the open position and the closed position; A valve cover that houses the pressure ring, the compressor, and the main shaft; A cover, the cover to be fitted over the upper portion of the valve cover and slidably coupled to the handwheel, wherein the cover includes threads on an inner surface that mate with corresponding threads on an outer surface of the valve cover, and the cover is configured to allow the handwheel to rotate in order to actuate the position of the spindle; Multiple pins, the multiple pins being configured to receive pressure loads from the cover; A load plate, the load plate being positioned to contact the plurality of pins and configured to receive the pressure load from the plurality of pins; as well as One or more springs, the one or more springs being positioned in contact with the load plate and being configured to: Receive load pressure from the load plate; and Provide peripheral sealing thrust to the pressure ring.

2. The valve assembly of claim 1, further comprising: A diaphragm stud, mechanically coupled to the compressor and inserted into the central portion of the diaphragm, engages the diaphragm when the channel seal is released based on the reverse thrust from the compressor.

3. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 2, wherein the central portion of the diaphragm is a raised diaphragm boss, and the reduced backing pad is configured to assemble around the diaphragm boss.

4. A diaphragm valve assembly, the diaphragm valve assembly comprising: A valve body having an inner wall, a first port defined by a first portion of the inner wall, a second port defined by a second portion of the inner wall, and a controllable flow path defined by a third portion of the inner wall between the first port and the second port; A plastic diaphragm, positioned above the opening along the third portion of the inner wall, the diaphragm being configured to provide a peripheral seal along the periphery of the opening and a channel seal along a diametrically oriented weir within the opening; A pressure ring, which contacts the peripheral surface of the diaphragm, is configured to provide a pressure load to the diaphragm to provide the peripheral seal; A compressor located within the pressure ring and in contact with the diaphragm, the compressor being configured to selectively engage the central portion of the diaphragm to effectively form the channel seal; A main shaft connected to the compressor, wherein the main shaft is configured to actuate the compressor in a position between a closed position and an open position, such that the diaphragm forms the channel seal in the closed position or releases the channel seal in the open position; A handwheel, configured to actuate the spindle between the open position and the closed position; A valve cover that houses the pressure ring, the compressor, and the main shaft; A cover, the cover to be fitted over the upper portion of the valve cover and slidably coupled to the handwheel, wherein the cover includes threads on an inner surface that mate with corresponding threads on an outer surface of the valve cover, and the cover is configured to allow the handwheel to rotate in order to actuate the position of the spindle; Multiple pins, the multiple pins being configured to receive pressure loads from the cover; A load plate, the load plate being positioned to contact the plurality of pins and configured to receive the pressure load from the plurality of pins; as well as One or more springs, the one or more springs being positioned in contact with the load plate and being configured to: Receive load pressure from the load plate; and Provide peripheral sealing thrust to the pressure ring.

5. The valve assembly of claim 4, further comprising: A diaphragm stud, mechanically coupled to the compressor and inserted into a diaphragm boss, engages the diaphragm when the channel seal is released based on a reverse thrust from the compressor.

6. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 4, wherein the pressure capacity of the valve assembly is in the range of 2300 psi to 4400 psi.

7. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 4, wherein the opening is generally circular and the diaphragm is generally rectangular.

8. A diaphragm valve assembly, the diaphragm valve assembly comprising: A valve body having an inner wall, a first port defined by a first portion of the inner wall, a second port defined by a second portion of the inner wall, and a controllable flow path defined by a third portion of the inner wall between the first port and the second port; A plastic diaphragm, the plastic diaphragm being positioned above the opening along the third portion of the inner wall, the diaphragm including a diaphragm sheet and a diaphragm boss protruding from the central portion of the diaphragm sheet, wherein the diaphragm is configured to provide a peripheral seal along the periphery of the opening and a channel seal along a diametrically oriented weir-shaped element within the opening; A pressure ring that contacts the peripheral surface of the diaphragm sheet, the pressure ring being configured to provide a pressure load to the diaphragm sheet to provide the peripheral seal; A compressor located within the pressure ring, the compressor being configured to selectively engage the diaphragm boss to effectively form the channel seal; A diaphragm stud, mechanically coupled to the compressor and inserted into the diaphragm boss, to engage the diaphragm sheet when the channel seal is released based on the reverse thrust from the compressor; A spring is located between the diaphragm boss and the compressor, surrounding the diaphragm stud, and the spring is configured to provide relative compliance with the height of the diaphragm boss. as well as A main shaft connected to the compressor, wherein the main shaft is configured to actuate the compressor in a position between a closed position and an open position, such that the diaphragm forms the channel seal in the closed position or releases the channel seal in the open position; A handwheel, configured to actuate the spindle between the open position and the closed position; A valve cover that houses the pressure ring, the compressor, and the main shaft; A cover, the cover to be fitted over the upper portion of the valve cover and slidably coupled to the handwheel, wherein the cover includes threads on an inner surface that mate with corresponding threads on an outer surface of the valve cover, and the cover is configured to allow the handwheel to rotate in order to actuate the position of the spindle; Multiple pins, the multiple pins being configured to receive pressure loads from the cover; A load plate, the load plate being positioned to contact the plurality of pins and configured to receive the pressure load from the plurality of pins; as well as One or more springs, the one or more springs being positioned in contact with the load plate and being configured to: Receive load pressure from the load plate; and Provide peripheral sealing thrust to the pressure ring.

9. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the pressure capacity of the valve assembly is in the range of 2300 psi to 4400 psi.

10. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the spring is an elastomer or a metal.

11. The diaphragm valve assembly of claim 8, wherein the opening is generally circular.

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