High temperature ball valve

Abstract

This invention provides a high-temperature ball valve, relating to the field of ball valve technology, for use in an ethylene cracking furnace. The ethylene cracking furnace includes a convection section and a radiation section. Several radiation furnace tubes are arranged in the radiation section. The convection section is connected to the radiation furnace tubes via multiple parallel cross-pipes. A ball valve is installed on each cross-pipe. The ball valve includes a valve body, valve seat, ball, valve stem, stuffing box, packing assembly, and packing compression mechanism. With only simple mechanical structural additions, the ball valve achieves cooling after being heated during operation, significantly reducing the possibility of leakage of the high-temperature medium from the valve stem due to deformation of the ball valve packing assembly at ultra-high temperatures, and the possibility of the ball valve easily jamming due to thermal expansion at ultra-high temperatures. With only simple mechanical structural additions, the regular cross-linked structure formed between the heat dissipation component and the ball valve improves the structural strength and stability between the ball valve and the cross-pipes to resist stress deformation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ball valve technology, and specifically to a high-temperature ball valve. Background Technology

[0002] In ethylene plants, the cracking furnace is a crucial component of petrochemical production. Inside, it converts ethylene feedstock into products such as ethylene through high-temperature and high-pressure reactions. A cracking furnace typically consists of three parts: a convection section, a radiant section (including radiant furnace tubes and burners), and a quench boiler system. The cracking reaction in the radiant section tubes produces ethylene and propylene, among other products. Figure 1 Before entering the convection section, the feedstock is preheated using surface heat. After preheating to a certain level, dilution steam is injected into the pyrolysis feedstock to reduce hydrocarbon partial pressure. The convection section recovers waste heat from the high-temperature flue gas. The recovered heat is mainly used to preheat the pyrolysis feedstock and dilution steam, so that the pyrolysis feedstock is superheated to the pyrolysis reaction initiation temperature before entering the radiant section for further cracking. After entering the radiant section, the hydrocarbons and dilution steam are preheated to the cross temperature in the convection section and then enter the radiant coil. The radiant coil is heated by high-temperature combustion gas in the radiant section, causing the pyrolysis feedstock to crack inside the coil. The function of the quench boiler system is to terminate the secondary pyrolysis reaction and recover the high-temperature heat of the pyrolysis gas to generate ultra-high-pressure steam.

[0003] In a cracking furnace, due to factors such as temperature and pressure, some pipes need to cross between the convection and radiation sections of the furnace body. These cross pipes typically refer to pipes connecting both sides of the cracking furnace shell, and their function is to carry out media transfer and energy transfer operations within the cracking furnace, such as conveying coolant and transferring products to the next reactor. The operating temperature of the cross pipes is relatively high, varying depending on the cracking feedstock and operating conditions, approximately 600℃~650℃ (reaching over 680℃ under coking conditions). Cross pipes usually require special properties such as high temperature resistance, high pressure resistance, and corrosion resistance to meet the harsh working environment requirements of the cracking furnace, including high temperature, high pressure, and corrosion. The media in the cross pipes are usually high-temperature, high-pressure gases from inside the ethylene cracking furnace, including ethylene, propylene, hydrogen, and liquid hydrocarbons (byproducts). The transmission of these gases in the cross pipes requires withstanding high pressure and temperature; therefore, suitable pipe materials and fittings must be selected, and proper support and connections must be made to ensure the safe operation of the pipelines. Simultaneously, to ensure the stability and efficiency of cracking furnace production, the design and operation of the cross pipes must strictly adhere to specifications.

[0004] Structurally, the transverse pipe is generally a main pipe, composed of a manifold and branch pipes, or directly composed of multiple branch pipes. The preheated mixture of hydrocarbons and steam in the convection section enters the manifold through the high-temperature transverse pipe, and the flow rate into each branch pipe is controlled. The other end of the branch pipe is connected to the inlet of the radiant coil. The transverse pipe is the hottest pipeline in the pyrolysis furnace, where stress is concentrated. In severe cases, this can cause serious deformation of the radiant furnace tubes and localized overheating, exceeding the material's operating temperature and causing creep.

[0005] However, the interfaces of multiple cross pipes are generally connected to the convection section and the radiation section individually, and the connection points are not equipped with supporting structures, load-bearing structures, hangers, etc. for the cross pipes. This results in poor structural strength and stability of the cross pipes. Since the medium transported inside the cross pipes is a mixture of hydrocarbons and vapors produced during the ethylene manufacturing process, after long-term operation, under the action of high temperature and high pressure, the cross pipes may deform, which will obstruct the flow of the medium inside the pipe and affect production efficiency and safety.

[0006] Since the medium transported inside the cross tube is a mixture of hydrocarbons and vapors produced during the ethylene manufacturing process, the cross tube is equipped with pressure gauges for detecting pressure, ball valves for cutting off the medium and regulating flow, flow venturi tubes for controlling flow, differential pressure gauges for detecting changes in venturi tube pressure, and measuring elements for measuring the outlet temperature (COT) of the radiant furnace tubes, etc., to facilitate the control of various operating conditions by the staff.

[0007] When conveying a mixture of hydrocarbons and steam in the cross tubes of a cracking furnace, the ball valve mainly serves the following functions:

[0008] Flow regulation: Ball valves can regulate the flow rate of mixtures in pipelines by rotating the ball, thereby controlling the speed and amount of media transported.

[0009] Cut off the medium: The ball valve can cut off the flow of the medium in the pipeline by rotating the ball, thereby achieving the cutting off and isolation of the medium.

[0010] Pressure regulation: Ball valves can also regulate the pressure inside the pipeline by rotating the ball, thereby controlling the pressure of the medium.

[0011] High temperature and high pressure resistance: As a key pipeline device, ball valves need to be resistant to high temperature and high pressure to withstand the high temperature and high pressure gas and liquid mixtures inside the pipeline.

[0012] Therefore, ball valves play an important role in the process of transporting hydrocarbon and steam mixtures across the pipes of the cracking furnace, ensuring the flow, cut-off and isolation of the medium, while meeting the requirements of medium regulation, diversion and pressure regulation.

[0013] Structurally, ball valves typically consist of the following main components:

[0014] Ball: The ball is the main component of a ball valve, and it is usually made of materials such as steel, stainless steel, cast iron, copper alloy, and titanium alloy. The internal passage of the ball is spherical, and the rotation of the ball controls the opening and closing of the passage.

[0015] Valve seat: The valve seat is an annular gasket installed inside the ball, usually made of elastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene, polyurethane, or polymethyl methacrylate. The valve seat ensures a seal between the surfaces in contact with the ball when it rotates, thereby preventing media leakage.

[0016] Transmission device: The transmission device typically consists of a handle, gears, an electric motor, pneumatic components, etc. By controlling the transmission device, the position of the ball can be changed to achieve the function of opening and closing the pipeline.

[0017] Packing: Packing is used to fill the gap between the valve stem and the valve cover to prevent media leakage. Packing is usually made of flexible materials, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, flax fiber, asbestos, etc.

[0018] Valve cover: The valve cover is used to secure the valve stem and packing, and is usually made of materials such as cast iron or cast steel. The seal between the valve cover and the ball is typically achieved by the packing and the valve seat.

[0019] Valve stem: The valve stem is a rod-shaped component that connects the ball and the transmission mechanism, and is usually made of materials such as stainless steel or copper alloy. By rotating the transmission mechanism, the up-and-down movement of the valve stem controls the position of the ball, thus realizing the function of opening and closing the pipeline.

[0020] As we know, the opening and closing element of a ball valve is a ball. It uses the rotation of the ball around the valve stem axis by 90° to connect or disconnect the medium. The biggest advantage of a ball valve is that when the valve is in the open position, the flow path of the ball is in a straight line with the inlet and outlet flow paths, allowing the medium to pass through the valve continuously without obstruction, resulting in a very small pressure drop, the smallest among all valve types. Ball valves also have advantages such as rapid opening and closing, convenient operation, good seat sealing performance, reliable valve stem sealing, long service life, and wide applicability. They are one of the fastest-growing valve types in recent years, partially replacing gate valves, globe valves, and throttle valves.

[0021] However, the seat seals of ball valves widely used in industrial and civil applications are made of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which is inert to almost all chemicals and has advantages such as a low coefficient of friction and good sealing properties. However, its operating temperature generally does not exceed 200℃. To distinguish this type of soft-seal ball valve, ball valves with an operating temperature exceeding 250℃ are usually called high-temperature ball valves. Currently, the operating temperature of conventional high-temperature ball valves does not exceed 600℃. With the development of petrochemical and metallurgical plants towards higher parameters, the operating temperature of ball valves is much higher than 600℃. Ball valves on the cross-pipes of ethylene plant cracking furnaces are designed for 750℃. When the medium temperature exceeds 600℃, the common problems with conventional high-temperature ball valves include: the ball expands under ultra-high temperatures, causing the valve to easily jam and become inoperable; the hardened coating on the ball and seat sealing surfaces cannot meet the requirements of ultra-high temperature conditions, resulting in very large leakage and failing to meet operating requirements; and the packing expands and experiences stress alternation at ultra-high temperatures, making it easy for the ultra-high temperature medium to leak out from the valve stem, failing to meet operating requirements. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of valve to meet the requirements of ultra-high temperature and harsh operating conditions. This invention provides a ball valve for use on the cross pipe in an ethylene cracking furnace. Through structural improvements, it not only solves the problems of easy jamming and large leakage of the ball valve under ultra-high temperature and harsh operating conditions, but also improves the structural strength and stability between the ball valve and the cross pipe to resist stress deformation. Summary of the Invention

[0022] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, the present invention aims to provide a ball valve, the specific solution of which is as follows:

[0023] A high-temperature ball valve is used in an ethylene cracking furnace, which includes a convection section and a radiation section. The radiation section has several radiant furnace tubes arranged in a row. The convection section is connected to the radiant furnace tubes via multiple parallel cross-pipes. A ball valve is installed on each cross-pipe. The ball valve includes a valve body, a valve seat, a ball, a valve stem, a stuffing box, a packing assembly, and a packing compression mechanism for installing the packing assembly in the stuffing box. The valve seat is located in the medium channel of the valve body. The ball is located in the medium channel of the valve body and is held by the valve body and valve seat on its left and right sides, respectively. The stuffing box is detachably installed on the upper part of the valve body, with its lower end sealed to the valve body. The packing assembly is embedded in the upper end of the stuffing box and is pressed against by the packing compression mechanism. The lower end of the valve stem, passing through the packing compression mechanism, the packing assembly, and the stuffing box, is inserted into a connecting groove above the ball. A heat dissipation assembly is provided between the ball valve components.

[0024] The heat dissipation components include heat dissipation fins and heat dissipation pipes, both of which are made of stainless steel.

[0025] The heat dissipation fins are generally disc-shaped. On each ball valve, at least two heat dissipation fins are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the stuffing box along its axial direction. An S-shaped channel is formed in the heat dissipation fins along the axial direction of the stuffing box.

[0026] The internal structure of the heat dissipation piping is hollow, including a V-shaped inlet pipe, a V-shaped outlet pipe, and at least one X-shaped branch pipe. The V-shaped inlet pipe has at least four pipes and a fluid inlet connector for connecting to the coolant is formed in the middle. The V-shaped outlet pipe has at least four pipes and a fluid outlet connector for discharging the coolant is formed in the middle. The X-shaped branch pipe has at least eight pipes and a fluid transfer connector is formed in the middle.

[0027] On the outer side of the ball valve at the edge, a V-shaped inflow pipe is provided between the upper and lower adjacent heat dissipation fins. The ends of the V-shaped inflow pipe are fixed to the two heat dissipation fins respectively and connected to the S-shaped channel.

[0028] On the outside of another ball valve located at the edge, a V-shaped outflow pipe is provided between the upper and lower adjacent heat dissipation fins. The ends of the V-shaped outflow pipe are fixed to the two heat dissipation fins respectively and connected to the S-shaped channel.

[0029] An X-shaped diversion pipe is provided between two adjacent ball valves and between adjacent upper and lower heat dissipation fins. The ends of the X-shaped diversion pipe are fixed to the two heat dissipation fins and connected to the S-shaped channel.

[0030] The V-shaped inflow pipe, X-shaped branch pipe, V-shaped outflow pipe, and heat dissipation fins are interconnected and form a cross-linked structure with a hollowed-out design, creating a stress-resistant area across the pipe.

[0031] Furthermore, the valve body is a two-section valve body, including a main valve body and a secondary valve body that are joined together, with a medium channel formed inside, and a high-temperature sealing gasket for the valve body is provided at the joint.

[0032] At least four valve body locking studs are threaded through the main valve body and the auxiliary valve body, and the valve body locking studs are locked by the valve body locking nuts.

[0033] At least four stuffing box locking studs are bolted through the top of the main valve body and the bottom of the stuffing box. The stuffing box locking studs are locked by the stuffing box locking nuts. A stuffing box high-temperature sealing gasket is provided between the stuffing box and the main valve body.

[0034] Furthermore, the stuffing box has a rotating hole that matches the valve stem, and a friction-reducing sealing gasket is provided between the shoulder of the valve stem and the bottom of the stuffing box, and the friction-reducing sealing gasket is fixedly connected to the stuffing box.

[0035] The top of the stuffing box may also have a stuffing hole with a diameter larger than the rotating hole;

[0036] The packing assembly includes a packing pad, a high-temperature, low-leakage combined packing, a packing gland, and a packing gland;

[0037] The packing pad is placed at the bottom of the packing hole, the high temperature and low leakage combined packing is placed above the packing pad, the packing pressure sleeve is placed above the high temperature and low leakage combined packing, and the packing gland is placed above the packing pressure sleeve. The packing gland and the packing pressing mechanism cooperate with each other to achieve axial compression of the packing pressure sleeve.

[0038] Furthermore, the packing mechanism includes a disc spring assembly and screws;

[0039] At least two screws are provided, with the packing gland and stuffing box threaded through them in sequence.

[0040] The disc spring assembly is located between the screw and the packing gland, and is sleeved on the outer wall of the screw.

[0041] Furthermore, the valve seat is located on the main valve body, and a valve seat preload disc spring is provided between the side of the valve seat away from the ball and the main valve body.

[0042] Furthermore, the valve body high-temperature sealing gasket, stuffing box high-temperature sealing gasket, and stuffing gasket are made of vermiculite material, and the high-temperature low-leakage combined packing is set as a multi-layer structure made of vermiculite and ceramic materials;

[0043] The inner spherical surface of the valve seat, the outer spherical surface of the ball, and the inner spherical surface of the integrated valve seat of the auxiliary valve body are all provided with an ultra-high temperature hardening coating. The spraying material of the ultra-high temperature hardening coating is chromium carbide-cobalt nickel chromium aluminum yttrium.

[0044] Furthermore, the fluid inlet connector is ellipsoidal in shape and has at least two inlets;

[0045] One inlet is for introducing a cooling medium, and the other inlets are for introducing a composition that can undergo an endothermic reaction.

[0046] Furthermore, all edges of the heat dissipation fins within the S-shaped channel adopt a rounded corner transition structure, and all edges inside the heat dissipation pipe also adopt a rounded corner transition structure.

[0047] Furthermore, fluid inlet connectors can be installed on the outer sides of both ball valves at the outermost edges, with each fluid inlet connector connected to a main coolant source;

[0048] Along the axial direction of the stuffing box, the flow directions of two adjacent main coolant sources can be set to be opposite.

[0049] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0050] (1) When an ultra-high temperature medium is introduced into a ball valve, the ultra-high temperature medium directly contacts the ball, valve seat, and valve body. Since the valve stem is the heat transfer component inside the ball valve and the stuffing box is the heat conduction component outside the ball valve, this invention, based on the conventional structure of a ball valve, sets a heat dissipation component between the stuffing boxes of multiple ball valves. Under the action of temperature difference, it not only achieves efficient heat dissipation of the stuffing component, but also plays a certain role in heat dissipation inside the ball valve. Moreover, it combines the corresponding multiple cross tubes into a whole structural module. With only simple mechanical structural additions, the ball valve can complete the cooling operation after being heated during operation, greatly reducing the possibility of ultra-high temperature medium leakage from the valve stem due to deformation of the ball valve stuffing component at ultra-high temperature, and the possibility of the ball valve easily getting stuck due to thermal expansion at ultra-high temperature. With only simple mechanical structural additions, the regular cross-linked structure formed between the heat dissipation component and the ball valve improves the structural strength and structural stability between the ball valve and the cross tubes to resist stress deformation.

[0051] (2) Specifically, by setting heat dissipation fins on the stuffing box of the ball valve, heat dissipation pipes are set between the heat dissipation fins of different ball valves. By passing coolant into the heat dissipation pipes, the coolant absorbs the heat of different ball valves arranged in the heat dissipation pipes in sequence along the path of the heat dissipation pipes, namely the V-shaped inflow pipe, the S-shaped channel on the heat dissipation fins, the X-shaped diversion pipe, the S-shaped channel on the heat dissipation fins, and the V-shaped outflow pipe. The temperature of the stuffing box is reduced first. Based on the principle of temperature difference, the packing assembly, valve stem, ball, valve body and valve seat are cooled down in sequence, thereby achieving cooling and heat dissipation of most of the structure on the ball valve.

[0052] (3) Because the V-shaped inflow pipe, X-shaped branch pipe, and V-shaped outflow pipe are all equipped with multiple pipes, they can support different ball valves in different directions, or support different heat dissipation fins on the same ball valve. When this ball valve assembly of the present invention is installed on the cross pipe, and when this cross pipe is installed between the convection section and the radiation section, the overall structural strength and stability of the ball valve and the cross pipe are stronger and better than when a single ball valve is installed on the cross pipe, due to the mutual support between the three ball valves. Attached Figure Description

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the pyrolysis furnace in the background art;

[0054] Figure 2 This is an overall schematic diagram of the ball valve assembly consisting of three high-temperature ball valves of the present invention installed on a transverse pipe;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the high-temperature ball valve of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 4 for Figure 2The main view;

[0057] Figure 5 for Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view showing the S-shaped channel in the heat sink fins.

[0058] Reference numerals: 1. Main valve body; 2. Valve body locking stud; 3. Valve body locking nut; 4. Valve body high-temperature sealing gasket; 5. Valve seat; 6. Valve seat preload disc spring; 7. Ball; 71. Connecting groove; 8. Secondary valve body; 9. Valve stem; 91. Limiting plate; 92. Limiting arc surface; 10. Sliding bearing; 11. Anti-friction sealing gasket; 12. Stuffing gland; 121. Rotating hole; 122. Packing hole; 13. Packing assembly; 131. Packing gasket; 132. High-temperature low-leakage combined packing; 133. Packing sleeve; 13 4. Packing gland; 14. High-temperature sealing gasket for stuffing box; 15. Locking stud for stuffing box; 16. Locking nut for stuffing box; 17. Packing press mechanism; 171. Disc spring assembly; 172. Screw; 18. Heat dissipation fins; 181. S-shaped channel; 19. Heat dissipation piping; 20. V-shaped inlet piping; 201. Fluid inlet connector; 202. Inlet; 21. V-shaped outlet piping; 211. Fluid outlet connector; 212. Outlet; 22. X-shaped diversion piping; 221. Fluid transfer connector; 23. Cross pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings, but the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto.

[0060] In the field of petrochemical production, the cracking furnaces in existing ethylene plants mainly include convection sections and radiation sections. When producing ethylene, the raw materials are preheated in the convection section and then enter the radiation section through a cross tube to undergo a cracking reaction.

[0061] For the process requirements of cracking furnaces, the flow rate of the medium entering each radiant furnace tube generally needs to be basically consistent. Therefore, the pressure drop of the fluid entering each branch pipe from each main pipe of the cross-pipes should be kept as uniform as possible. In other words, the cross-pipes should be arranged symmetrically to ensure uniform fluid distribution, pressure drop that meets process requirements, and to avoid excessive pressure difference between different groups of pipes. Furthermore, due to the large thermal displacement of the cross-pipes during operation, there should be sufficient space between the cross-pipes and other adjacent pipes and steel structures between the convection and radiant sections. This is to ensure that the cross-pipes do not collide with other pipes or restrict normal pipe displacement during thermal displacement. Therefore, a certain distance is generally set between the cross-pipes.

[0062] Despite meeting the above process requirements, most cracking furnaces still have other defects in the pipelines where the cross tubes are located. For example, in an ethylene cracking furnace with announcement number CN109486506B, radiant furnace tubes are arranged in the radiant section, and all the radiant furnace tubes in each large group are connected to a common manifold, which is connected to the convection section through the cross tube. In this type of cracking furnace, multiple cross-pipes are installed between the convection section and the radiation section. It is evident that, since the two ends of the cross-pipes are connected to the convection section and the manifold respectively, no other structural arrangements have been made for the cross-pipes. Considering the piping layout and flexible design of the cracking furnace, although corresponding designs have been made for the arrangement and direction of the cross-pipes, the long-term high-temperature and high-pressure transport of the cross-pipes can easily cause pipeline stress. In summary, the aforementioned ethylene cracking furnace, as well as existing ethylene cracking furnaces on the market, have the following defects: the interfaces of multiple cross-pipes are all individually connected to the convection section and the radiation section, and no supporting structures, load-bearing structures, hangers, etc., are provided for the cross-pipes, resulting in poor structural strength and stability at the connection points between the cross-pipes and the convection section and the radiation pipe; since the function of the cross-pipes is to transport ultra-high-temperature media, the ball valves on the cross-pipes are also affected by high-temperature stress deformation, resulting in poor internal structure of the ball valves and poor structural strength and stability between the ball valves and the cross-pipes.

[0063] In detail, due to the effects of high temperature and high pressure, prolonged operation may cause the following defects to the ball valve and transverse pipe:

[0064] (1) Ball valve jamming: The ball of the ball valve may jam under long-term high temperature and high pressure, which will obstruct the flow of the medium inside the pipeline and affect production efficiency and safety.

[0065] (2) Valve stem seal failure: The seal or packing between the valve stem and the ball valve body may fail under long-term high temperature and high pressure, resulting in leakage of ultra-high temperature medium, which affects production efficiency and safety.

[0066] (3) Deformation of ball valve and cross pipe: Under long-term high temperature and high pressure, the ball valve will be affected by high temperature stress, and the internal structure of the ball valve will be deformed by stress. The connection between the cross pipe and the cracking furnace may be deformed by stress, which will obstruct the flow of the medium inside the pipeline and affect production efficiency and safety.

[0067] Therefore, in order to ensure the safe operation of the cross-pipe and ball valve, the following methods are generally used in the existing technology:

[0068] Enhanced inspection and maintenance: Regular inspection and maintenance should be carried out to promptly identify and repair or replace defects in the ball valve and cross pipe 23, ensuring the stability and safety of the equipment.

[0069] Adopting new technologies: Adopting new technologies can improve the high temperature and high pressure resistance of ball valves and cross pipe 23. For example, adopting new sealing elements and coating technologies can improve the sealing performance and corrosion resistance of ball valves.

[0070] Optimize equipment operating parameters: Optimizing equipment operating parameters can reduce the stress on the ball valve and the cross pipe 23. For example, adjusting parameters such as flow rate and temperature can reduce the operating pressure and temperature of the ball valve and the cross pipe 23, thereby extending their service life.

[0071] Unlike existing technologies, this invention proposes a modular ball valve, i.e., a multiple ball valve assembly, the number of which is not limited and can be adjusted according to the number of cross pipes 23. Specifically, this type of ball valve assembly is uniformly assembled between the branch pipes of the cross pipes 23. Based on the original structure of the ball valve, this ball valve assembly only requires the addition of some simple mechanical structures. It solves the problems of easy valve jamming and large leakage under ultra-high temperature and harsh operating conditions, while improving the structural strength and stability between the ball valve and the cross pipes 23 to resist stress deformation.

[0072] To facilitate the explanation of the present invention's content regarding the transverse pipe 23 and the ball valve, the specific details concerning the convection section and the radiation section—two existing structures—are disclosed here in relation to the present invention. Other details are not specifically disclosed. The radiation section contains several radiant furnace tubes, and the convection section is connected to the radiant furnace tubes via multiple transverse pipes 23. Each transverse pipe 23 is equipped with a ball valve. The ball valve of the present invention includes a valve body, a valve seat 5, a ball 7, a valve stem 9, a stuffing box 12, a packing assembly 13, and a packing compression mechanism 17 for installing the packing assembly 13 in the stuffing box 12. The valve body, valve seat 5, ball 7, valve stem 9, stuffing box 12, packing assembly 13, and packing compression mechanism 17 are conventional components in existing ball valves; however, the specific structure of each ball valve differs, as detailed below:

[0073] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the valve body is a two-section valve body, including a main valve body 1 and a secondary valve body 8 connected together. The main valve body 1 and the secondary valve body 8 are preferably made of forgings, and the materials are preferably high-temperature stainless steel (such as F310H, F347H) and nickel-based alloys. The secondary valve body 8 has an integral valve seat 5 for holding the ball 7, one side of which extends into the main valve body 1, as shown in the attached diagram. Figure 3As can be seen from the orientation, after the main valve body 1 and the auxiliary valve body 8 are assembled into the valve body, a medium channel is formed inside. A high-temperature sealing gasket 4 is provided at the joint to improve the sealing performance between the main valve body 1 and the auxiliary valve body 8 and reduce the possibility of leakage when ultra-high temperature media pass through them. During installation, four symmetrically arranged valve body locking studs 2 are threaded from left to right on the main valve body 1 and the auxiliary valve body 8. The valve body locking studs 2 are locked by the valve body locking nuts 3, realizing the detachable and fixed connection between the main valve body 1 and the auxiliary valve body 8.

[0074] A valve seat 5 is installed in the medium passage inside the valve body. The valve seat 5 is specifically located on the main valve body 1 of the valve body. The inner spherical surface of the valve seat 5, which is used to hold the ball 7, faces the auxiliary valve body 8. The ball 7 is located between the auxiliary valve body 8 and the valve seat 5, with its left side held by the auxiliary valve body 8 and its right side held by the valve seat 5. In a further improvement, at least two valve seat preload disc springs 6 are installed between the valve seat 5 and the main valve body 1 on the side away from the ball 7. The ball 7 has a floating ball structure. After installation, the valve seat preload disc springs 6 generate elastic force due to compression, which acts on the valve seat 5, pushing the inner spherical surface of the valve seat 5 to always be in close contact with the outer spherical surface of the ball 7. When the ball 7 is heated and expands at ultra-high temperature, it will push the valve seat preload disc springs 6 to move slightly to the right axially, which can effectively solve the problem of wear-resistant ball valves easily getting stuck at ultra-high temperature. When the ultra-high temperature medium enters from the right end of the main valve body 1, the force of the ultra-high temperature medium and the elastic force of the valve seat pre-tightening disc spring 6 work together on the ball 7, pushing it into the inner ball surface of the integrated valve seat 5 of the auxiliary valve body 8 located on the left to achieve ultra-high temperature sealing performance.

[0075] The optimized design incorporates an ultra-high temperature hardening coating on the inner spherical surface of the valve seat 5, the outer spherical surface of the ball 7, and the inner spherical surface of the integrated valve seat 5 of the auxiliary valve body 8. The coating material is chromium carbide-cobalt-nickel-chromium-aluminum-yttrium, which allows the ultra-high temperature hardening coating to operate at temperatures above 950°C and achieve a hardness of up to 750 HV. This not only achieves ultra-high temperature sealing performance but also improves wear resistance.

[0076] The stuffing box 12 can also be made of the same high-temperature stainless steel as the valve body. It can be detachably installed on the top of the main valve body 1, with its lower end sealed to the valve body. During installation, four symmetrically arranged stuffing box locking studs 15 are bolted through the top of the main valve body 1 and the bottom of the stuffing box 12 from top to bottom. The stuffing box locking studs 15 are locked by the stuffing box locking nuts 16. In addition, to improve the sealing between the main valve body 1 and the stuffing box 12, a stuffing box high-temperature sealing gasket 14 is provided between the stuffing box 12 and the main valve body 1. The stuffing box high-temperature sealing gasket 14 reduces the possibility of leakage of ultra-high temperature media through the two.

[0077] The stuffing box 12 has a rotating hole 121 inside that matches the valve stem 9. After the valve stem 9 passes through the rotating hole 121, its lower end is inserted into the connecting groove 71 above the ball 7 and moves in conjunction with the ball 7. To solve the problem of increased friction between the valve stem 9 and the packing after the packing is tightened, resulting in increased valve torque and difficulty in opening and closing, a vertical hole is opened at the top of the main valve body 1, and a sliding bearing 10 is installed inside. The sliding bearing 10 is fixed to the lower plane of the shoulder of the valve stem 9, allowing the valve stem 9 to rotate relative to the sliding bearing 10, thereby reducing the coefficient of friction and frictional force. When the valve stem 9 rotates relative to the rotating hole 121, the ball 7 rotates accordingly. Since the stuffing box 12 remains stationary, to reduce wear on the stuffing box 12, a friction-reducing sealing gasket 11 is provided between the shoulder of the valve stem 9 and the bottom of the stuffing box 12, and the friction-reducing sealing gasket 11 is fixedly connected to the stuffing box 12.

[0078] The top of the stuffing box 12 may also have a stuffing hole 122 with a diameter larger than that of the rotating hole 121. The stuffing hole 122 is relatively short and is used to fill the stuffing assembly 13. The stuffing assembly 13 includes a stuffing pad 131, a high-temperature low-leakage combined packing 132, a stuffing sleeve 133, and a stuffing cap 134. In this embodiment, the stuffing pad 131 is made of vermiculite material. The aforementioned valve body high-temperature sealing gasket 4 and stuffing box high-temperature sealing gasket 14 can also be made of vermiculite material. The high-temperature low-leakage combined packing 132 is set as a multi-layer structure made of vermiculite and ceramic materials. The number of layers and the order between the layers are not specifically limited.

[0079] Vermiculite is a natural, soft mineral primarily composed of silicates and alumina. It possesses good heat and corrosion resistance, and its low density makes it easy to process. Ceramic materials, on the other hand, are characterized by high hardness, high strength, high wear resistance, high corrosion resistance, and high temperature resistance, typically made from materials such as alumina and zirconium oxide. Due to their high hardness and density, ceramic materials offer good wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and sealing performance, making them suitable for harsh environments requiring high pressure and high temperature. While vermiculite has a lower density, it exhibits excellent low-leakage performance, making it particularly suitable for sealing in low-pressure and low-temperature environments, without affecting its use in high-pressure and high-temperature environments.

[0080] When assembling the packing assembly 13, the packing pad 131 is positioned at the bottom of the packing hole 122 to prevent the high-temperature, low-leakage combined packing 132 from being squeezed downwards and affecting the sealing performance when the valve stem 9 rotates. The high-temperature, low-leakage combined packing 132 is positioned above the packing pad 131. The packing gland is in an inverted L-shape and is fitted over the high-temperature, low-leakage combined packing 132, with part of it inside the packing hole 122 and the other part protruding outside the packing hole 122. When the thickness of the high-temperature, low-leakage combined packing 132 is compressed, the packing pad 131 can continue to penetrate deeper into the packing hole 122 until its top abuts against the top of the stuffing box 12. The packing gland 134 is positioned above the packing sleeve 133. The packing gland 134 and the packing compression mechanism 17 cooperate with each other to achieve axial compression of the packing sleeve 133.

[0081] To achieve the tightening of the packing assembly 13, the packing mechanism 17 includes a disc spring assembly 171 and screws 172. Two screws 172 are symmetrically arranged about the valve stem 9 as an axis of symmetry, and are threaded through the packing gland 134 and the stuffing box 12 sequentially from top to bottom. The disc spring assembly 171 is positioned between the screws 172 and the packing gland 134, sleeved on the outer wall of the screws 172. As the screws 172 are gradually tightened, under the axial compression of the packing sleeve 133 and the packing gland 134, the disc spring assembly 171 stores elastic potential energy. The high-temperature, low-leakage combined packing 132 deforms laterally under force, gradually pressing against the valve stem 9, thus achieving a seal on the valve stem 9. During ultra-high temperature expansion and stress alternation, the preload of the high-temperature, low-leakage combined packing 132 can be compensated under the elastic balance of the disc spring assembly 171, reducing the possibility of ultra-high temperature media leaking from the valve stem 9 to the outside.

[0082] In an optimized configuration, a limiting plate 91 is fixedly attached to the outer wall of the valve stem 9 near the top. The limiting plate 91 can partially overlap with the disc spring assembly 171, and two limiting arc surfaces 92 that are adapted to the surface of the screw 172 are formed on both sides of the limiting plate 91. When the limiting arc surface 92 coincides with the screw 172, the operating handle or wrench of the ball valve can only rotate 90°, preventing the ball valve stroke from exceeding or falling short.

[0083] In the ball valve of the present invention, the source of the aforementioned defects (1)-(3) is that the ball 7, valve seat 5 and valve body are in direct contact with the ultra-high temperature medium. When the ball valve is conveying the ultra-high temperature medium, the ball 7, valve seat 5 and valve body are in direct contact with the ultra-high temperature medium. The ball 7 and valve seat 5 are stuck due to thermal expansion. The hardened coating of the sealing surface of the ball 7 and valve seat 5 is damaged after working under ultra-high temperature conditions for a long time, causing valve leakage. Due to the contact between the ball 7 and the valve stem 9, the heat of the ball 7 will be transferred to the valve stem 9. Due to the contact between the valve stem 9 and the stuffing box 12, the heat of the valve stem 9 will be transferred to the stuffing box 12 and the packing assembly 13 (which deforms due to heat and causes gaps). This causes the ultra-high temperature medium to leak from the stuffing box 12, the packing and the valve stem 9.

[0084] To date, the most common technical solutions for conventional ball valves to address the issue of the ball 7 easily getting stuck are, at most, setting up a lubrication structure in the ball valve or designing a more complex ball 7 to prevent expansion and jamming.

[0085] The most common technical solutions for media leakage that come to mind for those skilled in the art are to use new types of seals or packings that can withstand higher temperatures, or to design better clamping mechanisms for the packings.

[0086] What makes this invention different is that, based on the original structure of the ball valve, the stuffing box 12 serves as a heat-conducting component of the ball valve as a whole. Under the action of temperature difference, by setting heat dissipation components between the stuffing boxes 12 of the ball valve, not only is efficient heat dissipation of the packing assembly 13 achieved, but it can also play a certain degree of heat dissipation effect on the inside of the ball valve. Moreover, in particular, the corresponding multiple transverse pipes 23 are combined into an integral structural module.

[0087] In principle, this invention starts from the high heat source brought by the ultra-high temperature medium, and based on the principle of heat conduction, improves the stuffing box 12, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the heat dissipation component is specifically designed by adding heat dissipation fins 18 to the outside of the stuffing box 12, and then setting up heat dissipation pipes 19 corresponding to the heat dissipation fins 18. When heat is transferred from the ball 7, valve seat 5, and valve body to the valve stem 9, stuffing box 12, and packing assembly 13, coolant is introduced into the heat dissipation pipes 19. The coolant absorbs the heat from the different ball valves arranged in the heat dissipation pipes 19 in sequence along the path of the heat dissipation pipes 19. The temperature of the stuffing box 12 is lowered first. Based on the principle of temperature difference, the packing assembly 13, valve stem 9, ball 7, valve body, and valve seat 5 are cooled down in sequence, thereby achieving cooling and heat dissipation of most of the structure on the ball valve.

[0088] Specifically, the heat dissipation components include heat dissipation fins 18 and heat dissipation pipes 19. To ensure heat dissipation performance, compared to existing aluminum heat dissipation fins, heat dissipation fins 18 and heat dissipation pipes 19 are made of stainless steel. Under extremely high temperature and harsh working conditions, high-temperature stainless steel such as F310H and F347H can be used.

[0089] Combination Figure 2 , Figure 4 and Figure 5The heat dissipation fins 18 are generally disc-shaped. On each ball valve, three heat dissipation fins 18 are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the stuffing box 12 along its axial direction, arranged vertically. The spacing between the heat dissipation fins 18 can be the same or different, and the specific spacing is not limited. The diameter of the heat dissipation fins 18 is also not limited. Because they are made of stainless steel, the heat on the heat dissipation fins 18 can directly exchange heat with the air, achieving physical heat dissipation. Furthermore, S-shaped channels 181 are formed in the heat dissipation fins 18 along the axial direction of the stuffing box 12. To ensure the structural strength of the heat dissipation fins 18, such as… Figure 5 As shown, the S-shaped channel 181 is located at a certain distance from the connection between the heat dissipation fins 18 and the stuffing box 12, and the S-shaped channel 181 is evenly distributed along the thickness direction of the heat dissipation fins 18 to avoid some areas being too thin or too thick. When coolant is introduced into the S-shaped channel 181, the stuffing box 12 can be simultaneously cooled by water.

[0090] To allow coolant to enter or exit the S-shaped channel 181, the heat dissipation pipe 19 is hollow inside and includes a V-shaped inlet pipe 20, a V-shaped outlet pipe 21, and at least one X-shaped branch pipe 22. The V-shaped inlet pipe 20 is used to introduce coolant, the X-shaped branch pipe 22 is used to transfer coolant to the stuffing box 12 on the next ball valve, and the V-shaped outlet pipe 21 is used to discharge coolant.

[0091] The V-shaped inflow pipe 20 consists of four pipes integrally connected to the same side. Viewed from top to bottom and from front to back, the pipes exhibit a V-shape, with a fluid inlet connector 201 in the center for connecting to the coolant. The fluid inlet connector 201 is ellipsoidal in shape and has at least two inlets 202 for connecting to an external coolant source. During installation, a V-shaped inflow pipe 20 is provided between adjacent cooling fins 18 on the outer side of the ball valve at the edge. Since there are three cooling fins 18 on the stuffing box 12, two corresponding V-shaped inflow pipes 20 are provided. The four ends of the V-shaped inflow pipe 20 are fixedly connected to the cooling fins 18 and connected to the S-shaped channel 181.

[0092] In this embodiment, there are three ball valves from left to right, and each ball valve has three heat dissipation fins 18 from top to bottom, meaning there are three layers of heat dissipation fins 18. The coolant path is illustrated using the three ball valves from left to right and the top two layers of heat dissipation fins 18 as an example; the coolant path within the three ball valves from left to right and the top two layers of heat dissipation fins 18 is similar. The coolant first enters the fluid inlet connector 201. Because the fluid inlet connector 201 is ellipsoidal, its internal space is relatively large, allowing for temporary storage of a large volume of coolant and reducing the impact of the coolant on the fluid inlet connector 201. Then, the coolant enters the two different heat dissipation fins 18 in the leftmost ball valve through the V-shaped inflow pipe 20. Figure 4 In the middle, the upper right pipe of the V-shaped inflow pipe 20 is inclined upward, which will create resistance to the fluid, while the lower right pipe is inclined downward, which will create acceleration to the fluid. The two coolants have different flow rates and will enter the S-shaped channel 181 of the heat dissipation fin 18 in the middle faster, and then flow along the path of the corresponding S-shaped channel 181.

[0093] The X-shaped diversion pipe 22 has eight symmetrically arranged pipes integrally connected to two opposite sides. Viewed from top to bottom and from front to back, the pipes form an X shape, with a fluid transfer joint 221 in the middle. The fluid transfer joint 221 is ellipsoidal in shape. Between two adjacent ball valves, and between adjacent upper and lower heat dissipation fins 18, there is an X-shaped diversion pipe 22. Since there are three heat dissipation fins 18 on the stuffing box 12, two X-shaped diversion pipes 22 are correspondingly provided between the two ball valves. The eight ends of the X-shaped diversion pipe 22 are respectively fixed to the heat dissipation fins 18 and connected to the S-shaped channel 181. The coolant in the S-shaped channel 181 of the previous ball valve enters the fluid transfer joint 221 of the X-shaped split pipe 22 through the pipe on the left side of the X-shaped split pipe 22 for merging. Since the pipe on the upper left side of the X-shaped split pipe 22 is inclined downwards, it provides an acceleration to the coolant, while the pipe on the lower left side is inclined upwards, it provides resistance to the coolant. The flow rates of the two coolants are different. In order to reduce the uneven cooling of the next heat dissipation fin 18, the fluid transfer joint 221 acts as a buffer at this time, waiting for the two coolants to merge and mix together, so that the coolant temperature in the fluid transfer joint 221 is uniform and the impact force of the coolant can be reduced. When the fluid transfer joint 221 is full of coolant, the coolant enters the S-shaped channel 181 of the next ball valve through the pipe on the right side of the X-shaped split pipe 22. As it flows through the S-shaped channel 181, it can carry away heat. Similarly, the flow then enters the S-channel 181 of the next ball valve through the next X-type branch pipe 22.

[0094] The V-shaped outflow pipe 21 is structurally similar to the V-shaped inflow pipe 20, also consisting of four pipes integrally connected to the same side, which will not be described again. A fluid outlet connector 211 for discharging coolant is formed in the middle. The fluid outlet connector 211 is structurally similar to the fluid inflow connector 201, but is ellipsoidal in shape and has at least two outlets 212. Unlike the fluid inflow connector 201, the number of outlets 212 can be greater than the number of inlets 202, facilitating the rapid outflow of the cooled coolant after heat exchange. During installation, a V-shaped outflow pipe 21 is provided on the outside of another ball valve located at the edge, between adjacent heat dissipation fins 18. The four ends of the V-shaped outflow pipe 21 are fixedly connected to the heat dissipation fins 18 and communicate with the S-shaped channel 181. In the last ball valve, the coolant in the S-shaped channel 181 enters the fluid outlet connector 211 of the V-shaped outlet pipe 21 from the pipe of the V-shaped outlet pipe 21 and merges. Since the pipe on the upper left side of the V-shaped outlet pipe 21 is set downward and the pipe on the lower left side is set upward, the flow rates of the two coolants are different. At this time, the fluid outlet connector 211 plays a buffering role and can also reduce the impact force of the coolant. When the fluid outlet connector 211 is full of coolant, the coolant with increased temperature flows out from the outlet 212 of the fluid outlet connector 211.

[0095] In the optimized design, all edges of the heat dissipation fins 18 within the S-shaped channel 181 adopt a rounded corner transition structure, and all edges of the heat dissipation pipes 19 also adopt a rounded corner transition structure. The rounded corner transition structure can not only guide the flow, but also reduce the impact of the coolant on the heat dissipation fins 18 and the heat dissipation pipes 19.

[0096] In existing technologies, there are also methods for cooling by introducing coolant into the interior of a structure. Applying this to valves, a common practice might be:

[0097] (1) A large number of heat dissipation fins 18 are provided on the stuffing box 12 for air heat dissipation;

[0098] (2) Based on the setting of multiple heat dissipation fins 18, an integral flow channel is opened in the heat dissipation fins 18 and the stuffing box 12 for the flow of coolant. Then, an intermediate pipe is added between adjacent valves. The coolant passes through the stuffing box 12 and heat dissipation fins 18 on the same valve in sequence, and then the coolant is used to dissipate heat to the next valve in the same way.

[0099] (3) Unlike method (2), no intermediate pipe is used, and each valve uses a separate coolant for heat dissipation.

[0100] The above methods (1) only use air heat dissipation, which has a poor heat dissipation and cooling effect. In method (2), the first valve often has the best heat dissipation effect, and the heat dissipation effect of subsequent valves becomes worse and worse. In method (3), although the heat dissipation effect of each valve is basically the same, there are problems such as high coolant cost.

[0101] Unlike conventional cooling methods using coolant, in this invention, the coolant enters the V-shaped inflow pipe 20 of the heat dissipation pipe 19 from the fluid inlet connector 201. The coolant from the same fluid inlet connector 201 gradually enters the two heat dissipation fins 18 of the stuffing box 12 due to its fluidity. Within the heat dissipation fins 18, the coolant flows gradually along the S-shaped flow channel, absorbing heat and thus cooling down during the flow process. Combined with the attached... Figure 3 and Figure 5 Based on both air cooling and heat dissipation, the uppermost heat dissipation fins 18 cool the upper part of the valve stem 9 and the packing assembly 13; the middle heat dissipation fins 18 cool the middle part of the valve stem 9; and the lowermost heat dissipation fins 18 cool the lower part of the valve stem 9. The coolant in adjacent heat dissipation fins 18 then flows into the X-shaped distribution pipe 22, and so on, cooling the structure on the next valve. Finally, the coolant in adjacent heat dissipation fins 18 flows into the V-shaped outlet pipe 21 until it exits from the fluid outlet connector 211, making room for new coolant.

[0102] First, it should be noted that, due to the aforementioned downward-sloping pipe arrangement accelerating the coolant flow rate, and the fact that the central heat dissipation fin 18 simultaneously receives coolant from two pipes, the coolant flow rate inside the central heat dissipation fin 18 is the largest. The diameter of its internal S-shaped flow channel can be adjusted according to the flow rate without specific limitations. Because of the large coolant flow rate and high velocity of the central heat dissipation fin 18, the heat dissipation and cooling effect in the middle of the stuffing box 12 is the best, resulting in the fastest cooling of the middle of the valve stem 9. Based on this, under the premise of a temperature difference, heat can continue to be absorbed and dissipated from the middle of the valve stem 9 to both ends. Specifically, heat absorption and cooling can continue to be achieved on the upper end of the valve stem 9 and the upper packing assembly 13, as well as on the lower end of the valve stem 9 and the structure connected to it. This also achieves heat absorption and cooling of the ball valve in both vertical directions.

[0103] In general, unlike existing conventional cooling methods using coolant, this invention employs two parallel main coolant sources that simultaneously enter the heat dissipation pipe 19. The overall flow path of each main coolant source is horizontal; that is, the coolant does not flow vertically through all the stuffing boxes 12 on the same ball valve, but rather flows through a portion of the stuffing boxes 12 on one ball valve before continuing horizontally into the stuffing boxes 12 of the next ball valve. This avoids the coolant having an excessively long flow path within the same ball valve, preventing it from reaching a high temperature and thus hindering heat exchange with the next ball valve. Therefore, after the two main coolant sources pass through the ball valves, the overall flow direction of the coolant is horizontal, corresponding to a horizontal heat exchange and cooling direction, while also incorporating the aforementioned vertical heat absorption and cooling.

[0104] Secondly, it should be noted that since the temperature is highest near the valve body and ball 7, the flow directions of the two main coolant sources can be set to opposite directions, in conjunction with the attached... Figure 4 In this configuration, the upper coolant path can be set from left to right, with the V-shaped inlet pipe 20 in the heat dissipation pipe 19 on the far left and the V-shaped outlet pipe 21 on the far right. The lower coolant path can be set from right to left, with the V-shaped inlet pipe 20 on the far right and the V-shaped outlet pipe 21 on the far left. This ensures that the lower parts of both ball valves on the left and right sides can first contact the coolant with the lowest temperature, improving the uniformity of cooling the ball valve assembly. It is important to emphasize that, since the two main coolant sources flow in opposite directions, the stuffing box 12, located in the middle of the three valves, will simultaneously receive two coolants. To avoid impacting the structural strength of the stuffing box 12 with the coolant, the coolant flow rate can be adjusted without specific limitations, allowing the two main coolant sources flowing in opposite directions to circulate stably in the S-shaped channel 181.

[0105] Finally, it should be noted that the V-shaped inlet pipe 20, V-shaped outlet pipe 21, and X-shaped branch pipe are all inclined. To avoid the coolant impacting the stuffing box 12 and affecting structural strength, and to prevent the coolant flow rate from being too fast or too slow, the inclination angle of the pipes is set between 30° and 45°. This allows the coolant to receive a certain impact force and kinetic energy when it enters the connector 201, the fluid outlet connector 211, or the fluid transfer connector 221. This is beneficial for the agitation and mixing of the coolant within the three connectors, thereby promoting coolant circulation and achieving a better cooling effect. However, if the angle exceeds 45°, firstly, the coolant flow rate becomes too fast, causing the coolant flow in the pipes to become unstable and exhibit a wave-like shape, failing to fill the pipe interior. This results in some parts of the pipes not being able to fully contact the coolant for heat exchange, thus affecting the cooling effect of the water tank. Secondly, the connection points between the pipes and the connectors bear greater weight, easily leading to insufficient strength at the connection points, or even breakage. An angle range of 30° to 45° will not have a significant impact on structural strength and flow rate, making it a suitable choice. Since all three connectors are ellipsoidal, the ratio of their inner diameters should be set according to the ratio of the major and minor axes of the ellipse. Conventional designs typically aim for a ratio as close to 1:1 as possible, making the ellipsoid closer to a sphere. This reduces the surface area of ​​the connectors, decreases coolant evaporation and heat dissipation, and improves the coolant's insulation performance. Based on the angle range of the piping setup, the ratio of the major and minor axes of the three connectors is set between 1.2 and 1.5:1. Within this range, the internal space of the connectors is suitable, providing sufficient flow buffer space for coolant transferring from the piping to the connectors, while also ensuring the structural strength of the connectors. When the ratio of the major and minor axes exceeds 1.5, the connector structure becomes too slender, making it susceptible to deformation or damage from external forces. It can also lead to poor coolant mixing and uneven mixing, thus affecting the heat exchange and cooling effect.

[0106] In addition, to improve the uniformity of cooling of the ball valve assembly more efficiently, the flow time of the coolant can be extended, with no specific limit on the flow time, so that the ball valve in the middle can exchange heat with the coolant at a lower temperature.

[0107] The coolant mentioned above can be cold water, and the water temperature is not specifically limited. The temperature of structures that will heat up, such as the stuffing box 12 and valve stem 9, can be measured externally or internally using a temperature measuring device. The water temperature is then determined based on the measured temperature. Optimized cooling methods, in addition to physical cooling methods like water cooling and air cooling, can also include a chemical cooling method. Since the fluid inlet 202 on the V-shaped inlet pipe 20 has at least two inlets, one inlet 202 is used to introduce the cooling medium, and the other inlets 202 are used to introduce a composition that can undergo an endothermic reaction. This composition can be a combination of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid, or a combination of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid. For example, the reaction of sodium bicarbonate and acetic acid produces sodium acetate, water, and carbon dioxide. During this reaction, sodium acetate and water are ionic compounds dissolved in water and do not affect the water temperature. However, the carbon dioxide molecules released during the reaction can escape from the water, increasing the intermolecular distance in the water. This process requires the absorption of a certain amount of heat, thus achieving water cooling. Moreover, sodium bicarbonate is a relatively weak alkaline substance, while acetic acid is a relatively weak acid, and citric acid is an organic acid. The pH value of the compound produced after their reaction at room temperature is also around neutral. As long as citric acid with an excessively low pH is not used, it will not cause corrosion to the heat dissipation fins 18 and the heat dissipation pipes 19.

[0108] In addition to the functions mentioned above, the heat dissipation component also serves as an intermediate connector to combine the ball valve and the cross tube 23 into a whole. Specifically, the V-shaped inflow pipe 20, the X-shaped branch pipe 22, the V-shaped outflow pipe 21, and the heat dissipation fins 18 are interconnected and form a cross-linked structure with a cross-shaped and hollow arrangement, forming a stress-resistant area on the cross tube 23, which is used to resist stress deformation of the ball valve and the cross tube 23.

[0109] Because the V-shaped inflow pipe 20, X-shaped branch pipe 22, and V-shaped outflow pipe 21 are all equipped with multiple pipes, and the pipes are distributed in a three-dimensional dispersion rather than simply arranged on the same plane, from a stress analysis perspective, firstly, each X-shaped branch pipe 22 simultaneously supports two different ball valves and also simultaneously supports different heat dissipation fins 18 on the same ball valve. Similarly, the V-shaped inflow pipe 20 and V-shaped outflow pipe 21 can also simultaneously support different heat dissipation fins 18 on the same ball valve. The support directions include the horizontal direction, the vertical direction, and the front-back direction. When this ball valve assembly of the present invention is installed on the transverse pipe 23, and when the transverse pipe 23 is installed between the convection section and the radiation section, due to the mutual support between the three ball valves, the overall structural strength and stability of the ball valves and the transverse pipe 23 are stronger and better than when a single ball valve is installed on the transverse pipe 23.

[0110] In addition, because the heat dissipation component itself greatly improves the cooling and heat dissipation effect of the stuffing box 12, the high temperature source inside the ball valve caused by stress deformation due to contact with ultra-high temperature medium can be greatly improved. As a result, the valve stem 9, ball 7, valve seat 5, etc. in the ball valve will be cooled down while in contact with ultra-high temperature medium, which not only greatly reduces the possibility of ball 7 jamming and medium leakage, but also greatly reduces the possibility of stress deformation of the ball valve.

[0111] Conventional methods might involve using a suspension frame to suspend the cross-tube 23, a support frame to support the cross-tube 23, or connecting rods between the cross-tubes 23 to form an integrated structure. The first two methods are relatively complex, requiring additional large equipment for assembly, resulting in higher costs. This invention differs; since the heat dissipation component is directly mounted on the ball valve assembly, only the ball valve needs to be installed on the cross-tube 23. The assembly process is already in place, eliminating the need for additional assembly costs. While the last method is simpler to assemble, the connecting rods increase disassembly costs when the cross-tubes 23 need to be replaced or repurposed. Compared to this invention, all three methods have significant drawbacks.

[0112] In summary, the ball valve of the present invention not only improves its own anti-leakage, anti-jamming, and anti-deformation performance, but also reduces the possibility of stress deformation between the cross pipes 23.

[0113] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of the present invention's concept are within the scope of protection of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of the present invention should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-temperature ball valve for use in an ethylene cracking furnace, the ethylene cracking furnace comprising a convection section and a radiation section, wherein a plurality of radiation furnace tubes are arranged in the radiation section, and the convection section is connected to the radiation furnace tubes by a plurality of cross tubes (23) arranged side by side, each cross tube (23) being equipped with a ball valve, the ball valve comprising a valve body, a valve seat (5), a ball (7), a valve stem (9), a stuffing box (12), a stuffing assembly (13), and a packing compression mechanism (17) for installing the stuffing assembly (13) in the stuffing box (12), wherein, The valve seat (5) is located in the medium channel of the valve body; the ball (7) is located in the medium channel of the valve body, and is held by the valve body and the valve seat (5) on the left and right sides respectively; the stuffing box (12) is detachably installed on the upper part of the valve body, and its lower end is sealed to the valve body; the packing assembly (13) is embedded in the upper end of the stuffing box (12) and is pressed by the packing mechanism (17); the lower end of the valve stem (9) after passing through the packing mechanism (17), the packing assembly (13), and the stuffing box (12) is inserted into the connecting groove (71) above the ball (7), characterized in that a heat dissipation assembly is provided between the ball valves; The heat dissipation assembly includes heat dissipation fins (18) and heat dissipation pipes (19), both of which are made of stainless steel. The heat dissipation fins (18) are generally disc-shaped. On each ball valve, at least two heat dissipation fins (18) are fixedly connected to the outer wall of the stuffing box (12) along its axial direction. An S-shaped channel (181) is formed in the heat dissipation fins (18) along the axial direction of the stuffing box (12). The heat dissipation pipe (19) is hollow inside and includes a V-shaped inlet pipe (20), a V-shaped outlet pipe (21) and at least one X-shaped branch pipe (22). The V-shaped inlet pipe (20) has at least four pipes and a fluid inlet connector (201) for connecting to the coolant is formed in the middle. The V-shaped outlet pipe (21) has at least four pipes and a fluid outlet connector (211) for discharging the coolant is formed in the middle. The X-shaped branch pipe (22) has at least eight pipes and a fluid transfer connector (221) is formed in the middle. On the outside of the ball valve at the edge, a V-shaped inflow pipe (20) is provided between the upper and lower adjacent heat dissipation fins (18). The ends of the V-shaped inflow pipe (20) are fixed to the two heat dissipation fins (18) and connected to the S-shaped channel (181). On the outside of another ball valve located at the edge, a V-shaped outflow pipe (21) is provided between the upper and lower adjacent heat dissipation fins (18). The ends of the V-shaped outflow pipe (21) are fixed to the two heat dissipation fins (18) and connected to the S-shaped channel (181). Between two adjacent ball valves, an X-shaped diversion pipe (22) is provided between the upper and lower adjacent heat dissipation fins (18). The ends of the X-shaped diversion pipe (22) are fixed to the two heat dissipation fins (18) and connected to the S-shaped channel (181). The V-shaped inflow pipe (20), X-shaped branch pipe (22), V-shaped outflow pipe (21), and heat dissipation fins (18) are interconnected and form a cross-linked structure with intersecting and hollowed-out structures, forming a stress-resistant area across the pipe (23); The fluid inlet connector (201) is ellipsoidal in shape and has at least two inlets (202). Fluid inlet connectors (201) can be installed on the outside of the two ball valves at the outermost edge. Each fluid inlet connector (201) is connected to a total coolant source. Along the axial direction of the stuffing box (12), the flow directions of two adjacent total coolant sources can be set to be opposite.

2. The high-temperature ball valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The valve body is a two-section valve body, including a main valve body (1) and a secondary valve body (8) connected together, with a medium channel formed inside, and a high-temperature sealing gasket (4) for the valve body is provided at the joint; At least four valve body locking studs (2) are threaded through the main valve body (1) and the auxiliary valve body (8), and the valve body locking studs (2) are locked by valve body locking nuts (3); At least four stuffing box locking studs (15) are bolted through the top of the main valve body (1) and the bottom of the stuffing box (12). The stuffing box locking studs (15) are locked by the stuffing box locking nuts (16). A stuffing box high temperature sealing gasket (14) is provided between the stuffing box (12) and the main valve body (1).

3. The high-temperature ball valve according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stuffing box (12) has a rotating hole (121) that is compatible with the valve stem (9) inside. A friction-reducing sealing gasket (11) is provided between the shoulder of the valve stem (9) and the bottom of the stuffing box (12). The friction-reducing sealing gasket (11) is fixedly connected to the stuffing box (12). The top of the stuffing box (12) may also be provided with a stuffing hole (122) with a diameter larger than that of the rotating hole (121); The packing assembly (13) includes a packing pad (131), a high-temperature low-leakage combined packing (132), a packing sleeve (133), and a packing gland (134); The packing pad (131) is located at the bottom of the packing hole (122), the high temperature and low leakage combined packing (132) is located above the packing pad (131), the packing sleeve (133) is located above the high temperature and low leakage combined packing (132), and the packing gland (134) is located above the packing sleeve (133). The packing gland (134) and the packing pressing mechanism (17) cooperate with each other to achieve axial compression of the packing sleeve (133).

4. The high-temperature ball valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The packing mechanism (17) includes a disc spring assembly (171) and a screw (172); At least two screws (172) are provided, with the packing gland (134) and the stuffing box (12) threaded through them in sequence; The disc spring assembly (171) is located between the screw (172) and the packing gland (134), and is sleeved on the outer wall of the screw (172).

5. The high-temperature ball valve according to claim 4, characterized in that, The valve seat (5) is located on the main valve body (1), and a valve seat preload disc spring (6) is provided between the side of the valve seat (5) away from the ball (7) and the main valve body (1).

6. The high-temperature ball valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The valve body high-temperature sealing gasket (4), stuffing box high-temperature sealing gasket (14), and stuffing gasket (131) are made of vermiculite material, and the high-temperature low-leakage combined packing (132) is set as a multi-layer structure made of vermiculite material and ceramic material; The inner spherical surface of the valve seat (5), the outer spherical surface of the ball (7), and the inner spherical surface of the integrated valve seat of the auxiliary valve body (8) are all provided with an ultra-high temperature hardening coating. The spraying material of the ultra-high temperature hardening coating is chromium carbide-cobalt nickel chromium aluminum yttrium.

7. The high-temperature ball valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, One inlet (202) is used to introduce a cooling medium, and the other inlets (202) are used to introduce a composition that can undergo an endothermic reaction.

8. The high-temperature ball valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, All edges of the heat dissipation fins (18) within the S-shaped channel (181) adopt a rounded corner transition structure, and all edges inside the heat dissipation pipes (19) also adopt a rounded corner transition structure.

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