Detachable valve seat insert for pressure and vacuum relief valves

Abstract

A removable valve seat insert for a pressure and vacuum relief valve is disclosed. An example relief valve includes a valve body defining a fluid passage between a first opening and a second opening; a valve seat coupled to the valve body at the first opening of the valve body, the valve seat having a cylindrical body; a seat insert disposed on an end of the valve seat; and a tray movable between a closed position, in which the tray engages the seat insert to prevent fluid flow through the valve seat, and an open position, in which the tray is spaced apart from the seat insert to enable fluid flow through the valve seat, based on a pressure differential across the tray.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to valves, and more particularly to a removable seat insert for a pressure and vacuum relief valve. Background Art

[0002] A relief valve is a valve that regulates the release of pressure in a container and / or a flow system. When the pressure in the system and / or container exceeds a set pressure, the pressure relief valve opens to release the excess pressure in the container and / or flow system. The opening of the pressure relief valve allows fluid to leave the flow system and / or container, which reduces the pressure in the flow system and / or container, thus preventing overpressure scenarios. When the pressure in the container and / or flow system becomes less than the set pressure, the vacuum relief valve opens to release the internal vacuum of the pressure vessel and / or flow system. The opening of the vacuum relief valve allows ambient fluid to enter the flow system and / or container, which increases the pressure in the flow system and / or container. The relief valve enables the flow system and the pressure vessel to have a pressure within a predetermined range. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Example relief valves disclosed herein include: a valve body that defines a fluid passage between a first opening and a second opening; a valve seat that is coupled to the valve body at the first opening of the valve body, the valve seat having a cylindrical body; a seat insert disposed at an end of the valve seat; and a tray that is movable between a closed position and an open position based on a pressure difference on the tray, where at the closed position the tray engages the seat insert to prevent fluid from flowing through the valve seat, and at the open position the tray is separated from the seat insert to allow fluid to flow through the valve seat.

[0004] Example pressure and vacuum relief valves disclosed herein include: a valve body that defines a fluid passage between a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, the first opening being fluidly connected to a pressure system; a first release assembly for controlling fluid flow through the second opening, the first release assembly including: a valve seat having an end; a removable insert disposed within the end, the removable insert extending circumferentially within the valve seat; and a flow control member movable between a closed position and an open position, the flow control member forming an interface with the removable insert at the closed position; and a second release assembly for controlling fluid flow through the third opening. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an example pressure and vacuum relief valve including an example replaceable seat insert implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a cross-sectional view of an example replaceable seat insert and an example valve seat of an example valve of

[0007] Figure 3 Another cross-sectional view of an exemplary replaceable seat insert and clamp that can be implemented in conjunction with Figure 1 the exemplary valve shown.

[0008] Figure 4 Another cross-sectional view of an exemplary replaceable seat insert and a plurality of fasteners that can be implemented in conjunction with Figure 1 the exemplary valve shown.

[0009] Figure 5A Another perspective view of an exemplary replaceable seat insert disposed within an exemplary valve seat that can be implemented in conjunction with Figure 1 the exemplary valve shown.

[0010] Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of an exemplary replaceable seat insert disposed within an exemplary valve seat. Figure 5A shown.

[0011] Figure 5C An exploded view of an exemplary replaceable seat insert and a valve seat. Figure 5A shown.

[0012] Figure 6 Another perspective cross-sectional view of an exemplary replaceable seat insert that can be implemented in conjunction with Figure 1 the exemplary valve shown.

[0013] In general, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or like parts. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or regions may be exaggerated in the drawings. Although the drawings show layers and regions with clear lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, the boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, blended, and / or irregular. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Pressure systems (e.g., pressure pipelines, pressure vessels, and / or piping systems) often include relief valves to protect the pressure system from pressure and / or vacuum buildup. Relief valves (e.g., pressure relief valves, vacuum relief valves, etc.) are self-actuating devices that are configured to open when the pressure in a pressure system (e.g., a pressure vessel or a pressure pipeline) exceeds or falls below a preset pressure. For example, some fluids (such as oil and gas) are typically stored in large storage containers. These fluids may emit vapors, which can cause the storage container to become overpressurized. Accordingly, a pressure relief valve can be connected to the storage container. If the pressure in the storage container exceeds the preset pressure, the pressure relief valve will open to discharge the vapor or gas buildup (e.g., to the atmosphere). A vacuum relief valve can be operated similarly to prevent a vacuum or negative pressure from occurring in the storage container. Some relief valves include both a pressure relief valve and a vacuum relief valve, and such relief valves are commonly referred to as pressure and vacuum relief valves.

[0015] Some pressure and vacuum relief valves use one or more trays loaded with weights to set the threshold pressure required to actuate the tray from a resting closed position to an open position. In the closed position, the seal of the tray rests on the corresponding lip of the valve seat. When the pressure in the main chamber of the pressure and vacuum relief valve exerts a force on the tray that overcomes the gravitational load associated with the weights, the corresponding tray moves to the open position, thereby discharging excess fluid from the pressure and vacuum relief valve (e.g., when the pressure relief tray is actuated, etc.) or enabling ambient fluid to enter the main chamber (e.g., when the vacuum relief flow control member is actuated, etc.). After the loss of pressure situation is corrected, the pressure in the main chamber of the pressure and vacuum relief valve returns to the specified range, and the tray of the pressure and vacuum relief valve closes. After repeated operating cycles (e.g., opening and closing of the flow control member, etc.), the lip of the valve seat is subject to wear, which reduces the sealing effectiveness of the pressure and vacuum relief valve. The worn valve seat may cause leakage between the main chamber of the relief valve and the atmosphere.

[0016] To prevent such leakage, the valve seats of existing valves must be repaired and replaced regularly. Since the valve seat must form an effective seal with the tray, the valve seat has strict (e.g., relatively small, etc.) manufacturing tolerances and requires a relatively smooth surface finish. Some existing valve seats are manufactured by machining, which may require a relatively large amount of machining time to achieve the appropriate tolerances and surface finish. Some existing valve seats are manufactured by casting, but require precise polishing and finishing to form an effective seal with the tray. Therefore, the valve seat is a relatively expensive part that requires regular replacement during the service life of the pressure and vacuum relief valve. The valve seats of some existing pressure and vacuum relief valves are frequently replaced due to wear caused by the repeated opening and closing of the flow control member. Due to the manufacturing precision required to form the sealing interface, existing valve seats are relatively labor-intensive and thus the cost of the manufactured components is expensive.

[0017] Examples disclosed herein include pressure and vacuum relief valves having replaceable seat inserts, rather than replacing the entire seat. Some of the seat inserts disclosed herein are coupled to corresponding valve seats via an interference fit. Some of the seat inserts disclosed herein are held via a clamp disposed on an outer surface of the valve seat. Other disclosed seat inserts are held via a plurality of fasteners extending through the valve seat. Other disclosed seat inserts are held via a rotational lock interface with the valve seat. Compared to existing pressure and vacuum relief valves, the examples disclosed herein reduce the maintenance cost of the pressure and vacuum relief valves because the seat inserts are relatively smaller in size and complexity compared to the valve seats. The examples disclosed herein include valve seats having replaceable seat inserts for use with relief valves such as pressure relief valves, vacuum relief valves, and / or pressure and vacuum relief valves. The examples disclosed herein include valve seats having an opening for receiving a replaceable seat insert that forms a sealing interface with a corresponding tray. In some examples, the replaceable seat insert is made of a rigid material (e.g., high performance thermoplastics (e.g., polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), etc.), metals (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), and / or ceramics, etc.). The replaceable seat insert forms a pressure seal between the lip of the valve seat and the tray. Thus, any wear or degradation of the part will bias the replaceable seat insert rather than the valve seat. If the example replaceable seat insert becomes worn, the seat insert can be easily replaced with a new seat insert. Thus, it is not necessary to replace the entire valve seat as in known relief valves. The example replaceable seat inserts disclosed herein are relatively inexpensive to manufacture and install. This significantly reduces the maintenance cost of the relief valve compared to known relief valves.

[0018] Figure 1 is a cross-sectional front view of an example pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In Figure 1 the illustrated example, the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 includes an example valve body 101, an example pressure relief assembly 102, and an example vacuum relief assembly 104. The valve body 101 defines a fluid passage 130 (also referred to herein as the main chamber of the valve body) between an example first opening 124, an example second opening 132, and an example third opening 134. The first opening 124 may be fluidly coupled to a pressure system (e.g., a process pipeline, a storage container, or a tank, etc.). Thus, the fluid passage 130 for the valve body 101 is at the same pressure as the pressure system. The pressure relief assembly 102 is coupled to the valve body 101 and controls the flow of fluid through the second opening 132 to provide pressure relief, and the vacuum relief assembly 104 is coupled to the valve body 101 and controls the flow of fluid through the third opening 134 to provide vacuum relief. The valve body 101 may be constructed of any suitable rigid material, including aluminum, ductile iron, stainless steel, and / or carbon steel.

[0019] In Figure 1In the illustrated example, the pressure relief assembly 102 includes an example first tray 106A, an example first counterweight 108A, an example first valve stem 110A, an example first rod guide 111A, an example first valve seat 112A, and an example first seat insert 114A. The first valve seat 112A defines an example first orifice 136A and is coupled to the valve body 101 at the second opening 132. In Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the pressure relief assembly 102 includes an example first valve seat seal 118A positioned between the first valve seat 112A and the valve body 101. In Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the first tray 106A includes an example first tray seal 116A and an example first plate 117A (e.g., a disk-shaped plate).

[0020] In Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the vacuum relief assembly 104 includes an example second tray 106B, an example second counterweight 108B, an example second valve stem 110B, an example second rod guide 111B, an example second valve seat 112B, and an example second seat insert 114B. The second valve seat 112B defines an example second orifice 136B and is coupled to the valve body 101 at the third opening 134. In the illustrated example, the vacuum relief assembly 104 includes a second valve seat seal 118B between the second valve seat 112B and the valve body 101. In Figure 1 In the illustrated example, the second tray 106B includes an example second tray seal 116B and an example second plate 117B. When the pressure relief assembly 102 is open, fluid can flow along an example first fluid flow path 126A through the fluid passage 130 from the first opening 124 to the second opening 132 and through the pressure relief assembly 102. When the vacuum relief assembly 104 is open, fluid can flow along an example second fluid flow path 126B through the fluid passage 130 from the third opening 134 to the first opening 124.

[0021] The pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 is a relief valve that can be used to regulate the pressure of a pressure vessel and / or a flow system. For example, a first opening 124 of a valve body 101 of the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 can be fluidly coupled to a pressure vessel and / or a fluid passage associated with the flow system such that a chamber of the valve body 101 includes a fluid at the same pressure as the associated pressure vessel and / or fluid passage. During operation of the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100, the pressure of the fluid within the valve body 101 can cause a pressure relief assembly 102 (e.g., if the pressure in the fluid passage 130 causes a pressure differential on a first tray 106A to exceed a load associated with a first counterweight 108A, etc.) or a vacuum relief assembly 104 (e.g., if the pressure in the fluid passage 130 causes a pressure differential on the first tray 106A to exceed a load associated with a second counterweight 108B, etc.) to open, which respectively causes the fluid within the valve body 101 to be discharged via a first fluid flow path 126A or additional fluid to enter the valve body 101 via a third opening 134 via a second fluid flow path 126B.

[0022] Although Figure 1 an example construction of the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 is depicted, it should be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure can be used in conjunction with valves having any other suitable construction (e.g., different geometries, etc.) and / or function (e.g., different types of valves, etc.). In some examples, one of the pressure relief assembly 102 or the vacuum relief assembly 104 is absent. In such examples, the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 can be a vacuum relief valve (e.g., if the pressure relief assembly 102, etc. is absent) or a pressure relief valve (e.g., if the vacuum relief assembly 104, etc. is absent).

[0023] In Figure 1 the illustrated example, the pressure relief assembly 102 of the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 regulates (e.g., protects, etc.) the coupled pressure vessel and / or flow system from overpressure. In some such examples, if the pressure of the coupled system exceeds a threshold pressure (e.g., based on the mass of the first counterweight 108A, etc.), the pressure relief assembly 102 opens, which discharges fluid from the pressure relief assembly 102 along the first fluid flow path 126A and out of the valve body 101 via a second opening 132.

[0024] In Figure 1In the illustrated example, the pressure relief assembly 102 includes an example cover 128 that protects the pressure relief assembly 102 from inclement weather conditions (e.g., rain, snow, hail, etc.). In some examples, the cover 128 may be absent. In some examples, the second opening 132 may be fluidly coupled through a conduit to another location (e.g., a storage tank, another part of a flow system, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 may be located in a location not exposed to inclement weather (e.g., under a covered structure, indoors, underground, etc.).

[0025] In Figure 1 the illustrated example, the vacuum relief assembly 104 of the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 regulates (e.g., protects, etc.) the coupled pressure vessel and / or flow system from vacuum and / or pressurization. In some such examples, if the pressure of the coupled system drops below a threshold pressure (e.g., based on the mass of the second counterweight 108B, etc.), the vacuum relief assembly 104 opens such that fluid (e.g., ambient air) can flow through the third opening 134 and into the valve body 101. In some examples, the third opening 134 may be exposed to the atmosphere. In some such examples, when the vacuum relief assembly 104 opens, air from the surrounding environment can enter the fluid passage 130 of the valve body 101, which increases the pressure of the fluid in the valve body 101 and the associated pressure vessel and / or flow system. In other examples, the second opening 132 may be coupled to a conduit and / or pressure vessel containing another fluid (e.g., an inert gas, a fluid reservoir in the valve body 101, etc.). In some such examples, when the vacuum relief assembly 104 opens, fluid passes through the third opening 134 and flows along the second fluid flow path 126B into the pressure vessel. In some examples, the third opening 134 may include a screen (not illustrated) that prevents particles from flowing into the valve body 101 via the vacuum relief assembly 104.

[0026] The trays 106A, 106B are flow control members that respectively regulate the fluid flow through the pressure relief assembly 102 and the vacuum relief assembly 104. In Figure 1 the illustrated example, the trays 106A, 106B are movably coupled to the valve stems 110A, 110B such that the trays 106A, 106B are more vertical (e.g., parallel to the gravity vector, etc.) during operation. In other examples, the valve stems 110A, 110B may be set at any other suitable angle. In Figure 1In the illustrated example, counterweights 108A, 108B are respectively disposed on plates 117A, 117B of trays 106A, 106B, opposite valve seats 112A, 112B respectively. Trays 106A, 106B are coupled to valve stems 110A, 110B. During operation, trays 106A, 106B and valve stems 110A, 110B move along stem guides 111A, 111B respectively based on the pressure differential above / on trays 106A, 106B. Trays 106A, 106B can be made of any suitable rigid, corrosion-resistant material, such as high-performance thermoplastics (e.g., polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), etc.), metals (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, etc.), and / or ceramics.

[0027] Counterweights 108A, 108B respectively apply pressure to trays 106A, 106B and bias trays 106A, 106B toward valve seats 112A, 112B. That is, counterweights 108A, 108B bias pressure release assembly 102 and vacuum release assembly 104 toward the closed position. As used herein, the pressure release assembly 102 "opens" when the first tray 106A is separated from the first seat insert 114A (e.g., the first tray 106A does not contact the first seat insert 114A, etc.). As used herein, the pressure release assembly 102 "closes" when the first tray 106A engages (e.g., contacts, abuts, etc.) the first seat insert 114A. In Figure 1 FIG., the pressure release assembly 102 is shown in the open state. Similarly, as used herein, the vacuum release assembly 104 "opens" when the second tray 106B is separated from the second seat insert 114B, and the vacuum release assembly 104 "closes" when the second tray 106B engages (e.g., contacts, abuts, etc.) the second seat insert 114B. In Figure 1 FIG., the vacuum release assembly 104 is shown in the closed state. When the pressure release assembly 102 and the vacuum release assembly 104 are closed, fluid flow is respectively blocked through (1) the second opening 132 and the first valve seat 112A and (2) the third opening 134 and the second valve seat 112B. When the pressure release assembly 102 is open, fluid can flow through the second opening 132 and the first valve seat 112A. When the vacuum release assembly 104 is open, fluid can respectively flow through the third opening 134 and the second valve seat 112B.

[0028] Counterweights 108A, 108B apply a pressure to trays 106A, 106B that is opposite to the pressure of the fluid application of the valve body 101 of the pressure and vacuum release valve 100. The mass of counterweights 108A, 108B can be used to set the threshold pressures of the pressure release assembly 102 and the vacuum release assembly 104, respectively. For example, because the first counterweight 108A biases the pressure release assembly 102 toward the closed position, increasing the mass of the counterweight 108A increases the amount of pressure required to open the pressure release assembly 102 (e.g., overpressure threshold, first pressure threshold, etc.). Thus, by adjusting the mass of the first counterweight 108A, the threshold pressure for operating the pressure release assembly 102 can be adjusted. Similarly, because the second counterweight 108B biases the vacuum release assembly 104 toward the closed position, increasing the mass of the second counterweight 108B increases the amount of pressure required to open the vacuum release assembly 104 for release (e.g., underpressure threshold, second pressure threshold, etc.). Counterweights 108A, 108B can be made of any suitable dense and corrosion-resistant material, such as galvanized carbon steel, iron plating, stainless steel, and / or lead.

[0029] In Figure 1 the illustrated example, valve seats 112A, 112B are coupled to the valve body 101 at the second opening 132 and the third opening 134, respectively. In Figure 1 the illustrated example, valve seats 112A, 112B are discrete components coupled to the valve body 101. In some such examples, valve seats 112A, 112B can be coupled to the valve body 101 via one or more welds, one or more fasteners, one or more interference fits, etc. Example valve seat seals 118A, 118B mitigate (e.g., prevent, reduce, etc.) leakage between the interfaces of valve seats 112A, 112B. In other examples, one or both of valve seats 112A, 112B can be integrally formed with the valve body 101. In such examples, the corresponding valve seat seals of valve seat seals 118A, 118B may not be present. In the illustrated example, valve seats 112A, 112B are cylindrical in shape (e.g., valve seats 112A, 112B have a cylindrical body). In other examples, valve seats 112A, 112B can be any other suitable shape (e.g., oval, polygon, etc.). Valve seats 112A, 112B can be made of any suitable rigid material, including aluminum, ductile iron, stainless steel, and / or carbon steel.

[0030] The seat inserts 114A, 114B are annular members (e.g., the seat inserts 114A, 114B are detachable inserts, etc.) that are detachably coupled to the valve seats 112A, 112B, respectively, and prevent fluid communication through the openings 132, 134 when the release assemblies 102, 104 are closed, respectively. The seat inserts 114A, 114B can be made of any suitable rigid and corrosion-resistant material, such as high-performance thermoplastics (e.g., polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), etc.), metals (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, copper alloy, etc.), and / or ceramics. The following is described in conjunction with Figure 2 the seat insert 114A in more detail. The following is described in conjunction with Figures 3 - 6 other example seat inserts that can be used in combination with one or more of the release assemblies 102, 104 and / or the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100. In Figure 1 the illustrated example, the seat inserts 114A, 114B have the same size and shape (e.g., the seat inserts 114A, 114B are interchangeable, etc.).

[0031] The tray seals 116A, 116B are respectively disposed on the bottom surfaces of the plates 117A, 117B of the trays 106A, 106B, opposite the corresponding counterweights of the counterweights 108A, 108B. In Figure 1 the illustrated example, the tray seals 116A, 116B are annular members respectively disposed on the bottom surfaces of the plates 117A, 117B. In other examples, the tray seals 116A, 116B can be coupled to the trays 106A, 106B in any other suitable manner. The tray seals 116A, 116B can be made of any elastomer, including fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), natural rubber, nitrile rubber, fluorocarbons (e.g., fluoroelastomers, etc.). The following is described in conjunction with Figure 2 the interface between the first seat insert 114A and the first tray seal 116A in more detail.

[0032] During operation of the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100, the release assemblies 102, 104 cycle between an open position and a closed position, which may cause the trays 106A, 106B to repeatedly contact the seat inserts 114A, 114B. Since the seat inserts 114A, 114B interface with the tray seals 116A, 116B, the seat inserts 114A, 114B have relatively small manufacturing tolerances (e.g., compared to other components of the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100, etc.) to reduce the likelihood of leakage through the release assemblies 102, 104. In some examples, this repeated contact may cause the seat inserts 114A, 114B to wear (e.g., degrade, crack, abrade, etc.), which reduces the effectiveness of the seal formed between the trays 106A, 106B and the seat inserts 114A, 114B. As such, operation of the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 may cause wear of the seat inserts 114A, 114B and require their replacement. When servicing the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100, the seat inserts 114A, 114B can be replaced without replacing the entire valve seats 112A, 112B.

[0033] Figure 2 is of the pressure release assembly 102 in an example open position. In Figure 1 the illustrated example, the pressure release assembly 102 includes Figure 2 a first tray 106A of Figure 1 a counterweight 108A of Figure 1 a valve stem 110A of Figure 1 a first valve seat 112A of Figure 1 and an example first seat insert 114A of Figure 1 In the illustrated example, Figure 2 the example first seat insert 114A includes an example body portion 200, an example shoulder 216 radially extending outward from the body portion 200, and an example lip 204 (e.g., ridge, protrusion, etc.) axially (e.g., upward) extending from the body portion 200. In Figure 1 the illustrated example, Figure 2 the first valve seat 112A includes an example end 215 having an example end surface 220. In Figure 2 the illustrated example, Figure 2 the first valve seat 112A is disposed in an example opening 214 of the end 215 (e.g., the first valve seat 112A is disposed in the end 215, etc.). In Figure 2 the illustrated example, Figure 2The associated seat insert structure can also be implemented according to Figure 1 the vacuum release assembly 104.

[0034] In Figure 2 the illustrated example, the first seat insert 114A is disposed in the opening 214. In some examples, the first seat insert 114A is disposed in the opening 214 via an interference fit. In some examples, the first seat insert 114A can be coupled to the valve seat 112A via a shrink fit (e.g., by heating the valve seat 112A to cause the valve seat 112A to expand such that the first seat insert 114A can be disposed therein). In some such examples, prior to assembly, the opening 214 has a smaller cross-sectional area at room temperature than the first seat insert 114A. In some such examples, after assembly, the valve seat 112A contracts, which compresses the first seat insert 114A and applies strain thereto. In some such examples, the compression of the valve seat 112A holds the first seat insert 114A in a shrink fit.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, other devices can be used to couple the first seat insert 114A to the first valve seat 112A. For example, the first seat insert 114A can be disposed within and / or coupled to the first valve seat 112A via one or more fasteners, one or more clamps. Examples of seat inserts coupled to a valve seat via a clamp are described below in connection with Figure 3 Examples of seat inserts coupled to a valve seat via a plurality of fasteners are described below in connection with Figure 4

[0036] In Figure 2 the illustrated example, the second surface 210 is parallel to the end surface 220. In Figure 2 the illustrated example, the first surface 208 and the third surface 212 are perpendicular to the second surface 210 and the end surface 220. In Figure 2 the illustrated example, the cavity 206 is disposed at the intersection of the first surface 208 and the second surface 210. The shoulder 216 of the seat insert 114A is a flange disposed within the first valve seat 112A. In Figure 2 ​In the illustrated example, the body portion 200 abuts the first surface 208 and the shoulder 216 abuts the second surface 210 and the third surface 212 such that the shoulder 216 extends into the cavity 206 and is disposed within the cavity 206. In some examples, the shoulder 216 holds the first seat insert 114A within the opening 214. Specifically, the shoulder 216 and the cavity 206 prevent or limit axial (e.g., upward) removal of the first seat insert 114A from the opening 214 during normal operation of the valve 100. In some examples, the shoulder 216 extends annularly around the circumference of the first seat insert 114A. In other examples, the shoulder 216 may extend around a portion of the circumference of the first seat insert 114A (e.g., in multiple discrete segments, in a continuous segment, etc.). In Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the first seat insert 114A has a cross-section with a generally L-shaped configuration. In other examples, the first seat insert 114A may have a cross-section of any other suitable configuration. For example, the first seat insert 114A may have an I-shaped cross-section (e.g., where the shoulder 216 is absent, etc.), a C-shaped cross-section (e.g., where the first seat insert 114A includes a top flange, etc.).

[0037] In Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the exemplary top surface 218 of the body portion 200 is generally flush or aligned with the end surface 220 of the first valve seat 112A. A lip 204 extends from the top surface 218 of the body portion 200. In Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the lip 204 is chamfered relative to the adjacent surface of the seat insert 114A. In other examples, the lip 204 may be rounded, and / or otherwise angled relative to the adjacent surface of the seat insert 114A. In Figure 2 In the illustrated example, the lip 204 extends annularly around the seat insert 114A. When the pressure relief assembly 102 is in the closed position, the first tray seal 116A abuts the first seat insert 114A such that the lip 204 extends into the corresponding opening in the plate 117A and compresses the tray seal 116A into the corresponding opening in the plate 117A, thereby preventing fluid flow through the first fluid flow path 126A.

[0038] In some examples, after repeated operation of the pressure release assembly 102, the lip 204 may become worn. In some such examples, the first seat insert 114A may be removed from the opening 214. In some examples, if the first seat insert 114A is coupled to the first valve seat 112A via a shrink fit, the first valve seat 112A may be heated to facilitate removal of the first valve seat 112A. In some examples, thermal expansion of the first valve seat 112A causes the shoulder 216 to release from the cavity 206, thus facilitating removal of the first seat insert 114A. After removing the first seat insert 114A, a new seat insert and / or a repaired seat insert may be disposed within the opening 214 at the end 215 of the first valve seat 112A.

[0039] Figure 3 is a detailed view of another exemplary release assembly 300 implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Exemplary release assembly 300 may be used in conjunction with Figure 1 the pressure and vacuum pressure release valve 100, and is similar to Figure 1 the pressure release assembly 102, except that release assembly 300 includes an exemplary seat insert 302, an exemplary clamp 304, and an exemplary valve seat 306. Pressure release assembly 300 includes Figure 1 the exemplary first tray 106A and exemplary first tray seal 116A of Figure 3 In the illustrated example, seat insert 302 includes an exemplary body portion 310, an exemplary shoulder 313 that extends radially inwardly from the body portion 310, and an exemplary lip 308 that extends axially from the body portion 310. The body portion 310, lip 308, and shoulder 313 are respectively similar to Figure 2 the body portion 200 of Figure 2 the lip 204 of Figure 2 the shoulder 216 of Figure 3 unless otherwise noted. In the Figure 2 illustrated example, valve seat 306 includes an exemplary end 315 that includes an exemplary first surface 314, an exemplary second surface 316, and an exemplary cavity 318, which are respectively similar to Figure 2 the first surface 208 of Figure 2 the exemplary second surface 210 of Figure 3 and the cavity 2062 of Figure 1 unless otherwise noted. Although the

[0040] construction of Figure 3In the illustrated example, the seat insert 302 is disposed on the end 315. The seat insert 302 is similar to the detachable insert of the first seat insert 114A of Figure 1 and Figure 2 , except that the seat insert 302 is held in a compressed state via the clamp 304. In Figure 3 the illustrated example, the seat insert 302 is further held via an interference fit (e.g., friction, etc.) between the insert shoulder 313 and the inner surface of the cavity 318. Different from the cavity 206 of Figure 2 and the shoulder 216 of Figure 2 , the insert shoulder 313 and the cavity 318 extend radially inwardly from the seat insert 302 and extend into the valve seat 306, respectively. In Figure 3 the illustrated example, the seat insert 302 has a generally L-shaped cross-section. In other examples, the seat insert 302 may have a cross-section of any other suitable shape. For example, the seat insert 302 may have an I-shaped cross-section (e.g., the shoulder 216 is absent, etc.), a C-shaped cross-section (e.g., the seat insert 302 includes a top flange, etc.).

[0041] In Figure 3 the illustrated example, the valve seat 306 includes an exemplary cylindrical portion 322, and the exemplary cylindrical portion 322 includes a first surface 314. The exemplary cavity 318 is disposed at the intersection of the first surface 314 and the second surface 316 and extends into the cylindrical portion 322. The seat insert 302 and the clamp 304 are disposed on the second surface 316 of the valve seat 306 and are adjacent to the second surface 316 of the valve seat 306. In Figure 3 the illustrated example, the seat insert 302 is disposed between the cylindrical portion 322 and the clamp 304 (e.g., the first side of the seat insert 302 is adjacent to the cylindrical portion 322 and the second side of the seat insert 302 is adjacent to the clamp 304, etc.). In some examples, the valve seat 306 may include another cylindrical portion (not shown) disposed radially outward of the cylindrical portion 322, the seat insert 302, and the clamp 304.

[0042] The clamp 304 is an annular member (e.g., the clamp 304 is a compression ring, etc.) that holds the seat insert 302 on the valve seat 306 via a compressive force. That is, the clamp 304 radially inwardly applies a compressive force (e.g., compressive pressure, etc.) on the seat insert 302, such that the seat insert 302 is pressed into the cylindrical portion 322 of the valve seat 306. In Figure 3In the illustrated example, the clamp 304 is a continuous loop. In some examples, the clamp 304 applies a compressive force on the seat insert 302 because the clamp 304 has an inner diameter smaller than the diameter of the valve seat 306 at the outer surface of the seat insert 302. To install the clamp 304, the clamp is expanded (e.g., stretched open, etc.), placed on the second surface 316, and allowed to radially contract inwardly (e.g., relax, etc.), thereby applying a holding force on the seat insert 302. In some examples, the clamp 304 can be thermally expanded (e.g., heated, etc.), placed on the second surface 316, and allowed to contract. In some such examples, the thermal contraction of the clamp 304 applies a compressive force on the seat insert 302. Additionally or alternatively, the clamp 304 can be placed on the valve seat 306 by applying mechanical stress to the clamp 304 such that the clamp 304 is elastically deformed to have a larger inner diameter. In some such examples, the clamp 304 is mechanically expanded (e.g., subjected to radially applied outward stress, elastic deformation, strain, etc.), placed on the second surface 316, and allowed to contract (e.g., elastically rebound, etc.). In some such examples, the mechanical contraction of the clamp 304 applies a compressive force on the seat insert 302.

[0043] In some examples, the clamp 304 can be composed of multiple segments (e.g., multiple bends, two semi-circular pieces, etc.). In some such examples, the segments of the clamp 304 can be coupled via one or more fasteners, one or more chemical adhesives, etc. In some examples, the coupling of the segments of the clamp 304 can cause the clamp 304 to apply a compressive force on the seat insert 302. In some examples, the clamp 304 can include a ratchet mechanism that can be used to adjust the diameter of the clamp 304. In some such examples, the ratchet mechanism can be used to reduce the diameter of the clamp 304 after the clamp 304 has been placed on the second surface 316 of the valve seat 306. In some examples, the clamp 304 can be threadedly coupled to the seat insert 302 and / or the valve seat 306. In some such examples, the threaded coupling of the clamp to the seat insert 302 and / or the valve seat 306 holds the seat insert 302 to the valve seat 306. In some examples, after repeated operation of the pressure release assembly 300, the lip 308 of the seat insert 302 may become worn. In some such examples, the clamp 304 can be removed, which facilitates the removal of the seat insert 302 (e.g., scrapping, repair, etc.). After removing the seat insert 302, a new seat insert and / or a repaired seat insert can be placed in the valve seat and held after coupling the clamp 304 to the valve seat 306.

[0044] Figure 4 is a detailed view of another example pressure release assembly 400 implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The example pressure release assembly 400 can be associated with Figure 1is used in combination with the pressure and vacuum pressure relief valve 100 and is similar to Figure 1 the pressure relief assembly 102, except that the pressure relief assembly 400 includes an exemplary seat insert 401, an exemplary first fastener 402A, an exemplary second fastener 402B, and an exemplary valve seat 404. The pressure relief assembly 400 includes Figure 1 an exemplary first tray 106A of Figure 1 an exemplary first counterweight 108A of Figure 1 an exemplary first valve seat 112A of Figure 1 an exemplary first tray seal 116A of Figure 1 and an exemplary first plate 117A of Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first valve seat 112A, except that the valve seat 404 includes an exemplary first opening 406A and an exemplary second opening 406B. The valve seat 404 is similar to Figure 2 the exemplary lip 204, the body portion 200, and the shoulder 216 of Figure 4 unless otherwise specified. In the exemplary illustration of Figure 2 the valve seat 404 has an exemplary end 415, and the exemplary end 415 has an exemplary opening 411, and the exemplary opening 411 is similar to Figure 4 the opening 214 of Figure 1 unless otherwise specified. Although

[0045] In Figure 4 the exemplary illustration, the seat insert 401 is disposed on the end 415. In Figure 4 the exemplary illustration, the seat insert 401 is a detachable insert similar to Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first seat insert 114A, except that the seat insert 401 is held in the valve seat 404 via the fasteners 402A, 402B, and the insert shoulder 410. The fasteners 402A, 402B are respectively coupled to the valve seat 404 via the openings 406A, 406B. The openings 406A, 406B are through holes extending from the outside of the valve seat 404 to the inside of the opening 411 of the valve seat 404. In Figure 4 the exemplary illustration, the openings 406A, 406B extend from the exemplary radially outer surface 414 of the valve seat 404 to the opening 411 for receiving the seat insert 401. In Figure 4 the exemplary illustration, the fasteners 402A, 402B respectively include an exemplary first fastener end 412A and an exemplary second fastener end 412B.

[0046] In Figure 4 the illustrated example, the fastener ends 412A, 412B extend through the valve seat 404 and abut the seat insert 401. The fasteners 402A, 402B apply a compressive force to the seat insert 401 via the fastener ends 412A, 412B abutting the seat insert 401, thereby holding the seat insert 401 in the opening 411. In some examples, the fasteners 402A, 402B are screws or bolts. In some such examples, the openings 406A, 406B include threads that facilitate threaded coupling of the fasteners 402A, 402B. In other examples, the fasteners 402A, 402B can be any other type of fastener (e.g., rivets, etc.). In Figure 4 the illustrated example, the fasteners 402A, 402B include an example first head 416A and an example second head 416B that abut the radially outer surface 414. In some examples, the heads 416A, 416B are absent.

[0047] To remove, service, and / or replace the seat insert 401, the fasteners 402A, 402B can be removed from the openings 406A, 406B, which facilitates removal of the seat insert 401 from the pressure relief assembly 400. After removing the seat insert 401, a new seat insert and / or a repaired seat insert can be disposed within the valve seat 404 and held after coupling the fasteners 402A, 402B within the valve seat 404. While Figure 4 the pressure relief assembly 400 in

[0048] Figure 5A is a perspective view of another example seat insert 500 and an example valve seat 502 implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In Figure 5A the illustrated example, the seat insert 500 is disposed on an example end 503 of the valve seat 502 and is rotatably coupled to the example end 503 of the valve seat 502 and forms a twist-lock interface therewith. In Figure 5A the illustrated example, the seat insert 500 is a removable insert that includes an example body 504, an example lip 506 that extends axially upward from the body 504, an example first insert shoulder 508A, an example second insert shoulder 508B, an example third insert shoulder 508C, and an example fourth insert shoulder 508D. The shoulders 508A - 508D extend radially outward from the body 504. In Figure 5AIn the illustrated example, the valve seat 502 includes an example cylindrical portion 510 and an example seat flange 512 that extends radially outward from the cylindrical portion 510. The seat flange 512 has a plurality of holes 516 to receive fasteners (e.g., bolts) to couple the valve seat 502 to the valve body. The end 503 of the valve seat 502 includes an example first boss 514A, an example second boss 514B, an example third boss 514C, and an example fourth boss 514D. The end 503 of the valve seat 502 also includes an example first opening 515A between the first boss 514A and the second boss 514B, an example second opening 515B between the second boss 514B and the third boss 514C, an example third opening 515C between the third boss 514C and the fourth boss 514D, and an example fourth opening 515D between the fourth boss 514D and the first boss 514A.

[0049] Figure 5A The example seat insert 500 and Figure 5A The example valve seat 502 of Figure 1 The pressure and vacuum relief valve 100 of Figure 1 One or both of the valve seats 112A, 112B of Figure 1 The pressure relief assembly 102 of Figure 1 And / or one or both of the vacuum relief assemblies 104 of

[0050] In Figure 5A In the illustrated example, the valve seat 502 includes bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D that are disposed on the end 503 of the cylindrical portion 510 of the valve seat 502 and extend radially inward from the end 503. In Figure 5AIn the illustrated example, the valve seat 502 includes four bosses (e.g., bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D, etc.), which are equally spaced from each other around the circumference of the end 503. In other examples, the valve seat 502 may include any suitable number of bosses (e.g., 1 boss, 2 bosses, 3 bosses, 5 bosses, 10 bosses, etc.) having any other suitable distribution (e.g., evenly spaced distribution, unevenly spaced distribution, etc.). In some such examples, the seat insert 500 may include a corresponding number of insert shoulders having a complementary distribution to allow removal and locking of the seat insert 500 in the valve seat 502. In some examples, the valve seat 502 and the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D are integral (e.g., formed by casting, formed by additive manufacturing, etc.). In other examples, some or all of the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D may be manufactured separately and coupled to the end 503 (e.g., via one or more fasteners, via one or more welds, via one or more interference fits, etc.). In some such examples, the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D may be made of a material different from that of the valve seat 502.

[0051] The valve seat 502 may be coupled to the body of a relief valve (e.g., pressure and vacuum relief valve 100, etc.) via one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, rivets, etc.) extending through corresponding holes in the plurality of holes 516. Additionally or alternatively, the valve seat 502 may be coupled to the body of the relief valve via one or more welds, one or more interference fits, one or more mechanical fits, etc. In some such examples, seals (e.g., Figure 1 seat seals 118A, 118B, etc.) of the valve may be provided between the valve seat 502 and the body. In other examples, the valve seat 502 and the body may be integral (e.g., a single cast part, an additive manufacturing part, etc.).

[0052] The valve seat 502 and the seat insert 500 have a first relative position and a second relative position, which are rotationally displaced via an angular displacement about an example axis 518. In Figure 5A the illustrated example, the axis 518 is the centerline axis of the valve seat 502. In Figure 5A the illustrated example, the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502 are in the first relative position. Specifically, in Figure 5AIn the illustrated example, the insert shoulders 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D of the seat insert 500 are rotationally aligned with the openings 515A, 515B, 515C, 515D, respectively. The first relative position of the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502 (e.g., angular alignment of the insert shoulders 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D and the openings 515A, 515B, 515C, 515D, etc.) facilitates removal of the seat insert 500 from the valve seat 502 and / or its removal / replacement. That is, in Figure 5A the first relative position depicted in the illustrated example, the seat insert 500 can be removed from the valve seat 502 by shifting the valve seat 502 along the axis 518. Similarly, by aligning the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502 in the first relative position (e.g., where the insert shoulders 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D are radially aligned with the openings 515A, 515B, 515C, 515D, respectively) and translating the seat insert 500 along the axis 518, the seat insert 500 and / or a replacement seat insert can be disposed within the end 503 of the valve seat 502.

[0053] In the second relative position, the seat insert 500 is rotated 90° (e.g., a quarter turn, etc.) such that the insert shoulders 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D and the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D are circumferentially aligned. That is, the insert shoulders 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D of the seat insert 500 are disposed between and adjacent to the corresponding bosses of the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D and the body 504 of the valve seat 502. The adjacency of the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D and the insert shoulders 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D prevents the seat insert 500 from translating along the axis 518 and holds the seat insert 500 in the valve seat 502. In the first relative position, the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D and the insert shoulders 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D are not adjacent, such that the seat insert 500 can translate within the valve seat 502. Accordingly, the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502 form a twist-lock interface. The following describes an example of the seat insert 500 and the exemplary valve seat 502 in the second relative position. Figure 5B description of the seat insert 500 and the exemplary valve seat 502 in the second relative position.

[0054] In some examples, the seat insert 500 and / or the valve seat 502 may include one or more features that hold the seat insert 500 in the second relative position during operation. For example, the valve seat 502 and / or the seat insert 500 may include one or more holes (not shown) formed on the outer surface and / or the inner surface of the valve seat 502 and / or the seat insert 500, which are configured to receive fasteners and / or pins. In some such examples, inserting one or more fasteners and / or pins into the one or more holes may lock the relative positions of the seat insert 500 and / or the valve seat 502. Additionally or alternatively, the seat insert 500 and / or the valve seat 502 may include one or more grooves and / or bosses disposed therein. In some such examples, the interface between the boss and the groove increases the friction between the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502, which increases the amount of force required to change the relative positions of the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502. In some examples, the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502 may be coupled by a threaded connection (e.g., between the inner surface of the valve seat 502 and the outer surface of the seat insert 500, etc.), which increases the amount of force required to change the relative positions of the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502. In some such examples, the insert shoulders 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D and the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D may be absent.

[0055] Figure 5B is the seat insert 500 including Figure 5A and Figure 5A a detailed view of a cross-section of the pressure release vacuum assembly 520 of the valve seat 502. The pressure release vacuum assembly 520 may be used in combination with a release valve similar to Figure 1 the pressure and vacuum release valve 100. In Figure 5B the illustrated example, the pressure release vacuum assembly 520 further includes Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first tray 106A of Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first counterweight 108A of Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first valve stem 110A of Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first tray seal 116A of Figure 1 and Figure 2 the first plate 117A of Figure 5B Although the illustrated configuration shows a pressure release assembly (such as the pressure release vacuum assembly 520, etc.), it should be understood that the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502 may also be used in combination with a vacuum release assembly similar to Figure 1 the vacuum release assembly 104.

[0056] In Figure 5BIn the illustrated example, a first insertion shoulder 508A, a second insertion shoulder 508B (not visible in Figure 5B ), a third insertion shoulder 508C, and a fourth insertion shoulder 508D (not visible in Figure 5B ) are axially aligned with a first boss 514A, a second boss 514B (not visible in Figure 5B ), a third boss 514C, and a fourth boss 514D (not visible in Figure 5B ) such that the seat insert 500 is held in the valve seat 502. During operation, a first tray 106A moves (e.g., translates) along a first valve stem 110A between an open position (e.g., separated from the seat insert 500 and the valve seat 502, etc.) and a closed position (e.g., adjacent to the valve seat insert 500, etc.). In Figure 5B the illustrated example, the pressure release vacuum assembly 520 is in an open position such that a first tray seal 116A is separated from a lip 506 of the seat insert 500. When pressure is applied to the tray 106A by fluid within the valve body 101 (e.g., the pressure of the contained fluid is greater than the pressure applied by the first counterweight 108A, etc.), the first tray 106A moves upward along the first valve stem 110A, the pressure release vacuum assembly 520 opens, and fluid is discharged through the pressure release vacuum assembly 520. When the pressure release valve assembly 520 is in a closed position, the tray seal 116A abuts the lip 506 and forms a seal therewith (e.g., when the pressure release valve assembly 520 is in a closed position, the tray seal 116A is in sealing engagement with the lip 506, etc.).

[0057] Figure 5C is an exploded view of the seat insert 500, an exemplary valve seat 502, and an exemplary insert seal 524. In Figure 5C the illustrated example, the seat insert 500 includes an exemplary first gap 522A disposed between a first shoulder 508A and a second shoulder 508B, an exemplary second gap 522B disposed between the second shoulder 508B and a third shoulder 508C, an exemplary third gap 522C disposed between the third shoulder 508C and a fourth shoulder 508D, and an exemplary fourth gap 522D disposed between the fourth shoulder 508D and the first shoulder 508A. In a first relative position, as Figure 5A and Figure 5C illustrated (e.g., a position that allows the seat insert 500 to be inserted into and removed from the valve seat 502, etc.), the gaps 522A, 522B, 522C, 522D are rotationally aligned with the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D, respectively. In Figure 5BIn the second relative position illustrated (e.g., a position that prevents the seat insert 500 from translating relative to the valve seat 502 along the axis 518, etc.), the gaps 522A, 522B, 522C, 522D are rotationally aligned with the openings 515A, 515B, 515C, 515D respectively, and the bosses 514A, 514B, 514C, 514D are aligned with the shoulders 508A, 508B, 508C, 508D respectively.

[0058] In Figure 5B and Figure 5C the illustrated example, an example insert seal 524 is disposed in an example groove 526 (e.g., a seal gland) in the end 503 of the valve seat 502. In Figure 5B and Figure 5C the illustrated example, the insert seal 524 abuts the valve seat 502 and the seat insert 500 and forms a fluid seal therebetween. The insert seal 524 alleviates (e.g., prevents, reduces, etc.) leakage between the valve seat 502 and the seat insert 500. In Figure 5B the illustrated example, the groove 526 extends circumferentially around the end 503 of the valve seat 502. In some examples, the insert seal 524 and the through - hole 526 may be absent.

[0059] Figure 6 is a perspective cross - sectional view of another example seat insert 600 implemented in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. In Figure 6 the illustrated example, the seat insert 600 is disposed within an example opening 602 in an example end surface 603 of an example valve seat end 604 of an example valve seat 605 (e.g., the seat insert 600 is disposed on the valve seat end 604, etc.). In Figure 6 the illustrated example, the seat insert 600 is a detachable insert that includes an example insert body 608, an example lip 606 extending axially (e.g., upward) from the insert body 608, an example first arm 610A extending from the insert body 608, an example second arm 610B extending from the insert body 608, an example first boss 612A extending from the first arm 610A, an example second boss 612B extending from the second arm 610B, and an example spring 614. In as Figure 6 the illustrated example, the seat insert 600 is an assembly composed of an example main portion 615 and the spring 614, and the example main portion 615 includes the insert body 608, the arms 610A, 610B and the bosses 612A, 612B. In other examples, the seat insert 600 may include more than two discrete elements. In other examples, the spring 614 is integral with other components of the seat insert 600.

[0060] In Figure 6In the illustrated example, the bosses 612A, 612B respectively include an example first outer flange 616A and an example second outer flange 616B, and respectively include an example first inner flange 617A and an example second inner flange 617B. In Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the valve seat 605 includes an example first retaining surface 618A and an example second retaining surface 618B within the opening 602. In Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the spring 614 includes an example first end 619A and an example second end 619B. The example valve seat 605 can be used in combination with Figure 1 the pressure and vacuum relief valve 100, and implements Figure 1 one or both of the valve seats 112A, 112B of Figure 1 the pressure relief assembly 102 and / or Figure 1 one or both of the vacuum relief assemblies 104 of

[0061] The seat insert 600 is an annular member disposed within the opening 602 and extending circumferentially around the valve seat 605. In Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the seat insert 600 is configured as a one-piece structure (e.g., the insert body 608, the arms 610A, 610B, and the bosses 612A, 612B are integral). In other examples, one or more of the insert body 608, the arms 610A, 610B, and the bosses 612A, 612B can be configured as separate components and coupled together via one or more fasteners, one or more interference fits, one or more chemical adhesives, etc. In Figure 6 In the illustrated example, the seat insert 600 has a generally V-shaped cross-section (e.g., the seat insert 600 is a V-shaped member, etc.), and the opening 602 has a generally complementary shape (e.g., the opening 602 also has a generally V-shaped cross-section, etc.). In other examples, the seat insert 600 and / or the seat insert 600 can have any other suitable shape. Similar to Figure 1 the seat inserts 114A, 114B of Figure 2 the seat insert 600 is removably disposed within the opening 602 and includes a lip 606 (e.g., similar to Figure 6In the illustrated example, there is a gap between the side of the seat insert 600 and the inner surface of the opening 602. It should be understood that this gap is for illustrative purposes only. In operation, the insert body 608, the arms 610A, 610B, and / or the bosses 612A, 612B abut the inner surface of the opening 602.

[0062] The insert body 608 is the portion of the valve seat insert 600 that extends from the opening 602. The insert body 608 is a generally annular member that extends circumferentially around the valve seat 605. The insert body 608 includes an exemplary lip 606 that extends from an exemplary first surface 620 of the insert body 608. In Figure 2 the illustrated example, the first surface 620 of the insert body 608 is generally flush with an exemplary valve seat end 604 of the valve seat 605. In other examples, the first surface 620 may be recessed from and / or extend from the valve seat end 604 of the valve seat 605. The arms 610A, 610B extend between the insert body 608 to the bosses 612A, 612B, respectively. The arms 610A, 610B are generally flat members (e.g., sheets, etc.) that extend circumferentially around the valve seat 605. In other examples, the arms 610A, 610B may have any other suitable shape and / or orientation. In some examples, the arms 610A, 610B may include features (not shown) that facilitate the installation and removal of the seat insert 600. The bosses 612A, 612B are the portions of the seat insert 600 that hold the seat insert 600 within the opening 602 and hold the spring 614 within the seat insert 600. The bosses are generally annular members that extend circumferentially around the valve seat 605.

[0063] The spring 614 is a leaf spring that abuts an exemplary inner surface 624 of the seat insert 600. In Figure 6 the illustrated example, the spring 614 is compressed and inserted into the seat insert 600 such that the body of the spring 614 abuts the inner surface 624 and the ends 619A, 619B abut the inner flanges 617A, 617B, respectively. In some such examples, the abutment of the spring 614 on the inner surface 624 and the abutment of the ends 619A, 619B on the inner flanges 617A, 617B hold the spring 614 within the seat insert 600. The compression of the spring 614 within the seat insert 600 biases the seat insert 600 in tension. In Figure 6 the illustrated example, the tension of the seat insert 600 causes the outer flanges 616A, 616B to abut the retaining surfaces 618A, 618B, which holds the seat insert within the opening 602. In Figure 6In the illustrated example, spring 614 is a leaf spring compressed by a single continuous member. In other examples, spring 614 can be implemented by any suitable type of spring (e.g., laminated spring, helical spring, conical spring, arcuate spring, etc.) that applies tension to arms 610A, 610B. Spring 614 can be composed of any suitable material, including spring steel, copper, brass, bronze, nickel alloys, etc.

[0064] Seat insert 600 can be inserted into opening 602 by applying a compressive force against the biasing tension of spring 614 to arms 610A, 610B, which causes arms 610A, 610B and bosses 612A, 612B to shift toward the example center diameter 626 of seat insert 600. After compressing seat insert 600, bosses 612A, 612B can be inserted into opening 602, and the compressive force applied to seat insert 600 can be released. After inserting seat insert 600 into opening 602, outer flanges 616A, 616B of bosses 612A, 612B contact retaining surfaces 618A, 618B and hold seat insert 600 within opening 602 (e.g., seat insert 600 is compressively disposed within opening 602, etc.). To remove, repair, and / or replace seat insert 600, a compressive force can be applied to arms 610A, 610B (e.g., via a tool inserted along the side of insert body 608, etc.) to resist the biasing tension of spring 614, which causes arms 610A, 610B and bosses 612A, 612B to shift toward example center diameter 626. In some such examples, the compressive force causes outer flanges 616A, 616B to stop abutting retaining surfaces 618A, 618B, facilitating removal of seat insert 600 from opening 602. After removing first seat insert 600, a new seat insert and / or a repaired seat insert can be disposed within the seat.

[0065] "Comprising" and "including" (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein as open - ended terms. Thus, whenever a claim uses any form of "comprising" or "including" (e.g., contains, includes, has, etc.) as a preamble or in any type of claim recitation, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc. may exist without falling outside the scope of the corresponding claim or recitation. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term in, for example, the preamble of a claim, it is open - ended in the same manner as the terms "comprising" and "including" are open - ended. The term "and / or", when used in forms such as A, B, and / or C, means any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing a structure, component, item, object, and / or thing, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing a structure, component, item, object, and / or thing, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of a process, instruction, action, activity, etc., the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of a process, instruction, action, activity, etc., the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0066] As used herein, singular references (e.g., "a", "an", "first", "second", etc.) do not exclude plural. The term "a" or "an" object as used herein means one or more of that object. The terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more", and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. Additionally, although listed separately, multiple devices, elements, or acts may be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. Further, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may be combined, and including them in different examples or claims does not mean that the combination of features is infeasible and / or disadvantageous.

[0067] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, the term "above" describes the relationship of two parts relative to the Earth. If there is at least one part between the second part and the first part with respect to the Earth, the first part is located above the second part. Similarly, as used herein, when the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part, the first part is "below" the second part. As pointed out above, the first part can be located above or below the second part and have one or more of the following: there are other parts therebetween, there are no other parts therebetween, the first part and the second part are in contact, or the first part and the second part do not directly contact each other.

[0068] As used in this patent, the statement that any part (e.g., a layer, a film, an interval, a region, or a plate) is in any way on another part (e.g., is positioned on, is located on, is disposed on, or is formed on) indicates that the referenced part is in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is above the other part and one or more intermediate parts are therebetween.

[0069] As used herein, unless otherwise specified, connection references (e.g., attach, couple, connect, and combine) can include intermediate members between the elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between these elements. Thus, a connection reference does not necessarily infer that the two elements are directly connected and / or have a fixed relationship with each other. As used herein, the statement that any part is "in contact" with another part is defined to mean that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0070] Unless otherwise specifically stated, descriptors such as "first", "second", "third", etc. used herein do not in any way input or otherwise indicate any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or sorting, but are only used as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor "first" can be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while the same element can be referred to by a different descriptor (such as "second" or "third") in the claims. In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are only used to clearly identify those elements in the context of the discussion (e.g., in the claims), where the elements may, for example, otherwise share the same name.

[0071] As used herein, "about" and "approximately" modify their subject / value to indicate the potential existence of variations that occur in real-world applications. For example, as will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art, "about" and "approximately" can modify dimensions that may be imprecise due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world imperfections. For example, unless otherwise specified herein, "about" and "approximately" can indicate that such dimensions can be within a tolerance range of + / - 10%.

[0072] This disclosure relates to a removable valve seat insert for a pressure and vacuum relief valve. Other examples and combinations thereof include the following:

[0073] Example 1 includes a relief valve that includes: a valve body that defines a fluid passage between a first opening and a second opening; a valve seat that is coupled to the valve body at the first opening of the valve body, the valve seat having a cylindrical body; a seat insert disposed at an end of the valve seat; and a tray that is movable between a closed position and an open position based on a pressure differential across the tray, wherein in the closed position the tray engages the seat insert to prevent fluid flow through the valve seat, and in the open position the tray is separated from the seat insert to enable fluid to flow through the valve seat.

[0074] Example 2 includes the relief valve of Example 1, wherein the seat insert is coupled to the valve seat via a cold shrink fit.

[0075] Example 3 includes the relief valve of Example 1, wherein the tray includes a tray seal and the seat insert has a lip to engage the tray seal when the tray is in the closed position.

[0076] Example 4 includes the relief valve of Example 1, wherein the valve seat includes an opening defined by: a first surface; a second surface perpendicular to the first surface; a third surface parallel to the first surface and perpendicular to the second surface; and a cavity disposed at an intersection of the first surface and the second surface.

[0077] Example 5 includes the relief valve of Example 4, wherein the seat insert includes a shoulder disposed within the cavity.

[0078] Example 6 includes the relief valve of Example 1, wherein the seat insert is disposed in a first opening formed at an end of the valve seat, and the relief valve further includes a fastener having a fastener end adjacent to the seat insert, the fastener extending through a second opening in an outer surface of the valve seat.

[0079] Example 7 includes the relief valve of Example 1, further including a ring adjacent to an outer surface of the seat insert, the ring applying a compressive force to the seat insert.

[0080] Example 8 includes the relief valve of Example 1, wherein the seat insert is rotatably coupled to an end of the valve seat.

[0081] Example 9 includes the relief valve of Example 8, wherein the seat insert includes a boss that extends radially inwardly from the end, the boss being adjacent to the seat insert in a first relative position and not adjacent to the seat insert in a second relative position.

[0082] Example 10 includes the relief valve of Example 1, wherein an end of the valve seat has an opening, and wherein the seat insert is disposed in the opening and has a V-shaped cross-section.

[0083] Example 11 includes a pressure and vacuum relief valve that includes: a valve body that defines a fluid passage between a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, the first opening being fluidly connected to a pressure system; a first release assembly for controlling fluid flow through the second opening, the first release assembly including: a valve seat having an end; a removable insert disposed within the end, the removable insert extending circumferentially within the valve seat; and a flow control member movable between an open position and the open position, the flow control member forming an interface with the removable insert at a closed position; and a second release assembly for controlling fluid flow through the third opening.

[0084] Example 12 includes the relief valve of Example 11, wherein the valve seat is a first valve seat, the end is a first end, the flow control member is a first flow control member, the removable insert is a first removable insert, the open position is a first open position, the closed position is a first closed position, the interface is a first interface, and wherein the second release assembly further includes: a second valve seat including an end; a second flow control member movable between a second open position and a second closed position, the second flow control member forming a second interface with the second valve seat at the second closed position; and a second removable insert disposed within the end.

[0085] Example 13 includes the relief valve of Example 12, wherein the first removable insert and the second removable insert are interchangeable.

[0086] Example 14 includes the relief valve of Example 11, wherein the first release assembly is a pressure release assembly and the second release assembly is a vacuum release assembly.

[0087] Example 15 includes the relief valve of Example 11, wherein the end includes an opening defined by: a first surface, a second surface perpendicular to the first surface, a third surface parallel to the first surface and perpendicular to the second surface, and a cavity disposed at an intersection of the first surface and the second surface.

[0088] Example 16 includes the relief valve of Example 15, wherein the removable insert includes a flange disposed within the cavity.

[0089] Example 17 includes the relief valve of Example 11, further including a clamp adjacent to the removable insert, the clamp applying a compressive force to the removable insert, and the adjacency of the clamp and the removable insert holding the removable insert to the valve seat.

[0090] Example 18 includes the relief valve of Example 11, further including a fastener extending through the valve seat, and the adjacency of the fastener and the removable insert holding the removable insert to the valve seat.

[0091] Example 19 includes the relief valve of Example 11, wherein the removable insert is held to the valve seat via a twist-lock interface.

[0092] Example 20 includes the release valve of Example 11, where the detachable insert is a V-shaped member compressively disposed within an opening in the valve seat.

[0093] The following claims are incorporated by reference into this detailed description. Although certain example systems, devices, articles, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all systems, devices, articles, and methods that fall entirely within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A release valve, comprising: a valve body defining a fluid passage between the first opening and the second opening; a valve seat coupled to the valve body at the first opening of the valve body, the valve seat having a cylindrical body; a seat insert disposed on an end of the valve seat; as well as A tray is movable between a closed position in which the tray engages the seat insert to prevent fluid flow through the valve seat and an open position in which the tray is spaced apart from the seat insert to enable fluid flow through the valve seat based on a pressure differential across the tray. 2 . The release valve of claim 1 , wherein the seat insert is coupled to the valve seat via a shrink fit.

3. The release valve of claim 1, wherein the tray includes a tray seal and the seat insert has a lip to engage the tray seal when the tray is in the closed position.

4. The release valve of claim 1 , wherein the valve seat includes an opening defined by: a first surface; and a second surface, the second surface being perpendicular to the first surface; a third surface, the third surface being parallel to the first surface and perpendicular to the second surface; as well as A cavity is disposed at the intersection of the first surface and the second surface.

5. The release valve of claim 4, wherein the seat insert includes a shoulder disposed within the cavity.

6. The release valve of claim 1 , wherein the seat insert is disposed in a first opening formed in the end of the valve seat, the release valve further comprising a fastener having a fastener end adjacent to the seat insert, the fastener extending through a second opening in the outer surface of the valve seat.

7. The release valve of claim 1 further comprising a ring abutting an outer surface of the seat insert, the ring applying a compressive force to the seat insert.

8. The release valve of claim 1, wherein the seat insert is rotatably coupled to the end of the valve seat.

9. The release valve of claim 8, wherein the seat insert includes a boss extending radially inwardly from the end, the boss abutting the seat insert at a first relative position, and the boss not abutting the seat insert at a second relative position.

10. The release valve according to claim 1, wherein the end of the valve seat has an opening, and wherein the seat insert is disposed in the opening and has a V-shaped cross-section.

11. A pressure and vacuum relief valve comprising: a valve body defining a fluid passage between a first opening, a second opening, and a third opening, the first opening being fluidly connected to a pressure system; A first release assembly is used to control the flow of fluid through the second opening, the first release assembly comprising: a valve seat having an end; a removable insert disposed within the end portion, the removable insert extending circumferentially within the valve seat; and a flow control member movable between an open position and a closed position, the flow control member interfacing with the removable insert in the closed position; and The second release assembly is used to control the fluid to flow through the third opening.

12. The release valve of claim 11, wherein the valve seat is a first valve seat, the end is a first end, the flow control member is a first flow control member, the removable insert is a first removable insert, the open position is a first open position, the closed position is a first closed position, the interface is a first interface, and wherein the second release assembly further comprises: a second valve seat including an end portion; a second flow control member movable between a second open position and a second closed position, the second flow control member forming a second interface with the second valve seat in the second closed position; as well as A second removable insert is disposed within the end portion.

13. The release valve of claim 12, wherein the first removable insert and the second removable insert are interchangeable.

14. The release valve of claim 11, wherein the first release assembly is a pressure release assembly and the second release assembly is a vacuum release assembly.

15. The release valve of claim 11, wherein the end portion includes an opening defined by: a first surface; a second surface, the second surface being perpendicular to the first surface; a third surface, the third surface being parallel to the first surface and perpendicular to the second surface; as well as A cavity is disposed at the intersection of the first surface and the second surface.

16. The release valve of claim 15, wherein the removable insert includes a flange disposed within the cavity.

17. The release valve of claim 11 further comprising a clamp abutting the removable insert, the clamp applying a compressive force to the removable insert, and the abutment of the clamp and the removable insert retains the removable insert on the valve seat.

18. The release valve of claim 11 further comprising a fastener extending through the valve seat, and abutment of the fastener and the removable insert retains the removable insert to the valve seat.

19. The release valve of claim 11, wherein the removable insert is retained to the valve seat via a twist-lock interface.

20. The release valve of claim 11, wherein the removable insert is a V-shaped member that is compressively disposed within an opening in the valve seat.

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