A low-temperature ball valve and an assembling method thereof

Abstract

The application belongs to the field of hydraulic valves, and particularly relates to a low-temperature ball valve capable of being disassembled and assembled on line and an assembling method thereof. The low-temperature ball valve comprises a valve body and a valve cover installed on the upper end of the valve body, a valve cavity is arranged in the valve body, a ball, a middle cavity bushing and a valve seat support are installed in the valve cavity, a first sealing plane perpendicular to a horizontal plane is arranged in the valve cavity, a second sealing plane and a lip-shaped sealing ring are arranged on the side of the valve seat support away from the ball, and the lip-shaped sealing ring is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane. The low-temperature ball valve can reduce the processing difficulty of the sealing surface in the valve body, reduce the risk of damaging the internal sealing surface and sealing element of the valve, and is simple to assemble and disassemble, and can be repaired on line.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of hydraulic valves, specifically relating to a cryogenic ball valve that can be disassembled and assembled online and its assembly method. Background Technology

[0002] During the assembly of small-diameter cryogenic ball valves, due to the limited space inside the valve cavity, the valve seat must be assembled from the upstream end before the ball can be inserted into the valve body. This valve design presents several drawbacks. Firstly, the small valve body size makes it difficult to machine the sealing surfaces inside the valve cavity. Secondly, it prevents online disassembly and maintenance. Furthermore, the valve can only be designed for unidirectional sealing, and during assembly, the seals continuously rub against the sealing surfaces inside the valve body, which can easily cause unnecessary damage to the seals and reduce the valve's sealing performance. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the problems existing in the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a cryogenic ball valve that can be disassembled and installed online and its assembly method. This cryogenic ball valve can reduce the processing difficulty of the sealing surface inside the valve body, reduce the risk of damaging the internal sealing surface and sealing components of the valve, and is easy to install and disassemble, enabling online maintenance.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0005] A cryogenic ball valve that can be disassembled online includes an integrally formed valve body and a valve cover installed on the upper end of the valve body. The valve body has a fluid channel and a valve cavity respectively, the fluid channel and the valve cavity are interconnected, and a valve core assembly is installed in the valve cavity.

[0006] The valve core assembly includes a ball, a central cavity bushing, and a valve seat support. The ball is located inside the central cavity bushing, and the valve seat supports are installed at both ends of the central cavity bushing. The valve seat supports are in sealing contact with the ball.

[0007] The valve cavity is provided with a first sealing plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and a second sealing plane and a lip seal are provided on the side of the valve seat support away from the ball. The lip seal is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane.

[0008] Preferably, the central cavity bushing has a first channel and a second channel that are perpendicular to each other. The ball is disposed in the first channel, and the valve seat is supported and installed at the left and right ends of the first channel and respectively in sealing contact with the ball.

[0009] Preferably, the valve seat support includes a first body and a second body with a T-shaped cross-section. One end of the first body is provided with an elastic valve seat, which is in sealing contact with the ball. A second sealing plane is provided on the side of the second body away from the elastic valve seat. An installation groove coaxial with the valve seat support is formed on the second sealing plane, and the lip seal ring is provided in the installation groove.

[0010] Preferably, an external threaded section is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first body, and a corresponding internal threaded section is provided in the first channel. The external threaded section and the internal threaded section cooperate to support and install the valve seat into the first channel.

[0011] Preferably, an operating port for cooperating with an assembly tool is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second body, and the assembly tool engages with the operating port to install the valve core assembly into the valve body.

[0012] Preferably, a third groove coaxial with the first channel is also provided in the middle cavity bushing. When the valve seat support is installed in the first channel, part of the second body is located inside the third groove, and the operating port is located outside the third groove.

[0013] Preferably, the upper end of the valve body is provided with a first groove and a second groove, the bottom of the valve cavity is provided with a positioning boss, a valve cover sealing ring is provided in the first groove, and the valve cover is inserted into the second groove from the top and makes sealing contact with the valve cover sealing ring; a valve stem is provided in the valve cover, and the valve stem is inserted through the upper end of the second channel and is connected to the ball for transmission, and the lower end of the second channel cooperates with the positioning boss to realize the positioning of the valve core assembly.

[0014] An assembly method for a cryogenic ball valve includes the following steps:

[0015] Step 1: Complete the assembly of the valve core assembly outside the valve body; place the ball inside the middle cavity bushing, and then install the valve seat support into the left and right sides of the middle cavity bushing, so that the elastic valve seats on both sides clamp the ball inside the middle cavity bushing;

[0016] Step 2: Assemble the valve core assembly into the valve body; engage the assembly tool with the operating port, use the assembly tool to place the valve core assembly into the valve body, and make the lower end of the second channel cooperate with the positioning boss to position the valve core assembly in the valve cavity;

[0017] Step 3: Adjust the valve seat support so that the lip seal ring is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane;

[0018] Step 4: Insert the valve stem into the top groove of the ball to make the valve stem and the ball drive connection. Rotate the valve stem to drive the ball to rotate and align the position of the ball in the valve core assembly.

[0019] Step 5: Install the valve cover sealing ring in the first groove, screw the bolt into the valve body, then pass the valve cover through the bolt and insert one end of the valve cover into the second groove, and then tighten the nut on the bolt to complete the assembly of the cryogenic ball valve.

[0020] Preferably, the step of supporting the valve seat on both sides of the central cavity bushing, so that the elastic valve seats on both sides clamp the ball inside the central cavity bushing, includes:

[0021] The external thread section of the first body is screwed into the internal thread section of the first channel until one end of the second body is in close contact with the bottom of the third groove. At this time, the elastic valve seat clamps the ball inside the middle cavity bushing, and the axial distance between the second sealing planes on the left and right sides of the valve core assembly is slightly smaller than the axial distance between the first sealing planes on the left and right sides of the valve body.

[0022] Preferably, adjusting the valve seat support so that the lip seal ring makes sealing contact with the first sealing plane includes:

[0023] Keeping the middle cavity bushing fixed relative to the valve body, the valve seat support is driven to rotate using the assembly tool, causing the valve seat support to move away from the ball until the lip seal ring is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane, and the elastic valve seat is kept in sealing contact with the ball.

[0024] Compared with the prior art, the cryogenic ball valve and its assembly method that can be disassembled online provided by the present invention have the following beneficial technical effects:

[0025] 1. In this invention, the valve body is integrally formed, and the internal valve cavity has a first sealing plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Correspondingly, the valve seat support in the valve core assembly has a second sealing plane, and a lip-shaped sealing ring is provided in the second sealing plane. The valve seal is achieved by the lip-shaped sealing ring making sealing contact with the first sealing plane. This design reduces the machining difficulty of the first sealing surface in the valve cavity and the second sealing plane on the valve seat support. Furthermore, when disassembling and assembling this cryogenic ball valve, it is only necessary to remove the valve cover and then remove the valve core assembly from the top of the valve body, or install the valve core assembly inside the valve body, facilitating online disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the cryogenic ball valve.

[0026] 2. In this invention, an elastic valve seat is provided at one end of the first body, an external thread section is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the first body, and a corresponding internal thread section is provided in the first channel. Simultaneously, an installation groove is formed on the second sealing plane of the second body, a lip seal ring is provided in the installation groove, and an operating port for cooperating with an assembly tool is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second body. According to the above arrangement, the valve seat can first be supported and installed into the first channel using an assembly tool, making the axial distance between the second sealing planes on the left and right sides of the valve core assembly slightly smaller than the axial distance between the first sealing planes on the left and right sides of the valve body. Then, the valve core assembly is installed into the valve body using the assembly tool, preventing unnecessary contact between the lip seal ring and the first sealing plane. Finally, the assembly tool is operated in the opposite direction to ensure a sealing contact between the lip seal ring and the first sealing plane, thereby reducing damage to the lip seal ring during valve core assembly and improving the sealing performance of the cryogenic ball valve.

[0027] 3. In this invention, when assembling the cryogenic ball valve, the valve core assembly is first assembled outside the valve body, such that the axial distance between the second sealing planes on both sides of the valve core assembly is slightly smaller than the axial distance between the first sealing planes on both sides of the valve body. Then, when assembling the valve core assembly into the valve body using an assembly tool, contact between the lip seal ring and the first sealing plane is avoided, preventing damage to the lip seal ring during assembly. After the valve core assembly is positioned within the valve cavity, the assembly tool drives the valve seat support to move away from the ball until the lip seal ring makes sealing contact with the first sealing plane, maintaining the elastic valve seat in sealing contact with the ball to achieve effective sealing. Furthermore, the axial movement distance can be adjusted by rotating the valve seat support using the assembly tool, thus adjusting the sealing force. This setup allows for simple and convenient assembly of the cryogenic ball valve, reducing the risk of damage to the valve's internal sealing surfaces and components, and ensuring the sealing performance of the cryogenic ball valve. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the cryogenic ball valve of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the valve seat support structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cavity bushing structure of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the valve body of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly process of the cryogenic ball valve of the present invention.

[0033] The meanings of the symbols marked in the figure are as follows:

[0034] 1. Valve body; 2. Valve cover; 3. Ball; 4. Central cavity bushing; 5. Valve seat support; 6. Valve stem; 7. Assembly tools;

[0035] 11. Fluid passage; 12. Valve chamber; 13. Positioning boss; 14. First sealing plane; 15. First groove; 16. Second groove;

[0036] 41. First channel; 42. Second channel; 43. Internal thread section; 44. Third groove;

[0037] 51. First body; 52. Second body; 53. Resilient valve seat; 54. External thread section; 55. Second sealing plane; 56. Lip seal ring; 57. Operating port. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0039] Therefore, the following detailed description of embodiments of the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely illustrates some embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features and technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention can be combined with each other.

[0041] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. These terms are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," etc., are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0043] See appendix Figure 1 - Appendix Figure 5As shown, the present invention provides a cryogenic ball valve that can be disassembled online, including an integrally formed valve body 1 and a valve cover 2 installed on the upper end of the valve body 1. The valve body 1 has a fluid channel 11 and a valve cavity 12 respectively, which are interconnected. A valve core assembly is installed in the valve cavity 12.

[0044] The valve core assembly includes a ball 3, a central cavity bushing 4, and a valve seat support 5. The ball 3 is located inside the central cavity bushing 4, and valve seat supports 5 are installed at both ends of the central cavity bushing 4. The valve seat supports 5 are in sealing contact with the ball 3.

[0045] The valve cavity 12 is provided with a first sealing plane 14 perpendicular to the horizontal plane. A second sealing plane 55 and a lip seal ring 56 are provided on the side of the valve seat support 5 away from the ball 3. The lip seal ring 56 is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane 14.

[0046] In the above embodiment, the valve body is integrally formed, and the internal valve cavity has a first sealing plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane. Correspondingly, the valve seat support in the valve core assembly has a second sealing plane, and a lip seal ring is provided in the second sealing plane. The valve seal is achieved by the lip seal ring making sealing contact with the first sealing plane. This design reduces the machining difficulty of the first sealing surface in the valve cavity and the second sealing plane on the valve seat support. Furthermore, when disassembling and assembling this cryogenic ball valve, it is only necessary to remove the valve cover and then remove the valve core assembly from the top of the valve body, or install the valve core assembly inside the valve body. This simple installation and disassembly facilitates online disassembly, assembly, and maintenance of the cryogenic ball valve.

[0047] Preferably, the middle cavity bushing 4 has a first channel 41 and a second channel 42 that are perpendicular to each other. The ball 3 is disposed in the first channel 41, and the valve seat support 5 is installed at the left and right ends of the first channel 41 and respectively in sealing contact with the ball 3.

[0048] Preferably, the valve seat support 5 includes a first body 51 and a second body 52 with a T-shaped cross-section. The diameter of the first body 51 is smaller than the diameter of the second body 52. ​​A through fluid channel is formed inside both the first and second bodies. An elastic valve seat 53 is provided at one end of the first body 51, and the elastic valve seat 53 is in sealing contact with the ball 3. A second sealing plane 55 is provided on the side of the second body 52 opposite to the elastic valve seat 53. A mounting groove coaxial with the valve seat support 5 is formed on the second sealing plane 55, and a lip seal ring 56 is provided in the mounting groove. An external thread section 54 is provided, in whole or in part, on the outer circumferential surface of the first body 51, and a corresponding internal thread section 43 is provided in the first channel 41. The external thread section 54 and the internal thread section 43 mate to install the valve seat support 5 into the first channel 41. An operating port 57 mates with an assembly tool 7 is provided on the outer circumferential surface of the second body 52. ​​The assembly tool 7 engages with the operating port 57 to install the valve core assembly into the valve body 1.

[0049] Preferably, the middle cavity bushing 4 is also provided with a third groove 44 coaxial with the first channel 41. When the valve seat support 5 is installed in the first channel 41, part of the second body 52 is located inside the third groove 44, and the operating port 57 is located outside the third groove 44.

[0050] Preferably, the upper end of the valve body 1 is provided with a first groove 15 and a second groove 16, and the bottom of the valve cavity 12 is provided with a positioning boss 13. A valve cover sealing ring is provided in the first groove 15, and the valve cover 2 is inserted into the second groove 16 from the top and makes sealing contact with the valve cover sealing ring. A valve stem 6 is provided in the valve cover 2. The valve stem 6 is inserted through the upper end of the second channel 42 and is connected to the ball 3 for transmission. The lower end of the second channel 42 cooperates with the positioning boss 13 to realize the positioning of the valve core assembly.

[0051] In the above embodiment, an elastic valve seat is provided at one end of the first body, an external thread section is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first body, and a corresponding internal thread section is provided in the first channel. Simultaneously, an installation groove is formed on the second sealing plane of the second body, a lip seal ring is provided in the installation groove, and an operating port for cooperating with an assembly tool is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second body. According to the above arrangement, the valve seat can first be supported and installed into the first channel using an assembly tool, making the axial distance between the second sealing planes on the left and right sides of the valve core assembly slightly smaller than the axial distance between the first sealing planes on the left and right sides of the valve body. Then, the valve core assembly is installed into the valve body using the assembly tool, preventing unnecessary contact between the lip seal ring and the first sealing plane. Finally, the assembly tool is operated in the opposite direction to ensure a sealing contact between the lip seal ring and the first sealing plane. This reduces damage to the lip seal ring during valve core assembly assembly and improves the sealing performance of the cryogenic ball valve.

[0052] The present invention also provides a method for assembling a cryogenic ball valve, the method comprising the following steps:

[0053] Step 1: Complete the assembly of the valve core assembly outside the valve body 1; place the ball 3 inside the middle cavity bushing 4, and then install the valve seat support 5 into the left and right sides of the middle cavity bushing 4, so that the elastic valve seats 53 on both sides clamp the ball 3 inside the middle cavity bushing 4.

[0054] Step 2: Assemble the valve core assembly into the valve body 1; engage the assembly tool 7 with the operating port 57, use the assembly tool 7 to place the valve core assembly into the valve body 1, and make the lower end of the second channel 42 cooperate with the positioning boss 13 to achieve the positioning of the valve core assembly in the valve cavity 12.

[0055] Step 3: Adjust the valve seat support 5 so that the lip seal 56 is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane 14;

[0056] Step 4: Insert the valve stem 6 into the top groove of the ball 3 to make the valve stem 6 and the ball 3 drive each other. Rotate the valve stem 6 to drive the ball 3 to rotate and align the position of the ball 3 in the valve core assembly.

[0057] Step 5: Install the valve cover sealing ring in the first groove 15, screw the bolt into the valve body 1, then pass the valve cover 2 through the bolt and insert one end of the valve cover 2 into the second groove 16, and then tighten the nut on the bolt to complete the assembly of the cryogenic ball valve.

[0058] Preferably, in step 1, inserting the valve seat support 5 into the left and right sides of the central cavity bushing 4, so that the elastic valve seats 53 on both sides clamp the ball 3 inside the central cavity bushing 4, includes:

[0059] The external thread section 54 of the first body 51 is screwed into the internal thread section 43 of the first channel 41 until one end of the second body 52 is in close contact with the bottom of the third groove 44. At this time, the elastic valve seat 53 clamps the ball 3 inside the middle cavity bushing 4, and the axial distance between the second sealing planes 55 on the left and right sides of the valve core assembly is slightly smaller than the axial distance between the first sealing planes 14 on the left and right sides inside the valve body 1.

[0060] Preferably, in step 3, adjusting the valve seat support 5 so that the lip seal 56 is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane 14 includes:

[0061] Keep the middle cavity bushing 4 fixed relative to the valve body 1, and use the assembly tool 7 to drive the valve seat support 5 to rotate, so that the valve seat support 5 moves away from the ball 3 until the lip seal ring 56 is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane 14, and the elastic valve seat 53 is in sealing contact with the ball 3.

[0062] In the above assembly method, the valve core assembly is first assembled outside the valve body, such that the axial distance between the second sealing planes on both sides of the valve core assembly is slightly smaller than the axial distance between the first sealing planes on both sides of the valve body. Then, when assembling the valve core assembly into the valve body using an assembly tool, contact between the lip seal and the first sealing plane is avoided, preventing damage to the lip seal during assembly. After the valve core assembly is positioned within the valve cavity, the assembly tool drives the valve seat support to move away from the ball until the lip seal makes sealing contact with the first sealing plane, maintaining the elastic valve seat in sealing contact with the ball for effective sealing. Furthermore, the axial movement distance can be adjusted by rotating the valve seat support using the assembly tool, thus regulating the ball valve's sealing performance. This setup allows for simple and convenient assembly of cryogenic ball valves, reducing the risk of damage to the valve's internal sealing surfaces and components, and ensuring the sealing performance of the cryogenic ball valve.

[0063] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the technical solutions described herein. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described above. Therefore, any modifications or equivalent substitutions to the present invention, as well as all technical solutions and improvements that do not depart from the spirit and scope of the invention, are covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cryogenic ball valve that can be disassembled and installed online, characterized in that: The valve includes an integrally formed valve body and a valve cover installed on the upper end of the valve body. The valve body has a fluid channel and a valve cavity respectively. The fluid channel and the valve cavity are interconnected. A valve core assembly is installed in the valve cavity. The valve core assembly includes a ball, a central cavity bushing, and a valve seat support. The ball is located inside the central cavity bushing, and the valve seat supports are installed at both ends of the central cavity bushing. The valve seat supports are in sealing contact with the ball. The valve cavity is provided with a first sealing plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and a second sealing plane and a lip seal are provided on the side of the valve seat support away from the ball. The lip seal is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane. The central cavity bushing has a first channel and a second channel that are perpendicular to each other. The ball is disposed in the first channel. The valve seat is supported and installed at the left and right ends of the first channel and respectively in sealing contact with the ball. The central cavity bushing is also provided with a third groove coaxial with the first channel; The valve seat support includes a first main body and a second main body with a T-shaped cross-section. One end of the first main body is provided with an elastic valve seat, which is in sealing contact with the ball. An external thread section is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the first body, and a corresponding internal thread section is provided in the first channel. The external thread section and the internal thread section cooperate to support and install the valve seat into the first channel. When the external threaded section of the first body is screwed into the internal threaded section of the first channel until one end of the second body is in close contact with the bottom of the third groove, the elastic valve seat clamps the ball inside the middle cavity bushing, and the axial distance between the second sealing planes on the left and right sides of the valve core assembly is slightly smaller than the axial distance between the first sealing planes on the left and right sides of the valve body.

2. The cryogenic ball valve as described in claim 1, characterized in that: A second sealing plane is provided on the side of the second body away from the elastic valve seat. A mounting groove coaxial with the valve seat support is provided on the second sealing plane, and the lip seal ring is provided in the mounting groove.

3. The cryogenic ball valve as described in claim 2, characterized in that: An operating port is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the second body to cooperate with an assembly tool. The assembly tool engages with the operating port to install the valve core assembly into the valve body.

4. The cryogenic ball valve as described in claim 3, characterized in that: When the valve seat support is installed in the first channel, a portion of the second body is located inside the third groove, and the operating port is located outside the third groove.

5. The cryogenic ball valve as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The upper end of the valve body is provided with a first groove and a second groove respectively. The bottom of the valve cavity is provided with a positioning boss. A valve cover sealing ring is provided in the first groove. After the valve cover is inserted into the second groove from the top, it makes sealing contact with the valve cover sealing ring. A valve stem is provided in the valve cover. The valve stem is inserted through the upper end of the second channel and is connected to the ball for transmission. The lower end of the second channel cooperates with the positioning boss to realize the positioning of the valve core assembly.

6. A method for assembling a cryogenic ball valve, the method being applied to the assembly of the cryogenic ball valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step 1: Complete the assembly of the valve core assembly outside the valve body; place the ball inside the middle cavity bushing, and then install the valve seat support into the left and right sides of the middle cavity bushing, so that the elastic valve seats on both sides clamp the ball inside the middle cavity bushing; Step 2: Assemble the valve core assembly into the valve body; engage the assembly tool with the operating port, use the assembly tool to place the valve core assembly into the valve body, and make the lower end of the second channel cooperate with the positioning boss to position the valve core assembly in the valve cavity; Step 3: Adjust the valve seat support so that the lip seal ring is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane; Step 4: Insert the valve stem into the top groove of the ball to make the valve stem and the ball drive connection. Rotate the valve stem to drive the ball to rotate and align the position of the ball in the valve core assembly. Step 5: Install the valve cover sealing ring in the first groove, screw the bolt into the valve body, then pass the valve cover through the bolt and insert one end of the valve cover into the second groove, and then tighten the nut on the bolt to complete the assembly of the cryogenic ball valve.

7. The assembly method as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The adjustment of the valve seat support to make the lip seal make sealing contact with the first sealing plane includes: Keeping the middle cavity bushing fixed relative to the valve body, the valve seat support is driven to rotate using the assembly tool, causing the valve seat support to move away from the ball until the lip seal ring is in sealing contact with the first sealing plane, and the elastic valve seat is kept in sealing contact with the ball.

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