Gate valve with detachable barrel

Abstract

The present application relates to a gate valve (1) comprising: a valve body (2) delimiting a valve body cavity (20) accessible through a valve top access opening (50); a removable valve cover (5) which closes the valve top access opening (50); the sealing seat (31) is arranged in the valve body cavity (20); a shutter closing member (33) held by a closing member holder (34) and linearly movable relative to the valve body (2) and the sealing seat (31); and a valve stem (6) comprising a first end connected to the closing member holder (34) and a second end protruding through the removable valve cover (5) and connected to the valve drive (11). In the valve, a sealing seat (31) is connected with a corresponding bearing element (32) which is removably received in a valve body cavity (20), the bearing element (32) of the sealing seat (31) defines a seat (320) which receives a gate closing part (33) and a closing part holder (34) in a valve closed position, and the shutter closing part (33), the closing part holder (34), the sealing seat (31) and the bearing element (32) of the sealing seat (31) form a removable closing part assembly (3) which can be inserted into / removed from the valve body cavity (20) in a single piece through the top access opening (50) by acting on the bearing element (32) of the sealing seat (31).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally belongs to the technical field of gate valves. In particular, this invention relates to a gate valve comprising a valve body accessible through a top inlet opening, wherein a gate closing component and a corresponding sealing seat are both accessible through the top inlet opening and can be inserted into / removed from the valve body. The gate valve of this invention can be readily manufactured as a valve with an extended configuration and has preferred, but not exclusive, use in cryogenic applications. Background Technology

[0002] Gate valves are well-known and widely used in civil and industrial applications, particularly as shut-off valves, due to their advantageous hydrodynamic properties (especially the very low pressure drop when the valve is open and the possibility of high flow rates) and relatively simple and compact construction.

[0003] In many industrial applications, valves that can be serviced while still installed online are required. For this purpose, valves with a top-entry configuration have been developed, in which the shut-off element and corresponding sealing seat can be inserted into / removed from the valve body through a top-entry opening. This configuration allows access to the most vulnerable parts of the valve body and valve components (specifically the shut-off element and sealing seat) for servicing or replacement without removing the valve from the corresponding pipeline.

[0004] In particular, gate valves with a top-entry configuration are known, in which, in addition to the gate closing component, the sealing seat is also removably received in the valve body cavity. In this case, to operate on these components, the valve cover that closes the top-entry opening of the valve must first be removed. Simultaneously or subsequently, the valve stem is removed along with the gate closing component, which is typically supported by a closing component retainer removably connected to the end of the valve stem itself. At this point, the valve body cavity can be freely accessed, and the sealing seat is removed. The valve can be reassembled by performing the same steps in reverse order.

[0005] While the above steps can be performed even when the valve is installed in the pipeline, it has been found that direct access to the valve body cavity is required for removing and subsequently repositioning the sealing seat. Combined with the fact that the sealing seat and shut-off components must be separately (i.e., in two separate steps) extracted / inserted from the valve body cavity, this can make maintenance operations quite complex and time-consuming. This is particularly evident in valves with extended constructions, but not only that, where operations performed inside the valve body cavity are even more difficult due to the greater distance between the top access opening and the valve body cavity itself. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a gate valve with a top entry opening, wherein the gate closing component and the corresponding sealing seat can be inserted into / removed from the valve body through the top entry opening, and the gate valve can be repaired more easily and quickly than known gate valves of the same type, even when in an online installation state.

[0007] More specifically, the object of the present invention is to provide a gate valve of the type described above, the structure of which allows for simplification and reduction of maintenance operations performed inside the valve body.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a gate valve having the above-described features, which also has the simplest possible structure and can be manufactured at a competitive cost.

[0009] According to the invention, these objectives are achieved by a gate valve having the features set forth in claim 1.

[0010] In particular, the present invention relates to a gate valve comprising:

[0011] - Valve body, which has side walls and bottom walls, wherein the side walls are provided with a fluid inlet port and a fluid outlet port, the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port have a common axis, the side walls and bottom walls define a valve body cavity, the valve body cavity can be entered through the valve top inlet opening;

[0012] - A removable valve cover that closes the top access opening;

[0013] - A sealing seat, which is arranged in the valve body cavity;

[0014] - A gate closing component, held by a closing component retainer, and linearly movable relative to the valve body and sealing seat in a plane perpendicular to the common axis of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port between a valve open position and a valve closed position, wherein in the valve open position, the gate closing component allows fluid to flow through the valve body, and in the valve closed position, the gate closing component sealably engages the sealing seat and prevents fluid from flowing through the valve body; and

[0015] A valve stem, comprising: a first end connected to a closing component retainer; and a second end protruding through a removable valve cover and connected to a valve actuation device.

[0016] The sealing seat is connected to a corresponding support element, which is removably received in the valve body cavity and defines a seat that receives a gate closing component and a closing component retainer in the valve closed position, such that the gate closing component, the closing component retainer, the sealing seat, and the support element of the sealing seat form a removable closing component assembly that can be inserted into / removed from the valve body cavity as a single piece through the top access opening by acting on the support element of the sealing seat.

[0017] Within the framework of this specification and the following claims, the following definitions apply:

[0018] - "Longitudinal direction" or "longitudinal" refers to the direction parallel to the axis of the valve stem;

[0019] - "Axial direction" or "axially" refers to the direction parallel to the common axis of the valve body's inlet and outlet ports; and

[0020] - "Lateral direction" or "lateral" refers to a direction that is perpendicular to the longitudinal and axial directions.

[0021] These definitions apply to valves in the assembled state and (unless otherwise stated) their components (which are considered separately and are arranged in a manner consistent with the arrangement taken when they are installed in the valve).

[0022] By providing a special support element for the sealing seat, which is configured to also serve as a receiving seat for the gate closing component and the closing component retainer, a removable component assembly comprising a gate closing component and a sealing seat is produced in the gate valve of the present invention, referred to herein as the "closing component assembly," wherein the assembly forms a cylinder that can be inserted into / removed from the valve body cavity one piece by entering the opening through the top of the valve through the support element of the sealing seat by acting directly and indirectly on (i.e., holding) the support element of the sealing seat.

[0023] Preferably, in the gate valve of the present invention, the sealing seat and the gate closing component can thus be inserted into / removed from the valve body cavity together in a single operation. Therefore, the maintenance of the gate valve of the present invention will be simplified and accelerated, particularly, but not only, in situations where access to the valve body cavity is difficult and / or operation is performed inside the valve body cavity, such as when maintenance must be performed on a valve installed in a pipeline and / or when the valve has an extended configuration.

[0024] Moreover, as will become more apparent from the description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, the above features can be implemented by a relatively simple design that can be easily scaled to different valve sizes, which also has a positive impact on manufacturing costs.

[0025] Preferably, the support element of the sealing seat is directly or indirectly removably connected to the removable valve cover, or directly or indirectly longitudinally abuts against the removable valve cover.

[0026] Advantageously, it is thus possible to resist the possible dragging of the sealing seat support element when the gate closing component is driven (especially driven to open the valve) in an effective and structurally simple manner, thus stably and firmly maintaining the correct positioning of the sealing seat support element in the valve body cavity, and thus maintaining the correct positioning of the sealing seat itself in the valve body cavity.

[0027] Preferably, the support element of the sealing seat includes: a sidewall and a bottom wall having flat surfaces, the sidewall and bottom wall at least partially defining the seat; and an opening opposite the bottom wall through which a gate closing member and a closing member retainer can be inserted into / removed from the seat, wherein the sidewall includes: a main surface having an opening for (preferably removably) receiving the sealing seat and coaxial with the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port; and two parallel side surfaces extending perpendicularly from the lateral opposite edges of the main surface.

[0028] Preferably, the support element of the sealing seat includes a guide device that cooperates with a matching guide device of the closing component retainer to guide the movement of the gate closing component between the valve open position and the valve closed position.

[0029] Preferably, the valve body has an inner side, i.e., the side facing the valve body cavity, which includes: a first flat surface, on which the fluid outlet port opens into the valve body cavity, the first flat surface being perpendicular to the common axis of the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port of the valve body; and a second flat surface, axially opposite to the first flat surface, on which the fluid inlet opening opens into the valve body cavity, the second flat surface being longitudinally inclined relative to the common axis. In the valve assembly state, the sealing seat abuts against the first flat surface, and the closing component retainer abuts against the second flat surface in the valve closed position via a corresponding flat abutment surface, the flat abutment surface being correspondingly longitudinally inclined.

[0030] When viewed in a longitudinal section, the aforementioned first and second flat surfaces of the valve body sidewall give the valve body cavity a generally wedge-shaped configuration that matches a similar configuration of the closing element retainer. This wedge-shaped configuration advantageously ensures proper positioning of the closing element assembly (particularly the sealing seat) within the valve body cavity and makes it easier to center the closing element assembly when inserted into the valve body cavity.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment, which is advantageous for valves used in cryogenic applications or buried installations, the gate valve of the present invention may have an extended structure, wherein the valve stem is an extension rod, and the valve body is provided with a valve body extension portion, which together with the valve body defines the internal cavity of the valve and defines the top access opening.

[0032] Preferably, in this configuration, the support element of the sealing seat also includes a support element extension having a first longitudinal end removably connected to the support element of the sealing seat and a second longitudinal end located at or near the top inlet opening. Preferably, even in the extended configuration, the support element extension allows the closing component assembly to be inserted / removed by acting only on the top inlet opening of the valve.

[0033] More preferably, the second longitudinal end of the support element extension abuts against the removable valve cover or is connected to the valve removable top component, wherein the top component is located at the top inlet opening and abuts against the removable valve cover directly or indirectly.

[0034] Preferably, the support element extension includes a tubular component surrounding the extension rod.

[0035] In this configuration, the gate valve of the present invention can also include a bellows seal arranged around the extension rod in an annular hollow space defined between the tubular component and the extension rod. Such a seal may be advantageous in applications involving special and / or hazardous fluids, such as cryogenic applications, as an additional sealing system besides the seals typically provided in the valve's removable cover, to prevent fluid leakage through the through-hole opening for the valve stem.

[0036] When such a bellows seal is present, the gate valve of the present invention preferably also includes a sealing plate that sealably closes the tubular component at a second longitudinal end, the bellows seal preferably having a longitudinal end attached to one side of the sealing plate. In this case, the sealing plate can form the removable top component of the valve.

[0037] In the case of extended configurations, particularly for cryogenic applications, the gate valve of the present invention can also advantageously include a thermal insulation component removably received in the valve's internal chamber and configured to thermally separate a first region of the internal chamber adjacent to the valve body from a second region of the internal chamber adjacent to the top inlet opening.

[0038] This advantageously allows for heat transfer (particularly convective heat transfer) confined within the valve's internal chamber between the valve body and the shut-off assembly, as well as the upper portion of the valve, which is at a low temperature under operating conditions, while the upper portion of the valve (which contains the valve cover and valve actuator) can be at a higher temperature under operating conditions, typically room temperature.

[0039] Preferably, the closing component assembly, the support element extension of the sealing seat support element, the extension rod, and the thermal insulation assembly form a removable unit that can be inserted into / removed from the valve's internal chamber as a single piece through a top access opening.

[0040] Preferably, all removable valve assemblies and components can therefore be inserted into / removed from the valve internal chamber together and simultaneously. Even with the presence of insulation components, maintenance operations on the valve (including components of the shut-off assembly) can be performed particularly easily and quickly, as described above.

[0041] For cryogenic applications, the gate valve of the present invention may advantageously include an outer sheath that surrounds the valve body and valve body extensions (when present), thereby creating a hollow space around which is preferably evacuated. Attached Figure Description

[0042] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments (for illustrative and non-limiting purposes) with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of a preferred embodiment of the gate valve according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of the details at the valve body;

[0045] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Details are shown in a cross-sectional view at a section passing through the longitudinal center axis YY of the valve;

[0046] Figure 4 Is with Figure 2 The view in the middle is similar to the view in the valve open configuration;

[0047] Figure 5 yes Figure 1 A schematic side view of the valve closing component assembly;

[0048] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The closing component in Figure 5 A schematic cross-sectional view at section line VI-VI;

[0049] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The closing component in Figure 6 A schematic longitudinal section at section line VII-VII;

[0050] Figure 8 Is with Figure 7 A view similar to the one in the middle, where local decomposition occurs;

[0051] Figure 9 yes Figure 1 A schematic longitudinal section of the valve in the diagram, without the valve cover and actuation device;

[0052] Figure 10 yes Figure 1 The schematic longitudinal section and partially exploded perspective view of the valve in the figure, without the valve cover and actuation device;

[0053] Figure 11 yes Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of the removable unit of the valve in the diagram;

[0054] Figure 12 yes Figure 1 A schematic partial exploded perspective view of the removable units;

[0055] Figure 13 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the gate valve according to the present invention; and

[0056] Figure 14 This is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of another preferred embodiment of the gate valve according to the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figure 1-12 A first preferred embodiment of the gate valve according to the invention is shown, the gate valve generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The valve 1 has an extended configuration and is particularly intended for cryogenic applications, wherein, in this configuration, "cryogenic application" refers to an application involving an operating temperature equal to or below -150°C (123K).

[0058] Valve 1 includes a valve body 2 having a valve body extension 4. The valve body extension 4 is disposed above the valve body 2 and together with it defines an internal chamber 40 of valve 1. The internal chamber 40 and the interior of the valve body 2 are accessible through a top access opening 50 defined at the free end of the valve body extension, which is longitudinally opposite to the end connected to the valve body 2. At the top access opening 50, the valve body extension 4 is provided with a flange 51 for a removable valve cover 5.

[0059] The valve body 2 is preferably manufactured as a single piece and includes a side wall 21 and a bottom wall 22 defining the valve body cavity 20.

[0060] A fluid inlet port 211 and a fluid outlet port 212 with a common axis XX are formed in the side wall 21 of the valve body 2. Mounting fittings 23 are connected to each port 211, 212 for mounting the valve 1 in a pipeline (not shown). For example, mounting fittings 23 are configured here as fittings for welding joint mountings; however, they can be configured for any other type of mounting known to those skilled in the art, and in particular, they can be releasable.

[0061] The sidewall 21 has a preferably cylindrical outer side. Therefore, the valve body extension 4 preferably includes a cylindrical wall that extends longitudinally above the valve body 2 and has a diameter equal to the outer diameter of the sidewall 21.

[0062] As in Figure 2 , 4 As best seen in section 10, sidewall 21 also has an inner side facing the valve body cavity 20 and includes: a first flat surface 213 in which a fluid outlet port 212 opens into the valve body cavity 20; and a second flat surface 214 axially opposite to the first flat surface 213 in which a fluid inlet port 211 opens into the valve body cavity 20. The first flat surface 213 is arranged perpendicular to the axis XX, while the second flat surface 214 is longitudinally inclined relative to the axis XX, such that the valve body cavity 20 is approximately wedge-shaped when viewed in a longitudinal section. More specifically, the second flat surface 214 forms an angle α with a transverse plane perpendicular to the axis XX preferably between 9° and 15° (see [reference]). Figure 4 (e.g., equal to 12°).

[0063] As in Figure 1 In and more details Figure 2-4 As can be seen, a sealing seat 31, which is sealed and engaged by the gate closing member 33 of valve 1, is arranged in the valve body cavity 20. The sealing seat 31 is connected to a corresponding support element 32, which is removably received in the valve body cavity 20, while the gate closing member 33 is held by a closing member retainer 34, through which the gate closing member 33 is connected to the valve stem 6 of valve 1.

[0064] The gate closing component 33 can be positioned in the valve open position (e.g., in a plane perpendicular to axis XX) relative to the support element of the sealing seat 31 (and therefore relative to the sealing seat 31 itself and the valve body 2). Figure 1-3 (as shown in Figure 9) and valve closed position (as shown in Figure 9) Figure 4The valve body 2 moves linearly along the longitudinal direction (i.e., vertically) between the valve body 2 and the valve opening position. In the valve opening position, the gate closing member 33 allows fluid to flow through the valve body 2. In the valve closing position, the gate closing member 33 sealably engages the sealing seat 31 and prevents fluid from flowing through the valve body 2.

[0065] A specific aspect of valve 1 is that the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 is configured to form a seat 320, which, in the valve closed position, receives a gate closing member 33 and a closing member retainer 34. The support element 32, sealing seat 31, gate closing member 33, and closing member retainer 34 form a closing member assembly, generally indicated by reference numeral 3 in the drawings. This closing member assembly can be inserted into / extracted from the valve body cavity 2 by acting on the support element 32 through a top entry opening 50, as referred to below. Figure 9-12 As described above. In the assembled state, the closing component assembly 3 thus forms a removable cylinder of the valve 1, which includes the main internal components that may require maintenance or replacement, namely, the sealing seat 31 and the gate closing component 33. The sealing seat 31 and the gate closing component 33 can be inserted into / removed from the valve body cavity 20 in a single operation, thus simplifying and speeding up the maintenance of the valve 1.

[0066] As in Figure 5-8 As can be seen in more detail, the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 is preferably manufactured as a single piece and includes a flat sidewall and a bottom wall 322, the bottom wall 322 at least partially defining the seat 320, which receives the gate closing member 33 and the closing member retainer 34 like a bag. These elements can be inserted into / removed from the seat 320 through an opening 323 opposite to the bottom wall 322. The opening 323 is surrounded peripherally by a corresponding flange 3231.

[0067] The sidewall includes: a main surface 3211 having an opening 3212 for removably receiving a sealing seat 31; and two parallel side surfaces 3213 extending perpendicularly to the main surface 3211 from its laterally opposite edges. In a position axially opposite to the main surface 3211, the sidewall has a cutout 3214 that exposes the rear side of the closing element retainer 34 when received in the seat 320 along with the gate closing element 33. When the support element 32 is received in the valve cavity 20, the main surface 3211 of its sidewall faces a first flat surface 213 of the sidewall 21 of the valve body 2, and the sealing seat 31 fitted in the opening 3212 seals against the first flat surface 213. The opening 3212 and thus the sealing seat 31 are arranged coaxially with the axis XX.

[0068] The sealing seat 31 is received in the opening 3212 in an axially fixed state and held therein by a suitable retaining device 35 (e.g., an elastic retaining ring).

[0069] The sealing seat 31 is constructed as an annular body with two axially opposed sealing surfaces 311 and 312. Specifically, the sealing surface 311 facing the interior of the seat 320 defined by the support element 32 will be sealingly engaged by the gate closing member 33, while the sealing surface 312 facing the exterior of the seat 320 will sealingly engage the valve body 2. The sealing surface 312 is provided with a sealing ring 3121, while the sealing surface 311 may not have a sealing ring when the gate closing member 33 has one (as in the example shown here). In this case, the seal occurs directly on the surface of the sealing surface 311, which may be coated with a suitable high-hardness material layer.

[0070] The gate closing component 33 is constructed as a flat disc, which includes a sealing surface 331 that sealably engages with the sealing seat 31 and thus provides a sealing ring 3311. A connecting handle 332 is provided on the surface opposite the sealing surface 331, through which the gate closing component 33 can be removably connected to the closing component retainer 34.

[0071] The closing component retainer 34 includes a generally disc-shaped body, preferably manufactured as a single piece, comprising a first side or front side 341, a second side or rear side 342 axially opposite to the first side, and a peripheral edge 343 axially connecting the first side 341 and the second side 342. As previously described, when the closing component retainer 34 is fully received in the seat 320 defined by the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 (valve closed position), the rear side 342 of the closing component retainer 34 is located at the cutout 3214 and is therefore freely exposed to the outside of the seat 320.

[0072] The front side 341 is substantially flat and includes a circular receiving recess 3411 for the gate closing member 33. The diameter of the receiving recess 3411 is substantially equal to the diameter of the gate closing member 33, and the depth is less than the thickness of the gate closing member 33, such that when the gate closing member 33 is received in the receiving recess 3411, its sealing surface 331 protrudes from the surface of the closing member retainer 34. At the center of the receiving recess 3411, the closing member retainer 34 has an axial through hole 344 in which the connecting handle 332 of the gate closing member 33 is fitted. The connecting handle 332 can be secured to the closing member retainer 34 by a suitable removable fastening device 36 (e.g., a nut), which is fitted to the end of the connecting handle 332 protruding from the rear side 342 of the closing member retainer 34.

[0073] At least in the lower longitudinal portion of the closing component retainer, the rear side 342 of the closing component retainer 34 includes a flat surface 3421 that is longitudinally inclined relative to the axial direction. In the assembled state of the valve 1 and in the closed position of the valve, the flat surface 3421 abuts against the aforementioned inclined flat surface 214 of the valve body cavity 20. More specifically, the angle formed by the flat surface 3421 and the transverse plane is equal to the inclination angle α of the flat surface 214 of the valve body cavity 20 (see...). Figure 8 Therefore, at least in the lower longitudinal portion of the closing component retainer, the closing component retainer 34 also has a wedge shape when viewed in the longitudinal section, corresponding to the wedge shape of the valve body cavity 20.

[0074] In order to accurately and safely guide the movement of the gate closing component 33 relative to the seat 320 defined by the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31, the closing component retainer 34 preferably has a pair of laterally opposing parallel guide grooves 3431 at its peripheral edge 343. Figure 6 (See image). The guide groove 3431 will slidably receive a corresponding pair of guide protrusions 3215 (in... Figure 6-8 As can be seen in the image, the pair of guide protrusions 3215 have a matching shape and are formed on the inner side of the sidewall 3213 of the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31.

[0075] At the peripheral edge 343, the closing component retainer 34 is also provided with an engagement seat 3432 for the valve stem 6.

[0076] The valve stem 6 of valve 1 is an extended valve stem with a total length preferably between 350 mm and 2500 mm. In any case, the total length of valve stem 6 is greater than the sum of the maximum longitudinal (height) extensions of valve body 2, valve body extension 4, and valve cover 5, so that it protrudes through valve cover 5 to the outside of the internal chamber 40 of valve 1.

[0077] The valve stem 6 is preferably manufactured as a solid piece, but it is also possible to manufacture the valve stem 6 as multiple parts, solid or hollow. In any case, the valve stem 6 includes: a first end that will be connected to the shut-off component retainer 34, specifically configured to removably (but integrally with respect to translation in the longitudinal direction) engage the shut-off component retainer 34 with a mating seat 3432; and a second end that will be connected to the actuation device 11 of the valve 1, and thus protrudes to the outside of the valve 1 through the valve cover 5.

[0078] The drive unit 11 can be a manually driven unit, as in the example shown here, or a motorized drive unit, and is known to those skilled in the art in any case.

[0079] The removable valve cover 5 can have any suitable construction known to those skilled in the art, and will not be described in more detail herein as it is not relevant to the present invention.

[0080] As from Figure 1 As can be seen, in valve 1, typically in the gate valve with an extended configuration according to the invention, the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 is conveniently provided with a support element extension 8, which has a first longitudinal end 81 removably connected to the support element 32 and a second longitudinal end 82 located at or near the top entry opening 50. In the assembled state of valve 1, the second longitudinal end 82 abuts against the valve cover 5 directly or indirectly along the longitudinal direction. By using the support element extension 8, even in the case of the extended configuration, the closing component assembly 3 can be inserted / withdrawn by operating at the valve top entry opening 50 without needing to reach the valve body cavity 20. Moreover, in the assembled state of valve 1, the support element extension 8 helps resist possible dragging of the support element 32 when the gate closing component 33 is actuated, and thus stably holds the support element 32 and the sealing seat 31 in the correct position in the valve body cavity 20.

[0081] In the embodiment shown herein, the support element extension 8 includes a preferably cylindrical tubular component that coaxially surrounds the valve stem 6, thereby forming an annular hollow space 80 surrounding the valve stem.

[0082] The first longitudinal end 81 of the tubular component 8 is provided with a corresponding flange 811 (in Figure 11 and 12 (Best seen in the center), the flange 811 is removably connected to the flange 3231 at the opening 323 of the support element 32 by a threaded fastening device (specifically screw 14). The second longitudinal end 82 of the tubular component 8 is provided with a corresponding flange 821 and is closed by a sealing plate 820. The sealing plate 820 has a through hole in the center through which the valve stem 6 protrudes. In the assembled state of the valve 1, the sealing plate 820 peripherally seals the flange 51 that enters the opening 50 at the top of the valve and directly abuts against the valve cover 5 on its upper side. The sealing plate 820 is attached (e.g., welded) to the second longitudinal end 82 at the flange 821 at the second longitudinal end.

[0083] In the annular hollow space 80, a bellows seal 9 is preferably present surrounding the valve stem 6. The bellows seal includes: a longitudinal end attached (e.g., welded) to the bottom side of the sealing plate 820; and a second end attached (e.g., welded) to a ring 91 that is integrally translated with the valve stem 6.

[0084] Valve 1 also includes a thermal insulation component 7, which is removably received within the internal chamber 40 and between the valve body 2 and the top inlet opening 50. The thermal insulation component 7 helps to thermally separate a first region of the internal chamber 40 adjacent to the valve body 2 from a second region of the internal chamber 40 adjacent to the top inlet opening 50 and the valve cover 5, which are at a low temperature during operation, while the top inlet opening 50 and the valve cover 5 may be at a higher temperature, such as room temperature, during operation. In particular, the thermal insulation component 7 is configured to fundamentally limit conductive and convective heat transfer that may occur within the internal chamber 40 due to the temperature difference between the two regions.

[0085] The thermal insulation assembly 7 generally has a cylindrical annular structure and concentrically surrounds and is integral with the aforementioned support element extension 8. More specifically, the thermal insulation assembly 7 includes a receiving chamber 71, which has a cylindrical annular shape and is arranged coaxially with the support element extension 8. The receiving chamber 71 is filled with a solid thermal insulation material 72, such as vetronite G10-FR4. The thermal insulation material 72 is preferably formed as a solid body and manufactured as a single piece or multiple pieces.

[0086] In the transverse direction, i.e., laterally, the receiving chamber 71 is internally defined by the tubular member 8 and externally defined by the cylindrical wall 712. In the longitudinal direction, i.e. at the top and bottom, the receiving chamber 71 is defined by the flange 821 of the tubular member 8 and by the flat annular wall 713 parallel to the flange 821, respectively.

[0087] The tubular component 8, the cylindrical wall 712, and the annular wall 713 are rigidly connected to each other, for example by welding, and together form a rigid support and containment structure for the insulation material 72.

[0088] The cylindrical wall 712 preferably has an outer diameter that is only slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the valve body extension 4 that defines the internal chamber 40. Taking into account these minute lateral clearances, the cross-sectional area of ​​the free volume of the internal chamber 40 can be considered to be substantially entirely occupied by the insulation component 7.

[0089] The thermal insulation component 7 preferably has a length between 0.65L and 0.85L, where L is the total length of the internal chamber 40 of the valve 1 (i.e., the valve body extension 4).

[0090] As can be clearly seen from the above, the closing component assembly 3, the support element extension 8, the sealing plate 820, the bellows seal 9, the thermal insulation assembly 7, and the valve stem 6 form a removable unit 10, which also... Figure 10 and 11 Specifically, the removable unit is capable of being inserted as a single piece into / from the internal chamber 40 of the valve 1 at the top entry opening 50 of the valve 1 by acting on the sealing plate 820.

[0091] Therefore, the sealing plate 820 is preferably provided with a fixed or removable attachment device to facilitate manual or lifting mechanical gripping and manipulation of the removable unit 10. In the embodiment shown herein, for example, the sealing plate includes a pair of threaded blind holes 8201 on its upper side, in Figure 1 and 9 The text appears to be a fragmented collection of phrases and sentences, making it difficult to translate coherently. A literal translation would be nonsensical. Figure 10-12 The details are omitted. The eye bolt 13 can be temporarily threaded into the blind threaded hole 8201 (see [reference]). Figure 9 ).

[0092] The aforementioned internal structure of valve 1 allows the shut-off component assembly 3 to be removed / inserted even in the case of an extended configuration and when the insulation component 7 is present, by acting only at the valve top access opening 50 (i.e., without directly reaching the valve body cavity 20), for particularly easy and quick maintenance or replacement operations.

[0093] Valve 1 can conveniently include a sleeve 12 surrounding valve body 2, valve body extension 4, and possibly a portion of mounting fitting 23, thereby forming a hollow space 120 around these components that can be evacuated. At the top entry opening 50, the hollow space 120 is closed by a flange 51, which forms a support and fastening base for valve cover 5. The sleeve 12 can be omitted when valve 1 will be operated in a self-insulated environment (e.g., in a so-called "cold box").

[0094] Special Reference Figure 9-12 For example, the steps for removing the removable unit 10 (and thus the closing component assembly 3) from the valve 1 will be described in more detail below.

[0095] In the first step, the valve cover 5 is removed to clear the top of the valve into the opening 50 and expose the upper side of the sealing plate 820.

[0096] In the subsequent steps, the eye bolt 13 is screwed into the threaded blind hole 8201. Figure 9 ).

[0097] In a subsequent step, the removable unit 10, formed by the closing component assembly 3, the support element extension 8, the sealing plate 820, the bellows seal 9, the thermal insulation assembly 7, and the valve stem 6, is removed from the valve's internal chamber 40, manually or by means of suitable lifting machinery, using eye bolts 13. Figure 10 ).

[0098] Once the removable unit 10 is removed from the valve 1, it can be disassembled. In particular, the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 can be separated from the removable unit 10 by removing the screw 14 that connects the flange 3231 of the support element 32 to the flange 821 of the support element extension 8. Figure 12 Once the support element 32 is removed, the closing component retainer 34 can be freely accessed to disengage it from the valve stem 6, and thus also to separate the element from the removable unit 10.

[0099] At this point, it is possible to freely work on the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 and on the closing component retainer 34 in the field or factory for inspecting, repairing or replacing the sealing seat 32 and / or the gate closing component 33.

[0100] To reassemble the removable unit 10 and insert it back into the valve 1, the same steps described above are performed in reverse order.

[0101] Figure 13 This illustrates another preferred embodiment of the gate valve according to the invention, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 1'. Figure 1-12 Elements that are identical or functionally equivalent in the embodiments (in particular valve body 2 and shut-off component assembly 3) will be indicated by the same reference numerals and will not be described further herein.

[0102] Valve 1' still has an extended configuration, but lacks the thermal insulation components arranged in the internal chamber 40, the sheath surrounding the valve body 2 and the valve body extension 40, and the bellows seal surrounding the valve stem 6. Valve 1' is suitable for general applications that require an extended configuration, such as applications involving buried installations.

[0103] As in the above embodiment, also in valve 1', the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 has a support element extension 8, which includes a preferably cylindrical tubular component that coaxially surrounds the valve stem 6 to form an annular hollow space 80 surrounding the valve stem. The first longitudinal end 81 of the support element extension 8, which is provided with a flange 811, is removably connected to the support element 32 itself, and the second longitudinal end 82 of the support element extension 8, which is provided with a flange 821, is located at the valve top entry opening 50.

[0104] However, in this example, the support element extension 8 has a length such that, in the assembled state of valve 1', its longitudinal end 82 directly abuts against the valve cover 5 longitudinally, because a sealing plate is not required to close the longitudinal end 82 itself. A threaded blind hole 8201 (or possibly a through hole in this example) for attaching the eye bolt 13 is formed in the flange 821 of the longitudinal end 82.

[0105] In valve 1', the closing component assembly 3, the support element extension 8 of the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31, and the valve stem 6 form a removable unit 10', which can be inserted into / removed from the internal chamber 40 of valve 1' as a single piece at the valve top entry opening 50 by acting on the longitudinal end 82 of the support element extension 8.

[0106] The removable unit 10' and thus the closing component assembly 3 can be removed from / inserted into the valve 1' and thus disassembled and reassembled in the same manner as described for the valve 1.

[0107] Figure 14 This illustrates a further preferred embodiment of the gate valve according to the invention, which is generally indicated by reference numeral 1''. Figure 1-12 Elements that are identical or functionally equivalent in the embodiments (in particular, valve body 2 and shut-off component assembly 3) are indicated by the same reference numerals and will not be described further herein.

[0108] Valve 1'' has a standard (i.e., non-extended) construction. Specifically, valve 1'' includes a standard valve stem 6'', wherein "standard valve stem" in this document refers to a valve stem with a length of less than 350 mm, and has no valve body extension for valve body 2 or support element extension for support element 32 for sealing seat 31.

[0109] The interior of valve body 2 can be accessed through a top access opening 50'', which is defined by valve body 2 itself and closed by the removable valve cover 5 of valve 1".

[0110] In this configuration, the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 is removably connected to the valve cover 5. More specifically, the connecting flange 3231 surrounding the opening 323 of the support element 32 is bolted to a pair of pins 15" protruding longitudinally from the underside of the valve cover 5. This connection, on the one hand, resists possible dragging along the longitudinal direction of the support element 32 when the gate valve 33 is actuated; on the other hand, it integrates the support element 32 and thus the closing component assembly 3 with the valve cover 5, allowing the removal / insertion of the closing component assembly 3 from / on the valve body 2 to be performed concurrently with the removal / installation of the valve cover 5 on the valve body 2.

[0111] For example, to remove the closing component assembly 3 from valve 1'', it is sufficient to remove the valve cover 5 together with the valve stem 6''. After the removable unit formed by the valve cover 5, the closing component assembly 3, and the valve stem 6'' is separated from the valve body 2, the removable unit can be disassembled. In particular, the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 can now be removed from the valve cover 5 by releasing the bolt connection (which connects the flange 3231 of the support element 32 to the pin 15" of the valve cover 5). Once the support element 32 is removed, the closing component retainer 34 can be freely accessed to disengage it from the valve stem 6'' and remove it from the removable unit 10. At this point, it is possible to freely work on the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 and on the closing component retainer 34 in the field or at the factory for inspection, maintenance, or replacement of the sealing seat 32 and / or the gate closing component 33.

[0112] To reassemble the removable unit formed by the valve cover 5, the closing component assembly 3, and the valve stem 6'', and to reinsert the removable unit into the valve 1'', the same steps described above are performed in reverse order.

[0113] As an alternative to the removable connection between the support element 32 of the sealing seat 31 and the valve cover 5 as described above, it is conceivable that, also in the valve 1'', the support element 32 may abut against the valve cover 5 directly or indirectly, depending on the design, for example, similar to that implemented in the valve embodiment of the present invention described above.

[0114] As can be clearly seen from the above description, the present invention provides a gate valve with a top entry opening, which allows for particularly easy and quick maintenance even when in an online installation and / or in a valve extension configuration. These features are achieved with a particularly simple structure due to the special construction and arrangement of the valve's internal components, which allow for the formation of a shut-off component assembly or cylinder, comprising a sealing seat and a gate shut-off component, and which can be inserted into / removed from the valve as a single piece through the top entry opening.

Claims

1. Gate valve (1; 1'； 1''), the gate valve includes: - Valve body (2), the valve body having a side wall (21) and a bottom wall (22), wherein the side wall (21) is provided with a fluid inlet port (211) and a fluid outlet port (212), the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port having a common axis (XX), the side wall (21) and the bottom wall (22) define a valve body cavity (20), which can be accessed through the valve top entry opening (50; 50'') into the valve body cavity; - A removable valve cover (5) that closes the top access opening (50; 50'); - Sealing seat (31), the sealing seat is arranged in the valve body cavity (20); - A gate closing component (33), held by a closing component retainer (34), and capable of linear movement relative to the valve body (2) and the sealing seat (31) in a plane perpendicular to the common axis (XX) of the fluid inlet port (211) and the fluid outlet port (212) between a valve open position and a valve closed position, wherein in the valve open position, the gate closing component (33) allows fluid to flow through the valve body (2), and in the valve closed position, the gate closing component (33) sealably engages the sealing seat (31) and prevents fluid from flowing through the valve body (2); and - Valve stem (6; 6''), the valve stem including a first end connected to the closing component retainer (34) and a second end protruding through the removable valve cover (5) and connected to the valve actuation device (11); The sealing seat (31) is connected to a corresponding support element (32), which is removably received in the valve body cavity (20). The support element (32) of the sealing seat (31) determines the seat (320), which receives the gate closing element (33) and the closing element retainer (34) in the valve closed position, and The gate closing component (33), the closing component retainer (34), the sealing seat (31), and the support element (32) of the sealing seat (31) form a removable closing component assembly (3), which can be inserted into / removed from the valve body cavity (20) as a single piece through the top access opening (50; 50'') by acting on the support element (32) of the sealing seat (31).

2. The gate valve (1; 1'; 1'') according to claim 1, wherein: The support element (32) of the sealing seat (31) is removably connected directly or indirectly to the removable valve cover (5), or the support element of the sealing seat abuts the valve cover (5) directly or indirectly along the longitudinal direction.

3. The gate valve according to any one of the preceding claims (1; 1'； 1''), wherein: the support element (32) of the sealing seat (31) includes: sidewalls (3211, 3213) having a flat surface; bottom wall (322) at least partially defining the seat (320); and opening (323) opposite to the bottom wall (322) through which a gate closing member (33) and a closing member retainer (34) can be inserted into / removed from the seat (320), the sidewalls (3211, 3213) including: a main surface (3211) having an opening (3212) that receives the sealing seat (31) and is coaxial with the fluid inlet port (211) and the fluid outlet port (212); and two parallel side surfaces (3213) extending perpendicularly from the main surface (3211) from their lateral opposite edges.

4. The gate valve (1; 1'; 1'') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The support element (32) of the sealing seat (31) includes a guide device (3215) which will cooperate with the matching guide device (3431) of the closing component retainer (34) for guiding the gate closing component (33) to move between the valve open position and the valve closed position.

5. The gate valve (1; 1'; 1'') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The sidewall (21) of the valve body (2) has an inner side comprising: a first flat surface (213) at which the fluid outlet port (212) opens into the valve body cavity (20), the first flat surface (213) being perpendicular to the common axis (XX) of the fluid inlet port (211) and the fluid outlet port (212); and a second flat surface (214) axially opposite to the first flat surface (213), the fluid inlet opening (211) opening into the valve body cavity (20) at the second flat surface, the second flat surface (214) being longitudinally inclined relative to the common axis (XX), wherein, in the valve assembly state, the sealing seat (31) abuts against the first flat surface (213), and the closing component retainer (34) abuts against the second flat surface (214) in the valve closed position by a corresponding flat abutment surface (3412), the corresponding flat abutment surface being longitudinally inclined accordingly.

6. The gate valve (1; 1') according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The valve stem (6) is an extended valve stem, and the valve body (2) is provided with a valve body extension (4), which together with the valve body (2) defines the valve internal chamber (40) and defines the top entry opening (50). The support element (32) of the sealing seat (31) is provided with a support element extension (8), which has a first longitudinal end (81) removably connected to the support element (32) of the sealing seat (31) and a second longitudinal end (82) located at or near the top entry opening (50).

7. The gate valve (1; 1') according to claim 6, wherein: The second longitudinal end (82) abuts against a removable valve cover (5) longitudinally or is connected to a removable top part (820) of the valve, the top part (820) being located at the top access opening (50) and abutting against the valve cover (5) directly or indirectly longitudinally.

8. The gate valve (1; 1') according to claim 6 or 7, wherein: The support element extension (8) is a tubular component that surrounds the extension valve stem (6).

9. The gate valve (1; 1') according to claim 8, further comprising: A bellows seal (9) is arranged to surround the extended valve stem (6) in an annular hollow space (80) defined between the tubular component and the extended valve stem (6).

10. The gate valve (1; 1') according to claim 9, further comprising: A sealing plate (820) that seals the tubular component at the second longitudinal end (82), wherein the longitudinal end of the bellows seal (9) is fixed to one side of the sealing plate (820).

11. The gate valve (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the gate valve further comprises: A thermal insulation assembly (7) is removably received in the internal chamber (40) and configured such that a first region of the internal chamber (40) adjacent to the valve body (2) is thermally isolated from a second region of the internal chamber (40) adjacent to the top entry opening (50).

12. The gate valve (1) according to claim 11, wherein: The closing component assembly (3), the support element extension (8) of the support element (32) of the sealing seat (31), the extension valve stem (6) and the heat insulation assembly (7) form a removable unit (10) which can be inserted into / removed from the internal chamber (40) as a single piece through the top access opening (50).

13. The gate valve (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: A sheath (12) surrounds the valve body (2) and any possible valve body extensions (4), thereby forming a hollow space (120) around it, preferably evacuated.

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