Valve element for manufacturing ball valve

Abstract

The invention discloses a valve core device for a ball valve. The valve core device is configured to reduce noise. The spool arrangement may be embodied as part of an annular ring. The portion may include a noise suppression element, such as an opening that may change the shape of material flow as the material passes through the ball valve. In one embodiment, the portion of the annular ring fits into an opening in the throttle ball, preferably without heating the throttle ball.

Description

Cross-references to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Serial No. 63 / 587,914, filed October 4, 2023, entitled “FABRICATING TRIM FOR A BALLVALVE”. The entire contents of this application are incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0002] Flow control plays a role in many industrial facilities and systems. Ball valves are a type of flow control used in devices and networks that distribute fluids such as natural gas, steam, water, or oil. However, one problem with these devices is that the fluid may flow at a sufficiently high rate to generate vibrations as it passes through the device. If left uncontrolled, these vibrations can produce significant noise, often exceeding acceptable safety levels. Many ball valves incorporate countermeasures, including additional parts (or "spools"), designed to attenuate the flow and suppress this noise. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This disclosure relates to valve spools for suppressing noise in valves. Particular attention is paid to embodiments of methods for manufacturing valve spool parts. These embodiments are configured to reduce labor and costs in the production of throttling balls, for example, those having noise-suppressing components or devices used in ball valves. These configurations can avoid certain processes that shorten assembly time. In one specific embodiment, the manufacturer may no longer need to heat the throttling ball to install the valve spool containing the noise-suppressing features. Attached Figure Description

[0004] This disclosure refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0005] Figure 1 A perspective view depicting an exemplary embodiment of the valve core device is provided;

[0006] Figure 2 A perspective view depicting an exemplary embodiment of the valve core device is provided;

[0007] Figure 3 Depicting Figure 2 A perspective view of an example of a valve core assembly;

[0008] Figure 4 An example depicting a throttling ball Figure 3 A perspective view of the valve core assembly;

[0009] Figure 5 Depicted in the example of the valve Figure 3 A perspective view of the valve core assembly and throttling ball;

[0010] Figure 6Depicting an example of a throttling ball Figure 2 A perspective view of an example of a valve core assembly;

[0011] Figure 7 Depicting Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a valve core assembly;

[0012] Figure 8 Depicting Figure 7 A perspective view of an example of a valve core assembly;

[0013] Figure 9 Depicting Figure 8 A perspective view of an example of a valve core assembly;

[0014] Figure 10 An example depicting a throttling ball Figure 7 A perspective view of the valve core assembly;

[0015] Figure 11 A flowchart depicts an exemplary method for manufacturing a valve core assembly and assembling a throttle valve;

[0016] Figure 12 Depicting Figure 11 Examples of methods; and

[0017] Figure 13 Depicting Figure 12 Examples of methods.

[0018] The accompanying drawings and any descriptions herein represent examples that disclose or explain the invention. These examples include best practices and also enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any apparatus or system and performing any combined methods. Unless otherwise stated in the discussion, the drawings are not drawn to scale. Elements in the examples may appear in one or more views or in a combination of views. The same reference numerals may be used in the drawings to denote the same or corresponding elements. The methods are merely exemplary and may be modified by, for example, reordering, adding, deleting, and / or changing individual steps or stages. Such stages and any parts, components, elements, or functions may be identified in this specification by the singular form "an" or "a kind"; however, this should not exclude any plural form of such names unless the specification expressly states or indicates such exclusion. Similarly, any reference to "an embodiment" or "an implementation" does not exclude the existence of additional embodiments or implementations that also incorporate the described features. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The features of the embodiments shown in the above figures will now be discussed. These embodiments address manufacturers' concerns about delivery time and cost of parts that address excessive noise in ball valves or other flow control components. These parts are important because they attenuate noise from field valves to levels within the health limits of workers performing tasks in or around the equipment daily. As noted below, the embodiments significantly simplify the assembly of throttle balls or valves because they eliminate the need for manufacturers to heat or preheat the throttle balls or valves. This feature eliminates time-consuming and labor-intensive steps from the assembly process. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0020] Figure 1 A perspective view depicting an example of a valve core device 100 is shown. This example includes a body 102, preferably made of machined, cast, or printed metal (such as aluminum or steel). The body 102 may be formed into an annular ring 104 having an inner surface 106 and an outer surface 108. The annular ring 104 may also have one or more openings 110, for example, through-holes penetrating or extending between surfaces 106, 108. The arrangement of the openings 110 may position these openings equidistantly from each other around the annular ring 104. Also as shown, a noise reduction element 112 may reside within the annular ring 104. This device may be integrally formed with the annular ring 104, possibly due to the fabrication of a single integral part using processes such as precision casting or additive manufacturing (“3-D printing”). This disclosure also contemplates examples where the noise reduction element 112 is, for example, a separate or independent piece secured or coupled to the inner surface 106 using welds or fasteners. In one particular embodiment, the noise reduction element 112 may include openings 114 of various geometries. The opening 114 may adopt a shape that is beneficial for noise suppression, for example, when used in a throttling ball found in a ball valve or similar device. Secondary processes on the annular ring 104 may reduce the outer diameter D to fit the interior of the throttling ball. These processes may include “turning” on a lathe or similar equipment to remove material from the outer surface 108.

[0021] Figure 2 Depicting Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a valve core assembly 100. The body 102 may include one or more cutouts, shown herein as cutouts C1, C2 residing in diametrically opposed portions of the annular ring 104. Cutouts C1, C2 may have geometries that produce features that match features on the throttling ball. These features may include curved, arcuate, or arcuate surfaces, for example, having a radius or diameter that matches the radius or diameter on the throttling ball. In one embodiment, the features may be formed during the casting or printing of the annular ring 104. Processes such as cutting or machining may also be used to remove material from the annular ring 104 to create the necessary geometry or shape for the features.

[0022] Figure 3 Depicting Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a valve core assembly 100. This example can be produced by a process of removing portions of the annular ring 104, preferably after turning downwards along the diameter D as indicated above. The cutting or machining may terminate the annular ring 104 at a pair of surfaces 116, shown here as spaced apart from each other by an angle α. In one embodiment, the angle α ranges between 120° and 180°, and in one example, is approximately 160°. The value of the angle α may vary according to design criteria, performance parameters, or similar requirements.

[0023] Figure 4 Depicting Figure 3 A perspective view of an example of a valve spool assembly 100. This example can be mounted inside a throttle ball 118, shown here as having a hollow interior 120. An opening 122 in the throttle ball 118 provides passage to the hollow interior 120. In one embodiment, an annular ring 104 may reside in one or more openings in the opening 122, preferably such that material flowing through the hollow interior 120 passes through an opening 114 of the noise-reducing element 112. As shown, the arcuate surface of the cut C1 may be aligned with the edge of the opening 122 of the throttle ball 118. This feature may position the material of the annular ring 104 outside the flow path to avoid potential damage or disturbance that could exacerbate noise. Welded portions 124 on one or more surfaces may secure the valve spool assembly 100 in place within the throttle ball 118.

[0024] Figure 5 Describing the available options Figure 4A perspective view of an exemplary structure of a valve 126 with a throttling ball 118. This structure may include a valve body 128, typically made of metal. The valve body 128 may be embodied as a ball valve, with the throttling ball 118 residing within a cavity 130. These types of valves may have one of several operating configurations depending on the orientation of the throttling ball 118. In one embodiment, the throttling ball 118 may have two distinct positions, such as an open position or a closed position. Other embodiments use the throttling ball 118 to reduce (or increase) the flow rate through the device. In one embodiment, the valve body 128 may include a central cylinder 132 that includes or forms the cavity 130. A pair of closures 134 having through holes 136 may be secured to either side of the central cylinder 132. Fasteners F may be used for this purpose. The closures 134 may have ends 138 flanged for connection to a pipe or conduit, thereby allowing material to enter and exit the cavity 130. Other configurations of end 138 may employ different connection features, such as welded ends, pipe fittings, plug-in flanges, or ring fittings. Valve 126 may also include an actuator shaft 140 that passes through the central cylinder 132 to engage with the throttle ball 118. An actuator may be connected to the actuator shaft 140 to rotate the throttle ball 118 to different positions.

[0025] Figure 6 Depicting Figure 1 A perspective view of an example of a valve core assembly 100. This example maintains the continuity of the annular ring 104. The process may include steps of turning the outer surface 108 downwards and heating the throttling ball 118 to insert, assemble, and orient the annular ring 104 in the appropriate position within the opening 122. As noted herein, the arcuate surfaces at the cuts C1, C2 may be aligned with the edges of the opening 122. A weld 124 secures the annular ring 104 in the appropriate position within the assembly.

[0026] Figure 7 , Figure 8 and Figure 9 Depicting Figure 1 A perspective view of an example valve core assembly 100. The process may include steps of turning the outer surface 108 downwards and drilling (or including) a threaded hole 144. (As...) Figure 8 As shown in the best example, these steps can also form incisions C1 and C2. Figure 9 A valve spool assembly 100 is shown, which is produced by the step of securing a tooling block 146 to an annular ring 104, preferably using fasteners inserted into threaded holes 144. The tooling block 146 allows for the removal of slots 148 from the annular ring 104. This step also allows the manufacturer to more easily insert the annular ring 104 into a throttle ball 118.

[0027] Figure 10 The appropriate position in the throttling ball 118 is depicted. Figure 7 A perspective view of the valve core assembly 100. In one embodiment, these steps involve heating the throttling ball 118 to insert, assemble, and orient the annular ring 104 (with a slot 148) in the appropriate position within the opening 122. A weld 124 secures the annular ring 104 in the assembly.

[0028] Figure 11 A flowchart depicts an exemplary embodiment of method 200 for manufacturing a valve core and assembling a throttling ball for use in a ball valve. Method 200 reduces delivery time, cost, and assembly problems because it does not heat or preheat the throttling ball. In one specific embodiment, the method may include the steps of: (a) manufacturing an annular ring with a noise-reducing element having an outer diameter (step 202); and (b) reducing the outer diameter from a first size to a second size (step 204). These steps may also include steps for forming a notch. Also as shown, the method may further include the steps of: (c) inserting the annular ring at the second size (at step 206) into an opening in the throttling ball (at step 208); and (d) welding the annular ring to the appropriate position in the opening.

[0029] Figure 12 and Figure 13 Other examples of method 200 are shown. Figure 12 In this method 200, the step of heating the throttling ball (at step 210) may be included. Figure 13 An example of method 200 may include the following steps: (f) drilling and threading holes in the annular ring (at step 212); (g) securing a tooling block to the annular ring (at step 214); and (h) forming a slot in the annular ring between the threaded holes.

[0030] In light of the foregoing, the improvements described herein facilitate the manufacture of noise-suppressing spools and throttling balls for use in ball valves and similar flow control devices. These improvements eliminate any steps of heating or preheating the throttling ball, which can potentially take several hours and require skilled or experienced workers. These implementations also avoid the problem of rapid cooling of the throttling ball, which can hinder efforts to properly position the noise-suppressing spool.

[0031] The examples below may include elements or clauses that can be combined with other elements and clauses to describe embodiments contemplated within the scope and substance of this disclosure. This disclosure may include and contemplate other examples that would occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to fall within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements that are indistinguishable from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

1. A valve, the valve comprising: Valve body; A rotatable throttling ball is disposed in the valve body, the rotatable throttling ball having a hollow interior and a first opening exposing the hollow interior; and A first annular ring having a noise suppression opening welded at an appropriate position in the first opening.

2. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A slot located in the first annular ring, the slot forming opposing terminating surfaces spaced at least 90° apart from each other.

3. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A slot located in the first annular ring, the slot forming opposing terminating surfaces spaced at least 180° apart from each other.

4. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A slot is located in the first annular ring, the slot forming opposing terminating surfaces, the opposing terminating surfaces being spaced apart from each other by an angle between 120° and 180°.

5. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A slot located in the first annular ring, the slot forming opposing terminating surfaces; and A tooling block, which is connected to the annular ring and extends across the slot.

6. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A slot located in the first annular ring, the slot forming opposing terminating surfaces; A threaded opening is provided near the opposing termination surfaces; and A tooling block, which is connected to an annular block at the threaded opening.

7. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A cut, wherein the cut forms an arcuate surface in the annular ring.

8. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A cut, wherein the cut forms an arcuate surface in the annular ring aligned with the edge of the first opening.

9. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A slot located in the first annular ring, the slot forming opposing terminating surfaces; and A cut is formed in the first annular ring, forming an arcuate surface aligned with the edge of the first opening.

10. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A slot located in the first annular ring, the slot forming opposing terminating surfaces; and A cut, which is diametrically opposed to the slot and forms an arcuate surface in the first annular ring aligned with the edge of the first opening.

11. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A pair of cuts located in the first annular ring, the pair of cuts being aligned with the edges of the first opening and the second opening.

12. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A second opening, the second opening being located within the rotatable throttling ball; and The second annular ring has a noise suppression opening welded to a suitable position in the second opening.

13. The valve according to claim 1, further comprising: A second opening, the second opening being located within the rotatable throttling ball; and A second annular ring, the second annular ring having a noise suppression opening welded at an appropriate position in the second opening. The first annular ring and the second annular ring include slots that form opposing terminating surfaces spaced at least 90° apart from each other.

14. The valve according to claim 1, A second opening, the second opening being located within the rotatable throttling ball; and A second annular ring, the second annular ring having a noise suppression opening welded at an appropriate position in the second opening. Wherein the first annular ring and the second annular ring include Slots, the slots forming opposing terminating surfaces, and The cut is diametrically opposite to the slot, and the cut forms an arcuate surface in both the first annular ring and the second annular ring, the arcuate surface being aligned with the edges of the first opening and the second opening, respectively.

15. A method comprising: Manufacture an annular ring with noise reduction elements, the annular ring having an outer diameter; The outer diameter is reduced from the first dimension to the second dimension; The annular ring is inserted into the opening in the throttling ball at the second size; as well as The annular ring is welded to the appropriate position in the opening.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising: A cut is formed in the annular ring, wherein the cut and the opening in the throttling ball have the same radius.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the second dimension is smaller than the radius of the opening.

18. A method, the method comprising: A valve core assembly is provided, the valve core assembly including an annular ring having a noise suppression opening, the annular ring having an outer surface having an outer diameter; Position the valve core assembly into an opening in a throttling ball, the opening having an inner diameter; as well as The valve core assembly is welded to the appropriate position in the opening. The outer diameter of the valve core device is smaller than the inner diameter of the opening.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: The outer surface of the valve core device is machined downwards to the outer diameter.

20. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: A cut is formed in the valve core assembly, the cut having the same radius as the inner diameter of the opening.

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