Valve sleeve device for wide-body or open-body knife gate valve

Abstract

A valve pocket (1) for a knife or gate valve, characterized in that it has an annular reinforcing member (8) located entirely within a proximal half of a body (30); an annular recess (16, 22) extending radially into the inner bushing surface (32) and / or into the outer bushing surface (33) in a region closer to the proximal surface (31) than the distal surface (34); and / or a radially outermost surface portion (5) close to the distal flange (4), the radially outermost surface portion (5) having a taper angle (N) with respect to a central axis of the valve sleeve (1).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to valves and their maintainable replacement components. Embodiments relate to wide-body or open-body knife gate valve sleeve assemblies configured to extend the wear life and / or operating time of wide-body or open-body knife gate valves. Background Technology

[0002] Such as from existing technology Figure 1-4 Understandably, wide- or open-body knife gate valves 100 use a sleeve 101 to protect the internal passage 55 of the lower valve body 54 or "housing". The sleeve 101 used in such wide- or open-body knife gate valves 100 differs from that used in wafer knife gate valves in that it is configured with a longer tubular axial length to protect the extended passage 55. The sleeve 101 of wide- or open-body knife gate valves 100 also differs from that of wafer knife gate valves in that it typically employs a second bushing retainer portion 58 (e.g., a ring or flange with a fastener clearance hole) to hold the lip 104 of the sleeve 101 between the second bushing retainer portion 58 and the first bushing retainer portion 56, as shown below. Figure 4 As shown. Therefore, by securing the second bushing retainer portion 58 to the first bushing retainer portion 56, the valve sleeve 101 is held within the passage 55 of the lower valve body 54 or housing.

[0003] Conversely, for thin-walled knife gate valves, the valve sleeve (e.g., the valve sleeve depicted in US-D834156S1) is typically much shorter in axial length and is only temporarily held within the passage 55 by external compression. The flange end of the tube is bolted to the lower valve body 54 or "housing" at the distal end of the valve sleeve. Thus, for thin-walled knife gate valves, direct contact occurs between the flange end of the tube and the base of the valve sleeve, and no intermediate second bushing retainer portion 58 is used to capture the valve sleeve within the internal passage 55 of the lower valve body 54 or "housing".

[0004] Now turn to the attached image. Figure 1 A prior art valve sleeve 101 for a wide-body or open-body knife gate valve 100 is shown. Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The cross-sectional view of the prior art valve sleeve 101 is shown. Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 An enlarged view of the prior art valve sleeve 101 is shown. Figure 4 It shows that it contains Figures 1 to 3 The conventional valve sleeve 101 shown is a wide-body or open-body knife gate valve 100.

[0005] As shown in the figure, a conventional wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 101 includes a proximal end 131, a distal end 134, an inner surface 132, and an outer surface 133. A nose 102 is located near the proximal end 131, and a base 103 is located near the distal end 134. The conventional wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 101 is formed of an elastomer body 130, which has an annular reinforcing insert 108. The conventional wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 101 also includes a lip 104 or a radially outwardly extending flange near the base 103 and / or the distal end 134 of the elastomer body 130. The conventional wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 101 also includes a distal outer surface portion 105 (of the outer bushing surface 133) and a distal inner surface portion 106 (of the inner bushing surface 132). The distal inner surface portion 106 extends between the inner distal point 114 of the base 103 and the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106. As shown, the elastomer body 130 has a larger inner diameter at the inner distal point 114 adjacent to the base 103 compared to the inner diameter of the proximal end 109, which is closer to the distal inner surface 106. A nose chamfer 107 with a radial width A is present at the proximal end 131, and extends from the nose 102 to the distal end 124 of the nose chamfer 107 on the radially outward portion of the valve sleeve 101. On the opposite (i.e., radially inward) side of the nose chamfer 107 is an inner nose rounded portion 111, which extends to the distal end 119 of the inner nose rounded portion 111 and intersects with the inner flat portion 110. The inner flat portion 110 extends directly from the distal end 119 of the rounded portion 111 of the inner nose to the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106, and has no additional features thereon.

[0006] The annular reinforcing insert 108 includes a proximal end 112, a distal end 113, and extends an axial length D between them. As shown, the reinforcing insert 108 also includes a radial width P. The maximum radial distance R extends between the inner surface 132 of the valve sleeve 101 and the reinforcing insert 108.

[0007] The axial distance C extends between the nose 102 or proximal end 131 of the valve sleeve 101 and the proximal end 112 of the reinforcing insert 108. The axial distance E extends between the distal end 113 of the inner annular reinforcing insert 108 and the distal end 134 of the base 103 of the elastomer body 130. The axial length F of the valve sleeve 101 extends between the nose 102 or proximal end 131 and the base 103 or distal end 134 of the valve sleeve. The inner flat portion 110 extends axially along the body 130 for a length O.

[0008] The radial width J of the elastomer body 130 is provided near the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106. The radial width J may represent the maximum radial width or maximum thickness of the body 130, or it may represent the average or mean radial width or thickness of the body 130. As shown, J represents the maximum radial width or thickness of the elastomer body 130. As shown, the radially inner width L separates the inner distal point 114 of the base 103 from the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106, wherein the distal inner surface 106 tapers between the two. Therefore, the distal inner surface 106 may taper inward as shown, such that the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106 is positioned radially inward than the inner distal point 114 of the base 103. As shown, the axial distance M can extend between the base 103 or the inner distal point 114 and the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106, such that dimensions M and O are close together (i.e., adjacent, adjacent, or sequential) and separated only by the common proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106 representing the endpoints of M and O.

[0009] Such as existing technology Figure 8-10 As depicted, problems arise when the gate or vane 52 of a wide-body or open-body knife gate valve moves laterally through the internal passage 55 and downward through the adjacent noses 102 of the juxtaposed conventional valve sleeves 101, and moves between the adjacent noses 102 of the juxtaposed conventional valve sleeves 101. The prior art profile construction of the body 130 and the relative position of the reinforcing inserts 108 within each valve sleeve 101 facilitate the valve sleeve 101 at the stress gradient "pinch" 201 (…). Figure 9 , 10 Potential breakage at the location and / or increased wear due to the small maximum radial distance R extending between the inner surface 132 of the elastomer body 130 and the reinforcing insert 108.

[0010] Furthermore, for this conventional wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 101, when the gate or vane 52 passes between the valve sleeves 101, an internal "bulge" 200 is typically formed in each body 130. Figure 9 Because a larger frontal area is exposed to the abrasive slurry, the protrusion 200 can accelerate wear of the body 130 at the inner surface 132. The protrusion 200 can also non-linearly reduce the cross-sectional area during gate or blade 52 closure (which in turn can reduce or negatively impact the overall control of flow through valve 50).

[0011] Additionally, the cylindrical outer surface 133 of the conventional valve sleeve 101 makes it easier for them to move or slide out of the passage 55 of the lower valve body or housing 54 during assembly, for example, before the second bushing retainer portion 58 is secured to the first bushing retainer portion 56 to capture the valve sleeve 101 within the passage and / or clamping lip 104 between the first bushing retainer portion 56 and the second bushing retainer portion 58.

[0012] In addition, from Figure 10 As can be seen, in the existing valve sleeve 101 design, the deformable / displaced material of the elastomer body 130 is compressed in the overcompression region 202 onto a portion of the lower valve body or housing 54 because there is no space for additional deformable / displaced body 130 material to "flow". This may result in an increase in the required closing force between the noses 102 of the gate or blade 52, and may increase the likelihood of tearing or shearing in certain areas of the body (e.g., at or near the stress gradient "pinch" 201 or at the surface of the different material interfaces of the elastomer body 130 around the reinforcing member 108). Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system, device and / or method that solves, mitigates, overcomes or improves the aforementioned problems associated with conventional valve sleeves 101 for wide-body or open-body knife gate valves 50, but is not limited thereto.

[0014] An additional objective of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system, apparatus, and / or method that improves wear life and / or minimizes downtime of wide-body or open-body knife gate valves, but is not limited thereto.

[0015] Another object of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system, device and / or method that reduces, but is not limited to, the protrusions 200, stress gradients 201 and overcompression regions 202 typically associated with conventional valve sleeves 101 for wide-body or open-body knife gate valves 50.

[0016] A valve sleeve (1) for a knife valve or gate valve (50) is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the valve sleeve (1) may include an annular body (30). The annular body (30) may extend an axial length (F) between a proximal edge or nose (2) of a proximal surface (31) and a distal portion (3) of a distal surface (34). The body (30) may include a polymer material configured to elastically deform upon contact with a knife or gate (52). The body (30) may include an inner bushing surface (32) and an outer bushing surface (33), each spanning between the proximal surface (31) and the distal surface (34). The body (30) may include an angled, tapered, or inclined surface portion (7) forming a portion of the proximal surface (31), configured to engage the knife or gate (52) of the knife valve or gate valve (50). The body (30) may include a distal flange (4) extending radially outward from an outer bushing surface (33) near the distal surface (34). The body (30) may include a maximum thickness (J) between the inner bushing surface (32) and the outer bushing surface (33), for example, in a region of the body (30) located proximal to the distal flange (4). The J:F ratio is preferably less than 2:3, but substantially greater than zero. The valve sleeve (1) may also include an annular reinforcing (i.e., “reinforcing”) member (8) disposed within the body (30), and preferably comprises a metallic material configured to reinforce the body (30). The annular reinforcing member (8) may have a maximum axial length (D) and a maximum radial thickness (P). In a preferred embodiment, the D:F ratio may be maintained in the range of 1:3 to 1:2. The valve sleeve (101) may be characterized in that one or more of the following statements i.)-iii.) are true:

[0017] i.) The annular reinforcing member (8) is located entirely within the proximal half of the body (30) closest to the proximal surface (31);

[0018] ii.) The annular notches (16, 22) extend radially into the inner bushing surface (32) and / or into the outer bushing surface (33) in a region closer to the proximal surface (31) than the distal surface (34), and the annular notches (16, 22) preferably:

[0019] a. It is located entirely within the proximal half of the body (30) closest to the proximal surface (31);

[0020] b. Including axial lengths (K, H), said axial lengths (K, H) being less than the maximum axial length (D) of the annular reinforcing member (8); and / or

[0021] c. Completed at its lower end (9, 21) along the surface (32, 33); the lower end (9, 21) is located within the proximal half of the body (30) closest to the proximal surface (31) and / or above the distal end 13 of the annular reinforcing member (8);

[0022] iii.) The radially outermost surface portion (5) of the outer bushing surface (33) near the distal flange (4) has a cone angle (N) relative to the central axis of the valve sleeve (1); the cone angle (N) is greater than zero, such that the outer bushing surface (33) is at least partially slightly truncated conical rather than cylindrical.

[0023] In some embodiments, at least two of the above statements i.)-iii.) may be true.

[0024] In some embodiments, the portion of the inner liner surface (32) relative to the ridge (9) on the proximal side does not extend further radially inward than the ridge (9).

[0025] In some embodiments, the axial position of the maximum thickness (J) is located within the proximal half of the body (30) closest to the proximal surface (31).

[0026] In some embodiments, the valve sleeve (1) may include any actual and / or conceivable desired combination of one or more of the following features:

[0027] - The axial distance (G) extending between the distal end (24) of the nasal chamfer (7) and the proximal end (20) of the outer annular recess (22).

[0028] - The axial length (H) of the outer annular recess (22), which extends between the proximal end (20) and the distal end (21) of the outer annular recess (22);

[0029] - The axial distance (I) extending between the distal end (24) of the nasal chamfer (7) and the distal end (21) of the outer annular recess (22);

[0030] - The axial length (K) of the inner annular recess (16) extending between the proximal end (9) of the distal inner surface (6) and the proximal end (18) of the inner annular recess (16); wherein the axial length (K) is provided as:

[0031] o is between the axial lengths (M) and (O);

[0032] o above the proximal end (9) of the distal inner surface (6); and / or

[0033] o Above the distal end (13) of the annular reinforcing member (8),

[0034] - The radial depth (Q) of the inner annular recess (16) is greater than zero;

[0035] -The proximal portion (15A) of the inner annular recess (16)

[0036] - The distal portion (15B) of the inner annular recess (16).

[0037] - Groove (17), which includes the deepest point of the inner annular recess (16) and / or the maximum inner diameter of the proximal portion of the body (30);

[0038] - Proximal end (20) of the outer annular recess (22);

[0039] - The distal end (21) of the outer annular recess (22);

[0040] - The proximal portion (23A) of the outer annular recess (22);

[0041] - The distal portion (23B) of the outer annular recess (22);

[0042] - Groove (35), which includes the deepest point of the outer annular recess (22) or the minimum outer diameter of the proximal portion of the elastomer body (30);

[0043] The proximal introduction portion (25) on the outer surface (33) of the body (30);

[0044] - The radial depth (B) of the outer annular recess (22) is greater than zero;

[0045] Additional details of the features of the embodiments can be illustrated in the detailed description below. Attached Figure Description

[0046] Figure 1 An isometric perspective view of a valve sleeve 101 according to the prior art is shown.

[0047] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The cross-sectional view shows the cross-section of the prior art valve sleeve 101.

[0048] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the cross section shown.

[0049] Figure 4 A wide-body or open-body knife gate valve 50 is shown, which houses a valve sleeve 101 according to the prior art (and / or may alternatively house a valve sleeve 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention).

[0050] Figure 5 An isometric perspective view of a valve sleeve according to a non-limiting embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0051] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The cross-sectional view shows the cross-section of the valve sleeve 101 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 An enlarged cross-sectional view of the cross section shown.

[0053] Figures 8 to 10 The prior art valve sleeve 101 (such as) is shown. Figures 1 to 3 The valve sleeve depicted in the figure behaves and interacts with the moving gate or blade 52 in the three different stages of valve closure.

[0054] Figure 8 A side cross-sectional view of a prior art wide-body or open-body knife gate valve is shown, with its gate open. As shown, the gate or vane 52 is completely removed from the bushing to ensure an airtight seal between the two sealing noses.

[0055] Figure 9 A side cross-sectional view of a prior art wide-body or open-body knife gate valve is shown, with its gate 52 passing through the top of the hermetically sealed valve and wedged between two sealing noses of the opposing valve sleeve 101. Due to elastomer deformation / displacement, a lower protrusion 200 is formed and protrudes into the radially inner surface, increasing the frontal area of ​​the upstream valve sleeve for the abrasive flow. Stress from the gate or blade 52 on the top of the bushing pulls the elastomer downward into the slurry flow path with the gate or blade 52. The valve sleeve undergoes substantial deformation, and the local shear stress relative to the inner reinforcing insert 108 increases substantially.

[0056] Figure 10 A side cross-sectional view of a prior art wide-body or open-body knife gate valve is shown, wherein its gate or vane 52 enters or is between two sealing noses in a lower airtight seal, toward the bottom of the knife gate valve 50, near the fully closed position. When the gate or vane 52 enters between the noses 102 near the lower part of the valve sleeve 101, the inner diameter of the valve sleeve 101 is pulled downward by the gate 52.

[0057] Figures 11 to 13 A valve sleeve 1 (such as) according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figures 5 to 7 The valve sleeve (described in the figure) behaves and interacts with the moving gate or vane 52 in three different stages of valve closure. For comparison, Figure 11-13 The three gate positions shown correspond to respectively Figure 8-10 The same gate location described in the text for existing technologies.

[0058] Figure 11 An embodiment according to the invention is shown (e.g., Figures 5 to 7The setting is a wide-body or open-body knife gate valve 50 with two valve sleeves 1. Figure 11 This indicates that, for embodiments of the present invention, in the "gate open" position (similar to...) Figure 8 The valve sleeve 1 can form an airtight seal, wherein their respective noses 2 are slightly compressed against each other.

[0059] Figure 12 A wide-body or open-body knife gate valve 50 with two valve sleeves 1 is shown according to an embodiment of the present invention, which begins to close. Figure 12 (similar to) Figure 9 In this context, it is evident that the valve sleeve embodiment according to the invention allows the gate or blade 52 to pass through the upper part of the valve sleeve more smoothly and easily, without producing the defects of the prior art. Figure 9 The internal protrusion 200 is shown. Furthermore, the valve sleeve embodiment according to the invention allows a gate or blade 52 to pass through it without significantly altering the overall contour envelope of each valve sleeve 1—and / or substantially increasing the local shear stress relative to the inner reinforcing insert 8. The inner annular recessed portion 16 of each valve sleeve 1 can provide greater flexibility (e.g., acting as a “hinge”), while the outer annular recessed portion 22 of each valve sleeve 1 can flatten to prevent premature tearing of the valve sleeve 1—allowing the inner recessed portion 16 to accommodate the flow of the elastomer of the body 130 during temporary deformation / displacement. Due to the improved inner surface geometry, less frontal area of ​​the upstream valve sleeve 1 is exposed to the slurry, and the overall minimum inner diameter of the valve opening is better maintained, resulting in better flow control characteristics.

[0060] Figure 13 A wide-body or open-body knife gate valve 50 according to an embodiment of the invention, with two valve sleeves 1, is shown in a near-fully closed position, wherein the gate or vane 52 is close to the lower region of the valve opening. When the gate or vane 52 enters between the noses near the lower part of the valve sleeve 1, the inner diameter of each valve sleeve will not be as... Figure 10 As shown in the prior art valve sleeve 101, it is rubbed off by the gate or blade 52. The inner annular recess 16 allows for greater flexibility and becomes less noticeable / pronounced, while the outer annular recess 18 accommodates temporarily deformed / displaced polymers and is "filled" by them as the material flows through the elastomer body 130. Detailed Implementation

[0061] like Figure 5-7 As shown, embodiments of the wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 1 according to the present invention can be used with... Figure 1-3The conventional valve sleeve 101 shown shares some similarities. In particular, embodiments of the wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 1 may similarly include a proximal end 31, a distal end 34, an inner surface 32, and an outer surface 33. A nose 2 may be present near the proximal end 31, and a base 3 may be present near the distal end 34. The wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 1 may be formed of an elastomer body 30 having an annular reinforcing insert 8, which is preferably, but not necessarily, metallic. Rigid plastics and composite materials are considered suitable materials for the reinforcing insert 8. The wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 1 may also include a lip 4 or a radially outwardly extending flange near its base 3 and / or near the distal end 34 of the elastomer body 30. The lip 4 may serve as a flange that is caught between the first bushing retainer portion 56 and the second bushing retainer portion 58, but is not limited thereto. The wide-body or open-body valve sleeve 1 may further include a distal outer surface portion 5 (of the outer bushing surface 33) and a distal inner surface portion 6 (of the inner bushing surface 32). The distal inner surface portion 6 may extend between the inner distal point 14 of the base 3 and the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6. A nose chamfer 7 having a radial width A may also be present at the proximal end 31 and may extend from the nose 2 to the distal end 24 of the nose chamfer 7 on the radially outward portion of the valve sleeve 1. On the opposite (i.e., radially inward) side of the nose chamfer 7, an inner nose rounded portion 11 may extend from the nose 2 to the distal end 19 of the inner nose rounded portion 11, at which the inner nose rounded portion 11 intersects with the inner substantially flat portion 10. The inner flat portion 10 may extend from the distal end 19 of the inner nose rounded portion 11 to the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6, but is not limited thereto. The inner flat portion 10 is shown as including a straight (i.e., cylindrical surface) portion aligned with the longitudinal axis of the valve sleeve 1; however, it should be understood that the flat portion 10 may be circular, textured, or slightly tapered, but is not limited thereto.

[0062] The reinforcing insert 8 may include a proximal end 12 and a distal end 13, and may extend an axial length D between the proximal end 12 and the distal end 13. As shown, the reinforcing insert 8 may also include a radial width P. A maximum radial distance R may extend between the inner surface 32 and the reinforcing insert 8.

[0063] The axial distance C can extend between the nose portion 2 or proximal end 31 and the proximal end 12 of the reinforcing insert 8. The axial distance E can extend between the distal end 13 of the inner reinforcing insert 8 and the distal end 34 of the base 3 of the body 30. The axial length F of the valve sleeve 1 can extend between the nose portion 2 or proximal end 31 and the base 3 or distal end 34. The inner flat portion 10 can extend axially along the body 30 for a length O.

[0064] The radial width J of the elastomer body 30 can be set near the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6. The radial width J can represent the maximum radial width or maximum thickness of the body 30, or it can represent the average or mean radial width or thickness of the body 30. As shown, the radial inner width L can separate the inner distal point 14 of the base 3 from the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6. Therefore, the distal inner surface 6 can taper inward as shown, such that the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6 can be set radially inward than the inner distal point 14 of the base 3. As shown, the axial distance M can extend between the base 3 or the inner distal point 14 and the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6.

[0065] The valve sleeve 1 according to certain embodiments is characterized by the fact that dimensions M and O are not close to, adjacent to, or adjacent to each other, but are separated by dimension K (which represents the axial length of the inner annular recess 16 between the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6 and the proximal end 18 of the inner annular recess 16 (i.e., the distal end of the inner flat portion 10). Within the axial length K, the elastomer body 30 may include the inner annular recess 16, which is configured with a notch entering the elastomer body 30 having a radial depth Q. The inner annular recess 16 has the technical effect of serving as a hinge or basin, allowing the elastic material of the body 30 to flow during deformation / displacement when frictionally engaged with the gate or blade 52.

[0066] The inner annular recess 16 can extend distally from the distal end of the inner flat portion 10 to the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6. It can be defined proximally by a proximal portion 15A of the inner annular recess 16. It can be defined distally by a distal portion 15B of the inner annular recess 16. As shown, the proximal and distal portions 15A and 15B of the inner annular recess 16 can meet at a trough 17 (i.e., the deepest point of the inner annular recess 16, or the maximum inner diameter of the proximal portion of the elastomer body 30). A smooth or sharp transition can occur between each portion 15A, 15B, 17 of the inner annular recess 16, but is not limited thereto. Although the proximal portion 15A is shown as shorter than the distal portion 15B in axial length, the proximal portion 15A can be equal in size to the distal portion 15B, or the proximal portion 15A can be larger in axial length than the distal portion 15B, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, the construction of the inner annular recess 16 may differ from that explicitly shown in the figures, and those skilled in the art will anticipate many alternative embodiments of the exemplary inner annular recess 16 shown, without limitation. The inner annular recess 16 may include, but is not limited to, a groove, notch, recess, or any relative reduction in the inner diameter of the elastomeric body 30 near the distal inner surface 6.

[0067] In addition to having size K and inner annular recess 16, the valve sleeve 1 according to some embodiments may also be characterized in that it may include an outer annular recess 22 and / or sizes I, G and H. The outer annular recess 22 may extend from the proximal end of the distal outer surface portion 5 to the proximal end (i.e., from the distal end of the outer annular recess 22 to the proximal end 20 of the outer annular recess 22).

[0068] Similar to the inner annular recess 16, the outer annular recess 22 may include a notch entering the elastomer body 30 having a radial depth B. As shown, the outer annular recess 22 may extend distally from the proximal introduction portion 25 (of the outer surface 33). The proximal introduction portion 25 may extend distally along the outer surface 33 from the distal end 24 of the nose chamfer 7, as shown. The distal end of the proximal introduction portion 25 may include the proximal end 20 of the outer annular recess 22. The outer annular recess 22 may be defined proximally by a proximal portion 23A of the outer annular recess 22. The outer annular recess 22 may be defined distally by a distal portion 23B of the outer annular recess 22. The proximal portion 23A and the distal portion 23B of the outer annular recess 22 may meet at a groove 35 (i.e., the deepest point of the outer annular recess 22, or the minimum outer diameter of the proximal portion of the elastomer body 30), as shown. A smooth or sharp transition may be formed between each portion 23A, 23B of the outer annular recess 22, but is not limited thereto. Although the proximal portion 23A is shown as being substantially the same in axial length as the distal portion 23B, the size of the proximal portion 23A may be larger or smaller than that of the distal portion 23B, but is not limited thereto. Therefore, the construction of the outer annular recess 22 may differ from the construction explicitly shown in the figures, and those skilled in the art will anticipate many alternative embodiments of the exemplary outer annular recess 22 shown, without limitation.

[0069] The outer annular recess 22 has the technical effect of serving as a hinge or recess, allowing the elastic material of the body 30 to flow during deformation / displacement when frictionally engaged with the gate or blade 52. The outer annular recess 22 may include, but is not limited to, a groove, notch, recess, or any relative reduction in the outer diameter of the elastomer body 30, which is near the distal outer surface 5 or away from the nose or nose chamfer on the outer surface 33.

[0070] Figure 7 The dimension G shown represents the axial distance between the distal end 24 of the nose chamfer 7 and the proximal end 20 of the outer annular recess 22 (i.e., dimension G represents the axial length of the proximal introduction portion 25). Figure 7 The dimension H shown represents the axial length of the outer annular recess 22 (e.g., between its proximal end 20 and distal end 21). Figure 7 The dimension I shown represents the axial distance between the distal end 24 of the nose chamfer 7 and the distal end 21 of the outer annular recess 22.

[0071] According to certain embodiments, the valve sleeve 1 may also feature that its body 30 may include a tapered outer surface 33 on at least a portion thereof. Specifically, the distal outer surface portion 5 extending distally from the distal end 21 of the outer annular recess 22 to the lip 14 of the outer surface 33 may extend relative to the cylinder at an angle N, as shown. This angle is preferably greater than 0 degrees and less than about 15 degrees. As shown, the taper angle N may extend substantially continuously and / or smoothly between the distal end 21 and the lip 14; or, alternatively, the taper angle N may extend varying or discontinuously between 21 and 14, wherein optional additional surface features or modifications (not shown) are provided between 21 and 14, but not limited thereto. In some embodiments (not shown), only a portion of the distal outer surface portion 5 may be tapered. By tapering the distal outer surface portion 5 of the outer surface 33 (so that the outer surface 33 is slightly wider than the channel 55 near the lip 4), a gentle frictional fit / compression fit / interference fit can be provided to help retain the valve sleeve 1 within the channel 55 of the lower valve body or housing 54 before securing the second bushing retainer portion 58 to the first bushing retainer portion 56.

[0072] According to certain embodiments, the valve sleeve 1 may also be characterized in that its dimension R is greater than its predecessor 101, its dimension P is less than its predecessor 101, its dimension D is less than its predecessor 101, and / or its dimension C is greater than its predecessor 101.

[0073] By “thinning” and axially shortening the reinforcing insert 8, less metal (or other) harder material is needed to manufacture the valve sleeve 1, thereby reducing overall manufacturing costs and allowing the body 30 to be more flexible and adaptable in response to friction gate or blade 52 contact. By further radially outward repositioning the reinforcing insert 8 from the inner surface 32 (e.g., further offset from the proximal end 9), the inner surface 32 of the body 30 is able to erode more before ultimately exposing the reinforcing insert 8 to the abrasive slurry. This significantly extends the wear life of the valve sleeve 1 and the operating time of the wide-blade gate valve or open-blade gate valve 50 between maintenance.

[0074] By providing a greater distance (i.e., increasing dimension C) between the nose 2 and the proximal end 12 of the reinforcing insert, the stress gradient "pinch" 201 is mitigated, thereby allowing for longer operating time without causing the body 30 to crack (due to high shear or fatigue at the portion of the body-adjacent surface of the reinforcing insert 8 at the junction of the body 30 and the reinforcing insert 8). Furthermore, the wear life at the proximal end 31 of the valve sleeve 1 is increased before the reinforcing insert 8 is potentially exposed.

[0075] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments and applications, those skilled in the art can, based on these teachings, produce other embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit or scope of the claimed invention. For the sake of brevity, prior art designs are not disclosed or described herein. Figure 1-3 ) and embodiments of the present invention ( Figure 5-7 All possible differences between the drawings and the accompanying drawings. This description should be used only as an overview of the depicted embodiments, and those skilled in the art will be able to readily understand the numerous additional differences from the drawings, and not solely rely on the text. Therefore, all structural relationships (including features, dimensions, relative dimensions, ratios, and other identifiable relationships between referenced features) explicitly depicted in the drawings should be interpreted as expressly described and referenced herein and / or reserved for future incorporation into the claims. Inherent or inferred technical features and structural or dimensional relationships not expressly described herein should be considered as shown herein in a manner as if written and fully described in the text.

[0076] For convenience, the names and technical terms used to define features in this specification and claims have been selected, and it should be understood that certain terms used herein may be replaced by equivalent terms recognized in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are provided by way of example to facilitate understanding of the invention and should not be construed as limiting its scope.

[0077] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0078] 1, 101 Valve sleeve (Invention 1, Prior Art 101) 2, 102 Nasal region (near proximal 31, 131) 3, 103 The base of the elastomer bodies 30 and 130 (near the distal ends 34 and 134) 4, 104 The lip (e.g., a radially outwardly extending flange) near the base 3, 103 and / or distal end 34, 134 of the elastomer body 30, 130. 5, 105 (The distal outer surface portion of the outer bushing surface 33, 133) 6, 106 The distal inner surface portion (of the inner liner surfaces 32, 132) extends between the inner distal points 14, 114 of the bases 3, 103 and the proximal ends 9, 109 of the distal inner surfaces 6, 106. 7, 107 nose beveling 8, 108 Reinforcing components (e.g., inner ring reinforcing members, belts, rings, etc.) 9, 109 The proximal end of the distal inner surface 6, 106 10, 110 The inner flat portion (extending from the distal ends 19 and 119 of the rounded portions 11 and 111 of the inner nose) 11, 111 Inner nasal rounded part 12, 112 Enhanced near-end of plugins 8 and 108 13, 113 Enhance the remote end of the plugin 14, 114 inner distal points of bases 3 and 103 15A The proximal portion of the inner annular recess 16 15B The distal portion of the inner annular recess 16 16 inner annular recess 17 The groove, the deepest point of the inner annular recess 16, or the maximum inner diameter of the proximal portion of the elastomer body 30. 18 The proximal end of the inner annular recess 16 19, 119 The distal end of the rounded portion 11, 111 of the inner nose 20 The proximal end of the outer annular recess 22 21 The distal end of the outer annular recess 22 22 outer annular recess 23A The proximal portion of the outer annular recess 22 23B The distal portion of the outer annular recess 22 24, 124 The distal end of the nasal chamfer 7, 107 25 (Outer surface 33) Proximal introduction portion 30, 130 Elastomer body 31, 131 Proximal 32, 132 inner surface 33, 133 outer surface 34, 134 remote 35 The deepest point of the groove, the outer annular recess 22, or the minimum outer diameter of the proximal portion of the elastomer body 30. 50 knife gate valve 51 Actuators (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders, electronic actuators, solenoids) 52 gate or blade 53 Upper valve body (i.e., the "guide" or "frame" for gate 52) 54 Lower valve body or housing (e.g., flow control area) 55 Channel (e.g., housing inner diameter / ID) 56 The first bushing retainer portion (e.g., a ring or flange with a fastener clearance hole). 57 Fastener clearance hole 58 The second bushing retainer portion (e.g., a ring or flange with a fastener clearance hole). 59 Opening 60 fastener 200 protrusion 201 Stress gradient "pinch" 202 Over-compression ("protrusion") area 300 Hinge point 301 Larger gap (to reduce shear at the proximal end 12 of the reinforcing insert 8) 302 Flat profile ("no raised areas") 303 Flow zone (for "filling" the elastomer body 30 material) A Radial width of nose chamfer 7, 107 B Radial depth of the outer annular recess 22 C The axial distance between the nasal portion 2, 102 or proximal portion 31, 131 and the proximal portion 12, 112 of the reinforcing inserts 8, 108. D Axial length of internal reinforcing inserts 8 and 108 E The axial distance between the distal ends 13 and 113 and the distal ends 34 and 134 of the inner reinforcing inserts 8 and 108 F The axial length of valve sleeves 1 and 101 (e.g., between noses 2 and 102 and bases 3 and 103). G The axial distance between the distal end 24 of the nasal chamfer 7 and the proximal end 20 of the outer annular recess 22 H The axial length of the outer annular recess 22 (between its proximal end 20 and distal end 21). I The axial distance between the distal end 24 of the nose chamfer 7 and the distal end 21 of the outer annular recess 22 J The radial width of the elastomer bodies 30, 130 (e.g., near the proximal ends 9, 109 of the distal inner surfaces 6, 106 – or near the distal end 9 of the inner annular recess 16). K The axial length of the inner annular recess 16 between the proximal ends of the distal inner surfaces 6 and 106 and the proximal end 18 L The radial inward width between the inner distal points 14 and 114 of the bases 3 and 103 and the proximal ends 9 and 109 of the distal inner surfaces 6 and 106 (or the distal end 9 of the inner annular recess 16) M The axial distance between the base 3, 103 or the inner distal point 14, 114 and the proximal end 9, 109 (or the distal end 9 of the inner annular recess 16) of the distal inner surface 6, 106. N Introducing chamfer angle on outer surface 5 O Axial lengths of the inner flat portions 10 and 110 P Radial width of inner reinforcing inserts 8 and 108 Q Radial depth of the inner annular recess 16 R Maximum radial distance between inner surfaces 32, 132 and reinforcing inserts 8, 108

Claims

1. A valve sleeve (1) for a knife valve or gate valve (50), comprising: An annular body (30) extending axially (F) between the proximal edge or nose (2) of the proximal surface (31) and the distal portion (3) of the distal surface (34); the body comprises: A polymer material configured to elastically deform upon contact with a blade or gate (52); The inner liner surface (32) and the outer liner surface (33) each span between the proximal surface (31) and the distal surface (34); An angled, tapered, or inclined surface portion (7) that forms part of the proximal surface (31) and is configured to engage the knife or gate (52) of the knife valve or gate valve (50). The distal flange (4) extends radially outward from the outer bushing surface (33) near the distal surface (34); The maximum thickness (J) between the inner bushing surface (32) and the outer bushing surface (33) in the region of the body (30) proximal to the distal flange (4); wherein the ratio of J:F is less than 2:3 but substantially greater than zero; and An annular reinforcing member (8) is disposed within the body (30) and preferably comprises a metallic material configured to reinforce the body (30), the annular reinforcing member (8) having a maximum axial length (D) and a maximum radial thickness (P). Its characteristic is that one or more of the following statements i.)-iii.) are true: i.) The annular reinforcing member (8) is located entirely within the proximal half of the body (30) closest to the proximal surface (31); ii.) The annular notches (16, 22) extend radially into the inner bushing surface (32) and / or into the outer bushing surface (33) in a region closer to the proximal surface (31) than the distal surface (34), and the annular notches (16, 22) preferably: a. Located entirely within the proximal half of the body (30) closest to the proximal surface (31); b. Including axial lengths (K, H), said axial lengths (K, H) being less than the maximum axial length (D) of the annular reinforcing member (8); and / or c. Completed along the surface (32, 33) at its lower end (9, 21); the lower end (9, 21) is located within the proximal half of the body (30) closest to the proximal surface (31) and / or above the distal end 13 of the annular reinforcing member (8); iii.) The radially outermost surface portion (5) of the outer bushing surface (33) near the distal flange (4) has a cone angle (N) relative to the central axis of the valve sleeve (1); the cone angle (N) is greater than zero, such that the outer bushing surface (33) is at least partially slightly truncated conical rather than cylindrical.

2. The valve sleeve according to claim 1, wherein at least two of statements i.)-iii.) are true.

3. The valve sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the portion of the inner liner surface (32) located proximal to the ridge (9) does not extend further radially inward than the ridge (9).

4. The valve sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The axial position of the maximum thickness (J) is located in the proximal half of the body (30) closest to the proximal surface (31).

5. The valve sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims further comprises one or more of the following features in any combination: - The axial distance (G) extending between the distal end (24) of the nasal chamfer (7) and the proximal end (20) of the outer annular recess (22); - The axial length (H) of the outer annular recess (22) extends between the proximal end (20) and the distal end (21) of the outer annular recess (22); - The axial distance (I) extending between the distal end (24) of the nasal chamfer (7) and the distal end (21) of the outer annular recess (22); - The axial length (K) of the inner annular recess (16) extending between the proximal end (9) of the distal inner surface (6) and the proximal end (18) of the inner annular recess (16); wherein, The axial length (K) is provided as follows: o is between the axial lengths (M) and (O); o above the proximal end (9) of the distal inner surface (6); and / or o Above the distal end (13) of the annular reinforcing member (8), - The radial depth (Q) of the inner annular recess (16) is greater than zero; - The proximal portion (15A) of the inner annular recess (16); - The distal portion (15B) of the inner annular recess (16); - Groove (17), which includes the deepest point of the inner annular recess (16) or the maximum inner diameter of the proximal portion of the body (30); - The proximal end (20) of the outer annular recess (22); - The distal end (21) of the outer annular recess (22); - The proximal portion (23A) of the outer annular recess (22); - The distal portion (23B) of the outer annular recess (22); - Groove (35), which includes the deepest point of the outer annular recess (22) and / or the minimum outer diameter of the proximal portion of the elastomer body (30); The proximal introduction portion (25) on the outer surface (33) of the body (30); - The radial depth (B) of the outer annular recess (22) is greater than zero.

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