Ball valve with flow regulation and cut-off functions

Abstract

The utility model discloses a ball valve with flow regulation and cut-off functions, which is suitable for various fluid conveying systems for petroleum, chemical engineering, natural gas, water treatment and the like. The ball valve comprises a valve body structure, a valve rod, a ball body and a driving mechanism, a middle flow channel is formed in the ball body, and a plurality of through holes are formed in the ball body so that accurate flow control and fluid pressure drop management can be achieved. The valve rod is rotated by driving the handle, so that the ball body rotates in the middle cavity of the valve body, and the opening degree of the flow channel is adjusted. A pressure relief device and an automatic opening and closing blind cover are further arranged, so that the safety and reliability of the system are improved, and a universal movable base at the bottom facilitates movement and installation of the ball valve in an industrial site. The utility model has the advantages of convenient operation, high flow regulation precision, low fluid pressure reduction, high system safety and the like, and is suitable for fluid control under complex working conditions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of ball valves, and more particularly to a ball valve with flow regulating and shutoff functions. Background Art

[0002] Ball valves are important industrial pipeline control devices, widely used in various fields such as petroleum, chemical industry, natural gas, and water treatment. Ball valves primarily control the flow of fluids by rotating a valve core (usually a sphere). Their rapid opening and closing, excellent sealing performance, and convenient operation make them widely used in pipeline systems requiring fast opening and closing and excellent sealing performance.

[0003] The basic structure of a ball valve consists of a valve body, stem, ball, seals, and a handle (or actuator). The ball rotates around the stem within the valve body. When the ball's passage aligns with the pipeline's, the medium can flow freely. However, when the ball is rotated 90° so that its passage is perpendicular to the pipeline, the flow is blocked, thus achieving on-off control of the flow. Ball valves can be categorized by connection method, including flanged, threaded, and welded.

[0004] Traditional ball valves face some challenges in use, including large fluid pressure drop, sensitivity to flow changes, and inconvenience in disassembly and replacement.

[0005] Specifically: 1. The fluid pressure drop is large. When the regulating valve opening is small, the pressure drop of the fluid passing through the regulating valve will be very large, thus affecting the flow rate and efficiency of the pipeline;

[0006] 2. The sensitivity of flow rate change is low. The regulating valve responds slowly to flow rate change and takes a long time to reach stability.

[0007] 3. The existing traditional ball valve does not have a pressure relief device and a sealing means, which will cause pipeline leakage when it needs to be cut off for maintenance. In serious cases, it will cause irreparable damage to the valve body and the pipeline. Utility Model Content

[0008] In order to overcome the deficiencies of the prior art, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a ball valve with flow regulation and shutoff functions that can solve the above problems.

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solutions, which mainly include:

[0010] A ball valve with flow regulation and shutoff functions, the ball valve includes a valve body structure, a valve stem, a ball and a driving mechanism. The ball rotates around the valve stem within the valve body structure, and the valve stem is driven by the driving mechanism to rotate the ball. When the middle flow channel of the ball is aligned with the channel of the pipeline, the medium flows freely. The two sides of the ball valve are connected to the pipeline through a flange structure, and a universal movable base is provided at the bottom of the ball valve; a pressure relief device is provided on the valve body, and an automatic opening and closing blind cover is provided at the medium outflow end; an intermediate flow channel is provided inside the ball, and the flow channel is provided with a plurality of through holes.

[0011] In a specific embodiment, the valve body structure includes a first valve body, an upper valve cover and a lower valve cover, and the ball is located in a middle cavity surrounded by the first valve body, the upper valve cover and the lower valve cover.

[0012] In a specific embodiment, the valve body structure includes a first valve body, an upper valve cover and a lower valve cover, and the ball is located in a middle cavity surrounded by the first valve body, the upper valve cover and the lower valve cover.

[0013] In a specific embodiment, the driving mechanism is an actuator handle, which rotates the ball to adjust the flow rate.

[0014] In a specific embodiment, a seal is further provided at the connection between the upper valve stem and the valve body. The seal includes a packing and a packing gland. The packing is used to fill the connection between the upper valve stem and the upper valve cover to further seal. The packing gland is used to limit and fix the packing and the upper valve cover.

[0015] In a specific embodiment, the pressure relief device is arranged on the upper valve cover, and the pressure relief device includes a pipe communicating with the interior of the valve body and a handle for opening and closing the pipe.

[0016] In a specific embodiment, an automatic opening and closing blind cover is provided at the medium outflow end. The blind cover is hinged to the pipe portion at the medium outflow end. When no medium passes through, the blind cover closes by its own gravity to block the passage.

[0017] In a specific embodiment, the universal mobile base includes a mounting bracket and a moving wheel, and the mounting bracket is fixed to the flange by bolts.

[0018] In a specific embodiment, an intermediate flow channel is provided inside the sphere, and the flow channel is provided with a plurality of through holes; the number of the through holes is arranged in the order of the contact area before and after opening. In the initial opening stage, the number of the through holes is greater than the number in the later opening stage, and the number of the through holes increases successively.

[0019] In a specific embodiment, the overall cross-sectional shape of the through hole is triangular, pointing from the medium inflow end to the medium outflow end.

[0020] Through the above technical solution, it can be seen that compared with the prior art, the utility model designs a ball valve with flow regulation and cutoff functions, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0021] 1. Fine flow control:

[0022] The ball body is internally designed with an intermediate flow channel and several holes. These holes are arranged in order of contact area before and after opening, with a greater number of holes in the early stages of opening than in the later stages. This design allows the ball valve to quickly and precisely adjust the flow rate during the initial stage, achieving a more linear flow rate change and effectively improving the accuracy of flow control.

[0023] The shape of the through hole is designed to be triangular, so that the change of the fluid channel area is more gradual and smooth during the opening or closing process, which helps to better control the flow during adjustment, improves the response speed and adjustment stability of the ball valve, and avoids sudden changes or fluctuations in flow.

[0024] 2. Reduce fluid pressure drop:

[0025] Because the ball's flow path aligns with the pipe channel to form a continuous fluid path, this design can effectively reduce the flow resistance of the medium when passing through the valve, reduce the generation of eddies and turbulence, and thus reduce the pressure drop of the fluid. This is very beneficial for maintaining the overall efficiency of the pipeline system and saving energy.

[0026] The middle flow channel is provided with a number of through holes, which can allow part of the fluid to pass through first at a specific angle, acting as a buffer, so that the pressure drop can be dispersed rather than concentrated, reducing the negative impact of the pressure drop on the system.

[0027] 3. Smoothness of opening and closing adjustment:

[0028] The ball valve's ball is driven by a drive mechanism, using an actuator handle for easy manual operation and controllable torque. By adjusting the number of holes, flow regulation is smoother during the opening and closing process. This design not only simplifies operation but also reduces the sudden pressure drop caused by opening and closing, minimizing impact on the pipeline and valve body, thereby extending the service life of the valve and the entire pipeline system.

[0029] 4. Automatic opening, closing and pressure relief function:

[0030] An automatic blind cover is installed at the outlet of the medium. This cover automatically closes when no medium is passing through, preventing foreign matter from entering the pipeline and effectively protecting the system. This design has a positive effect on reducing maintenance frequency and human intervention.

[0031] In addition, the pressure relief device installed on the upper valve cover can promptly relieve pressure through the connecting pipe when the pressure in the system is too high, ensuring the safety and stability of the system operation, and helping to prevent problems such as unstable pressure drop or pressure damage caused by high pressure.

[0032] 5. Portability and stability:

[0033] The ball valve features a universal movable base at the bottom, secured to the flange with a mounting bracket bolted to the base. This design facilitates movement and position adjustment of the ball valve, particularly in industrial environments where frequent adjustments or maintenance are required. The mounting bracket ensures the stability of the ball valve during adjustment and operation, preventing vibration or additional pressure drop caused by instability. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the provided drawings without paying any creative work.

[0035] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the utility model.

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the pressure relief device in the utility model.

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the middle flow channel in the utility model.

[0038] In the accompanying drawings: 1. First valve body; 2. Ball; 3. Lower valve stem; 4. Universal movable base; 5. Lower valve cover; 6. Screw; 7. Valve seat support ring; 8. Pressing ring; 9. Gasket; 10. Screw; 11. Upper valve stem; 12. Sliding bearing; 13. Upper valve cover; 14. Packing; 15. Packing gland; 16. Pressure relief device; 17. Pressure gauge; 18. Stud; 19. Hexagonal nut; 20. Stud; 21. Hexagonal nut; 22. Mounting bracket; 23. Drive mechanism; 24. Flow dial. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] Example 1

[0041] This embodiment relates to a ball valve with flow regulation and shutoff functions. This ball valve comprises a valve body, a valve stem, a ball 2, and a drive mechanism. It is suitable for various fluid delivery systems, including those in the petroleum, chemical, natural gas, and water treatment industries, enabling precise flow regulation and effective shutoff of fluid channels. The following describes the structure and functions of each component in detail:

[0042] Overall structure

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the ball valve comprises a valve body structure, a valve stem, a ball 2, a drive mechanism, and a flange connection structure. The valve body structure comprises a first valve body 1, an upper valve cover 13, and a lower valve cover 5. The ball 2 is positioned within the cavity enclosed by the first valve body 1, the upper valve cover 13, and the lower valve cover 5. The valve stem extends through the upper valve cover 13 and connects to the ball 2. Rotation of the valve stem drives the ball 2 within the cavity, thereby controlling the flow of fluid. Both sides of the ball valve are connected to the pipeline via flanges, ensuring secure installation and easy maintenance.

[0044] An upper valve stem is provided at the top of the sphere, and a lower valve stem is provided at the bottom. The lower valve stem at the bottom is used to support the sphere for rotation. The upper valve stem and the lower valve stem are both connected to the inner wall of the first valve body through sliding bearings. The upper valve stem is also provided with a driving mechanism outside the first valve body.

[0045] Ball and flow channel design

[0046] Sphere 2 is internally provided with an intermediate flow channel. When aligned with the pipeline's channel, this intermediate flow channel allows for free flow of the medium. To achieve precise flow regulation, sphere 2's intermediate flow channel is provided with several through-holes. These through-holes are arranged in order of contact area before and after opening. Initially, the number of through-holes is large to ensure a rapid initial flow increase. Later in the opening process, the number of through-holes gradually decreases to achieve precise flow control. The through-holes have a triangular cross-section, with their tips pointing from the medium inlet to the outlet. This effectively reduces flow resistance as the fluid passes through the sphere, further reducing pressure drop.

[0047] Driving mechanism 23

[0048] The drive mechanism 23 utilizes an actuator handle, whose rotation drives the valve stem. The valve stem is tightly connected to the ball at its lower end. Manually operating the handle rotates the ball, thereby adjusting the opening of the flow channel. The handle is ergonomically designed for ease of operation. The valve stem also incorporates a seal on the upper bonnet 13, including packing 14 and a packing gland 15, to further enhance the valve's sealing performance and prevent leakage of the medium.

[0049] Pressure relief device 16

[0050] To ensure safe operation of the ball valve under high pressure, this embodiment is equipped with a pressure relief device 16 on the upper valve cover 13. The pressure relief device 16 includes a pipe connected to the interior of the valve body and a handle for opening and closing the pipe. When the pressure inside the valve body is too high, the operator can use the handle to open the pressure relief pipe to release the excessive pressure to the outside, thereby preventing the valve body and other components from being damaged by excessive pressure.

[0051] Automatic opening and closing blind cover

[0052] To prevent foreign matter from entering the ball valve and contaminating the pipeline, this embodiment features an automatically opening and closing blind cover at the media outlet. This cover is hinged to the outlet pipeline. When media is flowing, the cover automatically opens. When no media is passing, the cover automatically closes under its own gravity, blocking the passage. This structure effectively prevents pipeline blockage caused by foreign matter, improving system safety and reliability.

[0053] Universal mobile base 4

[0054] To facilitate movement, installation, and adjustment of the ball valve, this embodiment incorporates a universal movable base 4 at the bottom of the ball valve. This base comprises a mounting bracket and movable wheels, which are bolted to the flange structure. The movable wheels enable the ball valve to be freely moved on the ground, significantly improving operational convenience, especially when frequent movement and position adjustment of the ball valve are required in industrial settings. The fixed structure of the mounting bracket ensures that the ball valve remains stable during use, preventing vibrations that could affect operational accuracy.

[0055] How it works

[0056] To open the ball valve to allow fluid to flow, the operating handle rotates the valve stem, which in turn rotates the ball. When the central flow channel of ball 2 aligns with the pipeline, fluid can flow freely through the valve. Because the flow channel within ball 2 is provided with multiple through-holes, a large number of through-holes allow fluid to pass quickly during initial opening, rapidly increasing the flow rate. As the handle continues to rotate, the number of through-holes gradually decreases, enabling more precise flow control. To close the valve, the handle rotates the ball so that its flow channel is perpendicular to the pipeline, thereby shutting off the fluid.

[0057] If system pressure is too high, the pressure inside the valve body can be released through the handle of the pressure relief device 16 on the upper valve cover 13. When no medium is flowing, the automatic opening and closing blind cover at the outflow end automatically closes to prevent external debris from entering. In addition, the universal movable base allows the ball valve to be freely moved between different positions, facilitating installation and maintenance.

[0058] To sum up, the ball valve described in this embodiment has the advantages of high flow regulation accuracy, convenient operation, low fluid pressure drop, high system safety and easy maintenance. It can meet the high requirements for fluid control under complex working conditions and is suitable for applications in various industries such as petroleum and chemical industry.

[0059] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner, with each embodiment focusing on the differences from other embodiments. Reference can be made to the common and similar parts between the various embodiments. For the devices disclosed in the embodiments, since they correspond to the methods disclosed in the embodiments, the description is relatively simple, and the relevant parts can be referred to the method description.

[0060] The above description of the disclosed embodiments will enable one skilled in the art to implement or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown herein but is intended to conform to the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A ball valve with flow regulation and shutoff functions, comprising a valve body, a valve stem, a ball, and a drive mechanism. The ball rotates around the valve stem within the valve body, and the drive mechanism drives the valve stem to rotate the ball. When the center flow channel of the ball is aligned with the channel of the pipeline, the medium can flow freely. The valve body is characterized by: The two sides of the ball valve are connected to the pipeline through a flange structure, and also include a universal movable base arranged at the bottom of the ball valve; a pressure relief device is arranged on the valve body, and an automatic opening and closing blind cover is arranged at the medium outflow end; an intermediate flow channel is arranged inside the ball body, and the flow channel is provided with a plurality of through holes.

2. A ball valve with flow regulation and shutoff functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The valve body structure includes a first valve body, an upper valve cover and a lower valve cover, and the ball is located in a middle cavity surrounded by the first valve body, the upper valve cover and the lower valve cover.

3. A ball valve with flow regulation and shutoff functions according to claim 2, characterized in that: An upper valve stem is provided at the top of the sphere, and a lower valve stem is provided at the bottom. The lower valve stem at the bottom is used to support the sphere for rotation. The upper valve stem and the lower valve stem are both connected to the inner wall of the first valve body through sliding bearings. The upper valve stem is also provided with a driving mechanism outside the first valve body.

4. A ball valve with flow regulation and shutoff functions according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The driving mechanism is an executive handle, which rotates the ball to adjust the flow rate.

5. The ball valve with flow regulation and shutoff functions according to claim 3, characterized in that: A seal is also provided at the connection between the upper valve stem and the valve body. The seal includes a packing and a packing gland. The packing is used to fill the connection between the upper valve stem and the upper valve cover to further seal. The packing gland is used to limit and fix the packing and the upper valve cover.

6. The ball valve with flow regulating and shutoff functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressure relief device is arranged on the upper valve cover, and the pressure relief device includes a pipe connected to the interior of the valve body and a handle for opening and closing the pipe.

7. The ball valve with flow regulating and shutoff functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: An automatic opening and closing blind cover is set at the medium outflow end. The blind cover is hinged to the pipe part at the medium outflow end. When no medium passes through, it relies on its own gravity to close and block the channel.

8. The ball valve with flow regulating and shutoff functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The universal mobile base includes a mounting bracket and a moving wheel, and the mounting bracket is fixed to the flange by bolts.

9. The ball valve with flow regulating and shutoff functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: An intermediate flow channel is provided inside the sphere, and the flow channel is provided with a plurality of through holes; the number of the through holes is arranged in the order of the contact area before and after opening. In the early stage of opening, the number of the through holes is greater than that in the later stage of opening, and the number of the through holes increases successively.

10. The ball valve with flow regulating and shutoff functions according to claim 1, characterized in that: The overall cross-sectional shape of the through hole is a triangle, pointing from the medium inflow end to the medium outflow end.

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