Vertically-mounted top-mounted ball valve ball taking tool

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of valves, and discloses a vertically-installed top-mounted ball valve ball taking tool which comprises a workbench, a supporting piece, a conveying rod, a moving piece and a balance weight piece, a rail is arranged on the upper side of the workbench, the supporting piece is connected with the bottom of the workbench, and the supporting piece is configured to support the workbench and force the workbench to keep horizontal; the transportation rod is horizontally arranged on the upper side of the supporting piece, and one end of the transportation rod is fixed to the ball; the moving part is arranged on a track of the workbench and can move along the track; the top of the moving part is suitable for being connected with the supporting part and providing supporting for the supporting part. The balance weight piece is connected with the conveying rod, and the balance weight piece and the ball are arranged at the two opposite ends of the moving piece. The ball taking device solves the problem of ball taking when the valve is vertically installed on site.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of valve technology, specifically to a ball-retrieving tool for a vertically installed top-loading ball valve. Background Technology

[0002] In the industrial sector, top-mounted ball valves have gained widespread application in the international market due to their outstanding ability to be maintained online. When these valves are in a conventional horizontal installation state, the ball can be easily removed through the coordinated use of hydraulic tooling and conventional lifting devices, thus enabling smooth online maintenance of the valve. This maintenance method has become quite mature in most conventional scenarios with ample space and relatively flexible piping layouts, and the related technologies are relatively stable and reliable.

[0003] However, the actual industrial production environment is quite complex. Some manufacturers face severely limited workspace, with densely packed pipelines and a compact layout. Under such unique operating conditions, top-mounted ball valves must be installed vertically.

[0004] Limited space presents numerous challenges for the maintenance of vertically installed top-structure ball valves. Due to the confined space, conventional lifting equipment cannot be deployed effectively, as its large size makes lifting operations impossible within the limited area. Furthermore, maintenance personnel face severe limitations in this cramped environment, hindering their ability to flexibly operate tools and perform necessary maintenance actions. The crucial first step in achieving online maintenance of top-structure ball valves within a limited space is removing the ball from the valve. However, existing maintenance tooling and operating methods are inadequate for this core operation with vertically installed top-structure ball valves in space-constrained conditions. This hinders valve maintenance work and seriously threatens the continuity and stability of industrial production. Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a special tooling to overcome the challenges of online maintenance of vertically installed top-structure ball valves under space-constrained conditions, particularly enabling the smooth removal of the ball. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present invention provides a ball-removing tool for a vertically installed top-mounted ball valve to solve the problem that the ball cannot be removed from the valve when space is limited.

[0006] This utility model provides a ball-retrieving fixture for a vertically installed top-loading ball valve, comprising:

[0007] The workbench has a track on its upper side;

[0008] A support member, connected to the bottom of the worktable, is configured to support the worktable and force the worktable to remain horizontal;

[0009] A transport rod is horizontally positioned above the workbench, and one end of the transport rod is adapted to be fixed to the ball.

[0010] A moving component is mounted on a track on the worktable and is movable along the track; the top of the moving component is adapted to connect to the transport rod and provide support for the transport rod;

[0011] A counterweight is connected to the transport rod and its connection position is adjustable. The counterweight is adapted to be located at opposite ends of the moving part, opposite to the sphere.

[0012] Beneficial effects: By setting up a worktable, support, transport rod, moving part, and counterweight, one end of the worktable is fixed to the valve body, and the other end of the worktable has a support at its bottom, which provides support for the worktable, ensuring that the worktable remains in a horizontal position. When the ball is removed from the valve, one end of the transport rod is fixed inside the ball, and a counterweight is placed at the other end of the transport rod. After the counterweight and the ball are roughly balanced, the counterweight is locked to the transport rod. Then, the moving part is moved, which drives the transport rod to move, thereby removing the ball from the valve.

[0013] In one alternative embodiment, the transport rod is provided with an operating handle, which drives the transport rod to rotate about its axis.

[0014] In one optional embodiment, the transport rod is provided with a mounting part, and the operating handle and the moving part are both connected to the mounting part;

[0015] The installation direction of the transport rod is perpendicular to the installation direction of the moving part.

[0016] In one alternative embodiment, the mounting portion is disc-shaped, and the transport rod passes through the mounting portion along the central axis of the disc-shaped portion and is fixed to the mounting portion.

[0017] In one alternative embodiment, the vertically mounted top-mounted ball valve ball-taking fixture further includes a first adjusting member connected between the moving member and the transport rod, and the first adjusting member is configured to be length-adjustable.

[0018] Beneficial effects: After fixing one end of the transport rod to the ball, rotate the operating handle, and the first adjusting member is fixed on the mounting part. Rotate the operating handle to make the ball open; at this time, the first adjusting member faces down and is aligned with the moving part. The first adjusting member is then connected to the driving part.

[0019] In one optional embodiment, the first adjusting member is provided with an external thread, the moving member is provided with a threaded hole adapted to the external thread on the first adjusting member, the first adjusting member is fixed to the first adjusting member by the external thread, and the first adjusting member is provided with a nut.

[0020] In one alternative embodiment, the vertically mounted top-mounted ball valve ball-retrieving fixture further includes a safety support foot connected to the workbench;

[0021] After the counterweight is balanced with the ball at the other end of the transport rod, the safety support foot is adapted to connect with the counterweight.

[0022] In one alternative embodiment, the worktable is provided with a limiting bolt, which is adapted to abut against the moving part to limit the stroke of the moving part.

[0023] Beneficial effect: The worktable is equipped with limit bolts that protrude from the upper surface of the worktable. The limit bolts are used to abut against the moving parts and prevent them from detaching from the worktable.

[0024] In one optional embodiment, the worktable is provided with a strip-shaped groove, which is arranged along the track direction;

[0025] The bottom of the moving part is provided with an anti-rotation component, which is slidably disposed within the strip-shaped groove.

[0026] Beneficial effects: The anti-rotation component is fixed at the bottom of the moving part and is slidably set inside the strip groove on the worktable. When the moving part tilts to the side, the anti-rotation component can abut against the groove wall of the strip groove, thereby preventing the moving part from falling off the worktable.

[0027] In one alternative embodiment, the support member includes:

[0028] Base plate;

[0029] The bolt, with its bottom abutting against the base plate via a washer;

[0030] The steel pipe has a threaded hole at the bottom, and the bolt is installed inside the threaded hole; the top of the steel pipe is fixed to the workbench. Attached Figure Description

[0031] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0032] Figure 1 This is a front view of a vertically installed top-mounted ball valve ball-retrieving fixture according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the working process of a vertically installed top-mounted ball valve ball-retrieving fixture according to an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0034] Figure 3 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part A in the diagram;

[0035] Figure 4 for Figure 2 A magnified view of part B in the diagram.

[0036] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0037] 1. Workbench; 2. Support component; 21. Base plate; 22. Bolt; 23. Steel pipe; 3. Transport rod; 4. Moving component; 5. Counterweight; 6. Operating handle; 7. Mounting part; 8. First adjusting component; 9. Safety support foot; 10. Limit bolt; 11. Anti-rotation component; 12. Ball; 13. Valve body; 14. Threaded pin; 15. Support block; 16. Fixing device; 17. Spring seat. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0039] In the industrial sector, top-mounted ball valves have gained widespread application in the international market due to their outstanding ability to be maintained online. When these valves are in a conventional horizontal installation state, the ball can be easily removed through the coordinated use of hydraulic tooling and conventional lifting devices, thus enabling smooth online maintenance of the valve. This maintenance method has become quite mature in most conventional scenarios with ample space and relatively flexible piping layouts, and the related technologies are relatively stable and reliable.

[0040] However, the actual industrial production environment is quite complex. Some manufacturers face severely limited workspace, with densely packed pipelines and a compact layout. Under such unique operating conditions, top-mounted ball valves must be installed vertically.

[0041] Limited space presents numerous challenges for the maintenance of vertically installed top-structure ball valves. Due to the confined space, conventional lifting equipment cannot be deployed effectively, as its large size makes lifting operations impossible within the limited area. Furthermore, maintenance personnel face severe limitations in this cramped environment, hindering their ability to flexibly operate tools and perform necessary maintenance actions. A crucial first step in online maintenance of top-structure ball valves within a limited space is removing the ball from the valve. However, existing maintenance tooling and operating methods are inadequate for this core operation with vertically installed top-structure ball valves in confined space. This hinders valve maintenance efforts and seriously threatens the continuity and stability of industrial production.

[0042] The following is combined Figures 1 to 4 The following describes embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] According to an embodiment of this utility model, a vertically installed top-mounted ball valve ball-retrieving fixture is provided, including a worktable 1, a support member 2, a transport rod 3, a moving member 4, and a counterweight 5. The worktable 1 is provided with a track on its upper side. The support member 2 is connected to the bottom of the worktable 1 and is configured to support the worktable 1 and force the worktable 1 to remain horizontal. The transport rod 3 is arranged horizontally on the upper side of the support member 2, and one end of the transport rod 3 is adapted to be fixed to the ball 12. The moving member 4 is arranged on the track of the worktable 1 and can move along the track. The top of the moving member 4 is adapted to be connected to the support member 2 and provide support for the support member 2. The counterweight 5 is connected to the transport rod 3 and is adapted to be located at opposite ends of the moving member 4, opposite to the ball 12.

[0044] The workbench 1 serves as the basic load-bearing structure of the entire fixture, with a track on its upper side. This track ensures that its surface flatness and straightness meet standards, thus providing a reliable guarantee for the smooth movement of the subsequent moving component 4. The support component 2 is stably connected to the bottom of the workbench 1. In actual operation, the support component, with its stable structural characteristics, can effectively support the workbench 1 and force it to remain level, providing a stable working platform for the entire ball retrieval operation. The transport rod 3 is horizontally mounted on the upper side of the workbench 1. The transport rod 3 is made of solid high-strength alloy steel, possessing excellent bending and tensile strength, capable of withstanding the weight of the ball 12 and various complex stresses that may occur during the ball retrieval process. One end of the transport rod 3 is designed with a fixing device adapted to the ball 12. The moving component 4 is set on the track of the workbench 1 and cooperates with the track. The bottom of the moving component 4 is equipped with rollers made of high-performance materials with a low coefficient of friction, enabling smooth movement on the track. The top of the moving part 4 is connected to the transport rod 3, used to move the support part 2 and the ball 12 out of the valve body 13. The counterweight 5 is connected to the transport rod 3, and its connection position is adjustable. The counterweight 5 and the ball 12 are located at opposite ends of the moving part 4. Through a clever counterweight design, the weight of the ball 12 can be effectively balanced during the ball retrieval process, ensuring the stability and safety of the entire process. The connection position of the counterweight 5 to the transport rod 3 can be flexibly adjusted according to the weight of balls 12 of different sizes.

[0045] In this embodiment, a workbench 1, a support 2, a transport rod 3, a moving component 4, and a counterweight 5 are provided. One end of the workbench 1 is fixed to the valve body 13, and the other end of the workbench 1 is provided with a support 2 at its bottom. The support 2 provides support for the workbench 1, ensuring that the workbench 1 remains horizontal at all times. When the ball 12 is removed from the valve, one end of the transport rod 3 is fixed inside the ball 12, and the counterweight 5 is placed at the other end of the transport rod 3. After the counterweight 5 and the ball 12 are roughly balanced, the counterweight 5 is locked to the transport rod 3. Then, the moving component 4 is moved, which drives the transport rod 3 to move, thereby removing the ball 12 from the valve.

[0046] In one embodiment, the transport rod 3 is provided with an operating handle 6, which drives the transport rod 3 to rotate about its axis. After one end of the transport rod 3 is fixed to the ball 12, the operating handle 6 is rotated to put the ball 12 in the open position.

[0047] In one embodiment, the transport rod 3 is provided with a mounting part 7, and the operating handle 6 and the moving part 4 are both connected to the mounting part 7; the installation direction of the transport rod 3 is perpendicular to the installation direction of the moving part 4. The mounting part 7 is provided with a threaded hole, and the end of the operating handle 6 is fixed to the mounting part 7 through the threaded hole on the mounting part 7.

[0048] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, the mounting part 7 is disc-shaped, and the transport rod 3 passes through the mounting part 7 along the central axis of the disc and is fixed to the mounting part 7.

[0049] In one embodiment, the vertically mounted top-mounted ball valve ball-taking fixture further includes a first adjusting member 8, which is connected between the moving member 4 and the transport rod 3, and is configured to be length-adjustable. After fixing one end of the transport rod 3 to the ball 12, rotating the operating handle 6 fixes the first adjusting member 8 to the mounting part 7. Rotating the operating handle 6 puts the ball 12 in the open position; at this time, the first adjusting member 8 faces downward, aligning with the moving member 4, and then the first adjusting member 8 is connected to the drive member.

[0050] In one embodiment, the first adjusting member 8 is provided with an external thread, and the moving member 4 is provided with a threaded hole that matches the external thread on the first adjusting member 8. The first adjusting member 8 is fixed inside the first adjusting member 8 by the external thread, and a nut is provided on the first adjusting member 8. After fixing one end of the transport rod 3 to the ball 12, the operating handle 6 is rotated, and the first adjusting member 8 is fixed on the mounting part 7. The operating handle 6 is rotated so that the ball 12 is in the open position. At this time, the first adjusting member 8 faces downward and is aligned with the threaded hole on the moving member 4. The first adjusting member 8 is rotated. Since the first adjusting member 8 and the mounting part 7 are also connected by a threaded engagement, the first adjusting member 8 is rotated until the lower end of the first adjusting member 8 is screwed into the threaded hole on the moving member 4. Then, the nut on the first adjusting member 8 is screwed onto the upper part of the moving member 4 and tightened.

[0051] In one embodiment, the vertically mounted ball valve ball-retrieving fixture also includes a safety support foot 9 connected to the workbench 1; after the counterweight 5 is balanced with the ball 12 at the other end of the transport rod 3, the safety support foot 9 is adapted to be connected to the counterweight 5.

[0052] After installing the first adjusting member 8 onto the moving member 4, adjust the transport rod 3 to install the counterweight 5. After adjusting the position of the counterweight 5 (to balance with the ball 12), tighten nuts on both sides of the counterweight 5. Install the safety support foot 9. The upper end of the safety support foot 9 is fixed to the counterweight 5 with screws and washers, and the lower end of the safety support foot 9 can be fixed to the worktable 1 with bolts. By adjusting the height of the first adjusting member 8, the transport rod 3 is positioned between the upper and lower fixing devices 16 inside the ball valve. The position of the safety support foot 9 needs to be adapted to the position of the counterweight 5, therefore, the worktable 1 can be provided with elongated bolt holes for fixing the safety support foot 9.

[0053] In one embodiment, the worktable 1 is provided with a limiting bolt 10, which is adapted to abut against the moving part 4 to limit the stroke of the moving part 4. Figure 3As shown, a limiting bolt 10 is provided on the worktable 1. The limiting bolt 10 protrudes from the upper surface of the worktable 1. The limiting bolt 10 is used to abut against the moving part 4 to prevent the moving part 4 from detaching from the worktable 1.

[0054] In one embodiment, the worktable 1 is provided with a strip-shaped groove, which is arranged along the track direction; the bottom of the moving part 4 is provided with an anti-rotation member 11, which is slidably disposed within the strip-shaped groove. Figure 3 As shown, the anti-rotation component 11 is fixed to the bottom of the moving component 4. The anti-rotation component 11 is slidably disposed inside the strip-shaped groove on the worktable 1. When the moving component 4 tilts to the side, the anti-rotation component 11 can abut against the groove wall of the strip-shaped groove, thereby preventing the moving component 4 from falling off the worktable 1.

[0055] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the support component 2 includes a base plate 21, bolts 22, and a steel pipe 23. The bottom of the bolt 22 abuts against the base plate 21 via a washer. The bottom of the steel pipe 23 has a threaded hole, and the bolt 22 is disposed inside the threaded hole. The top of the steel pipe 23 is welded and fixed to the worktable 1. By rotating the bolt 22, the height of the worktable 1 can be adjusted so that the worktable 1 can be kept level. Specifically, a nut is welded to the bottom of the steel pipe 23, and the bolt 22 is fixed to the steel pipe 23 through this nut.

[0056] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, after the valve chamber pressure is fully released, with the ball 12 closed, use a hydraulic tool to push open the retainers 16 on both sides. Screw the threaded pin 14 into the valve body 13 and press it against the retainer groove of the spring seat 17. Screw another threaded pin 14 into the hole of the spring seat 17 and press it against the retainer 16. This step is to prevent the retainer 16 and the spring seat 17 from falling off.

[0057] The vertically installed top-loading ball valve ball-retrieving fixture provided in this embodiment operates as follows:

[0058] First, fix the workbench 1 to the flange stud hole in the valve body 13 using studs and nuts. Before assembly, the steel pipe 23 for support has been welded to the bottom plane of the workbench 1, and the nut has been spot-welded to the bottom of the steel pipe 23. The bolt 22 and the washer are spot-welded together. Screw the bolt 22 into the nut at the bottom of the steel pipe 23 and adjust the length of the bolt 22 to make the workbench 1 horizontal. Then fix the transport rod 3 to the ball 12 and install the operating handle 6 and the first adjusting member 8 onto the mounting part 7. Rotate the operating handle 6 to make the ball 12 open. At this time, the first adjusting member 8 is facing down and aligned with the threaded hole on the moving part 4. Rotate the first adjusting member 8. Since the first adjusting member 8 is also connected to the mounting part 7 by a threaded fit, rotate the first adjusting member 8 until the lower end of the first adjusting member 8 is screwed into the threaded hole on the moving part 4. Then screw the nut on the first adjusting member 8 onto the upper part of the moving part 4 to make it close. After adjusting the position of the counterweight 5 (to balance with the ball 12), screw the nuts on both sides of the counterweight 5. Install safety support feet 9, with the upper end of the safety support feet 9 fixed to the counterweight 5 by screws and washers. The upper end of the safety support feet 9 is welded and fixed to the workbench 1. Adjust the height of the first adjusting component 8 so that the transport rod 3 is positioned between the upper and lower retainers 16 inside the ball valve. Finally, push the detachable operating handle 6 to slowly move the ball 12 out of the valve cavity. After the ball 12 is completely out, place the support block 15 under the ball, remove the stud nut connecting the transport rod 3 and the ball 12, and lift the ball 12 out using on-site hoisting.

[0059] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A ball-retrieving tool for a vertically installed top-loading ball valve, characterized in that, include: The workbench (1) has a track on its upper side; A support member (2) is connected to the bottom of the worktable (1), and the support member is configured to support the worktable (1) and force the worktable (1) to remain horizontal; A transport rod (3) is set horizontally on the upper side of the workbench (1), and one end of the transport rod (3) is adapted to be fixed to the ball (12); The moving part (4) is mounted on the track of the workbench (1) and can move along the track; the top of the moving part (4) is adapted to connect with the transport rod (3) and provide support for the transport rod (3); The counterweight (5) is connected to the transport rod (3) and its connection position is adjustable. The counterweight (5) is adapted to be located at opposite ends of the moving part (4) along with the ball (12).

2. The vertically installed top-loading ball valve ball-retrieving fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The transport rod (3) is provided with an operating handle (6), and the transport rod (3) is driven by the operating handle (6) to rotate around the axis of the transport rod (3).

3. The vertically installed top-loading ball valve ball-retrieving fixture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The transport rod (3) is provided with a mounting part (7), and the operating handle (6) and the moving part (4) are both connected to the mounting part (7); The installation direction of the transport rod (3) is perpendicular to the installation direction of the moving part (4).

4. The ball-retrieving fixture for a vertically installed top-loading ball valve according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting part (7) is disc-shaped, and the transport rod (3) passes through the mounting part (7) along the central axis of the disc and is fixed to the mounting part (7).

5. The vertically installed top-loading ball valve ball-retrieving fixture according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, It also includes a first adjusting member (8), which is connected between the moving member (4) and the transport rod (3).

6. The ball-retrieving fixture for a vertically installed top-loading ball valve according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first adjusting member (8) is provided with an external thread, and the moving member (4) is provided with a threaded hole that matches the external thread on the first adjusting member (8). The first adjusting member (8) is fixed inside the first adjusting member (8) by the external thread, and the first adjusting member (8) is provided with a nut.

7. The vertically installed top-loading ball valve ball-retrieving fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes safety support feet (9) connected to the workbench (1); After the counterweight (5) is balanced with the ball (12) at the other end of the transport rod (3), the safety support foot (9) is adapted to be connected to the counterweight (5).

8. The ball-retrieving fixture for a vertically installed top-loading ball valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workbench (1) is provided with a limiting bolt (10), which is adapted to abut against the moving part (4) to limit the stroke of the moving part (4).

9. The ball-retrieving fixture for a vertically installed top-loading ball valve according to claim 1, characterized in that, The workbench (1) is provided with a strip-shaped groove, which is arranged along the track direction; The bottom of the moving part (4) is provided with an anti-rotation part (11), which is slidably disposed in the strip groove.

10. The vertically installed top-loading ball valve ball-retrieving fixture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support member (2) includes: Base plate (21); Bolt (22), the bottom of which abuts against the base plate (21) via a pad; The steel pipe (23) has a threaded hole at the bottom, and the bolt (22) is set inside the threaded hole; the top of the steel pipe (23) is fixed to the workbench (1).

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