Emergency shut-off valve

Abstract

The present invention relates to a closing valve for a flow component. In particular, it relates to a closing valve (10) for a flow component (12), wherein the flow can pass through the closing valve (10) from an inlet side to an outlet side in a main flow direction through a passage plane perpendicular thereto, wherein the closing valve (10) has an inlet-side outer disc (20), an outlet-side outer disc (24), and a central disc (22) arranged between the inlet-side outer disc (20) and the outlet-side outer disc (24), and wherein the inlet-side outer disc (20) has a first inlet-side flow opening (30), the outlet-side outer disc (24) has a first outlet-side flow opening (34), and the central disc (22) has a first central flow opening (32), wherein the discs (20, 22, 24) can assume a flow position.in which a flow from the first inlet-side flow opening (30) via the first central flow opening (32) to the first outlet-side flow opening (34) is possible, and wherein the disks (20, 22, 24) can assume a blocking position in which this flow is not possible. The invention also relates to a method for throttling or closing a flow.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a shut-off valve for a flow component. The flow component is typically a line, for example, a gas or liquid line. The shut-off valve is particularly suitable as an emergency shut-off valve for reliably closing a line, for example, an outgoing line from a gas or oil tank, in emergency situations. For this purpose, the valve can also be placed inside such a tank. Background of the invention

[0002] EP 3 222 512 A1 discloses an emergency valve that can be used particularly in maritime applications. The emergency valve can be used on the vent lines of tanks, for example, an oil tank. If a ship sinks, the valve is designed to close to prevent marine pollution, for example, from oil spills.

[0003] The valve (or cock) is operated by a side lever. This lever moves a round valve flap, which can close the round vent pipe. This valve flap moves around an axis during the closing movement. The closing movement is initiated by a coil spring. Normally, the lever is spring-loaded in the closing direction by this coil spring. However, the rotation axis is usually also blocked. If the valve unit comes into contact with seawater, this can exert pressure via a diaphragm such that the axis is released and the valve is closed by the spring force.

[0004] In terms of valve actuation with lever and spring force, this emergency shut-off valve pursues a simple solution.

[0005] Another advantage is the lateral actuation of the valve via a lever. The lever position allows for easy monitoring of the valve position.

[0006] However, valve activation through a diaphragm is complicated and potentially less reliable. Furthermore, little emphasis is placed on the possibility of reusing the valve, and opening the valve after it has been closed once is likely neither intended nor possible.

[0007] European patent EP 3 371 490 B1 discloses a valve assembly that can be used in tubes carrying liquids or gases. The gases or liquids can flow through a central opening. This opening can be sealed by disc elements. For this purpose, three disc elements can be brought together in the center of the tube to form a closure disc. For this purpose, the three disc elements are guided along inclined axle sections.

[0008] However, this design is only suitable as an emergency shut-off valve to a limited extent, as it cannot be controlled from the outside, for example. Therefore, safe shutdown may not be possible in emergency situations, and the valve status (open or closed) is not immediately visible from the outside.

[0009] Utility model DE 20 2015 104 520 U1 discloses an emergency tank shut-off valve. This comprises a valve seat assembly connected by rods to pendulum-mounted drive weights. The force of these weights allows the valve to be closed in an emergency.

[0010] This design usually requires the weights to be placed close to the valve.

[0011] The present invention aims to provide a simple and reliable shut-off valve. This shut-off valve should also be suitable as an emergency shut-off valve, particularly due to its simple and robust design. It is advantageous if the valve can be easily used in tanks of various types and sizes.

[0012] This object is achieved by a closing valve according to claim 1. Advantageous further developments are specified in the subclaims. The corresponding advantages are also provided by the methods according to claims 11 to 14. Further description

[0013] The present invention relates to a shut-off valve, i.e., a valve with which a flow can be throttled or interrupted. Generally, the shut-off valve should allow, in addition to throttling, almost complete closure or, within the limits of measurement capabilities, complete closure, thus completely suppressing a flow. This can be the flow of a gaseous medium, for example, natural gas, or the flow of a liquid medium, for example, petroleum or a chemical substance in liquid form. The valve can also block or throttle mixed gaseous-liquid phases, and is also well-suited for use with liquefied gases at low temperatures.

[0014] The shut-off valve should be suitable for combination with a flow component; preferably, it is used together with a flow component. Within the scope of the present invention, the shut-off valve should expediently be independently producible, tradable, and transportable, and should be capable of being combined with various flow components. Typically, the flow component is a line section, usually a pipe section. The pipe section may have a flange to allow connection to the shut-off valve. The shut-off valve may also have a flange to allow connection to the flow component. Typically, a flange has a plurality of holes so that two such flanges can be bolted together.

[0015] A substance flows through the flow component in a main flow direction. The exact nature of the flow is not critical to the present invention; however, to understand the closing valve, it is useful to be able to specify a main flow direction, at least for the normal case. The main flow direction can be determined by defining the maximum flow through a virtual plane. The main flow direction is perpendicular to this plane. Since the flow is directional, the flow occurs in a clear direction relative to this vertical passage plane, for example, from right to left or from left to right. Accordingly, there is an inflow side and an outflow side relative to the vertical average plane.

[0016] The closing valve according to the invention should have an inflow-side outer disc, an outflow-side outer disc and a central disc arranged between the inflow-side and outflow-side outer discs.

[0017] These discs should each have at least one flow opening. By changing the relative position of the discs, it should be possible to either allow flow through the shut-off valve or suppress this flow. The shut-off valve can therefore assume a flow position and a blocking position. Intermediate positions in which the flow is throttled are also conceivable.

[0018] The inflow-side outer pane expediently comprises at least one first inflow-side flow opening, and the outflow-side outer pane expediently comprises at least one first outflow-side flow opening. The center pane expediently comprises at least one first central flow opening (center here describes the arrangement of the flow opening in the center pane, not the position of the flow opening relative to the center pane). Expediently, the panes each comprise a plurality of flow openings, for example, more than two, three, or four flow openings. Six flow openings each in the inflow-side outer pane, the outflow-side outer pane, and the center pane have proven expedient.

[0019] It is expedient if the transition of the closing valve from the flow position to the blocking position occurs by rotating at least one disc about a rotation axis that runs essentially (or exactly) in the main flow direction. It is particularly expedient if either both outer discs or the center disc are rotated about this axis. The rotation axis can be a virtual axis, but it can also be a physical axis (or shaft). A physical axis can, for example, be firmly connected to the two outer discs. The center disc can have a central passage for this axis.

[0020] The relative rotation of at least two discs is advantageously achieved by a lever. This lever can be connected to at least one disc or to an axle supporting the disc. The lever end is generally located outside the shut-off valve and also outside the associated flow component. The lever runs transversely to the flow direction and typically perpendicular to the flow direction. The lever advantageously has a length that exceeds the disc diameter of the central disc; advantageously, it is at least twice or three times as long as this diameter.

[0021] It has also proven advantageous to provide an identical number of airflow openings, particularly in the outer panes, but frequently also in the center pane. It is advantageous if the airflow openings are arranged point-symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically on the panes. In particular, it is advantageous if the airflow openings are distributed symmetrically across circular sectors of the panes.

[0022] The discs extend along a main plane of extension and, when viewed perpendicular to this plane, are at least substantially circular. The corresponding circles can be divided into equal-sized sectors, which are arranged around the center point and each cover specific angular segments. The discs are advantageously manufactured so that a flow opening is arranged in each of four or six sectors (preferably of the same size).

[0023] It is advisable for the flow openings to be arranged at the same angle to each other. For this purpose, the geometric center of gravity of the flow opening and the center of the disk's rotational axis can be used as a reference line for measuring the angles.

[0024] It is advantageous to provide flow openings of the same shape in different discs. It is also practical to provide flow openings of the same shape and size. This allows a particularly high and turbulence-free flow to be achieved in the flow position of the valve. The outer discs are expediently arranged at a short distance from the center disc, for example, at a distance of less than five, three, or two millimeters. In the flow position, flow then occurs through completely or partially overlapping flow openings.

[0025] The discs are conveniently made of metal, usually stainless steel. For typical applications, a disc diameter in the range of 10 to 100 cm, and preferably in the range of 15 to 40 cm, is suitable. The discs conveniently have a thickness of 5 to 50 mm, typically a thickness of 10 to 20 mm. Discs with a diameter in the range of 3 to 30 times, conveniently in the range of 8 to 10 times, the disc thickness are often suitable. The advantages of the invention include that both the disc diameter and the disc thickness, as well as the number, dimensions, and positioning of the openings, can be easily changed. The basic design of the valve can be retained.

[0026] Another very advantageous feature is that the system pressure—that is, the pressure of an incoming liquid or gas—acts on the outer panes, creating a contact pressure between the outer panes and the center pane. This contact pressure promotes a tight seal in the closed position. This is true for flow from both directions.

[0027] It is expedient to combine the shut-off valve with a flow component comprising a short, conically widening pipe section. The shut-off valve according to the invention is used in particular as a valve at the inlet end of a tank's extraction line. It is then generally located in the tank as a shut-off and emergency valve. In such a configuration, it is expedient if the constriction in the flow of the line, e.g., the constriction of a conically narrowing pipe section, is oriented away from the shut-off valve. Since the shut-off valve limits the available flow diameter through the webs located between the flow openings, widening the pipe section towards the shut-off valve is expedient.

[0028] It is also advisable to connect the actuating lever for the closing valve to weights. This allows for easy and reliable closing, especially in emergency situations, by preloading with weights. The weights are generally sized so that their weight alone ensures the safe closure of the closing valve. In the flow position, the movement of the weights is prevented by a suitable mechanism / emergency release mechanism. This emergency release mechanism can be a mechanical switch or a magnetic switch that prevents the closing movement otherwise caused by the weights.

[0029] The emergency release mechanism can be connected to the weights and / or the valve's operating lever by a rod, preferably a jointed rod. The rod preferably has a plurality of links. It is conceivable to provide the emergency release mechanism outside a tank, but the valve inside the tank. The weights can be provided outside or inside the tank. The rod length can be easily adjusted to suit the situation.

[0030] The present invention may also relate to an assembly comprising the valve and at least one further component, wherein a weight, a connecting rod, an emergency release mechanism or even a flow component may be considered as a further component.

[0031] The present invention also relates to a method for closing a flow component, which comprises the following steps: - Providing a first outer pane (20), a central pane (22) and a second outer pane (24), wherein these panes each have at least one flow opening - Rotating the first outer disc (20) and / or second outer disc (24) relative to the central disc (22)

[0032] In particular, a method in which the lever is moved by a rod is suitable. A method in which the rod is loaded with weights is also suitable. A method in which this rod is released by an emergency release mechanism is also suitable.

[0033] The method is to be understood as referring to the closing valve according to the invention. This means that features of the design of the closing valve are to be transferred analogously to the method, and features of the method are to be transferred analogously to features of the closing valve.

[0034] Further features, as well as advantages of the invention, will become apparent from the following drawings and the accompanying description. In the figures and the accompanying descriptions, features of the invention are described in combination. However, these features can also be encompassed by a subject matter according to the invention in other combinations. Each disclosed feature is therefore also to be considered as disclosed in technically reasonable combinations with other features. Some of the figures are slightly simplified and schematic. Fig. 1 shows a side sectional view of the emergency valve according to the invention Fig. 2 shows a top view of the same emergency valve Fig. 3 shows a perspective sectional view of the emergency valve Fig. 4 shows the emergency valve together with actuating elements Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of the valve in the closed state Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of the valve in the open state

[0035] Fig. Figure 1 shows the shut-off valve 10 according to the invention in a sectional view. The valve 10 is installed with a flow component 12. This has a valve-side flange 14 to which the shut-off valve 10 can be mounted. The flow component has a flow cross-section that tapers away from the valve; in particular, it provides the inlet opening 16. This represents a type of lower funnel opening. The valve 10 is further equipped with the mounting flange 18, with which it can be connected, for example, to additional pipes.

[0036] The shut-off valve 10 according to the invention allows liquid or gas flow in both directions. In this case, it is used so that the flow goes from the right side of the image to the left side. For example, a gas or liquid tank could be located on the right. The shut-off valve 10 can be inserted into such a tank together with the connected flow component 12. Using the mounting flange 18, it is then connected to a piping system for removing the fluid from the tank. In view of this exemplary assumption, the terms "inflow side" and "outflow side" are used.

[0037] The shut-off valve 10 accordingly has an inlet-side outer disc 20. A center disc 22 is arranged behind it. An outlet-side outer disc 24 is arranged behind it. The three discs are connected to one another by a central pin 26. The discs can rotate relative to one another about this pin 26 and can thus be moved from an open position to a closed position (and back to an open position).

[0038] A variety of mounting options for the closing valve 10 are conceivable, the connection of the center disc 22 for mounting, ie for connection to the flow component 12, is expedient and has been chosen here. For this purpose, the center disc 22 has a projecting edge which serves as a supporting flange 28 with the valve-side flange 14 of the flow component 12.

[0039] Due to its connection to the flow component 12, the center disk 22 is not rotatable in this embodiment (relative to the flow component). However, the two outer disks 20 and 24 are rotatable relative to the center disk 22. As indicated in the illustration, it is useful for this purpose if both outer disks are connected to the bolt 26 in a rotationally fixed manner. This can be achieved, for example, by pins protruding from the bolt 26 and suitably mounted in the disks. The bolt 26 is expediently mounted in the center disk 22 by a pivot bearing, for example a bolt or ball bearing.

[0040] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the Fig. 1. The view is directed to the inflow-side outer disc 20. A first inflow-side flow opening 30 is provided in this disc. Since the valve is in the open position, the view simultaneously includes the first central flow opening 32 and the first outflow-side flow opening 34. Behind it, the inflow opening 16 can be seen, whose diameter is smaller than the disc diameter.

[0041] The center of the shut-off valve 10 is clearly marked here by the end of the bolt 26, which is surrounded by a nut 36. The nut 36 secures the inlet-side outer disc 20. As can be seen, this disc and the remaining discs can be easily removed by loosening the nut 36. The valve design is therefore maintenance-friendly, as the discs are easily accessible and the valve can be easily disassembled.

[0042] Also visible is the secure mounting of the valve 10 on the flow component 12 (more precisely on its valve-side flange 14) by a plurality of bolts that are secured with flange nuts 38.

[0043] The valve 10 is actuated by the lever 40. This is guided by the rod 42. The lever 40 is connected to the inflow-side outer disc 20. When the lever 40 is rotated, the inflow-side outer disc 20 rotates together with the outflow-side outer disc 24. The discs thereby rotate relative to the center disc 22. Accordingly, the first inflow-side flow opening 30 is rotated so that it no longer lies above the first center flow opening 32.

[0044] Fig. Figure 3 shows the same closing valve 10 in perspective, in a sectional view. The valve is shown in the open position, and it can be seen how the first inlet-side flow opening 30 can be positioned exactly above the first central flow opening 32 (and also above the first outlet-side flow opening 34).

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows, in a top view, how a practical actuating unit for the closing valve 10 can be designed, particularly when used as an emergency valve. The lever 40 is connected to a rod assembly 42. This consists of a plurality of links, which are also connected by joints. The rod assembly 40 is weighted by a number of weights 44. To hold the valve 10 in the open position, the rod assembly 42 is pulled upward and fixed. An emergency shutdown mechanism releases this fixation. The rod assembly 42 is then moved downward by the weights 44, so that the lever 40 is moved into the lower position. Accordingly, the first inflow-side flow opening 30 is then located above a closed segment of the center disk 22, so that no flow is possible.

[0046] Fig. Figure 5 shows the closing valve 10 in a schematic diagram in the closed position. The inflow-side outer disc 20 faces the viewer. The center disc 22 is indicated behind it. The inflow-side outer disc 20 has a plurality of flow openings, in particular the first inflow-side flow opening 30. The center disc 22 also has a plurality of flow openings, in particular the first central flow opening 32. By rotating the inflow-side outer disc 20 relative to the center disc 22, the flow openings 30 and 32 are rotated relative to each other such that no flow is possible.The first inflow-side flow opening 30 and the second inflow-side flow opening 30' are spaced apart from one another such that a closed circular segment is formed between these two flow openings 30 and 30', which is large enough to completely cover the first central flow opening 32 and, moreover, creates a web section 46 next to the first central flow opening 32. In the area of ​​this web section 46, the flow openings in the outer pane and in the center pane do not overlap, so that a particularly secure seal is achieved here. The provision of such web sections, in particular web sections in the area of ​​which there are no flow openings in the direction of the main axis in the closed position, is generally a useful concept within the scope of the present invention. It is generally useful if such web sections cover an angular range between 3° and 20°.

[0047] Fig. Figure 6 shows the same arrangement in the open state. Here, the first inflow-side flow opening 30 and the first central flow opening 32 are positioned in a precisely overlapping position.

[0048] The valve can also be used as a flow-limiting valve. For this purpose, the discs are rotated relative to each other so that a partial overlap of the flow opening is achieved, for example, a partial overlap of the first inflow-side flow opening 30 and the first central flow opening 32.

[0049] Overall, it's clear how a highly reliable shut-off valve can be manufactured. Its clear and maintenance-friendly design, and not least its highly transparent operation, make it ideal as an emergency valve. List of reference symbols 10 Closing valve 12 Flow component 14 valve-side flange 16 Inlet opening funnel end 18 Mounting flange 20 inflow-side outer pane 22 center disc 24 drain-side outer pane 26 bolts 28 Support flange 30 first inflow-side flow opening 32 first central flow opening 34 first outflow-side flow opening 36 nut on bolt 38 flange nuts 40 levers 42 rods 44 weights 46 bridge section QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 222 512 A1

[0002] EP 3 371 490 B1

[0007] DE 20 2015 104 520 U1

[0009]

Claims

[1] Shut-off valve (10) for a flow component (12), wherein the flow can pass through the shut-off valve (10) from an inflow side to an outflow side in a main flow direction through a passage plane perpendicular thereto, wherein the shut-off valve (10) has an inflow-side outer disc (20), an outflow-side outer disc (24) and a central disc (22) arranged between the inflow-side outer disc (20) and the outflow-side outer disc (24), and the inflow-side outer disc (20) has a first inflow-side through-flow opening (30), the outflow-side outer disc (24) has a first outflow-side through-flow opening (34) and the central disc (22) has a first central through-flow opening (32), wherein the discs (20, 22, 24) can assume a flow position,in which a flow from the first inflow-side flow opening (30) via the first central flow opening (32) to the first outflow-side flow opening (34) is possible and wherein the discs (20, 22, 24) can assume a blocking position in which this flow is not possible. [2] Shut-off valve (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the discs (20, 22, 24) has an axis of rotation which runs substantially in the main flow direction and wherein the shut-off valve (10) changes from the flow position to the blocking position by rotation about this axis of rotation. [3] Closing valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which has an operating lever (40) for transferring the closing valve (10) from the flow position to the blocking position, which is located at least partially outside the flow. [4] Closing valve (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the length of the operating lever (40) is greater than the diameter of the central disc (22). [5] Shut-off valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the inflow-side outer disc (20) has a second inflow-side through-flow opening, the outflow-side outer disc (24) has a second outflow-side through-flow opening and the middle disc (22) has a second central through-flow opening and wherein a flow is possible from the second inflow-side through-flow opening via the second central through-flow opening to the second outflow-side through-flow opening. [6] Closing valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one disc (20, 22, 24) has a plurality of flow openings, and these are arranged point-symmetrically to the center of the disc. [7] Closing valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the discs (20, 22, 24) are made of stainless steel. [8] Shut-off valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the inflow-side outer disc (20) is fixedly connected to a bolt (26) and this bolt (26) is rotatably guided through the central disc (22). [9] Shut-off valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is connected to a flow component (12) whose flow cross-section decreases in the outflow direction. [10] Closing valve (10) according to one of the preceding claims, whose actuating lever (40) is connected to a weight (44). [11] Method for throttling or closing a flow, which comprises the following steps: - Providing a first outer pane (20), a central pane (22) and a second outer pane (24), wherein these panes each have at least one flow opening - Rotating the first outer disc (20) and / or second outer disc (24) relative to the central disc (22) [12] Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the lever (40) is moved by a linkage (42). [13] Method according to the preceding claim, in which the rod (42) is loaded with weights (44). [14] Method according to the preceding claim, in which the linkage (42) is released by an emergency release mechanism.

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