BALL VALVE WITH MONITORING ROOM

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a ball valve comprising a valve housing; a lock chamber for the inlet of objects or media as required; a ball plug rotatably mounted in the lock chamber, which has a through-opening oriented transversely to the axis of rotation and via an actuator rotatably arranged such that the ball plug can be brought into at least one open position and into at least one closed position;at least one main channel inflow section and at least one main channel outflow section for integrating the ball valve into a fluid line, wherein the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section are connected in the open position of the ball valve by means of the through-opening, and in the closed position of the ball valve, the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section are fluidically separated, or the flow from the main channel inflow section into the main channel outflow section is at least throttled via at least one bypass, while the through-opening is accessible from the outside via the lock chamber; and main channel sealing elements, by means of which the lock chamber is sealed from the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section when the ball valve is in the closed position.

[0002] Ball valves are known in practice and are therefore state of the art. A ball valve with the above features is known, for example, from the document DE 40 03 864 A1. The ball valve disclosed therein is designed as a pig valve and has a valve body with a main channel inflow section and a main channel outflow section, which are aligned with each other and are referred to as two connecting pieces. The valve body further has a third, lateral piece of a lock chamber referred to as a pig lock. A ball plug is mounted in the valve body, which is provided with a through-bore and sealed by main channel sealing elements referred to as sealing rings held in seat rings.

[0003] With the ball valve known from the prior art, an operator who opens a closure to the lock chamber in order to introduce objects or media into a fluid line connected to the ball valve regularly faces an operating risk. This is because if the main channel sealing elements, by means of which the lock chamber is sealed against the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section when the ball valve is closed, do not function or no longer function properly, the fluid in the fluid line can pass through the main channel sealing elements and, via the lock chamber, unexpectedly exert high pressure on the lock chamber and the closure to be opened. If an operator opens the lock in this case, fluid can escape from the lock chamber under high pressure and hit the operator.It is also possible that the fluid carries along objects that are in or on the fluid line or the lock chamber and that these objects could injure the operator.

[0004] The operating risk described above is often reduced in practice by installing sensors in the lock chamber, which can detect the presence of fluid in the lock chamber. However, such sensors can fail and provide the operator with incorrect information about the operating risk. Furthermore, such sensors generally only reliably reduce the operating risk when the lock chamber is closed. This operating risk is partially reduced in practice by additional mechanical safeguards, which prevent the lock chamber from opening if there is excess pressure in the lock chamber.

[0005] An increased operating risk exists, especially when the lock chamber is open, because it is possible that the main channel sealing elements could spontaneously fail when the lock chamber is open. In this case, even if the above sensors are functioning properly, the operator usually does not have sufficient time to close the lock chamber closure or escape to safety due to the often high fluid pressure in the fluid line.

[0006] A ball valve with the features of the generic term is known from US 2015 / 0377366 A1. Although a lock chamber is not explicitly mentioned, one can be seen in the figures. The above-described operating risk for an operator in the case of an assumed open lock chamber exists in the same way as described above for the ball valve disclosed in US 2015 / 0377366 A1.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a ball valve which further reduces the operating risk for an operator of the ball valve and which is structurally simple.

[0008] The object is achieved according to the invention with the features of the independent claim. Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described in conjunction with the dependent claims.

[0009] The ball valve according to the invention comprises a valve housing, a lock chamber for the required introduction of objects or media, and a ball plug rotatably mounted in the lock chamber. The ball plug has a through-opening oriented transversely to the rotation axis and is rotatably arranged via an actuator such that the ball plug can be brought into at least one open position and at least one closed position. Furthermore, the ball valve comprises at least one main channel inflow section and at least one main channel outflow section for integrating the ball valve into a fluid line.The main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section are fluidically connected via the through-opening when the ball valve is open and fluidically separated when the ball valve is closed, or the flow from the main channel inflow section into the main channel outflow section is at least throttled via at least one bypass, while the through-opening is accessible from the outside via the lock chamber. Furthermore, main channel sealing elements are provided in the ball valve according to the invention, by means of which the lock chamber is sealed from the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section when the ball valve is closed.

[0010] The lock chamber is accessible via at least one opening from outside the valve housing for the required introduction of objects or media into the fluid line. Introduction does not only mean the introduction of objects that then "migrate" along with a fluid flowing through the valve housing, but also the introduction of objects into the valve housing that then remain in the valve housing. The introduction of filter elements, measuring technology, or other elements is mentioned only as an example. It is also possible to remove objects or media from the fluid line via the opening for the introduction of objects or media, i.e., to remove them from the valve housing. For the purpose of introducing or removing objects or media into or from the fluid line,from the fluid line by means of the ball valve according to the invention, the ball valve is designed such that the at least one main channel inflow section formed in or on the valve housing and the at least one main channel outflow section also formed in or on the valve housing are connected to one another via the lock chamber so that flow can pass through it when the ball plug is in the open position or when the ball plug is removed from the valve housing.

[0011] Through the at least one main channel inflow section, a fluid can flow into the ball valve from a section of the fluid line located upstream of the ball valve, into which the ball valve is integrated. It is also possible for a plurality of upstream sections of one or more fluid lines to be connected in a flow-through manner to a plurality of main channel inflow sections of the ball valve.

[0012] Through the at least one main channel outflow section, a fluid can flow from the ball valve into a section of the fluid line located downstream of the ball valve, into which the ball valve is integrated. It is also possible for several downstream sections of one or more fluid lines to be connected to a plurality of main channel outflow sections of the ball valve in a flow-through manner.

[0013] The ball valve mounted in the lock chamber has an external shape, at least partially shaped like a ball. The ball valve deviates from the spherical shape, particularly due to the through-hole, and the ball valve may also deviate from the shape of a ball in the area where the ball valve is mounted. Depending on the position of the ball valve in the lock chamber, sections of the spherical surface cover either the at least one main channel inflow section and the at least one main channel outflow section, or at least the opening for the inlet of objects or media as required.

[0014] Due to the rotatable mounting of the ball valve, a plurality of different positions of the ball valve can be set. These different positions differ essentially in the orientation of the through-opening formed in the ball valve and the orientation of the spherical surface sections of the ball valve with respect to the lock chamber or the fluid line. The ball valve can be mounted incrementally or continuously in the lock chamber, so that any number of positions of the ball valve can be set. If, in one position of the ball valve, the at least one main channel inflow section and the at least one main channel outflow section are covered and thus fluidically separated from each other, the ball valve is in the closed position.The through-opening in the ball valve, oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis, is then oriented toward the opening for the on-demand introduction of objects or media and is thus accessible from the outside via the lock chamber. When the ball valve is closed, the main channel sealing elements seal the lock chamber from the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section. For this purpose, the main channel sealing elements interact, in particular, with the valve body. Additionally, the main channel sealing elements can also interact with the ball valve in the closed position.

[0015] If, in a position of the ball valve, the at least one main channel inflow section and the at least one main channel outflow section are not covered by the sections of the spherical surface of the ball valve, but are connected in a flow-through manner, the ball valve is in an open position in which the opening for the required introduction of objects or media is covered by the spherical surface sections of the ball valve.

[0016] It is also possible for the ball valve to have more than one main channel inflow section and / or more than one main channel outflow section. In this case, the ball plug can assume multiple open positions. If, for example, two main channel inflow sections and two main channel outflow sections are provided, the ball plug can be brought into a first open position in which the first main channel inflow section is connected to the first main channel outflow section in a way that allows flow. Alternatively, the ball plug can be brought into a second open position in which the second main channel inflow section is connected to the second main channel outflow section in a way that allows flow. Further main channel inflow sections and / or main channel outflow sections can also be provided, which can lead to further open positions of the ball plug in accordance with the above description.To achieve the aforementioned object, additional sealing elements are provided in the ball valve according to the invention such that a monitoring space, sealed when the ball plug is in the closed position, is formed within the lock chamber to monitor the proper function of the main channel sealing elements. In other words, when the ball plug is in the closed position, the lock chamber is divided by the additional sealing elements into two fluidically separated areas, one of which serves as the monitoring space. The first of the two areas borders the opening for the as-needed introduction of media and objects; the second of the two areas is the monitoring space and is arranged between the first area and the main channel sealing elements.If the main channel sealing elements do not functionally seal the lock chamber against the at least one main channel inflow section and the at least one main channel outflow section, part of the fluid flows from the fluid line into the interstitial space.

[0017] The interstitial space is designed such that the fluid from the fluid line cannot flow past it into the first area of ​​the lock chamber. Since the interstitial space can be monitored, an operator of the ball valve according to the invention can be warned in advance if the main channel sealing elements are not sealing properly and the fluid flows into the interstitial space. For example, the interstitial space can be monitored by an operator of the ball valve. For this purpose, the interstitial space can have a transparent viewing section through which the operator can observe the state of the interstitial space and, in particular, detect if a (non-transparent) fluid unexpectedly flows into the interstitial space.

[0018] Alternatively or in addition, the pressure chamber can be provided with a pressure chamber channel and a drain valve in order to be able to determine, by opening the drain valve and waiting, whether fluid is still continuously penetrating into the pressure chamber due to improperly functioning main channel sealing elements.

[0019] If the operator is warned in this way or by another means that fluid is flowing into the interstitial space or that the interstitial space is filled with fluid while the opening to the interlock chamber is closed, the operator can refrain from opening the opening for safety reasons due to the advance warning. Furthermore, in the event that the main channel sealing elements suddenly fail while the interlock chamber is open, the operator has sufficient time to close the opening and / or move away from the malfunctioning ball valve before the fluid flows out of the ball valve, as the additional sealing elements retain the fluid in the ball valve.

[0020] It should be noted that the valve body of a ball valve according to the invention can be designed in one or more parts. In particular, reference is made to a one-piece design of the valve body with a top opening and a cover provided therefor, to a two-piece design in which the valve body is formed by two housing elements (e.g., a main housing element and a smaller housing element, in particular a molded cover), and to a three-piece design, in particular with two lateral housing elements or covers.

[0021] In a suitable development of the ball valve, the main channel inflow section, the main channel outflow section, and the lock chamber are arranged in the valve housing, and the lock chamber is oriented orthogonally to the at least one main channel inflow section and / or the at least one main channel outflow section. If the main channel inflow section, the main channel outflow section, and the lock chamber are arranged in the valve housing, the ball valve as a whole has a compact design and high mechanical rigidity. This is particularly important for integrating the ball valve into high-pressure fluid lines. If the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section are not arranged in the valve housing, but are connected to it externally, for example by a joining process, the high pressure of the fluid can cause damage to the joint seams.The orthogonal orientation of the lock chamber to the at least one main channel inflow section and / or the at least one main channel outflow section represents a particularly simple design for the ball valve and allows for easy production. Furthermore, this allows for particularly large flow cross-sections of the lock chamber, the main channel inflow section, and the main channel outflow section. Additionally or alternatively, a large angle of rotation between the open and closed positions of the ball valve is achieved, reducing the likelihood of unwanted opening of the ball valve and providing a large travel range for more precise control of the process.

[0022] For the sake of completeness, it should be noted that individual elements, in particular a lock channel formed transversely to a main channel, can be designed as separate elements and connected to the valve body in a suitable manner. For example, a separate lock nozzle with a lock closure can be welded or screwed to the outside of the valve body.

[0023] In a further practical embodiment of the ball valve, the additional sealing elements can be arranged at least in the lock chamber and / or at the boundary of the lock chamber to the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section.

[0024] If the additional sealing elements are arranged in the lock chamber, the interstitial space can advantageously be large. In this case, a larger amount of fluid can flow from the fluid line into the interstitial space if the main channel sealing elements are defective, and a longer period of time passes until the interstitial space is filled and the pressure of the fluid acts fully on the additional sealing elements. Furthermore, the main channel sealing elements and the additional sealing elements can be particularly far apart in this case. If the sealing elements are in contact with the ball valve and the spherical surface of the ball valve is contaminated with particles, this arrangement can prevent the contaminants that could cause damage to one of the main channel sealing elements or the additional sealing elements from also causing damage to the additional sealing elements or the main channel sealing elements.This is because these contaminants only come into contact with one of the sealing elements or at least at different points on the sealing elements.

[0025] If the additional sealing elements are arranged in the area at the boundary of the lock chamber with the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section, the interstitial space is smaller compared to the last-described embodiment. This results in advantages other than those mentioned above. In particular, valve bodies with only slightly modified designs from the prior art can then be used to create the additional interstitial space. Furthermore, in the event of a sealing element no longer functioning properly, a pressure increase can be detected more quickly due to a smaller volume, which is particularly relevant when the leakage is small.

[0026] It should be noted that by combining the two embodiments described above or by implementing an embodiment multiple times, it is also possible to form a ball valve with two or more monitoring spaces.

[0027] Additionally or alternatively, monitoring means may be provided for monitoring the state of the interstitial space. For example, a sound sensor, a pressure sensor, and / or an optical sensor may be provided as the monitoring means. Any other monitoring means suitable for the invention may also be used for monitoring the interstitial space.

[0028] The propagation of sound waves measured by a sound sensor, as well as the pressure measured by a pressure sensor and the absorption or reflection of light waves measured by an optical sensor in the interstitial space, essentially depend on the filling of the interstitial space with a fluid. All of the sensors mentioned above are known from the prior art and are suitable for converting a measurement signal into an electrical signal. The electrical signal can be compared with a target value using a computing unit. If the measured value exceeds or falls below the target value, a warning signal, for example, optical or acoustic, can be issued to the operator, indicating that fluid is present in the interstitial space. The use of such monitoring devices further increases operator safety, as the operator does not have to actively monitor the interstitial space.

[0029] A channel leading from the monitoring space through the valve body to the outside can also be provided as a monitoring means. Such a channel can either be used for pressure monitoring or, alternatively, filled with a sealant injection. The sealant is preferably designed such that it exits the channel when a predetermined pressure is exceeded, so that it is apparent to an operator that increased pressure is present in the monitoring space and, accordingly, the lock valve, if open, should be closed as quickly as possible.

[0030] Alternatively or additionally, a sealant within the pressure chamber can also be arranged and selected in such a way that the sealant creates an emergency seal in the event of a leak. In particular, it is possible to repair damage to a sealing element in a closed, stationary state by injection and curing or—with sufficiently high viscosity—by injection into the pressure chamber alone. However, actuating the valve would then cause the emergency seal to fail.

[0031] In practice, the valve body can have a housing cover and / or a lock closure for closing the lock chamber. The housing cover can close a second opening to the lock chamber, optionally arranged in the valve body. The second opening can be provided, for example, to easily insert the ball plug into the lock chamber and / or to perform maintenance work on the ball valve. For this purpose, the housing cover can be connected to the valve body with a force-locking and / or positive-locking connection and can be removed if necessary.

[0032] The lock closure is particularly important when the opening itself needs to be closable for the on-demand introduction of media or objects. This is necessary, for example, if the ball valve is not connected to the lock chamber via a closable line for the on-demand supply of media or objects to the ball valve.

[0033] In a further practical embodiment of the ball valve, the main channel sealing elements and / or the additional sealing elements can each have at least one metallic seat ring and / or an elastic sealing means. An elastic sealing means can, for example, be arranged in a groove surrounding the seat ring. In particular, the elastic sealing means can be an O-ring. The seat rings with the elastic sealing means can be arranged between the ball plug and the valve body in such a way that a sealing effect is achieved through the interaction of the ball plug, the valve body, and the respective seat ring with the elastic sealing means. The elastic sealing means can thereby bear against the valve body and / or the ball plug. It is also possible for the main channel sealing elements and / or the additional sealing elements to bear against the ball plug not with the elastic sealing means, but with the metallic seat ring.Ball valves with such sealing elements are often referred to as metal-to-metal sealing ball valves. These are characterized by a beneficial combination of high sealing performance and low contact wear of the sealing elements.

[0034] It should be noted that the main channel sealing elements and / or the additional sealing elements can also comprise multiple elastic sealing means and / or multiple metallic seat rings, which are arranged in a suitable manner to engage with one another or to abut one another and thus, for example, to support one another. This can further increase the sealing performance of the sealing elements and / or facilitate the assembly of the ball valve.

[0035] If the main channel sealing elements and the additional sealing elements are both designed as metallic seat rings with elastic seals, it is particularly advantageous to arrange the additional sealing elements – as described above – at the boundary of the lock chamber with the main channel inflow section and the main channel outflow section. In this case, it is possible to arrange the additional sealing elements next to the main channel sealing elements in such a way that the interstitial space is reduced to a narrow gap between one of the main channel sealing elements and one of the additional sealing elements.

[0036] Additionally or alternatively, the additional sealing elements can be arranged so that they can be moved and locked. It is particularly advantageous to design the additional sealing elements so that they can be moved and / or locked if they are arranged in the lock chamber, as described above. This is because there is then sufficient space available to ideally position the additional sealing elements and the ball valve relative to one another and then to lock the additional sealing elements. This allows for particularly high sealing performance. Furthermore, the assembly of the ball valve can be simplified if the additional sealing elements are arranged so that they can be moved and / or locked in the lock chamber. This is because it is then possible, in a first step, to insert the additional sealing elements into a position in the lock chamber where they do not hinder the subsequent insertion of the ball valve.In a further step, the additional sealing elements can be pushed onto the ball plug, which is now mounted in its intended position. This type of assembly eliminates the need to position the additional sealing elements and the ball plug in their final relative position outside the valve body and insert them together into the valve body.

[0037] Furthermore, additionally or alternatively, the active surfaces of the main channel sealing elements and / or the active surfaces of the additional sealing elements are designed such that a fluid acting on these sealing elements exerts pressure on the active surfaces, pressing the sealing elements against the ball valve. Active surfaces are generally understood to be surface areas of the sealing elements that are in contact with a fluid during the intended operation of the sealing elements and that are inclined relative to the spherical surface of the ball valve such that at least one component of these surface areas is aligned substantially parallel to the spherical surface of the ball valve.

[0038] In sum, the components of the active surfaces parallel to the spherical surface of the ball plug, on which the fluid exerts pressure in the direction of the ball plug, are larger than the components parallel to the spherical surface of the ball plug, on which the fluid exerts pressure in the direction opposite to the ball plug. The fluid thus exerts a resulting force on the sealing element across the entire active surfaces of the sealing element, which force is directed toward the ball plug. This resulting force constantly presses the sealing element against the ball plug, improving the sealing effect by utilizing the fluid pressure.

[0039] It is also possible that additionally or alternatively elastic means are provided for pressing the sealing elements onto the ball valve.

[0040] In a similarly advantageous embodiment of the ball valve, a first pressure control channel is connected to the lock chamber, by means of which the lock chamber can be depressurized or pressurized when the ball valve is closed. Furthermore, a second pressure control channel is connected to the monitoring chamber, by means of which the monitoring chamber can be depressurized or pressurized when the ball valve is closed.

[0041] The first pressure control channel is connected in particular to the first area of ​​the lock chamber, which is adjacent to the opening for the on-demand introduction of media or fluids. The two pressure control channels have controllable valves that can be opened and closed. When the ball valve is in the closed position and a fluid is present in the lock chamber and / or the monitoring chamber, the fluid can be discharged by opening the valves. This relieves the pressure in the respective chamber from which the fluid is discharged.

[0042] It is also possible to actively pressurize the lock chamber and / or the interstitial space. For this purpose, a turbomachine can interact with the two pressure control channels, for example. If hydrostatic pressure is generated by the turbomachines and at least one of the two valves on the pressure control channels is open, this hydrostatic pressure is applied in the chamber with the open valve.

[0043] This design is particularly advantageous if at least one monitoring device is additionally provided for monitoring the pressure on the turbomachine, in the monitoring space, or in the pressure control channel arranged therebetween. This is because a predetermined pressure can then be set in the monitoring space. By setting a predetermined pressure in the monitoring space, it is possible to test the functionality of the additional sealing elements. If the measured, set pressure in the monitoring space drops below the predetermined pressure during the measurement, there is a leak in the additional sealing elements, which can be caused in particular by an additional sealing element that is not, no longer, properly seated, or is damaged. An operator can regularly perform such a test of the additional sealing elements and replace these sealing elements or correct their seat if they are defective.This can further increase the safety of the operator.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the ball valve has, in particular, at least one actuator protruding from the valve housing, a taper formed in the ball plug in the direction of insertion of a pig, and / or a sieve in the through-opening. The actuator protruding from the valve housing can be easily and detachably connected to a drive for adjusting the position of the ball plug by means of a positive and / or non-positive connection. The formation of a taper in the direction of insertion of a pig has the advantage that the pig is "caught" by the taper during insertion and thus correctly positioned within the ball plug, i.e., excessive penetration through the opening in the ball plug is prevented due to the taper or due to a catch grid inserted in the area of ​​the taper.

[0045] The sieve in the through-hole can serve as a filter or for collecting objects that are to be removed from the fluid line. The sieve is particularly well-suited for this purpose because it allows the fluid flowing in the fluid line to pass through it, while trapping particles, contaminants, and / or objects flowing with the fluid.

[0046] The ball valve is preferably designed as a pig valve and / or is designed for at least one of the following parameter ranges: Nominal diameter of the fluid line: 1.27 cm to 142.24 cm (0.5" to 56"); Pressure in the fluid line: 10 kPa to 150,000 kPa (0.1 to 1,500 bar); Temperature of the fluid in the fluid line: -200°C to +650°C.

[0047] Further practical embodiments and advantages of the invention are described below in conjunction with the drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a ball valve according to the invention in a side view of the closed opening for the required introduction of media or objects; Fig. 2 shows the ball valve from Fig. 1 in a top view; Fig. 3 the ball valve from Fig. 1 in a view along section line AA with the ball valve in the closed position; Fig. 4 the ball valve from Fig. 2 in a view along section line CC with the ball valve in the closed position; Fig. 5 the ball valve from Fig. 2 in a view along section line BB with the ball valve in the closed position; Fig. 6 shows the detail X of the ball valve from Fig. 4 ; Fig. 6b the detail section Z of the ball valve from Fig. 5 ; Fig. 7 Possibilities for several further embodiments of a ball valve according to the invention, in particular with additional sealing elements arranged in the same orientation as the main channel sealing elements.

[0048] The Figures 1 and 2show an embodiment of the ball valve according to the invention in a side view ( Fig. 1 ) and in a top view ( Fig. 2 ) from the outside. The ball valve has a valve housing 10 - here essentially polyhedral in shape. A lock chamber 12 is formed inside (cf. Fig. 3 ).

[0049] The lock chamber 12 is accessible through an opening 14 for the inlet of media or objects from outside the ball valve as required. Figures 1 and 2 The opening 14 is not visible because it is closed by a removable lock closure 16. Furthermore, a main channel inflow section 18a and a main channel outflow section 18b are arranged in the valve housing 10, each having a connecting piece 20a, 20b protruding from the valve housing 10. Using the connecting pieces 20a, 20b, the ball valve can be integrated into a fluid line (not shown).

[0050] The Figures 3, 4 and 5 show the inside of the ball valve according to the Figures 1 and 2 section lines AA, BB and CC respectively. Identical elements of the ball valve are shown in the Figures 3 - 6 with the same reference numerals as in the Figures 1 and 2 .

[0051] In the shown sectional view of the ball valve in Figure 3 In the center of the ball valve, the main channel inflow section 18a and the main channel outflow section 18b, which is aligned opposite to it, are shown.

[0052] Alternatively, it is also possible for the main channel inflow section 18a and the main channel outflow section 18b to be arranged or formed offset from one another - in particular slightly - and / or to have orientations inclined to one another (main flow directions).

[0053] Orthogonally oriented to the Figure 3The lock chamber 12 with the opening 14 and the lock closure 16 is arranged between the main channel inflow section 18a and the main channel outflow section 18b shown. The main channel inflow section 18a and the main channel outflow section 18b open approximately centrally into the lock chamber 12, so that the main channel inflow section 18a, the main channel outflow section 18b and the lock chamber 12 form an intersection section in the valve housing 10. A substantially spherical ball plug 22 is arranged centrally in the lock chamber 12 or in the intersection section. The spherical shape of the ball plug 22 is particularly evident from a synopsis of the Figures 3 and 4 The ball valve 22 is located in the Figures 3, 4 and 5 in a closed position. In this closed position, a through-hole 24 completely penetrating the ball valve 22 is oriented toward the opening 14.

[0054] A wall of the essentially spherical ball plug 22, which encompasses the through-opening 24, projects, in the closed position of the ball plug 22, at least partially into the main channel inflow section 18a and into the main channel outflow section 18b such that the main channel inflow section 18a and the main channel outflow section 18b are covered thereby. The main channel inflow section 18a and the main channel outflow section 18b are thus Figures 3, 4 and 5 shown, closed position of the ball valve 22 fluidly separated from each other.

[0055] Alternatively, bypass bores (not shown) can be formed in the ball valve 22 in order to ensure that a smaller portion of a medium continues to flow through the ball valve 22 from the main channel inflow section 18a into the main channel outflow section 18b. For this purpose, in particular, at least one bore from the side of the main channel inflow section 18a and one bore from the main channel outflow section 18b are provided, which meet and thus form a bypass. Two or more such bypasses can also be formed. This embodiment is particularly useful for media whose continuous flow is of great importance, since otherwise they would solidify or have another adverse effect on the overall process.

[0056] Adjacent to the ball valve 22, a plurality of sealing elements 28a, 28b, 30a, 30b are arranged (cf. Figures 3 and 4 ). The sealing elements 28a, 28b are main channel sealing elements. In the Figures 3 and 4 It can be seen that the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b are arranged to seal the lock chamber 12 from the main channel inflow section 18a and the main channel outflow section 18b, respectively. For this purpose, the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b are designed as metallic seat rings with elastic sealing means and are arranged between the ball plug 22 and the inner wall of the main channel inflow section 18a and between the ball plug 22 and the inner wall of the main channel outflow section 18b, respectively, in such a way that no fluid from the main channel inflow section 18a or the main channel outflow section 18b can flow past the ball plug 22 into the lock chamber 12. Further details on the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b are explained below.

[0057] The sealing elements 30a, 30b are additional sealing elements by means of which a monitoring space 32 is separated from the lock chamber 12. The lock chamber is thus divided into a first area, which borders the opening 14, and a second area, which serves as a monitoring space 32. The monitoring space 32 is divided into the Figures 4 and 5 The cross-sectional views of the ball valve shown are essentially visible on the top left and right as well as on the bottom left and right next to the ball plug 22. In Figure 3 The surveillance room cannot be recognized because the Figure 3The section plane shown is the equatorial plane of the ball valve, in which the ball valve 22 essentially occupies the entire cross-section of the monitoring space 32. The monitoring space 32 is designed such that a fluid can flow exclusively into this monitoring space 32 if the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b do not seal properly. Since the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b seal the first region of the lock space 12 from the monitoring space 32, the fluid cannot flow from the monitoring space 32 into the first region of the lock space 12. Thus, there is no danger for an operator of the ball valve even if the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b fail when the lock closure 16 is open.

[0058] In this embodiment, the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b are arranged in the lock chamber 12 so that they can be moved and locked. Figures 3 and 5In addition to the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b, useful spaces can be seen in the lock chamber 12, the size of which approximately corresponds to the size of the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b. Guide devices 44 are provided in these useful spaces, which can be designed, for example, as guide grooves or guide rails. Along the guide devices 44, the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b can be guided out of the Figures 3 and 5 shown position into the usable spaces and pushed back.

[0059] The additional sealing elements 30a, 30b can be removed separately from the ball valve 22 by means of a Figures 4 and 5shown second opening, which can be closed with a housing cover 42, in the upper region of the valve housing 10 and pushed into the usable spaces. In a further step, the ball plug 22 can also be introduced into the lock chamber 12 through the second opening. Subsequently, the actuator 26 can be non-positively and / or positively connected to the ball plug 22 and the housing cover 42 can be placed from above onto the valve housing 10 and the actuator 26 such that the actuator 26 projects through the housing cover 42 and the opening in the upper region of the valve housing 10 is closed in a gas-tight manner by the housing cover 42. As a result, the ball plug 22 is securely mounted in the correct functional position. Subsequently, the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b can be pushed towards the ball plug 22 along the guide device 44. This allows the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b to be ideally positioned relative to the ball valve 22.Ideal positioning is achieved when the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b are pressed evenly against the ball valve 22 and the inner wall of the lock chamber 12, thus achieving a particularly uniform and good sealing performance. In the ideal position, the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b can then be securely locked. The design of the ball valve 22 described above and the resulting assembly also allow for readjustment of the positions of the ball valve 22 and the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b when the ball valve is integrated into a fluid line.

[0060] A first pressure influencing channel, which is connected to the lock chamber 12 and by means of which the lock chamber 12 can be depressurized or pressurized when the ball valve 22 is closed, is not shown in the figures.

[0061] A second pressure influencing channel, which is connected to the monitoring space 32 and by means of which the monitoring space 32 can be depressurized or pressurized when the ball valve 22 is in the closed state, is also not shown in the figures.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible for the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b not to be arranged in the lock chamber on the ball valve 22 as described above, but rather for the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b to be arranged at the boundary region between the lock chamber 12 and the main channel inflow section 18a or at the boundary region between the lock chamber 12 and the main channel outflow section 18b (not shown). The additional sealing elements 30a, 30b are then located on the side of the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b facing away from the main channel inflow section 18a or the main channel outflow section 18b. In this case, two separate, annular monitoring spaces are formed, one of which borders the area of ​​the main channel inflow section 18a and one of which borders the area of ​​the main channel outflow section 18b.

[0063] In the Figures 3, 4 and 5A sieve 58 can be seen in the through-opening 24. The outer shape of the sieve 58 corresponds to a truncated cone, the largest diameter of which corresponds approximately to the inner diameter of the through-opening 24. At the smallest diameter of the sieve, the sieve is mounted in a fixed position against a sieve receptacle 60 in the ball valve 22. When the ball valve 22 is in the open position, liquids and / or gases flowing from the main channel inflow section 18a through the ball valve 22 can penetrate the sieve 58 arranged in the through-opening 24, whereas contaminants, particles and / or objects are absorbed by the sieve 58. When the ball valve 22 is in the closed position, the sieve 58 and / or the contaminants, particles and / or objects absorbed by the sieve 58 can be removed via the opening 14.

[0064] In Figure 6aA possible embodiment of the main channel sealing element 28a is shown. The main channel sealing element 28b is identically designed. Figure 6a It can be seen that the main channel sealing element 28a can have a metallic seat ring 34, an elastic sealing means 36 designed as an O-ring, and a spring 50. The O-ring 36 seals the main channel sealing element 28a against the valve body 10. The spring presses the seat ring 34 against the ball plug 22. Active surfaces 46a, 46b, on which the fluid acting on the main channel sealing element 28a acts, are formed on the seat ring in such a way that an effective force presses the seat ring 34 against the ball plug 22. For this purpose, the component of the effective area 46a, via which the fluid exerts a pressure on the seat ring 34 in the direction of the ball plug 22, is larger than the component of the effective area 46b, via which the fluid exerts a pressure on the seat ring 34 in the direction opposite to the ball plug 22.

[0065] In Figure 6b A possible embodiment of the additional sealing element 30b is shown. The additional sealing element 30a is identically designed. Figure 6bIt can be seen that the additional sealing element 30b can have two metallic seat rings 38a, 38b. The second seat ring 38b of the additional sealing element 30b is supported against the first seat ring 38a of the additional sealing element 30b by means of a spring 52. Furthermore, a first elastic sealing means 40a of the additional sealing element 30b, designed as an O-ring, is arranged between the seat ring 38a of the additional sealing element 30b and the second seat ring 38b of the additional sealing element 30b. The second seat ring 38b of the additional sealing element 30b is pressed against the ball plug 22 by the first seat ring 38a of the additional sealing element 30b and the spring 52. Furthermore, a second elastic sealing means 40b of the additional sealing element 30b, designed as an O-ring, is arranged between the first seat ring 38a of the additional sealing element 30b and the inner wall of the lock chamber 12.

[0066] The first seat ring 38a of the additional sealing element 30b can be locked in the valve housing 10, for example, by using threaded rods (not shown) that press from the outside through the valve housing onto the first seat ring 38a of the additional sealing element 30b. By designing the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b as described above, a particularly homogeneous pressure can be exerted on the second seat rings 38b of the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b, resulting in a suitable, pressure-adapted sealing effect of the additional sealing elements 30, 30b. In addition, the second seat rings 38b of the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b also have active surfaces 48a, 48b configured such that a fluid acting on these seat rings presses the second seat rings 38b against the ball plug 22.

[0067] In Figure 7Several possibilities for further embodiments are shown in a drawing, which are explained below. The same reference numerals are used for identical or at least functionally equivalent elements as in the Figures 1-6 used.

[0068] Figure 7 shows a valve housing 10 in a sectional view analogous to the representation in Figure 3 . On the Figure 7 On the upward-facing side of the valve housing 10 there is a lock closure 16 which can be opened as required.

[0069] In the area of ​​the main channel inflow section 18a and in the area of ​​the main channel outflow section 18b of the valve body 10, an inner main channel sealing element 28a, 28b is arranged between the valve body 10 and the ball plug 22. These can be formed in one or more parts.

[0070] As in Figure 7As can be seen, radially slightly further outwardly of these main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b, corresponding main channel additional sealing elements 30a', 30b' are arranged. These are designed in such a way that a monitoring space 32 is formed between the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b and the main channel additional sealing elements 30a', 30b', ie a closed pressure space, in which, when the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b are functioning properly, Figure 7 In the closed position shown, no fluid enters. Accordingly, a monitoring space 32 in accordance with the invention is formed between the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b and the main channel additional sealing elements 30a', 30b'.

[0071] In addition, in an orientation transverse to the main flow direction - as in the Figure 3In the embodiment shown, additional sealing elements 30a, 30b are arranged on the side of the valve housing 10 oriented toward the lock closure 16 and on the opposite side of the valve housing 10. If the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b are provided in addition to the aforementioned main channel additional sealing elements 30a', 30b', a further monitoring space 32 is formed between them, the ball plug 22, and the valve housing 10.

[0072] Thus, two or more monitoring spaces 32 can be provided in a valve housing 10 according to the invention in order to reduce the operating risk of a ball valve 22, in particular while an open lock closure (16).

[0073] In particular, reference is made to the following advantageous design variants, which - unless excluded for logical reasons - can be implemented individually or in combination.

[0074] By an arrangement with main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b and main channel additional sealing elements 30a' and 30b', which are arranged as in Figure 3 As shown, both are oriented in the same way and can therefore be arranged at a small distance from each other, the volume of the monitoring space 32 can be kept small with little design effort. This results in a short response time in the event that a sealing element 28a, 28b, 30a', 30b' malfunctions.

[0075] All sealing elements 28a, 28b, all main channel additional sealing elements 30a', 30b' and all additional sealing elements 30a, 30b can be designed as one-piece or multi-piece. Figure 7 In the embodiment shown, the main channel sealing elements 28a, 28b and main channel additional sealing elements 30a', 30b' are each formed in one part, while the additional sealing elements 30a, 30b are formed in two parts.

[0076] Regardless of the single-part or multi-part design, the aforementioned sealing elements 28a, 28b, 30a', 30b', 30a, 30b are preferably provided with a prestressing element in order to be pressed with a prestressing force in the direction of the ball valve 22. This can be achieved in particular by means of a spring 50, 52, by means of an elastomer element (not shown), and / or by means of graphite elements.

[0077] A channel (not shown) leading outward through the valve housing 10 can be formed from the monitoring space 32. This channel can either be used for pressure monitoring or, alternatively, filled with a sealant injection. The sealant is preferably designed such that it exits the channel when a predetermined pressure is exceeded, so that it is apparent to an operator that increased pressure is present in the monitoring space 32 and, accordingly, the lock closure 16, if open, should be closed as quickly as possible.

[0078] If - as in Figure 7If, as shown in the drawing, several monitoring spaces 32 are provided, it may be advantageous to arrange additional sealing elements 30a, 30b, 30a', 30b' made of different materials in a cascade-like manner one behind the other in such a way that the probability of failure of all additional sealing elements 30a, 30b, 30a', 30b' is kept low, for example because one material of the cascade has a particularly high temperature resistance and another material has particularly advantageous properties with regard to chemical resistance. In this context, particular reference is made to the cascade-like arrangement of sealing elements 30a, 30b, 30a', 30b' made of metallic and non-metallic materials in a cascade.

[0079] By providing several monitoring spaces 32 in a cascade and by providing monitoring spaces 32 with a large distance between the sealing elements 30a, 30b, 30a', 30b', as in the embodiment according to the Figures 1-6, the probability that the safety of an operator is endangered when the lock closure 16 is open due to mechanical damage to the surface of the ball valve 22, such as scoring, can be kept low. Or, to put it another way, in this case, there is a high probability that a safety problem detected by the corresponding monitoring space 32 will not occur, ie, the expected service life of the ball valve is particularly high and the probability of failure is low.

[0080] The features of the invention disclosed in the present description, the drawings, and the claims may be essential, both individually and in any combination, for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments. It may be varied within the scope of the claims and taking into account the knowledge of the person skilled in the art. List of reference symbols

[0081] 10 Valve body 12 Lock chamber 14 Opening for on-demand locking 16 Lock closure 18a Main channel inflow section 18b Main channel outflow section 20a, 20b Connection piece 22 Ball plug 24 Through opening 26 Actuator 28a, 28b Main channel sealing elements 30a, 30b Additional sealing elements 30a', 30b' Main channel additional sealing elements 32 Interstitial space 34 Metallic seat ring of the right main channel sealing element 36 Elastic sealant of the right main channel sealing element, O-ring 38a, 38b Metallic seat ring of the rear additional sealing element 40a, 40 Elastic sealant of the rear additional sealing element, O-ring 42 Housing cover 44Guide device 46a, 46bEffective surfaces of the right main channel sealing element 48a, 48bEffective surfaces of the rear additional sealing element 50Spring in the right main channel sealing element 52Spring in the rear additional sealing element 58Sieve 60Sieve holder

Claims

1. Ball valve with - a valve housing (10); - a lock chamber (12) for entering objects or media as required; - a ball plug (22) which is rotatably mounted in the lock chamber (12), has a passage opening (24) orientated transversely to the axis of rotation and is arranged rotatably via an actuator (26) in such a way that the ball plug (22) can be brought into at least one open position and into at least one closed position; - at least one main channel inflow section (18a) and at least one main channel outflow section (18b) for integrating the ball valve into a fluid line, - wherein the main channel inflow section (18a) and the main channel outflow section (18b), in the open position of the ball plug (22), are connected in such a way that flow can pass through them by means of the passage opening (24) and, in the closed position of the ball plug (22), the main channel inflow section (18a) and the main channel outflow section (18b) are separated with respect to flow or the flow from the main channel inflow section (18a) into the main channel outflow section (18b) is at least throttled via at least one bypass, while the passage opening (24) is accessible from the outside via the lock chamber (12); and - main channel sealing elements (28a, 28b), by means of which, when the ball plug (22) is in the closed position, the lock chamber (12) is sealed with respect to the main channel inflow section (18a) and the main channel outflow section (18b), characterized in that additional sealing elements (30a, 30b, 30a', 30b') are provided in such a way that a monitoring chamber (32) sealed in the closed position of the ball plug (22) is formed for monitoring proper functioning of the main channel sealing elements (28a, 28b) within the lock chamber (12).

2. Ball valve according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the main channel inflow section (18a), the main channel outflow section (18b) and the lock chamber (12) are arranged in the valve housing (10), wherein the lock chamber (12) is oriented orthogonally to the main channel inflow section (18a) and / or the main channel outflow section (18b).

3. Ball valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional sealing elements (30a, 30b, 30a', 30b') are arranged in at least one of the two following regions: - in the lock chamber (12), - at the boundary of the lock chamber (12) to the main channel inflow section (28a) and the main channel outflow section (28b).

4. Ball valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that monitoring means are provided for monitoring a state of the monitoring chamber (32).

5. Ball valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve housing (10) has a housing cover (42) and / or a lock closure (16) for closing the lock chamber (12).

6. Ball valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the main channel sealing elements (28a, 28b) and / or the additional sealing elements (30a, 30b, 30a', 30b') each have at least one metal seat ring (38a, 38b) and / or an elastic sealant (40a, 40b).

7. Ball valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the additional sealing elements (30a, 30b, 30a', 30b') are arranged to be displaceable and / or lockable.

8. Ball valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that active surfaces (46a, 46b) of the main channel sealing elements (28a, 28b) and / or active surfaces (48a, 48b) of the additional sealing elements (30a, 30b, 30a', 30b') are designed in such a way that a fluid present at these sealing elements (28a, 28b, 30a, 30b, 30a', 30b') exerts a pressure on the active surfaces (46a, 46b, 48a, 48b) pressing the sealing elements (28a, 28b, 30a, 30b, 30a', 30b') against the ball plug (22).

9. Ball valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first pressure-influencing channel is connected to the lock chamber (12), by means of which the lock chamber (12) can be relieved of pressure or charged with pressure in the closed state of the ball plug (22), and in that a second pressure-influencing channel is connected to the monitoring chamber (32), by means of which the monitoring chamber (32) can be relieved of pressure or charged with pressure in the closed state of the ball plug (22).

10. Ball valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the following elements is provided: - an actuator (26) projecting from the valve housing (10); - a taper in the ball plug (22) formed in insertion direction of a pig and / or - a sieve (58) in the passage opening (24). and / or in that the ball valve is designed as a pigging valve and / or the ball valve is designed for at least one of the following parameter ranges: - Nominal diameter of the fluid line: 1.27 cm to 142.24 cm (0.5" to 56"); - Pressure in the fluid line: 10 kPa to 150,000 kPa (0.1 to 1500 bar); - Temperature of the fluid in the fluid line: -200°C to +650°C.