Valve sleeve apparatus for wide- or open- body knife gate valves

Abstract

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

Description

[0001] VALVE SLEEVE APPARATUS FOR WIDE- OR OPEN- BODY KNIFE GATE VALVES

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to valves and serviceable replacement parts thereof embodiments relate to wide- or open- body knife gate valve sleeve apparatus which are configured to extend the wear life and / or operational runtime of a wide- or open- body knife gate valve.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] As can be appreciated from prior art FIGS. 1-4, wide- or open- body knife gate valves 100 use valve sleeves 101 to protect an inner passageway 55 of a lower valve body 54 or “housing”. The valve sleeves 101 used in such wide- or open- body knife gate valves 100 differ from valve sleeves used in wa / er-style knife gate valves in that they are configured with a longer tubular axial length for protecting an extended passage 55. Valve sleeves 101 of wide- or open- body knife gate valves 100 also differ from w er-style knife gate valves in that they typically employ the use of a second sleeve retainer portion 58 (e.g., ring or flange with fastener clearance holes) to retain a lip 104 of the valve sleeve 101 between the second sleeve retainer portion 58 and a first sleeve retainer portion 56 as depicted in FIG. 4. Thus, the valve sleeve 101 is held within the passageway 55 of the lower valve body 54 or housing by virtue of securing the second sleeve retainer portion 58 to the first sleeve retainer portion 56.

[0006] Conversely, with wa / er-style knife gate valves, a valve sleeve (e.g., such as the one depicted in US-D834156S1) is generally much shorter in axial length and is temporarily held within a passageway 55 by external compression alone. Flanged ends of pipes are bolted to the lower valve body 54 or “housing” over the distal end of the valve sleeve. Accordingly, with w er-style knife gate valves, direct contact occurs between a pipe’s flanged end and a base portion of the valve sleeve, and no intermediate second sleeve retainer portion 58 is employed to capture the valve sleeve within an inner passageway 55 of a lower valve body 54 or “housing”.

[0007] Turning now to the figures, Figure 1 shows a prior art valve sleeve 101 for a wide- or open- body knife gate valve 100. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the prior art valve sleeve 101 depicted in Figure 1. Figure 3 shows a detailed cross-sectional view of the prior art valve sleeve 101 depicted in Figures 1 and 2. Figure 4 shows a wide- or open -body knife gate valve 100 containing the conventional valve sleeve 101 depicted in Figures 1-3. As depicted, a conventional wide- or open- body valve sleeve 101 comprises a proximal end 131, a distal end 134, an inner surface 132, and an outer surface 133. A nose 102 is present near the proximal end 131, and a base 103 is present near the distal end 134. The conventional wide- or open- body valve sleeve 101 is formed of an elastomeric body 130 having therein, an annular stiffening insert 108. The conventional wide- or open- body valve sleeve 101 further comprises a lip 104 or radially-outwardly extending flange near base 103 and / or the distal end 134 of the elastomeric body 130. The conventional wide- or open- body valve sleeve 101 further comprises a distal outer surface portion 105 (of outer sleeve surface 133), and a distal inner surface portion 106 (of inner sleeve surface 132). The distal inner surface portion 106 extends between an inner distal point 114 of base 103 and a proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106. The elastomeric body 130 has a larger inner diameter adjacent the inner distal point 114 of the base 103 as compared to an inner diameter which is more adjacent to the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106, as shown. A nose chamfer 107 having a radial width A is present at the proximal end 131 and it extends from the nose 102 to a distal end 124 of the nose chamfer 107 on a radially-outward portion of the valve sleeve 101. On the opposite (i.e., radially-inward) side of the nose chamfer 107 is an inner nose radius 111, which extends to a distal end 119 of inner nose radius 111 and meets an inner flat portion 110. The inner flat portion 110 extends from a distal end 119 of inner nose radius 111 directly to the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106 with no additional features thereon.

[0008] The annular stiffening insert 108 comprises a proximal end 112, a distal end 113, and extends therebetween for an axial length D. The stiffening insert 108 further comprises a radial width P, as depicted. A maximum radial distance R extends between the inner surface 132 of the valve sleeve 101 and the stiffening insert 108.

[0009] An axial distance C extends between the nose 102 or proximal end 131 of the valve sleeve 101 and the proximal end 112 of the stiffening insert 108. An axial distance E extends between the distal end 113 of inner annular stiffening insert 108 and the distal end 134 of the base 103 of the elastomeric body 130. An axial length F of the valve sleeve 101 extends between the nose 102 or proximal end 131 of the valve sleeve, and the base 103 or distal end 134. The inner flat portion 110 extends axially along the body 130 for an axial length O.

[0010] A radial width J of the elastomeric body 130 is provided proximate to the proximal end 109 of distal inner surface 106. Radial width J may represent a maximum radial width or maximum thickness of the body 130 or may represent an average or mean radial width or thickness of the body 130. As depicted, J represents a maximum radial width or thickness of the elastomeric body 130. A radial inner width L may separate the inner distal point 114 of base 103 and the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106 as shown, with the distal inner surface 106 tapering between the two. Accordingly, the distal inner surface 106 may be internally tapered as depicted, such that the proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106 is provided further radially-inward than the inner distal point 114 of base 103. An axial distance M may extend between the base 103 or inner distal point 114 and the proximal end 109 of distal inner surface 106 as depicted, such that dimensions M and O are close together (i.e., adjacent, abutting, or sequential) and separated only by the shared proximal end 109 of the distal inner surface 106 representing an endpoint of M and O.

[0011] As depicted in prior art Figures 8-10, problems arise as a gate or blade 52 of a wide- or openbody knife gate valve moves transversely across the inner passageway 55 and downwardly across and between abutting noses 102 of juxtaposed conventional valve sleeves 101. The state-of-the-art profile configuration of body 130 and the relative location of stiffening insert 108 within each valve sleeve 101 predisposes the valve sleeves 101 to potential breakage at stress riser “pinch points” 201 (Figures 9, 10) and / or can lead to increased wear due to the smaller maximum radial distance R extending between the inner surface 132 of the elastomeric body 130 and the stiffening insert 108.

[0012] Moreover, with such conventional wide- or open- body valve sleeves 101, an inner “bulge” 200 typically forms in each body 130 as the gate or blade 52 passes between the valve sleeves 101 (Figure 9). This bulge 200 can accelerate body 130 wear at the inner surface 132 due to a greater frontal area exposure to abrasive slurry. The bulge 200 may also non-linearly reduce cross-sectional area during gate or blade 52 closure (which can in turn, reduce or negatively affect overall control of flow through the valve 50).

[0013] Additionally, the cylindrical outer surface 133 of the conventional valve sleeves 101 makes them more prone to moving or sliding out of a passageway 55 of a lower valve body or housing 54 during assembly, for example, before securing a second sleeve retainer portion 58 to a first sleeve retainer portion 56 to capture the valve sleeve 101 within passageway and / or pinching lip 104 between the first 56 and second 58 sleeve retainer portions.

[0014] Additionally, as can be gleaned from Figure 10, with prior valve sleeve 101 designs, defomed / displaced material of elastomeric body 130 compresses against portions of the lower valve body or housing 54 in an overly-compressed zone 202, because there is no room for additional deformed / displaced body 130 material to ‘flow’. This may lead to increased closure forces required for gate or blade 52 to pass between the noses 102 and can increase likelihood of tearing or shearing in certain regions of the body (e.g., at or near stress riser “pinch points” 201 or at surfaces around stiffening member 108 where dissimilar materials of the elastomeric body 130 interface).

[0015] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0016] An aim of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system, apparatus, and / or method which addresses, mitigates, overcomes, or ameliorates the above problems associated with conventional valve sleeves 101 for wide- or open- body knife gate valves 50, without limitation.

[0017] An additional aim of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system, apparatus, and / or method which improves wear life and / or minimizes wide- or open- body knife gate valve downtime, without limitation.

[0018] Another aim of embodiments of the present invention is to provide a system, apparatus, and / or method which reduces bulging 200, stress risers 201, and overly-compressed zones 202 commonly associated with traditional valve sleeves 101 for wide- or open- body knife gate valves 50, without limitation.

[0019] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0020] A valve sleeve ( 1 ) for a knife or gate valve (50) is disclosed. According to some embodiments, the valve sleeve (1) may comprise an annular body (30). The annular body (30) may extend for an axial length (F) between a proximal edge or nose (2) of a proximal surface (31) and a distal portion (3) of a distal surface (34). The body (30) may comprise a polymeric material which is configured to elastically deform upon contact with a knife or gate (52). The body (30) may include an inner sleeve surface (32), and an outer sleeve surface (33), each spanning between the proximal (31) and distal (34) surfaces. The body (30) may include an angled, tapered, or sloped surface portion (7) forming a portion of the proximal surface (31), which is configured for engaging a knife or gate (52) of the knife or gate valve (50). The body (30) may include a distal flange (4) extending radially outwardly from the outer sleeve surface (33) proximate the distal surface (34). The body (30) may include a maximum thickness (J) between the inner sleeve surface (32) and the outer sleeve surface (33), for example, in a region of the body (30) which is proximally-located with respect to the distal flange (4). A ratio of J:F is preferably less than 2:3, but substantially greater than zero. The valve sleeve (1) may further comprise an annular reinforcing (i.e. “stiffening”) member (8) disposed within the body (30) and preferably comprising a metallic material which is configured to stiffen the body (30). The annular reinforcing member (8) may have a maximum axial length (D) and a maximum radial thickness (P). In preferred embodiments, the ratio of D:F may be kept to within the range of 1 :3 to 1 :2. The valve sleeve (101) may be characterized in that one or more of the following statements i.) - iii.) are true i.) the annular reinforcing member (8) is located entirely within a proximal half of the body (30) which is located closest to the proximal surface (31); ii.) an annular indentation (16, 22) extends radially into the inner sleeve surface

[0021] (32) and / or into the outer sleeve surface (33) in a region more adjacent the proximal surface (31) than the distal surface (34), and said annular indentation (16, 22) preferably: a. resides entirely within a proximal half of the body (30) located closest to the proximal surface (31); b. comprises an axial length (K, H) which is less than the maximum axial length (D) of the annular reinforcing member (8); and / or c. completes along a surface (32, 33) at a lower end (9, 21) thereof; the lower end (9, 21) residing within a proximal half of the body (30) located closest to the proximal surface (31) and / or above a distal end 13 of the annular reinforcing member (8); iii.) a radially outermost surface portion (5) of the outer sleeve surface (33) which is proximal to the distal flange (4) follows a taper angle (N) with respect to a central axis of the valve sleeve (1); the taper angle (N) being greater than zero such that the outer sleeve surface (33) is at least partially slightly frustoconical rather than cylindrical.

[0022] In some embodiments, at least two of the above statements i.)-iii.) may be true.

[0023] In some embodiments, portions of the inner sleeve surface (32) which are proximal in relation to a ridge (9) do not extend further radially inwardly than the ridge (9).

[0024] In some embodiments, an axial location of the maximum thickness (J) resides within a proximal half of the body (30) located closest to the proximal surface (31). In some embodiments, a valve sleeve (1) may comprise one or more of the following features in any desired combination which is practical and / or conceivable: an axial distance (G) extending between a distal end (24) of a nose chamfer (7) and a proximal end (20) of an outer annular recess (22); an axial length (H) of an outer annular recess (22) extending between a proximal end (20) and a distal (21) end of the outer annular recess (22); an axial distance (I) extending between a distal end (24) of a nose chamfer (7) and distal end (21) of outer annular recess (22); an axial length (K) of an inner annular recess (16) extending between a proximal end (9) of a distal inner surface (6) and proximal end (18) of an inner annular recess (16); wherein the axial length (K) is provided: o between axial lengths (M) and (O); o above a proximal end (9) of distal inner surface (6); and / or o above a distal end (13) of an annular reinforcing member (8) a radial depth (Q) of inner annular recess (16) which is greater than zero; a proximal portion (15A) of an inner annular recess (16) a distal portion (15B) of an inner annular recess (16); a trough (17) comprising a deepest point of inner annular recess (16) and / or or a maximum inner diameter of proximal portion of the body (30); a proximal end (20) of an outer annular recess (22); a distal end (21) of an outer annular recess (22); a proximal portion (23 A) of an outer annular recess (22); a distal portion (23B) of an outer annular recess (22); a trough (35) comprising a deepest point of outer annular recess (22) or a minimum outer diameter of proximal portion of elastomeric body (30); a proximal lead-in portion (25) on an outer surface (33) of the body (30); a radial depth (B) of outer annular recess (22), which is greater than zero;

[0025] Additional details of embodiment features can be gleaned from the detailed description that follows. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] FIG. 1 shows an isometric perspective view of a valve sleeve 101 according to the prior art.

[0027] FIG. 2 shows a cutaway view of FIG. 1 showing a cross-section of the prior art valve sleeve 101.

[0028] FIG. 3 depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of the cross-section depicted in FIG. 2.

[0029] FIG. 4 depicts a wide- or open- body knife gate valve 50 which houses a valve sleeve 101 according to the prior art (and / or which may instead house a valve sleeve 1 according to embodiments of the invention).

[0030] FIG. 5 shows an isometric perspective view of a valve sleeve according to a non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

[0031] FIG. 6 shows a cutaway view of FIG. 5 showing the cross-section of the valve sleeve 101 according to embodiments of the invention.

[0032] FIG. 7 depicts a close-up cross-sectional view of the cross-section depicted in FIG. 6.

[0033] FIGS. 8-10 depict how prior art valve sleeves 101, such as the one depicted in FIGS. 1-3, behave and interact with a moving gate or blade 52 at three different stages of valve closure.

[0034] FIG. 8 depicts a side cross-sectional view of a prior art wide- or open- body knife gate valve with its gate open. As shown, the gate or blade 52 is fully-removed from the sleeves to ensure a bubble tight seal between both seal noses.

[0035] FIG. 9 depicts a side cross-sectional view of a prior art wide- or open- body knife gate valve with its gate 52 coming through the top portion of the bubble tight seal and wedging between both seal noses of opposing valve sleeves 101. A lower bulge 200 forms and protrudes into the radially inner surface due to elastomer deformation / displacement, and this increases a frontal area of the upstream valve sleeve to abrasive flows. Stress on top of the sleeve from the gate or blade 52 pulls the elastomer down into a slurry flow path with the gate or blade 52. The valve sleeve is substantially deformed and local shear stresses in relation to an inner stiffening insert 108 increase substantially.

[0036] FIG. 10 depicts a side-cross-sectional view of a prior art wide- or open- body knife gate valve with its gate or blade 52 entering into or between a lower bubble tight seal between both seal noses towards the bottom of the knife gate valve 50, proximate a fully-closed position. As the gate or blade 52 enters between the noses 102 proximate lower portions of the valve sleeves 101, the inner diameter of the valve sleeve 101 gets pulled down by / with the gate 52.

[0037] FIGS. 11-13 depict how valve sleeves 1 according to embodiments of the invention, such as the one depicted in FIGS. 5-7, behave and interact with a moving gate or blade 52 at three different stages of valve closure. For comparison, the three gate positions shown in FIGS 11-13 correspond to the same gate positions depicted for the prior art in FIGS. 8-10, respectively.

[0038] FIG. 11 shows a wide- or open- body knife gate valve 50 provided with two valve sleeves 1 according to embodiments of the invention (e.g., FIGS. 5-7). FIG. 11 suggests that for embodiments of the present invention, in a “gate-open” position (similar to FIG. 8), the valve sleeves 1 may form a bubble tight seal wherein their respective noses 2 are compressed slightly against each other.

[0039] FIG. 12 shows a wide- or open- body knife gate valve 50 provided with two valve sleeves 1 according to embodiments of the invention which is starting to close. In FIG. 12 (similar to FIG. 9), it is clear that the valve sleeve embodiments according to the invention allow the gate or blade 52 to pass more smoothly and easily through upper portions of the sleeves without producing the inner bulge 200 depicted in prior art FIG. 9. Moreover, the valve sleeve embodiments according to the invention further allow gate or blade 52 passage therebetween without substantially changing the overall profile envelope of each valve sleeve 1 - and / or without substantially increasing local shear stresses in relation to an inner stiffening insert 8. The inner annular recessed portions 16 of each valve sleeve 1 may provide for greater flexibility (e.g., serve as a “hinge”), whereas the outer annular recessed portions 22 of each valve sleeve 1 may flatten out to prevent premature valve sleeve 1 tearing - allowing the inner recessed portions 16 to accommodate a flow of temporarily deformed / displaced elastomer of the body 130. By virtue of the improved inner surface geometries, less frontal area of the upstream valve sleeve 1 is exposed to slurry and the overall collective minimum inner diameter of the valve opening is better maintained, thus leading to better flow control characteristics.

[0040] FIG. 13 shows a wide- or open-body knife gate valve 50 provided with two valve sleeves 1 according to embodiments of the invention approaching a fully closed position, wherein the gate or blade 52 approaches a lower region of the valve opening. As the gate or blade 52 enters between the noses proximate lower portions of the valve sleeves 1 , the inner diameter of each of the sleeves does not substantially get pulled down by / with the gate or blade 52 with friction as with the prior art sleeves 101 depicted in FIG. 10. The inner annular recesses 16 allow more flexibility and become less obvious / pronounced, while the outer annular recesses 18 accommodate temporarily deformed / displaced polymer and “fill in” with the same as the material of the elastomeric body 130 flows. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] As depicted in Figures 5-7, embodiments of a wide- or open- body valve sleeve 1 according to the invention may share some similarities with the conventional valve sleeve 101 shown in Figures 1-3. In particular, embodiments of a wide- or open- body valve sleeve 1 may similarly comprise a proximal end 31, a distal end 34, an inner surface 32, and an outer surface 33. A nose 2 may be present near the proximal end 31, and a base 3 may be present near the distal end 34. The wide- or open- body valve sleeve 1 may be formed of an elastomeric body 30 having therein, an annular stiffening insert 8, which is preferably, but not necessarily metallic. Rigid plastics and composites are anticipated as suitable materials for the stiffening insert 8. The wide- or open- body valve sleeve 1 may further comprises a lip 4 or radially-outwardly extending flange near its base 3 and / or near the distal end 34 of the elastomeric body 30. This lip 4 may serve as a flange which is captured between first 56 and second 58 sleeve retainer portions, without limitation. The wide- or open- body valve sleeve 1 may further comprise a distal outer surface portion 5 (of outer sleeve surface 33), and a distal inner surface portion 6 (of inner sleeve surface 32). The distal inner surface portion 6 may extend between an inner distal point 14 of the base 3 and a proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6. A nose chamfer 7 having a radial width A may also be present at the proximal end 31 and may extend from the nose 2 to a distal end 24 of the nose chamfer 7 on a radially-outward portion of the valve sleeve 1. On the opposite (i.e., radially-inward) side of the nose chamfer 7, an inner nose radius 11 may extend from the nose 2 to a distal end 19 of the inner nose radius 11, where it meets an inner substantially flat portion 10. The inner flat portion 10 may extend from a distal end 19 of the inner nose radius 11 to the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6, without limitation. The inner flat portion 10 is shown to comprise a straight (i.e., cylindrical surface) portion aligned with a longitudinal axis of the valve sleeve 1 ; however, it should be understood that this flat portion 10 may be rounded, textured, or slightly tapered, without limitation.

[0042] The stiffening insert 8 may comprise a proximal end 12 and a distal end 13, and may extend therebetween for an axial length D. The stiffening insert 8 may further comprise a radial width P as depicted. A maximum radial distance R may extend between the inner surface 32 and the stiffening insert 8.

[0043] An axial distance C may extend between the nose 2 or proximal end 31 and the proximal end 12 of the stiffening insert 8. An axial distance E may extend between the distal end 13 of inner stiffening insert 8 and the distal end 34 of the base 3 of the body 30. An axial length F of the valve sleeve 1 may extend between the nose 2 or proximal end 31 and the base 3 or distal end 34. The inner flat portion 10 may extend axially along the body 30 for an axial length O.

[0044] A radial width J of the elastomeric body 30 may be provided proximate to the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6. Radial width J may represent a maximum radial width or maximum thickness of the body 30 or may represent an average or mean radial width or thickness of the body 30. A radial inner width L may separate the inner distal point 14 of base 3 and the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6 as shown. Accordingly, the distal inner surface 6 may be internally tapered as depicted, such that the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6 may be provided further radially inward than the inner distal point 14 of base 3. An axial distance M may extend between the base 3 or inner distal point 14 and the proximal end 9 of distal inner surface 6 as depicted.

[0045] The valve sleeve 1 according to certain embodiments may be characterized from prior art designs in that dimensions M and O are not close together or adjacent or abutting, and are instead separated by dimension K (which represents an axial length of an inner annular recess 16 positioned between the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6, and a proximal end 18 of the inner annular recess 16 (i.e., distal end of inner flat portion 10)). Within the axial length K, the elastomeric body 30 may comprise an inner annular recess 16 configured with an indentation into elastomeric body 30 having a radial depth Q. This inner annular recess 16 has the technical effect of serving as a hinge or basin for allowing elastomeric material of body 30 to flow during deformation / displacement upon frictional engagement with a gate or blade 52.

[0046] The inner annular recess 16 may extend distally from the distal end of inner flat portion 10 to the proximal end 9 of the distal inner surface 6. It may be defined on its proximal side by a proximal portion 15A of the inner annular recess 16. It may be defined on its distal side by a distal portion 15B of the inner annular recess 16. The proximal 15A and distal 15B portions of the inner annular recess 16 may meet at a trough 17 (i.e., the deepest point of the inner annular recess 16, or a maximum inner diameter of the proximal portion of elastomeric body 30) as depicted. A smooth or sharp transition may be made between each portion 15 A, 15B, 17 of the inner annular recess 16, without limitation. Though the proximal portion 15 A is illustrated to be dimensionally shorter in axial length than the distal portion 15B, the proximal portion 15A may be equally dimensioned with the distal portion 15B, or the proximal portion 15A may be made dimensionally made larger than the distal portion 15B in its axial length, without limitation. Thus, configurations of the inner annular recess 16 may differ from what is expressly shown in the figures, and those skilled in the art may anticipate many alternative embodiments of the depicted exemplary inner annular recess 16, without limitation. The inner annular recess 16 may comprise a groove, notch, depression or any relative reduction in the inner diameter of the elastomeric body 30 proximal to the distal inner surface 6, without limitation.

[0047] In addition to having dimension K and inner annular recess 16, the valve sleeve 1 according to certain embodiments may also be characterized in that it may comprise an outer annular recess 22 and / or dimensions I, G, and H. The outer annular recess 22 may extend proximally from a proximal end of distal outer surface portion 5 (i.e., from a distal end of the outer annular recess 22 to a proximal end 20 of the outer annular recess 22).

[0048] Similar to the inner annular recess 16, the outer annular recess 22 may comprise an indentation into elastomeric body 30 having a radial depth B. The outer annular recess 22 may extend distally from a proximal lead-in portion 25 (of outer surface 33) as shown. The proximal lead-in portion 25 may extend distally along the outer surface 33 from the distal end 24 of nose chamfer 7 as depicted. The distal end of the proximal lead-in portion 25 may comprise the proximal end 20 of the outer annular recess 22. The outer annular recess 22 may be defined on its proximal side by a proximal portion 23A of the outer annular recess 22. The outer annular recess 22 may be defined on its distal side by a distal portion 23B of the outer annular recess 22. The proximal 23A and distal 23B portions of the outer annular recess 22 may meet at a trough 35 (i.e., the deepest point of the outer annular recess 22, or a minimum outer diameter of the proximal portion of elastomeric body 30) as depicted. A smooth or sharp transition may be made between each portion 23A, 23B of the outer annular recess 22, without limitation. Though the proximal portion 23A is illustrated to be dimensionally roughly the same in axial length than the distal portion 23B, the proximal portion 23 A may be dimensioned to be greater than or less than the distal portion 23B, without limitation. Thus, configurations of the outer annular recess 22 may differ from what is expressly shown in the figures, and those skilled in the art may anticipate many alternative embodiments of the depicted exemplary outer annular recess 22, without limitation.

[0049] This outer annular recess 22 has the technical effect of serving as a hinge or basin for allowing elastomeric material of body 30 to flow during deformation / displacement upon frictional engagement with a gate or blade 52. The outer annular recess 22 may comprise a groove, notch, depression or any relative reduction in the outer diameter of the elastomeric body 30 proximal to the distal outer surface 5 or distal to the nose or nose chamfer on the outer surface 33, without limitation. Dimension G depicted in Figure 7 represents an axial distance between the distal end 24 of nose chamfer 7 and the proximal end 20 of the outer annular recess 22 (i.e., Dimension G represents the axial length of proximal lead-in portion 25). Dimension H depicted in Figure 7 represents an axial length of the outer annular recess 22 (e.g., between its proximal 20 and distal 21 ends). Dimension I depicted in Figure 7 represents an axial distance between a distal end 24 of the nose chamfer 7 and a distal end 21 of the outer annular recess 22.

[0050] The valve sleeve 1 according to certain embodiments may also be characterized in that its body 30 may comprise a tapered outer surface 33 on a least a portion thereof. In particular, a distal outer surface portion 5 of the outer surface 33 extending distally from distal end 21 of the outer annular recess 22 to lip 14 may extend at an angle N with respect to cylindrical, as depicted. The angle is preferably greater than 0 degrees and less than about 15 degrees. The taper angle N may extend substantially continuously and / or smoothly between distal end 21 to lip 14 as shown; or, alternatively, the taper angle N may vary or extend non-continuously between 21 and 14 with optional additional surface features or modifications (not shown) provided therebetween, without limitation. In some embodiments (not shown), only a portion of the distal outer surface portion 5 may be tapered. By tapering the distal outer surface portion 5 of the outer surface 33( such that the outer surface 33 is slightly wider near the lip 4 than passageway 55), a gentle frictional force-fit / compression fit / interference fit may be provided to the help retain the valve sleeve 1 within the passageway 55 of the lower valve body or housing 54 prior to securement of the second sleeve retainer portion 58 to the first sleeve retainer portion 56.

[0051] The valve sleeve 1 according to certain embodiments may also be characterized in that dimension R is greater than its predecessor 101, dimension P is smaller than its predecessor 101, dimension D is smaller than its predecessor 101, and / or dimension C is greater than its predecessor 101.

[0052] By “thinning out” the stiffening insert 8 and axially-shortening the stiffening insert 8, less metallic (or other) stiffer material is required for production of the valve sleeve 1 , thus reducing overall manufacturing costs and enabling body 30 to be more pliable and accommodating in response to frictional gate or blade 52 contact. By re-locating the stiffening insert 8 further radially outward from the inner surface 32 (e.g., further offset from proximal end 9), the inner surface 32 of the body 30 is able to erode substantially more before ultimately exposing the stiffening insert 8 to abrasive slurry. This largely extends wear life of the valve sleeve 1 and operational run time of a wide- or open knife gate valve 50 between servicings. By providing a greater distance between nose 2 and proximal end 12 of the stiffening insert (i.e., increasing dimension C), stress-riser “pinch points” 201 are mitigated allowing for longer runtimes without body 30 cracking (due to high shear or fatigue at portions of the body adjacent surfaces of the stiffening insert 8 where the body 30 interfaces with stiffening insert 8). Moreover, wear life at the proximal ends 31 of the valve sleeves 1 is increased before potentially exposing the stiffening insert 8.

[0053] Although the invention has been described in terms of particular embodiments and applications, one of ordinary skill in the art, in light of this teaching, can generate additional embodiments and modifications without departing from the spirit of or exceeding the scope of the claimed invention.

[0054] For brevity, not all possible differences between prior art designs (Figs. 1-3) and embodiments of the invention (Figs. 5-7) have been disclosed or described herein. This description should serve merely as a summary of the embodiments depicted and those skilled in the art would readily be able to appreciate a plethora of additional differences from the figures, rather than relying solely on text. Accordingly, all structural relationships (including features, dimensions, relative dimensions, ratios, and other identifiable relationships between referenced features) expressly depicted in the accompanying drawings are to be construed as being expressly described and referenced herein and / or reserved for future incorporation into claims. Technical features and structural or dimensional relationships inherent or inferred from the drawings, but not expressly described herein in text, shall be deemed to be expressly described herein in as if written in text and fully described as shown.

[0055] Nomenclature and technical terms used in this description and the claims to define features has been chosen for convenience, and it should be understood that specific terms used herein may be replaced with art-recognized equivalents. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the drawings and descriptions herein are proffered by way of example to facilitate comprehension of the invention and should not be construed to limit the scope thereof.

[0056] REFERENCE NUMERAL IDENTIFIERS:

[0057] 1, 101 Valve sleeve (invention 1, prior art 101)

[0058] 2, 102 Nose (near proximal end 31, 131)

[0059] 3, 103 Base of elastomeric body 30, 130 (near distal end 34, 134)

[0060] 4, 104 Lip (e.g., radially-outwardly extending flange) near base 3, 103 and / or distal end 34, 134 of elastomeric body 30, 130

[0061] 5, 105 Distal outer surface portion (of outer sleeve surface 33, 133)

[0062] 6, 106 Distal inner surface portion (of inner sleeve surface 32, 132 - extending between inner distal point 14, 114 of base 3, 103 and proximal end 9, 109 of distal inner surface 6, 106)

[0063] 7, 107 Nose chamfer

[0064] 8, 108 Stiffening insert (e.g., inner annular reinforcing member, band, ring, etc.)

[0065] 9, 109 Proximal end of distal inner surface 6, 106

[0066] 10, 110 Inner flat portion (extending from distal end 19, 119 of inner nose radius 11, 111)

[0067] 11, 111 Inner nose radius

[0068] 12, 112 Proximal end of stiffening insert 8, 108

[0069] 13, 113 Distal end of stiffening insert

[0070] 14, 114 Inner distal point of base 3, 103

[0071] 15A Proximal portion of inner annular recess 16

[0072] 15B Distal portion of inner annular recess 16

[0073] 16 Inner annular recess

[0074] 17 Trough, deepest point of inner annular recess 16, or maximum inner diameter of proximal portion of elastomeric body 30

[0075] 18 Proximal end of inner annular recess 16

[0076] 19, 119 Distal end of inner nose radius 11, 111

[0077] 20 Proximal end of outer annular recess 22

[0078] 21 Distal end of outer annular recess 22

[0079] 22 Outer annular recess

[0080] 23A Proximal portion of outer annular recess 22

[0081] 23B Distal portion of outer annular recess 22

[0082] 24, 124 Distal end of nose chamfer 7, 107

[0083] 25 Proximal lead-in portion (of outer surface 33) 30. 130 Elastomeric body

[0084] 31. 131 Proximal end

[0085] 32, 132 Inner surface

[0086] 33, 133 Outer surface

[0087] 34, 134 Distal end

[0088] 35 Trough, deepest point of outer annular recess 22, or minimum outer diameter of proximal portion of elastomeric body 30

[0089] 50 Knife gate valve

[0090] 51 Actuator (e.g., pneumatic or hydraulic cylinder, electronic actuator, solenoid)

[0091] 52 Gate or blade

[0092] 53 Upper valve body (i.e., gate 52 “guide” or “frames” for gate 52)

[0093] 54 Lower valve body or housing (e.g., flow control region)

[0094] 55 Passageway (e.g., housing inner diameter / ID)

[0095] 56 First sleeve retainer portion (e.g., ring or flange with fastener clearance holes)

[0096] 57 Fastener clearance holes

[0097] 58 Second sleeve retainer portion (e.g., ring or flange with fastener clearance holes)

[0098] 59 Opening

[0099] 60 Fastener

[0100] 200 Bulge

[0101] 201 Stress riser “pinch points”

[0102] 202 Overly-compressed (“bulging”) zone

[0103] 300 Hinge point

[0104] 301 Larger gap (for reduced shear at proximal end 12 of stiffening insert 8)

[0105] 302 Flat profile (“no-bulge” region)

[0106] 303 Flow zone (for “in-fill” of elastomeric body 30 material)

[0107] A Radial width of nose chamfer 7, 107

[0108] B Radial depth of outer annular recess 22

[0109] C Axial distance between nose 2, 102 or proximal end 31, 131 and proximal end 12, 112 of stiffening insert 8, 108

[0110] D Axial length of inner stiffening insert 8, 108

[0111] E Axial distance between distal end 13, 113 of inner stiffening insert 8, 108 and distal end 34, 134 F Axial length of valve sleeve 1, 101 (e.g., between nose 2, 102 and base 3, 103)

[0112] G Axial distance between distal end 24 of nose chamfer 7 and proximal end 20 of outer annular recess 22

[0113] H Axial length of outer annular recess 22 (between proximal 20 and distal 21 ends thereof)

[0114] I Axial distance between distal end 24 of nose chamfer 7 and distal end 21 of outer annular recess

[0115] 22

[0116] J Radial width of elastomeric body 30, 130 (e.g., proximate proximal end 9, 109 of distal inner surface 6, 106 - or proximate distal end 9 of inner annular recess 16)

[0117] K Axial length of inner annular recess 16 between proximal end of distal inner surface 6, 106 and proximal end 18

[0118] L Radial inner width between inner distal point 14, 114 of base 3, 103 and proximal end 9, 109 of distal inner surface 6, 106 (or distal end 9 of inner annular recess 16)

[0119] M Axial distance between base 3, 103 or inner distal point 14, 114 and proximal end 9, 109 of distal inner surface 6, 106 (or distal end 9 of inner annular recess 16)

[0120] N Lead-in chamfer angle of outer surface 5

[0121] O Axial length of inner flat portion 10, 110

[0122] P Radial width of inner stiffening insert 8, 108

[0123] Q Radial depth of inner annular recess 16

[0124] R Maximum radial distance between inner surface 32, 132 and stiffening insert 8, 108

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A valve sleeve (1) for a knife or gate valve (50) comprising: an annular body (30) extending for an axial length (F) between a proximal edge or nose (2) of a proximal surface (31) and a distal portion (3) of a distal surface (34); the body comprising: a polymeric material configured to elastically deform upon contact with a knife or gate (52); an inner sleeve surface (32) and an outer sleeve surface (33), each spanning between the proximal (31) and distal (34) surfaces; an angled, tapered, or sloped surface portion (7) forming a portion of the proximal surface (31) and configured for engaging a knife or gate (52) of the knife or gate valve (50); a distal flange (4) extending radially outwardly from the outer sleeve surface (33) proximate the distal surface (34); a maximum thickness (J) between the inner sleeve surface (32) and the outer sleeve surface (33) in a region of the body (30) which is proximally located with respect to the distal flange (4); wherein a ratio of J:F is less than 2:3 but substantially greater than zero; and an annular reinforcing member (8) disposed within the body (30) and preferably comprising a metallic material which is configured to stiffen the body (30), the annular reinforcing member (8) having a maximum axial length (D) and a maximum radial thickness (P);CHARACTERISED IN THAT one or more of the following statements i.) - iii.) are true'. i.) the annular reinforcing member (8) is located entirely within a proximal half of the body (30) which is located closest to the proximal surface (31); ii.) an annular indentation (16, 22) extends radially into the inner sleeve surface(32) and / or into the outer sleeve surface (33) in a region more adjacent the proximal surface (31) than the distal surface (34), and said annular indentation (16, 22) preferably: a. resides entirely within a proximal half of the body (30) located closest to the proximal surface (31);b. comprises an axial length (K, H) which is less than the maximum axial length (D) of the annular reinforcing member (8); and / or c. completes along a surface (32, 33) at a lower end (9, 21) thereof; the lower end (9, 21) residing within a proximal half of the body (30) located closest to the proximal surface (31) and / or above a distal end 13 of the annular reinforcing member (8); iii.) a radially outermost surface portion (5) of the outer sleeve surface (33) which is proximal to the distal flange (4) follows a taper angle (N) with respect to a central axis of the valve sleeve (1); the taper angle (N) being greater than zero such that the outer sleeve surface (33) is at least partially slightly frustoconical rather than cylindrical.

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

3. The valve sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein portions of the inner sleeve surface (32) which are proximal in relation to a ridge (9) do not extend further radially inwardly than the ridge (9).

4. The valve sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an axial location of the maximum thickness (J) resides within a proximal half of the body (30) located closest to the proximal surface (31).

5. The valve sleeve according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising one or more of the following features in any combination: an axial distance (G) extending between a distal end (24) of a nose chamfer (7) and a proximal end (20) of an outer annular recess (22); an axial length (H) of an outer annular recess (22) extending between a proximal end (20) and a distal (21) end of the outer annular recess (22); an axial distance (I) extending between a distal end (24) of a nose chamfer (7) and distal endan axial length (K) of an inner annular recess (16) extending between a proximal end (9) of a distal inner surface (6) and proximal end (18) of an inner annular recess (16); wherein the axial length (K) is provided: o between axial lengths (M) and (0); o above a proximal end (9) of distal inner surface (6); and / or o above a distal end (13) of an annular reinforcing member (8) a radial depth (Q) of inner annular recess (16) which is greater than zero; a proximal portion (15 A) of an inner annular recess (16) a distal portion (15B) of an inner annular recess (16); a trough (17) comprising a deepest point of inner annular recess (16) or a maximum inner diameter of proximal portion of the body (30); a proximal end (20) of an outer annular recess (22); a distal end (21) of an outer annular recess (22); a proximal portion (23 A) of an outer annular recess (22); a distal portion (23B) of an outer annular recess (22); a trough (35) comprising a deepest point of outer annular recess (22) and / or a minimum outer diameter of proximal portion of elastomeric body (30); a proximal lead-in portion (25) on an outer surface (33) of the body (30); a radial depth (B) of outer annular recess (22), which is greater than zero;

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