Improvements in or relating to valves and methods therefor

Abstract

A method and apparatus are disclosed for a valve for controlling the flow of a fluid under pressure. The valve has a valve body with a first port and a second port. A valve cover engages the valve body. The valve member has an endless skirt and an outer periphery supported by a central stem from the valve cover within the valve body, and has a closed position that prevents fluid flow and an open position that allows fluid flow. When in the closed position, the endless skirt seals against the valve cover at a first sealing diameter (D1). At a second sealing diameter (D2), the endless skirt is in sliding and sealing engagement with the inner periphery of an annular chamber at and between the open and closed positions, defining a first pressure region between D1 and D2 and providing a bias toward the closed position. When in the open position, the endless skirt allows fluid to flow between the first and second ports through the inner diameter of the endless skirt. The central stem is in sliding and sealing engagement with the valve cover at a third sealing diameter (D3), defining a second pressure region that receives fluid and provides a closing bias.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a valve and a method for a valve.

[0002] In particular, but not exclusively, the present invention is directed to what are known as linearly actuated valves, globe valves, and balanced globe valves. [Background technology]

[0003] Each valve has its own advantages and disadvantages that are either emphasized or emphasized and weighed during the valve selection process for each specific application (industry, media, conditions, and requirements of the particular piping system). When the task the valve must address is not too difficult and the valve only needs to be "good enough," the main criteria for selection between valve types are cost, technical affinity, or simply preference.

[0004] It is important to mention that the world of valves has progressed very well, and valve technology has advanced since the Industrial Revolution. An example of this change is that globe valves held a significant portion of the valve market, but have slowly lost their market share, especially in isolation tasks, as more and more valve options have entered the market. A good example is the invention of the ball valve by Crane in the 1940s. Today, ball valves hold a significant share of the market in a very diverse range of industries, operating fluids, and sizes, and are combined with several actuation technologies to control the ball valve.

[0005] Another important characteristic of valves is that they are not the "heart" of a system, and aside from some small-scale domestic use cases, valves are very rarely retail items. The vast majority of valves are sold by companies, through distributors, and sometimes through intermediaries, to users who use them as part of a system to make some other end product or to perform some maintenance. If two valves can do the same "good enough" job to enable whatever task the valve is intended to perform, the remaining difference in value proposition between valve products / types is generally the purchase cost or overall cost of ownership.

[0006] Aside from cost, other purchasing concerns that buyers consider are reliability, uptime, weight, size, compliance with standards, speed of response, and behavior. Generally, there is no doubt that most would argue that the majority of flow control use cases currently have at least useful available valve technology, but there is also no doubt that many flow control tasks use valves that are associated with significant cost and actuator assemblies that many users find problematic.

[0007] Ball valves, so named because their flow control element is shaped like a ball, are often used for sanitary use cases because they have good sealing characteristics and simple operation. However, ball valves also inherently contain cavities (located between the ball and the valve body) that can be difficult to flush. Some sanitary ball valves have additional ports added to the body to clean these cavities, but this adds cost and complexity to assembly and manufacturing. The requirement for high operating torque combined with the need to manufacture a very smooth sphere can also result in significant costs, especially in larger sizes.

[0008] Globe valves (unlike most other valves) are so named because of the ball-like shape of their valve body. Most other valves are named with reference to the shape of their flow control element (also known as the obturator). Globe valves have a movable stopper element that engages a valve seat of either hard or soft (also known as elastomeric) material. Globe valves typically have a body with at least one inlet and at least one outlet, between which the stopper element and valve seat start, stop, and regulate flow between the inlet and outlet. The stopper element is typically attached to a valve stem that moves relative to a valve lid that engages and seals the valve body. The valve body is typically sealed around the valve stem by a packing chamber. The valve stem, and therefore the stopper element, is moved toward and away from the valve seat by the valve stem, which typically engages the lid at a threaded interface; rotation of the valve stem moves the valve stem, and therefore the stopper element, up and down to open or close the valve. Rotation of the valve stem can be manual, for example using a wheel, or by mechanical actuation means, for example a stepper motor or the like, to rotate the valve stem and thereby position the bung element relative to the valve seat as required for the desired flow control. Direct linear actuator methods, which do not involve a threaded interface between the closure and the valve stem, can also be used, which provide only linear rather than helical movement of the valve stem.

[0009] Such valves can have an inlet that is in line with the outlet or an inlet that is at an angle to the outlet, and can be used for gases, liquids, slurries, multiphase fluids, or the like, collectively using the term fluid, which can mean any form of flow that requires stopping, starting, or regulating through a valve.

[0010] A drawback of such globe valves is that a large stem force may be required to create a reliable, leak-free seal. Any valve seating method must create sufficient force between the flow control element and the valve seat to overcome the pressure of the flow being controlled. An unbalanced globe valve (and, by extension, the actuation system) must also overcome the force generated by the pressure differential across the valve. Therefore, for the valve to control high-pressure fluid, the clamping force requirement of the flow control element against the valve seat (seat sealing pressure) must be very high. Also, the pressure required to seal the valve stem through the packing chamber (stem sealing pressure) must be very high, adding to system friction and further increasing actuation forces. These, alone or in combination, result in a valve that is stiff to operate and must have seats and seals designed to absorb high actuation forces, which may have significant wear or require special materials and frequent maintenance.

[0011] Counterbalanced piston / cage-guided globe valves, often referred to as flow-regulating control valves (so-called because the overall work is similar to a ball with a flow-control element moving within the valve body to stop / start and regulate flow within a windowed cylinder called a cage), utilize pressure balancing to significantly reduce the actuation force required to operate the valve. The pressure associated with the process fluid does not have a large pressure area to actuate against the direction of actuation, meaning precise control can be achieved without requiring a large, powerful actuation or valve seat / seal to withstand such large loads or seat sealing pressures. These control valves use a cage housed between the valve cover and body to hold the valve seat and guide the flow-control element. The use of the cage as a guiding element means that the inner surface of the cage must be machined to closely match the piston diameter, thereby adding significant cost to these control valves and making them unsuitable for many use cases simply from a cost perspective. Simply eliminating the cage or using a cage that is not precisely machined is not a practical option for these valves because the piston must be guided through its travel, or a heavy, stiff stem with significant guidance must be used, or there is no longer a means to create a pressure balancing action.

[0012] Rotating the stem orientation of a balanced piston globe valve so that it is coaxial with the flow in a straight-pass valve creates an "axial flow" valve. The most common design for this is that developed by Mokveld. While these valves offer some advantages in packaging size and flow rate over "Z" body style balanced piston control valves, they have the significant drawback of the complexity and high cost of fabricating an internal gearbox or hydraulic system (in the case of the Oxford flow design) to control the movement of the flow control element.

[0013] Butterfly (including double, triple, quadruple, or V-eccentric) valves contain a rotating disc that, when facing the axis of flow, seals against an elastic seat (typically in zero-eccentric, single-eccentric, or double-eccentric valves) or a rigid seat (typically in triple-eccentric, quadruple-eccentric, or V-eccentric valves). Butterfly valves have replaced ball valves in recent decades in some applications due to their lower material costs (especially in larger sizes), but they have the significant drawback of lower flow rates, especially when thicker discs are used in higher-pressure applications. The seating torque of these valves can be significant, and in the partially open state, the flow control element can be subject to large hydrodynamic forces. This means that, while smaller actuators can generally be used for butterfly valves than for ball valves, actuation forces in some applications are still relatively high.

[0014] A further drawback of these valve types is their size, especially when actuated valves are considered. Ball and butterfly valves in many applications require actuators that are often much larger than the valve itself, and for pneumatic actuation, they generally require an internal gearbox (typically a rack and pinion or scotch yoke) to convert linear motion to rotary motion, which adds to the overall system cost. Actuated globe valve assemblies are very tall compared to the size of the valve. In addition to the material use, weight, packaging, and transportation required for such size, the equipment or system in which the valve assembly is installed must have space for such size, physical support for its mass, and additional clearance around the valve assembly for maintenance and disassembly.

[0015] In time- or process-critical facilities, or for large valves, it is often inefficient or undesirable to unbolt and remove the valve from the flow conduit, such as the pipe to which it is attached. Rather, the lid can be removed, and the flow control element, packing chamber, valve body, and actuator are serviced and reassembled as needed, then reinstalled back into the valve body. Therefore, space around the valve assembly to allow access, disassembly, and assembly of such “tall” components is an obvious drawback. If the valve is removed from the piping, this requires additional space around the valve (either designed into the system or “created” during removal by moving / removing other adjacent components) to provide a path for valve removal. Such valves can be heavy and cumbersome. Replacement with an entirely new valve, off-the-shelf (or purchased), can be costly and time-consuming, as the process the valve controls must be interrupted until the replacement valve is installed.

[0016] For axial, ball, and triple eccentric valves, if an additional flanged port (or equivalent port access, such as a threaded port) is not designed into the valve body, the valve may be impossible to service without removing it from the process piping. In some applications, this is a significant problem resulting in increased service intervals and downtime. Adding a "top entry" flange to solve this problem can add significant cost to the manufacturing cost of the valve.

[0017] Such inspection and maintenance requires specialized knowledge of how to disassemble, refill or repair, reassemble, and reinstall the valve head, stem, packing chamber, cage, and flow control element subassemblies. Each step between disassembly and reassembly requires additional time and introduces the possibility of error or contamination. At best, this can compromise valve function, and at worst, it can result in the failure of the system to which or in which the valve is connected.

[0018] Currently known architectures of ball-type valves have numerous changes in flow direction, from inlet to outlet, across the flow control element. Often, the changes in flow direction are across sharp edges that result in pressure loss, wear, cavitation, and turbulence. Wear and cavitation result in shorter intervals between maintenance and inspection. Reducing pressure loss and turbulence can be achieved by using a valve with a larger flow path, but this comes at the expense of a larger valve, thus amplifying the problems previously mentioned.

[0019] Furthermore, prior art valves are either manufactured and assembled for a specific application or are over-specified and not focused on providing a focused, efficient valve. In either case, assembled valves must be maintained in inventory or made to order for each and every application, thus incurring costs in inventory and storage space.

[0020] Valves known to date cannot be customized to the requirements of an application to provide a compact and efficient valve solution, for example, by simply and efficiently changing the flow control element, valve body, and actuator, or to provide a valve that is easily and quickly configurable.

[0021] When installed, globe valves handle materials that are hazardous if they leak, and it is desirable to detect such leaks. If there is a leak, it is also useful from a maintenance perspective to know whether the material the valve handles is hazardous. Therefore, it is desirable to be able to at least detect leaks in such valves at one or more seals or primary sealing interfaces.

[0022] Actuators in valves may need to operate very quickly, so it is an advantage and a requirement to have the ability to prevent the accumulation of gases or materials that would interfere with operation, such as by compression of the gas or the like.

[0023] Valves often handle materials that are hazardous or that could pose problems if left in one place for an extended period of time. For example, valves that handle food cannot be left uncleaned for health reasons. Valves that handle materials with particulates or the like also require regular cleaning. The most efficient and cost-effective way to accomplish this is through a clean-in-place (CIP) method, in which the piping or valve piping is flushed to remove residue and clean the valve and associated pipes and piping. In situations where gaps or the like may exist, such as between the valve and the valve body, material can accumulate and cannot be removed by standard CIP techniques. This poses a hazard and can require regular inspection and disassembly to ensure there are no hazards, which is time-consuming and expensive.

[0024] Actuators for globe valves come in a variety of forms, depending on the force the actuator is required to transmit, the material the valve is controlling, and the control architecture in place or selected to drive the actuator. Valve actuators may require different methods for attaching themselves to the valve body.

[0025] The materials selected for the valve body, actuator and components, and valve member may be made from different materials. Depending on the process or pressure being controlled, there may be a need to have different sealing of the valve member. There may be use to have variations in the properties of the materials at the sealing interface of the valve member and valve actuator, or portions thereof.

[0026] It may be desirable to ensure that the materials and processes being controlled have as smooth, consistent, and low-turbulence flow as possible through the valve. In this way, there is minimal drag, cavitation (and resulting damage), and the valve can be made efficient, i.e., as small as possible for a given flow rate, pressure, and material being handled.

[0027] Where patent specifications, other external documents, or other sources of information are referenced herein, this is generally for the purpose of providing a context for discussing features of the present invention. Unless expressly stated otherwise, reference to such external documents shall not be construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information are prior art in any jurisdiction or form part of the general common knowledge in the art. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0028] It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved valve with improved flow efficiency for a given size, improved ability to perform maintenance, smaller size for a given application or increased ease of adapting the valve for a given installation, improved valve safety including ease of leak detection and operation, ease and security in cleaning the valve, ease of attachment of actuators and valve covers to globe valves, improved or providing versatility in sealing interfaces for globe valves, to overcome the above shortcomings or address the above needs, or at least provide the public with a useful choice. [Means for solving the problem]

[0029] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a valve (1) for controlling the flow of a fluid under pressure, comprising: a valve body (2) with a first port (3) and a second port (4) and defining in part a duct (25) between the first and second ports for ducting fluid flow between the first and second ports; a valve cover (5) removably engaged with the valve body (2) between the first port and the second port to further define a duct; a valve member (6) having an endless skirt (7) supported by a central valve stem (8) in a duct from a valve cover (5), the endless skirt (7) having an outer periphery around which a valve body (2) defines an annular chamber (38), the endless skirt (7) having an inner periphery (9) defining an internal chamber (42), the valve member (6) having a closed position for preventing fluid flow and an open position for allowing fluid flow; Equipped with the endless skirt (7) seals against the valve cover at a first sealing diameter (D1) when in the closed position, the endless skirt is in sliding and sealing engagement with the inner periphery of the annular chamber at a second sealing diameter (D2) in the open and closed positions and therebetween, the first sealing diameter (D1) being larger than the second sealing diameter (D2), a first pressure region being defined between the first and second sealing diameters, the first pressure region receiving a fluid under pressure that provides a bias towards the closed position; the endless skirt, when in the open position, defines an opening between the valve lid and the endless skirt to permit fluid flow between the first port and the second port through the opening and an inner diameter of the endless skirt; the central valve stem is in sliding and sealing engagement with the valve cover at a third sealing diameter (D3) smaller than the second sealing diameter, the third sealing diameter (D3) defining a second pressure region, the second pressure region receiving a fluid under pressure providing a bias toward the closed position; To this end, there is provided a valve (1) which is biased towards the closed position when in either the open or closed position.

[0030] Preferably, the second pressure zone is greater than said first pressure zone.

[0031] Preferably, the valve body has, in addition to the first and second ports, a valve cover opening (41) to which the valve cover is operatively connected to seal the duct.

[0032] Preferably, the valve lid houses or carries an actuator for a central valve stem to move the valve member between the open and closed positions.

[0033] Preferably, the actuator may be actuated by any one or more of the following: pneumatic, fluid, magnetic, mechanical, or electrical.

[0034] Preferably, the actuator, or part thereof, is held or housed within the valve body by the valve lid and extends at least partly into the duct.

[0035] Preferably, the actuator is integral with the lid and valve member.

[0036] Preferably, the actuator, valve cover, and valve member are an integral subassembly that is removable from the valve body.

[0037] Preferably, only the valve member and sealing element separate the inlet and outlet volumes.

[0038] Preferably, the endless skirt extends in an axis parallel to the major axis of the central valve stem and the actuator.

[0039] Preferably, the endless skirt is of constant cross section and is in sliding and sealing engagement with the inner periphery of the cavity, at least over a portion thereof.

[0040] Preferably, the flow regulator is an extension of the actuator or valve lid to the duct through which the valve stem extends.

[0041] Preferably, the flow regulator provides a tangent edge between the valve lid or actuator and the valve stem.

[0042] Preferably, the flow regulator has an opening through which the valve stem extends.

[0043] Preferably, there is a valve stem seal in the opening for slidably sealing the valve stem.

[0044] Preferably, the valve stem seal is biased to seal by fluid pressure.

[0045] Preferably, the location where the stem seal acts on the valve stem is at least partially surrounded by the duct.

[0046] Preferably, the flow conditioner may be selected based on the type of fluid, e.g., depending on the viscosity, phase, contents, and desired effect, e.g., to keep the flow laminar, to keep the flow turbulent, to remove cavitation, to add cavitation, to enhance mixing, or the like.

[0047] Preferably, the flow conditioner helps direct the flow of fluid through the endless skirt, keeping the flow aligned.

[0048] Preferably, the flow path through the valve body between the first and second ports is of constant cross-section or flow area.

[0049] Preferably, when the valve member is in the open position, there is a continuous curvature provided by the tangent edges between the valve body, the uppermost and lowermost edges of the endless skirt, and the valve lid, through the flow regulator and the valve stem.

[0050] Preferably, adjacent the valve member is a flow splitter, which may be upstream of the valve member or downstream of the valve member, depending on the flow orientation through the valve.

[0051] Preferably, the duct between the first and second ports has a continuous curvature without sharp edges, except for the flow splitter, if present.

[0052] Preferably, the flow splitter splits the flow vertically, horizontally, or both.

[0053] Preferably, the flow splitter directs flow to enhance flow through or from the endless skirt.

[0054] Preferably, the endless skirt provides an annular sealing surface for engaging and sealing against a surface providing the interior of the duct of the valve cover when in the closed position.

[0055] Preferably, the endless skirt is supported by at least one vane from the central valve stem.

[0056] Preferably, there are multiple blades.

[0057] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow conditioner extends into the endless skirt.

[0058] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow regulator extends on either side of the at least one vane when the valve member is in the open or closed position to provide a relief in the flow regulator through which the at least one vane can pass.

[0059] Preferably, the valve is biased closed by the pressure of the fluid it controls.

[0060] Preferably, there is a spring that biases the valve closed in the absence of pressure.

[0061] Preferably, the spring force is significantly less than the force resulting from the pressure field and the design pressure of the valve.

[0062] Preferably, the spring provides a preload force that is greater than the force acting to open the valve from the presence of a vacuum within the valve and atmospheric pressure acting outside the valve.

[0063] Preferably, the first port and the second port share the same or parallel axes, and the valve cover and valve member are positioned at an angle between 15 and 75 degrees relative to the axis of the first port and the axis of the second port.

[0064] Preferably, the only part of the valve cover and actuator exposed to the fluid-filled region of the duct is the face of the actuator, including that part of the actuator that the valve member seals against.

[0065] Preferably, the only net pressure force that the valve lid and actuator experience from the fluid is a net force in the axial direction of the valve lid and actuator.

[0066] Preferably, the outer periphery of the valve member seal substantially matches the outer diameter of the valve lid, actuator, and / or flow regulator so that when the valve member is in the closed position, the valve lid, actuator, and / or flow regulator are exposed to little or no fluid, and thus the valve lid, actuator, and valve member subassembly can be removed from the valve body as a subassembly.

[0067] Preferably, the outer periphery of the first seal substantially matches the outer diameter of the valve cover, and the outer diameter of the valve cover does not deviate significantly from the outer diameter of the sealing boundary of the valve member so that there is no significant pressure area (net or otherwise) that can be acted upon by pressure in the annular chamber.

[0068] Preferably, the valve member defines a sealing surface between the first diameter and the fourth diameter, the area of ​​the sealing surface being selected for a given fluid pressure and the hardness of the material of the valve lid and valve member such that when in the closed position, either or both of the valve lid and valve member undergo elastic transient (local plastic) or plastic deformation, at least at the sealing surface.

[0069] Preferably, the valve cover is retained to the valve body by any one or more of the following: a plurality of bolts such as in a circular arrangement; an internal circlip for engaging above the valve cover; an internal circlip for engaging below the valve body; threading of the valve cover onto the valve body; an external collar for engaging above the valve cover; an external collar for engaging below the valve body; an internal collar for engaging above the valve cover; an internal collar for engaging below the valve body.

[0070] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a valve (1) for controlling the flow of a fluid, comprising: a valve body (2) with a first port (3) and a second port (4), the valve body being defined solely by an outer wall (43) extending between the first port (3) and the second port, the outer wall having an outer surface (44), and through the thickness of the outer wall (43), diametrically opposite the outer surface (44), the outer wall (43) having an inner surface (45), the inner surface defining a duct (25) between the first port (3) and the second port (4), the inner surface (45) being in contact with the fluid in use and the outer surface (44) not being in contact with the fluid; a valve cover (5) that partially surrounds the duct (25) between the first port (3) and the second port (4) and is removably engaged with the valve body (2); a valve member (6) having a closed position and an open position with an endless skirt (7) supported from a central stem (8) in a duct (25), the central stem (8) being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover (5), the endless skirt (7) being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference (9) of the duct in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt (7) also engaging and sealing with the valve cover (5) when in the closed position and defining an opening (10) between the valve cover (5) and the endless skirt (7) when in the open position, wherein fluid can flow through the opening (10) and through an inner diameter (30) of the endless skirt (7); The valve (1) is provided with:

[0071] Preferably, the valve (1) has smooth flow through the cavity and valve member.

[0072] In another aspect, the present invention provides a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: a valve body with a first port and a second port, the valve body defined by an outer wall defining a duct between the first port and the second port, the outer wall having an inner surface in fluid contact with the fluid, and directly opposite the inner surface through a thickness of the wall, the outer wall having an outer surface that is not in fluid contact with the fluid, and the valve disc having no walls in fluid contact on either side; a valve cover partially enclosing the duct between the first port and the second port and removably engaged with the valve body; a valve member having a closed position and an open position with an endless skirt supported in a duct from a central stem, the central stem being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference of the duct in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt also engaging and sealing with the valve cover when in the closed position and defining an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt when in the open position, wherein fluid can flow through the opening and through an inner diameter of the endless skirt; The valve is provided with:

[0073] Preferably, the valve body does not have walls in fluid contact on either side of the valve body.

[0074] Preferably, the valve body is defined only by an outer wall, the inner surface of the outer wall being in contact with the fluid and the outer surface not being in contact with the fluid.

[0075] Preferably, the valve member defines a sealing surface between the first diameter and the fourth diameter, the area of ​​the sealing surface being selected for a given fluid pressure and the hardness of the material of the valve lid and valve member such that when in the closed position, either or both of the valve lid and valve member undergo elastic transient (local plastic) or plastic deformation, at least at the sealing surface.

[0076] Preferably, the valve cover is retained to the valve body by any one or more of the following: a plurality of bolts such as in a circular arrangement; an internal circlip for engaging above the valve cover; an internal circlip for engaging below the valve body; threading of the valve cover onto the valve body; an external collar for engaging above the valve cover; an external collar for engaging below the valve body; an internal collar for engaging above the valve cover; an internal collar for engaging below the valve body.

[0077] Preferably, the flow regulator is an extension of the actuator or valve lid to the duct through which the valve stem extends.

[0078] Preferably, the flow regulator provides a tangent edge between the valve lid or actuator and the valve stem.

[0079] Preferably, the flow regulator has an opening through which the valve stem extends.

[0080] Preferably, there is a valve stem seal in the opening for slidably sealing the valve stem.

[0081] Preferably, the valve stem seal is biased to seal by fluid pressure.

[0082] Preferably, the flow conditioner may be selected based on the type of fluid, e.g., depending on the viscosity, phase, contents, and desired effect, e.g., to keep the flow laminar, to keep the flow turbulent, to remove cavitation, to add cavitation, to enhance mixing, or the like.

[0083] Preferably, the flow conditioner helps direct the flow of fluid through the endless skirt, keeping the flow aligned.

[0084] Preferably, the flow path through the valve body between the first and second ports is of constant cross-section or flow area.

[0085] Preferably, when the valve member is in the open position, there is a continuous curvature provided by the tangent edges between the valve body, the uppermost and lowermost edges of the endless skirt, and the valve lid, through the flow regulator and the valve stem.

[0086] Preferably, adjacent the valve member is a flow splitter, which may be upstream of the valve member or downstream of the valve member, depending on the flow orientation through the valve.

[0087] Preferably, the duct between the first and second ports has a continuous curvature without sharp edges, except for the flow splitter, if present.

[0088] Preferably, the flow splitter splits the flow vertically, horizontally, or both.

[0089] Preferably, the flow splitter directs flow to enhance flow through or from the endless skirt.

[0090] Preferably, the endless skirt provides an annular sealing surface for engaging and sealing against a surface providing the interior of the duct of the valve cover when in the closed position.

[0091] Preferably, the endless skirt is supported by at least one vane from the central valve stem.

[0092] Preferably, there are multiple blades.

[0093] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow conditioner extends into the endless skirt.

[0094] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow regulator extends on either side of the at least one vane when the valve member is in the open or closed position to provide a relief in the flow regulator through which the at least one vane can pass.

[0095] In another aspect, the present invention provides a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: a valve body with a first port and a second port; a valve cover removably engaged with the valve body between the first port and the second port, the valve cover defining a duct with the valve body between the first port and the second port; a valve member having a closed position and an open position with an endless skirt supported from a central stem within a cavity, the central stem being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference of the duct in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt also engaging and sealing with the valve cover when in the closed position and defining an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt when in the open position, and through which fluid can flow through an inner diameter of the endless skirt when in the open position; at least one fluid-tight seal between the exterior of the central stem and the interior of the valve cover, or between the exterior of the valve cover and the interior of the valve body; at least one fluid port from the exterior of the valve body to either one or more of the interior of the valve lid or the exterior of the valve lid to equalize the interior of the valve lid with the exterior of the valve body or to detect fluid leakage past at least one seal; In a valve comprising or including:

[0096] Preferably, the actuator is at least partially within the lid, and when the actuator moves, at least one fluid port causes the lid to equalize with the exterior of the valve body.

[0097] Preferably, the at least one fluid-tight seal is a primary stem seal for sealing between the portion of the central stem extending into the duct and the remainder of the central stem, the primary stem seal being located between the exterior of the central stem and the interior of the valve cover.

[0098] Preferably, at least one fluid port is in fluid communication above the primary valve stem seal to allow detection of leakage through the primary valve stem seal.

[0099] Preferably, at least one fluid-tight seal is a primary valve cover seal for sealing between a portion of the valve cover extending into the duct and the remainder of the valve cover, the primary valve cover seal being located between the exterior of the valve cover and the interior of the valve body.

[0100] Preferably, at least one fluid port is a second fluid port that allows for detection of pressure or fluid above the primary lid seal and thus determines the presence of fluid leakage past the primary lid seal.

[0101] Preferably, the at least one fluid port is a third fluid port in fluid communication between the primary stem seal and the second fluid port to allow detection of leaks from either the primary stem seal or both the primary valve cover seal.

[0102] Preferably, above the primary stem seal is a secondary stem seal.

[0103] Preferably, at least one fluid port is capable of detecting leakage from the primary and secondary stem seals.

[0104] Preferably, the third fluid port is in fluid communication between the primary stem seal and the secondary stem seal.

[0105] Preferably, the valve member defines a sealing surface between the first diameter and the fourth diameter, the area of ​​the sealing surface being selected for a given fluid pressure and the hardness of the material of the valve lid and valve member such that when in the closed position, either or both of the valve lid and valve member undergo elastic transient (local plastic) or plastic deformation, at least at the sealing surface.

[0106] Preferably, the valve cover is retained to the valve body by any one or more of the following: a plurality of bolts such as in a circular arrangement; an internal circlip for engaging above the valve cover; an internal circlip for engaging below the valve body; threading of the valve cover onto the valve body; an external collar for engaging above the valve cover; an external collar for engaging below the valve body; an internal collar for engaging above the valve cover; an internal collar for engaging below the valve body.

[0107] Preferably, the flow regulator is an extension of the actuator or valve lid to the duct through which the valve stem extends.

[0108] Preferably, the flow regulator provides a tangent edge between the valve lid or actuator and the valve stem.

[0109] Preferably, the flow regulator has an opening through which the valve stem extends.

[0110] Preferably, there is a valve stem seal in the opening for slidably sealing the valve stem.

[0111] Preferably, the valve stem seal is biased to seal by fluid pressure.

[0112] Preferably, the flow conditioner may be selected based on the type of fluid, e.g., depending on the viscosity, phase, contents, and desired effect, e.g., to keep the flow laminar, to keep the flow turbulent, to remove cavitation, to add cavitation, to enhance mixing, or the like.

[0113] Preferably, the flow conditioner helps direct the flow of fluid through the endless skirt, keeping the flow aligned.

[0114] Preferably, the flow path through the valve body between the first and second ports is of constant cross-section or flow area.

[0115] Preferably, when the valve member is in the open position, there is a continuous curvature provided by the tangent edges between the valve body, the uppermost and lowermost edges of the endless skirt, and the valve lid, through the flow regulator and the valve stem.

[0116] Preferably, adjacent the valve member is a flow splitter, which may be upstream of the valve member or downstream of the valve member, depending on the flow orientation through the valve.

[0117] Preferably, the duct between the first and second ports has a continuous curvature without sharp edges, except for the flow splitter, if present.

[0118] Preferably, the flow splitter splits the flow vertically, horizontally, or both.

[0119] Preferably, the flow splitter directs flow to enhance flow through or from the endless skirt.

[0120] Preferably, the endless skirt provides an annular sealing surface for engaging and sealing against a surface providing the interior of the duct of the valve cover when in the closed position.

[0121] Preferably, the endless skirt is supported by at least one vane from the central valve stem.

[0122] Preferably, there are multiple blades.

[0123] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow conditioner extends into the endless skirt.

[0124] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow regulator extends on either side of the at least one vane when the valve member is in the open or closed position to provide a relief in the flow regulator through which the at least one vane can pass.

[0125] In another aspect, the present invention provides a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: a valve body with a first port and a second port; a valve cover removably engaged with the valve body between the first port and the second port and defining a duct between the first port and the second port; a valve member having a closed position and an open position with an endless skirt supported from a central stem within a cavity, the central stem being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference of the duct in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt also engaging and sealing with the valve cover when in the closed position and defining an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt when in the open position, and through which fluid can flow through an inner diameter of the endless skirt when in the open position; at least one flush passage in fluid communication between the inner periphery of the duct and the outer periphery of the endless skirt when in the open position from upstream of the endless skirt to downstream of the endless skirt; In a valve comprising or including:

[0126] Preferably, at least one flush passage is provided by a removable insert.

[0127] Preferably, the removable insert is the same diameter as or smaller than the valve cover so that it can be withdrawn from the valve body in the same direction as the valve cover.

[0128] Preferably, the removable insert is screwed, pushed, snapped or otherwise secured to the valve body.

[0129] Preferably, there are multiple flush passages.

[0130] Preferably, the valve member defines a sealing surface between the first diameter and the fourth diameter, the area of ​​the sealing surface being selected for a given fluid pressure and the hardness of the material of the valve lid and valve member such that when in the closed position, either or both of the valve lid and valve member undergo elastic transient (local plastic) or plastic deformation, at least at the sealing surface.

[0131] Preferably, the valve cover is retained to the valve body by any one or more of the following: a plurality of bolts such as in a circular arrangement; an internal circlip for engaging above the valve cover; an internal circlip for engaging below the valve body; threading of the valve cover onto the valve body; an external collar for engaging above the valve cover; an external collar for engaging below the valve body; an internal collar for engaging above the valve cover; an internal collar for engaging below the valve body.

[0132] Preferably, the flow regulator is an extension of the actuator or valve lid to the duct through which the valve stem extends.

[0133] Preferably, the flow regulator provides a tangent edge between the valve lid or actuator and the valve stem.

[0134] Preferably, the flow regulator has an opening through which the valve stem extends.

[0135] Preferably, there is a valve stem seal in the opening for slidably sealing the valve stem.

[0136] Preferably, the valve stem seal is biased to seal by fluid pressure.

[0137] Preferably, the flow conditioner may be selected based on the type of fluid, e.g., depending on the viscosity, phase, contents, and desired effect, e.g., to keep the flow laminar, to keep the flow turbulent, to remove cavitation, to add cavitation, to enhance mixing, or the like.

[0138] Preferably, the flow conditioner helps direct the flow of fluid through the endless skirt, keeping the flow aligned.

[0139] Preferably, the flow path through the valve body between the first and second ports is of constant cross-section or flow area.

[0140] Preferably, when the valve member is in the open position, there is a continuous curvature provided by the tangent edges between the valve body, the uppermost and lowermost edges of the endless skirt, and the valve lid, through the flow regulator and the valve stem.

[0141] Preferably, adjacent the valve member is a flow splitter, which may be upstream of the valve member or downstream of the valve member, depending on the flow orientation through the valve.

[0142] Preferably, the duct between the first and second ports has a continuous curvature without sharp edges, except for the flow splitter, if present.

[0143] Preferably, the flow splitter splits the flow vertically, horizontally, or both.

[0144] Preferably, the flow splitter directs flow to enhance flow through or from the endless skirt.

[0145] Preferably, the endless skirt provides an annular sealing surface for engaging and sealing against a surface providing the interior of the duct of the valve cover when in the closed position.

[0146] Preferably, the endless skirt is supported by at least one vane from the central valve stem.

[0147] Preferably, there are multiple blades.

[0148] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow conditioner extends into the endless skirt.

[0149] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow regulator extends on either side of the at least one vane when the valve member is in the open or closed position to provide a relief in the flow regulator through which the at least one vane can pass.

[0150] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: a valve body with at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a valve cover removably engaged with the valve body between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, the valve cover defining a cavity between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet; a valve member having a closed position and an open position with an endless skirt supported from a central stem within a cavity, the central stem being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference of the cavity in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt also engaging and sealing with the valve cover when in the closed position and defining an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt when in the open position, wherein fluid can flow through the opening and through an inner diameter of the endless skirt; comprising or including When the valve member is in the open position: The most upstream edge of the endless skirt, the downstream-most edge of the endless skirt, and / or The downstream edge of the operculum where it transitions into the stem exhibiting tangent edges between any one or more of Thus, a valve having smooth flow through the cavity and the valve member is provided.

[0151] Preferably, the inner diameter defines an interior chamber.

[0152] Preferably, the downstream pressure area defined by the diameter of the valve stem seal is greater than the downstream facing pressure area, but not more than 20% greater, and is combined with an actuator bias of sufficient force to hold the valve closed against a vacuum condition in the internal chamber.

[0153] Preferably, the valve body and valve lid or actuator define an annular chamber that is fluidly connected to the internal chamber when the valve member is in the open position.

[0154] In one form of the invention, the annular chamber is in the inlet volume and is connected to the valve member when in the open position, and the internal chamber is connected to the outlet volume, however, in other configurations this may be reversed, with the inlet volume being connected to the internal chamber, which in turn is connected to the annular chamber, which is in the outlet volume when the valve is in the open position.

[0155] Preferably, a seal pack is secured to the valve lid from the fluid side of the valve lid, providing a seal between the process medium and the atmosphere.

[0156] Preferably, no part of the annular chamber in which the valve member slides is located within the diameter of the seal between the valve body and the valve member.

[0157] Preferably, the fluid pressure acts on the entire surface area of ​​the valve member to bias it open, or on the entire surface area of ​​the valve member to bias it closed, or there is an overall balance of the surface area of ​​the valve member such that it is neutrally biased by the fluid pressure.

[0158] Preferably, the entire surface area is provided by an upstream facing surface at the outer diameter of the endless member.

[0159] Preferably, the entire surface area is provided by a downstream facing surface at the outer diameter of the endless member.

[0160] Preferably, the valve is biased closed by the pressure of the fluid it controls.

[0161] Alternatively, the valve is counterbalanced to allow easier opening.

[0162] Preferably, a first pressure zone defined by the frontal area (e.g., diameter) of the valve stem is matched to a second pressure zone defined by the difference between the face seal diameter and the seal between the body and the endless skirt so that the valve member is not biased by the pressure of the fluid upstream and downstream of it.

[0163] Alternatively, a first pressure area defined by the frontal area (e.g., diameter) of the valve stem is greater than a second pressure area defined by the difference between the face seal diameter and the seal between the body and the endless skirt to ensure pressure-assisted closure of the valve member when greater pressure is present on either side of the valve.

[0164] Preferably, the valve stem allows fluids (whether the same or different) to flow through its interior and to or towards the inner diameter.

[0165] Preferably, the valve member defines a sealing surface between the first diameter and the fourth diameter, the area of ​​the sealing surface being selected for a given fluid pressure and the hardness of the material of the valve lid and valve member such that when in the closed position, either or both of the valve lid and valve member undergo elastic transient (local plastic) or plastic deformation, at least at the sealing surface.

[0166] Preferably, the valve cover is retained to the valve body by any one or more of the following: a plurality of bolts such as in a circular arrangement; an internal circlip for engaging above the valve cover; an internal circlip for engaging below the valve body; threading of the valve cover onto the valve body; an external collar for engaging above the valve cover; an external collar for engaging below the valve body; an internal collar for engaging above the valve cover; an internal collar for engaging below the valve body.

[0167] Preferably, the flow regulator is an extension of the actuator or valve lid to the duct through which the valve stem extends.

[0168] Preferably, the flow regulator provides a tangent edge between the valve lid or actuator and the valve stem.

[0169] Preferably, the flow regulator has an opening through which the valve stem extends.

[0170] Preferably, there is a valve stem seal in the opening for slidably sealing the valve stem.

[0171] Preferably, the valve stem seal is biased to seal by fluid pressure.

[0172] Preferably, the flow conditioner may be selected based on the type of fluid, e.g., depending on the viscosity, phase, contents, and desired effect, e.g., to keep the flow laminar, to keep the flow turbulent, to remove cavitation, to add cavitation, to enhance mixing, or the like.

[0173] Preferably, the flow conditioner helps direct the flow of fluid through the endless skirt, keeping the flow aligned.

[0174] Preferably, the flow path through the valve body between the first and second ports is of constant cross-section or flow area.

[0175] Preferably, when the valve member is in the open position, there is a continuous curvature provided by the tangent edges between the valve body, the uppermost and lowermost edges of the endless skirt, and the valve lid, through the flow regulator and the valve stem.

[0176] Preferably, adjacent the valve member is a flow splitter, which may be upstream of the valve member or downstream of the valve member, depending on the flow orientation through the valve.

[0177] Preferably, the duct between the first and second ports has a continuous curvature without sharp edges, except for the flow splitter, if present.

[0178] Preferably, the flow splitter splits the flow vertically, horizontally, or both.

[0179] Preferably, the flow splitter directs flow to enhance flow through or from the endless skirt.

[0180] Preferably, the endless skirt provides an annular sealing surface for engaging and sealing against a surface providing the interior of the duct of the valve cover when in the closed position.

[0181] Preferably, the endless skirt is supported by at least one vane from the central valve stem.

[0182] Preferably, there are multiple blades.

[0183] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow conditioner extends into the endless skirt.

[0184] Preferably, at least a portion of the flow conditioner extends on either side of the at least one vane when the valve member is in the open or closed position.

[0185] In an alternative design, the face seal diameter and seal between the skirt and body are matched to avoid creating a pressure area, and an additional seal between the skirt and valve body is included, where the difference in pressure area between the two body-skirt seals is matched with the stem seal area, resulting in an overall neutrally balanced valve member.

[0186] With the exception of the flow deflector and sealing system mounted on the wetted side of the lid, there are preferably no bolted or threaded connections between the surface of the lid exposed to the interior chamber and the mounting connection of the lid to the valve body.

[0187] In another aspect, the invention broadly relates to a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: a valve body with at least one inlet and at least one outlet; a valve cover removably engaged with the valve body between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, the valve cover defining a cavity between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet; a valve member having a closed position and an open position with an endless skirt supported from a central stem within a cavity, the central stem being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference of the cavity in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt also engaging and sealing with the valve cover when in the closed position and defining an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt when in the open position, wherein fluid can flow through the opening and through an inner diameter of the endless skirt; wherein the valve comprises or includes a plurality of openings, such that a valve having smooth flow through the cavity and the valve member is provided, the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet share the same or parallel axes, and the valve cover and the valve member are positioned at an angle between 15 and 75 degrees relative to the inlet axis and the outlet axis.

[0188] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for providing a valve (1) for controlling the flow of a fluid under pressure, comprising the steps of: providing a valve body (2) with a first port (3) and a second port (4), partially defining a duct (25) between the first and second ports, and for directing fluid flow through the duct between the first and second ports; providing a valve cover (5) removably engaged with the valve body (2) between the first port and the second port to further define a duct; providing a valve member (6) having an endless skirt (7) supported by a central valve stem (8) in a duct from a valve cover (5), the endless skirt (7) having an outer periphery around which the valve body (2) defines an annular chamber (38), the endless skirt (7) having an inner periphery (9) defining an internal chamber (42), the valve member (6) having a closed position to prevent fluid flow and an open position to allow fluid flow; configuring an endless skirt (7) to seal against the valve lid at a first sealing diameter (D1) when in a closed position, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner periphery of the annular chamber at a second sealing diameter (D2) in and between the open and closed positions, the first sealing diameter (D1) being larger than the second sealing diameter (D2), a first pressure region being defined between the first and second sealing diameters, the first pressure region receiving a fluid under pressure that provides a bias towards the closed position; Including, the endless skirt, when in the open position, defines an opening between the valve lid and the endless skirt to permit fluid flow between the first port and the second port through the opening and an inner diameter of the endless skirt; The method includes providing a valve in sliding and sealing engagement with the valve cover at a third sealing diameter (D3) smaller than the second sealing diameter, the third sealing diameter (D3) defining a second pressure region, the second pressure region receiving a fluid under pressure that provides a bias toward the closed position, thereby providing a valve that is biased toward the closed position when in either the open or closed position.

[0189] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a valve (1) for controlling fluid flow, comprising: providing a valve body (2) with a first port (3) and a second port (4), the valve body being defined solely by an outer wall (43) extending between the first port (3) and the second port, the outer wall having an outer surface (44), and through the thickness of the outer wall (43), diametrically opposite the outer surface (44), the outer wall (43) having an inner surface (45), the inner surface defining a duct (25) between the first port (3) and the second port (4), the inner surface (45) being in contact with a fluid in use and the outer surface (44) not being in contact with the fluid; providing a valve cover (5) that partially surrounds the duct (25) between the first port (3) and the second port (4) and that is removably engaged with the valve body (2); providing a valve member (6) with an endless skirt (7) supported from a central stem (8) in a duct (25) and having a closed position and an open position, the central stem (8) being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover (5), the endless skirt (7) being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference (9) of the duct in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt (7) also engaging and sealing with the valve cover (5) when in the closed position and defining an opening (10) between the valve cover (5) and the endless skirt (7) when in the open position, and wherein fluid can flow through the opening (10) and through an inner diameter (30) of the endless skirt (7) when in the open position; Including, Thus, in a method, a valve (1) is provided that has a smooth flow through the cavity and valve member.

[0190] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: providing a valve body with a first port and a second port, the valve body defined by an outer wall defining a duct between the first port and the second port, the outer wall having an inner surface in fluid contact with the fluid, and directly opposite the inner surface through a thickness of the wall, the outer wall having an outer surface that is not in fluid contact with the fluid, the valve disc having no walls in fluid contact on either side; providing a valve cover partially enclosing the duct between the first port and the second port and removably engaged with the valve body; providing a valve member with an endless skirt supported from a central stem in the duct, the valve member having a closed position and an open position, the central stem being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference of the duct in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt also engaging and sealing with the valve cover when in the closed position and defining an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt when in the open position, and wherein fluid can flow through the opening and through an inner diameter of the endless skirt when in the open position; Including, Thus, in a method, a valve is provided that has smooth flow through the cavity and the valve member.

[0191] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: providing a valve body with a first port and a second port; providing a valve cover removably engaged with the valve body between the first port and the second port, the valve cover defining a duct with the valve body between the first port and the second port; providing a valve member with an endless skirt supported from a central stem within a cavity, the valve member having a closed position and an open position, the central stem being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference of the duct in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt also engaging and sealing with the valve cover when in the closed position and defining an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt when in the open position, and through which fluid can flow through an inner diameter of the endless skirt when in the open position; providing at least one fluid-tight seal between an exterior of the central stem and an interior of the valve cover, or between an exterior of the valve cover and an interior of the valve body; providing at least one fluid port from the exterior of the valve body to any one or more of the interior of the valve lid or the exterior of the valve lid to equalize the interior of the valve lid with the exterior of the valve body or to detect fluid leakage past at least one seal; The method comprises or includes:

[0192] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of operating a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising: providing a valve body with a first port and a second port; providing a valve cover removably engaged with the valve body between the first port and the second port, the valve cover defining a duct between the first port and the second port; providing a valve member with an endless skirt supported from a central stem within a cavity, the valve member having a closed position and an open position, the central stem being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference of the duct in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt also engaging and sealing with the valve cover when in the closed position and defining an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt when in the open position, and through which fluid can flow through an inner diameter of the endless skirt when in the open position; providing at least one flush passageway in fluid communication between an inner periphery of the duct and an outer periphery of the endless skirt when in the open position, from upstream of the endless skirt to downstream of the endless skirt; The method comprises or includes:

[0193] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of providing a valve for controlling fluid flow, comprising the steps of: providing a valve body with at least one inlet and at least one outlet; providing a valve cover removably engaged with the valve body between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, the valve cover defining a cavity between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet; providing a valve member with an endless skirt of constant outer cross section supported from a central stem within a cavity, the valve member having a closed position and an open position, the central stem being in sliding and sealing engagement with a valve cover, the endless skirt being in sliding and sealing engagement with an inner circumference of the cavity in and between the open and closed positions, the endless skirt also engaging and sealing with the valve cover when in the closed position and defining an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt when in the open position, and wherein fluid can flow through the opening and through an inner diameter of the endless skirt when in the open position; comprising or including When the valve member is in the open position: The most upstream edge of the endless skirt, the downstream-most edge of the endless skirt, and / or The downstream edge of the operculum where it transitions into the stem exhibiting tangent edges between any one or more of Thus, in a method, a valve is provided that has smooth flow through the cavity and the valve member.

[0194] Preferably, the valve body has, in addition to the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet, a valve cover opening to which the valve cover is operatively connected to seal the cavity.

[0195] Preferably, the valve lid houses or carries an actuator for the valve stem to move the valve member between the open and closed positions.

[0196] Preferably, the actuator may be actuated by any one or more of the following: pneumatic, fluid, magnetic, mechanical, or electrical.

[0197] Preferably, the actuator, or part thereof, is retained or housed within the valve body by the valve lid and extends at least partially into the cavity.

[0198] Preferably, the actuator is integral with the lid and valve member.

[0199] Preferably, the actuator, valve cover, and valve member are an integral subassembly that is removable from the valve body.

[0200] Preferably, the valve body and valve lid or actuator define an annular chamber that is fluidly connected to the internal chamber when the valve member is in the open position.

[0201] In one form of the invention, the annular chamber is in the inlet volume and is connected to the valve member when in the open position, and the internal chamber is connected to the outlet volume, however, in other configurations this may be reversed, with the inlet volume being connected to the internal chamber, which in turn is connected to the annular chamber, which is in the outlet volume when the valve is in the open position.

[0202] Preferably, only the valve member and sealing element separate the inlet and outlet volumes.

[0203] Preferably, the flow regulator is an extension of the actuator or valve lid into the cavity through which the valve stem extends.

[0204] Preferably, the flow regulator provides a tangent edge between the valve lid or actuator and the valve stem.

[0205] Preferably, the flow regulator has an opening through which the valve stem extends.

[0206] Preferably, there is a valve stem seal in the opening for slidably sealing the valve stem.

[0207] Preferably the stem seal is biased to seal by fluid pressure. Preferably the location where the stem seal acts on the valve stem is at least partially surrounded by a cavity.

[0208] Preferably, a seal pack is secured to the valve lid from the fluid side of the valve lid, providing a seal between the process medium and the atmosphere.

[0209] Preferably, no part of the annular cavity in which the valve member slides is located within the diameter of the seal between the valve body and the valve member.

[0210] Preferably, the flow conditioner may be selected based on the type of fluid, e.g., depending on the viscosity, phase, contents, and desired effect, e.g., to keep the flow laminar, to keep the flow turbulent, to remove cavitation, to add cavitation, to enhance mixing, or the like.

[0211] Preferably, the flow conditioner helps direct the flow of fluid through or from the endless skirt to keep the flow on track.

[0212] Preferably, the flow path through the valve body from the at least one inlet to the at least one outlet is of constant cross section.

[0213] Preferably, when the valve member is in the open position, there is a continuous curvature provided by the tangent edges between the valve body, the uppermost and lowermost edges of the endless skirt, and the valve lid, through the flow regulator and the valve stem.

[0214] Preferably, adjacent the valve member is a flow splitter, which may be upstream of the valve member or downstream of the valve member, depending on the flow orientation through the valve.

[0215] Preferably, the gap between the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet has a continuous curvature without sharp edges, except for the flow splitter, if present.

[0216] Preferably, the flow splitter splits the flow vertically, horizontally, or both.

[0217] Preferably, the flow splitter directs flow to enhance flow through or from the endless skirt.

[0218] Preferably, the endless skirt provides an annular sealing surface for engaging and sealing against a surface providing the interior of the valve lid cavity when in the closed position.

[0219] Preferably, the endless skirt is supported by at least one vane from the central valve stem.

[0220] Preferably, there are multiple blades.

[0221] Preferably, the fluid pressure acts on the entire surface area of ​​the valve member to bias it open, or on the entire surface area of ​​the valve member to bias it closed, or there is an overall balance of the surface area of ​​the valve member such that it is neutrally biased by the fluid pressure.

[0222] Preferably, the entire surface area is provided by an upstream facing surface at the outer diameter of the endless member.

[0223] Preferably, the entire surface area is provided by a downstream facing surface at the outer diameter of the endless member.

[0224] Preferably, the valve is biased closed by the pressure of the fluid it controls.

[0225] Alternatively, the valve is counterbalanced to allow easier opening.

[0226] Preferably, a first pressure zone defined by the frontal area (e.g., diameter) of the valve stem is matched to a second pressure zone defined by the difference between the face seal diameter and the seal between the body and the endless skirt so that the valve member is not biased by the pressure of the fluid upstream and downstream of it.

[0227] Alternatively, a first pressure area defined by the frontal area (e.g., diameter) of the valve stem is greater than a second pressure area defined by the difference between the face seal diameter and the seal between the body and the endless skirt to ensure pressure-assisted closure of the valve member when greater pressure is present on either side of the valve.

[0228] In an alternative design, the face seal diameter and seal between the skirt and body are matched to avoid creating a pressure area, and an additional seal between the skirt and valve body is included, where the difference in pressure area between the two body-skirt seals is matched with the stem seal area, resulting in an overall neutrally balanced valve member.

[0229] Preferably, the valve stem allows fluids (whether the same or different) to flow through its interior to, towards or from the inner diameter.

[0230] Preferably, the at least one inlet and the at least one outlet share the same or parallel axes, and the valve cover and valve member are positioned at an angle of between 15 and 75 degrees relative to the inlet and outlet axes.

[0231] Preferably, the valve cover and actuator are not exposed to the fluid-filled region of the cavity except for a portion of the face of the actuator where the valve member seals against a flow regulator or the like.

[0232] Preferably, the only net pressure force that the valve lid and actuator experience from the fluid is a net force in the axial direction of the valve lid and actuator.

[0233] Preferably, the outer periphery of the seal of the valve member substantially matches the outer diameter of the valve lid, actuator, and / or flow regulator so that when the valve member is in the closed position, the valve lid, actuator, and / or flow regulator are exposed to little or no fluid.

[0234] In another aspect, the invention consists in a valve, as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

[0235] In another aspect, the invention resides in a method of providing a valve, as herein described with reference to any one or more of the accompanying drawings.

[0236] As used herein, the term "and / or" means "and," "or," or both.

[0237] As used herein, "(s)" following a noun refers to the plural and / or singular form of the noun.

[0238] The term "comprising" as used herein means "consisting at least in part of." When interpreting expressions in this specification that include that term, all of the features recited by that term in each expression must be present, although other features may also be present. Related terms such as "comprising" and "comprising" are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0239] Reference to a range of numbers disclosed herein (e.g., 1 to 10) also includes reference to all rational numbers within that range (e.g., 1, 1.1, 2, 3, 3.9, 4, 5, 6, 6.5, 7, 8, 9, and 10), and is intended to encompass any range of rational numbers within that range (e.g., 2 to 8, 1.5 to 5.5, and 3.1 to 4.7).

[0240] In some instances, the entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications, cited above and below, are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0241] The present invention may also be broadly stated to consist in the parts, elements, and features referred to or indicated in the specification of this application, individually or collectively, and in any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements, and features, and where specific integers known to be equivalent in the art to which the present invention pertains are referred to herein, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[0242] Other aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0243] Preferred forms of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0244] [Figure 1]1 is an exterior side view of an in-line two-way valve according to the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, with the valve cover, actuator, and valve member removed as a subassembly. [Figure 3] 2 is a plan horizontal cross-sectional view of the valve of FIG. 1 showing the annular chamber around the valve actuator and the flow splitter. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is an end view of the present invention, which may be an inlet (or outlet) to a valve, showing a flow splitter. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a side vertical cross-sectional view of the valve showing the actuator and valve element in a closed position. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side vertical cross-sectional view of the valve showing the actuator and valve element in an open position. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is an isometric end view of a valve element. [Figure 8] Detail B of FIG. 6 showing an enlarged cross section of the valve member and the difference in outer diameter (first diameter) and skirt diameter (second diameter) that creates a first pressure area to bias the valve closed. [Figure 9] 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 5, showing first and second pressure regions where fluid pressure acts. [Figure 10] 21 is a schematic diagram of the pressure areas of FIG. 9 and the resulting direction of the forces on those areas, in this case for the schematic shown in FIG. 20. [Figure 11] 3 is an exploded isometric view similar to FIG. 2 of the valve cover, actuator, valve element, and flow regulator subassembly in a further exploded view. [Figure 12] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a valve lid, actuator, flow regulator, and valve element subassembly in a vertical cross-section in a closed position. [Figure 13] 1 is a vertical cross-sectional view of a valve lid, actuator, flow regulator, and valve element subassembly in a vertical cross-section in an open position. [Figure 14] 1 is a schematic view of a valve in vertical cross section in a closed position. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic view of the valve of FIG. 14 in vertical cross section in an open position. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is an exterior side view of a 90 degree two-way valve variation in accordance with the present invention. [Figure 17] FIG. 1 is an isometric side view of a rotary actuator with a helical path for acting on and moving a valve stem. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the rotary actuator of FIG. 17. [Figure 19] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of Detail C from FIG. 6 in which the entire pressure surface area is acted upon by pressure fluid to act to close the valve when the present invention is configured to be pressure biased to close. [Figure 20] Schematic diagram of Detail C, where when the present invention is configured to be perfectly balanced to allow for easier opening, the inlet and outlet pressures acting on the endless skirt of the valve member cancel each other out and the primary closing force comes from the pressure acting on the valve stem. [Figure 21] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of Detail C, in which the present invention is configured to be fully neutrally balanced and has an external port to atmosphere to do so. [Figure 22] Schematic axial cross-section of a valve member similar to Detail C, showing the annular chamber, internal chamber, and valve body, and showing the resulting pressure perimeters (in this case, diameters due to the circular nature of the valve) that define various pressure regions for biasing the valve member open, closed, or neutral by fluid pressure. [Figure 23] FIG. 1 is a vertical cross section through the valve with various ports for pressure relief and leak detection. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view through the valve showing replaceable wear inserts for flushing. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a view similar to FIG. 24 showing a valve with a body flush passage around the periphery of the endless skirt of the valve member. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a view similar to FIG. 25 with the valve body seal. [Figure 27]FIG. 27 is a view similar to FIG. 26 with grooves in the endless skirt to allow washing around the skirt when in the open position. [Figure 28] 30 is a cross-sectional detail showing the valve of FIG. 24 in the closed position, the flush insert below the valve member, and the internal circlip lid retention of FIG. 30, also showing the flow splitter. [Figure 29] FIG. 31 shows the valve in the open position and the clearance provided for flushing around the outer periphery of the valve member, also showing the lid retention of the internal circlip of FIG. 30. [Figure 30] 1A) isometric exploded view and B) vertical cross-sectional view of a valve of the present invention, in which the valve cover and integral assembly are held together by an internal circlip. [Figure 31] 1A-1B are an isometric exploded view and a vertical cross-sectional view of a valve of the present invention in which the valve cover is held by a threaded connection to the valve body. [Figure 32] 1A) isometric exploded view and B) vertical cross-sectional view of a valve of the present invention, in which the valve cover is held by an external collar. [Figure 33] 1A) isometric exploded view and B) vertical cross-sectional view of a valve of the present invention, in which the valve cover is held by an internal collar. [Figure 34] 1 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the valve member, lid interface, and various pressure diameters involved for a particular seal configuration. [Figure 35] 6 is an end view of the flow regulator at the end of the valve cover as viewed in direction A of FIG. 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0245] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS.

[0246] The valve of the present invention can be used in many sectors including food, beverage, pharmaceutical, life sciences, and sanitation such as drinking water, building technology, hydrogen, semiconductors / electronics, fine chemicals, liquefied natural gas, offshore oil, offshore gas, basic chemicals, and for gases, fluids, and mixed media. As such, there is a wide variety of uses and applications that provide improved valves, particularly valves that are easier to clean, compact, easy to service, have a smaller overall size, and have less material buildup in the valve.

[0247] Valve 1 can control the flow of a fluid from a first port 3, e.g., as an inlet, to a second port 4, e.g., as an outlet. The fluid can be a liquid, a gas, or a combination of both, and may also include solids depending on the needs of the situation.

[0248] Valve 1 can be used as an on or off valve; that is, valve 1 either allows full fluid flow or prevents fluid flow under control. In this configuration, valve 1 does not throttle fluid flow except when moving from open position 28 to closed position 27 or from closed position 27 to open position 28, and typically cannot be stopped between open and closed positions 28 in this configuration. In another configuration, valve 1 can be used as a control valve, whereby fluid flow between first port 3 and second port 4 can be controlled; that is, valve member 6 can be controlled to stop at any position between fully closed position 27 and fully open position 28. This can be achieved in several ways, including, but not limited to, using an actuator 15 that can be stopped at any position within its range of travel, such as the rotary actuator 15 of FIGS. 17 and 18.

[0249] It is understood that valve 1 is omnidirectional in the sense that fluid can flow in either direction through valve 1. As a result, it is understood that first port 3 can act as either an inlet or an outlet, and similarly, second port 4 can act as either an inlet or an outlet, depending on the direction of flow. For clarity throughout the specification, first port 3 and second port 4 may be used to provide flow directions to clearly explain the invention, but the flow direction through valve 1, including features within valve 1, is not constrained to the directions used herein.

[0250] In the form of valve 1 shown in Figures 1-15, the valve 1 is in-line, i.e., the first port 3 is in-line with the second port 4. The valve body 2 may be angled so that the first port 3 is angled perpendicularly from the second port 4. The angle of the valve body may vary from 0 degrees, i.e., in-line as shown, to 180 degrees, i.e., the outlet faces directly opposite the inlet. An example of a 90-degree valve 1 is shown in Figure 16. While the valve 1 shown here is a two-way valve, this is not intended to be limiting, and the described invention may be used for three-way or more-way valves.

[0251] The inlet and outlet may be coupled in any conventional manner to a fluid conduit, such as a pipe or the like, for conveying fluid to and from the valve. In the illustrated example, the inlet and outlet are bolted to the conduit using bolted flanges. However, in other forms, the valve 1 may be welded in place or may use a collar or the like.

[0252] The valve comprises a valve body 2 having a first port 3 through which fluid enters the valve 1 and a second port 4 through which fluid exits, or alternatively, a second port 4 through which fluid enters and a first port 3 through which fluid exits. The valve body 2 has a valve cover opening 41 which provides a cavity 25, as shown in FIG. 2 and in more detail in FIG. 5. In one variation of the invention, the interior of the valve cover opening 41 is threaded to receive complementary threads 23 of an actuator. The valve 1, in a preferred form, has a valve cover 5 which is substantially received within the valve cover opening and, by extension, substantially received within the valve body. The valve cover 5 is removably engaged with the valve body 2 between the inlet 3 and the outlet 4 to close the valve cover opening and define the cavity 25 through which fluid may be controllably passed.

[0253] The valve cover 5 is removably engaged in the cavity 25 and retention may be in any manner required, in the variant shown in Figure 2 etc. there are a series of bolts 26 which pass through the cover and threads into the body 2.

[0254] Other methods of attachment are shown in Figures 29-33. In one method, shown in Figures 29, 30A, and 30B, an internal circlip 59 is used. The valve cover integral assembly 16 is positioned into the valve cover opening 41, as shown in Figure 30B. Once in position, the internal circlip 59 is positioned over the valve cover 5 and positioned to engage the groove 66 underneath. One or more of the interface surfaces of the circlip, the valve cover, or the groove may be tapered to increase the force holding the integral assembly 16 in place. Another variation is shown in Figures 31A and 31B, where the integral assembly 16 is threaded into place onto matching threads in the valve body and opening 41. This may be used if the size of at least a portion of the actuator, as shown, is larger than the diameter of the valve, preventing the use of a circlip or the like. A further attachment method is shown in Figures 32A and 32B, where an external collar 60 is used. Again, the one-piece assembly is positioned in place in the opening 41, and the collar 60, shown here as two pieces, is positioned to engage underneath the valve body 2 and onto the assembly 16. Collar fasteners 67 on each side (four are used as shown) connect between the collars and are used to tighten the collar 60 into place. Again, one or more of the collar surfaces, assembly surfaces, or valve body surfaces may be tapered to increase the force of the assembly 16 on the valve body when the collar fasteners are tightened. While a two-piece collar 60 is shown here, there may be three or more, and the fasteners may be hinged in place, or the collar may be flexible and only have tension fasteners to tighten its diameter and hold the assembly in place. A further attachment method is shown in Figures 33A and 33B, which again uses a multi-piece internal collar 61. The assembly 16 has an internal collar around which it is assembled in place. The collar 61 has a collar bias 63 in the form of a spring that overlies the collar 61 components as shown, causing the collar 61 components to contract around the assembly 16 .The assembly is positioned in opening 41 and rotated until the threaded opening in the collar aligns with the hole in the valve body. A collar fastener 62 is then passed through the hole and threaded into the collar piece, expanding it so that it engages below the valve body and above the assembly 16. Again, one or more of the surfaces of the collar, the assembly, or the valve body may be tapered to increase the force of the assembly 16 on the valve body when the collar fastener 62 is tightened.

[0255] The lid 5 is positioned on and attached to the body 2 as previously described. Therefore, the bolts 26 or other fastening components described previously must be removed before the lid can be removed from the valve body 2. However, other systems for retaining the lid 5 to the body 2 may be used, such as, for example, bolting alone, clamping, screwing, or other methods or combinations known in the art. In a preferred form, the valve lid, actuator, and valve member subassembly are at an angle between 15 and 75 degrees relative to the inlet and outlet axes 35, 36.

[0256] Valve 1 has a valve member 6, as shown, for example, in Figures 2 and 5-7, that can translate between a closed position 27, as shown in Figure 5, and an open position 28, as shown in Figure 6. Valve member 6, shown in detail in Figure 7, is mounted from a central valve stem 8. Central valve stem 8 is in sliding and sealing engagement with valve lid 5 via flow regulator 17, controlled by actuator 15. Optionally, valve stem 8 can be hollow to allow the fluid or other fluids to flow through its interior, to or toward the inner diameter. This can allow for mixing or other functions.

[0257] Actuation of the valve stem 8 and valve member 6 can be achieved through several mechanisms. The actuator can be linear, for example, as shown in Figures 2, 5, and 6, or it can be a rotary actuator, as shown in Figure 18. The examples in Figures 18 and 19 use a non-rising stem actuator, where a radial stem seal can be used, for example, where the actuator has a rotating element that is actuable from outside the wetted valve interior, acting on the valve member via a cam or screw profile, such as on the valve stem. The valve member is linearly guided within the valve body.

[0258] The valve member 6 is shown in more detail in FIG. 7. The valve member 6 has an endless skirt 7 supported from a central valve stem 8 from one or more vanes 21. The vanes in a preferred version are shaped to create as little drag as possible in the fluid flow, and may be, for example, without limitation, a low-drag profile such as an airfoil or other shape in cross section. The endless skirt 7 defines a sealing rim or perimeter 29 at or toward, preferably at, its uppermost edge. As shown in FIG. 5, it is this perimeter 29 that seals against the flow regulator 17, actuator, lid, or components thereof to seal off fluid flow when in the closed position.

[0259] As shown in FIG. 6 , when the valve member is in the open position, fluid can flow around this perimeter 29, through the inner diameter 30 of the endless skirt 7, into the internal chamber 39, and through to the outlet 4. The inner diameter 30 at least partially defines the internal chamber 42 of the valve member 6. Visible in FIG. 6 in region A is a smooth, unobstructed tangential edge transitioning from the annular chamber 38 to the valve member 6, around the sealing perimeter 29, into the interior of the endless skirt 7, and into the internal chamber 39. It is clear that there are no sharp edges or sharp changes in curvature at least over this region, and preferably throughout the entire flow path from inlet to outlet (or possibly vice versa, if the fluid is flowing in the opposite direction), so that fluid moving through the region experiences a smooth surface and gradual changes. The leading edge of the sealing perimeter 29 (if the fluid flow is from bottom to top) is contained within a recess in the inner perimeter 9 of the cavity 25. Similarly, the trailing edge of the endless skirt 7 (again, for bottom-to-top fluid flow) lies into complementary recesses in the inner periphery 9 as shown in FIG. 6, and the shape of these recesses can be seen in FIG. 5 when the valve is closed. Thus, the exterior shape of the valve member fits into a complementary feature in the inner periphery of the cavity when in the open position so as to present minimal flow obstruction to the fluid, with smooth tangent surfaces and continuous curvature from one component to the next. An added benefit of this is that there are no or few voids in which liquid or other deposits can pool or accumulate. This results in a reduced maintenance valve due to less internal buildup and a more hygienic valve that is easily cleaned and flushed in place.

[0260] As shown in FIGS. 24-28, situations may exist where clean-in-place (CIP) is required to either remove particulates or sanitize all fluid-contacting areas of the valve flush passages 56. These may be provided by removable inserts 57, such as those shown in FIG. 24, that are positioned in place before the assembly 16 is inserted into the valve body. The inserts 57 may be retained in any number of ways, including but not limited to, threading or pushing. The inserts may be removed and installed through openings 41. The inserts provide one or more flush passages 56 for passing fluid or CIP fluid when the valve member 6 is in the open position, allowing for the removal of debris, particles, and sanitization. In other configurations, there is no insert, but a passage, such as those shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, is provided between the outer periphery of the valve member 6 and the valve body as a flush passage when the valve member is open to pass fluid or CIP fluid to remove debris and clean, as shown in FIG. 27.

[0261] The flow regulator 17, again visible in region A in FIG. 6, is shaped to present a smooth, constant tangential transition for flow moving across (or from) the diameter of the actuator and lid subassembly 16 and through the endless skirt to the stem 8. In one variation, the stem is recessed as shown to provide a lip that sits against the end of the flow regulator and smooths the flow in that area. As a result, when the valve member is in the open position, it presents a tangential edge between any one or more of the edges of the endless skirt (which is the sealing perimeter 29) and / or the edges of the lid / flow regulator transition to the stem. This results in a valve with smooth flow through the cavity and valve member.

[0262] Further details of the flow conditioner 17 are shown in Figure 35, which has extensions 64 that pass on either side of the vanes 21 of the valve member 6 and form reliefs 65 for the vanes 21. These finger-like extensions 64 smooth the fluid flow and keep it as aligned as possible as it travels from the actuator through the valve member, thereby aiding the efficiency of the valve.

[0263] In a preferred variation, a portion of the annular cavity is not located within the diameter of the seal between the valve body and the valve member, which allows for easy retraction of the subassembly 16 from the cavity as a unit without leaving any working parts behind.

[0264] The outer surface 31 of the endless skirt is in sliding and sealing engagement with the interior of the cavity, as will be described in more detail below. The outer surface 31 is parallel to the movement of the valve stem, providing and allowing for smooth operation. In a preferred form, this seal 22, shown for example in FIG. 8, is an O-ring, although any form of suitable seal can perform this function. The endless skirt 7, as previously described, provides this outer sealing surface for engaging and sealing with the surface that provides the interior of the cavity in the valve cover when in the closed position. While the endless skirt is shown as circular, any form of constant cross-section that is capable of sliding and sealing with the interior of the cavity through that sliding movement can be used.

[0265] The valve cover 5 includes an actuator 15 for moving a valve member via the valve stem 8 to at least open or close the valve 1. The actuator 15 may be actuated by any one or more of the following means: pneumatic, fluid, magnetic, mechanical, or electrical. The actuator 15 is retained or housed within the valve body 2 by the valve cover 5 and extends at least partially into the cavity. The actuator 15 may be formed integrally with the valve cover 5 and / or the valve member 6. The actuator 15, valve cover 5, and valve member 6 are an integral subassembly 16 that is removable as an assembly from the valve body 2. Importantly, this allows for easy maintenance, inspection, and repair of these components. Removal of this subassembly 16 allows access to the interior of the valve body, and the subassembly can be easily replaced, if necessary, and later repaired as needed. Such easy removal also allows access to the flow regulator and stem seal from the flow or wetted side of the valve. This eliminates the need for a traditional packing chamber system, which in prior art systems is typically accessed from above and outside the valve member. Access from the interior or wet side by removing the subassembly, easy field replacement with a replacement subassembly, and subsequent inspection of the removed subassembly, such as in a workshop, allows for better sealing and maintenance, and can allow for more sophisticated and energizable flow regulators, whether pressurized fluid or, as shown, a static sealing pressure system can be used to seal the valve stem against the actuator. Easy removal of the valve member 6, and therefore the flow regulator, allows access to the valve stem seal 19 for maintenance or replacement.

[0266] A further advantage of this removable subassembly is the ability to manufacture a valve body 2 in which a range of subassemblies 16 can be installed depending on the valve's intended use, such as operating pressure and type of fluid being controlled. Thus, a wide range of valve applications can be achieved from one valve body, with subassemblies selected to suit the end use. Installed valves 1 can also be modified in this manner, even in the field, if necessary.

[0267] The detachability of the integral subassembly 16 can provide the advantage of providing ease of cleaning, if necessary, of the integral subassembly, its components, and the valve body 2. Additionally, the detachability allows for easy replacement, repair, or other maintenance of the components of the integral subassembly 16.

[0268] In addition to the actuator, the valve 1 may also be biased to a particular position by fluid pressure.

[0269] Fluid pressure acts on the valve member 6 and its surfaces, as shown in FIG. 8. One simple way to think of it is with a net balance of all pressure surfaces experiencing pressure from the fluid and thereby developing forces tending to open or close the valve 6. The generally (in this configuration) upstream-facing surface 32 of the valve member 6 can experience a pressure that biases the valve member 6 open, or the generally (in this configuration) downstream-facing surface 31 of the valve member 6 can bias the valve member 6 closed, or there is an overall balance between the upstream and downstream surfaces of the valve member 6 that are neutrally biased by fluid pressure. If the flow were reversed, these surfaces would experience an opposite fluid flow and pressure, biasing the valve in the opposite direction. The generally (in this configuration) downstream-facing surface 31 acting to bias the valve element 6 toward the closed position is shown in FIG. 8. This pressure differential is shown in more detail in FIG. 9, and the resulting net force is shown in FIG. 10.

[0270] As shown in Figures 8-10, a pressure differential from the downstream side (in this fluid flow consideration) of the valve member 6 can act to seal the valve 1. The valve member 6 is biased to close via a net annular pressure area 31 (shown as P1) defined between the valve body 2 and at least one seal positioned on the endless skirt 7 of the valve member 6. The valve stem 8 also has a pressure area (shown as P2) that exerts a net force on the valve member 6 such that the valve is held closed. The valve member 6 thereby remains in a closed position in the absence of action by an actuator. In this configuration, there is no pressure condition that causes the valve to open on its own; it must be actuated to open. This is a fail-safe feature of the valve in that the valve will attempt to close if the actuator or signal / supply fails.

[0271] The pressure area defined by the outer diameter of the seal on the valve stem is greater than the pressure area defined by the difference between the face seal diameter and the seal between the body and endless skirt to ensure pressure-assisted closure when greater pressure is present on either side of the valve.

[0272] The entire upstream surface may be provided by an upstream-facing surface at the outer diameter of the endless member, as shown in FIGS.

[0273] The entire downstream surface may be provided by a downstream facing surface at the outer diameter of the endless member.

[0274] The use of the terms "upstream / downstream facing" causes the valve member pressure to bias an upstream facing pressure area and the stem seal to bias a downstream facing pressure area. However, if the flow direction is changed so that the outlet becomes the inlet and the inlet becomes the outlet, the upstream and downstream follow suit and their effects are reversed.

[0275] In a preferred embodiment, the valve 1 is pressure biased to close. This is beneficial because of the safety benefit that the valve will naturally tend to close if not actuated by an actuator. Technically, this is an "unbalanced" pressure scheme, but it is more accurate to say "balanced, but with pressure bias adjusted to close."

[0276] How this is achieved is further described generally in Figure 22, which is an enlarged vertical cross-section of half of the valve actuator shaft, variations of which are shown in Figures 19-21 and will be further described below. Referring to Figure 22, a first sealing diameter or perimeter D1, 44 is defined by the sealing diameter or perimeter of the endless skirt 7 when sealed against the valve lid 5 (or an extension thereof, such as the flow regulator 17).

[0277] The second sealing diameter or perimeter 45, D2, is the perimeter defined between the valve body 2 and the outer perimeter of the valve skirt 7.

[0278] When D1 is greater than D2, this creates a first pressure region 47 (referred to above as the upstream-facing pressure region) that is acted upon by fluid pressure from the first port 2 and inlet volume 38 (annular chamber) to close the valve member 6 (and therefore the valve), as shown in Figures 22 and 19. When there is a higher pressure in the annular chamber 38 than in the internal chamber 42, there is a closing force that is generated in the upstream-facing pressure region.

[0279] The valve stem seal 19 defines a sealing perimeter or diameter D3 and defines a second pressure area 48 that is acted upon by the pressure in the internal chamber 42. This creates a force on the valve member 6 in a closing direction.

[0280] If the pressure in the internal chamber 42 drops below atmospheric pressure, a net opening force may be generated, but the valve seating spring / actuator biasing portion 34 or other biasing portion is selected to accommodate / overcome this pressure force and ensure the valve remains closed if opening under vacuum conditions would be deemed detrimental.

[0281] An alternative configuration of the present invention is where there is no net first pressure zone, i.e., D1 and D2 are equal as shown in Figure 20, and the only net pressure is that provided by D3, which defines second pressure zone 48. The annular chamber 38 can be perfectly balanced to allow for easier opening, which can be referred to as neutral annular chamber balance.

[0282] The valve stem seal diameter D3, which forms the second pressure region 48 (the downstream-facing pressure region), is still acted upon by the pressure in the internal chamber 42 in a closing direction whenever positive pressure is present. If the pressure in the internal chamber drops below atmospheric pressure, a net opening force may be generated, but the valve seating spring / other biasing element is selected to accommodate / overcome this pressure force and ensure the valve remains closed if opening under vacuum conditions would be detrimental.

[0283] A further configuration of the present invention may be referred to as "fully neutrally balanced," as shown schematically in FIG. 21. This is achieved by the sealing diameter D2 between the body and valve member and the sealing diameter D1 between the valve member and lid to form a first pressure area 47 that is equal to but opposite a second pressure area 48 defined by a third sealing diameter or perimeter D3 of the valve stem. This results in the valve member neither opening nor closing under operating conditions, requiring an actuator to move the valve member.

[0284] The stem sealing pressure contributes to a downstream facing pressure field as the neutral annular chamber balances, but an additional seal is added (D4 in Figure 22). This, when present, adds an annular pressure field acting in the opposite direction, resulting in no net downstream facing pressure field. With no net upstream or downstream facing pressure field, the valve is perfectly balanced.

[0285] The term in this specification is taken as a whole to mean the net difference either going upstream or downstream.

[0286] A further feature of the present invention in its preferred form is that the second pressure area 48 is no more than 20% greater than the first pressure area 47, combined with a closing bias or actuator bias of sufficient force to hold the valve closed against vacuum conditions in the internal chamber 42.

[0287] This allows for a valve that is easier or harder to open, where a balanced valve is beneficial for reducing force, and having the inlet pressure acting on the pressure bias. This also ensures that there is always a closing pressure bias on the valve, regardless of what the pressures in the two chambers are, except in the case of a vacuum as described above, which requires sufficient closing bias to do so. This allows for the benefits of pressure field offsetting while still using it as a safety feature.

[0288] The closing pressure at the sealing perimeter 29 between the endless skirt 7 of the valve member 6 and the sealing surface of the valve lid or actuator can be varied in this case where the sealing surface is at the flow regulator 17, particularly when that sealing interface between the valve member and the flow regulator is considered as a sealing surface 29A rather than as a line or perimeter, as shown in FIG. 34.

[0289] In FIG. 34, there is a first seal diameter or perimeter 44, D1, and a fourth seal diameter or perimeter 50, D4, that defines seal perimeter surface 29A. The surface angle α is the angle that surface 29A makes with respect to longitudinal actuator axis 49. The total area of ​​surface 29A for a given pressure of fluid is controlled, and the hardness of the materials of endless skirt 7 and flow conditioner 17 (or other components forming interface 29A) that engage to form surface 29A can be varied to cause either or both of the seals to undergo elastic deformation, transient deformation, or plastic deformation. Transient deformation is when the high pressure state present at interface 29A is plastically deformed.

[0290] In one variation, the actuator 15 may have a piston 33 against which a pressurized control fluid can act. The piston is further connected to the valve stem 8. A control fluid, such as air or liquid, acts on the piston 33 against a biasing member 34, such as a return spring. When the pressure on the piston 33 overcomes the biasing member 34 and any net pressure acting on the valve element, the control pressure will move the valve element 6 from the closed position to the open position. When it is desired to close the valve, the pressure of the control fluid is reduced, and the biasing member 34 and any net pressure from the controlling fluid on the valve element will move the valve element to the closed position. This is for a valve that is biased closed. The surface on which the control fluid acts and the direction of the bias may be interchanged to have a valve that is biased open. Other forms of actuators may be used. One such type, which uses an internal rotational action of the actuator to move the valve element 6, is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19.

[0291] This is the flow regulator 17, shown enlarged in FIG. 35, as described, which provides a tangential edge between the valve lid 5 or actuator 15 and the valve stem 8. The flow regulator 17 can be selected depending on the type of fluid. By way of example, the selection of the flow regulator 17 may depend at least on the viscosity, phase, and contents of the fluid. Furthermore, the selection of the flow regulator 17 may be based on the desired purpose of the flow regulator 17, such as to maintain laminar flow, to maintain turbulent flow, to eliminate cavitation, to add cavitation, to improve fluid mixing, or the like. The flow regulator 17 may thereby be altered to change the effect that flow conditions have on the flow. The flow regulator 17 has an opening 18 through which the valve stem 8 extends to the actuator and lid, and from the actuator and lid to the vane 21 and endless skirt 7. The opening 18, in a preferred form, also holds a stem seal 19 that can slidably seal against the valve stem. The stem seal 19 can be positioned near the actuator 15. The stem seal can be actively energized by the pressure of the control fluid passing through the valve, or it can be statically energized.

[0292] In the open position, an opening is defined between the endless skirt 7 and the lid 5, so that fluid can flow through the opening and through the inner diameter of the endless skirt 7. Furthermore, the open position provides a tangential edge 11 between the upstream-most edge 12 of the endless skirt 7, the downstream-most edge 13 of the endless skirt 7, and / or the downstream edge of the lid 14 that transitions into the central stem 8. The tangential edge is provided as a primarily smooth surface to facilitate smooth flow through the cavity of the valve 1, and particularly through the cavity of the valve member 6. A primarily smooth surface is advantageous because it can increase the efficiency of the valve 1 by reducing friction, turbulence, or other obstructions. A primarily smooth surface also provides the benefit of fewer protrusions in the flow path, which in turn provides a reduction in the potential drawbacks of these protrusions, which may include accumulation of material from the flow, the need for additional cleaning, dead zones in the flow, or other issues.

[0293] Similarly, the flow regulator 17 can help direct the flow of fluid through the endless skirt 7, keeping the flow aligned. The flow path through the valve body 2 from the inlet 3 to the outlet 4 can be of constant cross-section.

[0294] 6 and 4, downstream from the inlet 3, in the annular chamber 38 before the valve member. The flow splitter 20 can split the incoming fluid vertically, horizontally, or both. The flow splitter 20 can assist in diverting the flow to improve flow through the endless skirt 7.

[0295] Although the valves are described above as flowing from inlet to outlet, they may also control fluid flow in other directions, such that what was an outlet becomes an inlet and what was an inlet becomes an outlet.

[0296] A distinct additional advantage of the present invention is that most or all of the actuator is located within the valve body, with only a relatively small valve cover extending from the valve body, providing a compact and versatile valve 1.

[0297] The present invention provides a valve with flexible pressure balancing options, where valve actuation force requirements are decoupled from operating pressure and flow rate, and chamber placement options allow for large flow rates in terms of size.

[0298] Furthermore, only a portion of the valve 1, namely the integral assembly 16, needs to be removed to be inspected; such "through-the-lid" inspection is often faster than disassembling the complete valve from the connected piping, which means inspection time at a bench can be shorter and therefore less expensive. Inspection and repair in this manner leaves the valve body 2 connected to the piping, the valve lid is removed as an integral assembly 16, and then a new or used integral assembly 16 can be installed back onto the still-installed valve body 2, so that the valve 1 can be put back into service without long delays. Re-sealing or reconnecting the valve body 2 is not required. The removed integral assembly 16 can be serviced at a bench and returned to inventory as needed.

[0299] The architecture of this valve, as seen in FIG. 5 , for example, is one that does not have any surfaces across the wall thickness that contact the fluid on both sides. The valve body 2 is defined by a wall, as shown, with an exterior surface that defines the valve exterior 68 and an interior surface that defines a duct or cavity within the valve body. There is no intermediate wall that contacts the fluid on both sides within the valve body. The exterior surface is the direct opposite of the mating interior surface through the wall thickness. Unlike prior art valves, there are no opposing interior surfaces across the wall of the valve body that contact the controlled fluid under pressure on both sides; there is only a continuous interior surface, with no surface that folds back on itself to contact the controlled fluid on both sides. This results in a valve that is easier to manufacture, and the fluid experiences a continuous, smooth path as it travels through the valve. The valve body, to the extent that it is a surface that the fluid can contact, is only defined by the exterior wall of the valve body.

[0300] The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms of the invention. Changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0301] 1 valve 2 Valve body 2 First port 3 First port, entrance 4 Second port, outlet 5 Operculum 6 Valve member, valve element 7 Endless Skirt 8 Center valve stem 9 Inner circumference 11 Tangent Edges 12 Uppermost edge 13 The most downstream edge 15 Rotary Actuator 16 Integral subassembly 17 Flow Regulator 18 Aperture 19 Valve stem seal 20 Flow Splitter 21 Feather 22 Seals 23 threads 25 voids 26 volts 29 Edge, perimeter 29A Sealing perimeter and boundary surfaces 30 Inner diameter of endless skirt 7 31 outer surface, generally downstream facing surface, annular pressure region 32 Overall upstream facing surface 33 Piston 34 Valve seating spring / actuator biasing part 38 Inlet volume, annular chamber 39 Inner chamber 41 Opercular opening 44 First Seal Diameter, Circumference 45 Second Seal Diameter, Circumference 47 First Pressure Zone 48 Second Pressure Zone 49 Actuator shaft 50 Fourth Seal Diameter, Circumference 56 Washing Passage 57 Removable Insert 59 Internal circlip 60 External Color 61 Interior Color 62 Color fastener 64 Extension 65 Escape 66 Groove D1 First seal diameter, circumference D2 Second sealing diameter, perimeter D3 Sealing perimeter, valve stem seal diameter D4 Additional seal, fourth sealing diameter, circumference

Claims

1. A valve (1) for controlling the flow of a fluid under pressure, A valve body (2) having a first port (3) and a second port (4), with a duct (25) partially defined between the first port and the second port, and the flow of the fluid passing through the duct between the first port and the second port, To further define the duct, a valve cover (5) is provided which is detachably engaged with the valve body (2) between the first port and the second port, A valve member (6) having an endless skirt (7) supported by a central valve stem (8) within the duct from the valve cover (5), wherein the endless skirt (7) has an outer circumference that defines the annular chamber (38) of the valve body (2), and the endless skirt (7) has an inner circumference (9) that defines the internal chamber (42), and the valve member (6) has a closed position for blocking the flow of fluid and an open position for enabling the flow of fluid. Equipped with, The endless skirt (7), when in the closed position, contacts and seals the valve cover at a first sealing diameter (D1), and the endless skirt, at a second sealing diameter (D2), is engaged to slide and seal with the inner circumference of the annular chamber in the open position, the closed position and in between, the first sealing diameter (D1) is greater than the second sealing diameter (D2), a first pressure region is defined between the first sealing diameter and the second sealing diameter, and the first pressure region receives fluid under pressure that provides a bias toward the closed position. The endless skirt, when in the open position, defines an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt, allowing fluid flow between the first port and the second port through the opening and the inner diameter of the endless skirt, and the central valve stem is engaged to slide and seal with the valve cover at a third sealing diameter (D3) smaller than the second sealing diameter, the third sealing diameter (D3) defining a second pressure region, the second pressure region receiving fluid under pressure that provides a bias toward the closed position, Therefore, a valve (1) is provided which is biased toward the closed position when it is in either the open position or the closed position.

2. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the second pressure region is greater than the first pressure region.

3. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve body has, in addition to the first port and the second port, a valve cover opening (41) to which the valve cover is operably connected in order to seal the duct.

4. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve cover houses or holds an actuator so that the central valve stem moves the valve member between the open position and the closed position.

5. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the actuator can be actuated by one or more of the following: gas, fluid, magnetism, mechanical, or electrical.

6. The valve according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the actuator or a part thereof is held or housed within the valve body by the valve cover and extends in at least a portion to the duct.

7. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the actuator is integrated with the cover and the valve member.

8. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the actuator, the valve cover, and the valve member are a single, removable assembly from the valve body.

9. The valve according to claim 1, wherein only the valve member and the sealing element separate the volume of the inlet from the volume of the outlet.

10. The valve according to claim 4, wherein the endless skirt extends along an axis parallel to the central valve stem and the principal axis of the actuator.

11. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the endless skirt has a constant cross-section and is engaged in at least a portion thereof to slide and seal with the inner circumference of the cavity.

12. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve is biased to close by the pressure of the fluid being controlled by the valve.

13. The valve according to claim 1, wherein there is a spring that biases the valve to close when no pressure is present.

14. The valve according to claim 13, wherein the force of the spring is considerably smaller than the force resulting from the pressure region and the design pressure of the valve.

15. The valve according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the spring provides a preload force greater than the force acting to open the valve due to the presence of a vacuum inside the valve and the atmospheric pressure acting outside the valve.

16. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the valve member has a sealing surface between the first diameter and the fourth diameter, and the area of ​​the sealing surface is selected with respect to a given fluid pressure and the hardness of the materials of the valve cover and the valve member such that, when in the closed position, either or both of the valve cover and the valve member undergo elastic transient (local plastic) or plastic deformation at least at the sealing surface.

17. The valve according to claim 1, wherein the endless skirt is supported by at least one vane from the central valve stem.

18. A method for providing a valve (1) for controlling the flow of a fluid under pressure, The steps include providing a valve body (2) having a first port (3) and a second port (4), with a duct (25) partially defined between the first port and the second port, and passing the flow of the fluid through the duct between the first port and the second port, To further define the duct, the step is to provide a valve cover (5) that is removably engaged with the valve body (2) between the first port and the second port, A step of providing a valve member (6) having an endless skirt (7) supported by a central valve stem (8) within the duct from the valve cover (5), wherein the endless skirt (7) has an outer circumference that defines the annular chamber (38) of the valve body (2), and the endless skirt (7) has an inner circumference (9) that defines the internal chamber (42), and the valve member (6) has a closed position for blocking the flow of fluid and an open position for allowing the flow of fluid, A step of configuring the endless skirt (7) to contact and seal the valve cover at a first sealing diameter (D1) when in the closed position, wherein the endless skirt is engaged to slide and seal with the inner circumference of the annular chamber at a second sealing diameter (D2) in the open position, the closed position and in between, the first sealing diameter (D1) is greater than the second sealing diameter (D2), a first pressure region is defined between the first sealing diameter and the second sealing diameter, and the first pressure region receives fluid under pressure that provides a bias toward the closed position, and Includes, When the endless skirt is in the open position, it defines an opening between the valve cover and the endless skirt, allowing fluid flow between the first port and the second port through the opening and the inner diameter of the endless skirt. The central valve stem is engaged to slide and seal with the valve cover at a third sealing diameter (D3) smaller than the second sealing diameter, the third sealing diameter (D3) defining a second pressure region, the second pressure region receiving fluid under pressure that provides a bias toward the closed position. Therefore, a method is provided in which a valve is biased toward the closed position when it is in either the open position or the closed position.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the actuator, the valve cover, and the valve member are a single, removable assembly from the valve body.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the valve is biased to close by the pressure of the fluid being controlled.

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