Installation of trim on valve assembly

Abstract

Tools configured to be used to assemble and install trim on steam regulating valves. These configurations can include a device that is installed in place of the bonnet and an actuator that a technician removes from the valve. The device can cantilever the trim assembly, essentially providing a platform from which a technician can slide the trim assembly into (or out of) the valve body to complete the installation or repair of the device. As an added benefit, a technician can also use the device to assemble the trim in close proximity to the target valve.

Description

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0001] Flow control devices play a major role in many industrial facilities. For example, power plants and industrial processing facilities use different types of flow control devices to manage the flow of materials, typically fluids, throughout an extensive network of pipes, tanks, generators, and other equipment. Steam regulating valves are useful for reducing the pressure and temperature of steam. These valves require a particularly robust design to accommodate the extremely high temperatures (up to 650 °C) and pressures typical of many applications. This design includes specific components such as a valve body that connects to a pipe or pipeline. The valve body typically houses a valve trim assembly that includes a diffuser, a cage, and a movable closure member. It is not uncommon for the valve body to be mounted horizontally in these systems. This orientation can complicate the assembly of the valve trim to the valve body. For example, space constraints can prevent the use of specific equipment necessary to lift, hold, or support the heavy metal pieces of the valve trim.

[0002] The subject matter of this disclosure relates to improvements that address these space constraints. Of particular interest here are embodiments that facilitate the installation of a valve trim assembly within a horizontally oriented valve body. These embodiments can be fixed in place of the bonnet portion of the steam control valve and the actuator that controls the flow through the device. One advantage of the proposed design is that the embodiments fit within the envelope that the actuator would form in the space around the valve body. This feature avoids interference with adjacent equipment that could hinder the technician's ability to efficiently install or maintain the flow control device. As an additional advantage, embodiments of the proposed design can also function as a stand or support that the technician can use to assemble the valve trim components together in close proximity to the valve body. The technician may utilize hardware accompanying the device, for example, as part of an installation “kit” or “system.” This hardware can be integrated with the device structure to fix the device structure to a platform or grid that receives the diffuser, cage, and closing members. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0003] Here, we will briefly refer to the attached diagram. [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of the tool. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary structure of the tool shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary structure of the tool shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a perspective view of the example shown in Figure 3, located on the flow control device. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the example shown in Figure 3, located on the flow control device. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the example in Figure 3, located on the platform. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the example in Figure 3, located on the platform. [Figure 8]Figure 8 is a perspective view of the example in Figure 3, located on the platform. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of the example in Figure 3, located on the platform.

[0004] Where applicable, similar reference letters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout several figures, not necessarily to scale, unless otherwise indicated. Embodiments disclosed herein may include elements appearing in one or more of several figures, or in combinations of several figures. Furthermore, methods are merely illustrative and can be modified, for example, by rearranging, adding, removing, and / or changing individual steps.

[0005] The drawings and any descriptions herein use examples to disclose the present invention. These examples include the best mode and enable those skilled in the art to carry out the present invention, including fabricating and using any device or system and performing any incorporated method. Any element or function described in the singular and advanced by the words "a" or "an" should be understood not to exclude multiple such elements or functions unless such exclusion is expressly stated. References to "one embodiment" or "one embodiment" should not be construed as excluding the existence of additional embodiments or embodiments that also incorporate the enumerated features. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] Here, we consider the features of the embodiments shown in the drawings above. These features facilitate the assembly and repair of flow control devices, including steam control valves, which are referenced in the following description. These valves are known to control steam pressure and temperature in process plants. Notably, the devices used in these applications are large and heavy and are often made of steel and equivalent metals. These features make the valves and their components particularly difficult for technicians to operate or move without the need for equipment such as cranes or hoists. As mentioned above, the task of installing a valve in a process line, or repairing a valve in its location, presents several specific challenges, including space constraints that may limit the size of the equipment, which would otherwise help technicians complete the work at hand. However, embodiments herein can eliminate the need for some of this equipment. Other embodiments may be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an example of an installation tool 100. This example is typically found in a distribution system 102 designed to carry material 104 throughout a network of conduits 106. The tool 100 may be connected to a flow control device 108, which is shown herein together with a valve body 110 having an internal chamber 112 and openings (e.g., an inlet I, an outlet O, and a trim opening T). The flow control device 108 may have a trim assembly 114 installed inside the chamber 112. The trim assembly 114 may include a cage 116, a diffuser 118, and a closing member 120 that can move to a position relative to a valve seat (inside the valve body 110) to regulate the flow of material 104. The flow control device 108 may also have an actuator 122 that controls these positions of the closing member 120. Also as shown, the tool 100 may include a support 124 that can receive the trim assembly 110 in a position for a technician to install the trim assembly 114 into the flow control device 108.

[0008] In general, the installation tool 100 may be configured to facilitate the assembly and maintenance of the valve. These configurations may include devices that can simplify the technician's work. These devices can replace existing tools, such as conventional "beam-type" fasteners, which are often not suitable for the device being installed or repaired, or for use near it. As referred to herein, the devices of the proposed design do not hinder these space constraints. Rather, the proposed design is more likely to provide the technician with sufficient space to complete his task, often in less time and with far less effort.

[0009] The distribution system 102 may be configured to deliver or move resources. These configurations can embody extensive infrastructure. In this example, material 104 is high-pressure, high-temperature steam, but material 104 may also include other gases, liquids, solids, or mixtures. Conduits 106 may often include pipes or pipelines connected to turbines, condensers, boilers, etc. The pipes may connect to tanks or reservoirs, or even to residential or commercial facilities. In many facilities, this equipment forms a complex network with limited space between adjacent pieces of equipment.

[0010] The flow control device 108 may be configured to regulate the flow of steam through the conduit 106 in these complex networks. These configurations may include steam control valves and similar devices. The valve body 110 in such a device is often made of cast or machined metal. This structure often has flanges formed at the openings I, O, T. Adjacent pipes 106 can be connected to the openings I, O to allow steam 104 to flow through the internal chamber 112, often through the openings in the valve seat. The flow is typically in the direction from the “upstream” opening I to the “downstream” opening O. A trim assembly 114 helps to regulate this flow. The diffuser 116 and cage 118 may have perforated members, such as cylinders, intended to reduce noise and vibration. The closing member 120 may embody a metal disc or a metal “plug”. An actuator 122 may be coupled to the valve body at the opening T. This device may use pneumatic or hydraulic pressure to regulate the movement of the plug 118. The position of the plug 120 can correspond to at least one pair of operating states that control the flow of steam 104 through the valve seat. The first state, i.e., the "open" state, allows steam 104 to flow through the opening in the valve seat. The second, or "closed" state, can completely block the flow of steam 104 through the opening in the valve seat. In one implementation, a change in pressure can move the plug 120 between its operating states. This change can typically actuate the device from the open state to its closed state, immediately shutting off the flow of steam downstream of the valve body 110.

[0011] The support 124 may be configured to hold components of the trim assembly 114. These configurations may include structures that attach to the valve body 110, for example, at the opening T, instead of the actuator 122. These structures may include a metal such as steel, or an equivalent material of robust design and integrity, to cantilever support the weight of the trim assembly 114 away from the valve body 110. The technician may, if necessary, use a device to remove and install the trim assembly 114. For installation, the technician may place the trim assembly 114 on the support 124, and when ready, push the trim assembly 114 into the internal chamber 112, positioning the diffuser 116, cage 118, and plug 120 inside the valve body 110. When complete, the technician may remove the support 124 from the opening T and install the actuator 122 in its place.

[0012] Figure 2 depicts a perspective view of one embodiment of the tool 100 of Figure 1. In this embodiment, the support 124 is upright at its first end 126. This orientation exposes its second end 128 to receive the components of the trim assembly 116. Stabilization hardware 130 can secure the first end 126 to the platform P. In one implementation configuration, the upright orientation allows the technician to assemble the trim assembly 116 before installation in the valve body 110 (Figure 1). This feature may allow assembly to be performed in close proximity to the flow control device 108, for example, at the installation location for a steam control valve in the process network 102. In this way, the technician can first assemble the trim assembly 114 and lift the trim assembly from the support 124 using a hoist or crate. The technician can then remove the support 124 from the platform P and install the support 124 on the valve body 110 for use in installing the assembled trim 114 in the internal chamber 112, as described above.

[0013] Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an exemplary structure of the support 124. The ends 126, 128 may include a plate 132, shown here to have a U-shaped or horseshoe-shaped configuration. This configuration may form an open portion 134 between the opposing end portions 136. At the first end 126, the end portion 136 of the plate 132 (or “first plate”) may include a through hole 138 and a threaded hole 138a perpendicular to the through hole 138. The center of the plate 132 may have a central opening 140. The plate 132 may also have a lower boss 142 with an opening 144, which may be a through hole. A rod 146 may be placed within the through hole 144 and extend between the plates 132 on the ends 126, 128. In one implementation, the support 124 may also include an intervening structure 148 between the ends 126 and 128. Structure 148 may include elongated members, shown here as flat plates made of steel or a suitable metal. These members may be attached to plate 132. Welding is well suited to this purpose. However, fasteners such as bolts and nuts may also be useful. One structure may include opposing upper plates 150 having cutouts 152 that occupy all or part of their length. A set of lower plates 154 may be located adjacent to the upper plates 150. The plates 150, 154 may be attached to each other along all or part of their adjacent edges. The lower plate 154 may include an array of openings 156 that penetrate the material. This arrangement may form rows and columns of equally or evenly spaced holes. In this example, two rows of holes extend along the length of the lower plate 154.

[0014] Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the support 124 at its mounting position on the valve body 110. The first plate fits into the exposed flange at the trim opening T on the valve body 110 in place of the valve bonnet portion and actuator (not shown). The U-shape of the first plate is configured to align with a pair of bolts B that fill the exposed flange through holes 138. These bolts are arranged in a pattern that normally receives the bonnet and actuator (not shown). A technician can use a set screw 158, which is screwed into a threaded hole 138a, to ensure that the inner surface of the opening 140 aligns with the inner surface of the trim opening T into the inner chamber 112 on the valve body 110. This feature provides a smooth and uniform transition for the technician to “push” the trim assembly (not shown) from the support 124 into the valve body 110 or to “pull” the trim assembly (not shown) onto the support 124. Once aligned, the technician can use the nut 160 to secure the support 124 in place on the valve body 110. In one configuration, the first plate has a geometric shape for fitting inside the inner diameter of the pattern of bolts B. This geometric shape can also position the lower boss 142 between adjacent bolts B.

[0015] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the support 124, which is also located at the mounting position on the valve body 110. The space between the upper plates 150 may allow the trim assembly 114 to be placed horizontally within the support 124. A technician may use a crane or hoist to lift the trim assembly 114 to a position above the support 124. The crane may initially orient the trim assembly 114 vertically so that the diffuser 116 is first inserted into the space between the upper plates 150. The diffuser 116 contacts the lower plate 154 and may act as a pivot to allow the technician to rotate the trim assembly 114 downward so that the cage 118 (and plug 120) is in close proximity to the plate 132 (or “second plate”) on the end 128. Once in that horizontal position, the technician can move or “push” the trim assembly 114 into the trim opening T in the inner chamber 112 on the valve body 110. This step may often require the use of a lever tool (e.g., a lever or screwdriver) that can be inserted into the opening 156 (Figure 3) sequentially from the opening 156 closest to the second plate to the opening 156 closest to the first plate.

[0016] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the support 124 in its upright position, or "assembled" position. Several brackets 162 may serve to secure the first plate to the platform P. The brackets 162 may include a plate 164 that extends over a portion of the first plate. A U-shaped member 166 may extend downward from the platform P. The device may also have an opposing portion 168 that penetrates an opening in the plate 164. The opposing portion can receive a nut 170, which, when tightened onto the plate 164, clamps the first plate in place to the bracket 162, maintaining the support 124 in its upright position.

[0017] Figures 7, 8, and 9 also show perspective views of the support 124 in an upright position. Figure 7 shows the support 124 after the technician has inserted the diffuser 116 into the opening 140 (Figure 3) on the second plate. As shown, the opening 140 (Figure 3) on the second plate can be sized so that the “valve seat ring” of the diffuser 116 contacts the second plate. This feature exposes a portion of the diffuser 116 above the second plate for the subsequent steps of assembling the trim assembly 114. For example, as best shown in Figure 8, the technician can position the cage 118 (preferably in combination with the plug 120) above and above the exposed portion of the diffuser 116. Set screws S may be installed around the cage 118. These set screws can securely engage with the diffuser 116 to form a single trim assembly 114. In Figure 9, the technician can attach a hoist or crane to the trim assembly 210 to lift the trim assembly 114 from the support 124, and then, as described above, the technician can remove the bracket 162 and attach the support 124 to the exposed flange of the valve body 110.

[0018] In view of the above, the improvements described herein simplify the assembly and maintenance of steam control valves and other flow control devices at their installation sites. The embodiments provide a versatile tool that operates both to localize the assembly of trim assemblies for these valves and to simplify the installation of trim assemblies onto the valves. The features of this tool fit within the constraints of the generally confined spaces found in the field, which may interfere with the use of other conventional crossbars or support hardware. Furthermore, enabling the tool to function to allow the "localized" assembly of the trims can save labor time, while also promoting safety considerations for technicians when handling these large, heavy, and often cumbersome devices in the field.

[0019] Examples comprising specific elements or items (one or more of which may be combined with other elements and items) appear below to illustrate embodiments conceivable within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. This scope includes, and may be conceivable, other embodiments conceived by those skilled in the art. Such other embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that are not different from the literal wording of the claims, or equivalent structural elements that are substantially different from the literal wording of the claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for the assembly and / or maintenance of flow control devices, A bolt located on a flow control device, the bolt having a first opening that fits into the bolt and which can be connected to an actuator that adjusts the position of a closing member, The device comprises an elongated member connected to the first plate, The device wherein the elongated member operates to support a trim assembly in a cantilever orientation relative to the flow control device, the trim assembly is mountable in an internal chamber of the flow control device, and includes the closing member for regulating the flow of material in the internal chamber.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rod coupled to the first plate and extending along the elongated member.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a rod coupled to the first plate and extending along the elongated member, wherein the first plate has a boss having an opening for receiving the rod.

4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first plate has a U-shape with an end portion having the opening.

5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first plate has a U-shape with an end portion having a second opening perpendicular to the first opening.

6. The elongated member further comprises a second plate connected to one end thereof, and the other end of the elongated member opposite to the one end thereof is connected to the first plate. The apparatus according to claim 1.

7. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a second plate connected to one end of the elongated member, wherein the other end of the elongated member opposite to the one end is connected to the first plate, and each of the first plate and the second plate has a central opening.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the elongated member comprises a row of openings extending between the first plate and the second plate.

9. The apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the elongated member allows access for a tool extending through the space enclosed by the elongated member.

10. Apparatus for the assembly and / or maintenance of steam control valves, Instead of an actuator that adjusts the position of the closing member, it is equipped with a support structure that supports the steam control valve, and the support structure is, A bolt on the steam control valve, having a first end that engages with the bolt which is connectable to the actuator, A device comprising: a support coupled to the first end, the support having a member for cantilevering a trim assembly to be mounted inside the steam control valve, wherein the trim assembly is mountable in the internal chamber of the steam control valve and includes a closing member for regulating the flow of material in the internal chamber.

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the support comprises a set screw that engages with the bolt to adjust the surface of the support to align with the inner surface of a trim opening toward the inner chamber.

12. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the support comprises a plate on the first end having an opening that engages with a pair of bolts on the steam control valve.

13. The apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the support comprises a plate on the first end having a central opening having a diameter larger than that of the components of the trim assembly.

14. The apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising a bracket for fixing the first end to a platform which is a surface on which the support structure is mounted.

15. A method for assembling and / or maintaining a steam control valve, The support structure is fixed in a first orientation to a platform which is the surface on which the support structure is mounted, and the support structure has a shape that extends around the central axis of the support structure and extends along the central axis. Assembling a trim assembly for a steam control valve within the support structure, wherein the trim assembly is mountable in the internal chamber of the steam control valve and includes a closing member for adjusting the flow of material in the internal chamber. Removing the trim assembly, The support structure is fixed to the steam control valve in a second orientation different from the first orientation, This includes inserting the trim assembly into the support structure, A method wherein the support structure is configured to cantilever support the trim assembly with respect to the steam control valve.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein the first orientation is such that the central axis of the support structure is oriented vertically.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the second orientation is such that the central axis of the support structure is oriented horizontally.

18. The method according to claim 15, further comprising pressing the trim assembly into the steam control valve.

19. The trim assembly is installed inside the steam control valve, Removing the support structure from the steam control valve, Instead of the aforementioned support structure, an actuator for adjusting the position of the closing member is installed, The method according to claim 15, further comprising:

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