FLUID CUTTING DEVICE
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- MX · MX
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RATTIINOX SRL
- Filing Date
- 2022-12-13
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-12
Smart Images
Figure MX434995B0
Abstract
Description
The present invention relates generally to the field of fluid shutoff devices, and particularly to a flexing diaphragm valve of the type for clean and aseptic applications. Aseptic manufacturing processes require equipment capable of meeting CIP and SIP requirements. Furthermore, clean and aseptic valves must be compact, free of areas where processed fluids stagnate, and minimize the use of cleaning solutions. Therefore, these valves are manufactured from special stainless steel and PTFE diaphragms that operate exclusively through flexing and compression in the sealing zones. Valves used in chemical or food plants have a stainless steel body and valve elements or diaphragms made of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene), when subjected to cyclic compression stress, is prone to slippage (cold flow) if not achieved through compression. Therefore, the obturator bodies of these valves are made of pre-compressed polytetrafluoroethylene, mechanically machined by machining to obtain the desired diaphragm shape. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Even when stabilized by these compression production processes, known clean and aseptic valve diaphragms (also called CAD: Clean and Aseptic Design) still undergo volume reduction, called recompression, when subjected to high pressures that vary over time, particularly cyclic pressures, due to frequent opening and closing of the valve. In the case of CAD valves, the reduction in diaphragm volume implies a variation in the stroke of the actuator that must open and close the diaphragm to always ensure the diaphragm's sealing support against the valve body. In the event of recompression of the diaphragm material, there is a frequent risk of reaching the limit of the actuator stroke that moves the diaphragm and, therefore, of not closing the valve itself. Diaphragm valve solutions that operate under bending are known from patent documents US4051865A, SE445852B, US5609185A and US2014158923A1. Also, document US5377956A reveals a type of diaphragm with a mushroom-shaped peduncle, externally hooked in a way that is undercut by a gripping element for its movement. This solution is known to occur when subjected to repeated opening and closing cycles, leading to a sudden mushroom-shaped deterioration of the peduncle with the risk of breaking the diaphragm and preventing the valve from opening. Furthermore, a similar solution is known from document US2001032958A1. In addition, completely different solutions, considering the operating logic, are known from US4359204A, EP0508658A2, and FR1249282A, where a membrane, rather than a diaphragm, is provided as the obturating element. This membrane, made of elastic material, folds like a bellows to allow it to extend in the closed position. These bellows folds show signs of very early structural failure, with cracks and separation of particles or debris from the membrane material, which is unacceptable in many chemical or food plants for which CAD valves are primarily intended. These known membranes are not suitable for applications where it is essential to ensure the absence of product in the sealing device chambers at the end of the process. Specifically, it must be ensured that no product remains trapped, even in minimal quantities, in the interstices, not only those present between the membrane and the valve body due to certain membrane geometries, but also within the membrane's own folds. ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / ui ou ij Without the aforementioned requirement, the passage of a first fluid, even after draining and cleaning, risks contaminating a second fluid, as even small amounts can become trapped in the membrane folds. Therefore, these known devices are not suitable for processes requiring a CAD valve. US3134570A describes a diaphragm valve that works with an extension of the elastic material from which the diaphragm is made. This solution also has all the limitations of the bellows membranes described above, and creates tension in the stretched membrane structure that has a very limited lifespan and is subject to a number of opening and closing cycles unsuitable for many plants. Other solutions are known in patent documents EP0072681, JP H01 188777, US 2006 / 065868, US 2002 / 003222, and US 2008 / 116412. However, these known solutions have the significant drawback that the diaphragm is pressed during closure by the control member and pulled during opening by the same member, presenting two very dangerous problems. On the one hand, the diaphragm is compressed and changes size over time, altering the correct closing position of the device's seal. On the other hand, the pulling and compressive action exerted by the control element soon loosens the grip of the control element, creating a displacement, sometimes a gap and other times a relative displacement, between the control element and the diaphragm, again with the problem that the correct closing position of the device seal changes over time. Therefore, the need remains strong to minimize the variability of the diaphragm's behavior under cyclic compression, avoiding shapes that accentuate the diaphragm's fatigue stress and, at the same time, ensuring a firm and durable connection between the control stem and the diaphragm. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / ui ou ij Therefore, the object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the prior art and allow the aforementioned requirements to be achieved, by providing a fluid sealing device capable of ensuring a seal over time with reduced recompression of the diaphragm material. This and other objects are achieved by means of a fluid sealing device as claimed in claim 1. Some advantageous modalities are the subject of dependent claims. Under the general modality and the variants described above and below, it is possible to obtain the following advantages. The part of the diaphragm that faces the opening or recess of the inlet duct is particularly small in size and allows for a reduction in dimensional changes of the diaphragm caused by fatigue of the diaphragm material or by recompression. By virtue of the suggested solutions, it is possible to satisfy conflicting needs, i.e., to press the diaphragm and, particularly, its sealing part against the support surface or sealing surface of the intermediate chamber near the edge of the inlet duct to ensure a perfect seal, and at the same time prevent separation between the control stem and the diaphragm, as well as always having precise movement, avoiding excessive changes in volume or thickness of the diaphragm pressed against the valve body, dimensional changes of the diaphragm which would force a variable stroke of the control element over time, which must be avoided. The suggested solutions allow for a dramatic increase in the volume of the control stem and a reduction in the volume of the diaphragm body. Based on tests performed with 4-second cycles, repeated for 24 hours over several days, the diaphragms according to the present invention have shown minimal deformation, shortening by only 0.3 mm and, above all, a deformation that stabilized quickly. iviA / a / zuzz / ui ou ij Therefore, the claimed solution has shown reduced recompression of the diaphragm made of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). Advantageously, the ratio between the volume of the control element made of stainless steel and the diaphragm made of PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), depending on the model, allows for a long lifespan even under severe conditions. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, where: - Figure 1 schematically shows in axonometric view a fluid shutoff device according to the invention and connected to a pneumatic actuator; - Figure 2 schematically shows an axonometrically sectioned view, in a median plane or a plane passing along the predetermined direction of diaphragm movement to open and close the inlet duct, the device and the actuator of Figure 1; - Figure 3 schematically shows an axonometric sectional view with separate parts, the device and actuator of Figure 1; - Figure 4 shows in section a median plane or a plane passing along the predetermined direction of diaphragm movement to open and close the inlet duct, the device and the actuator of Figure 1; - Figure 5 and Figure 6 show in section, a median plane or a plane passing along the predetermined direction of diaphragm movement to open and close the inlet duct, the device and actuator of Figure 1 in the closed and open positions respectively. ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / ui ου ij DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings to enable those skilled in the art to practice and use it. Several modifications to the described embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles described can be applied to other embodiments and applications without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention, as defined in the appended claims. Therefore, the present invention should not be considered as limited to the embodiments described and shown, but rather the broadest possible scope of protection should be granted in accordance with the features described and claimed. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly used by those skilled in the field of the present invention. In case of conflict, this description, including the definitions provided, shall be binding. Examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and, as such, should not be considered limiting. To facilitate understanding of the embodiments described herein, some specific embodiments will be referenced and specific language will be used to describe them. The terminology used herein is intended to describe only particular embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. According to a general embodiment, a fluid shut-off device 1 comprises a valve body 2. Said valve body 2 at least partially delimits an inlet conduit 3 and an outlet conduit 4. Said inlet duct 3 has a predetermined transverse inlet duct dimension Di. According to one modality, said transverse dimension of the inlet duct Di is the diameter of the tubular inlet duct 3. ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / ui ου ij According to one embodiment, said outlet duct 4 has a predetermined dimension De of the transverse outlet duct. According to one embodiment, said dimension De of the transverse outlet duct is the diameter of the tubular outlet duct 4. Said valve body 2 comprises an intermediate portion 5. Said intermediate portion 5 at least partially delimits an intermediate chamber 6; said intermediate chamber 6 provides a fluid connection between said inlet conduit 3 and said outlet conduit 5. Said inlet conduit 3 comprises a connecting edge of the inlet conduit 7 formed by the intersection between said intermediate part 5 and said inlet conduit 3. According to one embodiment, said outlet conduit 4 comprises a connecting edge of the outlet conduit 4 formed by the intersection between said intermediate part 5 and said outlet conduit 4. Said intermediate chamber 6 comprises a sealing surface 14. According to one modality, said sealing surface 14 is arranged around said connection edge of the inlet duct 7. This intermediate chamber 6 houses a diaphragm 8. This diaphragm 8 has a one-piece body. Said diaphragm 8 comprises a diaphragm sealing portion 9; said diaphragm sealing portion 9, in the closed position of the inlet duct 3, cooperates, by means of a diaphragm support surface 20, with said sealing surface 14 to occlude said inlet duct 3. Said diaphragm 8 comprises a flexing portion of the diaphragm 10; said flexing portion of the diaphragm 10 permanently connects the sealing portion of the diaphragm 9 to the valve body 2 to operate exclusively under flexing. This diaphragm sealing portion 9 delimits a diaphragm seat 11. Said fluid shut-off device 1 further comprises a control element 12. Said control element 12 comprises a control stem 13 comprising a predetermined transverse control stem dimension Dp. Said control stem 13 is received integrally in said diaphragm seat 11. Said control stem 13 transmits a movement to said sealing portion of the diaphragm 9 at least between said inlet duct 3 closing position and an inlet duct 3 opening position, moving along a predetermined direction of diaphragm XX movement. Throughout the text, the cooperation between the inlet duct and the diaphragm is mentioned; this should be understood alternatively as cooperation between the outlet duct and the diaphragm. In fact, in some applications, the diaphragm occludes the inlet duct, and in others, it occludes the outlet duct. Advantageously, the sealing surface 14 is a flat sealing surface positioned orthogonally to the predetermined XX direction of diaphragm movement. For example, but not necessarily, the sealing surface 14 is an annular flat surface. For example, but not necessarily, the sealing surface 14 is a surface surrounding the inlet duct connection edge 7 or the outlet duct connection edge 7. Said diaphragm support surface 20 is a flat support surface positioned orthogonally to said predetermined diaphragm movement direction XX, or if it is to cooperate with said connecting edge outlet duct, orthogonally to a predetermined diaphragm outlet movement direction YY directed longitudinally to said outlet duct 4. For example, but not necessarily, said diaphragm support surface 20 is an annular flat surface. Said dimension of the transverse control stem Dp is between a value greater than said dimension of the transverse inlet duct Di and a dimension that leaves a distance, measured in a plane orthogonal to said predetermined direction of diaphragm movement XX, between said control stem 13 and said inlet duct connection edge 7, less than 25% of the dimension of the transverse inlet duct Di. Advantageously, said control stem 13 comprises a self-tapping stem thread 27 that screws into the body of said diaphragm 8, thereby creating a diaphragm thread 28 in the diaphragm seat 11, thus creating a tight fit between the profile of said diaphragm, the threaded stem 27, and said diaphragm body 8. By virtue of the arrangement of a self-tapping thread, the control stem penetrates and deforms the diaphragm wall 8 that delimits the diaphragm seat 11, deforming the material of said diaphragm 8 that enters between the crests of the thread 44 and creating a firm connection between the control stem and the diaphragm 8, a firm connection that allows many or very numerous opening and closing cycles of the diaphragm 8 without the slightest movement occurring between the diaphragm and the stem. The combination of the characteristics of the transverse control stem dimension Dp and the inlet duct dimension Di and the tight coupling created by the thread of the self-tapping stem 27 in the diaphragm body 8 creates a solution capable of reduced or very reduced deformations or dimensional changes of the diaphragm 8 also over time, ensuring, over time, the correct functioning of the device, always ensuring a perfect seal over time with optimal and precise positioning of the diaphragm 8 that faithfully and precisely follows the movement of the control stem 13. According to one embodiment, said self-tapping stem thread 27 is a cortical-type thread that deforms the diaphragm body 8 when screwed into the wall of said diaphragm seat 11, to penetrate the diaphragm body 8 with a resistant section of the diaphragm body 8 that is subjected to thrust during closing and tension during opening of the diaphragm 8. According to one embodiment, said self-tapping stem thread 27 comprises tapered and pointed control stem 13 thread crests 44 with a predetermined thread height, leaving a helical thread channel 45 between them of a size similar to said thread height, capable of receiving the diaphragm body material MAa.ZUZZU 1 OU IJ deformed by said wire crests 44 to completely fill said helical wire channel 45. According to one embodiment, said self-tapping stem thread 27 comprises tapered and pointed thread crests 44 of the control stem 13 with a predetermined thread height that varies from 1 / 2 to 1 / 4 of the thickness of the diaphragm body 8 in the narrowest section thereof that forms said diaphragm seat 11, to penetrate to a depth that varies between 1 / 2 and 1 / 4 into the diaphragm body 8 creating a resilient section of the diaphragm body 8 that interacts with said thread crests 44 and resists repeated cycles when subjected to push during closing and pull during opening of the diaphragm 8. According to one embodiment, said self-tapping stem thread 27 comprises tapered and pointed thread crests 44 of the control stem 13 with a predetermined thread height equal to 1 / 3 of the thickness of the diaphragm body 8 at the narrowest section thereof, which forms said diaphragm seat 11, to penetrate a depth equal to 1 / 3 into the diaphragm body 8 creating a resilient section of the diaphragm body 8 that interacts with said thread crests 44 and resists repeated cycles when subjected to pushing during closing and pulling during opening of the diaphragm 8. According to one embodiment, said control stem 13 comprises a stem head 46 positioned at the end of said control stem 13. According to one embodiment, said stem head 46 comprises a flat stem end surface 47 orthogonal to said predetermined diaphragm movement direction XX that rests against the lower part of the seat 48 of said diaphragm seat 11, integrating said control stem 13 with said diaphragm 8. According to one embodiment, said stem head 46 is separated from said self-tapping stem thread 27 by means of a discharge groove 49 which, when said control stem 13 is inserted with its self-tapping stem thread 27 into the wall delimiting said diaphragm seat 11, deforming the material of said diaphragm 8, said deformed material enters said discharge groove 49 preventing said control stem from unscrewing from its coupling position to said diaphragm 8. ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / ui ou ij By virtue of the provision of this discharge slot 49, it is ensured that the material of the diaphragm body 8, when deformed by the forced screwing of the cortical thread, deforms and enters said discharge slot 49, creating a dislocated stop that locks the control stem 13 in its perfect operating position, which ensures many opening and closing cycles, preventing loss of the relative position between the control stem 13 and the diaphragm 8 and between the diaphragm 8 and the sealing surface of the intermediate chamber 14, creating a perfect seal of the device over time. According to one embodiment, said transverse dimension of the control stem Dp leaves a distance, measured in a plane orthogonal to said predetermined direction of movement of the diaphragm XX, between said control stem 13 and said connection edge of the inlet duct 7, less than 22% of the transverse inlet duct dimension Di. According to one embodiment, said fluid shutoff device 1 is a clean and aseptic design or CAD device, i.e., a device 1 for applications in which contamination between successive fluids processed by the device is not permitted and a complete cleaning of the chamber intermediate 6 must be possible without necessarily disassembling the device itself. According to one modality, and as already described above, in any of the modalities described it is possible to replace the inlet duct with the outlet duct and replace the outlet duct with the inlet duct. Therefore, in accordance with one modality, said transverse dimension of the control stem Dp is between a value greater than said transverse dimension of the outlet duct De and a dimension that leaves a distance, measured in a plane orthogonal to said predetermined direction YY of the diaphragm movement, between said control stem 13 and said connection edge of the outlet duct, less than 25% of the transverse dimension De of the outlet duct. According to one embodiment, the transverse dimension of the control stem Dp leaves a distance, measured in a plane orthogonal to the predetermined direction of diaphragm movement YY, between the control stem 13 and the outlet duct connection edge, less than 22% of the transverse dimension of the inlet duct Di. According to one modality, in said closing position of the outlet duct 4 of the sealing diaphragm 9, the distance, measured parallel to said predetermined direction of diaphragm movement YY, between said control stem 13 and said connection edge of the outlet duct, is between 7% and 15% of the transverse dimension of the outlet duct De. As can be seen from the operating modes shown in the figures and according to one operating mode, said device 1 comprises a valve body 2, a sliding body 24 fitted into one end of said valve body 2 and secured thereto with a threaded tightening ferrule 25 Connected to said sliding body 24, a pneumatic actuator cylinder 35 is provided, closed at its top by an upper pneumatic actuator 36 with which it forms a pressure chamber 37. A pressurized fluid supply conduit for the movement of piston 38 is present in said pneumatic actuator cylinder 35 to supply pressurized fluid to said pressure chamber 37. Housed in said pressure chamber 37, a pneumatic actuator piston 39 is provided, to which a control shaft 29 is connected. According to one embodiment, said device 1 further comprises an open valve indicator 40. Said open valve indicator 40 comprises an indicator stem 41 that rests on said control shaft 29 or said pneumatic actuator piston 39 and is received free to exit said upper part 36 of the pneumatic actuator through a cap 42. An elastic element or spring 31 constantly demands said pneumatic actuator piston 39 in the valve closing position, i.e., in the closing position of said diaphragm 8. Seals 43 are provided on the moving members to allow a fluid seal of said pressure chamber 37. Said control element 12 is connected, for example, inactive in rotation but constrained in translation, to said control axis 29. As mentioned above, the sliding body 24 fits into one end of said valve body 2 with a connecting flange 23 thereof and houses said control element 12 with the control stem 13 thereof attached to said diaphragm 8. In the examples shown in the Figures, diaphragm 8 has an axisymmetric shape and is a single piece. The diaphragm 8 comprises a diaphragm connection part 21 having a tightly packed, package-tight annular diaphragm fixing body 22 between said connection flange 23 and said valve body 2. Diaphragm 8 further comprises a diaphragm flexing part 10 and a diaphragm sealing part 9. The flexing part of diaphragm 10 connects said diaphragm sealing part 9 to said diaphragm connecting part 21 and deforms when bent to allow said diaphragm sealing part 9 to pass from a closing position of the outlet space of said inlet duct 3 in said intermediate chamber 6 to a closing position, opening position of said outlet gap. According to one modality, the flexing part of the diaphragm 10 has a flat or slightly concave or conical shape, preventing it from folding over on itself when the diaphragm is in the closed position. According to one embodiment, the valve body 2 comprises an annular and flat intermediate chamber sealing surface 14 adapted to receive, as a support and seal, said diaphragm sealing portion 9 that occludes the outlet space of the inlet conduit 3. νΐΛ / 3 / 2υ42 / υΊ OU IJ According to one modality, in said closed position of the inlet duct 3 of the sealing diaphragm 9 the distance, measured parallel to said predetermined movement direction of the diaphragm XX, between said control stem 13 and connection flange of the inlet duct 7, is between 7% and 15% of the transverse inlet duct dimension Di. According to one embodiment, said diaphragm 8 comprises a diaphragm sealing portion 9; said diaphragm sealing portion 9 cooperates with a sealing surface to occlude said outlet duct 4. According to one embodiment, said control stem 13 transmits a movement to said sealing portion of the diaphragm 9 at least between said outlet duct 3 closing position and an outlet duct 4 opening position, moving along a predetermined diaphragm movement direction YY.
[0096] According to one embodiment, at least a diaphragm portion 8 surrounds one end of said control stem 13. According to one modality, said diaphragm 8 separates said control element 12 from the intermediate chamber 6. According to one embodiment, said intermediate chamber 6 is delimited by said intermediate portion 5 of said valve body 2 and by said diaphragm 8, as well as by gaps or openings 15, 16 to access the inlet duct 3 and the outlet duct 4. According to one embodiment, said diaphragm 8 separates said intermediate chamber 6 from a sliding chamber 17 of the control element; said sliding chamber 17 of the control element receives and guides said control element 12 in the movement thereof between said inlet duct 3 closing position to an inlet duct 3 opening position. According to one modality, said diaphragm 8 is axisymmetric in shape. According to one embodiment, said diaphragm sealing portion 9 is cup-shaped. According to one embodiment, said diaphragm sealing portion 9 comprises a diaphragm stem 18 and an enlarged diaphragm base 19. According to one embodiment, said enlarged diaphragm base 19 comprises a diaphragm support surface 20 that cooperates in a sealed manner with said sealing surface 14 of the intermediate chamber 6. According to one modality, said flexing portion of diaphragm 10 is inverted dome-shaped. According to one embodiment, said diaphragm flexing portion 10 is connected to said valve body by means of a diaphragm connecting portion 21. According to one embodiment, said diaphragm connection part 21 comprises an annular diaphragm fixing body 22 adapted to clamp the diaphragm 8 between said valve body 2 and a connection flange 23 of a sliding body 24. According to one modality, said sliding body 24 delimits a sliding chamber 17 of the control element adapted to receive and guide said control element 12. According to one embodiment, said sliding body 24 is connected to said valve body 2 by means of a threaded ferrule 25 screwed into an externally threaded portion 26 of said valve body 2. According to one modality, said diaphragm 8 is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, called PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene). According to one modality, said valve body 2 is made of stainless steel or another alloy that has good corrosion resistance. According to one modality, said control element 12 is made of stainless steel. According to one embodiment, said control stem 13 comprises a self-tapping stem thread 27 that screws into the body of said diaphragm 8, thereby creating a diaphragm thread 28 in the diaphragm seat 11, thereby creating a tight fit between the profile of said self-tapping stem thread 27 and said diaphragm body 8. According to one embodiment, the coupling between said control stem 13 and the body of said diaphragm 8 is so tight that an attempt to unscrew the parts would result in breaking the diaphragm 8. According to one embodiment, said control element 12 is made of stainless steel, and its control stem 13 has a cortical thread that deforms the PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) body of the diaphragm 8 by threading. The crests of the control stem 13's thread are highly tapered and pointed, and the helical channel of the thread is very wide. The thread height is very high to increase the resistant section of the PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) body of the diaphragm 8, which will be subjected to thrust during closing and tension during opening.
[00115] According to one embodiment, said control element 12 is connected to a control shaft 29 of an actuator 30. According to one embodiment, said control element 12 is connected to a control shaft 29 of a pneumatic actuator 30. According to one modality, said control element 12 is constantly loaded to said inlet duct 3 closing position by a spring 31. According to one modality, said control element 12 is a one-piece element. According to one modality, said control element 12 is received in said diaphragm seat 11. According to one modality, said control element 12 comprises a control element plate 32. According to one embodiment, said control element plate 32 is a single piece with said control stem 13. According to one modality, said control element 12 comprises a control element plate 32. According to one embodiment, the control element plate 32 comprises a diaphragm support surface 33 facing said diaphragm flexing part 10. According to one modality, said control element 12 comprises a control element plate 32. According to one embodiment, said control element plate 32 comprises a diaphragm support surface 33 and said diaphragm support surface 33 is conical or in the form of a spherical sector. According to one modality, said control element 12 comprises a control element plate 32. According to one embodiment, said control element plate 32 comprises a diaphragm support surface 33. According to one embodiment, in said position of diaphragm 8 to close the inlet conduit 3 and in a condition in which diaphragm 8 is not worn or aged, there is a diaphragm clearance 34 between said diaphragm support surface 33 and said diaphragm flexing portion 10; and in which said diaphragm clearance 34 increases as it moves from said diaphragm sealing portion 9 to a diaphragm connecting portion 21 for connecting said diaphragm 8 to the valve body 2. Experts in the field may make many changes and adaptations to the modalities described above or may replace elements with others, which are functionally equivalent, to meet contingent needs without going beyond the scope of the attached claims. ινΐΛ / a / zuzz / ui ou ij NUMERICAL REFERENCES fluid shutoff device valve body inlet conduit outlet conduit intermediate portion intermediate chamber inlet conduit connection edge diaphragm diaphragm sealing portion diaphragm deflection portion diaphragm seat control element control stem intermediate chamber sealing surface inlet conduit access space or opening outlet conduit access space or opening Sliding chamber of control elements, diaphragm stem, enlarged diaphragm base, diaphragm bearing surface, diaphragm connecting portion, annular diaphragm fixing body, connecting flange, sliding body, threaded annular nut, threaded portion of valve body, self-tapping stem thread, diaphragm thread, control shaft, actuator, spring Control element plate, diaphragm support surface, diaphragm clearance, pneumatic actuator cylinder, pneumatic actuator above, pressure chamber, pressurized fluid supply line, pneumatic actuator piston, open valve indicator, indicator stem, cap seals Crests of threads Helical thread channel, stem head, stem end surface, seat bottom, discharge groove Dimensions of the transverse inlet duct Dimensions of the transverse outlet duct DP Transverse control stem dimension Dg Distance between the control stem and the sealing surface transverse to XX Dz Distance measured parallel to said predetermined XX direction of diaphragm movement, between said control stem and said inlet duct connection edge XX Default direction of diaphragm movement to open and close the inlet duct YY Default diaphragm movement direction for opening and closing the outlet duct
Claims
1. A fluid shutoff device (1) comprising: a valve body (2); said valve body (2) at least partially delimiting an inlet conduit (3) and an outlet conduit (4); said inlet conduit (3) having a predetermined transverse inlet conduit dimension (Di); said valve body (2) comprising an intermediate portion (5); said intermediate portion (5) at least partially delimiting an intermediate chamber (6); said intermediate chamber (6) providing a fluid connection between said inlet conduit (3) and said outlet conduit (5); wherein said inlet conduit (3) comprises an inlet conduit connection edge (7) formed by the intersection between said intermediate portion (5) and said inlet conduit (3); said intermediate chamber (6) comprising a sealing surface (14); said intermediate chamber (6) housing a diaphragm (8); said diaphragm (8) having a one-piece body;said diaphragm (8) comprises a diaphragm sealing portion (9); said diaphragm sealing portion (9), in the inlet conduit (3) closing position, cooperates via a diaphragm support surface (20) with said sealing surface (14) to occlude said inlet conduit (3); said diaphragm (8) comprises a diaphragm flexing portion (10); said diaphragm flexing portion (10) permanently connects the diaphragm sealing portion (9) to the valve body (2) to operate exclusively under flexing; said diaphragm sealing portion (9) defines a diaphragm seat (11); said fluid shutoff device (1) further comprises a control element (12); said control element (12) comprises a control stem (13) comprising a predetermined transverse control stem dimension (Dp); said control stem (13) is integrally received in said diaphragm seat (11);said control stem (13) transmits a movement to said diaphragm sealing portion (9) at least between said inlet duct closing position (3) and an inlet duct opening position (3), moving along a predetermined diaphragm movement direction (XX); wherein said sealing surface (14) is a flat sealing surface positioned orthogonally to said predetermined diaphragm movement direction (XX); and wherein said diaphragm support surface (20) is a flat support surface positioned orthogonally to said predetermined diaphragm movement direction (XX);and wherein said transverse dimension of the control stem (Dp) is between a value greater than said transverse dimension of the inlet conduit (Di) and a dimension (Dg) that leaves a distance, measured in a plane orthogonal to said predetermined direction of movement of the diaphragm (XX), between said control stem (13) and said connection edge of the inlet conduit (7), less than 25% of the transverse dimension of the inlet conduit (Di); characterized in that said intermediate chamber (6) is free of areas of stagnant processed fluid; and wherein said control stem (13) comprises a self-tapping stem thread (27) that engages upon entering the body of said diaphragm (8), thereby creating a diaphragm thread (28) in the diaphragm seat (11), thereby creating a tight fit between the profile of said self-tapping stem thread (27) and said diaphragm body (8).
2. A fluid shutoff device (1) according to claim 1, wherein said self-tapping stem thread (27) is a cortical-type thread that deforms the diaphragm body (8) by screwing into the wall of said diaphragm seat (11), to penetrate the diaphragm body (8) with a resistant section of the membrane body (8) that is subjected to push during closure and pull during opening of the membrane (8); and / or wherein said self-tapping stem thread (27) comprises tapered and pointed thread crests (44) of the control stem (13) with a predetermined thread height, leaving a helical thread channel (45) between them of a size similar to said thread height, capable of receiving the diaphragm body material (8) deformed by said thread crests (44) to completely fill said helical thread channel (45);and / or wherein said self-tapping stem thread (27) comprises tapered and pointed thread ridges (44) of the control stem (13) having a predetermined thread height that varies from 1 / 2 to 1 / 4 of the thickness of the diaphragm body (8) at the narrowest part thereof forming said diaphragm seat (11), so as to penetrate to a variable depth between 1 / 2 and 1 / 4 into the diaphragm body (8) creating a resilient section of the diaphragm body (8) that interacts with said thread ridges (44) and withstands repeated cycles when subjected to pushing during closing and pulling during opening of the diaphragm (8);or wherein said self-tapping stem thread (27) comprises tapered and pointed thread ridges (44) of the control stem (13) with a predetermined thread height equal to 1 / 3 of the thickness of the diaphragm body (8) in the narrowest section thereof forming said diaphragm seat (11), so as to penetrate to a depth equal to 1 / 3 into the diaphragm body (8) creating a resistant section of the diaphragm body (8) that interacts with said thread ridges (44) and resists repeated cycles when subjected to thrust during closing and pull during opening of the diaphragm (8); said transverse dimension of the control stem (Dp) leaves a distance (Dg), measured in a plane orthogonal to said predetermined direction of diaphragm movement (XX), between said control stem (13) and said inlet duct connection edge (7), less than 22% of the transverse dimension of the inlet duct (Di).
3. A fluid shut-off device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said inlet duct (3) shut-off position of the sealing diaphragm (9) the distance (Dz), measured parallel to said predetermined movement direction of the diaphragm (XX), between said control stem (13) and said inlet duct connection edge (7), is between 7% and 15% of the transverse inlet duct dimension (D1).
4. A fluid shutoff device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the inlet conduit is replaced by an outlet conduit and the outlet conduit is replaced by an inlet conduit; and wherein said diaphragm (8) comprises a diaphragm sealing portion (9); said diaphragm sealing portion (9) cooperates with a sealing surface to occlude said outlet conduit (4); and wherein said control stem (13) transmits a movement to said diaphragm sealing portion (9) at least between said outlet conduit closing position (3) and an outlet conduit opening position (4), moving along a predetermined diaphragm movement direction (AA);and wherein said transverse dimension of the control stem (Dp) is between a value greater than said transverse dimension of the outlet duct (De) and a dimension that leaves a distance, measured in a plane orthogonal to said predetermined direction of diaphragm movement (YY), between said control stem (13) and said connection edge of the outlet duct, less than 25% of the transverse dimension of the outlet duct (De); and / or wherein said transverse dimension of the control stem (Dp) leaves a distance, measured in a plane orthogonal to said predetermined direction of diaphragm movement (YY), between said control stem (13) and said connection edge of the outlet duct, less than 22% of the transverse dimension of the inlet duct (Di);and / or where in said closing position of the outlet duct (4) of the sealing diaphragm (9) the distance, measured parallel to said predetermined direction of movement of the diaphragm (YY), between said control stem (13) and said connection edge of the outlet duct, is between 7% and 15% of the transverse outlet duct dimension (De).; 5. A fluid shutoff device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least a diaphragm portion (8) surrounds an end of said control stem (13); and / or wherein said diaphragm (8) separates said control element (12) from the intermediate chamber (6); and / or wherein said intermediate chamber (6) is delimited by said intermediate portion (5) of said valve body (2) and by said diaphragm (8), as well as by gaps or openings (15, 16) for access to the inlet conduit (3) and the outlet conduit (4); and / or wherein said diaphragm (8) separates said intermediate chamber (6) from a sliding chamber (17) of the control element; said sliding chamber (17) of the control element receives and guides said control element (12) in its movement between said inlet conduit (3) closing position and an inlet conduit (3) opening position.
6. A fluid shutoff device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said diaphragm (8) is axisymmetric; and / or wherein said diaphragm sealing portion (9) is cup-shaped; and / or wherein said diaphragm sealing portion (9) comprises a diaphragm stem (18) and an enlarged diaphragm base (19); and wherein said enlarged diaphragm base (19) comprises a diaphragm support surface (20) that cooperates in a sealed manner with said intermediate chamber sealing surface (14); and / or wherein said diaphragm flexing portion (10) is inverted dome-shaped; and / or wherein said diaphragm flexing portion (10) is connected to said valve body by means of a diaphragm connecting portion (21).
7. A fluid shutoff device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said diaphragm (8) is made of polytetrafluoroethylene, referred to as PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene), obtained by mechanical machining of billets or bars produced under compression; and / or wherein said valve body (2) is made of stainless steel; and / or wherein said control element (12) is made of stainless steel.
8. A fluid shutoff device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said control stem (13) comprises a stem head (46) positioned at the end of said control stem (13); and wherein said stem head (46) comprises a flat stem end surface (47) orthogonal to said predetermined direction of diaphragm (XX) movement that bears against the bottom of the seat (48) of said diaphragm seat (11), said control stem (13) being integrated with said diaphragm (8);and / or wherein said stem head (46) is separated from said self-tapping stem thread (27) by means of a discharge groove (49) which, when said control stem (13) is inserted with its self-tapping stem thread (27) into the wall delimiting said diaphragm seat (11), deforming the material of said diaphragm (8), said deformed material enters into said discharge groove (49) preventing said control stem from unscrewing from its coupling position to said diaphragm (8).; 9. A fluid shutoff device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said control element (12) is connected to a control shaft (29) of an actuator (30); and / or wherein said control element (12) is connected to a control shaft (29) of a pneumatic actuator (30); and / or wherein said control element (12) is constantly loaded to said inlet duct (3) closing position by a spring (31).
10. A fluid shutoff device (1) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said control element (12) is a one-piece element; and / or wherein said control element (12) is received in said diaphragm seat (11); and / or wherein said control element (12) comprises a control element plate (32); and wherein said control element plate (32) is one-piece with said control stem (13); and / or wherein said control element (12) comprises a control element plate (32); and wherein the control element plate (32) comprises a diaphragm support surface (33) opposite said diaphragm flexing portion (10); and / or wherein said control element (12) comprises a control element plate (32).and wherein said control element plate (32) comprises a diaphragm support surface (33) and said diaphragm support surface (33) is conical or has the shape of a spherical sector; and / or wherein said control element (12) comprises a control element plate (32); and wherein said control element plate (32) comprises a diaphragm support surface (33); and wherein in said position of the diaphragm (8) to close the inlet conduit (3) and in a condition in which the diaphragm (8) is not worn or aged, there is a diaphragm clearance (34) between said diaphragm support surface (33) and said diaphragm flexing portion (10); and wherein said diaphragm clearance (34) increases as it moves from said diaphragm sealing portion (9) to a diaphragm connecting portion (21) for connecting said diaphragm (8) to the valve body (2).