Metal backing ring-shaped spring for butterfly valve

Abstract

A butterfly valve (10) comprises a butterfly (14) including a disc (20), a stem (22) extending from the disc, and a butterfly liner (24) covering the disc. The butterfly valve also includes a housing (12) defining a passageway (16). The housing includes a body (30, 32) and a housing liner (60) covering the body. The housing liner includes a radially inner surface (44, 45) defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface (44, 45). The housing also includes a metal backing spring (70) disposed between the body and the housing liner. The metal backing spring is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly to thereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the butterfly liner when the butterfly is in a closed state.

Description

METAL BACKING RING-SHAPED SPRING FOR BUTTERFLY VALVETECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to valves. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a metal backing ring-shaped spring for a butterfly valve.BACKGROUND

[0002] Butterfly valves typically include a housing defining a passageway, and a butterfly having a disc that is positioned within a passageway, and further having a stem that is coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc within the passageway. When the valve is closed, the disc is oriented perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through the passageway such that the disc completely blocks off the passageway. When the valve is open, the disc is oriented parallel to the direction of fluid flow through the passageway such that the disc allows substantially unrestricted flow of the fluid through the passageway. For example, the disc may be rotated a quarter turn between the open and closed states. In some cases, the disc may be opened incrementally to throttle flow.

[0003] While several butterfly valves have been made and used, it is believed that no one prior to the inventors has made or used the invention described in this disclosure.SUMMARY

[0004] In various examples, a butterfly valve includes a butterfly including a disc, a stem extending from the disc and configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc, and a butterfly liner at least partially covering the disc. The butterfly valve also includes a housing defining a passageway, wherein the passageway extends along a central axis, wherein the butterfly is rotatably coupled to the housing such that the disc of the butterfly is rotatable within the passageway between an open state and a closed state. The housing includes at least one body and a housing liner at least partially covering the at least one body. The housing liner includes a radially inner surface defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface. The housing also includes a metal backing spring disposed between the at least one body and the housing liner, wherein the metal backing spring is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly to thereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the butterfly liner when the butterfly is in the closed state.

[0005] In one or more of the above examples, the at least one body includes at least one groove, wherein the metal backing spring is disposed within the at least one groove.

[0006] In one or more of the above examples, the metal backing spring is press-fit within the at least one groove.

[0007] In one or more of the above examples, the at least one groove is arcuate.

[0008] In one or more of the above examples, the at least one groove has a dovetail-shaped cross section.

[0009] In one or more of the above examples, the at least one groove includes a plurality of grooves.

[0010] In one or more of the above examples, the metal backing spring includes a plurality of spring segments.

[0011] In one or more of the above examples, each spring segment of the plurality of spring segments is configured to transition from a flat configuration to an arcuate configuration.

[0012] In one or more of the above examples, each spring segment of the plurality of spring segments includes a plurality of slots to facilitate the transition from the flat configuration to the arcuate configuration.

[0013] In one or more of the above examples, the metal backing spring is ring-shaped.

[0014] In one or more of the above examples, the metal backing spring includes a front hooked portion, a rear hooked portion, and a bowed portion extending between the front and rear hooked portions.

[0015] In one or more of the above examples, the bowed portion is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly.

[0016] In one or more of the above examples, at least one of the butterfly liner or the housing liner comprises a first material having a first temperature limit, wherein the metal backing spring comprises a second material having a second temperature limit higher than the first temperature limit.

[0017] In one or more of the above examples, the first material is perfluoro alkoxy alkane (PFA).

[0018] In one or more of the above examples, the second material is at least one of a stainless steel spring grade or Inconel.

[0019] In various examples, a butterfly valve includes a butterfly including a disc, a stem extending from the disc and configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc, and a butterfly liner at least partially covering the disc, the butterfly liner having a radially outer surface. The butterfly valve also includes a housing defining a passageway, wherein the passageway extends along a central axis, wherein the butterfly is rotatably coupled to the housing such that the disc of the butterfly is rotatable within the passageway between an open state and a closed state. The housing includes at least one body having at least one radially inner surface, at least one groove extending radially outwardly from the radially inner surface, and a housing liner at least partially covering the at least one body. The housing liner includes a radially inner surface defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface confronting the at least one radially inner surface of the at least one body. The housing also includes a metal backing spring disposed within the at least one groove, wherein the metal backing spring is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly to thereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the radially outer surface of the butterfly liner when the butterfly is in the closed state.

[0020] In one or more of the above examples, the at least one groove is arcuate and has a dovetail-shaped cross section.

[0021] In one or more of the above examples, the metal backing spring is ring-shaped.

[0022] In one or more of the above examples, the metal backing spring includes a plurality of slots.

[0023] In various examples, a butterfly valve includes a butterfly including a disc, a stem extending from the disc and configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc, and a butterfly liner at least partially covering the disc. The butterfly valve also includes a housing defining a passageway, wherein the passageway extends along a central axis, wherein the butterfly is rotatably coupled to the housing such that the disc of the butterfly is rotatable within the passageway between an open state and a closed state. Thehousing includes at least one body and a housing liner at least partially covering the at least one body. The housing liner includes a radially inner surface defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface. The housing also includes a plurality of metal backing spring segments disposed in a ringshaped arrangement between the at least one body and the housing liner, wherein the plurality of metal backing spring segments is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly to thereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the butterfly liner when the butterfly is in the closed state.

[0024] Other technical features may be readily apparent to one skilled in the art from the following figures, descriptions, and claims.

[0025] Before undertaking the DETAILED DESCRIPTION below, it may be advantageous to set forth definitions of certain words and phrases used throughout this patent document. The term “couple” and its derivatives refer to any direct or indirect communication or interaction between two or more elements, whether or not those elements are in physical contact with one another. The terms “include” and “comprise,” as well as derivatives thereof, mean inclusion without limitation. The term “or” is inclusive, meaning and / or. The phrase “associated with,” as well as derivatives thereof, means to include, be included within, interconnect with, contain, be contained within, connect to or with, couple to or with, be communicable with, cooperate with, interleave, juxtapose, be proximate to, be bound to or with, have, have a property of, have a relationship to or with, or the like . The phrase “at least one of,” when used with a list of items, means that different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used, and only one item in the list may be needed. For example, “at least one of: A, B, and C” includes any of the following combinations: A, B, C, A and B, A and C, B and C, and A and B and C.

[0026] Definitions for other certain words and phrases are provided throughout this patent document. Those of ordinary skill in the art should understand that in many if not most instances, such definitions apply to prior as well as future uses of such defined words and phrases.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure and its advantages, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of a butterfly valve having a metal backing ring-shaped spring in accordance with this disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a partially-exploded perspective view of the butterfly valve of FIG. 1, showing the metal backing ring-shaped spring in accordance with this disclosure;

[0030] FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the butterfly valve of FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1 in accordance with this disclosure;

[0031] FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the butterfly valve of FIG. 1, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1 in accordance with this disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial perspective view of a housing of the butterfly valve of FIG. 1, with the housing liner omitted in accordance with this disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevational view of the metal backing ring-shaped spring of FIG. 2, showing a plurality of spring segments of the metal backing ring-shaped spring in respective arcuate configurations in accordance with this disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the metal backing ring-shaped spring of FIG. 2, showing the plurality of spring segments of the metal backing ring-shaped spring in the respective arcuate configurations in accordance with this disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a spring segment of the metal backing ring-shaped spring of FIG. 2, showing the spring segment in straight configuration in accordance with this disclosure; and

[0036] FIG. 9 illustrates an end elevational view of the segment of FIG. 8 in accordance with this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] FIGURES 1 through 9, discussed below, and the various embodiments used to describe the principles of the present disclosure in this patent document are by way of illustration only and should not be construed in any way to limit the scope of the disclosure. Those skilled in the art will understand that the principles of this disclosure may be implemented in any suitably arranged device or system.

[0038] The following description of certain examples of the invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, which is by way of illustration, one of the best modes contemplated for carrying out the invention. As will be realized, the invention is capable of other different and obvious aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0039] To the extent that spatial terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” or the like are used herein with reference to the drawings, it will be appreciated that such terms are used for exemplary description purposes only and are not intended to be limiting or absolute. In that regard, it will be understood that valves such as those disclosed herein may be used in a variety of orientations and positions not limited to those shown and described herein.

[0040] Furthermore, the terms “about,” “approximately,” and the like as used herein in connection with any numerical values or ranges of values are intended to encompass the exact value(s) referenced as well as a suitable tolerance that enables the referenced feature or combination of features to function for the intended purpose described herein.

[0041] FIGS. 1-9 illustrate an example of a butterfly valve 10 including a housing 12 and a butterfly 14 that is rotatably coupled to housing 12. FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an example of the butterfly valve 10 having a metal backing ring-shaped spring in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 2 illustrates a partially-exploded perspective view of the butterfly valve of FIG. 1, showing the metal backing ring-shaped spring in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the butterfly valve of FIG. 1, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 1 in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 4 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the butterfly valve of FIG. 1, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 1 in accordance with this disclosure. FIG.5 illustrates a partial perspective view of a housing of the butterfly valve of FIG. 1, with the housing liner omitted in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 6 illustrates a front elevational view of the metal backing ring-shaped spring of FIG. 2, showing a plurality of spring segments of the metal backing ring-shaped spring in respective arcuate configurations in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of the metal backing ring-shaped spring of FIG. 2, showing the plurality of spring segments of the metal backing ring-shaped spring in the respective arcuate configurations in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a spring segment of the metal backing ringshaped spring of FIG. 2, showing the spring segment in straight configuration in accordance with this disclosure. FIG. 9 illustrates an end elevational view of the segment of FIG. 8 in accordance with this disclosure.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 1, housing 12 defines a generally circular passageway 16 through which a fluid may flow, and having a central axis (C). In this regard, butterfly 14 includes a disc 20 (FIGS. 3 and 4) that is positioned within passageway 16, an upper stem 22 extending upwardly from disc 20 along a longitudinal axis (L) that is configured to be operatively coupled to an actuator (not shown) for rotating disc 20 within passageway 16, and a lower stem 23 (FIG. 2) extending downwardly from disc 20 along the longitudinal axis (L). In the example shown, disc 20 is encapsulated (e.g., entirely covered) by abutterfly liner 24, which may comprise a fluoropolymer such as a perfluoro alkoxy alkane (PFA). Butterfly liner 24 includes a radially outer surface 26 (FIGS. 3 and 4) (e.g., relative to central axis (C)) that is configured to selectively engage a corresponding portion of housing 12 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween, as described in greater detail below. In addition to encapsulating disc 20, butterfly liner 24 may at least partially encapsulate upper stem 22 (e.g., by covering a laterally outer surface of a lower region of upper stem 22), and / or may at least partially encapsulate lower stem 23 (e.g., by covering a laterally outer surface and / or a bottom surface of lower stem 23). Butterfly 14 is rotatable (e.g., via the actuator) relative to housing 12 about longitudinal axis (L) between the illustrated closed state in which disc 20 is oriented perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through passageway 16 to thereby prevent the fluid from flowing through passageway 16, and an open state (not shown) in which disc 20 is oriented parallel to the direction of fluid flow through passageway 16 to thereby permit the fluid to flow through passageway 16. For example, butterfly 14 may be rotatable a quarter turn between the open and closed states. In some cases, butterfly 14 may be configured to be opened incrementally to throttle flow.

[0043] Housing 12 of the present example includes a top body 30 and a bottom body 32 fixedly coupled to each other via fasteners in the form of bolts 34 (FIG. 2). In the example shown, top and bottom bodies 30, 32 include top and bottom semicircular portions 36, 38, respectively, which collectively define a generally annular profile when bodies 30, 32 are coupled to each other. Top and bottom semicircular portions 36, 38 include top and bottom front surfaces 40, 41 (FIG. 2), top and bottom rear surfaces 42, 43 (FIG. 2), top and bottom radially inner surfaces 44, 45 (FIGS. 2-5) (e.g., relative to central axis (C)), and top and bottom radially outer surfaces 46, 47 (FIGS. 2 and 3) (e.g., relative to central axis (C)), respectively.

[0044] As shown in FIGS. 2-5, top and bottom bodies 30, 32 also include respective pairs of arcuate grooves 50, 52 extending radially outwardly from the radially inner surface 44, 45 of the respective semicircular portion 36, 38 relative to central axis (C), and having generally dovetail-shaped cross sections, the purposes of which are described below. Top body 30 of the present example also includes an upper neck portion 54 extending upwardly from the radially outer surface 46 of top semicircular portion 36 along the longitudinal axis (L) that is sized and configured to rotatably receive upper stem 22 of butterfly 14, and a pair of ears 56 extending laterally outwardly from upper neck portion 54 relative to longitudinal axis (L) and / or radially outwardly from the radially outer surface 46 of top semicircular portion 36 relative to central axis (C), that are sized and configured to receive respective fasteners (not shown) for securing housing 12 to a pipeline (not shown). Bottom body 32 of the present example also includes a lower base portion 58 extending downwardly from the radially outer surface 47 of bottom semicircular portion 38 along the longitudinal axis (L) that is sized and configured to rotatably receive lower stem 23 of butterfly 14.

[0045] In the example shown, housing 12 further includes a housing liner 60, which may comprise a fluoropolymer such as a perfluoro alkoxy alkane (PF A). Housing liner 60 of the present example substantially covers each of the front, rear, and radially inner surfaces 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45 of the semicircular portion 36, 38 of each body 30, 32, and includes a generally cylindrical radially inner surface 62 that defines the outer periphery of passageway 16 and that is configured to engage radially outer surface 26 of butterfly liner 24 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween when butterfly 14 is in the closed state; and a generally cylindrical radially outer surface 64 (FIGS. 2-4) that confronts and / or covers the radially inner surfaces 44, 45 of the semicircular portion 36, 38 of each body 30, 32. Housing liner 60 also includes upper and lower cylindrical portions 66, 68 extending upwardly and downwardly from radially outer surface 64, respectively, that at least partially cover the inner surfaces of upper neck portion 54 and lower base portion 58, respectively.

[0046] In some instances, it may be desirable to urge housing liner 60 radially inwardly relative to central axis (C) to promote sufficient engagement between radially inner surface 62 of housing liner 60 and radially outer surface 26 of butterfly liner 24 to provide a fluid-tight seal therebetween when butterfly 14 is in the closed state. It may also be desirable to reduce or eliminate any influence of external factors such as temperature or moisture on such urging of housing liner 60 radially inwardly to promote consistent and reliable operation of butterfly valve 10. For example, it may be desirable to operate butterfly valve 10 at elevated temperatures without compromising the fluid-tight seal between radially inner surface 62 of housing liner 60 and radially outer surface 26 of butterfly liner 24. Butterfly valve 10 of the present example provides such functionalities.

[0047] As shown in FIGS. 2-9, in this regard, housing 12 further includes a pre-compressed metal backing spring 70 that is configured to urge housing liner 60 radially inwardly against butterfly liner 24. Metal backing spring 70 of the present example includes a plurality of (e.g., four) spring segments 72 comprising a resilient metallic material (e.g., stainless steel spring grades, Inconel, etc.) that are securely received within corresponding arcuate grooves 50, 52 such that spring segments 72 are each disposedbetween the respective body 30, 32 and housing liner 60. As shown for example if FIGS. 6 and 7, spring segments 72 each have an arcuate configuration. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the spring segments 72 collectively define a ring shape when installed within grooves 50, 52. As shown for example in FIGS. 4, 8, and 9, each spring segment 72 includes a front hooked portion 74, a rear hooked portion 76, and an intermediate bowed portion 78, such that each spring segment 72 has a generally C-shaped cross section. As best shown, in FIG. 4, hooked portions 74, 76 are each sized and configured to be wedged within the front and rear regions, respectively, of the corresponding dovetail -shaped arcuate grooves 50, 52, to thereby secure the respective spring segment 72 within the corresponding groove 50, 52 (e.g., via a press-fit engagement); while bowed portions 78 are each sized and configured to protrude radially inwardly at least slightly beyond the radially inner surface 44, 45 of the respective semicircular portion 36, 38 to thereby bear directly against radially outer surface 64 of housing liner 60. More particularly, bowed portions 78 may bear directly against radially outer surface 64 of housing liner 60 with a sufficient compression force to urge radially outer surface 64 of housing liner 60, and thus radially inner surface 62 of housing liner 60, radially inwardly to generate sealing pressure between radially inner surface 62 of housing liner 60 and radially outer surface 26 of butterfly liner 24 when butterfly 14 is in the closed state.

[0048] As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each spring segment 72 may be initially manufactured with a straight (e.g., linear) configuration. In such cases, each spring segment 72 may be bent or otherwise manipulated from the straight configuration to an arcuate configuration during insertion of the spring segment 72 into the respective groove 50, 52, and may then be maintained in the arcuate configuration due to the arcuate shape of the respective groove 50, 52. In this regard, each spring segment 72 includes a plurality of slots 80, 82 that are sized and configured to assist with allowing bending of each spring segment 72 from the straight configuration to the arcuate configuration. More particularly, each spring segment 72 includes a plurality of first slots 80 extending along the respective front hooked portion 74 and bowed portion 78, and a plurality of second slots 82 extending along the respective rear hooked portion 76 and bowed portion 78. As shown, first and second slots 80, 82 may be arranged along the length of the respective spring segment 72 in an alternating manner. It will be appreciated that slots 80, 82 may be provided in any other suitable configuration(s) to assist with allowing bending of each spring segment 72 from the straight configuration to the arcuate configuration.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, each spring segment 72 has a width (W) and a height (H). Each bowed portion 78 has a first radius (Rl) and a second radius (R2), and each hooked portion 74, 76 is oriented relative to the respective bowed portion 78 at an angle (a). In some versions, width (W) may be about 21 mm, height (H) may be about 8 mm, first radius (Rl) may be about 25 mm, second radius (R2) may be about 2.5 mm, and angle (a) may be about 60°. Of course, it will be appreciated that any other suitable dimensions may be used; for example, some other versions may have different dimensions while having the same or similar dimensional relationships.

[0050] Due to each spring segment 72 being formed of a metallic material, metal backing spring 70 may consistently and reliably urge housing liner 60 radially inwardly with minimal or no influence on thecompression force applied by metal backing spring 70 from external factors such as temperature or moisture. For example, metal backing spring 70 may be substantially stable when at the maximum operating temperature of butterfly valve 10, such that the urging of housing liner 60 radially inwardly by metal backing spring 70 may be substantially unaffected by any exposure of metal backing spring 70 to elevated temperatures that might occur during operation of butterfly valve 10. In this regard, the metallic material forming each spring segment 72 may have a substantially high temperature limit, at least by comparison to that of other components of butterfly valve 10 (e.g., liners 24, 60), such that each spring segment 72 may experience no (or only negligible) material degradation when butterfly valve 10 is operated at the maximum temperatures for which the other components (e.g., liners 24, 60) are rated. In other words, the maximum operating temperature of butterfly valve 10 may be dictated by such other components (e.g., liners 24, 60), rather than by metal backing spring 70.

[0051] In addition, or alternatively, metal backing spring 70 may be substantially immune to swelling when exposed to moisture, such that the urging of housing liner 60 radially inwardly by metal backing spring 70 may be substantially unaffected by any exposure of metal backing spring 70 to moisture that might occur during operation of butterfly valve 10. In some versions, metal backing spring 70 may allow reaching a substantially low valve breakaway torque, at least by comparison to a rubber backing spring.

[0052] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to restrict the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent fdings of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are being provided for nothing more than merely illustrative purposes. It is contemplated that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in numerous other ways. It is also contemplated that some variations may omit certain features referred to in the below examples. Therefore, none of the aspects or features referred to below should be deemed critical unless otherwise explicitly indicated as such at a later date by the inventors or by a successor in interest to the inventors. If any claims are presented in this application or in subsequent fdings related to this application that include additional features beyond those referred to below, those additional features shall not be presumed to have been added for any reason relating to patentability.

[0053] Various examples according to this disclosure are provided below.

[0054] Example 1 : A butterfly valve comprising: a butterfly including: a disc, a stem extending from the disc and configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc, and a butterfly liner at least partially covering the disc; and a housing defining a passageway, wherein the passageway extends along a central axis, wherein the butterfly is rotatably coupled to the housing such that the disc of the butterfly is rotatable within the passageway between an open state and a closed state, wherein the housing includes: at least one body, a housing liner at least partially covering the at least one body, wherein the housing liner includes: a radially inner surface defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface, and a metal backing spring disposed between the at least one body and the housing liner, wherein the metal backing spring is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly tothereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the butterfly liner when the butterfly is in the closed state.

[0055] Example 2: The butterfly valve of Example 1, wherein the at least one body includes at least one groove, wherein the metal backing spring is disposed within the at least one groove.

[0056] Example 3 : The butterfly valve of Example 2, wherein the metal backing spring is press-fit within the at least one groove.

[0057] Example 4: The butterfly valve of any of Examples 2 through 3, wherein the at least one groove is arcuate.

[0058] Example 5: The butterfly valve of any of Examples 2 through 4, wherein the at least one groove has a dovetail-shaped cross section.

[0059] Example 6: The butterfly valve of any of Examples 2 through 5, wherein the at least one groove includes a plurality of grooves.

[0060] Example 7 : The butterfly valve of any of Examples 1 through 6, wherein the metal backing spring includes a plurality of spring segments.

[0061] Example 8: The butterfly valve of Example 7, wherein each spring segment of the plurality of spring segments, is configured to transition from a flat configuration to an arcuate configuration.

[0062] Example 9: The butterfly valve of Example 8, wherein each spring segment of the plurality of spring segments includes a plurality of slots to facilitate the transition from the flat configuration to the arcuate configuration.

[0063] Example 10: The butterfly valve of any of Examples 1 through 9, wherein the metal backing spring is ring-shaped.

[0064] Example 11: The butterfly valve of any of Examples 1 through 10, wherein the metal backing spring includes: a front hooked portion, a rear hooked portion, and a bowed portion extending between the front and rear hooked portions.

[0065] Example 12: The butterfly valve of Example 11, wherein the bowed portion is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly.

[0066] Example 13: The butterfly valve of any of Examples 1 through 12, wherein at least one of the butterfly liner or the housing liner comprises a first material having a first temperature limit, wherein the metal backing spring comprises a second material having a second temperature limit higher than the first temperature limit.

[0067] Example 14: The butterfly valve of Example 13, wherein the first material is perfluoro alkoxy alkane (PF A).

[0068] Example 15: The butterfly valve of any of Examples 13 through 14, wherein the second material is at least one of a stainless steel spring grade or Inconel.

[0069] Example 16: A butterfly valve comprising: a butterfly including: a disc, a stem extending from the disc and configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc, and a butterfly liner at least partially covering the disc, the butterfly liner having a radially outer surface; and a housing defining apassageway, wherein the passageway extends along a central axis, wherein the butterfly is rotatably coupled to the housing such that the disc of the butterfly is rotatable within the passageway between an open state and a closed state, wherein the housing includes: at least one body having: at least one radially inner surface, at least one groove extending radially outwardly from the radially inner surface, a housing liner at least partially covering the at least one body, wherein the housing liner includes: a radially inner surface defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface confronting the at least one radially inner surface of the at least one body, and a metal backing spring disposed within the at least one groove, wherein the metal backing spring is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly to thereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the radially outer surface of the butterfly liner when the butterfly is in the closed state.

[0070] Example 17: The butterfly valve of Example 16, wherein the at least one groove is arcuate and has a dovetail-shaped cross section.

[0071] Example 18: The butterfly valve of any of Examples 16 through 17, wherein the metal backing spring is ring-shaped.

[0072] Example 19: The butterfly valve of any of Examples 16 through 18, wherein the metal backing spring includes a plurality of slots.

[0073] Example 20: A butterfly valve comprising: a butterfly including: a disc, a stem extending from the disc and configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc, and a butterfly liner at least partially covering the disc; and a housing defining a passageway, wherein the passageway extends along a central axis, wherein the butterfly is rotatably coupled to the housing such that the disc of the butterfly is rotatable within the passageway between an open state and a closed state, wherein the housing includes: at least one body, a housing liner at least partially covering the at least one body, wherein the housing liner includes: a radially inner surface defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface, and a plurality of metal backing spring segments disposed in a ring-shaped arrangement between the at least one body and the housing liner, wherein the plurality of metal backing spring segments is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly to thereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the butterfly liner when the butterfly is in the closed state.

[0074] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. that are described herein. The above-described teachings, expressions, embodiments, examples, etc. should therefore not be viewed in isolation relative to each other. Various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the teachings herein. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0075] It should be appreciated that any patent, publication, or other disclosure material, in whole or in part, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein is incorporated herein only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material setforth in this disclosure. As such, and to the extent necessary, the disclosure as explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material, or portion thereof, that is said to be incorporated by reference herein, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other disclosure material set forth herein will only be incorporated to the extent that no conflict arises between that incorporated material and the existing disclosure material.

[0076] Having shown and described various embodiments of the present invention, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, geometries, materials, dimensions, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above are illustrative and are not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.

[0077] While this disclosure has described certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of these embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art.Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not define or constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure, as defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A buterfly valve comprising: a buterfly including: a disc, a stem extending from the disc and configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc, and a buterfly liner at least partially covering the disc; and a housing defining a passageway, wherein the passageway extends along a central axis, wherein the buterfly is rotatably coupled to the housing such that the disc of the buterfly is rotatable within the passageway between an open state and a closed state, wherein the housing includes: at least one body, a housing liner at least partially covering the at least one body, wherein the housing liner includes: a radially inner surface defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface, and a metal backing spring disposed between the at least one body and the housing liner, wherein the metal backing spring is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly to thereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the buterfly liner when the buterfly is in the closed state.

2. The buterfly valve of claim 1, wherein the at least one body includes at least one groove, wherein the metal backing spring is disposed within the at least one groove.

3. The buterfly valve of claim 2, wherein the metal backing spring is press-fit within the at least one groove.

4. The buterfly valve of claim 2, wherein the at least one groove is arcuate.

5. The buterfly valve of claim 2, wherein the at least one groove has a dovetail-shaped cross section.

6. The buterfly valve of claim 2, wherein the at least one groove includes a plurality of grooves.

7. The buterfly valve of claim 6, wherein the metal backing spring includes a plurality of spring segments.

8. The buterfly valve of claim 7, wherein each spring segment of the plurality of spring segments is configured to transition from a flat configuration to an arcuate configuration.

9. The buterfly valve of claim 8, wherein each spring segment of the plurality of spring segments includes a plurality of slots to facilitate the transition from the flat configuration to the arcuate configuration.

10. The buterfly valve of claim 1, wherein the metal backing spring is ring-shaped.

11. The buterfly valve of claim 1, wherein the metal backing spring includes: a front hooked portion, a rear hooked portion, and a bowed portion extending between the front and rear hooked portions.

12. The buterfly valve of claim 11, wherein the bowed portion is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly.

13. The buterfly valve of any of claim 1, wherein at least one of the buterfly liner or the housing liner comprises a first material having a first temperature limit, wherein the metal backing spring comprises a second material having a second temperature limit higher than the first temperature limit.

14. The buterfly valve of claim 13 , wherein the first material is perfluoro alkoxy alkane (PF A) .

15. The buterfly valve of claim 14, wherein the second material is at least one of a stainless steel spring grade or Inconel.

16. A buterfly valve comprising : a buterfly including: a disc, a stem extending from the disc and configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc, and a buterfly liner at least partially covering the disc, the buterfly liner having a radially outer surface; and a housing defining a passageway, wherein the passageway extends along a central axis, wherein the buterfly is rotatably coupled to the housing such that the disc of the buterfly is rotatable within the passageway between an open state and a closed state, wherein the housing includes: at least one body having:at least one radially inner surface, at least one groove extending radially outwardly from the radially inner surface, a housing liner at least partially covering the at least one body, wherein the housing liner includes: a radially inner surface defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface confronting the at least one radially inner surface of the at least one body, and a metal backing spring disposed within the at least one groove, wherein the metal backing spring is configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly to thereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the radially outer surface of the butterfly liner when the butterfly is in the closed state.

17. The butterfly valve of claim 16, wherein the at least one groove is arcuate and has a dovetail-shaped cross section.

18. The butterfly valve of claim 16, wherein the metal backing spring is ring-shaped.

19. The butterfly valve of claim 16, wherein the metal backing spring includes a plurality of slots.

20. A butterfly valve comprising: a butterfly including: a disc, a stem extending from the disc and configured to be coupled to an actuator for rotating the disc, and a butterfly liner at least partially covering the disc; and a housing defining a passageway, wherein the passageway extends along a central axis, wherein the butterfly is rotatably coupled to the housing such that the disc of the butterfly is rotatable within the passageway between an open state and a closed state, wherein the housing includes: at least one body, a housing liner at least partially covering the at least one body, wherein the housing liner includes: a radially inner surface defining an outer periphery of the passageway, and a radially outer surface, and a plurality of metal backing spring segments disposed in a ring-shaped arrangement between the at least one body and the housing liner, wherein the plurality of metal backing spring segmentsis configured to urge the radially outer surface of the housing liner radially inwardly to thereby engage the radially inner surface of the housing liner with the butterfly liner when the butterfly is in the closed state.

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