Valve locking system with integral indicator

Abstract

A valve has a body having a through bore. A valve member is disposed in a passage transverse to the through bore, with the member configured for motion between a position with an opening on the member coincident with the through bore to permit fluid flow via the through bore and a position to restrict fluid flow via the through bore. The valve member is configured for motion along the transverse passage in one direction in response to a first force acting on the member and in another direction in response to a second force acting on the member. A method of operating a valve.

Description

VALVE LOCKING SYSTEM WITH INTEGRAL INDICATOR Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0001] Not Applicable.Background

[0002] This disclosure relates to the field of mechanical valves. More specifically, the disclosure relates to valve designs for selective placement of a valve in discrete locked states.

[0003] Valves to control the transmission and flow of fluids have been in use for centuries. Gate valves are well known and applied in various industries. In oilfield operations (e.g., fracking applications), gate valves are commonly used to handle fluid flow at each well. Conventional gate valves are generally designed for manual and / or automated operation. Regardless of the type of valve used, proper operation of valves in fluid (liquid or gas) systems requires reliability of the valve to operate in either the open or closed state for the desired duration. Thus, a need remains for improved valve designs that provide effective and reliable discrete locking states.Summary

[0004] One aspect of the present disclosure is a valve locking system including a body having a through bore. A valve member is disposed in the body and configured for motion between an open position wherein an opening on the member permits fluid flow via the through bore and a closed position wherein the member restricts fluid flow via the through bore. A plate is disposed on the body and configured to selectively retain the valve member in the open position or in the closed position, wherein the plate is linked to an indicator configured to provide an indication when the valve member is in the closed position or in the open position.

[0005] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method of placing a valve in a locked state. The method includes selectively moving a plate on a body to retain a valve member disposed in the body. Wherein: the body has a through bore; and the valve member is configured for motion between an open position wherein an opening on the member permits fluid flow via the through bore and a closed position wherein the member restricts fluid flow via the through bore. Moving the plate to allow placement of the valve member in the closed position or in the open position. Wherein the plate is linked to an indicatorconfigured to provide an indication of when the valve member is in the closed position or in the open position.Description of the Drawings

[0006] FIG. 1 shows an oblique view of a valve according to this disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of a valve according to this disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an indicator rod according to this disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 shows a cutaway partial transparent view of a valve according to this disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of a valve according to this disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6 shows a close-up partial transparent view of a valve according to this disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7 shows another close-up partial transparent view of a valve according to this disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 8 shows a cutaway view of a valve according to this disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 9 shows a close-up view of a valve according to this disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 10 shows a cross section view of a valve according to this disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 11 shows an overhead transparent view of the valve of FIG. 10.Detailed Description

[0017] Illustrative embodiments are disclosed herein. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation may be described. In the development of any such actual embodiment, numerous implementation-specific decisions may need to be made to achieve the design-specific goals, which may vary from one implementation to another. It will be appreciated that such a development effort, while possibly complex and time-consuming, would nevertheless be a routine undertaking for persons of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure. The disclosed embodiments are not to be limited to the precise arrangements and configurations shown in the figures, in which like reference numerals may identify like elements. Also, the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in generalized or schematic form, in the interest of clarity and conciseness.

[0018] FIG. 1 shows a valve 10 embodiment according to this disclosure. The valve 10 has a main body 12, a first end 14, a second end 16, a first surface 18, and a second surface 20opposite the first surface. A through bore 22 traverses through the body 12, providing an open passage between the first surface 18 and the second surface 20. Although the embodiment of FIG. 1 shows the through bore 22 configured as a cylindrical opening, the bore may be configured in other geometrical shapes as desired for the application (e.g., oval, octagonal, etc.). The body 12 may be formed of any suitable material depending on the application (e.g., metal, composites, plastics, synthetic materials, etc.). Although FIG. 1 shows an embodiment configured with a generally planar body 12 design, embodiments may be implemented with bodies comprising other geometrical designs more suitable for the desired application.

[0019] Some valve 10 embodiments may be configured with flanges 13 A, 13B having threaded holes 24 on each surface 18, 20 to receive mounting bolts for mounting of the valve 10 onto a fluid transmission system as known in the art. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other embodiments may be configured for disposal of the valve 10 onto fluid lines or systems in various fashions depending on the application (e.g., welded onto a line, affixed with clamps, etc.).

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a close-up view of the first end 14 of the valve 10 embodiment of FIG. 1. This embodiment includes an end cap 25 mounted to the body 12. Some embodiments may use bolts 28 to mount the end cap 25 on the body 12. The end cap 25 has an orifice 30 running into the body 12, as shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 10. The surface of end cap 25 abutting against the body 12 has a slot 32 formed therein. The slot 32 provides a pass through for a plate 36. The plate 36 is configured with a first aperture 38 formed near a first end thereof and a second extended aperture 40 formed near a second end thereof. The extended aperture 40 terminates with a rounded edge 43 formed near the center of the plate 36 and a narrower elongated void 46 running toward the second end (see FIGS. 6, 7, 9). The plate 36 provides for selective retention of a valve member in the main body 12, as further described below.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 2, some plate 36 embodiments are also configured with a first pair 53 and a second pair 55 of aligned holes to receive a locking pin 59. Any conventional locking pin 59 may be used (e.g., cotter pin). The hole pairs 53, 55 are aligned to receive the locking pin 59 such that the plate is retained from movement along the slot 32, as further described below.

[0022] FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of an indicator 61 according to the disclosure. The indicator 61 is formed as an elongated cylindrical rod with a first groove 63 formed near one end and a second groove 65 formed near’ the other end. FIG. 4 shows a cutaway view of the indicator 61 disposed in the body 12 and retained from movement via engagement of the narrow, elongated void 46 walls of the plate 36 within the first groove 63 on the indicator 61. The other end of the indicator 61 rod is linked to an extension member 65 that is coupled to a valve member 26, as shown in FIG. 5. Indicator 61 embodiments may be formed of any suitable material depending on the application (e.g., metal, composites, plastics, synthetic materials, etc.).

[0023] FIG. 5 shows a cutaway view of the indicator 61 locked in a fixed position within the body 12 via the plate 36, as described with respect to FIG. 4. In this position, the valve member 26 is shown in the open position, with an opening 34 formed on the member 26 coincident and aligned with the through bore 22 formed in the valve body 12 (see FIG. 10). Any fluid traversing the through bore 22 from either the first surface 18 surface side or the second surface 20 side of the valve 10 is free to flow through the valve member 26 opening 34 and in-out through the valve 10. The valve member 26 may be formed of any suitable material depending on the application (e.g., metal, composites, plastics, synthetic materials, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, the valve member 26 consists of a gate valve disposed in a passage (28 in FIG. 10) transverse to the through bore 22 along the longitudinal axis of the valve body 12. Other embodiments may also be implemented using other conventional valve member 26 designs. As shown in FIG. 5, the indicator 61 is coupled to the extension member 65, which is coupled to the valve member 26. Thus, when the valve member 26 moves, the coupled extension member 65 and the indicator 61 also simultaneously move.

[0024] Returning to FIG. 2, with the valve member 26 in the open position and the indicator 61 retained from movement via engagement of the narrow, elongated void 46 walls of the plate 36 within the first groove 63 on the indicator, all that is visible on the end cap 25 is an open hole 30. To ensure that the valve member 26 remains locked in the open position, the locking pin 61 can be inserted along the first side 18 of the valve 10 body 12 within the first pair 53 or the second pair 55 of aligned holes on the plate 36, as shown in FIG. 2. With the locking pin 59 inserted in the first pair 53 or the second pair 55 of holes, the pin providesa physical detent preventing the plate 36 from movement and thereby holding the indicator 61 (and the linked valve member 26) locked in place. In this open position, since the indicator 61 is recessed within the body 12, the empty hole 30 on the end cap 25 provides a quick visual indication that the valve member 26 is in the open position.

[0025] When it is desired to transition the valve member 26 between the open-closed position, and vice versa, the locking pin 59 is removed and the valve member is actuated via any of the conventional means as known in the art (e.g., hydraulically, pneumatically, mechanically, electrically, or a combination of the foregoing). FIG. 6 shows the indicator 61 rod recessed within the end cap 25 (shown transparent) valve member 26 in the open position, with the indicator 61 in a recessed position as described above. When transitioning the valve member 26 to the closed position, the locking pin 59 is removed from the first 53 or second pair 55 of holes and the plate 36 is moved such that the indicator 61 is aligned with the rounded edge 43 on the extended aperture 40. In this position, the cylindrical indicator 61 is free to move through the rounded edge 43, thereby allowing the linked valve member 26 to move within the valve body 12. The plate 36 can be moved back and forth within the slot 32 by manual manipulation (e.g., pulling or pushing the plate via the first aperture 38). In some embodiments, the plate 36 may be linked to another device for mechanical or electrical activation to move the plate within the slot 32 (not shown). The locking pin 59 may also be configured for manual and / or mechanical or electrical activation (not shown).

[0026] FIG. 7 shows the indicator 61 extending out from the end cap 25 after the linked valve member 26 has been actuated to the closed position, as shown in FIG. 8. In the closed position, the valve member 26 is moved within the valve body 12 (as described herein and known in the art) such that the opening 34 on the member 26 is no longer coincident with the body 12 through bore 22. With the valve member 26 in the closed position, fluid flow across the member and through bore 22 is prevented.

[0027] FIG. 9 shows the valve 10 with the valve member 26 locked in the closed position, with the plate 36 moved such that the indicator 61 is retained from movement via engagement of the elongated void 46 walls of the plate 36 within the second groove 65 on the indicator. In this position, the indicator 61 extends out from the hole 30 on the end cap 25 to provide a visual indication that the valve member 26 is in the closed position. The locking pin 59may be inserted along the first side 18 of the valve 10 body 12 into the first 53 or second pair 55 of holes on the plate 36 to securely lock the plate (and the linked valve member 26) in the closed position.

[0028] Turning to FIG. 10, a cross section of a valve 10 embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. The gate valve member 26 is shown in the open position, as described with respect to the embodiment of FIG. 5. In this embodiment, the valve member 26 is configured with radial seals 48A, 48B, 50A, 50B to restrict fluid passage between the through bore 22 and a passage 28 in the body 12 for the valve member 26. First seals 48A and 48B are disposed at the valve member 26 opening 34 and the second seals 50A, 50B are disposed at the solid area 41 of the valve member 26.

[0029] FIG. 10 also shows a valve 10 embodiment configured with a first annular seat 56 disposed in a channel 58 formed in the body 12 above the valve member 26 coincident with the through bore 22. A second annular seat 60 is disposed in another channel 62 formed in the body 12 below the valve member 26 coincident with the through bore 22. The first and second annular seats 56, 60 may be formed of more durable materials (e.g., stainless steel, INCONEL™, ceramics, tungsten carbide, etc.) compared to the valve 10 body 12. The annular seats 56, 60 provide a hardwearing corrosive-resistant surface to sustain a good seal via the seals 48A, 48B, 50A, 50B. In applications with fluids containing damaging or abrasive elements (e.g., sand contamination), the combination of seals 48A, 48B, 50A, SOB and seats 56, 60 provides the necessary sealing to prevent migration of undesired contaminants internally within the valve 10.

[0030] FIG. 10 also shows a first fluid port 52 leading to an internal fluid passage 52A that traverses the valve 10 body 12 to provide a fluid feed to the valve member 26 passage 28 at the first end 14. A second fluid port 54 is disposed at the second end 16 of the valve 10 and leads to another internal fluid passage 54A that traverses the valve body 12 to provide a fluid feed to the passage 28 at the second end. In valve 10 embodiments utilizing fluid pressure (e.g., hydraulic fluid) to actuate the valve member 26, the valve member may be set in the open position by applying fluid pressure in the passage 28 at the second end 16 via fluid passage 54A, as depicted by the arrow in FIG. 10. As shown in FIG. 10, the valve 10 is in the open position with the valve member 26 abutting the passage 28 wall at the first end 14 of the valve. As described herein, in this position the valve member 26 opening34 is coincident with the through bore 22, permitting fluid flow therethrough from either side across the valve 10 body 12 (see FIG. 5).

[0031] In this embodiment, to close the valve 10, fluid is introduced under pressure through the first fluid port 52, via fluid passage 52A and into the passage 28 at the first valve 10 end 14. Simultaneously, fluid pressure is released from the passage 28 at the second end 16 via second fluid port 54. As fluid pressure at the first end 14 overcomes the pressure at the second end 16 of the passage 28, the valve member 26 is pushed from the open to the closed position (left to right in the page). When the valve member 26 is moved to the closed position, the solid surface area 41 of the member fully covers and closes the through bore 22, preventing fluid passage therethrough.

[0032] Although the first and second fluid ports 52, 54 are shown disposed at the first surface 18 of the valve 10, it will be appreciated that other embodiments may be implemented with the ports located at other surfaces (e.g., first end 14, second end 16, second surface 20, etc.) to facilitate mounting of the valve depending on the application.

[0033] Fluid pressure to move the valve member 26 from the open-to-closed position, and vice-versa, as disclosed herein, may be provided by a separate pump and fluid reservoir system coupled to the first and second fluid ports 52, 54. As such, the valve 10 embodiments provide a closed system for the fluid to move the valve member 26. Although not shown for clarity of illustration, embodiments of the valve 10 of FIG. 10 are configured with the indicator 61 and plate 36 assemblies as disclosed herein.

[0034] Some valve 10 embodiments may also be implemented with the seals 48A, 48B, 50A, 50B configured for energization to urge the respective seal faces against the surfaces to be sealed. Such seals are further described in Inti. Pat. Apps. WO20211142004 and WO20211141999, both assigned to the present assignee and incorporated herein by reference.

[0035] Turning to FIG. 11, a transparency cutaway view of the top of a valve 10 embodiment according to this disclosure is shown. Valve 10 embodiments implemented with energizable radial seal assemblies 48, 50 entail the use of a pressurized fluid, gas, compounds, springs, or combinations of the aforementioned to energize the seals to provide a superior seal at the through bore 221 valve member 26 junction. Usable seal embodiments include those described in Inti. Pat. Apps. WO20211142004 and WO20211141999. FIG.11 shows a valve member 26 embodiment configured with internal fluid passages to channel fluid to energize the seals disposed on the member.

[0036] The valve 10 of FIG. 11 is shown in the open position, with the member 26 opening 34 coincident with the through bore 22. In this mode, the seals 48A, 48B of the first seal assembly 48 are energized up by fluid pressure provided by a reservoir of fluid (e.g., hydraulic fluid) fully contained within the valve member 26. When the valve 10 is in the closed position, the second seal assembly 50 (on the left side of the page) is energized up. During the transition phase between open-close-open, the respectively engaged seals begin to de-energize, allowing the valve member 26 to move while the other seals become energized. The valve member 26 is configured with two fluid timing circuits. Each circuit activates one of the seal assemblies 48, 50. Each circuit is implemented by a valve spool and a fluid reservoir interconnected via internal fluid passages disposed on the member 26.

[0037] In the open position as shown in FIG. 11, the valve 10 allows unrestricted fluid passage through the member 26 via the opening 34 I through bore 22. In this open position, a first fluid reservoir 76 in the valve member 26 provides hydraulic fluid under pressure (via a spring -piston unit) through a first internal fluid passage 78 that provides an outlet 80 at seal trenches underneath each seal 48A, 48B (see FIG. 10) to energize up each seal. In this position, the far end 35 of the valve member 26 is pushed up against the valve body 12 wall by the fluid pressure applied to the opposite end 31 of the member via internal fluid passage 54A. The distal end of a first valve spool 82 plunger is pressed into the receiving port 84 as the valve member 26 abuts the body 12 wall. With the plunger in this position, the annular flow space provided by the plunger links the internal fluid passages as shown to allow fluid under pressure from the first fluid reservoir 76 to flow through the outlet 80 to energize up the seals 48A, 48B against the surfaces of the respective first and second annular seats 56, 60 (see FIG. 10).

[0038] The plunger on a second valve spool 86 is positioned to block fluid flow via the respective internal fluid passages leading to another outlet 88 at the seal trenches underneath the other seals 50A, 50B (see FIG. 10) to keep those seals de-energized. When activating the valve member 26 from the open position (as shown in FIG. 11) to the closed position by activation fluid pressure via internal fluid passage 52A, a second fluid reservoir 90 in the member 26 commences drawing in the fluid through the internal passages 91 (viaa spring-piston unit) to allow the fluid under the seals 48A, 48B to discharge into the reservoir, allowing the seals to de-energize and release sealing pressure against the annular seat 56, 60 surfaces. Simultaneously, as the valve member 26 transitions to the closed position (left to right in the page), the other seals 50A, 50B begin to energize up via fluid pressure through the internal passages as the member 26 moves to the closed position. When the valve member 26 is in the fully closed position, with end 31 of the member abutting against the valve body 12 wall (right side of FIG. 11), the extended distal end 94 of the second valve spool 86 will be pressed into the receiving port to allow maximum fluid flow under pressure from the second fluid reservoir 90 to flow through the outlet 88 to energize up the seals 50A, 50B against the surfaces of the annular seat 56, 60, while the other seals 48A, 48B are de-energized.

[0039] The disclosed fluid timing circuits channel the internal valve member 26 fluids in this manner as the valve 10 cycles through open-closed sequences. The closed fluid system providing the fluid pressure to move the valve member 26 back and forth via ports 52, 54 and the self-contained member 26 fluid timing circuits in essence comprise a hydraulics- over-hydraulics closed system, which aids in keeping the fluids free of contaminants.

[0040] By maintaining a good seal while the valve 10 is set in the open or closed position and while the valve member 26 is moving, maximum protection is provided against contaminant migration as the valve transitions. For example, when flowing fluids with high sand concentrations, the timed energization of the seal assemblies 48, 50 keeps the sand in the through bore 22 from migrating into the valve body 12. By preventing such ingress of debris into the valve 10 body the effective operational life of the valve is extended.

[0041] Advantages of the valve 10 embodiments of this disclosure include the ability to lock the valve member 26 in both the closed and open position (i.e., two discrete locking states). The assembly can also be implemented using only one bonnet on the valve 10 body!2 (single sided production). And the valves 10 have a built-in visual indicator 61.

[0042] It will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosed valves 10 may be implemented for use in numerous applications and operations, in the oil and gas industry and in other fields of endeavor. For example, the disclosed valve 10 embodiments may be deployed for use at surface, above surface, subsurface, and under water. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that embodiments of this disclosure may be implemented withconventional hardware components (e.g., conventional fasteners, seals, valve spools, etc.) and parts formed of suitable materials depending on the application. It will also be appreciated that embodiments may be implemented with control units locally or remotely linked to the valves 10 as known in the art. The control unit(s) may comprise any suitable microcomputer, processor, controllers, memory, and associated electronics, and may be programmed to activate and operate the valves 10 as described herein. In some embodiments, the control unit can be programmed to perform autonomous and / or automatic actuation of the valves and components as described herein. Power for the valve 10 assemblies may also be implemented, for example, using conventional batteries as known in the art. Although only a few examples have been described in detail herein, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the examples. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure.

Claims

ClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A valve locking system, comprising: a body having a through bore; a valve member disposed in the body and configured for motion between an open position wherein an opening on the member permits fluid flow via the through bore and a closed position wherein the member restricts fluid flow via the through bore; and a plate disposed on the body and configured to selectively retain the valve member in the open position or in the closed position, wherein the plate is linked to an indicator configured to provide an indication when the valve member is in the closed position or in the open position.

2. The valve locking system of claim 1 wherein the valve member consists of a gate configured for motion between the open position and the closed position along a passage transverse to the through bore.

3. The valve locking system of claim 2 wherein the gate comprises at least one seal to restrict fluid flow into the transverse passage.

4. The valve locking system of claim 2 wherein the gate comprises at least one seal configured for energization to restrict fluid flow between the through bore and the transverse passage.

5. The valve locking system of claim 1 wherein the plate is configured to selectively lock the valve member in the open position and in the closed position.

6. The valve locking system of claim 1 wherein the indicator is configured to provide a visual indication of when the valve member is in the closed position and / or in the open position.

7. The valve locking system of claim 1 further comprising a locking pin to retain the plate in a fixed position on the body.

8. The valve locking system of claim 1 wherein the indicator consists of a rod configured for selective engagement with the plate.

9. The valve locking system of claim 1 wherein the plate is configured for user manipulation to selectively retain the valve member in the open position or in the closed position.

10. The valve locking system of claim 1 wherein the body is configured with a first internal passage to channel fluid to apply a first force on the valve member to move the member in a first direction.

11. The valve locking system of claim 10 wherein the body is configured with a second internal passage to channel fluid to apply a second force on the valve member in opposition to the first force to move the member in a second direction.

12. The valve locking system of claim 1 wherein the valve member has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, with a first seal disposed on the first surface and a second seal disposed on the second surface.

13. The valve locking system of claim 12 wherein the first seal and the second seal are each configured for energization.

14. A method of placing a valve in a locked state, comprising: selectively moving a plate on a body to retain a valve member disposed in the body, wherein the body has a through bore, wherein the valve member is configured for motion between an open position wherein an opening on the member permits fluid flow via the through bore and a closed position wherein the member restricts fluid flow via the through bore; and moving the plate to allow placement of the valve member in the closed position or in the open position,wherein the plate is linked to an indicator configured to provide an indication when the valve member is in the closed position or in the open position.

15. The method of claim 14 wherein the valve member has a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, with a first seal disposed on the first surface and a second seal disposed on the second surface.

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