Check valve

Abstract

A check valve (500) includes a valve body including a body housing (520) having an outer circumferential wall extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween; a valve seat insert (560) seated in the body; a retainer (540) disposed in the cavity in axial engagement with the valve seat insert; a biasing member (545) disposed between the body and the retainer for axial movement of the retainer with respect to the body; a bearing member (546) disposed between the biasing member and the retainer; a valve element (530) extending through a central bore of the retainer; and a biasing spring (550) disposed between the valve element and the bearing member to bias the valve element towards a closed position of the check valve, wherein the bearing member comprises an annular end wall (581) and an outer wall (584) extending axially therefrom, said outer wall being sized to receive greater that 50% of a compressed length of the biasing spring when the valve element is in an open position.

Description

CHECK VALVECross-reference to Related Application

[0001] This application claims priority to and all benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 648,683, filed May 17, 2024 and entitled CHECK VALVE, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.Background

[0002] Check valves are used to allow flow in one direction but then close off flow in the reverse direction to prevent undesirable backflow in piping systems. The valve element (e.g., poppet) of a check valve typically has two main forces acting upon it, the closing force that can be generated by a spring, magnet, or gravity and the opening force generated from the upstream fluid. Valve chatter can occur when the forces are balanced (i.e., offsetting) and there are instabilities in the flow of system media. It is often advantageous to have the force acting to open the poppet measurably greater than the force to close the valve; however, this is typically achieved with a tradeoff in the full stroke of the valve element and a reduction in overall flow capability.Summary of the Disclosure

[0003] In accordance with an embodiment of one or more of the inventions presented in this disclosure, a check valve includes a valve body including a body housing having an outer circumferential wall extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween, with an annular valve seat insert seated in a body seat surface of the body housing surrounding the inlet port. A retainer is disposed in the valve cavity and defines a central bore, with the retainer including an outboard end surface in axial engagement with the valve seat insert. A biasing member is disposed between a bearing portion of the body and an inboard end of the retainer to allow for axial movement of the retainer with respect to the body seat surface. A bearing member is disposed between the biasing member and the inboard end of the retainer. A valve element extends through the retainer central bore and is movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat insert to prevent flow between the inlet port and the outlet port, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted from the inlet port to the outlet port. A biasing spring is disposed between the valve element and thebearing member to bias the valve element toward the closed position. The bearing member includes an annular end wall defining a bearing surface that engages the biasing member and an outer wall extending axially from the annular end wall, the outer wall being sized to receive greater than 50% of a compressed length of the biasing spring therein when the valve element is in the open position.

[0004] In accordance with another embodiment of one or more of the inventions presented in this disclosure, a check valve includes a valve body having a body housing extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween, with the body housing including a first body housing member having an outer circumferential wall extending to a female threaded end portion, and having a counterbore surface between the outer circumferential wall and the female threaded end portion, a second body housing member having a male threaded portion threadably assembled with the female threaded end portion of the first body housing member and a nose portion extending beyond the male threaded portion, and having a shoulder surface between the male threaded portion and the nose portion, and a body seal gasket installed between the counterbore surface and the shoulder surface to provide a seal between the valve cavity and the male and female threaded portions. An annular valve seat insert is seated in a body seat surface of the body housing surrounding the inlet port. A retainer is disposed in the valve cavity between the nose portion of the second body housing member and the valve seat insert and defines a central bore, with the retainer including an outboard end surface in axial engagement with the valve seat insert. A valve element extends through the retainer central bore and is movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat insert to prevent flow between the inlet port and the outlet port, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted from the inlet port to the outlet port. The first body housing member further comprises a leak detection passage extending through the outer circumferential wall between the counterbore surface and the female threaded portion.

[0005] In accordance with another embodiment of one or more of the inventions presented in this disclosure, a check valve includes a valve body, a valve element, and a biasing spring. The valve body includes a body housing having an outer circumferential wall extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween, a bearing surface surrounding the outlet port and facing the valve cavity, an inner annular wall extending from thebearing surface into the valve cavity, and an annular valve seat surrounding the inlet port. The valve element is disposed in the valve cavity and defines an internal flow passage extending from a forward portion to a rear portion, with the valve element being movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat to prevent flow through the internal flow passage, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal flow passage. The biasing spring surrounds the inner annular wall and is disposed between a rear surface of the valve element and the body bearing surface to bias the valve element toward the closed position. When the valve element is in the open position, the inner annular wall abuts the rear surface of the valve element to isolate the biasing spring from a fluid flow path between the inlet port and the outlet port.

[0006] In accordance with another embodiment of one or more of the inventions presented in this disclosure, a check valve includes a valve body having a body housing, an annular valve seat insert, and a retainer, and a valve element. The body housing includes a first body housing member including an outlet port and an outer circumferential wall surrounding a valve cavity and extending to a female threaded end portion, and a second body housing member including an inlet port, a body seat surface surrounding the inlet port, and a male threaded portion assembled with the female threaded end portion. The valve seat insert is seated in the body seat surface. The retainer is disposed in the valve cavity and defines a central bore, with the retainer including a female threaded outer wall portion threadably engaged with a male threaded endmost portion of the second body housing member and a radially inward extending lip portion defining an outboard end surface extending over the body seat surface of the second body housing member to retain the valve seat insert with the body seat surface. The valve element is disposed in the valve cavity and is movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat insert to prevent flow between the inlet port and the outlet port, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted from the inlet port to the outlet port.

[0007] In accordance with another embodiment of one or more of the inventions presented in this disclosure, a check valve includes a valve body, a valve element, and a biasing spring. The valve body includes a body housing having an outer circumferential wall extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween, a bearing surfacesurrounding the outlet port and facing the valve cavity, and an annular valve seat surrounding the inlet port. The valve element is disposed in the valve cavity and defines an internal flow passage extending from a forward portion to a rear portion, with the valve element being movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat to prevent flow through the internal flow passage, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal flow passage. The rear portion of the valve element includes an axially extending outer peripheral wall. The biasing spring is disposed between a rear surface of the valve element and the body bearing surface to bias the valve element toward the closed position, with the outer peripheral wall of the valve element surrounding a portion of the biasing spring. Wen the valve element is in the open position, the outer peripheral wall of the valve element abuts the bearing surface of the valve body.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008] Further advantages and benefits will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following description and appended claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] FIG. l is a cross-sectional schematic view of a check valve in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with the poppet in the open position;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 2, shown with the poppet in the closed position;

[0012] FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the poppet sealing portion of the check valve of FIG. 2, shown with the poppet in a closed, secondary sealing position;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the poppet of the check valve of FIG. 2;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the bushing of the check valve of FIG. 2;

[0015] FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of valve seal and venting arrangement of the check valve of FIG. 2;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with the poppet in the open position;

[0017] FIG. 8A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the poppet and body sealing portions of the check valve of FIG. 8, shown with the poppet in the open position;

[0018] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional side view of the check valve of FIG. 8, shown with the poppet in the closed position;

[0019] FIG. 9A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the poppet and body sealing portions of the check valve of FIG. 8, shown with the poppet in the closed position;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the bushing of the check valve of FIG. 8;

[0021] FIG. 11 is another cross-sectional side view of the check valve of FIG. 8, showing a bushing vent passage;

[0022] FIG. 11A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the poppet and body sealing portions of the check valve of FIG. 8, showing the bushing vent passage;

[0023] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0024] FIG. 12A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the poppet and body sealing portions of the check valve of FIG. 12, shown with the poppet in the closed position;

[0025] FIG. 12B is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of poppet and body sealing portions of a check valve accordingly to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with the poppet in the closed position;

[0026] FIG. 12C is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of poppet and body sealing portions of a check valve accordingly to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with the poppet in the closed position;

[0027] FIG. 12D is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of poppet and body sealing portions of a check valve accordingly to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with the poppet in the closed position;

[0028] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] FIG. 13 A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the poppet and body sealing portions of the check valve of FIG. 13;

[0030] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of the inlet end screw of the check valve of FIG. 13;

[0031] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of the bushing of the check valve of FIG. 13;

[0032] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0033] FIG. 14A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the poppet and body sealing portions of the check valve of FIG. 14;

[0034] FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with the poppet in the closed position;

[0035] FIG. 15A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the spring bearing of the check valve of FIG. 15;

[0036] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 15, shown with the poppet in the open position;

[0037] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, shown with the poppet in the closed position;

[0038] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the check valve of FIG. 17, shown with the poppet in the open position;

[0039] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the poppet of the check valve of FIG. 17;

[0040] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0041] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the retainer of the check valve ofFIG. 20;

[0042] FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the inlet body housing member of the check valve of FIG. 20;

[0043] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0044] FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of a check valve in accordance with another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 24A is an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of the poppet and body sealing portions of the check valve of FIG. 24;

[0046] FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the retainer of the check valve of FIG. 24;

[0047] FIG. 25A is a cross-sectional perspective view of another retainer for a check valve; and

[0048] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the inlet end screw of the check valve of FIG. 24.Description of the Exemplary Embodiments

[0049] While various inventive aspects, concepts and features of the inventions may be described and illustrated herein as embodied in combination in the exemplary embodiments, these various aspects, concepts and features may be used in many alternative embodiments, either individually or in various combinations and sub-combinations thereof. Unless expressly excluded herein all such combinations and sub-combinations are intended to be within the scope of the present inventions. Still further, while various alternative embodiments as to the various aspects, concepts and features of the inventions— such as alternative materials, structures, configurations, methods, circuits, devices and components, software, hardware, control logic, alternatives as to form, fit and function, and so on— may be described herein, such descriptions are not intended to be a complete or exhaustive list of available alternative embodiments, whether presently known or later developed. Those skilled in the art may readily adopt one or more of the inventive aspects, concepts or features into additional embodiments and uses within the scope of the present inventions even if such embodiments are not expressly disclosed herein. Additionally, even though some features, concepts or aspects of the inventions may be described herein as being a preferred arrangement or method, such description is not intended to suggestthat such feature is required or necessary unless expressly so stated. Still further, exemplary or representative values and ranges may be included to assist in understanding the present disclosure, however, such values and ranges are not to be construed in a limiting sense and are intended to be critical values or ranges only if so expressly stated. Parameters identified as “approximate” or “about” a specified value are intended to include both the specified value and values within 10% of the specified value, unless expressly stated otherwise. Further, it is to be understood that the drawings accompanying the present disclosure may, but need not, be to scale, and therefore may be understood as teaching various ratios and proportions evident in the drawings. Moreover, while various aspects, features and concepts may be expressly identified herein as being inventive or forming part of an invention, such identification is not intended to be exclusive, but rather there may be inventive aspects, concepts and features that are fully described herein without being expressly identified as such or as part of a specific invention, the inventions instead being set forth in the appended claims, as currently written or as amended or added in the future. Descriptions of exemplary methods or processes are not limited to inclusion of all steps as being required in all cases, nor is the order that the steps are presented to be construed as required or necessary unless expressly so stated.

[0050] In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, as schematically shown in FIG. 1, a check valve 10 includes a valve body 11 defining inlet and outlet ports 21, 22, an outer circumferential wall 23 and a valve seat 60 disposed in an annular seat surface 14 surrounding the inlet port 21. A valve element or poppet 30 is retained in a cavity 15 in the valve body 11 and movable in an internal guide passage (e g., defined by an internal retainer, for example, a bushing 40, as described below) between a first, closed position in which a sealing forward end 31 of the valve element seals against the valve seat 60, for example, to block backflow to the inlet port 21 or low pressure flow from the inlet port, and a second, open position in which fluid flow is permitted through one or more flow passages 33 in the poppet 30 between the inlet port 21 and the outlet port 22. A biasing member 50 installed in the valve cavity 15 may apply a biasing force to the valve element 30 to bias the valve element towards the closed position.

[0051] The bushing 40 may include an outboard end surface 42 that extends opposite the seat surface 14 to further define an annular seat cavity 16 within the valve body 10, for example, to further enclose and retain the valve seat 60 within the seat cavity.

[0052] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, the check valve 10 may include a valve seat formed from an annular valve seat insert 60 (e.g., elastomeric O-ring or gasket, or plastic gland) secured with a seat surface 14 of the valve body 11 by a sleeve or bushing 40 installed in the valve body 11. In some such embodiments, the bushing 40 may be sized and positioned for controlled compressive engagement of the valve seat insert 60, for example, to effect a seal with the valve element 30 at an inner diameter of the valve seat insert 60, and a seal between the body seat surface 14 and the valve seat insert, while preventing over-compression of the valve seat insert. In other embodiments, the bushing may provide for seat insert containment without compressing or even contacting the seat insert at least under some conditions (e.g., in the valve’s closed position).

[0053] As shown, the bushing 40 may additionally provide a guide passage for the valve element 30, for example, to direct fluid flow past the sealing forward end 31 of the valve element into the central flow passage 33 within the valve element.

[0054] Other exemplary embodiments of a check valve having a poppet carrier that applies a compressive or retaining force to a seat seal element are described in co-owned PCT Application Publication No. WO2020 / 236853, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0055] A variety of configurations may be utilized to provide a check valve with a compressed, retained valve seat insert and a valve element guide passage for a poppet having an internal flow passage.

[0056] FIGS. 2 - 7 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a check valve 100, described in co-owned U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 988,851 (the “’851 Application”) and incorporated by reference herein, including a valve body 110, a poppet 130, a biasing spring 150, and a valve seat insert 160. The valve body 110 includes a first or inlet port 111, a second or outlet port 112, and an outer circumferential wall 113 extending between the inlet and outlet ports to define an interior valve cavity 115 in which the poppet 130 and biasing spring 150 are retained. The biasing spring 150 surrounds a tail portion 135 of the poppet 130 and is compressed between a head portion 131 of the poppet and a bearing portion 126 of the body housing 120. The valve seat insert 160 is carried by a body seat surface 124 (e.g., a recessed surface or counterbore) surrounding the inlet port 111. The inlet and outlet ports 111, 112 maybe provided with end connections 101 , 102 (e.g., tube fitting connections) to assemble the check valve 100 in a fluid system.

[0057] The exemplary valve body 110 includes a body housing 120 including first and second body housing members 120-1, 120-2 assembled (e.g., threaded assembly) to define the interior valve cavity 115, with the inlet port 111 disposed on the first body housing member 120- 1 and the outlet port 112 disposed on the second body housing member 120-2. The body seat surface 124 is disposed in (e.g., integrally formed in) the first body housing member 120-1. While the body housing members may be provided in a variety of structural arrangements, in the illustrated embodiment, the first body housing member 120-1 includes a substantially tubular body or enclosure structure defining the outer circumferential wall 1 13 and the interior valve cavity 115, and the second body housing member 120-2 includes an end screw structure having a male threaded inboard end 123 that is threadably assembled with a female threaded inboard end 128 of the first body housing member.

[0058] A body seal gasket 119 (e.g., with one or more backup rings 119a, as shown) may be provided in an annular groove in the second body housing member inboard end 123, for example, to provide a body seal between the valve cavity 115 and the threaded engagement of the body housing members 120-1, 120-2, thereby eliminating wetted threads. In other embodiments, as illustrated, for example, in the embodiment of FIG. 14, the check valve 400 may include a body seal gasket 419 that is axially compressed between a counterbore surface 421 of the inlet enclosure housing member 420-1 and a shoulder surface 422 of the outlet end screw housing member 420-2, which can also isolate the mating threads from the wetted portions of the valve. In some embodiments, the body seal gasket 419 may be metal (e.g., stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum), for example, to provide a leak tight seal across a greater range of temperatures (e.g., about -60°C to about 300°C). The body gasket seal may be coated or lubricated to enhance the seal. In some embodiments, as shown in phantom in FIGS. 2, 3, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, and 23, the female threaded body housing member 120-1, 220-1, 220-1 ', 320-2, 420-1, 520-1, 620-1, 720-2 may be provided with one or more leak detection ports 171, 271, 271 ', 371, 471, 571, 671, 771 that intersect the body housing member between the body seal 119, 219, 219', 319, 419, 519, 619, 719 and the female threaded portion 128, 228, 228', 328, 428, 528, 628, 728 for identification of leakage past the body seal.

[0059] A variety of valve seats and valve seat installation arrangements may be utilized, including, for example, plastic or elastomeric valve seats. In an exemplary embodiment, the valve seat may be provided as an annular elastomeric seal (e.g., O-ring or other such gasket), for example, for use in non-cryogenic (e.g., temperatures at or above -40°C) systems requiring enhanced sealing capability. Exemplary elastomeric materials include, but are not limited to, fluoroelastomers (e.g., FKM), ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), hydrogenated nitrile rubber (FINER), and nitrile rubber. In the illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 2-7, the valve seat insert 160 includes a gasket seal, and the body seat surface 124 is provided as a counterbore formed (e.g., machined) in the first body housing member 120-1 surrounding the inlet port 111, in which the gasket seal 160 is seated. The gasket seal 160 is positioned to radially align with a head portion 131 of the poppet 130, for sealing engagement with the poppet head portion when the poppet is in the closed position. In the exemplary embodiment, an outer peripheral sealing edge 132 of the poppet head portion 131 engages an inner periphery 162 of the gasket seal 160. The outer peripheral sealing edge 132 may be provided with a radiused surface sized to optimize contact pressure and stress within the gasket seal 160 while compressed under higher back pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer peripheral sealing edge 132 is provided with a contact surface having a radius between about 10% and about 30% of the gasket seal cross- sectional thickness. In other embodiments, the poppet may be provided with a frustoconical tapered sealing surface, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 8 - 12C, described in greater detail below.

[0060] The poppet 130 includes a central bore 133 and one or more intersecting side channels 134 defining a poppet flow path extending from the head portion 131, inboard of the sealing edge, to an inboard tail portion 135 of the poppet. The poppet side channels 134 may extend at an angle (e.g., about 55° with respect to the valve central axis) selected to optimize flow from the inlet port 111 to the poppet central bore 133. When the poppet 130 is in an open position (e.g., with the inlet fluid pressure sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the spring 150), fluid from the inlet port 111 passes between the gasket seal 160 and the poppet head portion 131, and through the side channel(s) 134 and central bore 133 to the outlet port 112. The poppet head portion 131 may be provided with a conical surface 136 angled (e.g., about 30° to 60°, or about 40° to 45°, or about 45°, with respect to the valve central axis) to direct flow past the gasket seal 160 and toward the ends of the poppet side channels 134. As shown, the tailportion 135 of the poppet 130 is received in a counterbore 125 of the outlet port 112, for example, to substantially isolate the biasing spring 150 (disposed radially between the poppet tail portion and the bushing 140, described below) from the system fluid. The outlet port counterbore 125 may be located to limit the open position of the poppet 130, by abutment with the poppet tail portion 135, for example, to limit compression of the biasing spring 150 to a desired functional range.

[0061] In some embodiments, the minimum flow areas of the inlet and outlet ports 111, 112 may be equal to or less than a flow area through the side channels 134 and central bore 133 of the poppet 130. In other embodiments, the flow area through the side channels 134 and central bore 133 of the poppet 130 may be configured to be less than the flow areas of the inlet and outlet ports 111, 112, for example, to bias the poppet 130 in the open position with minimal oscillation as the differential pressure across the check valve equalizes.

[0062] To effect a consistent seal between the poppet head portion 131 and the gasket seal 160 and between the gasket seal and the body seat surface 124 in the closed position, an axial compressive force may be applied to the gasket seal. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 110 includes a tubular bushing 140 or other such retainer installed in the valve cavity 115, around the poppet 130 and biasing spring 150 to apply a compressive force against the gasket seal 160. The bushing 140 includes a central bore 141 in which the poppet 130 is closely received and guided between closed and open positions. An inboard end 143 of the bushing 140 is indirectly engaged by the valve body housing 120 (e.g., by an inboard end face or bearing portion 126 of the second body housing member 120-2), forcing an outboard end surface 142 of the bushing 140 into compressing and sealing engagement with a medial peripheral portion 163 of the valve seat insert 160. In the illustrated embodiment, the outboard end surface 142 of the bushing 140 engages a shoulder portion 129 of the first body housing member 120-1 to limit compression of the gasket seal 160 (e.g., to prevent damage to the gasket seal). While any suitable materials may be used, in an exemplary embodiment, the bushing may be provided in a material (e.g., one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK) dissimilar to the body housing material (e.g., a different one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK), for example, to minimize wear or galling of the contacting surfaces, or toprovide specific desired material properties for one or both of the bushing and the body housing. In other embodiments, the same material may be used for both the bushing and the body housing.

[0063] The valve seat gasket seal 160 may be radially retained with the body seat surface 124 by an annular inner wall portion 127 extending axially inboard from the recessed body seat surface, toward the bushing 140. When pressurized fluid is applied to the inlet port 111, the inner wall portion 127 shields the flow away from direct contact with the gasket seal inner periphery 162, for example, to protect the relatively soft gasket seal 160 from abrasive high velocity flow. The recessed surface 124, inner wall portion 127 and bushing end surface 142 together define an annular seal cavity 116 retaining the valve seat gasket seal 160 (e.g., in an inner peripheral portion of the seal cavity). The seal cavity 116 includes an inner peripheral gap 117 defined by the inner wall portion 127 and bushing end surface 142, which exposes the inner peripheral sealing portion 162 of the valve seat gasket seal 160, radially aligned with the outer peripheral sealing edge 132 of the poppet head portion 131 to provide a fluid tight seal when the poppet 130 is in the closed position.

[0064] In some applications, the body seat surface may include a secondary sealing surface that is engaged by the poppet head, for example, when the poppet is subjected to a substantial backpressure (e.g., greater than 25 psi, greater than 50 psi, or greater than 100 psi), for example, to limit or prevent damage to the gasket seal. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner wall portion 127 provides a secondary metal -to-metal sealing surface 127a engageable with an outer peripheral sealing face 137 of the poppet head portion 131, radially inward of the gasket seal 160, for example, when the poppet 130 is exposed to a backpressure exceeding a threshold backpressure, causing the poppet to compress the gasket seal inner periphery 162. In such an arrangement, the height h of the inner wall portion 127 may be selected to prevent overcompression of the gasket seal. For example, the height h of the inner wall portion may be selected such that the distance d between the sealing face 137 and the body seat surface 124 (which may, but need not correspond to the height h) is limited to a predetermined fraction of the gasket seal cross-sectional thickness (e.g., about 35% to about 65%, or about 40% to about 55%) to limit compression of the gasket seal by a corresponding fraction of the gasket seal cross- sectional thickness (e.g., about 65% to about 35%, or about 60% to about 45%).

[0065] The thickness t of the inner wall portion 127 may be selected to provide sufficient strength to withstand bearing engagement by the poppet 130, for example, under substantial backpressure loads, to provide a desired gasket seal inner diameter fit clearance, to provide a desired bore inner diameter to accommodate desired flow rates, and / or to provide a sufficient sealing surface for engagement with the outer peripheral sealing face 137 of the poppet head portion 131.

[0066] The outboard end of the bushing 140 may be provided with a tapered flow guide surface 144 opposite the end surface 142, disposed at an angle 01 (e.g., about 30° to 60°, or about 40° to 45°, or about 40°, with respect to the valve central axis) to complement or substantially match (e.g., within about 5° taper angle) an angle 02 of the conical surface 136 of the poppet head portion 131, to guide flow toward the poppet side channels 134, for example, to reduce turbulence and optimize flow performance.

[0067] In some applications, the gasket seal valve seat may expand in size or volume while the valve is in service, for example, due to chemical reactivity, or pressure or temperature changes within the valve. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a biasing member may be provided between the retainer (e.g., bushing) and the valve body housing to transmit an axially compressive force from the valve body housing to the retainer. In applications where the gasket seal expands, compressibility of the biasing member allows for axial movement of the retainer away from the body seat surface to avoid damage to the gasket seal.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more Belleville washers 145 (or other suitable biasing member) are disposed between the inboard end 143 of the bushing 140 and the inboard end face or bearing portion 126 of the second body housing member 120-2, to allow for axial movement of the bushing 140 with respect to the body seat surface 124, for example, to accommodate changes in the size of the gasket seal 160 or other dimensional tolerances in the valve components. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring bearing 146 is provided between the biasing member 145 and the bushing 140, for example, to provide a stable seating surface for the biasing member 145. As shown, the spring bearing 146 may additionally provide a seating surface (e.g., a recessed seating surface 183) for the biasing spring 150. In other embodiments (not shown), the bushing may be provided with a bearing portion integrally formed with theinboard end of the bushing, to provide bearing surfaces for the biasing member and / or biasing spring.

[0069] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the annular seal cavity 116 may be provided with one or more venting passages (e.g., intersecting an outer peripheral portion of the seal cavity) to provide seal-energizing fluid pressure against an outer peripheral surface of the valve seat gasket seal 160 when the poppet 130 is in the closed position, and to provide for venting of pressurized fluid from the seal cavity 116 when the poppet is in the open position. This venting when the valve 100 is opened may prevent the valve seat gasket seal 160 from being forced through the inner peripheral gap 117 due to a build-up of pressure in the seal cavity 116. As illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7, the outboard end portion 142 of the bushing 140 may be provided with one or more vent passages extending from the annular seal cavity 116 to the bushing central bore 141. While many different vent passages may be provided, in the illustrated embodiment, the outboard end portion 142 includes one or more vent holes 147 extending from the bushing bore 141 to recessed (e.g., flatted) outer portions 148 of the outboard end portion 142. When the valve 100 is opened (due to sufficient positive fluid pressure applied to the poppet head portion 131, overcoming the forces of the biasing spring 150), pressure around the outer periphery of the seal cavity 116 is vented through the vent hole(s) 147 to the central bore flow path. When the valve 100 is closed (due to forces of the biasing spring 150 overcoming any upstream fluid pressure), pressurized downstream fluid passes through the vent hole(s) 147 into the outer periphery of the seal cavity 116 to pressurize or energize the valve seat gasket seal 160, thereby facilitating sealing engagement between the inner periphery 162 of the gasket seal 160 and the poppet head portion 131.

[0070] In other embodiments, according to another exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a check valve may be provided with a body seat surface of a body housing and a retainer end surface together defining an undercut or dovetail groove shaped annular seal cavity sized and oriented to present an inner peripheral seal surface for a valve element (e g., poppet) while retaining the gasket seal against extrusion through the inner peripheral gap in the dovetail groove.

[0071] FIGS. 8 - HA, also substantially shown and described in the above incorporated ‘851 Application, illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a check valve 200, which may besimilar to the check valve 100 of FIGS. 2 - 7 (with corresponding components numbered accordingly), having a valve body 210 including a body housing 220, a valve seat insert or gasket seal 260, and a bushing 240 or other such retainer having an end surface 242 that extends adjacent to a body seat surface 224 in the body housing (e.g., in first threaded body housing member 220-1, as shown) to form a dovetail groove shaped annular seal cavity 216 sized to retain the gasket seal 260 and expose an inner peripheral sealing portion 262 of the gasket seal 260 for sealing engagement with the valve element or poppet 230. As shown, the bushing end surface 242 may, but need not, be shaped to extend outboard beyond the bushing engaging shoulder portion 229 of the body housing 220.

[0072] The body seat surface 224 and bushing end surface 242 may be provided with a variety of surface contours to form a variety of different undercut or dovetail groove shaped annular seal cavities 216, with a rear seating surface 216-1 defined by a recessed surface or groove portion 225 of the body seat surface, an inner side surface 216-2 defined by an inner wall portion 227 of the body seat surface, and an outer side surface 216-3 defined by the bushing end surface 242. In the illustrated example, the rear seating surface 216-1 of the groove 225 is inwardly tapered (e.g., an angle between about 40° and about 80°, or about 66°, with respect to the valve central axis), with the dovetail groove side surfaces 216-2, 216-3 angled with respect to the seating surface (e.g., forming an included angle a of about 40° to about 80°) to form a conical dovetail groove having an inner peripheral gap or neck portion 217 (e.g., having a width of about 55% to about 85% of the nominal gasket seal cross-section), for example, for exposure of the inner peripheral sealing portion 262 of the gasket seal 260.

[0073] While the side surfaces 216-2, 216-3 may be positioned to compress the gasket seal 260 against the rear seating surface 216-1 to effect a seal with the seating surface (similar to the check valve 100 of FIGS. 2-7), in some embodiments, the side surfaces 216-2, 216-3 may be effective to merely hold the gasket seal 260 in the annular seal cavity 216 when the poppet 230 is in the open position, with the poppet head portion 231 compressing the gasket seal against the rear seating surface 216-1 when in the closed position to effect a seal with the seating surface. While the sides of the seal cavity are shown as flat surfaces, in some embodiments, the seal cavity surfaces may be contoured (e.g., concave) surfaces, for example, to more closely correspond with the geometry of the gasket seal cross-section.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, an outer stepped portion 249 of the bushing 240 engages a shoulder portion 229 of the first body housing member 220-1 to consistently position the bushing end surface 242 (and outer side surface 216-3) with respect to the rear seating surface 216-1 and inner side surface 216-2 of the annular cavity 216. While any suitable materials may be used, in an exemplary embodiment, the bushing 240 may be provided in a material (e.g., one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, and aluminum) dissimilar to (e.g., softer than) the body housing material (e.g., a different one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, and aluminum), for example, to minimize wear or galling of the contacting surfaces, to limit wear to the less critical, less expensive, or more easily replaced component, or to provide specific desired material properties for one or both of the bushing and the body housing.

[0075] In the exemplary embodiment, an outer peripheral sealing edge 232 of the poppet head portion 231 engages the inner periphery 262 of the gasket seal 260. The outer peripheral sealing edge 232 may be provided with a tapered (e.g., frustoconical) surface sized to optimize contact pressure and stress within the gasket seal 260 while compressed under higher back pressure. For example, the sealing edge surface may be sized to extend along a width of about 40% to about 80% of the nominal gasket seal cross-section. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle 01 of the tapered sealing edge surface 232 may substantially match (e.g., within about 5° to within about 15°) the angle 02 of the rear seating surface 216-1, for example, for substantially uniform compression of the gasket seal 260 between the sealing edge surface and the rear seating surface when the poppet is in the closed position. In other embodiments, the tapered outer peripheral sealing edge may be replaced with a radiused sealing edge or shoulder portion, similar to the poppet 130 of FIGS. 2 - 7.

[0076] Similar to the check valve 100 of FIGS. 2 - 7, the inner wall portion 227 may provide a secondary metal-to-metal sealing surface 227a engageable with an outer peripheral sealing face 237 of the poppet head portion 231, radially inward of the gasket seal 260, for example, when the poppet 230 is exposed to a backpressure exceeding a threshold backpressure, causing the poppet to more greatly compress the gasket seal inner periphery 262 (e.g., as compared to gasket seal compression resulting from the closing forces of the biasing spring 250). In such an arrangement, the height h of the inner wall portion 227 may be selected to preventover-compression of the gasket seal. For example, the height h of the inner wall portion may be selected such that the distance d between the sealing edge surface 232 and the opposed seating surface 216-1 is limited to a predetermined fraction of the gasket seal cross-sectional thickness (e.g., about 65% to about 95%) to limit compression of the gasket seal by a corresponding fraction of the gasket seal cross-sectional thickness (e.g., about 35% to about 5%).

[0077] The thickness t of the inner wall portion 227 may be selected to provide sufficient strength to withstand bearing engagement by the poppet 230, for example, under substantial backpressure loads, to provide a desired gasket seal inner diameter fit clearance, to provide a desired bore inner diameter to accommodate desired flow rates, and / or to provide a sufficient sealing surface for engagement with the outer peripheral sealing face 237 of the poppet head portion 231.

[0078] The outboard end of the bushing 240 or other such retainer may be provided with a tapered flow guide surface 244 opposite the end surface 242, angled (e.g., about 35° to 65°, or about 40° to 45°, or about 40°, with respect to the valve central axis) to complement or substantially match (e.g., within about 15° or within about 5°) the angled conical surface 236 of the poppet head portion 231, to guide flow toward the poppet side channels 234, for example, to reduce turbulence and optimize flow performance.

[0079] Similar to the check valve 100 of FIGS. 2 - 7, one or more Belleville washers 245 (or other suitable biasing member) may be disposed between the inboard end 243 of the bushing 240 and the inboard end face or bearing portion 226 of the second body housing member 220-2, to allow for axial movement of the bushing 240 with respect to the body seat surface 224, for example, to accommodate changes in the size of the gasket seal 260 or other dimensional tolerances in the valve components. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring bearing 246 is provided between the biasing member 245 and the bushing 240, for example, to provide a stable seating surface for the biasing member 245. As shown, the spring bearing 246 may additionally provide a seating surface (e.g., a recessed seating surface 283) for the biasing spring 250. In other embodiments (not shown), the bushing or other such retainer may be provided with a bearing portion integrally formed with the inboard end of the bushing, to provide bearing surfaces for the biasing member and / or biasing spring.

[0080] Similar to the check valve 100 of FIGS. 2 - 7, the annular seal cavity 216 may be provided with one or more venting passages (e.g., intersecting an outer peripheral portion of the seal cavity) to provide seal-energizing fluid pressure against an outer peripheral surface of the valve seat gasket seal 260 when the poppet 230 is in the closed position, and to provide for venting of pressurized fluid from the seal cavity 216 when the poppet is in the open position. This venting when the valve 200 is opened may prevent the valve seat gasket seal 260 from being forced through the inner peripheral gap or dovetail neck portion 217 due to a build-up of pressure in the seal cavity 216. As illustrated in FIGS. 10, 11, and 11A, the outboard end portion 242 of the bushing 240 may be provided with one or more vent passages extending from the annular seal cavity 216 to the bushing central bore 241. While many different vent passages may be provided, in the illustrated embodiment, the outboard end portion 242 includes one or more vent holes 247 extending from the bushing bore 241 to recessed (e.g., chamfered) outer portions 248 of the outboard end portion 242. When the valve 200 is opened (due to sufficient positive fluid pressure applied to the poppet head portion 231, overcoming the forces of the biasing spring 250), pressure around the outer periphery of the seal cavity 216 is vented through the vent hole(s) 247 to the central bore flow path. When the valve 200 is closed (due to forces of the biasing spring 250 overcoming any upstream fluid pressure), pressurized downstream fluid passes through the vent hole(s) 247 into the outer periphery of the seal cavity 216 to pressurize or energize the valve seat gasket seal 260, thereby facilitating sealing engagement between the inner periphery 262 of the gasket seal 260 and the poppet head portion 231.

[0081] Other seat seal groove configurations may be utilized. In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 12 and 12A (also substantially shown and described in the above incorporated ‘851 Application), the inner wall portion 227' may be provided with a tapered outer surface 227b' to provide a desired included angle a (with retainer end surface 242'), for example, about 40° to about 80°, for the dovetail groove cavity 216', for example, to provide a desired retention of the gasket seal 260. While the sides of the seal cavity are shown as flat surfaces, in some embodiments, the seal cavity surfaces may be contoured (e.g., concave) surfaces, for example, to more closely correspond with the geometry of the gasket seal cross-section.

[0082] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12B (also substantially shown and described in the above incorporated ‘851 Application), the annular seal cavity 216" includes atapered seat surface 224a" opposite from and which may, but need not, be angled to substantially match (e.g., within about 15° or within about 5°) an outer peripheral sealing edge 232" of the poppet head portion 231", and a radial seat surface 224b", opposite from and which may, but need not, be substantially parallel to match (e.g., within about 15° or within about 5°) the radial end surface 242" of the bushing 240" or other such retainer. As shown, the inner wall portion 227" may include an axially extending outer surface 227b" that further defines the seal cavity 216", resulting in a four-sided (e.g., trapezoid shaped) seal cavity for the gasket seal 260". This configuration may, for example, be simpler to manufacture or machine than the dovetail groove configurations of FIGS. 8-11 and 12-12A. While the sides of the seal cavity are shown as flat surfaces, in some embodiments, the seal cavity surfaces may be contoured (e.g., concave) surfaces, for example, to more closely correspond with the geometry of the gasket seal crosssection.

[0083] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12C (also substantially shown and described in the above incorporated ‘851 Application), the annular seal cavity 216"' includes a first tapered seat surface 224a'" opposite from and which may, but need not, be angled to substantially match (e.g., within about 15° or within about 5°) an outer peripheral sealing edge 232'" of the poppet head portion 231"', and a second tapered seat surface 224b"' opposite from and which may, but need not, be angled to substantially match (e.g., within about 15° or within about 5°) the tapered end surface 242"' of the bushing 240"' or other such retainer. In some embodiments, the tapered surface of the sealing edge 232"' may be disposed at a greater angle pi than the angle ( 2 of the first tapered seat surface 224a"' (e.g., about 10° greater), for example, to reduce pinching of the gasket seal 260"' by the closing poppet. As shown, an axially extending outer surface 227b'" of the inner wall portion 227'" and an axially extending inner peripheral surface 224c'" of the body seat recess 224"' may, but need not, be provided to further define the seal cavity 216"', resulting in a six-sided seal cavity for the gasket seal 260'". This configuration may, for example, be sized and shaped to more closely fit the geometry of the gasket seal 260"', resulting in balanced strains and stresses on the captured gasket seal while under poppet load and / or fluid pressure. This design may utilize a lower initial squeeze of the gasket seal by the poppet head sealing edge 232"' while utilizing pressure load to and deformation of the gasket seal 260"' to still produce a seal at high backpressure, similar to the other embodiments disclosed herein. The first and second tapered seat surfaces 224a'", 224b"' may be joined by a fullyradiused surface or by one or more transitioning flat surfaces. While the sides of the seal cavity are shown as flat surfaces, in some embodiments, the seal cavity surfaces may be contoured (e.g., concave) surfaces, for example, to more closely correspond with the geometry of the gasket seal cross-section.

[0084] In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 12D, the annular seal cavity 216'"' includes an inner wall portion 227'"' having an axially extending proximal outer surface 227c"" and an inwardly tapered distal outer surface 227d'"' extending to the inner wall portion end face 227a"". This tapered distal surface extends at an angle s (e.g., about 2° to about 10° from axial) which may, for example, provide relief and / or guidance for the compressed gasket seal 260"". The other surfaces of the body seat recess 224"" may take a variety of configurations. In the illustrated example, similar to the body seat recess 224" of the embodiment of FIG. 12B, the body seal recess 224"" of FIG. 12D includes a tapered seat surface 224a"" opposite from and which may, but need not, be angled to substantially match (e.g., within about 15° or within about 5°) an outer peripheral sealing edge 232"" of the poppet head portion 231"", and a radial seat surface 224b'"', opposite from and which may, but need not, be substantially parallel to match (e.g., within about 15° or within about 5°) the radial end surface 242"" of the bushing 240"" or other such retainer.

[0085] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-12A, the check valve body housing is formed from a female threaded enclosure defining the inlet port, body seat surface, and outer circumferential wall defining the valve cavity, and a male threaded end screw defining the outlet port and the poppet counterbore, with an end portion of the end screw defining the biasing member bearing portion. In other embodiments, a check valve may be provided with a body housing formed from a male threaded end screw defining the inlet port, with an end portion of the end screw defining a body seat surface, and a female threaded enclosure defining the outlet port, the outer circumferential wall, and the poppet counterbore. Such an arrangement may facilitate machining of the body seat surface, for example, by providing the body seat surface on an endmost surface of a male threaded end screw, rather than in a recessed cavity within a tubular body housing member.

[0086] FIGS. 13 and 13A, also substantially shown and described in the above incorporated ‘851 Application, illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a check valve 300, whichmay be similar to the check valves 100, 200 of FIGS. 2 - 7 and 8 - 12A (with corresponding components numbered accordingly), and may include any one or more of the features described above, having a valve body 310 including a body housing 320, a valve seat insert or gasket seal 360, and a bushing 340 or other such retainer having an end surface 342 that extends adjacent to a body seat surface 324 on the body housing (e.g., in first threaded body housing member 320-1, as shown) to form an annular seal cavity 316 sized to retain the gasket seal 360 and expose an inner peripheral sealing portion 362 of the gasket seal 360 for sealing engagement with the valve element or poppet 330.

[0087] The exemplary body housing 320 including first and second body housing members 320-1, 320-2 assembled (e g., threaded assembly) to define the interior valve cavity 315, with the inlet port 311 disposed on the first body housing member 320-1 and the outlet port 312 disposed on the second body housing member 320-2. The body seat surface 324 is disposed on (e.g., integrally formed with) the first body housing member 320-1. The first body housing member 320-1 includes an end screw structure having a male threaded inboard end 323 defining the body seat surface 324. The second body housing member 320-2 includes a substantially tubular enclosure structure defining the outer circumferential wall 313 and the interior valve cavity 315, with a female threaded portion 328 that is threadably assembled with the male threaded inboard end 323 of the first body housing member 320-1. A body seal gasket 319 (e.g., with one or more backup rings 319a, as shown) may be provided in an annular groove in the first body housing member inboard end 323, for example, to provide a body seal between the valve cavity 315 and the threaded engagement of the body housing members 320-1, 320-2, thereby eliminating wetted threads. In other embodiments, the check valve may include a body seal gasket (e.g., a metal gasket) that is axially compressed between a counterbore surface of the outlet enclosure housing member and a shoulder surface of the inlet end screw housing member, similar to the embodiment of FIG. 14 described herein.

[0088] The body seat surface 324 and bushing end surface 342 may be provided with a variety of surface features to form a variety of different annular seal cavities 316. In the illustrated example, the body seat surface 324 includes a recessed surface defined by a flat, radially extending outer end face 324a, and an annular inner wall portion 327 extending axially inboard of the recessed surface, and the bushing end surface 342 includes a flat, radiallyextending inner end face 342a, and an annular outer wall portion 342b extending axially into engagement with the recessed surface of the body seat surface. In other embodiments, the end faces and annular wall portions may be contoured to provide differently shaped annular cavities (e.g., the dovetail groove cavities described herein).

[0089] The outboard end of the bushing 340 may be provided with a tapered flow guide surface 344 opposite the end surface 342, angled (e.g., about 35° to 65°, or about 40° to 45°, or about 40°, with respect to the valve central axis) to complement or substantially match (e.g., within about 15°, or within about 5°) the angled conical surface 336 of the poppet head portion 331, to guide flow toward the poppet side channels 334, for example, to reduce turbulence and optimize flow performance.

[0090] Similar to the check valve 100 of FIGS. 2 - 7, one or more Belleville washers 345 (or other suitable biasing member) may be disposed between the inboard end 343 of the bushing 340 and the inboard end face or bearing portion 326 of the second body housing member 320-2, to allow for axial movement of the bushing 340 with respect to the body seat surface 324, for example, to accommodate changes in the size of the gasket seal 360 or other dimensional tolerances in the valve components. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring bearing 346 is provided between the biasing member 345 and the bushing 340, for example, to provide a stable seating surface for the biasing member 345. As shown, the spring bearing 346 may additionally provide a seating surface (e.g., a recessed seating surface 383) for the biasing spring 350. In other embodiments (not shown), the bushing or other such retainer may be provided with a bearing portion integrally formed with the inboard end of the bushing, to provide bearing surfaces for the biasing member and / or biasing spring.

[0091] While any suitable materials may be used, in an exemplary embodiment, the bushing 340 may be provided in a material (e.g., one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, and aluminum) dissimilar to (e.g., softer than) the body housing material (e.g., a different one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, and aluminum), for example, to minimize wear or galling of the contacting surfaces, to limit wear to the less critical, less expensive, or more easily replaced component, or to provide specific desired material properties for one or both of the bushing and the body housing.

[0092] Similar to the check valves 100, 200, 200' of FIGS. 2 - 12A, the annular seal cavity 316 may be provided with one or more venting passages (e.g., intersecting an outer peripheral portion of the seal cavity) to provide seal-energizing fluid pressure against an outer peripheral surface of the valve seat gasket seal 360 when the poppet 330 is in the closed position, and to provide for venting of pressurized fluid from the seal cavity 316 when the poppet is in the open position. This venting when the valve 300 is opened may prevent the valve seat gasket seal 360 from being forced through the inner peripheral gap due to a build-up of pressure in the seal cavity 316. As illustrated in FIG. 13B, the outboard end portion 342 of the bushing 340 may be provided with one or more vent passages extending from the annular seal cavity 316 to the bushing central bore 341. While many different vent passages may be provided, in the illustrated embodiment, the outboard end portion 342 includes one or more vent holes 347 and notched end portions 348 of the outboard end portion 342. When the valve 300 is opened (due to sufficient positive fluid pressure applied to the poppet head portion 331, overcoming the forces of the biasing spring 350), pressure around the outer periphery of the seal cavity 316 is vented through the vent hole(s) 347 to the central bore flow path. When the valve 300 is closed (due to forces of the biasing spring 350 overcoming any upstream fluid pressure), pressurized downstream fluid passes through the vent hole(s) 347 into the outer periphery of the seal cavity 316 to pressurize or energize the valve seat gasket seal 360, thereby facilitating sealing engagement between the inner periphery of the gasket seal and the poppet head portion 331.

[0093] In the embodiments of FIGS. 2-13A, the valve seat insert 160, 260, 260', 360 is an elastomeric gasket seal seated in an annular groove or seal cavity 116, 216, 216', 316 in the body housing 120, 220, 220', 320. In other embodiments, the valve seat insert may be provided as a plastic gland or ring installed in the body housing. In some applications, a plastic valve seat material may be selected based on chemical compatibility, temperature ratings, wear resistance, or other such factors. Exemplary plastic materials include, but are not limited to, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyetheretherketone (PEEK), and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).

[0094] FIGS. 14 and 14A, also substantially shown and described in the above incorporated ‘851 Application, illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a check valve 400, which may be similar to the check valves of FIGS. 2 - 13A (with corresponding components numberedaccordingly), and may include any one or more of the features described above, having a valve body 410 including a body housing 420 formed from an inlet enclosure 420-1 and outlet end screw 420-2 (e.g., similar to the body housing members 120-1, 120-2 of the check valve of FIGS. 2-7), a valve seat insert (e.g., plastic gland) 460, and a bushing 440 or other such retainer having an end surface 442 that extends adjacent to a body seat surface 424 on the body housing (e.g., in the inlet enclosure 420-1, as shown) to form an annular seal cavity 416 sized to retain the valve seat insert 460 and expose an inner peripheral sealing portion 462 of the seat insert 460 for sealing engagement with the valve element or poppet 430.

[0095] To effect a consistent seal between the poppet head portion 431 and the seat insert 460 and between the seat insert and the body seat surface 424 in the closed position, an axial compressive force may be applied to the seat insert. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular bushing 440 installed in the valve cavity 415 is sized and positioned to apply a compressive force against the seat insert 460. The bushing 440 includes a central bore 441 in which the poppet 430 is closely received and guided between closed and open positions. An inboard end 443 of the bushing 440 is indirectly engaged by the valve body housing 420 (e.g., by an inboard end face or bearing portion 426 of the second body housing member 420-2), forcing an outboard end surface 442 of the bushing 440 into compressing and sealing engagement with a medial portion 463 of the valve seat insert 460. In the illustrated embodiment, the outboard end surface 442 of the bushing 440 engages a shoulder portion 429 of the first body housing member 420-1 to limit compression of the valve seat insert 460 (e.g., to prevent damage to the seat insert). The outboard end surface 442 of the bushing 440 may be contoured (e.g., tapered axially outward and radially inward) to provide a desired amount of compression of the seat insert 460 when the bushing abuts the shoulder portion 429.

[0096] While any suitable materials may be used, in an exemplary embodiment, the bushing 440 may be provided in a material (e.g., one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK) dissimilar to the body housing material (e.g., a different one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK), for example, to minimize wear or galling of the contacting surfaces, or to provide specific desired material properties for one or both of the bushing and the body housing. In other embodiments, the same material may be used for both the bushing and the body housing.

[0097] The valve seat insert 460 may be radially protected or aligned with the body seat surface 424 by an annular inner wall portion 427 extending axially inboard from the recessed body seat surface, toward the bushing 440. When pressurized fluid is applied to the inlet port 411, the inner wall portion 427 shields the flow away from direct contact with the gasket seal inner periphery 462, for example, to protect the seat insert 427 from abrasive high velocity flow. The recessed surface 424, inner wall portion 427 and bushing end surface 442 together define an annular seal cavity 416 retaining the valve seat gasket seal 160 (e.g., in an inner peripheral portion of the seal cavity). The seal cavity 416 includes an inner peripheral gap 417 defined by the inner wall portion 427 and bushing end surface 442, which exposes the inner peripheral sealing portion 462 of the valve seat insert 460, radially aligned with the outer peripheral sealing edge 432 of the poppet head portion 431 to provide a fluid tight seal when the poppet 430 is in the closed position.

[0098] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the annular seal cavity 416 may be provided with one or more venting passages (e.g., intersecting an outer peripheral portion of the seal cavity) to provide seal-energizing fluid pressure against an outer peripheral surface of the valve seat insert 460 when the poppet 430 is in the closed position, and to provide for venting of pressurized fluid from the seal cavity 416 when the poppet is in the open position. This venting when the valve 400 is opened may prevent the valve seat insert 460 from being forced through the inner peripheral gap 417 due to a build-up of pressure in the seal cavity 416. While many different vent passages may be provided, in the illustrated embodiment, the outboard end portion 442 includes one or more vent holes 447 extending from the bushing bore 441 to recessed (e g., flatted) outer portions 448 of the outboard end portion 442. When the valve 400 is opened (due to sufficient positive fluid pressure applied to the poppet head portion 431, overcoming the forces of the biasing spring 450), pressure around the outer periphery of the seal cavity 416 is vented through the vent hole(s) 447 to the central bore flow path. When the valve 400 is closed (due to forces of the biasing spring 450 overcoming any upstream fluid pressure), pressurized downstream fluid passes through the vent hole(s) 447 into the outer periphery of the seal cavity 416 to pressurize or energize the valve seat insert 460, thereby facilitating sealing engagement between the inner periphery 462 of the valve seat insert and the poppet head portion 431.

[0099] While the seat insert 460 may be loosely fit or press fit with the body seat surface 424, in some embodiments, the inner wall portion 427 may be staked or crimped radially outward to secure the seat insert with the inlet enclosure 420-1 prior to assembly of the check valve body 420.

[0100] In some applications, the inner wall portion 427 may provide a secondary metal- to-metal sealing surface engageable with an outer peripheral sealing face of the poppet head portion, as described in greater detail above with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 - 13C.

[0101] The outboard end of the bushing 440 or other such retainer may be provided with a tapered flow guide surface 444 opposite the end surface 442, angled (e.g., about 30° to 60°, or about 40° to 45°, or about 40°, with respect to the valve central axis) to complement or substantially match (e g., within about 15°, or within about 5°) the angled conical surface 436 of the poppet head portion 431, to guide flow toward the poppet side channels 434, for example, to reduce turbulence and optimize flow performance.

[0102] In some applications, the valve seat insert may expand in size or volume while the valve is in service, for example, due to chemical reactivity, or pressure or temperature changes within the valve. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a biasing member may be provided between the bushing and the valve body housing to transmit an axially compressive force from the valve body housing to the bushing. In applications where the gasket seal expands, compressibility of the biasing member allows for axial movement of the bushing away from the body seat surface to avoid damage to the gasket seal.

[0103] In the illustrated embodiment, one or more Belleville washers 445 (or other suitable biasing member) are disposed between the inboard end 443 of the bushing 440 and the inboard end face or bearing portion 426 of the second body housing member 420-2, to allow for axial movement of the bushing 440 with respect to the body seat surface 424, for example, to accommodate changes in the size of the gasket seal 460 or other dimensional tolerances in the valve components. In the illustrated embodiment, a spring bearing 446 is provided between the biasing member 445 and the bushing 440, for example, to provide a stable seating surface for the biasing member 445. As shown, the spring bearing 446 may additionally provide a seating surface (e g., a recessed seating surface 483) for the biasing spring 450. In other embodiments(not shown), the bushing or other such retainer may be provided with a bearing portion integrallyformed with the inboard end of the bushing, to provide bearing surfaces for the biasing member and / or biasing spring.

[0104] In other embodiments, the spring bearing may include an axially elongated outer wall sized to extend over a portion of the biasing spring, for example, to contain the biasing spring against radial bowing or deformation during compression. FIGS. 15 and 16 illustrate an exemplary check valve 500, which may, for example, be similar to the check valve 400 of FIG. 14 (but may similarly be applied to the other exemplary embodiments described and shown herein), as shown, including a spring bearing or bearing member 546 (FIG. 15 A) having an annular end wall 581 defining a bearing surface 582 on a first side for engaging the biasing member 545, a recessed seating surface 583 on a second side for seating engagement with the biasing spring 550, and an axially elongated outer wall 584 extending from the second side of the annular end wall to surround and receive a portion of the biasing spring. In some such embodiments, an endmost portion 585 of the outer wall 584 may be tapered or narrowed for alignment with the thin walled inboard end 543 of the bushing 540, and the bushing may be shortened to accommodate the longer bearing member 546. The bearing member 546 may be sized to receive or surround a minimum portion (e.g., greater than 50%, greater than 75%) of a compressed length of the biasing spring therein when the poppet 530 is in the open position (FIG. 16). In some such embodiments, the bearing member 546 may also be sized to ensure that the endmost portion 585 of the bearing member outer wall 584 does not contact or otherwise interfere with the poppet 530 in the open position.

[0105] In the exemplary embodiments of FIGS. 2-16, the poppet 130, 230, 230', 330, 430, 530 includes a tail portion 135, 235, 235', 335, 435, 535 that is received in an outlet port counterbore 125, 225, 225', 325, 425, 525, such that the biasing spring 150, 250, 250', 350, 450, 550 is substantially isolated from the system fluid, with the biasing spring being disposed radially between the poppet tail portion and the retainer or bushing 140, 240, 240', 340, 440, 540. In some embodiments, one or more openings or cross-ports 191, 291, 291', 391', 491, 591 may be provided in the tail portion 135, 235, 235', 335, 435, 535, for example, to permit fluid to pass between the outer portion of the valve cavity and the poppet bore. Such an arrangement may reduce the damping effects of fluid in the outer portion of the valve cavity as the poppet moves from the closed position to the open position, for example, in liquid fluid systemapplications. In some such arrangements, the cross-port(s) 191, 291, 29 T, 391 ', 491, 591 may be positioned on the tail portion 135, 235, 235', 335, 435, 535 so as to be received in the outlet port counterbore 125, 225, 225', 325, 425, 525 when the poppet 130, 230, 230', 330, 430, 530 is in the open position, for example, to limit flow past the biasing spring 150, 250, 250', 350, 450, 550.

[0106] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, in other embodiments, the biasing spring may be isolated from the system fluid flow, at least when the poppet is in the open position, by an inner annular wall surrounding the outlet port and extending into the valve cavity, and within the biasing spring, for abutment with a rear surface of the poppet when the poppet is in the open position.

[0107] FIGS. 17 and 18 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a check valve 600, which may be similar to the check valves of FIGS. 2 - 16 (with corresponding components numbered accordingly), and may include any one or more of the features described above, having a valve body 610 including a body housing 620 defining a valve cavity 615 between inlet and outlet ports 611, 612, and a valve seat 660 surrounding the inlet port. A valve element or poppet 630 is disposed in the valve cavity 615 and is spring biased (by biasing spring 650) to a closed position in which a front or head portion 631 seals against the valve seat 660, and is movable, against the biasing spring force, to an open position in which fluid from the valve inlet port 611 passes through internal flow passages (side channels 634 and central bore 633, see FIG. 19) in the poppet to the valve outlet port 612. Any number of side channels 634 may be provided, such as, for example, five circumferentially spaced side channels.

[0108] In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 610 includes a body bearing surface672 (e.g., disposed on the spring bearing 646, as shown) surrounding the outlet port 612 and facing the valve cavity 615, and an inner annular wall 673 extending from or beyond the bearing surface into the valve cavity. As shown, the biasing spring 650 surrounds the inner annular wall673 and is disposed between a rear bearing surface 638 of the poppet 630 (surrounding the central bore 633) and the body bearing surface 672 to bias the poppet 630 toward the closed position (FIG. 17). When the poppet 630 is in the open position (FIG. 18), with the inner annular wall 673 abutting the poppet bearing surface 638, the biasing spring 650 is substantially isolated by the inner annular wall from the fluid flow path between the inlet port 611 and the outlet port612. In some embodiments, one or more openings or cross-ports 678 may be provided in the inner annular wall 673, for example, to permit fluid to pass between the outer portion of the valve cavity and the outlet port 612, while still substantially isolating the spring from fluid flow through the valve. Such an arrangement may reduce the damping effects of fluid in the outer portion of the valve cavity as the poppet moves from the closed position to the open position, for example, in liquid fluid system applications.[00109J As shown, the poppet 630 may (but need not) include an outer peripheral wall 639 extending rearward from the rear bearing surface 638, for example, to facilitate containment of the biasing spring 650, and / or to maintain alignment of the poppet within the valve cavity 615. As shown in FIG. 17, the length of the outer peripheral wall 639 may be selected (e.g., relative to the length of the inner annular wall 673) to not abut the bearing member 646 when the poppet 630 is in the open position, to ensure that the inner annular wall 673 defines the open position of the poppet 630 and effectively isolates the biasing spring 650 from fluid flow when the valve is in the open position.

[0110] As shown, the inner annular wall 673 may be integrally formed with the valve body housing 620. In the illustrated example, the body housing 620 is formed from a female threaded first or inlet body housing member 620-1 and a male threaded second or outlet body housing member 620-2 (e.g., similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 2-3, 8-9, 11-12, and 14-16), with the inner annular wall 673 being integrally formed with the male threaded outlet body housing member 620-2. In other embodiments (not shown), a valve may include a body housing formed from a male threaded first or inlet body housing member and a female threaded second or outlet body housing member (e.g., similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 13, 20, and 23), with the inner annular wall being integrally formed with the female threaded outlet body housing member. In still other embodiments (not shown), a valve may include a separate component, fixed (e.g., staked, seated, adhered) with respect to the outlet port, which defines the inner annular wall.

[0111] A variety of different valve seat sealing arrangements may be utilized in combination with the valve body / poppet arrangement of FIGS. 17 and 18. As shown, the valve seat may be provided as a valve seat insert (e.g., elastomeric gasket) 660, with a bushing 640 or other such retainer having an end surface 642 that extends adjacent to a body seat surface 624 onthe body housing (e.g., in the first body housing member 620-1 , as shown) to form an annular seal cavity 616 sized to retain the valve seat insert 660 and expose an inner peripheral sealing portion of the seat insert 660. To effect a consistent seal between the poppet head portion 631 and the seat insert 660 and between the seat insert and the body seat surface 624 in the closed position, an axial compressive force may be applied to the seat insert. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular bushing 640 installed in the valve cavity 615 is sized and positioned to apply a compressive force against the seat insert 660, similar to the embodiments shown FIGS. 2-16 and described above. The illustrated bushing 640 includes a central bore 641 in which the poppet 630 is closely received and guided between closed and open positions. An inboard end 643 of the bushing 640 is indirectly engaged by the valve body housing 620 (e.g., by an inboard end face or bearing portion 626 of the second body housing member 620-2), forcing an outboard end surface 642 of the bushing 640 into compressing and sealing engagement with a medial portion of the valve seat insert 660. In the illustrated embodiment, the outboard end surface 642 of the bushing 640 engages a shoulder portion 629 of the first body housing member 620-1 to limit compression of the valve seat insert 660 (e.g., to prevent damage to the seat insert). The outboard end surface 642 of the bushing 640 may be contoured (e.g., tapered axially outward and radially inward) to provide a desired amount of compression of the seat insert 660 when the bushing abuts the shoulder portion 629.

[0112] While any suitable materials may be used, in an exemplary embodiment, the bushing 640 may be provided in a material (e.g., one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK) dissimilar to the body housing material (e.g., a different one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK), for example, to minimize wear or galling of the contacting surfaces, or to provide specific desired material properties for one or both of the bushing and the body housing. In other embodiments, the same material may be used for both the bushing and the body housing.

[0113] The valve seat insert 660 may be radially protected or aligned with the body seat surface 624 by an annular inner wall portion 627 extending axially inboard from the recessed body seat surface, toward the bushing 640. When pressurized fluid is applied to the inlet port 611, the inner wall portion 627 shields the flow away from direct contact with the gasket seal inner periphery 662, for example, to protect the seat insert 627 from abrasive high velocity flow.The recessed surface 624, inner wall portion 627 and bushing end surface 642 together define an annular seal cavity retaining the valve seat gasket seal 660 (e.g., in an inner peripheral portion of the seal cavity). The seal cavity includes an inner peripheral gap defined by the inner wall portion 627 and bushing end surface 642, which exposes the inner peripheral sealing portion of the valve seat insert 660, radially aligned with the outer peripheral sealing edge of the poppet head portion 631 to provide a fluid tight seal when the poppet 630 is in the closed position.[00114J In some applications, the inner wall portion 627 may provide a secondary metal- to-metal sealing surface engageable with an outer peripheral sealing face of the poppet head portion, as described in greater detail above with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 - 13C.

[0115] The outboard end of the bushing 640 may be provided with a tapered flow guide surface 644 opposite the end surface 642, angled (e g., about 30° to 60°, or about 40° to 45°, or about 40°, with respect to the valve central axis) to complement or substantially match (e.g., within about 15°, or within about 5°) the angled conical surface 636 of the poppet head portion 631, to guide flow toward the poppet side channels 634, for example, to reduce turbulence and optimize flow performance.

[0116] In the exemplary embodiment of FIGS. 17-18, similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 2-16, one or more biasing members 645 (e.g., Belleville washers) are disposed between the inboard end of the bushing 640 or retainer and the inboard end face or bearing portion 626 of the second body housing member 620-2, to allow for axial movement of the bushing 640 with respect to the body seat surface 624, for example, to accommodate changes in the size of the gasket seal 660 or other dimensional tolerances in the valve components, with a spring bearing 646 provided between the biasing member and the bushing, for example, to provide a stable seating surface for the biasing member. According to another aspect of the present disclosure, in other embodiments, a seat seal retaining / compressing retainer may be assembled (e.g., threadably assembled) with the body housing to maintain sufficient retaining / compressing forces against the seat seal insert, thereby eliminating the need for a biasing member and spring bearing between the retainer and a bearing portion of the body housing.

[0117] FIGS. 20 and 23 illustrate exemplary embodiments of a check valve 700, 700', which may be similar to the check valves of FIGS. 2-18 (with corresponding components numbered accordingly) and may include any one or more of the features described above, havinga valve body 710 including a body housing 720 defining a valve cavity 715 between inlet and outlet ports 711, 712, and a valve seat 760 surrounding the inlet port. A valve element or poppet 730 is disposed in the valve cavity 715 and is spring biased (by biasing spring 750) to a closed position in which a front or head portion 731 seals against the valve seat 760, and is movable, against the biasing spring force, to an open position in which fluid from the valve inlet port 711 passes through internal flow passages (side channels 734 and central bore 733) in the poppet to the valve outlet port 712.

[0118] In the illustrated embodiments, the body housing 720 is formed from a male threaded first or inlet body housing member 720-1, 720-1 ' and a female threaded second or outlet body housing member 720-2 (e.g., similar to the embodiments of FIG. 13), with the valve seat is provided as a valve seat insert (e.g., elastomeric gasket 760, as shown in FIG. 20, or plastic gland 760', as shown in FIG. 23) seated in a body seat surface 724, 724' defined by an end portion 774, 774' of the inlet body housing member and with a seat seal retaining / compressing cap 740 or other such retainer assembled (e.g., threadably assembled) with the end portion of the inlet body housing member. In other embodiments (not shown), a valve may include a body housing formed from a female threaded first or inlet body housing member and a male threaded second or outlet body housing member (e.g., similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 2-3, 8-9, 11-12, and 14), with a retainer assembled (e.g., threadably assembled) with the inlet body housing member.

[0119] In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer or cap 740 (FIG. 21) includes female threaded outer wall portion 786 threadably assembled with the male threaded end portion 774 of the inlet body housing member 720-1, and a radially inward extending lip portion 787 defining an outboard end surface 742 that extends over the body seat surface 724 to form an annular seal cavity sized to retain the valve seat insert 760 and expose an inner peripheral sealing portion of the seat insert 760. To effect a consistent seal between the poppet head portion 731 and the seat insert 760 and between the seat insert and the body seat surface 724 in the closed position, an axial compressive force may be applied to the seat insert by the retainer 740.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, the outboard end surface 742 of the retainer 740 engages an end surface (e.g., end of outer annular wall 775, as shown) of the first body housing member 720-1 to limit compression of the valve seat insert 760 (e.g., to prevent damage to theseat insert). The outboard end surface 742 of the retainer 740 may be contoured (e.g., tapered axially outward and radially inward) to provide a desired amount of compression of the seat insert 760 when the retainer abuts the end surface.

[0121] While any suitable materials may be used, in an exemplary embodiment, the retainer 740 may be provided in a material (e.g., one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum) which may, but need not, be similar to the body housing material, for example, for desired threaded engagement between the retainer and the body housing. In other embodiments, different materials may be used for both the retainer and the body housing.

[0122] In other embodiments (not shown), the retainer may include a tubular bearing extension extending in an inboard direction from the lip portion to define an internal bearing surface receiving and engaging an outer peripheral surface of the poppet head portion, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 24, described in greater detail below. The bearing extension may have a length selected to provide bearing engagement with the entire outer peripheral surface of the poppet head portion across the full range of movement of the poppet.

[0123] The valve seat insert 760 may be radially protected or aligned with the body seat surface 724 by an annular inner wall portion 727 extending axially inboard from the recessed body seat surface, toward the retainer 740. When pressurized fluid is applied to the inlet port 711, the inner wall portion 727 shields the flow away from direct contact with the gasket seal inner periphery, for example, to protect the seat insert 760 from abrasive high velocity flow. The recessed surface 724, inner wall portion 727 and retainer outboard end surface 742 together define an annular seal cavity 716 retaining the valve seat gasket seal 760 (e.g., in an inner peripheral portion of the seal cavity). The seal cavity includes an inner peripheral gap defined by the inner wall portion 727 and retainer end surface 742, which exposes the inner peripheral sealing portion of the valve seat insert 760, radially aligned with the outer peripheral sealing edge 732 of the poppet head portion 731 to provide a fluid tight seal when the poppet 730 is in the closed position.

[0124] In some applications, the inner wall portion 727 may provide a secondary metal- to-metal sealing surface engageable with an outer peripheral sealing face of the poppet head portion, as described in greater detail above with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 - 13C.

[0125] The lip portion 787 of the retainer 740 may be provided with a tapered flow guide surface 744 opposite the end surface 742, angled (e.g., about 30° to 60°, or about 40° to 45°, or about 40°, with respect to the valve central axis) to complement or substantially match (e.g., within about 15°, or within about 5°) the angled conical surface 736 of the poppet head portion 731, to guide flow toward the poppet side channels 734, for example, to reduce turbulence and optimize flow performance.[00126J In the illustrated embodiment, the valve body 710 includes a body bearing surface 772 surrounding the outlet port 712 and facing the valve cavity 715. As shown, the biasing spring 750 is disposed between a rear bearing surface 738 of the poppet 730 (surrounding the central bore 733) and the body bearing surface 772 to bias the poppet 730 toward the closed position. As shown, the exemplary poppet 730 includes an outer peripheral wall 739 extending rearward from the rear bearing surface 738, for example, to facilitate containment of the biasing spring 750, and / or to maintain alignment of the poppet within the valve cavity 715. The length of the outer peripheral wall 739 may be selected to abut the body bearing surface 772 when the poppet is in a desired open position (e.g., providing a desired flow coefficient through the valve). In the illustrated embodiment, the biasing spring 750 is exposed to system fluid when the poppet 730 is in the open position. In other embodiments (not shown), the valve body may be provided with an inner annular wall (e.g., integral to the outlet body housing member or defined by a component assembled with the outlet body housing member) surrounding the outlet port and extending into the valve cavity may abut the poppet rear bearing surface to isolate the biasing spring from fluid flow in the open position, similar to the embodiment of FIGS. 17-18. In such arrangements, the outer peripheral wall may be shortened or omitted so as to not limit the open position of the poppet.

[0127] Similar to the check valves FIGS. 2 - 18, the annular seal cavity of the illustrated check valve 700 may be provided with one or more venting passages (e.g., intersecting an outer peripheral portion of the seal cavity) to provide seal-energizing fluid pressure against an outer peripheral surface of the valve seat seal 760 when the poppet 730 is in the closed position, and to provide for venting of pressurized fluid from the seal cavity when the poppet is in the open position. This venting when the valve 700 is opened may prevent the valve seat gasket seal 760 from being forced through the inner peripheral gap due to a build-up of pressure in the sealcavity. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the outer annular wall 775 of the inlet body housing member 720-1 may be provided with one or more notched portions 776 extending from the annular seal cavity to an outer chamfered portion 777 of the outer annular wall 775, and the outer wall portion 786 of the retainer 740 may include one or more vent holes 747 that align with the chamfered portion 777, for fluid communication between the notched portion(s) and vent hole(s) to provide vent passages between the seal cavity and the valve cavity 715. When the valve 700 is opened (due to sufficient positive fluid pressure applied to the poppet head portion 731, overcoming the forces of the biasing spring 750), pressure around the outer periphery of the seal cavity is vented through the notched portion(s) 776, chamfered portion 777, and vent hole(s) 747 to the valve cavity 715 and through the poppet internal flow path. When the valve 700 is closed (due to forces of the biasing spring 350 overcoming any upstream fluid pressure), pressurized downstream fluid passes through the vent hole(s) 747, chamfered portion 777, and notched portion(s) 775 and into the outer periphery of the seal cavity to pressurize or energize the valve seat seal 760, thereby facilitating sealing engagement between the inner periphery of the gasket seal and the poppet head portion 731.

[0128] FIGS. 24 and 24A illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a check valve 800, which may be similar to the check valves of FIGS. 2-23 (with corresponding components numbered accordingly) and may include any one or more of the features described above, having a valve body 810 including a body housing 820 defining a valve cavity 815 between inlet and outlet ports 811, 812, and a valve seat 860 surrounding the inlet port. A valve element or poppet 830 is disposed in the valve cavity 815 and is spring biased (by biasing spring 850) to a closed position in which a front or head portion 831 seals against the valve seat 860, and is movable, against the biasing spring force, to an open position in which fluid from the valve inlet port 811 passes through internal flow passages (side channels 834 and central bore 833) in the poppet to the valve outlet port 812.

[0129] In the illustrated embodiment, the body housing 820 is formed from a male threaded first or inlet body housing member 820-1 and a female threaded second or outlet body housing member 820-2 (e.g., similar to the embodiments of FIG. 13), with the valve seat is provided as a valve seat insert (e.g., elastomeric gasket or O-ring 860, as shown in FIGS. 24 and 24A, or plastic gland, not shown) seated in a body seat surface 824 defined by an end portion874 of the inlet body housing member 820-1 and with a seat seal retaining / compressing cap 840 or other such retainer assembled (e.g., threadably assembled) with the end portion of the inlet body housing member. In other embodiments (not shown), a valve may include a body housing formed from a female threaded first or inlet body housing member and a male threaded second or outlet body housing member (e.g., similar to the embodiments of 2-3, 8-9, 11-12, and 14), with a retainer assembled (e.g., threadably assembled) with the inlet body housing member.[00130J In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer or cap 840 (FIG. 25) includes female threaded outer wall portion 886 threadably assembled with the male threaded end portion 874 of the inlet body housing member 820-1, and a radially inward extending lip portion 887 defining an outboard end surface 842 that extends over the body seat surface 824 to form an annular seal cavity sized to retain the valve seat insert 860 and expose an inner peripheral sealing portion of the seat insert. To effect a consistent seal between the poppet head portion 831 and the seat insert 860 and between the seat insert and the body seat surface 824 in the closed position, an axial compressive force may be applied to the seat insert by the retainer 840.

[0131] In the illustrated embodiment, the outboard end surface 842 of the retainer 840 engages an end surface (e.g., end of outer annular wall 875, as shown) of the first body housing member 820-1 to limit compression of the valve seat insert 860 (e.g., to prevent damage to the seat insert). The outboard end surface 842 of the retainer 840 may be contoured (e.g., tapered axially outward and radially inward, as shown) to provide a desired amount of compression of the seat insert 860 when the retainer abuts the end surface.

[0132] While any suitable materials may be used, in an exemplary embodiment, the retainer 840 may be provided in a material (e.g., one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum) which may, but need not, be similar to the body housing material, for example, for desired threaded engagement between the retainer and the body housing. In other embodiments, different materials may be used for both the retainer and the body housing.

[0133] In the illustrated embodiment, the retainer 840 includes a tubular bearing extension 843 extending in an inboard direction from the lip portion 887 to define an internal bearing surface receiving and engaging an outer peripheral surface of the poppet head portion 831, similar to the poppet bearing portions of the bushings 140, 240, 340, 440, 540 of FIGS. 2 - 16. The bearing extension 843 may have a length selected to provide bearing engagement withthe entire outer peripheral surface of the poppet head portion 831 across the full range of movement of the poppet. While any suitable materials may be used, in an exemplary embodiment, the bushing may be provided in a material (e.g., one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK) dissimilar to the body housing and poppet materials (e.g., a different one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK), for example, to minimize wear or galling of the contacting surfaces, or to provide specific desired material properties for one or more of the bushing, the poppet, and the body housing. In other embodiments, the same material may be used for two or more of the bushing, the poppet, and the body housing. In some embodiments the poppet bearing portion of the bearing extension 843 may include a lubricant, plating, or other such treatment, for example, to reduce wear and / or galling.[001341 In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 25A, the retainer 840' may be provided without a bearing extension (similar to the embodiments of FIGS. 17 - 23), with the retainer terminating at an inboard end of the lip portion 887'. A check valve including a retainer without a bearing extension may include a poppet having an outer periphery sized for sliding bearing engagement with the valve cavity (not shown). In such an arrangement, the poppet may be provided in a material (e.g., one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK) dissimilar to the body housing (e.g., a different one of stainless steel, nickel alloy, brass, bronze, aluminum, and PEEK), for example, to minimize wear or galling of the contacting surfaces, or to provide specific desired material properties for one or more of the poppet and the body housing.

[0135] The valve seat insert 860 may be radially protected or aligned with the body seat surface 824 by an annular inner wall portion 827 extending axially inboard from the recessed body seat surface, toward the retainer 840. When pressurized fluid is applied to the inlet port 811, the inner wall portion 827 shields the flow away from direct contact with the gasket seal inner periphery, for example, to protect the seat insert 860 from abrasive high velocity flow. The recessed surface 824, inner wall portion 827 and retainer outboard end surface 842 together define an annular seal cavity 816 retaining the valve seat gasket seal 860 (e.g., in an inner peripheral portion of the seal cavity). The seal cavity includes an inner peripheral gap 817 defined by the inner wall portion 827 and retainer end surface 842, which exposes the innerperipheral sealing portion of the valve seat insert 860, radially aligned with the outer peripheral sealing edge 832 of the poppet head portion 831 to provide a fluid tight seal when the poppet 830 is in the closed position.

[0136] In some applications, the inner wall portion 827 may provide a secondary metal- to-metal sealing surface engageable with an outer peripheral sealing face of the poppet head portion, as described in greater detail above with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 2 - 13A.

[0137] The lip portion 887 of the retainer 840 may be provided with a tapered flow guide surface 844 opposite the end surface 842, angled (e.g., about 30° to 60°, or about 40° to 45°, or about 40°, with respect to the valve central axis) to complement or substantially match (e.g., within about 15°, or within about 5°) the angled conical surface 836 of the poppet head portion 831, to guide flow toward the poppet side channels 834, for example, to reduce turbulence and optimize flow performance.

[0138] Similar to the check valves of FIGS. 2 - 23, the annular seal cavity 816 of the illustrated check valve 800 may be provided with one or more venting passages (e.g., intersecting an outer peripheral portion of the seal cavity) to provide seal-energizing fluid pressure against an outer peripheral surface of the valve seat seal 860 when the poppet 830 is in the closed position, and to provide for venting of pressurized fluid from the seal cavity when the poppet is in the open position. This venting when the valve 800 is opened may prevent the valve seat gasket seal 860 from being forced through the inner peripheral gap 817 due to a build-up of pressure in the seal cavity 816. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the outer annular wall 875 of the inlet body housing member 820-1 may be provided with one or more notched portions 876 extending from the annular seal cavity 816 to an outer chamfered portion 877 of the outer annular wall 875, and the outer wall portion 886 of the retainer 840 may include one or more vent holes 847 that align with the chamfered portion 877, for fluid communication between the notched portion(s) and vent hole(s) to provide vent passages between the seal cavity and the valve cavity 815. When the valve 800 is opened (due to sufficient positive fluid pressure applied to the poppet head portion 831, overcoming the forces of the biasing spring 850), pressure around the outer periphery of the seal cavity 816 is vented through the notched portion(s) 876, chamfered portion 877, and vent hole(s) 847 to the valve cavity 815 and through the poppet internal flow path. When the valve 800 is closed (due to forces of the biasing spring 850 overcoming any upstreamfluid pressure), pressurized downstream fluid passes through the vent hole(s) 847, chamfered portion 877, and notched portion(s) 876 and into the outer periphery of the seal cavity to pressurize or energize the valve seat seal 860, thereby facilitating sealing engagement between the inner periphery of the gasket seal and the poppet head portion 831.

[0139] The inventive aspects have been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments. Modification and alterations will occur to others upon a reading and understanding of this specification. It is intended to include all such modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.

Claims

We claim:

1. A check valve comprising: a valve body including a body housing having an outer circumferential wall extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween; an annular valve seat insert seated in a body seat surface of the body housing surrounding the inlet port; a retainer disposed in the valve cavity and defining a central bore, the retainer including an outboard end surface in axial engagement with the valve seat insert; a biasing member disposed between a bearing portion of the body and an inboard end of the retainer to allow for axial movement of the retainer with respect to the body seat surface; a bearing member disposed between the biasing member and the inboard end of the retainer; a valve element extending through the retainer central bore and movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat insert to prevent flow between the inlet port and the outlet port, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted from the inlet port to the outlet port; and a biasing spring disposed between the valve element and the bearing member to bias the valve element toward the closed position; wherein the bearing member comprises an annular end wall defining a bearing surface that engages the biasing member and an outer wall extending axially from the annular end wall, the outer wall being sized to receive greater than 50% of a compressed length of the biasing spring therein when the valve element is in the open position.

2. The check valve of claim 1, wherein the biasing member includes at least one Belleville washer.

3. The check valve of any of claims 1-2, wherein the biasing spring is radially disposed between the valve element and the retainer.

4. The check valve of any of claims 1 -3, wherein the body housing comprises a first body housing member defining the outer circumferential wall extending to a female threaded end portion and a second body housing member having a male threaded portion threadably assembled with the female threaded end portion of the first body housing member.

5. A check valve comprising: a valve body including a body housing extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween, wherein the body housing comprises: a first body housing member having an outer circumferential wall extending to a female threaded end portion, and having a counterbore surface between the outer circumferential wall and the female threaded end portion; a second body housing member having a male threaded portion threadably assembled with the female threaded end portion of the first body housing member and a nose portion extending beyond the male threaded portion, and having a shoulder surface between the male threaded portion and the nose portion; and a body seal gasket installed between the counterbore surface and the shoulder surface to provide a seal between the valve cavity and the male and female threaded portions; an annular valve seat insert seated in a body seat surface of the body housing surrounding the inlet port; a retainer disposed in the valve cavity between the nose portion of the second body housing member and the valve seat insert and defining a central bore, the retainer including an outboard end surface in axial engagement with the valve seat insert; a valve element extending through the retainer central bore and movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat insert to prevent flow between the inlet port and the outlet port, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted from the inlet port to the outlet port; and wherein the first body housing member further comprises a leak detection passage extending through the outer circumferential wall between the counterbore surface and the female threaded portion.

6. The check valve of claim 5, further comprising a biasing member disposed between the nose portion of the second body housing member and an inboard end of the retainer to allow for axial movement of the retainer with respect to the body seat surface.

7. The check valve of claim 6, wherein the biasing member includes at least one Belleville washer.

8. The check valve of any of claims 5-7, wherein the biasing spring is radially disposed between the valve element and the retainer.

9. A check valve comprising: a valve body including: a body housing having a first body housing member including an outlet port and an outer circumferential wall surrounding a valve cavity and extending to a female threaded end portion, and a second body housing member including an inlet port, a body seat surface surrounding the inlet port, and a male threaded portion assembled with the female threaded end portion; an annular valve seat insert seated in the body seat surface; and a retainer disposed in the valve cavity and defining a central bore, the retainer including a female threaded outer wall portion threadably engaged with a male threaded endmost portion of the second body housing member and a radially inward extending lip portion defining an outboard end surface extending over the body seat surface of the second body housing member to retain the valve seat insert with the body seat surface; and a valve element disposed in the valve cavity and movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat insert to prevent flow between the inlet port and the outlet port, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted from the inlet port to the outlet port.

10. A check valve comprising:a valve body including a body housing having an outer circumferential wall extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween, a bearing surface surrounding the outlet port and facing the valve cavity, an inner annular wall extending from the bearing surface into the valve cavity, and an annular valve seat surrounding the inlet port; a valve element disposed in the valve cavity and defining an internal flow passage extending from a forward portion to a rear portion, the valve element being movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat to prevent flow through the internal flow passage, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal flow passage; and a biasing spring surrounding the inner annular wall and disposed between a rear surface of the valve element and the body bearing surface to bias the valve element toward the closed position; wherein when the valve element is in the open position, the inner annular wall abuts the rear surface of the valve element to isolate the biasing spring from a fluid flow path between the inlet port and the outlet port.

11. The check valve of claim 10, wherein the annular valve seat comprises an annular valve seat insert seated in a body seat surface of the body housing surrounding the inlet port.

12. The check valve of claim 11, further comprising a retainer disposed in the valve cavity and including an outboard end surface in axial engagement with the valve seat insert.

13. The check valve of claim 12, further comprising a biasing member disposed between the body housing and an inboard end of the retainer to allow for axial movement of the retainer with respect to the body seat surface.

14. The check valve of claim 13, wherein the biasing member includes at least one Belleville washer.

15. The check valve of any of claims 10-14, wherein the valve element includes an outer peripheral wall extending rearward from the rear surface of the valve element.

16. The check valve of any of claims 10-15, wherein the body housing comprises a first body housing member defining the outer circumferential wall extending to a female threaded end portion and a second body housing member having a male threaded portion threadably assembled with the female threaded end portion of the first body housing member.

17. A check valve compri sing : a valve body including a body housing having an outer circumferential wall extending between an inlet port and an outlet port to define a valve cavity therebetween, a bearing surface surrounding the outlet port and facing the valve cavity, and an annular valve seat surrounding the inlet port; a valve element disposed in the valve cavity and defining an internal flow passage extending from a forward portion to a rear portion, the valve element being movable between a closed position in which the valve element seals against the valve seat to prevent flow through the internal flow passage, and an open position in which fluid flow is permitted through the internal flow passage, wherein the rear portion of the valve element includes an axially extending outer peripheral wall; and a biasing spring disposed between a rear surface of the valve element and the body bearing surface to bias the valve element toward the closed position, with the outer peripheral wall of the valve element surrounding a portion of the biasing spring; wherein when the valve element is in the open position, the outer peripheral wall of the valve element abuts the bearing surface of the valve body.

18. The check valve of claim 17, wherein the annular valve seat comprises an annular valve seat insert seated in a body seat surface of the body housing surrounding the inlet port.

19. The check valve of claim 18, further comprising a retainer disposed in the valve cavity and defining a central bore and an outboard end surface extending over the body seat surface to retain the valve seat insert with the body seat surface.

20. The check valve of any of claims 17-19, wherein the body housing comprises a first body housing member defining the outer circumferential wall extending to a female threaded end portion and a second body housing member having a male threaded portion threadably assembled with the female threaded end portion of the first body housing member.

21. The check valve of any of claims 4-9, 16, and 20, wherein the first body housing member includes the inlet port and the body seat, and the second body housing member includes the outlet port.

22. The check valve of any of claims 4-9, 16, and 20, wherein the first body housing member includes the outlet port and the second body housing member includes the inlet port and the body seat.

23. The check valve of any of claims 4-9, 16, and 20-22, further comprising a body seal gasket installed between opposed surfaces of the first and second body housing members to provide a seal between the valve cavity and mating threads of the first and second body housing members.

24. The check valve of claim 23, wherein the body seal gasket comprises a metal gasket.

25. The check valve of any of claims 4, 9, 16, and 21-24, wherein the first body housing member further comprises a leak detection passage extending through the outer circumferential wall between the counterbore surface and a female threaded portion.

26. The check valve of any of claims 1-9, 11-16, and 18-25, wherein the body seat surface comprises a secondary seal surface positioned to sealingly engage an outer peripheral sealing face of the valve element, radially inward of the valve seat insert, when the valve element is exposed to a backpressure exceeding a threshold backpressure.

27. The check valve of claim 26, wherein the body seat surface comprises a recessed surface sized to retain the valve seat insert and an annular inner wall portion extending axially inboard from the recessed surface to define the secondary seal surface.

28. The check valve of claim 17, wherein the annular inner wall portion is sized to limit compression of the valve seat insert by the valve element to a predetermined fraction of an uncompressed thickness of the valve seat insert.

29. The check valve of any of claims 1-9, 12-16, and 20-28, wherein the retainer further comprises a tapered flow guide surface opposite the outboard end surface and angled to substantially match an angled conical surface of the valve element, to guide flow toward an internal flow passage of the valve element when the valve element is in the open position.

32. The check valve of any of claims 1-9, 12-16, and 20-29, wherein the body seat surface and the retainer outboard end surface together define an annular seal cavity sized to retain the valve seat insert.

33. The check valve of claim 32, wherein the retainer further comprises a vent hole extending through the outer wall portion and the endmost portion of the second body housing member includes a notched portion in fluid communication with the vent hole to provide a vent passage between the annular seal cavity and the valve cavity.

34. The check valve of claim 32, wherein the retainer further comprises at least one outer peripheral recess extending to the outboard end surface to intersect the annular seal cavity, with the at least one outer peripheral recess including a vent passage intersecting the retainer central bore.

35. The check valve of any of claims 32-34, wherein the annular seal cavity comprises a dovetail groove having a rear seating surface and first side surface defined by the body seat surface and a second side surface defined by the retainer outboard end surface.

36. The check valve of claim 35, wherein the dovetail groove comprises a conical dovetail groove, with a rear seating surface extending at an angle of about 40° to about 80° with respect to a central axis of the valve.

37. The check valve of any of claims 35-36, wherein the first and second side surfaces of the dovetail groove form an included angle of about 40° to about 80°.

38. The check valve of any of claims 32-34, wherein the annular seal cavity is partially defined by a tapered portion of the body seat surface opposite a tapered outer peripheral sealing surface of the valve element, and a radial portion of the body seat surface opposite the retainer outboard end surface.

39. The check valve of claim 38, wherein the tapered portion of the body seat surface extends substantially parallel to the tapered outer peripheral sealing surface of the valve element.

40. The check valve of any of claims 32-34, wherein the annular seal cavity is partially defined by a first tapered portion of the body seat surface opposite a tapered outer peripheral sealing surface of the valve element, and a second tapered portion of the body seat surface opposite from the retainer outboard end surface.

41. The check valve of claim 40, wherein the first tapered portion of the body seat surface extends substantially parallel to the tapered outer peripheral sealing surface of the valve element.

42. The check valve of any of claims 40-41, wherein the second tapered portion of the body seat surface extends substantially parallel to the retainer outboard end surface.

43. The check valve of any of claims 40-42, wherein the annular seal cavity is further defined by an axially extending outer surface of an inner wall portion of the body seat surface and an axially extending inner peripheral portion of the body seat.

44. The check valve of any of claims 32-43, wherein the annular seal cavity is further defined by an axially extending outer surface of an inner wall portion of the body seat surface.

45. The check valve of claim 44, wherein the outer surface of the inner wall portion includes an axially extending proximal portion and an inwardly tapered distal portion.

46. The check valve of any of claims 1-45, wherein the valve seat insert comprises an elastomeric gasket seal.

47. The check valve of claim 46, wherein the body seat surface comprises a recessed surface sized to retain the valve seat insert and an annular inner wall portion extending axially inboard from the recessed surface, the annular inner wall portion being sized to limit compression of the gasket seal by the valve element to a predetermined fraction of an uncompressed thickness of the valve seat insert.

48. The check valve of any of claims 1-34, wherein the valve seat insert comprises a plastic gland.

49. The check valve of claim 48, wherein the body seat surface comprises a recessed surface sized to retain the plastic gland and an annular inner wall portion extending axially inboard from the recessed surface.

50. The check valve of claim 49, wherein the annular inner wall portion is staked radially outward for retention of the plastic gland in the recessed surface.

51. The check valve of any of claims 1-9 and 21-50, wherein the valve element comprises a poppet having an outboard head portion and an inboard tail portion.

52. The check valve of claim 51, wherein the tail portion of the poppet is received in a counterbore of the outlet port.

53. The check valve of any of claims 10-50, wherein the body housing includes a bearing surface surrounding the outlet port and facing the valve cavity, and an inner annular wall extending from the bearing surface into the valve cavity, wherein when the valve element is in the open position, the inner annular wall abuts the rear surface of the valve element.

54. The check valve of claim 53, further comprising a biasing spring disposed between a rear surface of the valve element and the body bearing surface to bias the valve element toward the closed position, wherein when the valve element is in the open position, the inner annular wall isolates the biasing spring from a fluid flow path between the inlet port and the outlet port.

55. The check valve of any of claims 53-54, wherein the inner annular wall includes at least one cross-port.

56. The check valve of any of claims 53-55, wherein the inner annular wall is integrally formed with the first body housing member.

57. The check valve of any of claims 53-56, wherein the inner annular wall is defined by a component assembled with the first body housing member.

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