Axial Flow Regulator Seat Assembly With Lateral Trim Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Axial flow regulators require extensive labor and specialized tools for maintenance due to the need to remove outlet flanges from pipes, which complicates access to valve seat assemblies and reduces flow efficiency compared to top entry regulators.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a lateral access port through the valve body allows for access to the valve seat assembly without removing the outlet flange, enabling easier installation, removal, and maintenance of the valve trim, while maintaining flow efficiency by allowing the valve seat assembly to be inserted and removed laterally through the port.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If an axial flow regulator is designed with in-line flanges for improved flow efficiency, then flow efficiency is improved, but maintenance becomes difficult requiring removal of outlet flange from pipe
Solution Approach 1:
The valve body is segmented into separate components including the outlet flange, valve trim, and valve seat assembly. This allows the valve trim to be accessed and removed through the outlet flange without removing the entire regulator from the pipe, maintaining both flow efficiency and maintenance accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve trim components (valve seat assembly, disc, etc.) are nested within the valve body and accessible through the outlet flange opening. The outlet flange itself is nested within the valve body structure, creating a hierarchical arrangement that allows access to internal components without disrupting external connections.
2Ease of repair
If a top entry regulator is used to allow easy trim removal, then maintenance becomes easier, but flow efficiency decreases due to circuitous flow path
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of accessing the valve trim from the top entry (conventional approach), the design inverts the access route by providing access through the outlet flange at the bottom. This reversal allows maintenance personnel to remove the outlet flange and access the valve trim from the outlet side, maintaining the in-line flow path for efficiency while enabling easy maintenance.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve seat assembly for use in a fluid control valve. The valve seat assembly includes a pad holder and a support ring. The pad holder includes a support body configured to support a seat pad and a plurality of alignment struts projecting radially outwardly from the support body. The support ring extends around the radially outer perimeter of the alignment struts. The pad holder slides into and out of an operative position in the support ring.