Ball Valve Bi-Directional Sealing Boost Piston
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ball valves used in subterranean well systems are unable to maintain a gas-tight seal in both directions under elevated pressures, failing to meet the highest industry standards such as the ISO 14310-V0 rating.
Innovation Solution
A ball valve design featuring sealing elements on a movable valve member that engage corresponding valve seats, with boost pistons applying radial forces to increase sealing engagement in response to pressure differentials, ensuring bi-directional sealing capability and compliance with ISO 14310-V0 standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ball valves are used in subterranean well systems, then the structure is simple and ease of operation is maintained, but the valve cannot maintain a gas-tight seal in both directions under elevated pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system is segmented into multiple independent sealing elements positioned at different locations on the ball valve. Each sealing element can independently engage with corresponding valve seats to provide sealing in different directions, allowing the valve to achieve bi-directional sealing capability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
Different sealing elements are positioned at specific locations on the ball valve to address local sealing requirements. The sealing elements have specific geometries and materials tailored for their respective positions, enabling effective sealing under elevated pressures in both directions without requiring complete redesign of the entire valve structure
2Reliability
If sealing elements are added to achieve bi-directional sealing, then sealing integrity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing elements are integrated into a unified sealing system that works together as a cohesive unit. The sealing elements are positioned and configured to collectively provide bi-directional sealing, merging their individual functions into a coordinated system that achieves enhanced sealing integrity without proportionally increasing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If conventional sealing mechanisms are used, then the valve structure remains simple, but the valve cannot meet ISO 14310-V0 rating requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing elements are pre-configured and pre-positioned on the ball valve to ensure proper engagement with valve seats before the valve is put into service. This preliminary arrangement of sealing components ensures that the valve meets ISO 14310-V0 rating requirements from the outset, with the sealing system already optimized for high-pressure bi-directional sealing performance
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ball valve effectively retains gas pressure with zero leakage in both directions, meeting the highest industry validation standards and maintaining sealing integrity under varying pressure conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Upon assuming a pressure differential across the ball valve, boost pistons provided in the ball valve apply radial forces against the valve seats
Data Source
AI summary
An example ball valve includes a body defining a first valve port and a second valve port circumferentially offset from each other on the body by 180°. A valve member is positioned within the body and defines an inlet port and first and second outlet ports extending perpendicularly from the inlet port in opposing directions. First and second sealing elements are mounted on the valve member within corresponding first and second annular grooves, the first and second sealing elements being circumferentially offset from each other on the valve member by 180° and circumferentially offset from the first and second outlet ports by 90°. First and second seal systems are positioned within the first and second valve ports, respectively, and each include a valve seat engageable with the first and second sealing elements, a boost piston, and a bias spring.