Butterfly Valve Thermal Conductor Ring and Compression Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Butterfly valves used with high-temperature fluids face issues such as lubricant drying out, seal material degradation, and increased friction due to thermal expansion, leading to potential leakage and reduced operational life.
Innovation Solution
The butterfly valve design incorporates a thermal conductor ring and compression rings with minimal tolerance, along with a leakage return conduit and a lip seal to minimize heat transfer and prevent fluid leakage, while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction without affecting the coupling between the valve shaft and actuator shaft.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the butterfly valve is used with high-temperature fluids, then the valve can handle hot gases and steam, but the lubricants dry out and bearings are damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into a high-temperature zone (valve body, disc, and seat exposed to hot fluid) and a protected zone (actuator and shaft bearings isolated from direct heat exposure). This spatial segmentation allows the valve to handle high temperatures while protecting sensitive components from thermal damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal barrier or insulation structure acts as an intermediary between the hot fluid and the actuator shaft assembly. This intermediary prevents direct heat transfer to the lubricants and bearings, maintaining their operational integrity while allowing the valve to function in high-temperature environments.
2Temperature
If the seal materials are exposed to high temperatures, then the valve can operate with hot fluids, but the seal materials degrade and lose sealing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The seal materials are selected and designed to operate within specific temperature parameters. By controlling the thermal exposure parameters and using materials with appropriate thermal resistance, the seals maintain their elasticity and sealing effectiveness even when exposed to elevated temperatures from hot fluids.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs composite material construction, combining heat-resistant materials for the valve body and disc with temperature-tolerant seal materials. This composite approach allows different parts to be optimized for their specific thermal environments, with seals made from materials that maintain their properties at operating temperatures.
3Temperature
If thermal expansion occurs in the valve components, then the valve can accommodate temperature changes, but friction increases and binding occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The valve design incorporates thermal expansion compensation features, such as expansion joints or flexible connections, that allow components to expand and contract freely with temperature changes. This prevents binding and excessive friction by accommodating dimensional changes rather than resisting them.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve employs dynamic clearance adjustments or floating components that can move to accommodate thermal expansion. This dynamic approach maintains proper clearances and reduces friction by allowing components to adapt their positions as temperatures fluctuate during operation.
4Strength
If the valve shaft and actuator shaft are rigidly coupled, then the connection is strong, but thermal expansion causes leakage and misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling between the valve shaft and actuator shaft employs flexible elements such as flexible couplings or bellows that can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction. These flexible connections maintain strong mechanical coupling while allowing dimensional changes, preventing misalignment and leakage that would occur with rigid connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaft coupling system is designed to be dynamic rather than static, allowing for movement and adjustment as thermal conditions change. This dynamic coupling maintains strength and alignment by adapting to thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring reliable operation across temperature variations.
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
This design enhances the operational life of the butterfly valve by reducing heat transfer, preventing damage to seals and bearings, and maintaining effective sealing despite thermal changes, thus ensuring reliable operation with high-temperature fluids.
Implementation Method 1
at least one compression ring located within the shaft bore, with the at least one compression ring substantially sealing the valve shaft to an actuator-side shaft bore
Implementation Method 2
a thermal conductor ring fitted over an end of the valve shaft, wherein the at least one compression ring fits partially into and extending partially out of a corresponding at least one ring groove in the thermal conductor ring
Implementation Method 3
a lip seal positioned over the actuator shaft of the valve actuator and abutting the valve actuator, with the lip seal being configured to prevent fluid from the valve bore from passing into the valve actuator around the actuator shaft
Data Source
AI summary
A butterfly valve (100) is provided according to the invention. The butterfly valve (100) includes a valve body (103) including a valve bore (109) passing through the valve body (103) and a shaft bore (112), a valve shaft (121) located in the shaft bore (112) and extending through the valve bore (109), a thermal conductor ring (156) fitted over an end of the valve shaft (121), and at least one compression ring (152) mounted to the thermal conductor ring (156) and located within the shaft bore (112). The at least one compression ring (152) fits partially into and extends partially out of a corresponding at least one ring groove (153) in the thermal conductor ring (156), with the at least one compression ring (152) substantially sealing the thermal conductor ring (156) to an actuator-side shaft bore (112A).