Check Valve Post-Cured Perfluoro Elastomer Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Check valves used at high temperatures face issues with heat resistance and valve element sticking to the sealing member, making them unsuitable for conditions exceeding 200°C due to insufficient heat resistance and sealing performance.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design featuring a post-cured perfluoro elastomer sealing member and an annular sealing portion on the valve element for line contact, which enhances heat resistance and reduces sticking through post-curing and controlled crushing margin for improved sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an O-ring is used as a sealing member in a check valve, then the valve can operate at high temperatures, but the O-ring lacks sufficient heat resistance and causes valve element sticking
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member material is changed from conventional O-ring material to perfluoro elastomer, which has fundamentally different thermal properties. This material parameter change enables the sealing member to maintain elasticity and sealing performance at temperatures exceeding 200°C while preventing valve element sticking through its unique surface characteristics and thermal stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses perfluoro elastomer, which is a composite polymer material combining fluorinated chains with elastomeric properties. This composite material structure provides both the heat resistance required for high-temperature operation and the surface properties that prevent sticking, resolving the contradiction between thermal stability and operational reliability.
2Temperature
If the sealing member is changed to a packing with excellent heat resistance, then heat resistance is improved, but valve element sticking occurs due to high temperature use
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameters of the sealing member to perfluoro elastomer, which has a glass transition temperature and decomposition temperature significantly higher than conventional packings. This parameter change allows the material to maintain its physical properties at high temperatures without generating sticking forces, unlike traditional packing materials that become gummy or adhesive when heated.
Solution Approach 2:
The perfluoro elastomer sealing member is designed as a replaceable component that maintains its non-sticking properties throughout its service life at high temperatures. When it eventually degrades after extended high-temperature service, it can be replaced without causing sticking issues, as the material consistently resists adhesion to the valve element throughout its operational lifespan.
3Temperature
If a perfluoro elastomer packing is used as a sealing member, then heat resistance is ensured, but sticking may still occur without post-curing treatment
Solution Approach 1:
The perfluoro elastomer packing undergoes post-curing treatment before installation, which is a preliminary action that completes the cross-linking process and stabilizes the material structure. This preliminary thermal treatment removes residual solvents, completes polymerization, and establishes the final dimensional stability and surface properties of the packing, ensuring it will not stick to the valve element during subsequent high-temperature operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The post-curing process changes the physical and chemical parameters of the perfluoro elastomer by completing the cross-linking network formation. This parameter change transforms the material from a partially cured state with potential sticking tendencies to a fully cured state with optimized thermal stability, elasticity, and non-adhesive surface properties suitable for high-temperature check valve operation.
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 check valve effectively operates at high temperatures by maintaining sealing performance and minimizing valve element sticking, ensuring reliable operation even after temperature elevation and natural cooling.
Implementation Method 1
perfluoro elastomer maintains elasticity substantially equal to elasticity of rubber even at a high temperature of approximately 300° C.
Implementation Method 2
Post-curing is a process in which a molded product is heated in a furnace at a high temperature of approximately 200° C. for several hours to several tens hours, and post-curing is performed as a step for removing impurities.
Implementation Method 3
an annular sealing portion which is brought into line contact with the sealing member is formed on the valve element
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a check valve which can be used even under a high temperature condition by overcoming a drawback “valve element sticking to sealing member” associated with high temperature use while enhancing heat resistance. An opening of a fluid path formed in a first body is brought into a closed state by bringing a valve element biased by a biasing member into contact with a sealing member. The sealing member is formed of a post-cured perfluoro elastomer packing. An annular sealing portion which is brought into line contact with the sealing member is formed on the valve element.