Clapper Valve Seal and Hanger Assembly for Vibration Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Clapper valves in oil or gas operations experience significant wear and reduced effectiveness due to vibration caused by fluid turbulence and improper alignment or excessive loading of internal components, leading to premature deterioration.
Innovation Solution
A valve assembly with a clapper and seal design that includes an annular groove and a hanger system with tapered slots, allowing for controlled movement and reduced vibration, and a biasing member to prevent wear, along with a polyurethane seal for enhanced sealing and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a clapper valve is used to control fluid flow direction, then fluid flow in one direction is permitted while flow in the opposite direction is restricted, but vibration caused by fluid turbulence produces significant wear to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
A biasing member (spring) is pre-installed between the clapper and valve body to provide cushioning force before turbulence occurs. This pre-positioned cushioning element absorbs vibration and shock loads during fluid flow, preventing direct transmission of turbulent forces to the clapper and valve seat, thereby reducing wear while maintaining valve effectiveness.
2Reliability
If the clapper is designed to prevent fluid flow in the opposite direction, then flow restriction is achieved, but improper alignment and excessive loading of internal components diminish effectiveness and cause premature deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing member is pre-installed to provide cushioning force before excessive loading occurs. This spring element absorbs shock loads and prevents direct transmission of excessive forces to the clapper and valve seat, protecting components from premature deterioration while maintaining flow restriction effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member acts as an intermediary element between the clapper and valve body. It mediates the interaction between these components by providing a compliant connection that accommodates misalignment and distributes loads, preventing excessive stress concentration while ensuring proper sealing and flow control.
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 solution effectively reduces wear and improves the valve's ability to restrict fluid flow in the opposite direction, enhancing the longevity and performance of the clapper valve by minimizing vibration and ensuring proper alignment and loading of components.
Implementation Method 1
the seal and the second end face contact the first end face to at least partially restrict fluid flow
Implementation Method 2
the seal includes polyurethane
Data Source
AI summary
A valve assembly adapted for use in oil and gas operations. In one aspect, the valve assembly includes a valve body defining an internal region, an inlet passageway, and an outlet passageway, the inlet and outlet passageways extending into the internal region; a valve seat connected to the valve body and defining a fluid passageway; a clapper extending within the internal region and defining an annular groove; and a seal extending within the annular groove of the clapper and adapted to sealingly engage the valve seat. In an example embodiment, the clapper is actuable between an open configuration, in which fluid flow is permitted through the fluid passageway; and a closed configuration, in which the seal sealingly engages the valve seat to at least partially restrict fluid flow through the fluid passageway.