Double Piston Ball Valve Seal for Cryogenic Bidirectional Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ball valves face challenges in maintaining effective seat seal integrity, particularly in extreme cryogenic temperatures below −150° C, where existing seals fail to provide reliable bidirectional operation.
Innovation Solution
A double piston effect seal design for ball valves, featuring a resilient ring with an engagement feature and two polymer rings, one at each axial end, which are coupled with the engagement feature and include energized zones with springs, allowing for enhanced sealing capabilities across extreme temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional single piston effect seat seals are used, then the seal operates unidirectionally with simple structure, but it fails to provide reliable bidirectional sealing in cryogenic temperatures below -150°C
Solution Approach 1:
The seal is divided into multiple functional segments: a resilient ring providing bidirectional restoring force, first and second polymer rings for sealing contact, and energized zones with springs for enhanced sealing pressure. Each segment performs a specific function, collectively achieving reliable bidirectional sealing in cryogenic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal incorporates dynamic elements including the resilient ring that flexes to provide bidirectional restoring force, polymer rings that deform under pressure to maintain contact, and springs in the energized zones that actively adjust sealing pressure. This dynamic behavior enables the seal to adapt to pressure changes and maintain reliability across bidirectional operation in extreme temperatures.
2Reliability
If double piston effect seal design with multiple polymer rings and energized zones is implemented, then bidirectional sealing performance in cryogenic conditions is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated seal assembly: the resilient ring, first and second polymer rings, and energized zones with springs are combined to work together as one unit. This integration achieves complex bidirectional sealing functionality while allowing the entire assembly to be manufactured and assembled as a cohesive component.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal utilizes composite construction with different materials optimized for specific functions: resilient material for the restoring ring, polymer material for the sealing rings that can deform and maintain contact, and metallic springs for energized zones. This composite approach enables each material to contribute its optimal properties, achieving reliable cryogenic sealing while allowing each material layer to be manufactured using appropriate processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seal uses resilient ring with engagement feature and multiple polymer rings, then sealing capability across wide temperature range is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seal design incorporates parameters that can adapt to temperature changes: the resilient ring's elasticity, the polymer rings' deformation characteristics, and the spring energized zones are all designed to maintain functional properties across wide temperature ranges including cryogenic conditions below -150°C. These parameter optimizations enable the same seal structure to function reliably in extreme thermal environments.
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 provides improved sealing performance in cryogenic conditions by ensuring effective engagement and deformation of the polymer rings, maintaining valve integrity and fluid control across a wide temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second polymer rings can include a thermoplastic and are part of a same element. The seal can be adapted for use at cryogenic temperature applications and can form a double piston effect seal.
Data Source
AI summary
A seal for a ball valve comprising a resilient ring defining an engagement feature; a first polymer ring disposed adjacent to a first axial end of the resilient ring and coupled with the engagement feature; and a second polymer ring disposed adjacent to a second axial end of the resilient ring and coupled with the engagement feature.