Double-Plate Gate Valve Spring Sealing and Gas Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Double-plate gate valves in industrial plants, particularly in chemical and petrochemical plants, face challenges in achieving high tightness and simple construction due to high process temperatures and pressures, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for reliable sealing and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A double-plate gate valve design featuring spring elements between shut-off plates for sealing force, with a housing that includes sealing gas connections to compensate for failed spring elements, and a detachable upper sealing seat for easy maintenance, along with a circular shut-off plate with a radial taper for improved sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring elements are used to provide sealing force between shut-off plates, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sealing function and the actuating function into a single integrated mechanism. The spring elements are positioned to simultaneously provide sealing force on the shut-off plates and serve as the actuating mechanism for opening/closing the valve, eliminating the need for separate actuating components and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring elements are designed to automatically provide sealing force and maintain seal integrity without requiring external adjustment or additional control mechanisms. The springs self-regulate to ensure continuous contact between shut-off plates and sealing surfaces, providing reliable sealing through self-service operation.
2Ease of repair
If the housing is made fully detachable for maintenance, then ease of maintenance is improved, but structural integrity and sealing reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into modular sections that can be independently removed for maintenance. Specifically, the housing includes detachable parts that allow access to internal components like shut-off plates and spring elements without requiring complete disassembly, enabling targeted maintenance while preserving the integrity of the remaining sealed structure.
3Device complexity
If the space between shut-off plates is kept free of built-in components, then device complexity is reduced, but sealing force application becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing spring elements on the outer sides of the shut-off plates, the patent inverts the arrangement by positioning the spring elements between the two shut-off plates. This inverted configuration allows the springs to directly push the plates against the sealing surfaces from the inside, simplifying the overall structure while effectively applying sealing force.
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 high tightness, simplified construction, and enhanced operational safety by using spring elements and sealing gas pressure, while allowing for easy maintenance and reduced material usage, thus addressing the challenges of sealing and maintenance in extreme industrial conditions.
Implementation Method 1
spring elements such as disc spring packs are arranged between the shut-off plates, pressing the shut-off plates in the closed position against sealing surfaces
Implementation Method 2
the housing comprises at least one sealing gas connection through which a sealing gas pressure may be applied to the inside of the housing. This results in an increase of the operational safety when the double-plate gate valve is in the closed position. In the case of failure of one or more spring elements and thus an associated deterioration of the sealing force, the sealing gas pressure is designed to compensate for the sealing force missing due to the failed elements.
Data Source
AI summary
A double-plate gate valve 10 is proposed which is provided for fittings of industrial plants, in particular chemical and petrochemical plants, wherein the double-plate gate valve 10 comprises a housing 11 having two shut-off plates 20a, 20b inside the housing 11 which are displaceable between an open and a closed position, wherein spring elements 25 such as disc spring packs are arranged between the shut-off plates 20a, 20b pressing the shut-off plates 20a, 20b in the closed position against sealing surfaces arranged on the housing 11 such that the entire sealing force required for sealing is provided by the spring elements 25. Furthermore are proposed a shut-off plate 20 for use in an inventive double-plate gate valve 10 as well as a method for sealing the inventive double-plate gate valve using the inventive shut-off plates.