Expanding Disk Gate Valve Radial Compression Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing double disk gate valves face issues with leakage, wear, and friction due to play in single metal disks, and the use of elastomeric materials requires precise tolerances and complex structures, increasing manufacturing costs and limiting the diameter and pressure of fluid flow they can handle effectively.
Innovation Solution
An expanding double disk gate valve design featuring two gate disks with flanges and an elastomeric material-filled hollow internal volume, where radial compression of the elastomeric material translates to uniform lateral expansion, providing a positive seal and reducing friction and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single metal disk gate valve is used, then the structure is simple, but leakage occurs due to play between the gate and valve seat
Solution Approach 1:
The single gate disk is divided into two separate gate disks that can move independently. This segmentation allows each disk to be positioned precisely against the valve seat, eliminating the play and leakage issues of a single disk while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
A resilient material is introduced as an intermediary element between the two gate disks. This resilient material transmits the movement of one disk to the other, ensuring both disks move in unison and maintain proper sealing contact with the valve seat, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If close tolerances are used in single metal disks, then sealing performance improves, but friction between gate disk and valve seat increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the gate into two separate disks, each disk can be manufactured with standard tolerances rather than tight tolerances. The resilient material compensates for any minor variations, reducing friction while maintaining effective sealing
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient material changes the physical parameters of the gate assembly by providing elastic deformation capability. This allows the gate disks to conform to the valve seat surface without requiring precise manufacturing tolerances, thereby reducing friction while maintaining sealing performance
3Reliability
If elastomeric material is positioned between two gate disks, then sealing improves, but manufacturing complexity and tolerance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient material is merged with the gate disk assembly as an integrated component rather than a separate mechanism. This combining of elements improves seal integrity while avoiding the complexity of separate expansion mechanisms or multiple moving parts
4Reliability
If complex expansion mechanisms are used, then sealing performance improves, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The gate valve utilizes the flow pressure itself to drive the expansion mechanism, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex control systems. The resilient material automatically expands the gate disks into sealing engagement with the valve seat under pressure, improving reliability while maintaining simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical expansion mechanism is replaced with a resilient material-based system that responds automatically to pressure changes. This substitution eliminates intricate mechanical linkages while achieving the same sealing function through elastic deformation
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 seal integrity, reduces servicing costs, and allows operation over a larger range of valve diameters and pressures with improved reliability and reduced friction, eliminating the need for complex expansion mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
radial compression of the elastomeric material translates to uniform lateral expansion
Implementation Method 2
an elastomeric material is positioned between two gate disks... When the gate assembly is moved into a closed position... the elastomeric material between the two gate disks is compressed... and this compressive force is translated outwardly against the two gate disks
Data Source
AI summary
An expanding disk gate valve assembly comprises two gate disks and an elastomeric disk. A first flange on a first gate disk mates to a second flange on a second gate disk forming an internal volume surrounding the elastomeric disk. An elastomeric sheath covers the mated disks with the first gate disk being radially offset from, and radially movable relative to, the second gate disk. A width of the gate disk assembly is less than a width between two valve seats when the gate disk assembly is in an open position. In a closed position, the first flange moves radially toward the second flange, compressing elastomeric disk, and causes the elastomeric disk to expand axially against the two gate disks, forcing them apart, and increasing the gate disk assembly width so that the gate disk assembly actively seals against the valve seats.