Flexible Double-Seated Globe Valve Plug for Actuator Thrust Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional globe valves face challenges in providing a seal that can withstand extreme conditions, such as varying pressures and temperatures, while maintaining fluid-tight closure with minimal effort and resisting wear from repeated operations, especially in large valves with diameters greater than 6 inches.
Innovation Solution
A flexible all-metal valve plug with a convoluted portion between two plug seats, allowing the cylinder to flex and provide a fluid-tight seal without elastomeric materials, featuring pressure balancing, high temperature resistance, and infinite cycle life, and capable of withstanding a range of chemical activities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastomeric seals are used to ensure fluid-tight closure, then sealing capability is improved, but temperature and chemical resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the material parameter from elastomeric to metal (stainless steel or Inconel), transforming the seal from a compliant material to a flexible metal structure that can withstand extreme temperatures and chemicals while maintaining sealing capability through the convoluted geometry
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a flexible metal plug with convoluted portions that act as flexible elements, replacing traditional elastomeric seals with a metal alternative that provides both flexibility for sealing and resistance to extreme conditions through the convoluted structure
2Productivity
If large valve diameter is used for flow control, then flow capacity is improved, but seal failure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible metal plug with convoluted portions provides a seal that can accommodate large valve diameters while maintaining reliability, as the flexible metal structure can deform to maintain contact with the seat across larger surfaces without the failure modes of traditional elastomeric seals
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional sealing structures are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but actuator thrust requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The balanced double-seated structure creates counteracting forces on the plug, with pressure acting on both the top and bottom surfaces, effectively canceling out the net force and reducing actuator thrust requirements while maintaining sealing capability
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 enables a globe valve to maintain a fluid-tight seal across a wide range of pressures and temperatures, reduces actuator thrust, and extends the valve's operational life, while being compatible with various fluids and chemical environments.
Implementation Method 1
The convoluted portion provides flexibility for the cylinder to flex between the first plug seat and the second plug seat
Data Source
AI summary
A valve plug includes a cylinder, a first plug seat, a second plug seat, and a convoluted portion. The cylinder has a first and second end. The first plug seat is disposed at the first end. The second plug seat is disposed proximal to the second end. The convoluted portion is disposed between the first seat and the second seat. The convoluted portion provides flexibility for the cylinder to flex between the first plug seat and the second plug seat.