Gate Valve Opening Geometry for Reduced Stroke Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gate valves require a large amount of space for installation and operation due to their linear stroke, limiting their use in compact equipment like tubing hangers and trees, where space constraints are a concern.
Innovation Solution
A reduced stroke gate valve design featuring non-circular or non-round openings that reduce the stroke length while maintaining the same flow area, allowing for more compact packaging and efficient use of space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional gate valve with linear stroke is used, then the valve provides reliable closing capability, but the overall length and space required for installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gate valve transitions from linear stroke motion to rotational motion. The gate moves from a straight-line path to an arc-shaped path around a pivot point, changing the dimension of motion from one-dimensional (linear) to two-dimensional (rotational). This dimensional change allows the valve to achieve the same sealing function with a more compact overall length, as the rotational mechanism requires less axial space than the linear stroke mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate valve employs a curved or arc-shaped gate structure that rotates around a pivot point. The gate opening may be circular or non-circular, and the gate itself follows a curved path during operation. This curvature allows the valve to maintain effective sealing contact while reducing the linear dimensions required for actuation, as the rotational arc provides the necessary movement range in a compact configuration.
2Ease of operation
If a gate valve with full linear stroke is installed, then the valve achieves complete opening and closing functionality, but the space available for other penetrations and components is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By changing from linear stroke to rotational motion, the valve actuation space is reorganized from an axial extension to a radial arrangement. The pivot point serves as a compact center from which the gate rotates, allowing other penetrations and components to be arranged around this central point in the available radial and axial space, thereby increasing the overall space efficiency of the assembly.
3Length of moving object
If the stroke length is reduced, then the actuation system becomes more compact, but the flow area may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gate valve utilizes a curved gate structure with a circular or non-circular opening that rotates around a pivot point. The curved geometry of the gate maintains an adequate flow area during rotation, as the arc-shaped opening can provide sufficient cross-sectional area for fluid flow even when the stroke length is reduced. The curvature allows the gate to sweep through the necessary angle to achieve complete opening and closing while preserving flow characteristics.
Data Source
AI summary
A reduced stroke gate valve is provided. The reduced stroke gate valve provides a predetermined or desired flow area for a given bore size through the gate valve while reducing a total length through which the gate valve strokes between an open position and a closed position. The reduced stroke gate valve includes one or more openings that span a non-circular or non-round area within the gate. The non-circular or non-round shape or distribution of opening(s) in the gate may provide a flow area equivalent to a predetermined flow area for a single circular hole that would otherwise be used for the gate valve application, but with a shape or distribution of opening(s) that provides a reduced stroke length to move the gate valve from the open position to the closed position.