Gate Valve Secondary Seal Lubrication System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing process valves require disassembly and reassembly to replenish lubricant in secondary seals, leading to costly process line downtime and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a secondary sealing member and inlet channel system that allows lubricating fluid to be introduced directly to the gate without disassembly, using a dam to prevent leakage and ensure fluid delivery to grooves for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the valve is disassembled to replenish lubricant in secondary seals, then the lubricant can be added to the secondary seals, but the process line experiences downtime which negatively impacts manufacturing processes
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into functional segments with independent lubrication systems. The inlet channel and aperture create a separate lubricant delivery pathway that operates independently from the main valve body, allowing lubricant replenishment without disassembling the entire valve assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The lubrication system is designed to be self-serviceable through the inlet channel and aperture configuration. The secondary seal with integrated aperture allows the gate to draw lubricant automatically during its normal cycling motion, eliminating the need for manual intervention and valve disassembly
2Reliability
If the secondary seals are removed and re-installed to add lubricant, then additional lubricant can be provided to the secondary seals, but the valve requires disassembly and reassembly which increases maintenance complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The lubricant reservoir, inlet channel, and secondary seal are merged into a single integrated component. The aperture is built into the secondary seal itself, combining the sealing function with the lubricant delivery function, eliminating the need for separate lubricant addition procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary seal serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the sealing barrier against process media and incorporates the lubricant delivery system through its aperture. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lubricant replenishment operations
3Ease of operation
If lubricating fluid is applied to grooves within the secondary seal, then smoother gate action and longer seal life are achieved, but the lubricant becomes depleted requiring valve disassembly to replenish
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication system enables continuous lubricant supply to the gate throughout its operational life. The inlet channel with aperture creates an ongoing lubricant delivery mechanism that replenishes lubricant continuously or periodically without interruption to valve operation, rather than allowing lubricant to deplete completely
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
Enables continuous operation of process valves with reduced downtime by allowing lubricant replenishment in situ, enhancing seal life and reducing the force required to actuate the gate.
Implementation Method 1
The dam extends outward from the wall and is disposed between at least one of the first or second housings and the secondary sealing member
Implementation Method 2
Gate lubrication provides smoother gate action and longer seal life as well as reducing the amount of force necessary to actuate the gate
Data Source
AI summary
A gate valve includes a pair of opposing housing members, a gate, primary sealing sleeves and a secondary sealing member. The primary sealing sleeves are disposed in each of the housing members. The gate is configured to slidably pass through a transverse gate chamber defined when the housing members are joined together. The secondary sealing member is secured between the housing members and includes at least one passage or aperture configured to allow lubricating fluid to be applied through at least one of the housing members through the secondary sealing member and onto the gate.