Non-Rising Stem Gate Valve Thrust Bearing Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional valves used in containers for phosphorous pentasulfide are prone to malfunction and short lifespan due to harsh conditions, posing safety risks and allowing moisture ingress, which reacts with phosphorous pentasulfide to form hazardous gases.
Innovation Solution
A non-rising stem gate valve with a drive assembly featuring a drive shaft and bearing assemblies, including ball bearings and a robust race track support body, designed to withstand high thrust forces and resist movement, allowing for efficient and safe operation with reduced maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional valves are used in containers for phosphorous pentasulfide, then the valve can perform basic opening and closing functions, but the valve has short lifespan and is prone to malfunction due to harsh conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is divided into multiple independent components including drive shaft, follower, gate, and housing sections that can be manufactured separately and assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while improving overall reliability through modular replacement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The threaded sections and bearing assemblies are pre-configured during manufacturing to ensure proper alignment and function. The drive shaft includes pre-formed threaded sections that engage with the follower and housing, eliminating field assembly errors and ensuring reliable operation from installation.
2Reliability
If conventional valves are used, then the structure can be simple, but the valve is susceptible to moisture ingress and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft integration combines multiple functions into a single component: it serves as the rotational actuator, includes threaded sections for mechanical engagement with the follower and housing, and provides structural support for the gate mechanism. This merging reduces the number of potential failure points while maintaining sealing integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower acts as an intermediary component between the drive shaft and gate, translating rotational motion of the drive shaft into linear motion of the gate while maintaining sealed connections. This intermediary mechanism ensures reliable sealing during operation.
3Strength
If the valve is subjected to harsh conditions including rough handling and weather fluctuations, then the valve must be robust, but conventional valves still fail prematurely
Solution Approach 1:
The valve utilizes composite construction with threaded sections and bearing assemblies that combine different material properties to withstand harsh conditions. The bearing assemblies incorporate hardened rolling elements within supported races, combining wear resistance with load-bearing capacity to endure rough handling and environmental stress.
4Force
If the valve design includes robust bearing assemblies to withstand thrust forces, then the valve can resist high loads, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drive shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as the rotational actuator, provides threaded engagement surfaces for the follower and housing, and serves as the mounting structure for the bearing assemblies. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while maintaining the ability to withstand high thrust forces.
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 valve design enhances durability and safety by reducing the risk of valve failure and moisture ingress, extending the lifespan of the valve and ensuring safer handling of phosphorous pentasulfide, even under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing assembly includes first and second races and a plurality of ball bearings between the first and second races. The first race comprises a race track on which the plurality of ball bearings roll when the drive shaft is rotated about the axis of rotation.
Implementation Method 2
The drive shaft includes a first threaded section in threaded engagement with the follower for moving the gate between the open and closed positions by rotation of the drive shaft about the axis of rotation. The drive shaft includes a second threaded section in threaded engagement with the race track support body for resisting movement of the race track support body with respect to the drive shaft in the thrust direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve and associated components and methods, and a container including such a valve. The valve may be referred to as a non-rising stem gate valve. The valve includes a gate movable by a drive assembly to open and close the valve. The drive assembly includes a thrust bearing assembly configured to resist damage due to thrust force. The thrust bearing assembly can include a race threaded to a drive shaft of the drive assembly. The race can be pinned to the drive shaft by a roll pin.