Split Gate Valve Biasing Mechanism for High Pressure Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional large bore and high pressure gate valves require excessive mechanical force to open and close, making it difficult to test seals on both sides, which is essential for ensuring proper operation and safety.
Innovation Solution
A split gate valve design incorporating a rolling actuator and biasing mechanism, such as expansion bars with spring mechanisms, to reduce the mechanical force required for operation and enable the formation of a double seal, allowing for simultaneous testing of both seals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If both sides of a large bore and high pressure gate valve are sealed, then seal reliability is improved, but the mechanical force required to operate the valve increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is divided into two separate gate sections (first gate section and second gate section) that can be independently positioned. Each gate section seals against one side of the valve body, allowing the valve to achieve double-side sealing while reducing the force required on each individual gate section compared to a single gate sealing both sides.
Solution Approach 2:
A biasing mechanism (spring, hydraulic cylinder, or pneumatic cylinder) is introduced as an intermediary element between the two gate sections. This biasing mechanism automatically maintains the gate sections in their respective sealed positions, reducing the manual operating force required and ensuring reliable sealing without excessive mechanical force.
2Device complexity
If a single gate seals both sides of a large bore high pressure valve, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to test both seals independently is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is segmented into two independent gate sections, each capable of sealing one side of the valve. This segmentation enables independent testing of each seal by positioning one gate section while leaving the other in place, while still maintaining a relatively simple overall gate structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate sections are designed to be dynamically positionable - they can be moved independently to different positions (sealed or unsealed). This dynamic capability allows operators to test seals on both sides of the valve by positioning the gate sections appropriately, providing versatility without excessive complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional gate valve design is used for large bore high pressure applications, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but operational efficiency decreases due to excessive force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The gate is divided into two manageable gate sections that are easier to manufacture and install than a single large gate. Each gate section can be fabricated with standard procedures, and the segmented design allows for easier assembly and maintenance, improving manufacturing simplicity while enhancing operational efficiency through reduced force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
A biasing mechanism is introduced to automatically maintain sealing pressure on both sides of the valve. This intermediary device reduces the manual force required to operate the valve, significantly improving operational efficiency. The biasing mechanism uses standard components (springs, hydraulics, or pneumatics) that can be integrated into conventional manufacturing processes.
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 split gate valve design reduces the mechanical force needed to operate large bore and high pressure valves, enabling efficient double seal testing and improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The pair of gate sections includes a biasing mechanism (e.g., one or more springs) to bias each gate section of the pair of gate sections away from each other to form a double seal
Implementation Method 2
The split gate valve also includes a rolling actuator (e.g., a ball screw or a roller screw) configured to receive a rotational input (e.g., from a drive) and to convert the rotational input into a linear motion to move the pair of gate sections between the open and closed positions
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a split gate valve with first and second gate sections coupled together and configured to move together within a cavity of the split gate valve between an open position and a closed position. The split gate valve includes a rolling actuator to reduce friction and to convert a rotational input into a linear motion to move the first and second gate sections between the open and closed positions. The split gate valve also includes at least one expansion bar configured to bias the first and second gate sections from one another to seal against opposite seats of the split gate valve, wherein each expansion bar includes a spring mechanism configured to compress upon moving the first and second gate sections into and beyond the closed position to prevent buckling of the expansion bar.