Modular Tree Gate Valve Sealing for Abrasive Fluid Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional gate valves used in harsh fluid environments, such as fracking operations, require frequent refurbishment due to inadequate stem and stem packing designs, leading to time-consuming and costly maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a body with a through bore and transverse passages, where gates are configured to move in response to different forces, allowing for fluid flow control without the need for complete valve removal, utilizing a self-contained gate cartridge with energizable seals to maintain sealing integrity and prevent contaminant ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stem and stem packing configuration is used in gate valves, then the valve can control fluid flow, but the operational life is significantly reduced due to harsh fluids
Solution Approach 1:
The gate valve is divided into modular components including a gate cartridge, body, and seal assembly that can be independently replaced. The gate cartridge contains the gate and seal elements as separate replaceable units, allowing maintenance without replacing the entire valve assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal elements are extracted as separate replaceable components from the gate cartridge. The seal cartridge can be removed and replaced independently from the gate, allowing rapid replacement of worn seals without removing the entire gate assembly from the valve body.
2Ease of operation
If conventional gate valve design is used, then fluid flow can be controlled, but maintenance requires complete valve removal and shipment to workshop
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is segmented into modular components where the gate cartridge and seal cartridge can be independently accessed and replaced. This modular design allows field maintenance without removing the entire valve from the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve incorporates self-contained seal cartridges with integrated sealing elements that can be quickly replaced by the operator in the field without requiring specialized workshop equipment or complete valve disassembly.
3Productivity
If gates move freely in transverse passages, then fluid flow control is achieved, but sealing integrity is compromised against abrasive fluids
Solution Approach 1:
Energizer elements are introduced as intermediary components between the gate and the seal elements. These energizers maintain constant contact pressure on the seals, ensuring sealing integrity while allowing the gate to move freely for flow control.
Solution Approach 2:
The seal system uses energizer elements that dynamically adjust the contact pressure parameter on the seal elements. This maintains optimal sealing force throughout gate movement and compensates for wear, ensuring consistent sealing performance in abrasive fluid environments.
Data Source
AI summary
A valve with a body having a through bore for fluid passage. The body has a plurality of passages transverse to the through bore. At least two of the transverse passages each have a gate disposed therein configured for motion along the passage between a position to permit fluid flow along the through bore and a position to restrict fluid flow along the through bore. Each gate is configured for motion along the transverse passage in one direction in response to a first force acting on the gate and in another direction in response to a second force acting on the gate.