Two-Pin Clapper Valve Assembly for Reduced Friction Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clapper valves in oil and gas operations experience significant wear due to dynamic loading, abrasion, and friction from fluid flow, leading to inefficient and costly repairs and replacements.
Innovation Solution
A clapper valve assembly with a two-pin design that incorporates a link piece and rotating pins to reduce friction and wear, using materials like tool steel for internal components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a traditional single-pin clapper valve design is used, then the structure is simple, but friction and wear from linear movement cause short part life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the traditional linear sliding movement of the clapper into rotational movement by introducing two pins that allow the clapper to rotate relative to the hanger. This dynamic change from linear to rotational motion reduces friction and wear between the clapper and hanger, thereby extending part life while managing structural complexity through controlled rotational degrees of freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a link piece as an intermediary component between the hanger and clapper. This link piece contains two pin holes that accommodate pins, creating an intermediate rotational connection that mediates the interaction between the hanger and clapper. The link piece enables the clapper to rotate independently, reducing direct friction and wear between the hanger and clapper bodies
2Reliability
If linear movement of pins and slots is used, then the structure is simple, but friction causes wear and shortens part life
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static linear sliding mechanism into a dynamic rotational mechanism. The two pins enable the link piece and clapper to rotate relative to each other, converting harmful linear friction into controlled rotational movement. This dynamic transformation improves reliability by reducing wear while the added rotational degrees of freedom manage complexity through predictable motion patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional linear sliding mechanical system with a rotational mechanical system. Instead of pins sliding linearly through slots, the invention uses pins that enable rotational movement. This substitution replaces the high-friction linear contact mechanism with a lower-friction rotational contact mechanism, improving durability while introducing a different type of mechanical complexity that is better suited for reducing wear
3Reliability
If dynamic loading and abrasion from fluid flow are present, then the valve functions properly, but significant wear occurs to internal components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic rotational movement to counteract the harmful effects of dynamic loading and abrasion from fluid flow. By enabling the clapper and link piece to rotate on two pins, the invention creates a dynamic system that can better withstand and distribute the forces from fluid flow, reducing concentrated wear on any single component surface and improving overall component durability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces rotational movement around pin axes, which creates curved motion paths instead of linear sliding. This curved motion reduces the concentration of stress and wear at any single point on the component surfaces, distributing the effects of dynamic loading and abrasion more evenly across the contact surfaces, thereby improving component durability under fluid flow conditions
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 two-pin design reduces friction and wear, enhancing efficiency and reducing the need for repairs and replacements, thereby saving time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
friction and wear caused by linear and/or rotary movement of parts (e.g., pins, pin holes, slots, or other parts) may shorten the life of those parts
Implementation Method 2
The clapper may stay open during forward flow and close, as a result of gravitation and/or pressure differential, during backflow
Implementation Method 3
The clapper may stay open during forward flow and close, as a result of gravitation and/or pressure differential, during backflow
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, a clapper valve assembly includes a valve body defining a longitudinal flow bore, a hanger disposed in the valve body, a link piece coupled to the hanger, a first pin coupled between the hanger and the link piece, wherein the link piece is configured to rotate, relative to the hanger, about the first pin, a clapper coupled to the link piece, and a second pin coupled between the link piece and the clapper, wherein the clapper is configured to rotate, relative to the link piece, about the second pin.