Valve Plug Seal Compression for Tight Shut-Off With Lower Wear
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid valves with traditional seals experience degradation and wear due to high temperatures and friction, leading to leaks, costly repairs, and maintenance issues during fluid control applications.
Innovation Solution
A fluid flow control apparatus with a seal that displaces within a cavity formed between two portions of a valve plug, reducing friction and wear by compressing and decompressing as the valve operates, using a pin to align the portions and a spring to maintain the seal's position, and bleed ports to balance fluid pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional seals are used in fluid valves, then the valve can maintain sealing function, but the seal experiences degradation and wear due to high temperatures and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the seal movable within a cavity formed between two portions of the valve plug. The seal can displace axially within the cavity, transitioning between compressed and decompressed states. This dynamic movement allows the seal to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction, reducing friction and wear while maintaining sealing effectiveness throughout the valve's operational lifespan.
2Reliability
If the seal is compressed to achieve tight shut-off, then sealing performance improves, but friction and wear increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action through the cyclic compression and decompression of the seal as the valve operates. During valve closure, the first and second portions slide toward each other, compressing the seal to achieve tight shut-off. During valve opening, the portions move apart, decompressing the seal and reducing friction. This periodic compression-decompression cycle maintains sealing performance while minimizing continuous friction and wear.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the seal is allowed to move freely, then friction is reduced, but sealing consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by providing the cavity that pre-defines the movement boundaries and compression characteristics of the seal. The cavity acts as a cushioning chamber that controls the seal's displacement, ensuring it compresses to the correct degree for consistent sealing while allowing sufficient movement to reduce friction. This pre-configured cavity geometry maintains sealing consistency throughout the seal's operational life.
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 apparatus achieves a tight shut-off of the fluid valve, reduces seal wear and degradation, and extends the seal's lifespan, minimizing maintenance and repair costs.
Implementation Method 1
An axial dimension of the cavity is to decrease when the first portion slides toward the second portion. The decrease is to radially outwardly displace a seal disposed in the cavity.
Implementation Method 2
The pin is to align the first portion and the second portion relative to a common longitudinal axis.
Implementation Method 3
The first portion includes a first bleed port. The second portion includes a second bleed port opposing the first bleed port.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow control apparatus for use with a fluid valve includes a plug having a first portion slidably coupled to a second portion. The first and second portions include opposing bleed ports. The second portion contacts a seat of the fluid valve to close the fluid valve. The apparatus further includes a cavity formed in an outer circumferential surface of the plug by the first and second portions. An axial dimension of the cavity decreases when the first portion slides toward the second portion. The decrease radially outwardly displaces a seal disposed in the cavity. The seal has a curved outer surface configured to engage an inner circumferential wall of a cage of the fluid valve in response to the second portion contacting the seat. The apparatus further includes a pin disposed in the opposing bleed ports to align the first and second portions relative to a common longitudinal axis.