Elastomer-Sealed Valve Retainer for High-Pressure Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Valves with elastomer seals experience deformation and dislodgment due to high pressure differentials, leading to operational issues and reduced lifespan, particularly in applications like pressure exchange chamber pumping systems and hydraulically driven positive displacement pumps.
Innovation Solution
A valve design featuring a retainer with a radially inward projection that accommodates a protrusion of the elastomeric seal, combined with a complementary frusto-conical shape, to minimize deformation and sticking by supporting the seal during displacement between open and closed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastomer valve ring is used to seal against the valve seat, then sealing performance is improved, but under high pressure differential the elastomer seal deforms and sticks to the valve seat causing operational problems
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-positioned with an inwardly projecting lip that engages the elastomeric seal before the valve body is actuated. This preliminary engagement prevents the seal from deforming and sticking to the valve seat when pressure differential is applied, allowing the valve to open smoothly without operational problems.
2Reliability
If an elastomer valve ring is used to seal against the valve seat, then sealing performance is improved, but the elastomer seal may be damaged or dislodged from the valve body
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer with inwardly projecting lip is pre-positioned to engage the elastomeric seal before actuation. This preliminary engagement provides continuous support during valve operation, preventing the seal from being damaged or dislodged even under high pressure differentials.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure provides beforehand support to the elastomeric seal, cushioning it against the harmful effects of high pressure differential. The inwardly projecting lip acts as a protective element that prevents excessive deformation and potential damage before it can occur.
3Productivity
If the valve body is actuated to open against large pressure differential, then flow control capability is improved, but the elastomer seal deforms and remains in contact with the valve seat
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is pre-positioned with its inwardly projecting lip engaging the elastomeric seal before the valve body is actuated. This preliminary engagement maintains seal stability during actuation, preventing deformation and sticking even when the valve opens against large pressure differentials, thus preserving both flow control capability and seal integrity.
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
Prevents or significantly reduces elastomeric seal deformation and dislodgment, ensuring reliable valve operation and extended seal life even under high pressure differentials.
Implementation Method 1
the elastomer valve ring it is urged towards the valve seat and tends to deform (stretch or extrude) so that it remains in contact with the valve seat
Implementation Method 2
a retainer comprising an inwardly projecting lip defining a recess for accommodating the protrusion therein to assist with lifting the elastomeric seal, thereby minimising or preventing sticking or deformation thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A valve is described that includes: a housing (20); a flow path connecting an inlet and an outlet in flow communication; a valve seat (28) positioned in the flow path; and a valve body which is displaceable between a closed position and an open position. The valve body includes a resiliently deformable elastomeric seal (38) having (i) a contact surface (74) which is complementary to and abuts against the valve seat and (ii) a protrusion (84) extending radially outwards at an upper portion thereof. The valve also has a retainer comprising an inwardly projecting lip defining a recess for accommodating the protrusion therein to assist with lifting the elastomeric seal.