Valve Seat Seal Irregularities for Low-Pressure Opening

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Solution Overview

Problem

Valve and seat sets in reciprocating pumps used in the oil and gas industry face premature seal failure due to high pressures and abrasive media, leading to costly maintenance and equipment damage from pressure spikes and differential pressure requirements.

Innovation Solution

A one-way valve and seat set with seal surfaces featuring irregularities allows pressure to propagate between mating surfaces when internal pressure equals or exceeds external pressure, reducing the differential pressure needed to open the valve and minimizing shock loads and cavitation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the seal protrudes beyond the valve's metal mating surface and is deformed by pressure to create sealing force, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but the differential pressure required to open the valve increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoiddifferential pressure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The seal surface is designed with irregularities including pores and recesses that allow pressure to propagate through the seal material. This porous-like structure enables pressure equalization between the inside and outside of the valve, reducing the differential pressure required to open the valve while maintaining sealing effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The seal design changes the physical parameters of the sealing interface by incorporating surface irregularities. These irregularities modify how pressure is distributed and transmitted through the seal, allowing the seal to maintain contact and sealing force while permitting pressure equalization that reduces opening differential pressure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the valve resists opening due to differential pressure, then sealing is maintained, but pressure spikes and shock loads occur when the valve opens

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing maintenanceVSAvoidpressure spikes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure propagation path through the seal irregularities allows pressure to build up gradually on both sides of the valve before opening. This preliminary pressure equalization prevents sudden pressure spikes and shock loads when the valve opens, while still maintaining adequate sealing force during the closed state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The seal irregularities act as a cushioning mechanism that absorbs and distributes pressure gradually. The recesses and pores in the seal surface provide a buffer that mitigates the sudden release of differential pressure, reducing shock loads on the valve and piping system when the valve opens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If the outer diameter of the valve is larger than the inner diameter to increase sealing surface area, then sealing force is improved, but the pressure-affected area increases requiring higher differential pressure to open

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing forceVSAvoidpressure-affected area

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The seal design incorporates local variations in surface quality through irregularities, pores, and recesses. These localized features allow pressure to propagate through specific paths within the seal material, enabling the seal to maintain contact over a larger surface area without proportionally increasing the pressure-affected area that resists valve opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The seal irregularities introduce a third dimension to the sealing interface by creating depth variations with pores and recesses. This dimensional change allows pressure to propagate through the volume of the seal rather than just along the surface, effectively increasing sealing force without proportionally increasing the pressure-affected area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This design reduces pressure spikes, shock loads, and cavitation, extending valve and seat set lifespan while maintaining effective sealing, thereby lowering maintenance costs and equipment wear.

Implementation Method 1

the seal surface comprising irregularities to allow pressure to propagate in-between the mating surfaces when pressure from the inside of the valve is equal to, or greater than, pressure from the outside of the valve

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure propagation: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

Sufficient pressure on the valve deforms the seal material until the metal surfaces come into contact with the valve seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11280332B2Valve and seat with seal

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 ZITTING DANIEL K

AI summary

A valve and seat set has a seal coupled to the valve body, the seal surface comprising irregularities to allow pressure to propagate in-between the mating surfaces when pressure from the inside of the valve is equal to, or greater than, pressure from the outside of the valve. This allows the seal to lift in response to minimal differential pressure in the intended flow direction (from inside the valve), while effectively sealing pressure in the reverse direction (from outside the valve).