CN108571609B

CN108571609B - Spring seat for internal valve

Info

Publication number: CN108571609B
Application number: CN201710142427.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 李丽; 陈静; 季菲菲; 邵丽静
Original assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Inc
Current assignee: Emerson Process Management Regulator Technologies Inc
Priority date: 2017-03-10
Filing date: 2017-03-10
Publication date: 2022-12-23
Anticipated expiration: 2037-03-10
Also published as: CN108571609A

Abstract

An internal valve, comprising: the valve assembly includes a valve body, a poppet valve coupled to the valve body, a bleed valve, a valve stem slidably disposed in the valve body and operatively coupled to the bleed valve. The valve stem is movable from a first position in which both the poppet valve and the discharge valve are closed to a second position in which the discharge valve is open, and a third position in which the relief valve is closed and the poppet valve is open, the poppet valve being movable toward the closed position in response to a pressure change, and the discharge valve being open. The spring seat is coupled to the stem via a retaining member such that the spring seat is movably disposed in the valve body, and the spring is operatively coupled to the stem via the spring seat and configured to bias the stem toward the first position.

Description

Spring seat for internal valve

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to internal valves and, more particularly, to spring seats disposed in internal valves.

Background

Internal valves are used in a variety of commercial and industrial applications to control the flow of fluid between a fluid storage container and another container, hose, pipe, etc. In particular, the internal valve may transfer hazardous materials, compressed liquids, and gases (e.g., propane, butane, and NH) between the first and second positions ₃ (anhydrous ammonia)) is protected against bleeding of such materials. Internal valves employ flow control mechanisms that close in response to sudden excessive flow conditions caused by, for example, a broken, severed, or otherwise compromised flow path. Such flow control mechanisms are commonly referred to as poppet valves or relief valves, and are commonly used in applications requiring automatic, safe shut-off of fluid flow in response to a potential leak or spill of a potentially hazardous fluid.

Poppet valves typically operate based on a pressure differential across an internal valve. For example, the poppet valve opens when the inlet pressure is approximately equal to the outlet pressure. Internal valves typically employ bleed valves to equalize or balance the pressure across the flow control member prior to opening the main valve. In one example, an internal valve may be used on the inlet or outlet of a large storage tank and keep the tank from rupturing due to excessive internal tank pressure. The purge valve allows the canister to purge or vent pressurized gas through the purge flow path and ultimately through the poppet valve until the canister pressure drops to an acceptable level before the valve is fully opened.

Disclosure of Invention

According to a first exemplary aspect, an internal valve for connection to a fluid container may include a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and defining a primary flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The poppet valve may be coupled to the valve body and may be movable between an open position in which the inlet of the valve body is open and a closed position in which the inlet of the valve body is closed. The bleed valve may include a bleed valve body having a bore, a bleed inlet, a bleed outlet and defining a bleed flow path between the bleed inlet and the bleed outlet. The purge valve may be arranged to open and close the purge inlet. The valve stem may be slidably disposed in the valve body and operatively coupled to the bleed valve. An actuator may be operably coupled to the valve stem and operable to move the valve stem from a first position where the poppet and the drain valve are both closed, to a second position where the drain valve is open, and a third position where the drain valve is closed and the poppet is open. When the valve stem is in the third position, the poppet valve may be arranged to move towards the closed position and the bleed valve may be arranged to open in response to a pressure change. The spring seat may be coupled to the stem via a retaining member such that the spring seat is movably disposed in the valve body. A spring may be disposed in the main flow path and operatively coupled to the valve stem via a spring seat and configured to bias the valve stem toward the first position.

According to a second exemplary aspect, an internal valve for equalizing pressure differences may include a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and defining a primary flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The poppet valve may be arranged to open and close an inlet of the valve body. The bleed valve may include a bleed valve body having a bore, a bleed inlet, a bleed outlet and defining a bleed flow path between the bleed inlet and the bleed outlet. The purge valve may be arranged to open and close the purge inlet. The valve stem may be slidably disposed in the valve body and operatively coupled to the bleed valve. The valve stem is movable from a first position where both the poppet valve and the drain valve are closed, to a second position where the drain valve is open and the poppet valve is closed, and a third position where the poppet valve is open and the drain valve is closed. The internal valve also includes a spring seat coupled to the stem via a retaining member such that the spring seat is movably disposed in the valve body. The spring seat includes an annular body defined by an outer wall and an inner wall spaced radially inward from the outer wall, the outer wall arranged to movably engage a portion of the valve body when the valve stem is moved between the first, second, and third positions, and the inner wall defining a central bore sized to receive the valve stem. The internal valve also includes a spring disposed in the main flow path and operatively coupled to the valve stem via a spring seat, the spring configured to bias the valve stem toward the first position.

According to a third exemplary aspect, an internal valve for equalizing pressure differences may include a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and defining a primary flow path between the inlet and the outlet. The poppet valve may be arranged to open and close an inlet of the valve body. The bleed valve may include a bleed valve body having a bore, a bleed inlet, a bleed outlet and defining a bleed flow path between the bleed inlet and the bleed outlet. The purge valve may be arranged to open and close the purge inlet. The valve stem may be slidably disposed in the valve body and operatively coupled to the bleed valve. The valve stem is movable from a first position where both the poppet valve and the drain valve are closed, to a second position where the drain valve is open and the poppet valve is closed, and a third position where the poppet valve is open and the drain valve is closed. The spring seat may be coupled to the stem via a retaining member such that the spring seat is movably disposed in the valve body. The spring seat may include an annular body defined by an outer wall and an inner wall spaced radially inward from the outer wall, the outer wall being arranged to movably engage a portion of the valve body as the valve stem moves between the first, second, and third positions, the inner wall defining a central bore sized to receive the valve stem. The spring seat may also include a recess formed in the annular body. The retaining member may be partially disposed in the recess. A spring may be disposed in the main flow path and operatively coupled to the valve stem via a spring seat. The spring may be configured to bias the valve stem toward the first position.

Further in accordance with any one or more of the preceding first and second aspects, the internal valve may further comprise any one or more of the following preferred forms.

In a preferred form, the retaining member may comprise a ring coupled to the valve stem.

In a preferred form, the retaining member may include a ring coupled to the stem, and the ring may seat in a recess formed in the spring seat, thereby retaining the spring seat between the spring and the ring.

In a preferred form, the retaining member may comprise a pin extending through a portion of the valve stem.

In a preferred form, the retaining member may comprise a pin extending through a portion of the valve stem, and the pin may be seated in a recess formed in the spring seat, thereby retaining the spring seat between the spring and the pin.

In a preferred form, the retaining member may comprise a pin extending through a portion of the valve stem, the valve stem may be movable along a longitudinal axis, and the pin may be oriented along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

In a preferred form, the retaining member may comprise an annular shoulder of the valve stem.

In a preferred form, the spring seat may include a groove sized to receive the spring, and the groove may be configured to limit horizontal movement of the spring relative to the valve stem.

In a preferred form, the guide sleeve may be located between a portion of the spring seat and the valve body.

In a preferred form, the spring seat may have an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end may face the inlet of the valve body, the outlet end may face the outlet of the valve body, the inlet end of the spring seat may be disposed proximate the spring, and the retaining member may be disposed proximate the outlet end of the spring seat.

In a preferred form, the spring seat may include an annular body defined by an outer wall and an inner wall spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall, the outer wall may be arranged to movably engage a portion of the valve body as the valve stem moves between the first, second and third positions, and the inner wall may define a central bore sized to receive the valve stem.

Drawings

The features of the present invention, which are believed to be novel, are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention may be best understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in the several figures of which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an internal valve constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure and in a closed configuration, the internal valve including a stem, one example of a first spring seat, and one example of a retention member for operatively coupling the first spring seat to the stem;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the inner valve assembly of FIG. 1 in an injection bleed configuration;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the inner valve assembly of FIG. 1 in an open configuration;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inner valve assembly of FIG. 1 in a limited bleed configuration;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a valve stem, a first spring seat, and a retaining member for operatively coupling the valve stem to the first spring seat;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a retaining member coupled to a valve stem;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the internal valve of FIGS. 1-4, illustrating a first spring seat and a retaining member operatively coupling the first spring seat to the stem;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another example of a first spring seat constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

FIG. 9 is a close-up view of another example of a retention feature for operatively coupling a first spring seat to a valve stem via an aperture formed in the valve stem constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

fig. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the first spring seat of fig. 8 and the retaining member of fig. 9 for use in the internal valve of fig. 1-4. The retention member of FIG. 8;

FIG. 11 is similar to FIG. 10 but shows another example of a retainer member for operatively coupling a first spring seat to a valve stem constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of the internal valve assembly of FIG. 1 attached to an upstream fluid source in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Detailed Description

Although the following text sets forth a detailed description of one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention, it should be understood that the legal scope of the invention is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. The following detailed description is to be construed as exemplary only and does not describe every possible embodiment of the invention because describing every possible embodiment would be impractical, if not impossible. Numerous alternative embodiments could be implemented, using either current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent, which would still fall within the scope of the claims defining the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example internal valve 100, also referred to herein as an internal valve assembly, including a poppet valve 102, a bleed valve 104, a valve stem 106, an actuator 108, and a valve body 110. The valve body 110 includes an inlet 112, an outlet 114, and a main flow path 116 defined between the inlet 112 and the outlet 114. The poppet valve 102 is arranged to open and close an inlet 112 of the valve body 110 based on the pressure and/or fluid flow rate of the system in which the internal valve 100 is coupled or installed. In a high pressure environment, it may be necessary to equalize the pressure between the upstream fluid source and the downstream fluid source or fluid container before pumping the fluid through the internal valve 100. This equalization may be accomplished by the bleed valve 104. Bleed valve 104 includes a bleed valve body 118 having a bleed inlet 120, a bleed outlet 122, and defining a bleed flow path 124 between bleed inlet 120 and bleed outlet 122. The valve stem 106 is slidably disposed in the valve body 110 and the vent valve body 118, and is operatively coupled to both the vent valve 104 and the actuator 108.

The internal valve 100 may be mounted such that a first or upper portion 126 of the valve 100 is disposed in fluid communication with a first or upstream fluid source, such as a pipeline, tanker (tank) or tank, where a relatively high pressure process fluid may be introduced. A second or lower portion 128 of the valve 100 is disposed in fluid communication with a second or downstream fluid source (e.g., a pump, pipe or hose, tanker truck) to which the internal valve 100 provides process fluid. The valve body 110 includes a flange portion 130 for coupling (e.g., mounting) the internal valve 100 to a piping system, a storage tank, a tanker truck system, or any other suitable fluid distribution system. For example, fig. 12 shows an internal valve 100 in fluid communication with an upstream fluid source in the form of a tank 131, the tank 131 containing a fluid, such as a pressurized gas or liquid, to be delivered to a destination through the internal valve 100. The first portion 126 of the internal valve 100, including the entire bleed valve 104, may be immersed in or surrounded by the relatively high pressure fluid. The second portion 128 may be disposed outside of the canister 131 to receive a conduit 132, such as a tube, hose, or any other suitable conduit, at the outlet 114 of the valve body 110. The process fluid may flow from the tank 131 through a conduit 134 (e.g., a hose) and through the internal valve 100. When the purge valve 104 is open, the process fluid may flow through the purge flow path 124 and the main flow path 116, through the outlet 114 of the valve body 110, to a destination, such as another storage tank and/or additional process control systems. When the poppet valve 102 is open, the process fluid may flow through the inlet 112, through the primary fluid flow path 116, and out the outlet 114 of the valve body 110.

The actuator 108 may be removably coupled to the valve body 110 such that the actuator 108 may be removed without having to remove the valve 100 from the system while the internal valve 100 is connected to the system lines. The actuator 108 includes a rod 220 coupled to a rotatable cam 222, the rod 220 rotating the cam 222 about the axis D to engage the bottom end 140 of the valve stem 106 and move the valve stem 106 in an axial direction. Although the actuator 108 in the illustrated example includes the rotatable rod 220 and the cam 222, the internal valve assembly 100 of the present disclosure is not limited to the illustrated actuator arrangement. For example, in other embodiments, the actuator 108 may be an automatically or manually operated rotatable or linear drive mechanism arranged to move the valve stem 106 between the first, second, and third positions. Further, another embodiment of the valve 100 may include additional operating positions in which the actuator 108 moves the valve stem 106 to a position between any two of the first, second, and third positions. In one such additional operating position, both the bleed valve 104 and the poppet valve 102 may be open.

The function and operation of the internal valve assembly 100 will be described in four sequential operating configurations: a closed configuration shown in fig. 1, an injection bleed configuration shown in fig. 2, an open configuration shown in fig. 3, and a limited bleed configuration shown in fig. 4. The operational configuration of the valve 100 may be selected by an actuator 108, the actuator 108 being operatively coupled to a bottom end 140 of the valve stem 106. The actuator 108 is operable to move the valve stem 106 between the first position, the second position, and the third position. The valve stem 106 may move along the longitudinal axis A of the internal valve 100 or along an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis A. When the valve stem 106 is in the first position, the poppet valve 102 and the drain valve 104 are both closed, and the actuator 108 is not engaged or connected to the bottom end 140 of the valve stem 106. The first spring 146 is arranged to bias the internal valve 100 in the closed position. Opposite the bottom end 140, a top end 144 of the valve stem 106 is operatively coupled to the bleed valve 104 such that the actuator 108 is capable of controlling the bleed valve 104 by moving the valve stem 106 along the longitudinal axis a. The second spring 148 is arranged to bias the poppet valve 102 between the open and closed positions in response to fluid pressure changes. As will be explained in further detail below, the second spring 148 is arranged to move the poppet valve 102 towards the closed position and is arranged to open the bleed valve 104 when the valve stem 106 is in the third position.

The valve body 110 of the internal valve 100 surrounds the first spring 146 and a portion of the valve stem 106. The first spring 146 is retained between the first spring seat 152 and a first set of inwardly extending portions 156 of the valve body 110, wherein a first end 157 of the spring 146 is seated against a surface of the first spring seat 152 and a second end 158 of the spring 146 opposite the first end 157 is seated against the inwardly extending portions 156. The first spring 146 may be a closing spring, operatively coupled to the valve stem 106 via a first spring seat 152, and arranged to bias the valve stem 106 in a downward direction to close the poppet valve 102 and the bleed valve 104. The first spring 146 provides a downward spring force to the valve stem 106, urging the valve stem 106 to occupy the first position shown in FIG. 1. The inwardly extending portion 156 defines an annular bore 161 in which a bushing 159 is disposed. Bushing 159 guides stem 106 through valve body 110 and facilitates smooth axial movement of valve stem 106. In addition, the valve body 110 defines a seat surface or valve seat 160 at the inlet 112, the inlet 112 opening into a bore 164 connecting an upstream fluid source to the primary fluid flow path 116. When the poppet valve 102 is in the open position, a primary fluid flow path 116 is established between the inlet 112 and the outlet 114.

The poppet valve 102 is coupled to the valve body 110 and is operable to open and close an inlet 112 of the valve body 110. The poppet valve 102 is also operably coupled to a bleed valve body 118. As the poppet valve 102 moves between an open position opening the inlet 112 and a closed position closing the inlet 112, the bleed valve body 118 moves toward and away from the inlet 112 of the valve body 110. That is, in the illustrated example of the inner valve 100, the bleed valve body 118 is inherently part of the operation of the poppet valve 102. In the illustrated example, the bleed valve body 118 is depicted as a disc valve assembly that includes or carries a valve disc 168 of the poppet valve 102, the valve disc 168 engaging the valve seat 160 to restrict the flow of fluid through the valve body 110. The poppet valve 102 is movable between an open position in fig. 3 (in which the valve disc 168 and the bleed valve body 118 are spaced from the valve seat 160), and a closed position in fig. 1, 2 and 4 (in which the valve disc 168 is seated against the valve seat 160). A disc retainer 172 couples the disc 168 to a disc holder portion 176 of the bleed valve body 118 via one or more fasteners 180.

The bleed valve 104 is coupled to the valve stem 106 and includes a bleed valve body 118 having an aperture 184 that receives the second spring 148. Second spring 148 may be an overflow spring and is arranged to bias dump valve body 118 toward seat surface 160 to restrict fluid flow through orifice 164 when a flow rate through valve 100 exceeds a specified or predetermined flow rate (e.g., an overflow limit or flow rate of valve 100). The second spring 148 includes a bottom end 190 and a top end 192, and is retained between the second spring seat 194 and a shoulder 196, the shoulder 196 being defined by the bore 184 and a cylindrical portion 198. The top end 192 of the second spring 148 supports a shoulder 196 and the bottom end 190 of the second spring 148 supports a second spring seat 194. The second spring seat 194 is operatively coupled to the stem 106 such that the second spring seat 194 moves with the stem 106 as the stem 106 moves in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis a. Spring seat 194 defines at least a portion of one or more flow bores 210 disposed in a bleed flow path that allows fluid communication between bleed inlet 120 and bleed outlet 122. The vent 200 may be integrally formed with the vent valve body 118, and in particular, may be defined as an opening formed by the cylindrical portion 198 of the vent valve body 118. A vent 200 is disposed within the vent flow path 124 and fluidly connects the vent inlet 120 and the bore 184, the bore 184 fluidly connecting the vent inlet 120 and the vent outlet 122. Bleed disc 204 is movable between an open bleed position, as shown in fig. 2 and 4, in which bleed disc 204 is spaced from bleed seat 208 and bleed port 200, and a closed bleed position, as shown in fig. 1 and 3, in which bleed disc 204 is seated against bleed seat 208, isolating bleed port 200 from the upstream fluid source. In summary, the poppet valve 102 and the bleed valve 104 form the internal valve 100.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 1, the internal valve 100 is in a first or closed operating configuration. In the closed configuration, the poppet valve 102 is in a closed position and the drain valve 104 is in a closed drain position such that the outlet 114 is isolated from the upstream fluid source. The valve disc 168 carried by the dump valve body 118 is biased toward the closed position by the second spring 148 and/or by the pressure of the upstream fluid source at the inlet 112. The drain disc 204 of the drain valve 104 is biased by the first spring 146 via the valve stem 106 towards a closed drain position. When both the poppet valve 102 and the bleed valve 104 are closed, the valve disc 168 engages the valve seat 160 to prevent fluid flow through the orifice 164, and the bleed disc 204 engages the bleed seat 208 to prevent fluid flow through the bleed port 200.

In fig. 1, the operating rod 220 of the actuator 108 is in the first position, whereby the rotatable cam 222 does not engage the bottom end 140 of the valve stem 106. However, when the actuator 108 is operated to move the valve stem 106 in an axial direction along the longitudinal axis a from the position shown in fig. 1 to the position shown in fig. 2, the rod 220 moves to the second position, which causes the cam 222 to rotate about the axis D until the cam 222 engages the bottom end 140 of the valve stem 106. In this example, the second position of the lever 220 corresponds to the midpoint of the travel path at which it is positioned 35 degrees relative to the first position. Movement of the valve stem 106 to the position shown in fig. 2 compresses the first spring 146 between the first spring seat 152 and the valve body 110, moving the bleed disc 204 away from the bleed seat 208, thereby moving the internal valve 100 from the closed operating configuration to the injection bleed configuration.

In the injection-bleed configuration of fig. 2, the valve stem 106 is in the second position, the poppet valve 102 remains closed, but the bleed valve 104 is in the open position, thereby allowing fluid from the upstream fluid source to enter the bleed inlet 120, equalizing the pressure differential across the valve 100.

A portion of the valve stem 106 disposed in the vent 200 includes a reduced diameter or recessed portion 224 to allow fluid flow between the cylindrical portion 198 of the vent valve body 118 and the valve stem 106. In the injection drain configuration, the recessed portion 224 forms a gap G1 between the valve stem 106 and the drain 200. So configured, the bleed valve 104 may allow greater fluid flow through the bleed port 200 to the bleed flow path 124, which may result in faster pressure equalization across the valve 100. A flow bore 210 formed in the second spring seat 194 fluidly connects the bleed flow path 124 to the inlet 112 of the poppet valve 102, allowing fluid to continue to flow through the valve 100 until the upstream and downstream pressures are nearly equal. The poppet valve 102 remains in the closed position until the pressure of the upstream fluid source is less than the spring force of the second spring 148, causing the second spring 148 to expand and push the bleed valve body 118 upward in an axial direction toward the open position. The clearance G1 provided by the position of the recessed portion 224 of the stem 106 relative to the vent 200, along with the flow bore 210 of the second spring seat 194, may accelerate equalization of the internal valve 100.

The first spring 146 and the second spring 148 are compressed as fluid flows from an upstream fluid source through the bleed valve 104 and into the poppet valve 102. The first spring seat 152 is movably (e.g., slidably) disposed within a guide sleeve 151 (e.g., a bushing), the guide sleeve 151 being positioned within an annular bore 153 defined by and within a second set of opposing inwardly extending portions 155 of the valve body 110 and coupled to the valve stem 106 by a retaining member 154 such that the first spring seat 152 is movably (e.g., slidably) disposed within the valve body 110 relative to the guide sleeve 151 and the bore 153 of the valve body 110. Thus, as the valve stem 106 moves upward, the first spring seat 152 exerts a force (in this case, an upward force) against the first spring 146, causing the first spring 146 to press against the inwardly extending portion 156 of the valve body 110. The second spring seat 194 is operatively coupled to the valve stem 106 via a ring (e.g., a clip 230) and moves further into the bore 184 of the bleeder valve 104 as the valve stem 106 moves upward in an axial direction. The second spring 148 is compressed between a shoulder 196 of the dump valve body 118 and the second spring seat 194. As shown in fig. 2, the force exerted by the second spring 148 on the shoulder 196 and the spring seat 194 is not yet sufficient to overcome the pressure of the upstream fluid source on the poppet valve 102, and thus the poppet valve 102 remains in the closed position. In another example, the second spring seat 194 may be coupled to the stem 106 by a pin extending through the stem 106 or by a recess or groove formed in a surface of the stem 106.

When the actuator 108 is operated to move the valve stem 106 in an axial direction from the second position (fig. 2) to the third position (fig. 3), the rod 220 moves to the third position by completing its travel path, thereby further rotating the cam 222 about the axis D and further driving the valve stem 106 upward. Movement of the valve stem 106 to the position shown in fig. 3 further compresses the first and

second springs

146 and 148, which forces the poppet valve 102 open because the pressure of the upstream fluid source is approximately equal to the pressure of the downstream fluid source, thereby moving the internal valve 100 from the injection-bleed configuration to the open operating configuration.

Fig. 3 shows the internal valve 100 in an open operating configuration, in which the poppet valve 102 is in an open position, allowing fluid to flow from an upstream pressure source into the inlet 112 of the valve 100, into the bore 164, through the main flow path 116, and out of the valve 100 via the outlet 114. When the second spring 148 expands in the axial direction and moves the bleed valve body 118 up and away from the inlet 112, the bleed valve seat 208 of the bleed valve body 110 meets the bleed disc 204. The expansion of the second spring 148 causes the second spring seat 194 to slide downward into the bore 184 in response to a pressure differential across the valve 100.

However, when the upstream pressure overcomes the spring force of the second spring 148, the poppet valve 102 moves back to the closed position. Alternatively, the flow rate through the valve 100 may exceed a particular or predetermined flow rate, causing the bleed valve body 118 to move toward the valve seat 160 to close the poppet valve 102. In any event, closure of the poppet valve 102 moves the valve 100 from the open operating configuration shown in fig. 3 to the limited bleed configuration shown in fig. 4. In the limited bleed configuration, the bleed valve 104 is in an open bleed position. The recessed portion 224 of the valve stem 106 is thus placed over the vent 200. In this position, the placement of the recessed portion 224 in the drain 200 is insufficient to create a gap G1, but rather defines a gap G2 between the valve stem 106 and the valve port 200. The gap G2 is smaller than the gap G1 formed by the recess 224 of the valve stem 106 and the valve port 200 in the injection-and-bleed configuration. The formation of the gap G2 allows a limited amount of fluid to be bled through the drain 200 relative to the amount of fluid allowed to be bled through the drain 200 in the injection bleed configuration.

According to the teachings of the present disclosure, drain valve 104 and poppet valve 102 provide an overflow function that maintains system safety and allows drain valve 104 and poppet valve 102 to open and close, as shown in fig. 1-4. The overflow function protects the system by automatically restricting the flow of fluid into the inlet 112 when the flow rate becomes too high within the valve 100. In particular, the poppet valve 102 operates based on a pressure differential between the inlet pressure and the outlet pressure, and the second spring 148 has an overflow spring rate that moves the bleed valve body 118 and the valve disc 168 toward the seat surface 160 when the flow rate through the valve 100 exceeds a particular or predetermined flow rate. When the inlet pressure is substantially greater than the outlet pressure, the bleed valve body 118 carrying the valve disc 168 remains biased toward the seating surface 160 in the closed configuration shown in fig. 1. The bleed valve 104 is arranged to equalize or equalize the pressure between the inlet 112 and the outlet 114, and the bleed valve 104 may place the valve 100 in the injection bleed configuration shown in fig. 2 to allow a specified amount of fluid to bleed into the internal valve 100. When the inlet pressure is approximately equal to the outlet pressure, the second spring 148 opens the poppet valve 102 to allow fluid flow through the internal valve 100, as shown in FIG. 3. Once the poppet valve 102 is open, fluid flow greater than the spring rate of the second spring 148 may force the poppet valve 102 to close against the second spring 148, as shown in fig. 4. In the limited bleed configuration, the bleed valve 104 is opened to allow a smaller amount of fluid to bleed into the valve 100.

Additional details regarding the first spring seat 152 and the retaining member 154 will now be described in conjunction with fig. 5-7. Although the first spring seat 152 and the retaining member 154 are illustrated in connection with the internal valve 100 of fig. 1-4, the present disclosure is not intended to limit the illustrated first spring seat 152 and retaining member 154 to the internal valve 100. That is, the first spring seat 152 and/or the retaining member 154 may be used in conjunction with different internal valves, fluid regulators, fluid control valves, or other process control devices.

As shown in fig. 5 and 7, the first spring seat 152 has an annular body 300 and a guide bore 302 formed in the cylindrical body 300 and extending through the cylindrical body 300 along the longitudinal axis a. The cylindrical body 300 is defined by an outer or peripheral cylindrical wall 304, an inner cylindrical wall 308 spaced radially inwardly from the outer wall 304, and a base 312 connecting the outer wall 304 and the inner wall 308. When the first spring seat 152 is disposed in the internal valve 100, at least a portion of the outer wall 304 movably engages the inner surface 314 of the guide sleeve 151 as the valve stem 106 moves between the first, second, and third positions along the longitudinal axis a. The guide sleeve 151 takes the form of an annular bushing made of PTFE or any other suitable material in this example, and the guide sleeve 151 helps to smoothly guide the first spring seat 152 as the first spring seat 152 moves (e.g., slides) along the longitudinal axis a within the valve body 110 as the valve stem 106 moves along the longitudinal axis a. At the same time, the inner wall 308 facilitates defining the pilot bore 302, in this example, the pilot bore 302 is an annular bore that receives a portion of the valve stem 106 therethrough such that the valve stem 106 frictionally engages the inner wall 308 rather than sliding or sliding relative to the first spring seat 152 during operation of the internal valve 100.

Still referring to fig. 5 and 7, the first spring seat 152 also includes an annular recess 316 and an annular groove 320. The recess 316 is formed or defined in an outlet end 324 of the annular body 300 facing the outlet 116 of the valve body 110. Specifically, the recess 316 is formed or defined in the outlet end 324 by and between the outer wall 304 and a first or bottom surface 328 of the base 312. Accordingly, the recess 316 is sized and arranged to receive the retaining member 154, and the retaining member 154 couples the first spring seat 152 to the valve stem 106. The groove 320 is formed or defined in an inlet end 332 of the annular body 300 opposite the outlet end 324 and facing the inlet 114 of the valve body 110. Specifically, the groove 320 is formed or defined in the inlet end 332 by and between the outer wall 304, the inner wall 308, and a second or top surface 336 of the bottom 312. The recess 320 is sized to receive the first end 157 of the spring 146, as shown. As a result of the configuration of the annular recess 316 and the annular groove 320, a first portion 340 of the outer wall 304 above the base 312 has a thickness that is less than a thickness of a second portion 344 of the outer wall 304 below the base 312. In addition, the height of the outer wall 304 is greater than the height of the inner wall 308.

As discussed briefly above, when the first spring seat 152 is used in the internal valve 100, the first spring seat 152 is disposed in the bore 153 (and partially within the guide sleeve 151) and is operatively coupled to the valve stem 106 via the retaining member 154. As shown in fig. 5-7, the retaining member 154 in this embodiment takes the form of a split ring 348 having a body 352 and a U-shaped opening 356 formed in the body 352. The U-shaped opening 356 is sized to receive the reduced diameter portion 360 of the valve stem 106 such that the split ring 348 is disposed on the reduced diameter portion 360 of the valve stem 106 and partially, if not substantially, surrounds the reduced diameter portion 360. The body 352 also has an outer diameter that is greater than the portion of the valve stem 106 adjacent the reduced diameter portion 360 such that a portion of the split ring 348 extends outwardly from the valve stem 106 to the exterior of the valve stem 106. The reduced diameter portion 360 is positioned below (or downstream of) the bottom portion 312 of the first spring seat 152 such that the split ring 348 is disposed within the recess 316, and in turn, is fully recessed within the first spring seat 152. While the split ring 348 is theoretically movably disposed within the recess 316, the split ring 348 engages the bottom surface 328 of the base 312, as shown in fig. 7. Thus, the bottom portion 312 of the first spring seat 152 is disposed and retained between the first spring 146 and the split ring 348, both the first spring 146 and the split ring 348 serving to retain the first spring seat 152 operatively coupled to the valve stem 106 and in radial and axial alignment with the valve stem 106.

As a result of this arrangement, when the valve stem 106 is moved upward along the longitudinal axis a (e.g., to the second or third position), the split ring 348 exerts an upward force on the bottom surface 328, and more generally, on the first spring seat 152, urging the first spring seat 152 upward (and pressing the first spring 146 against the inner shoulder 156). Conversely, when the valve stem 106 is moved downward along the longitudinal axis a (e.g., back to the first position), the spring 146 seated in the groove 320 against the top surface 336 drives the first spring seat 152 downward along the longitudinal axis a until the bottom portion 312 again engages the split ring 348.

In other examples, the first spring seat 152 may vary, yet perform the intended functions described herein. In one example, the first spring seat 152 may not include the annular recess 316, and the split ring 348 (or other retaining member 154) may be seated flush with a bottom surface of the first spring seat 152. In another example, the first spring seat 152 may not include the annular groove 320, and the first spring 146 may be disposed flush with a top surface of the first spring seat 152 (rather than being disposed in the annular groove 320). In yet another example, the outer wall 304 may have a uniform thickness such that the first portion 340 and the second portion 344 of the outer wall 304 may have the same thickness (rather than the first portion 340 being thinner than the second portion 344).

Fig. 7-10 illustrate another example of a first spring seat 452 (fig. 7 and 10) that may be used in the internal valve 100 (instead of the first spring seat 152) and another example of a retaining member 154 (fig. 8-10) that may be used to operatively couple the first spring seat 452 to the stem 106 (and vice versa). Although these two additional examples are illustrated in relation to each other, it should be understood that these examples need not be used together. That is, the first spring seat 452 may be operatively coupled to the valve stem 106 using the split ring 348 or another retaining member 154, and the retaining member 154 shown in fig. 8-10 may be used to operatively couple the first spring seat 152 or another first spring seat to the valve stem 106 (or vice versa).

As shown in fig. 7 and 10, the first spring seat 452 is substantially similar to the first spring seat 152, with common components identified using similar reference numerals, but differs in that the annular recess 516 of the spring seat 452 is shallower than the annular recess 316 of the spring seat 152, and the guide sleeve 151 is integrally formed around a portion of the outer wall 504. As shown in fig. 8-10, the retaining member 154 in this example takes the form of a cylindrical pin 600, the cylindrical pin 600 being disposed in a circular aperture 604, the circular aperture 604 being formed in and through a portion 606 of the valve stem 106 adjacent the bottom end 140. When the cylindrical pin 600 is disposed in the bore 604, the cylindrical pin 600 extends completely through the valve stem 106 and radially outward, and the cylindrical pin 600 is oriented along an axis 608 that is substantially perpendicular, if not exactly perpendicular, to the longitudinal axis a. The portion 606 of the valve stem 106 including the aperture 604 is positioned below (or downstream of) the bottom portion 512 of the first spring seat 452 such that the pin 600 is partially disposed within the recess 516 and, in turn, partially recessed within the first spring seat 452 (as opposed to the split ring 348 being fully recessed within the first spring seat 452). Similar to the split ring 348, the pin 600 engages a bottom surface 528 of the base 512, as shown in FIG. 10. Thus, the bottom portion 512 of the first spring seat 452 is disposed and retained between the first spring 146 and the pin 600, both the first spring 146 and the pin 600 serving to retain the first spring seat 452 operably coupled to the valve stem 106 and in radial and axial alignment with the valve stem 106.

Consistent with the foregoing, as a result of this arrangement, when the stem 106 is moved upward along the longitudinal axis a (e.g., to the second or third position), the pin 600 exerts an upward force on the bottom surface 528, and more generally, the first spring seat 452, urging the first spring seat 452 upward (and pressing the first spring 146 against the internal shoulder 156). Conversely, when the stem 106 is moved downward along the longitudinal axis a (e.g., back to the first position), the spring 146 seated in the groove 520 against the top surface 536 drives the first spring seat 452 downward along the longitudinal axis a until the bottom portion 512 again engages the pin 600.

Fig. 11 illustrates yet another example of a retention feature 154 that may be used to operatively couple the first spring seat 152 (or the first spring seat 452) to the stem 106 (or vice versa). The retaining member 154 shown in FIG. 11 takes the form of an annular shoulder 700 of the valve stem 106 such that no additional or external retaining elements, such as the ring 348, pin 600, are required. The annular shoulder 700 extends outwardly from the valve stem 106 such that the diameter of the portion of the valve stem 106 including the annular shoulder 700 is greater than the diameter of the portion of the valve stem 106 immediately adjacent the annular shoulder 700. An annular shoulder 700 is formed at a portion of the valve stem 106 proximate the end 140 and below (or downstream of) the bottom 312 of the first spring seat 152 such that the annular shoulder 700 is disposed within the recess 316 and, in turn, is fully recessed within the first spring seat 152. Similar to the split ring 348 and pin 600, the annular shoulder 700 engages the bottom surface 328 of the base 312, as shown. Thus, the bottom 312 of the first spring seat 152 is disposed and retained between the first spring 146 and the annular shoulder 700, both the first spring 146 and the annular shoulder 700 serving to retain the first spring seat 152 operatively coupled to the valve stem 106 and in radial and axial alignment with the valve stem 106.

Consistent with the foregoing, as a result of this arrangement, when the valve stem 106 moves upward along the longitudinal axis a (e.g., to the second or third position), the shoulder 700 exerts an upward force on the bottom surface 328, and more generally, the first spring seat 152, urging the first spring seat 152 upward (and pressing the first spring 146 against the inwardly extending portion 156). Conversely, when the valve stem 106 is moved downward along the longitudinal axis a (e.g., back to the first position), the spring 146 seated in the groove 320 against the top surface 336 drives the first spring seat 152 downward along the longitudinal axis a until the bottom portion 312 again engages the shoulder 700.

It should also be appreciated that the retaining member 154 used to operatively couple the first spring seat 152 or the first spring seat 452 to the valve stem 106 (and vice versa) may differ from the split ring 348, the pin 600, and the annular shoulder 700 described and illustrated herein. In other examples, the retaining member 154 may take the form of, for example, a closed loop (rather than an opening, partially open loop 348), a spring ring, a rivet, a nut, or some other retaining element. It should also be appreciated that the first spring seat 152 and the first spring seat 452, as well as the various retaining members 154 described herein, may use additive manufacturing techniques, conventional manufacturing techniques (e.g., casting, powder metallurgy, or machining), or a combination of conventional and additive manufacturing techniques. The first and second spring seats 152, 452 and the various retaining members 154 described herein may be fabricated from stainless steel, aluminum, various alloys, one or more other metals, plastics (e.g., elastomeric materials), other suitable materials, or combinations thereof.

The spring seats 152, 452 and retaining members 154 of the present disclosure provide a number of benefits. First, the spring seats 152, 452 and the retaining member 154 of the present invention help to maintain proper axial and radial alignment of the valve stem 106, thereby enhancing the stability of the internal valve 100. Second, because the spring seats 152, 452 are operatively coupled to the stem 106 via one of the retaining members 154 without requiring, for example, a threaded connection, the difficulties typically associated with installing spring seats such as the spring seats 152, 452 in the internal valve 100 may be reduced, thereby allowing for increased efficiency.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Although a number of examples are shown and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate that the details of the various embodiments are not necessarily mutually exclusive. Rather, one skilled in the art, upon reading the teachings herein, should be able to combine one or more features of one embodiment with one or more features of the remaining embodiments. Further, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are exemplary only, and should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Claims

1. An internal valve for equalizing a pressure differential between an upstream fluid source and a fluid container, the internal valve comprising: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and defining a primary flow path between the inlet and the outlet; a poppet arranged to open and close the inlet of the valve body; a bleed valve comprising a bleed valve body having a bore, a bleed inlet, a bleed outlet and defining a bleed flow path between the bleed inlet and the bleed outlet, the bleed valve being arranged to open and close the bleed inlet; a valve stem slidably disposed in the valve body and operatively coupled to the bleed valve, the valve stem being movable from a first position in which both the poppet and the bleed valve are closed, to a second position in which the bleed valve is open and the poppet is closed, and a third position in which the poppet is open and the bleed valve is closed; and a spring seat coupled to the valve stem via a retaining member such that the spring seat is movably disposed in the valve body, the spring seat comprising an annular body defined by an outer wall and an inner wall spaced radially inward from the outer wall, the outer wall arranged to movably engage a portion of the valve body when the valve stem is moved between the first, second, and third positions, and the inner wall defining a central bore sized to receive the valve stem; and a spring disposed in the main flow path and operatively coupled to the stem via the spring seat, the spring configured to bias the stem toward the first position.

2. The internal valve as defined in claim 1, wherein the retention component comprises a ring coupled to the stem, and wherein the ring is seated in a recess formed in the spring seat to retain the spring seat between the spring and the ring.

3. The internal valve as defined in claim 1, wherein the retention component comprises a pin extending through a portion of the stem, and wherein the pin is seated in a recess formed in the spring seat to retain the spring seat between the spring and the pin.

4. The internal valve as defined in claim 3, wherein the stem is movable along a longitudinal axis, and wherein the pin is oriented along an axis substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

5. The internal valve as defined in claim 1, wherein the retention component comprises an annular shoulder of the stem.

6. The internal valve as defined in claim 1, wherein the spring seat comprises a groove defined between the outer wall and the inner wall, the groove sized to accommodate the spring, the groove configured to limit horizontal movement of the spring relative to the stem.

7. The internal valve as defined in claim 1, further comprising a guide sleeve disposed between a portion of the spring seat and the valve body.

8. The internal valve as defined in claim 1, wherein the spring seat has an inlet end and an outlet end, the inlet end facing the inlet of the valve body and the outlet end facing the outlet of the valve body, and wherein the inlet end of the spring seat is disposed proximate the spring and the retention component is disposed proximate the outlet end of the spring seat.

9. An internal valve for equalizing a pressure differential between an upstream fluid source and a fluid container, the internal valve comprising: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and defining a primary flow path between the inlet and the outlet; a poppet arranged to open and close the inlet of the valve body; a bleed valve comprising a bleed valve body having a bore, a bleed inlet, a bleed outlet and defining a bleed flow path between the bleed inlet and the bleed outlet, the bleed valve being arranged to open and close the bleed inlet; a valve stem slidably disposed in the valve body and operatively coupled to the drain valve, the valve stem being movable from a first position in which both the poppet valve and the drain valve are closed, to a second position in which the drain valve is open and the poppet valve is closed, and a third position in which the poppet valve is open and the drain valve is closed; and a spring seat coupled to the valve stem via a retaining member such that the spring seat is movably disposed in the valve body, the spring seat including an annular body defined by an outer wall and an inner wall spaced radially inward from the outer wall, the outer wall arranged to movably engage a portion of the valve body when the valve stem is moved between the first, second, and third positions, the inner wall defining a central bore sized to receive the valve stem, the spring seat further including a recess formed in the annular body, wherein the retaining member is at least partially disposed in the recess; and a spring disposed in the main flow path and operatively coupled to the stem via the spring seat, the spring configured to bias the stem toward the first position.