WO2010063125A1 - Soupape à diaphragme hermétique avec mécanisme de verrouillage - Google Patents

Soupape à diaphragme hermétique avec mécanisme de verrouillage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2010063125A1
WO2010063125A1 PCT/CA2009/001783 CA2009001783W WO2010063125A1 WO 2010063125 A1 WO2010063125 A1 WO 2010063125A1 CA 2009001783 W CA2009001783 W CA 2009001783W WO 2010063125 A1 WO2010063125 A1 WO 2010063125A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
valve
plunger
plungers
valve body
normally closed
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CA2009/001783
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Yves Gamache
André FORTIER
Original Assignee
Mécanique Analytique Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from PCT/CA2008/002138 external-priority patent/WO2009073966A1/fr
Application filed by Mécanique Analytique Inc. filed Critical Mécanique Analytique Inc.
Priority to US13/132,918 priority Critical patent/US8469057B2/en
Publication of WO2010063125A1 publication Critical patent/WO2010063125A1/fr

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/04—Preparation or injection of sample to be analysed
    • G01N30/16—Injection
    • G01N30/20—Injection using a sampling valve
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/04—Preparation or injection of sample to be analysed
    • G01N30/16—Injection
    • G01N30/20—Injection using a sampling valve
    • G01N2030/201—Injection using a sampling valve multiport valves, i.e. having more than two ports
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/04—Preparation or injection of sample to be analysed
    • G01N30/16—Injection
    • G01N30/20—Injection using a sampling valve
    • G01N2030/202—Injection using a sampling valve rotary valves
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N30/00—Investigating or analysing materials by separation into components using adsorption, absorption or similar phenomena or using ion-exchange, e.g. chromatography or field flow fractionation
    • G01N30/02—Column chromatography
    • G01N30/04—Preparation or injection of sample to be analysed
    • G01N30/16—Injection
    • G01N30/20—Injection using a sampling valve
    • G01N2030/205—Diaphragm valves, e.g. deformed member closing the passage

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to fluid analytical systems and more particularly concerns a valve and a valve body assembly having a locking mechanism.
  • diaphragm valves for chromatography.
  • Such diaphragm valves have been used in many commercially available gas chromatographs. They are apt to be integrated more easily in a gas chromatograph due to their physical size and since the actuator is embedded in the 20 valve itself. These characteristics make them attractive for gas chromatograph manufacturers.
  • FIG. 1 PRIOR ART
  • the valve 1 is provided with a top block 2 having an interface 4 and a plurality of ports 6.
  • Each of the ports 6 opens at the interface 4 and has an inclined thread passage 8 to connect various analytical fitting and tubing (not shown).
  • the ports 6 are arranged on a circular line on the interface 4 of the top block 2.
  • the interface 4 is advantageously flat and polished to minimize leaks between ports and from the ambient atmosphere.
  • the valve 1 is also provided with a bottom block 12 and a diaphragm 14, which is generally made of polyimide, Teflon or other polymer material.
  • the diaphragm 14 is positioned between the top block interface 4 and the bottom block 12, and has a recess 18 therein extending along the circular line formed by the ports 6 and biased away from the interface 4 of the top block 2.
  • the recess 18 in the diaphragm 14 sits in a matching recess 20 made in the bottom block 12, thereby allowing some clearance for fluid circulation between adjacent ports 6.
  • the valve 1 is also provided with a plurality of plungers 16 mounted in the bottom block 12, each being respectively arranged to be able to compress the diaphragm 14 against the top block 2 at a position located between two of the ports 6.
  • a plurality of plungers 16 mounted in the bottom block 12, each being respectively arranged to be able to compress the diaphragm 14 against the top block 2 at a position located between two of the ports 6.
  • three plungers 16 are up while the other three are down.
  • the bottom block 12 keeps the plungers 16 and the actuating mechanism in position.
  • a normally open plunger 16 is biased downwards, i.e. away from the diaphragm 14, and therefore normally allows fluid circulation between the two adjacent ports 6.
  • a normally closed plunger 16 is biased upwards, i.e. towards the diaphragm 14, and therefore blocks fluid circulation between the two adjacent ports 6.
  • a user may actuate the valve 1 in order to alter the positions of the plungers 16, for example by sliding upwards and downwards the normally open and closed plungers 16, respectively.
  • a valve that includes a valve cap, a valve body, a diaphragm, biasing means and a locking mechanism.
  • the valve cap includes a plurality of process conduits extending therethrough, each process conduit ending in a process port.
  • the valve body faces the valve cap and includes a plurality of plunger passages extending therein.
  • the diaphragm is positioned across the process ports and between the valve cap and the valve body.
  • the valve body includes a plunger assembly, a first support structure and a second support structure.
  • the plunger assembly includes a plurality of plungers. Each plunger is positioned in a respective one of the plunger passages and slideable therein between a closed position and an open position.
  • each plunger is either a normally closed plunger or a normally open plunger.
  • the normally closed plungers are mounted upon first support structure and the normally open plungers are mounted upon the second support structure.
  • the biasing means are for biasing the normally closed plungers towards the diaphragm and biasing the normally open plungers away from the diaphragm.
  • the locking mechanism is for engaging the first support structure and thereby physically restraining the normally closed plungers in the open position.
  • a valve body assembly for a valve.
  • the valve includes a valve cap that includes a plurality of process conduits extending therethrough. Each process conduit ends in a process port.
  • the valve further includes a diaphragm positioned across the process ports.
  • the valve body assembly includes a valve body, a plunger assembly, biasing means and a locking mechanism.
  • the valve body includes a plurality of plunger passages extending therein.
  • the diaphragm is positioned between the valve body and the valve cap.
  • the plunger assembly includes a plurality of plungers, each plunger being positioned in a respective one of the plunger passages and slideable therein between a closed position and an open position.
  • each plunger is either a normally closed plunger or a normally open plunger.
  • the normally closed plungers are mounted upon first support structure and the normally open plungers are mounted upon the second support structure.
  • the biasing means are for biasing the normally closed plungers towards the diaphragm and biasing the normally open plungers away from the diaphragm.
  • the locking mechanism is for engaging the first support structure and thereby physically restraining the normally closed plungers in the open position.
  • the locking mechanism includes a first transverse passage in the valve body which extends perpendicular to the plunger passages, a second transverse passage extending through the first support structure which is alignable with the first transverse passage when the normally closed plungers are in the open position, and a locking pin insertable through both the first and second transverse passages, thereby restraining the normally closed plungers in the open position.
  • the locking mechanism preferably includes an extension mounted to the first support structure and which extends through the valve body, the extension being movable with the first support structure as the normally closed plungers slide between the open and closed positions, and a restraining mechanism positionable between the valve body and the extension when the normally closed plungers are in the open position.
  • the locking mechanism may also alternatively include a threaded passage extending through the valve body parallel to the plunger passages, and a locking screw adapted to threadedly engage the threaded passage and be positioned at a locking position wherein the locking screw engages the first support structure thereby restraining the normally closed plungers in the open position.
  • valve or valve body assembly in accordance with present invention may advantageously be used in a chromatographic system, or indeed in another application utilizing a diaphragm-sealed valve.
  • Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a diaphragm-sealed valve known in the art, in partial transparency.
  • Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a diaphragm-sealed valve in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 3 is a top view of a diaphragm-sealed valve of Figure 2.
  • Figure 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the diaphragm-sealed valve of Figure 3 taken along line IV-IV.
  • Figures 4A, 4B and 4C are enlarged views of sections 4A, 4B, 4C of Figure 4.
  • Figure 4D is an enlarged view of section 4D of Figure 4C.
  • Figure 5 is a cross-sectional side view of the diaphragm-sealed valve of Figure 3 taken along line V-V.
  • Figure 5A is an enlarged view of section 5A of Figure 5.
  • Figure 5B is an enlarged view of section 5B of Figure 5.
  • Figure 6 is a cross-sectional side view of the diaphragm-sealed valve of Figure 3 taken along line Vl-Vl.
  • Figure 6A is an enlarged view of section 6A of Figure 6.
  • Figure 6B is an enlarged view of section 6B of Figure 6.
  • Figure 7A is a top view of the valve cap of the valve of Figure 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 7B is a cross-sectional side view of the valve cap along line B-B of Figure 7A.
  • Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of the valve cap along the lines C-C of Figure 7A.
  • Figures 7D and 7E are a bottom perspective view and a top perspective view of the valve cap of Figure 7, respectively.
  • Figure 8A is a top view of the valve body of the valve of Figure 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 8B is a cross-sectional side view of the valve body along line B-B of Figure 8A.
  • Figure 8C is an enlarged view of section 8C of Figure 8B.
  • Figure 8D is a bottom perspective view of the valve body of Figure 8A.
  • Figure 8E is a bottom view of the valve body of Figure 8A.
  • Figures 8F and 8G are cross-sectional side views of the valve body along line F-F and G-G of Figure 8E, respectively.
  • Figures 8H is a top perspective view of the valve body of Figure 8A.
  • Figure 9A is a top view of the diaphragm of the valve of Figure 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 9B is a cross-sectional side view of the diaphragm along line B-B of Figure 9A.
  • Figure 9C is an enlarged view of section 9B of Figure 9B.
  • Figure 9D is a perspective view of the diaphragm of Figure 9A.
  • Figure 10A is a top view of the push plate of the valve of Figure 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 10B is a side view of the push plate of Figure 1OA
  • Figure 10C is a bottom view of the push plate of Figure 10A
  • Figure 1OD is a top perspective view of the push plate of Figure 10A.
  • Figure 11A is a bottom perspective view of the normally open piston of the valve of Figure 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, while Figure 11 B is a top perspective view of the normally open piston of Figure 2.
  • Figure 12A is a bottom perspective view of the normally closed piston of the valve of Figure 2, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, while Figure 12B is a top perspective view of the normally closed piston of Figure 2.
  • Figures 13A and 13B are a bottom perspective view and a top perspective view of the bottom cap of Figure 2, respectively.
  • Figure 14A is a top view of a diaphragm-sealed valve according to a first preferred embodiment of present invention.
  • Figure 14B is a cross-sectional side view of the diaphragm-sealed valve of Figure 14A taken along line Vl-Vl.
  • Figure 14C is an enlarged view of section 14C of Figure 14B.
  • Figure 15A is a top view of the diaphragm-sealed valve of Figure 14A, with locking pins inserted.
  • Figure 15B is a cross-sectional side view of the diaphragm-sealed valve of Figure 15A take along line Vl-Vl.
  • Figure 15C is an enlarged view of section 15C of Figure 15B.
  • Figures 16A and 16B are cross-sectional views of a diaphragm-sealed valve according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 16C is a front view a locking pin in accordance with the embodiment of Figures 16A and 16B.
  • Figures 17A and 17B are cross-sectional views of a diaphragm-sealed valve according to a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 17C is a perspective view of a lock clip in accordance with the embodiment of Figures 17A and 17B.
  • Figures 18A and 18B are cross-sectional views of a diaphragm-sealed valve according to a fourth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 18C is a perspective view of a hook in accordance with the embodiment of Figures 18A and 18B.
  • Figure 18D is a side view of the cylinder of Figures 18A and 18B.
  • Figure 18E is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 18D
  • Figures 19A and 19B are cross-sectional views of a diaphragm-sealed valve according to a fifth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 2OA and 2OB are cross-sectional views of a diaphragm-sealed valve according to a sixth preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figures 2OC and 2OD are enlarged views of portions of Figures 2OA an 2OB, respectively.
  • Figures 21 A and 21 B are cross-sectional views of a diaphragm-sealed valve according to a seventh preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • Figure 21C is an enlarged view of a portion of Figure 21 B.
  • valve 30 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the valve 30 is of the diaphragm-sealed type valve. Such a valve may be used in analytical equipments of various types, and more particularly chromatographic equipments or online analyzers.
  • the valve 30 includes four main elements: a valve cap 32, a valve body 33, a diaphragm 36 compressibly positioned between the valve cap 32 and the valve body 33, and a plunger assembly 38.
  • the valve body 30 may include a cylinder 34 and a bottom cap 40 or other equivalent structure holding the plunger assembly 38 to the valve body 33.
  • the valve 30 is also provided with a locking mechanism 119 which will be described in conjunction with Figures 14A to 21C below.
  • the valve cap 32 has an interface, hereinafter referred to as the first interface 42, and a plurality of process conduits 44 extending through it.
  • This first interface 42 is flat and smooth, and is in contact with the diaphragm 14 when the valve is assembled (as shown in Figures 4 to 6).
  • Each process conduit 44 in this preferred embodiment amounting to six (6), ends in a process port 46 opening at the first interface 42.
  • the process ports 46 are preferably circularly arranged on the first interface 42.
  • each of the process conduits 44 are preferably formed by a larger threaded hole 48 for receiving tubing connections and a smaller fluid passage 50 ending in the process port 46.
  • the valve cap 32 has a cylindrical shape and is for example made of electro-polished stainless steel.
  • the valve cap 32 is also provided with screw holes 52 for receiving socket head cap screws 54 (shown in Figure 2), for holding the valve cap 32 to the cylinder 34.
  • the alignment of the valve cap 32 with the cylinder 34 is ensured by dowel pins 56 (also shown in Figure 2).
  • dowel pins 56 also shown in Figure 2.
  • a layer of polymer covers the first interface 42 of the valve cap 32.
  • Other materials for example ceramic or various types of polymers, may be used as material for the valve cap 32. Shapes other than a cylindrical one may also be considered.
  • other embodiments of the valve cap may include 4, 8, 10, 12 or any other convenient number of process ports.
  • FIG. 8A to 8G 1 there is shown a preferred embodiment of the cylinder 34 of the valve 30.
  • the cylinder 34 also has an interface, hereinafter referred to as the second interface 58, which faces the first interface 42 of the valve cap when the valve is assembled (as shown in Figures 4 to 6).
  • the first interface 42 of the valve cap 32 it is smooth and flat.
  • the second interface 58 is provided with a main recess 60, preferably having a circular outline and it is aligned with the process ports 46 of the valve cap 32 when the valve elements are assembled and the valve is ready for use, as in Figures 4 to 6.
  • the cylinder 34 also includes a plurality of plunger passages 62 (more clearly shown in Figure 8F) each extending in the cylinder 34 and opening at one end in the main recess 60 between two of the process ports 46.
  • the other ends of the plunger passages 62 open in a valve body cavity 63 which is for housing the plunger assembly 38 (as shown in Figure 2).
  • the valve body is also provided with a first set of screw holes 64 for receiving the socket head cap screws 54 that hold the valve body to the valve cap (best shown in Figure 8A) and a second set of screw holes 64 for receiving the socket head cap screws 54 that hold the cylinder 34 to the bottom cap 40 (best shown in Figure 8D).
  • a first set of screw holes 64 for receiving the socket head cap screws 54 that hold the valve body to the valve cap
  • a second set of screw holes 64 for receiving the socket head cap screws 54 that hold the cylinder 34 to the bottom cap 40 (best shown in Figure 8D).
  • other arrangements could be considered for affixing the cylinder 34 to the bottom
  • the diaphragm 36 has a first surface 74 facing the valve cap 32 and a second surface 76 facing the cylinder 34, the diaphragm 36 being compressibly positioned between the first 42 and the second 58 interfaces when the valve is assembled and ready for use (as in Figures 4 to 6).
  • the diaphragm has a pre-formed deformation 78 lying within the main recess 60 of the cylinder 34, the first surface 74 of the diaphragm 36 defining with the first interface 42 of the valve cap 32 a communication channel 80 between the process ports.
  • the diaphragm 36 can be made of multiple layers of polymer, with or without a thin metallic layer, or alternatively be made of metal only. Metals that may be used are stainless steel 316, aluminium, chrome-nickel alloy, copper and the like. For applications requiring high gas-tightness sealing, a diaphragm 36 made of multiple layers of polymer is preferably used, while other applications require a thin metallic layer over the polymer layers.
  • the cylinder 34 may also be provided with a leak collection system comprising a process purging channel 65 extending along the main recess 60, a process purging inlet passage 66 and process purging outlet passage 68.
  • the process purging inlet passage 66 is connected to an entry 67 of a purge line
  • the process purging outlet passage 68 is connected to an exit 69 of a purge line.
  • the cylinder 34 may further provided with a pair of fluid inlets 70 and a pair of fluid outlets 72, the pair of fluid inlets 70 also being connected to the entry 67 of a purge line, and the pair of fluid outlets 72 being connected the exit 69 of the purge line.
  • the cylinder 34 may be provided with an actuation purging outlet passage 112.
  • a purge circulation line may further be provided which includes inner and outer annular channels 51 and 53 extending at the first interface 42 of the valve cap 32.
  • the fluid inlets 70 and the fluid outlets 72 each has a first opening 84 in the inner annular channel 51 and a second opening 86 in the outer annular channel 53.
  • plunger assembly 38 Referring to Figures 2 and 6, 6A and 6B, there is shown a preferred embodiment of a plunger assembly 38 of the valve 30.
  • the plunger assembly 38 (as indicated in Figure 2) has a plurality of plungers 82, each placed in one of the plunger passages 62 (more clearly shown in Figure 6A and 6B) of the cylinder 34.
  • the term "plunger” is understood to mean a mechanism component driven by or against a mechanical force or fluid pressure.
  • the plungers 82 can slide in the passages 62, between a closed position and an open position.
  • each plunger 82 of the plunger assembly 38 is either a normally closed plunger 82nc or a normally open plunger 82no.
  • guide sleeves 81 surround the normally open plungers 82no, for facilitating the movement of the plungers into the passages.
  • plungers may take other shapes than that of a cylinder, as long as they can be in an open position where communication between the two adjacent ports 46 is allowed, and a closed position where communication between the two adjacent ports 46 is shut off.
  • Other possible types of plungers 82 may include for example bearing balls.
  • the plunger assembly further includes a first support structure 87 onto which the normally closed plungers 82nc are mounted, and a second support structure 89 onto which the normally open plungers 82no are mounted.
  • the valve 30 further comprises biasing means 94 for biasing the normally closed plungers 82nc towards the diaphragm 36 and the normally open plunger 82no away from the diaphragm 36.
  • biasing means 94 for biasing the normally closed plungers 82nc towards the diaphragm 36 and the normally open plunger 82no away from the diaphragm 36.
  • the support structures 87 and 89 are used in displacing the plungers 82 within the passages 62.
  • the first support structure 87 comprises a push plate 88 and a first piston 92
  • the second support structure 89 comprises a second piston 90.
  • the first piston 92 is located below the second piston 90 and for simplicity these two pistons will hereinafter be referred to as the lower piston 92 and the upper piston 90, respectively.
  • the first piston 92 is also sometimes convenient to refer to the first piston 92 as the normally closed piston 92 since it supports the normally closed plungers 82nc.
  • the second piston 90 may also be referred to as the normally open piston 90 since it supports the normally open plungers 82no.
  • the push plate 88 extends within the cavity 63 of the cylinder 34, in parallel to the second interface 58 of the cylinder 34, i.e. perpendicular to the plunger passages 62 and the central axis of the cylinder 34.
  • the push plate 88 is movable transversally to the second interface 58, or in other words in parallel to the central axis of the cylinder 34.
  • the normally closed plungers 82nc are mounted on the push plate 88.
  • a guide sleeve 81 surrounds the push plate 88 for facilitating its movement within the upper section of the cavity 63 of the cylinder 34.
  • a plurality of cavities 98 extend across the push plate 88 for allowing the normally open plungers 82no to pass through it.
  • the upper piston 90 extends contiguously under the push plate, the normally opened plungers 82no being placed on it.
  • the lower piston 92 extends under the upper piston 90 contiguously to it, the lower piston 92 being rigidly connected to the push plate 88, preferably with a screw 54.
  • O-rings 91 are preferably provided on the outline of each pistons, to properly seal the upper 92 and lower 90 pistons to the inner surface of the cylinder 34.
  • valve 30 can advantageously be mounted in any position, since there are no "floating" plungers.
  • Figures 11A and 11B show more clearly the lower piston 90 of this preferred embodiment, while Figures 12A and 12B show more clearly the upper piston 92.
  • biasing means 94 ensure that the lower piston 92 is upwardly biased and that the upper piston 90 is downwardly biased.
  • a Belleville washer 100 assembly cooperates with the lower piston 92 and a bottom cap screw 102 controls an upward force on the Belleville washer assembly 100.
  • it is a disc spring 104 extending over the upper piston 90 that exerts a downward force on the upper piston 90 and therefore downwardly biases it.
  • the actuating mechanism 96 controls a distance or space between the upper 90 and lower 92 pistons.
  • the actuating mechanism 96 actuates the plungers 82 between the opened and closed positions, by injection of actuation gas between the upper 90 and lower 92 pistons, the actuating mechanism being pneumatic actuators.
  • the pistons 90, 92 are may advantageously be provided with some room therearound to add shims 108 of various thicknesses. These shims 108 stop the piston travelling, since the piston will seat thereon. The idea is to use the right shim thickness for a particular application. These shims 108 are advantageously used on the normally open piston 90 (or upper piston), more clearly shown in Figure 5B, but also on the pushed plate 88 which is connected to the normally closed piston 92, more clearly shown in Figure 5A.
  • the bottom cap 40 is affixed to the cylinder 34, preferably with socket head cap screws 54, and it also houses the bottom cap set screw 102 that allow adjustment of the pressure exerted on the normally closed piston 92 via the Belleville washer assembly 100.
  • the bottom cap 40 is also advantageously provided with a bottom cap actuation vent 114 extending in it and located opposite to the actuating mechanism 96 of the plunger assembly 38, for preventing pressure build up between the lower piston 92 and the bottom cap 40.
  • a locking mechanism 119 in accordance with the present invention advantageously engages the first support structure 87 when the normally closed plungers 82nc are in an open position, thereby acting against the biasing means 94 and physically preventing those plungers 82nc from reaching a closed position.
  • the use of such a locking mechanism 119 can advantageously be used to prevent the normally closed plungers 82nc from deforming, compressing or otherwise acting upon the diaphragm 36 when the valve 30 is not in use.
  • locking mechanism 119 can also advantageously ease replacement of the diaphragm during maintenance and the like. By enabling a user to restrain the normally closed plungers within the valve body, it can be assured that those plungers do not interfere with the proper positioning of the diaphragm.
  • FIGS 14A to 15C illustrate a first embodiment of the locking mechanism 119.
  • the cylinder 34 includes at least one transverse passage 122 extending therethrough from a side of the valve 30 to the lower piston 92.
  • the lower piston 92 also includes such a transverse passage 124, which is aligned with the transverse passage 122 of the cylinder 34 when the lower piston 92 is lowered, and the normally closed plungers 82nc therefore is in the open position.
  • the actuating mechanism 96 is preferably activated: the lower piston 92 is forced downward by supplying pressurized gas between the upper and lower pistons 90 and 92 as explained above. This brings the transverse passages 122 and 124 of the cylinder 34 and lower piston 92 into alignment, and the locking pin 120 can be inserted therein. Once the locking pin 120 is in place, the actuating mechanism 96 can be deactivated, and both the normally closed 82nc and normally opened 82no plungers will remain in their open position, leaving the diaphragm 36 free of mechanical stress thereon. The valve 30 can simply be reactivated and the locking pin 120 removed whenever the valve 30 needs to be used again. It will be appreciated that various other means for retracting the lower piston 92 and the normally closed plungers 82nc may similarly be used.
  • FIG. 16A to 16C a second preferred embodiment of the locking mechanism 119 is illustrated.
  • This second embodiment is similar to that illustrated in figures 14A to 15C in that it provides at least one pin 121 which is adapted to be inserted first through a first transverse passage 122 in the valve body 33 and then though a second transverse passage 124 in the first support structure 87.
  • the first transverse passage 122 is provided through the cylinder 34 and the second transverse passage 124 is provided through the lower piston 92.
  • Figures 16A to 16C differs from that of Figures 14A to 15C in that the locking pin 121 is provided with a flat extremity 130 having a first thickness 132 and a second thickness 134, the latter being greater than the former.
  • the second transverse passage 124 is provided with a corresponding shape.
  • the pin 121 is rotatable within the passages 122 and 124 between a first orientation (seen in Figure 16A) and a second orientation (seen in Figure 16B). In the first orientation, it is the smaller, first thickness 132 which is oriented vertically, i.e. in line with the plunger passages.
  • the lower piston 92 remains free to travel between the open and closed positions as the first thickness 132 does not fill the second passage 124.
  • the pin 121 has been rotated 90° such that the second thickness 134 is oriented vertically.
  • the larger second thickness 134 fills the second passage 124 vertically, thereby preventing the first piston from moving with respect to the cylinder 34 and blocking the normally closed plungers 82nc the open position.
  • this second embodiment By rotating the pin 121 from the first orientation to the second, it operates as a cam, pushing the second piston 92 downwards.
  • this second embodiment not only allows the user to manually restrain the normally closed plungers 82nc in the open position, but also avoids the need to remove the pins 121 during use. It will be appreciated however that given a biasing means of sufficient strength, it could be inconvenient to manually actuate the locking mechanism 119. In such cases, the above-described method of activating the valve 30 with the actuating mechanism 96 can similarly be used.
  • passages 122 and 124 and pins 120 are provided at opposite positions around the valve body 33. It will be understood however that any number of passages 122 and 124 and pins 120 may be provided. Moreover, various other shapes or types of passages 122 and 124 and pins
  • alignable passages 122 and 124 could be provided between other parts of the first support structure 87 and the valve body 33.
  • the locking mechanism 119 comprises the combination of at least one restraining mechanism 140 and at least one extension 142.
  • the extension 142 is mounted to the first support structure 87 and is movable therewith.
  • the extension 142 extends through the valve body 33.
  • the restraining mechanism 140 is positionable between both the body 33 and the extension 142 when the normally closed plungers 82nc are in the open position. In so doing, the restraining mechanism 140 engages both the valve body 33 and the extension 142 in order to prevent the latter from moving with respect to the former.
  • the extensions 142 extend downward from the lower piston 92, through the bottom cap 40.
  • a shoulder 144 which faces the valve 30.
  • the extensions 142 are bolts and the shoulder 144 is the under-surface of the bolt head.
  • the restraining mechanism 140 is a locking clip which is able to be positioned between the shoulder 144 and the bottom cap 40 when the normally closed plungers 82nc are in the open position, as seen in Figure 17B.
  • the locking clip 140 could similarly be provided as pin which engages a corresponding hole through the end of the extension 142.
  • such an extension/locking clip combination could similarly be provided between other elements of the valve body 33 and the first support structure 87.
  • the extensions 142 extend outwards from the lower piston 92, through holes 146 in the sides of the cylinder 34.
  • the hole 146 is provided with an elongated cross- section, as illustrated, so as to accommodate for the vertical travel of the extension 142.
  • the restraining mechanism 140 is embodied herein as a hook which is attached to the base 40 and pivots about an axis 147 which is parallel to the extension 142. When the valve 30 is in use, the hook 140 may be pivoted away from its respective extension 142. When the normally closed plungers 82nc are in the open position, i.e. when the lower piston 92 is at its lowermost, the hook 140 may be pivoted such that it engages and restrains the extension 142.
  • extensions 142 and hooks 140 there are two sets of extensions 142 and hooks 140 provided at opposition positions around the valve 30, although it will be appreciated that more or less extensions 142 and hooks 140 could similarly be used. It will also be appreciated that the extension 142 could similarly extend from and through different parts of the first support structure 87 and the valve body 33, respectively, and the hook 140 could be mounted at a different part of the valve body 33.
  • the locking mechanism 119 comprises a threaded passage 150 which extends downwards through the valve body 33, and a locking screw 152 which can be positioned at a locking position which engages and blocks the first support structure 87 and the normally closed plungers 82nc in the open position.
  • one of the cap screws 54 which fix the valve cap 32 to the cylinder 34 is replaced with the longer locking screw 152 which is able reach a locking position where it is engages the top of the push plate 88 when the latter is in open position.
  • the locking screw 152 is at the locking position, as seen in Figure 19B, the normally closed plungers 82nc are kept in the open position.
  • a single locking 152 screw may be provided in place of a regularly sized cap screw and lowered with respect to the plunger assembly 38 to the locking position accordingly.
  • the central cap screw 54 is provided with an internally threaded passage 150 which is able to receive a smaller diameter locking screw 152.
  • the locking screw 152 is lowered to the locking position shown in Figures 2OB and 2OD wherein it engages the push plate 88 and thereby prevents the normally closed plungers 82nc from returning to the closed position.
  • the central cap screw 54 is provided with a cap screw passage 156, which is unthreaded, through which the locking screw 152 is able to pass.
  • the threaded passage 150 is provided within the push plate 88 (rather than through the cap screw 54 itself), aligned below the unthreaded cap screw passage 156.
  • the locking screw 152 may be lowered to the locking position shown in Figures 21 B and 21 C in order to restrain the push plate 88 and the normally closed plungers 82nc in the open position.

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention porte sur une soupape qui comprend un capuchon de soupape, un corps de soupape, un diaphragme, des moyens de sollicitation et un mécanisme de verrouillage. Le capuchon de soupape comprend une pluralité de conduits et d'orifices de traitement. Le corps de soupape fait face au capuchon de soupape et comprend une pluralité de passages de piston s'étendant dans celui-ci. Le diaphragme est positionné entre le capuchon de soupape et le corps de soupape. Le corps de soupape comprend un ensemble piston, une première structure de support et une seconde structure de support. L'ensemble piston comprend une pluralité de pistons, chacun pouvant coulisser entre une position fermée et une position ouverte. Dans la position fermée, le piston déforme le diaphragme afin de bloquer la communication entre deux des orifices de traitement. Dans la position ouverte, le piston est rétracté loin du diaphragme. Chaque piston est soit un piston normalement fermé, soit un piston normalement ouvert. Les pistons normalement fermés sont montés sur la première structure de support et les pistons normalement ouverts sont montés sur la seconde structure de support. Le mécanisme de verrouillage est destiné à venir en prise avec la première structure de support et à retenir ainsi physiquement les pistons normalement fermés dans la position ouverte. L'invention porte également sur un ensemble corps de soupape.
PCT/CA2009/001783 2007-12-12 2009-12-07 Soupape à diaphragme hermétique avec mécanisme de verrouillage WO2010063125A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/132,918 US8469057B2 (en) 2007-12-12 2009-12-07 Diaphragm-sealed valve having a locking mechanism

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CAPCT/CA2008/002138 2008-12-05
PCT/CA2008/002138 WO2009073966A1 (fr) 2007-12-12 2008-12-05 Soupape fermée de manière étanche par une membrane dotée d'une rainure de purge de substances de processus

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2010063125A1 true WO2010063125A1 (fr) 2010-06-10

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/CA2009/001783 WO2010063125A1 (fr) 2007-12-12 2009-12-07 Soupape à diaphragme hermétique avec mécanisme de verrouillage

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Country Link
WO (1) WO2010063125A1 (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140191146A1 (en) * 2011-06-17 2014-07-10 Waters Technologies Corporation Rotary Shear Valve with a Two-pin Drive Shaft for Liquid Chromatography Applications
WO2014138966A1 (fr) * 2013-03-11 2014-09-18 Mécanique Analytique Inc. Soupape à diaphragme dotée d'un ensemble d'étanchéité, système chromatographique le comprenant et son procédé de fonctionnement
CN113366308A (zh) * 2019-02-07 2021-09-07 Apn有限责任公司 样品注射隔膜阀

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6202698B1 (en) * 1997-06-18 2001-03-20 Valco Instruments Company, Inc. Multiple port diaphragm valve
US6640688B1 (en) * 2000-08-25 2003-11-04 Tyco Flow Control, Inc. Actuator assembly
US6896239B1 (en) * 2003-04-22 2005-05-24 Arthur J. Brenes Method and apparatus for locking a valve

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6202698B1 (en) * 1997-06-18 2001-03-20 Valco Instruments Company, Inc. Multiple port diaphragm valve
US6640688B1 (en) * 2000-08-25 2003-11-04 Tyco Flow Control, Inc. Actuator assembly
US6896239B1 (en) * 2003-04-22 2005-05-24 Arthur J. Brenes Method and apparatus for locking a valve

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20140191146A1 (en) * 2011-06-17 2014-07-10 Waters Technologies Corporation Rotary Shear Valve with a Two-pin Drive Shaft for Liquid Chromatography Applications
US10364902B2 (en) * 2011-06-17 2019-07-30 Waters Technologies Corporation Rotary shear valve with a two-pin drive shaft for liquid chromatography applications
WO2014138966A1 (fr) * 2013-03-11 2014-09-18 Mécanique Analytique Inc. Soupape à diaphragme dotée d'un ensemble d'étanchéité, système chromatographique le comprenant et son procédé de fonctionnement
JP2016509242A (ja) * 2013-03-11 2016-03-24 メカニック・アナリティック・インコーポレーテッド 密封組立体を備えるダイヤフラム弁、これを含むクロマトグラフシステム、及びその作動方法
EP2972290A4 (fr) * 2013-03-11 2016-12-07 Mec Analytique Inc Soupape à diaphragme dotée d'un ensemble d'étanchéité, système chromatographique le comprenant et son procédé de fonctionnement
US9632065B2 (en) 2013-03-11 2017-04-25 Mécanique Analytique Inc. Diaphragm valve with sealing assembly, chromatographic system including same and method of operation thereof
CN113366308A (zh) * 2019-02-07 2021-09-07 Apn有限责任公司 样品注射隔膜阀
EP3921632A4 (fr) * 2019-02-07 2022-09-21 APN Inc. Vanne d'échantillonnage à membrane d'injection
CN113366308B (zh) * 2019-02-07 2024-03-05 Apn有限责任公司 样品注射隔膜阀
US12078266B2 (en) 2019-02-07 2024-09-03 Apn Inc. Sample injection diaphragm valve

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