WO2014138655A1

WO2014138655A1 - Seat for use in a butterfly valve

Info

Publication number: WO2014138655A1
Application number: PCT/US2014/022026
Authority: WO
Inventors: Steven JUNGELS; John E. FALE
Original assignee: Dezurik, Inc.
Priority date: 2013-03-08
Filing date: 2014-03-07
Publication date: 2014-09-12

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include seat for a butterfly valve comprising five sides and defining at least one aperture. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Description

SEAT FOR USE IN A BUTTERFLY VALVE

This application is being filed as a PCT International Patent application on March 7, 2014 in the name of DeZURIK, Inc., a U.S. national corporation, applicant for the designation of all countries and Steven Jungels, a U.S. Citizen, and John E. Fale, a U.S. citizen, inventors for the designation of all countries, and claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/775,270, filed March 8, 2013, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a seat in a butterfly valve. More specifically, the present invention relates to a seat with five sides and defining at least one aperture. Back2round of the Invention

Butterfly valves are used in numerous applications around the world. They are frequently used to allow flow through a pipe or prevent flow through a pipe. A seat is frequently disposed around the circumference of a pivoting disk, in order to act as a seal. The seat can be become damaged through regular use and need to be replaced. It can be difficult to achieve a consistent liquid or gas tight seal between the seat, the body of a valve and the pivoting disk.

Summary of the Invention

Embodiments of the invention include a sealing member disposed in a valve, the sealing member comprising an inner side, an outer side, a front inner side, a back inner side, a front outer side, and a back outer side. The back inner side and the back outer side are in the same plane. The plane that the back inner side and the back outer side are in is parallel to the front outer side. The back outer side and the outer side define an interior angle of less than 90 degrees. The sealing member defines one or more apertures. Additional embodiments are included. This summary is an overview of some of the teachings of the present application and is not intended to be an exclusive or exhaustive treatment of the present subject matter. Further details are found in the detailed description and appended claims. Other aspects will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description and viewing the drawings that form a part thereof, each of which is not to be taken in a limiting sense. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Brief Description of the Fi2ures

The invention may be more completely understood in connection with the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of a butterfly valve.

FIG. 2 is a view of a cross-section of a butterfly valve, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a view a close up view of a portion of the cross-section view shown in FIG. 2 prior to tightening the clamp member, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a view a close up view of a portion of the cross-section view shown in FIG. 2 with the clamp member partially tightened, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a view a close up view of a portion of the cross-section view shown in FIG. 2 with the clamp member fully tightened, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a view of a cross-section of the sealing member, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a view of a cross-section of the sealing member, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a view of a cross-section of the sealing member, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a view of a clamp segment, according to an embodiment. FIG. 10 is a view of a clamp segment clamping a seat to a valve body, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a view of a clamp segment with a boss, according to an

embodiment.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example and drawings, and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention

The embodiments of the present invention described herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed in the following detailed description. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art can appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the present invention.

All publications and patents mentioned herein are hereby incorporated by reference. The publications and patents disclosed herein are provided solely for their disclosure. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the inventors are not entitled to antedate any publication and/or patent, including any publication and/or patent cited herein.

Figure 1 shows a view of a butterfly valve 100. Butterfly valves 100 can be used in piping systems such allow the passage of liquids or gases through a pipe when the butterfly valve 100 is open and prevent the passage of liquids or gases when the butterfly valve 100 is closed.

A butterfly valve 100 can comprise a body 102, a stem 104, a neck 106, a disc 108, a seat 110, and a clamping member 112. The body 102 can serve as a housing for the butterfly valve 100, such as to provide a common structure for other components to be coupled to and provide structural support for the butterfly valve 100. The body 102 can define a central aperture 114, such as for gases or liquids to pass through the butterfly valve 100. The disk 108 can pivot from a position perpendicular to the flow of either gases or liquids through the butterfly valve 100, such as to close the butterfly valve 100 and substantially prevent the flow through the aperture 114 to a position parallel to the flow, an open position, such as to allow the gases or liquids to flow through the aperture 114.

The disk 108 can be coupled to the stem 104. The stem 104 can be coupled to an actuator or a handle, such as to pivot the disk 108 from an open position to a closed position and from a closed position to an open position. The stem 104 can extend through the neck 106. The neck 106 can provide structural stability for the stem 104, or provide a mounting for an actuator.

A seat 110 can be coupled to the body 102, such as by clamping member 112. The seat 110 can act as a seal between the disk 108 and the body 112, such as by preventing, in concert with the dick 108, the flow of gas or liquid through the central aperture 114, when the disk 108 is in a closed position. When the disk 108 is in a closed position, there can be a small opening between the disk 108 and the body 102; a seat 110 can occupy the opening thereby helping to prevent the flow of gas or liquid through the aperture 114.

Figure 2 shows a view of a cross-section of a butterfly valve 100, according to an embodiment. The seat 110 can comprise rubber. The seat 110 can comprise a polymer. The seat 110 can define an aperture 216. The clamping member 112 can define an aperture 218. There can be a connector 220 that extends through an aperture 218 in the clamping member 112 and an aperture 216 in the seat 110. The connector 220 can extend into an aperture 222 in the body 102. The connector 220 can comprise threads, such as to mate with threads on one or more of the following: the clamping member 112, the seat 110, and the body 102. The connector 220 can comprise a bolt. A seat 110 can comprise an inner side 224, an outer side 226, a front inner side 228, a back inner side 230, a front outer side 232, and a back outer side 234. The front inner side 228 and the front outer side 232 can engage with the clamping member 112. The back inner side 230 and the back outer side 234 can engage with the body 102. The outer side 226 can engage with the body 102 and be on the outside portion of the seat 110 relative to the central aperture 114 for the passage of gasses or fluids through the butterfly valve 100. The inner side 224 can engage the disk 108. The inner side 224 can describe side of the seat 110 nearest the central aperture 114.

In an embodiment, the back inner side 230 and the back outer side 234 can be in the same plane. The back inner side 230 and the back outer side 234 can define an interior angle of 180 degrees and an exterior angle of 180 degrees. In an embodiment the aperture 216 can extend through only the back outer side 234, such as if a plane tangent to the inner most portion of the aperture 216 defines the intersection of the back inner side 230 and the back outer side 234. In an embodiment, the aperture 216 can extend through only the back inner side 230, such as if a plane tangent to the outer most portion of the aperture 216 defines the intersection of the back inner side 230 and the back outer side 234. In an embodiment the aperture 216 can extend through both the back inner side 230 and the back outer side 234, such as if a plane that includes the center axis of aperture 216 defines the intersection of the back inner side 230 and the back outer side 234.

The back outer side 234 and the outer side 226 can define an interior angle of less than 90 degrees. The back outer side 234 and the outer side 226 can form an acute interior angle. The intersection of the back outer side 234 and the outer side 226 can form a sharp angle, such as when the back outer side 234 and the outer side 226 are both linear. The angle can also be non- linear or rounded, such as shown in the cross-section in Figure 2, when one of, or both, the back outer side 234 and the outer side 226 are non-linear. The angle can be rounded such as to more evenly distribute a force from the seat 110 to the body 102. The front outer side 232 and the outer side 226 can define an interior angle of more than 90 degrees. The front outer side 232 and the outer side 226 can form an obtuse angle. The intersection of the front outer side 232 and the outer side 226 can form a sharp angle, such as when the front outer side 232 and the outer side 226 are both linear. The angle can also be non-linear or rounded, such as shown in the cross- section in Figure 2, when one of, or both, the front outer side 232 and the outer side 226 are non-linear. The angle can be rounded such as to more evenly distribute a force from the seat 110 to the body 102.

The front outer side 232 and the front inner side 228 can define an interior angle of more than 90 degrees. The front outer side 232 and the front inner side 228 can form an obtuse angle. The intersection of the front outer side 232 and the front inner side 228 can form a sharp angle, such as when the front outer side 232 and the front inner side 228 are both linear. The angle can also be non-linear or rounded, such as shown in the cross-section in Figure 2, when one of, or both, the front outer side 232 and the front inner side 228 are non- linear. The angle can be rounded such as to more evenly distribute a force from the seat 110 to the body 102.

In an embodiment the aperture 216 can extend through only the front outer side 232, such as if a plane tangent to the inner most portion of the aperture 216 defines the intersection of the front inner side 228 and the front outer side 232. In an embodiment, the aperture 216 can extend through only the front inner side 228, such as if a plane tangent to the outer most portion of the aperture 216 defines the intersection of the front inner side 228 and the front outer side 232. In an

embodiment the aperture 216 can extend through both the front inner side 228 and the front outer side 232, such as if a plane that includes the center axis of aperture 216 defines the intersection of the front inner side 228 and the front outer side 232.

The front inner side 228 and the inner side 224 can define an interior angle of more than 90 degrees. The front inner side 228 and the inner side 224 can form an obtuse angle. The intersection of the front inner side 228 and the inner side 224 can form a sharp angle, such as when the front inner side 228 and the inner side 224 are both linear. The angle can also be non-linear or rounded, such as shown in the cross- section in Figure 2, when one of, or both, the front inner side 228 and the inner side 224 are non-linear. The angle can be rounded such as to more evenly distribute a force from the seat 110 to the body 102.

The back inner side 230 and the inner side 224 can define an interior angle of more than 90 degrees. The back inner side 230 and the inner side 224 can form an obtuse angle. The intersection of the back inner side 230 and the inner side 224 can form a sharp angle, such as when the back inner side 230 and the inner 224 side are both linear. The angle can also be non-linear or rounded, such as shown in the cross- section in Figure 2, when one of, or both, the back inner side 230 and the inner side are non- linear 224. The angle can be rounded such as to more evenly distribute a force from the seat 110 to the body 102.

The seat 110 can be ring shaped, such as the inner side 224 defining the interior diameter and the outer side 226 defining the outer diameter. In a cross-section of the seat 110, the back inner side 230 and the back outer side 234 can be parallel to the front outer side 232.

The seat 110 can define one or more apertures 216. In an embodiment, the seat 110 defines 16 apertures 216. The apertures 216 in the seat 110 can be equally spaced apart. For example, if there are 16 apertures 216, an aperture can be located every 22.5 degrees. The apertures 216 can have a substantially circular cross-section, such as to configure to a cylindrical connector 220. An aperture 216 can comprise threads, such as to mate with a threaded connector 220. The center axis of the aperture 216 can be parallel with the outer side 226. The center axis of the aperture 216 can be non-parallel with one or more of: the inner side 224, the front inner side 228, the back inner side 230, the front outer side 232, and the back inner side 234.

In reference now to Figure 3, shown is a close up view of a portion of the cross-section view shown in Figure 2 prior to tightening the clamp member 112, according to an embodiment. In coupling the seat 110 to the body 102 the clamping member 112 can move linearly such as along wall 336 of the body 102. Connector 220 can comprise threads, such that as the connector 220 is rotated it travels with respect to the seat 110 and the body 102. It can be tightened such as to compress the seat 110 between the clamping member 112 and the body 102. The connector 220 can be removed from the butterfly valve 100, such as to de-couple the clamping member 112 and the seat 110 from the body 102. Without a connector 220 the clamping member 112 and the seat 110 can be removed from the body 102, such as to replace the seat 110 if it has become damaged.

To install a seat 110, such as in original installation or in replacing a damaged seat 110, a seat 110 can first be placed in the proximity of its final placement, such as by aligning apertures 216 in the seat 110 with apertures 222 in the body 102. The clamping member 112 can place in the proximity of its final placement, such as by aligning apertures 218 in the clamping member 112 with apertures 216 in the seat 110. A connector 220 can then be placed through an aperture 218 in the clamping member 112 and an aperture 216 in the seat 110, such as to couple the elements together.

The clamping member 112 can comprise a body engaging surface 338 configured to linearly slide along wall 336. The clamping member 112 can comprise a first seat engaging surface 340 configured to engage with the front outer side 232 of the seat 110. The clamping member 112 can comprise a second seat engaging surface 342 configured to engage with the front inner side 228 of the seat 110. The angle between the first seat engaging surface 340 and the second seat engaging surface 342 can be substantially similar to the interior angle defined by the front inner side 228 and the front outer side 232. The first seat engaging surface 340 can be parallel to the front outer side 232. The second seat engaging surface 342 can be parallel to the front inner side 228.

As shown in Figure 4, as the connector 220 is rotated, such as to engage threads, the clamping member 112 can contact the seat 110 and as the connector is further rotated the connector 112 can push the seat 110 into the desired location with respect to the body 102. When the clamping member 112 moves into a position where it contacts the seat 110, the first seat engaging surface 340 will contact the front outer surface 232. There can be a gap 444 between the second seat engaging surface 342 and the front inner side 228.

Once the seat 110 is located against the body 102, such as the back inner side 230, the back outer side 234, and the outer side 226 being in contact with the body 102, the connector 220 can be further tightened, such as to compress the seat 110. When the seat 110 is compressed, the seat 110 can be partially deformed such as to occupy the gap 444 between the front inner side 228 and the second seat engaging surface 342, as shown in Figure 5. The seat 110 can be located in the preferred location when (1) the back inner side 230, the back outer side 234, and the outer side 226 are in contact with the body 102, (2) the front inner side 228 and the front outer side 232 are in contact with the clamping member 112, and (3) the inner side 224 is in contact with the disk 108. When the seat 110 is in the preferred location, a substantially water tight or gas tight seal can be formed, such that the flow of liquid or gas through the butterfly valve 100 is stopped.

Figure 6 and Figure 7 show cross-sections of the seats 110, according to different embodiments. In some embodiments, the inner side 224 can comprise teeth 646. In different embodiments of the seat 110 the angles between sides of the seat can vary, such as to provide different sealing properties for different applications of a butterfly valve 100.

Figure 8 shows a seat 110 with the inner side 224 being bowed. The inner side 224 can have different shapes, such as to mate with the disks 108 that have different properties. In some embodiments the inner side 224 can be arced, such as defining a portion of a circle. In some embodiments the inner side 224 can be linear. In some embodiments, the inner side 224 can comprise a linear portion and a nonlinear portion.

A clamping member 112 can comprise one or more clamping segments 948. A clamping segment 948 is shown in Figure 9. A clamping segment 948 can comprise: a first end 950, a second end 952, a front side 954, a back side 956, an outside surface 958, and an inside surface 960. The inside surface 960 and the outside surface 958 can be parallel to each other. The inside surface 960 and the outside surface 958 can be arced shaped. The front side 954 can be perpendicular to the inside surface 960 and the outside surface 958. The back side 956 can comprise the first seat engaging surface 340 and the second seat engaging surface 342. The back side 956 can be non-planar. The first end 950 and the second end 952 can each define a recessed portion 962 and a protruded portion 964.

A clamping segment 948 can define one or more apertures 218. In an embodiment a clamping segment 948 defines two apertures 218. In an embodiment, the aperture 218 can comprise threads, such as to mate with threads of a connector 220.

A clamping segment 948 can be arced shape, such that it defines a portion of a circle. A plurality of clamping segments 948 can be coupled together in order to define a ring shape, similar to a seat 110. In an embodiment, eight clamping segments 948 can be coupled together to form a ring.

In an embodiment, the protruded portion 964 of a first end 950 can be configured to mate with the recessed portion 962 of a second end 952, and the protruded portion 964 of the second end 952 can be configured to mate with the recessed portion 962 of the first end 950, thereby coupling two clamp segments 948 together.

In an embodiment, similar clamp segments 948 can be coupled together to form a ring. In an embodiment, half of the clamp segments 948 can be inside clamp segments 948 and half of the clamp segments 948 can be outside clamp segments 948. Inside clamp segments 948 can have the protruded portion 964 on the first end 950 and second end 952 along the inside portion of the clamp segment 948 and the recessed portion 962 along the outside portion of the clamp segment 948. Outside clamp segments 948 can have the protruded portion 964 along the first end 950 and second end 952 along the outside portion of the clamp segment 948 and the recessed portion 962 on the inside portion of the clamp segment 948. In Figure 10 a clamp segment 948 is shown clamping a seat 110 to a butterfly valve 110 body 102, according to an embodiment. Several clamp segments 948 can act in concert to clamp the seat 110 to the body 102, such as to apply a substantially even force along the seat 110.

In an embodiment a clamp segment 948 can comprise a boss 1166 on the back side 956 of the clamp segment 948, as shown in Figure 11. The boss 1166 can be a raised portion of material further defining one or more apertures 218 defined by the clamp segment 948. The boss 1166 can provide additional material near the aperture 218, such as to provide additional displacement to the seat 110 around the connector 220.

It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing "a compound" includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term "or" is generally employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

It should also be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the phrase "configured" describes a system, apparatus, or other structure that is constructed or configured to perform a particular task or adopt a particular configuration to. The phrase "configured" can be used interchangeably with other similar phrases such as arranged and configured, constructed and arranged, constructed, manufactured and arranged, and the like.

All publications and patent applications in this specification are indicative of the level of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated by reference.

The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. However, it should be understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

The Claims Are:

1. A sealing member disposed in a valve, the sealing member comprising:

a back inner side and a back outer side in a first plane;

wherein the first plane is parallel to the front outer side;

wherein the back outer side and the outer side define an interior angle of less than 90 degrees; and

wherein the sealing member at least partially defines one or more apertures.

2. The sealing member of any of claims 1 and 3-13, wherein the outer side is outer parallel to a center axis of the aperture.

3. The sealing member of any of claims 1-2 and 4-13, wherein the inner side comprises a plurality of teeth.

4. The sealing member of any of claims 1-3 and 5-13, wherein the sealing member is ring shaped.

5. The sealing member of any of claims 1-4 and 6-13, wherein the sealing member defines threads within the aperture.

6. The sealing member of any of claims 1-5 and 7-13, wherein a center axis of the aperture is not parallel with the inner side.

7. The sealing member of any of claims 1-6 and 8-13, wherein the first plane is not perpendicular to a center axis of the aperture.

8. The sealing member of any of claims 1-7 and 9-13, comprising rubber.

9. The sealing member of any of claims 1-8 and 10-13, where in front inner side and the front outer side define an interior angle of greater than 90 degrees.

10. The sealing member of any of claims 1-9 and 11-13, wherein the front outer side and the outer side define an interior angle of greater than 90 degrees.

11. The sealing member of any of claims 1-10 and 12-13, comprising 16 apertures.

12. The sealing member of any of claims 1-11 and 13, wherein the front inner side and the inner side define an interior angle of greater than 90 degrees.

13. The sealing member of any of claims 1-12, wherein the back inner side and the inner side define an interior angle of greater than 90 degrees.

14. A clamping segment configured to couple a seat to a valve housing, the clamp segment comprising:

a first end;

a second end;

a front side;

a back side;

an outside surface; and

an inside surface;

wherein the clamp segment defines one or more apertures;

wherein the inside surface and the outside surface are parallel to one another and are arc shaped;

wherein the front side is perpendicular to the inner side and the outer side; wherein the back side is non-planar;

wherein the first end and second end each define a recessed portion and a protruded portion;

15. The clamping segment of any of claims 14 and 16-22, wherein a plurality of clamping segments are coupled together to define a ring shape.

16. The clamping segment of any of claims 14-15 and 17-22, wherein eight clamping segments are coupled together to define a ring shape.

17. The clamping segment of any of claims 14-16 and 18-22, defining two apertures.

18. The clamping segment of any of claims 14-17 and 19-22, wherein the clamp segments defines threads within one or more apertures.

19. The clamping segment of any of claims 14-18 and 20-22, wherein a plurality of clamping segments are coupled together to define a ring shape; wherein half of the clamping segments are inside clamping segments and half of the clamping segments are outside clamping segments;

wherein the inside clamping segments comprise the protruded portions of the first end and second end are along the inside surface and the recessed portions of the first end and second end are along the outside surface;

wherein the outside clamping segments comprise the protruded portion of the first end and second end are along the outside surface and the recessed portions of the first end and second end are along the inside surface.

20. The clamping segment of any of claims 14-19 and 21-22, wherein a plurality of clamping segments are coupled together to define a ring shape; wherein the first end of a clamping segment is configured to mate with the second end of a different clamping segment.

21. The clamping segment of any of claims 14-20 and 22, comprising a boss on a back side.

22. The clamping segment of any of claims 14-21, wherein the boss defines a portion of the one or more apertures.