WO2014078877A1 - Actionneur de tige sans élévation - Google Patents

Actionneur de tige sans élévation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2014078877A1
WO2014078877A1 PCT/US2013/077392 US2013077392W WO2014078877A1 WO 2014078877 A1 WO2014078877 A1 WO 2014078877A1 US 2013077392 W US2013077392 W US 2013077392W WO 2014078877 A1 WO2014078877 A1 WO 2014078877A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
housing
plate
valve
indicator
indicator stem
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2013/077392
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Keith Adams
Lloyd Ray CHEATHAM
Original Assignee
Ge Oil & Gas Pressure Control Lp
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 US13/679,553 external-priority patent/US8998166B2/en
Priority claimed from US13/832,884 external-priority patent/US9212758B2/en
Priority claimed from US14/107,589 external-priority patent/US8991420B2/en
Application filed by Ge Oil & Gas Pressure Control Lp filed Critical Ge Oil & Gas Pressure Control Lp
Priority to CN201380070678.0A priority Critical patent/CN105008781B/zh
Priority to CA2896730A priority patent/CA2896730C/fr
Priority to AU2013344362A priority patent/AU2013344362B2/en
Priority to SG11201505184YA priority patent/SG11201505184YA/en
Priority to MX2015008574A priority patent/MX2015008574A/es
Priority to BR112015015761A priority patent/BR112015015761A2/pt
Publication of WO2014078877A1 publication Critical patent/WO2014078877A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
    • F15B15/08—Characterised by the construction of the motor unit
    • F15B15/14—Characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
    • F15B15/1423—Component parts; Constructional details
    • F15B15/1438—Cylinder to end cap assemblies
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
    • F15B15/08—Characterised by the construction of the motor unit
    • F15B15/10—Characterised by the construction of the motor unit the motor being of diaphragm type
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
    • F15B15/20—Other details, e.g. assembly with regulating devices
    • F15B15/24—Other details, e.g. assembly with regulating devices for restricting the stroke
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
    • F15B15/20—Other details, e.g. assembly with regulating devices
    • F15B15/28—Means for indicating the position, e.g. end of stroke
    • F15B15/2807—Position switches, i.e. means for sensing of discrete positions only, e.g. limit switches
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/122—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a piston
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/122—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a piston
    • F16K31/1221—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a piston one side of the piston being spring-loaded
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/126—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a diaphragm, bellows, or the like
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K37/00—Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
    • F16K37/0008—Mechanical means
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
    • F15B—SYSTEMS ACTING BY MEANS OF FLUIDS IN GENERAL; FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS, e.g. SERVOMOTORS; DETAILS OF FLUID-PRESSURE SYSTEMS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F15B15/00—Fluid-actuated devices for displacing a member from one position to another; Gearing associated therewith
    • F15B15/08—Characterised by the construction of the motor unit
    • F15B15/14—Characterised by the construction of the motor unit of the straight-cylinder type
    • F15B15/1423—Component parts; Constructional details
    • F15B15/1447—Pistons; Piston to piston rod assemblies

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates in general to valves for mineral recovery wells, and in particular to actuators to actuate valves.
  • a gate valve is a valve having a body and a bore through the body.
  • a gate is positioned transverse to the body, and moves linearly to obstruct flow through the bore or allow flow through the bore.
  • Some gates have an aperture that aligns with the bore to allow flow.
  • the gate can be normally open, and thus the gate is closed when it is moved linearly to push the aperture out of alignment with the bore.
  • a gate can be normally closed, and thus the gate is opened when it is moved linearly to position the aperture in alignment with the bore. Regardless of whether the gate is normally open or normally closed, the gate is moved, or actuated, by a valve actuator.
  • Actuators can be a hydraulic, piston type actuator, or actuators can be a pneumatic piston or diaphragm type actuator.
  • a diaphragm In conventional diaphragm actuators, a diaphragm is moved in response to pressure media, such as gas or other fluids, urging the diaphragm toward the gate valve.
  • the diaphragm is supported by a support plate. When the diaphragm is urged downward with the pressure media, it urges the support plate downward, which then transfers the downward force via a stem to the gate of the gate valve to open or close the gate valve, as applicable.
  • a top shaft extends through an opening in the top or cap of the actuator and provides a visual position indication to show if the gate valve is open or closed or in an intermediate position between open and closed.
  • actuator failure can be caused by a damaged top shaft. This can happen, for example from improper handling, during shipping, tools being dropped on the top shaft, or from service operations.
  • a damaged top shaft can in turn damage the seals that seal the top shaft to the inner surface of the opening in the cap of the actuator, affecting whether the seals can contain the pressure of the pressure media as designed. This is particularly true if corrosive fluids are used or if the valve is located in a harsh environment.
  • an apparatus for actuating a valve includes a housing having an axis, valve end, a cap end, and a cylindrical sidewall defining an inner diameter surface of the housing. A cap is connected to the cap end of the housing.
  • An inlet is located in one of the cap and the housing.
  • a plate is positioned within the housing, the plate having a center portion and an outer diameter that slidingly engages the inner diameter surface of the housing. The plate moves between an extended position and a retracted position in response to pressure media from the inlet, the plate being nearer the valve end in the extended position than in the retracted position.
  • a down stop is in contact with the plate, the down stop being urged toward the valve end of the housing when the plate moves toward the extended position. The down stop can be connected to a valve stem for actuating the valve.
  • a seal nut has a first end in engagement with the down stop. The seal nut has a second end with an end surface, the end surface being spaced apart from the cap when the plate is in the extended position.
  • an apparatus for actuating a valve includes a housing having an axis, a valve end, a cap end, and a cylindrical sidewall defining an inner diameter surface of the housing.
  • a plate is positioned within the housing, the plate moving between an extended position and a retracted position in response to pressure media applied within the housing on a pressure side of the plate. The plate is nearer the valve end in the extended position than in the retracted position.
  • a pressure chamber is located between the cap and the pressure side of the plate.
  • An indicator stem protrudes from the housing and is located axially offset from the axis of the housing, the indicator stem selectively engaging an indicator side of the plate that is opposite the pressure side of the plate.
  • an apparatus for actuating a valve includes a housing having an axis, a valve end, a cap end, and a cylindrical sidewall defining an inner diameter surface of the housing.
  • a plate is positioned within the housing, the plate moving between an extended position and a retracted position in response to pressure media applied within the housing on a pressure side of the plate. The plate is nearer the valve end in the extended position than in the retracted position.
  • a bonnet is detachably connected to the housing and operable to be connected to the valve.
  • a latch body is connected to the housing, the latch body selectively preventing the housing from rotating relative to the bonnet when the latch body is in a latched position.
  • An orifice in a surface of the housing is located proximate to the valve end of the housing and axially offset from the axis of the housing.
  • An indicator stem protrudes through the orifice, the indicator stem having a first end in engagement with a surface of the plate facing the valve end of the housing and a second end located exterior of the housing radially outward from and axially aligned with the rotational lock, relative to an axis of the housing, when the plate is in the extended position.
  • the indicator stem prevents the latch body from moving to an unlatched position when the indicator stem is in the plate-down position.
  • Figure 1 is a side sectional environmental view of an embodiment of a diaphragm actuator with a non-rising stem diaphragm shown in the plate-down position.
  • Figure 2 is an enlarged side sectional view of the indicator stem of Figure 1.
  • Figure 3 is a side sectional view of the embodiment of Figure 1, shown in the plate-up position.
  • Figure 4 is an enlarged view of the quick connect of the valve actuator of Figure 1.
  • Figure 5 is an enlarged view of the rotational lock of the valve actuator of Figure 1 shown in the plate-up position.
  • valve 102 can be a gate valve or any other type of valve that is actuated by the extension of a linear member.
  • Valve 102 can be, for example associated with a wellhead assembly that is disposed over a well.
  • the wellhead assembly can include a wellhead housing, a production tree over the housing and flow lines connected to the tree or the wellhead assembly.
  • the flow lines and wellhead assembly can include embodiments of valve 102 described herein.
  • Valve 102 can also be used for regulating fluids that are designated for entry into the wellhead assembly.
  • Valve 102 can be used in low temperature or otherwise harsh environments.
  • Bonnet 104 is connected to the body of valve 102.
  • Valve stem 106 passes through bonnet 104 and packing retainer 108. Actuator
  • valve 100 is used to actuate valve 102 by urging valve stem 106 downward toward valve 102.
  • Actuator housing 112 includes a cylindrical body having an inner diameter ("ID") surface 114.
  • Housing 112 is manufactured from any of a variety of techniques including, for example, stamping, extrusion, and casting. In embodiments, housing 112 is free of welds or seams on interior surfaces such as ID surface 114. Housing 112 can be manufactured from NACE certified materials.
  • a valve end of actuator housing 112 is connected to bonnet 104 by way of connector 115.
  • Connector 115 is shown as a quick-connect connection, but other types of connectors can be used including, for example, bolts or a threaded connection.
  • the lower end of housing 112 includes an opening defined by inner diameter 116. Housing lugs 118 protrude inward from inner diameter 116 and are spaced apart around inner diameter 116 to define slots 119 therebetween.
  • Bonnet 104 and valve 102 prevent the flow of fluid from valve 102 to actuator 100.
  • actuator housing 112 can be removed from bonnet 104 while fluid is present in valve 102 and no fluid will flow out of valve 102 through bonnet 104 or otherwise.
  • Bonnet 104 includes lower flange 121 extending radially from bonnet body 124.
  • Lower flange 121 includes bolt holes 123.
  • Bolts 128 pass through bolt holes 123 to connect bonnet 104 to the body of valve 102.
  • locking flange 125 extends radially from bonnet body 124 and includes top surface 127.
  • the outer diameter of locking flange 125 is less than or about equal to the inner diameter 116 such that inner diameter 1 16 can fit over locking flange 125.
  • Groove 134 is an annular groove in the outer diameter of locking flange 125.
  • the lower sidewall of groove 134 defines upward facing shoulder 135.
  • the width of groove 134 which is defined in terms of axial length along the axis of bonnet 104, is greater than or about equal to the axial length of housing lugs 118.
  • the diameter of groove back wall 139 is less than or about equal to the inner diameter defined by housing lugs 118.
  • Slots 141 are axial slots in the outer diameter of locking flange 125 that extend from top surface 127 to groove 134.
  • a plurality of slots 141 are spaced apart around the circumference of locking flange 125 to define bonnet lugs 142 therebetween.
  • the radial depth of each slot 141 is typically less than or equal to the radial depth of groove 134, but can be greater than the radial depth of groove 134.
  • the circumferential arc length of each slot 141 is approximately equal to or greater than the circumferential arc length of housing lugs 118. Housing lugs 118, thus, are able to pass axially through slots 141.
  • housing lugs 118 After passing through slots 141, housing lugs 118 are positioned in groove 134 below bonnet lugs 142, but not axially aligned with bonnet lugs 142, in a released position. Housing lugs 118 contact shoulder 135, thus stopping further downward movement of housing 112 relative to bonnet 104. Because housing lugs 118 are axially below bonnet lugs 142, housing 112 can rotate relative to bonnet 104. When housing 112 rotates, relative to bonnet 104, to a position wherein bonnet lugs 142 are axially above housing lugs 118, housing 112 is in a locked position. In the locked position, bonnet lugs 142 prevent upward axial movement of housing lugs 118.
  • housing 112 In embodiments, less than one revolution of housing 112 is required to move housing 112 from the released to the locked position. In certain embodiments, housing 112 can move as little as 1 ⁇ 2, 1/3, 1 ⁇ 4, 1/6, 1/8, 1/10, or 1/16, of a revolution, depending on the size and number of lugs, to move from the released to the locked position. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, no fluid from valve 102 is in the vicinity of bonnet lugs 142 and housing lugs 118 and, thus, there can be an absence of seals between the lower end of housing 112 and the upper end of bonnet 104.
  • a rotational lock 144 can prevent rotation of housing 112, relative to bonnet 104, when housing 112 is in the locked position.
  • Rotational lock 144 includes latch body 146 having one or more latch tabs 148 protruding inward therefrom when latch body is positioned in latch aperture 150.
  • Latch aperture 150 is an opening through the sidewall of housing 112. In embodiments, no seals are required at aperture 150 because there is an absence of pressurized fluid in housing 112 proximate to aperture 150.
  • Latch body 146 is pivotally connected to housing 112 by pin 152, which passes through a lateral bore, or cross-drilled hole, of body 112. Latch body 146 pivots on pin 152 between an unlatched position and a latched position.
  • Detent 153 is a spring loaded plunger that protrudes from one or both sides of latch body 146. Detent 153 engages lateral bore 154 of body 112 to selectively prevent latch body
  • latch body 146 from pivoting relative to housing 112.
  • detent 153 contacts an outer diameter surface of housing 112 to prevent latch body 146 from pivoting inward to the latched position.
  • other mechanisms can be used to hold latch body 146 in place.
  • Latch tab 148 also includes tab sidewalls 149. Latch tab 148 is positioned in housing 112 slightly above housing lugs 118, such that at least a portion of latch tab 148 is in the same axial location as bonnet lugs 142 when housing 112 is landed on bonnet 104.
  • a spring (not shown) can bias latch body 146 radially inward.
  • An edge of bottom 156 can have a taper to facilitate such deflection.
  • latch tab 148 With latch tab 148 positioned radially outward from housing 112, in the unlatched position, housing lugs 118 land on shoulder 135 and housing 112 is rotated to the locked position.
  • Detent 153 holds latch tab 148 in the radially outward, unlatched position.
  • An operator then depresses detent 153 to allow latch tab 148 to pivot inward to the latched position.
  • latch tab 148 pivots to a position where detent 153 is aligned with lateral bore 154, a portion of detent 153 is urged by the internal spring (not shown) into lateral bore 154.
  • latch tab 148 engages lateral bore 154 to hold latch tab 148 in the latched position and thus prevent latch tab 148 from moving to the unlatched position.
  • latch tab sidewalls 149 engage the sidewalls 161 of bonnet lugs 142, thus preventing further rotation of housing 112 in either direction relative to bonnet 104.
  • the outer surface 163 of latch tab 148 can be contoured with a radius that generally matches the outer diameter profile of housing 112. Alternatively, the outer surface 163 of latch tab 148 can be planar.
  • Other types of rotational lock 144 can be used. For example, a pin (not shown) can be inserted through an aperture (not shown) of housing 112 into a bore (not shown) of bonnet 104.
  • a cap end of housing 112 is at the opposite end of housing 112, from connector 1 15.
  • a flange 120 is located at the cap end of housing 112.
  • Flange 120 flares outward from housing 112.
  • Flange 120 has an upward facing surface 122, which is a smooth surface for forming a seal.
  • a plurality of bolt holes 126 are spaced part around flange 120.
  • Cap 130 is connected to housing 112.
  • Cap 130 is an annular plate having an outer diameter approximately equal to the outer diameter of flange 120.
  • Sealing surface 132 is a generally smooth, downward facing surface of cap 130 that aligns with upward facing surface 122 of flange 120.
  • a plurality of bolt holes 136 are spaced apart around cap 130 to align with bolt holes 126.
  • Cap bolts 138 are passed through bolt holes 136 and bolt holes 126 and are secured with nuts.
  • Other configurations can be used to secure cap 130 to housing 112, such as bolts that are inserted through bolt holes 136 to threadingly engage bolt holes 126 to secure cap 130 to housing 112 (not shown), bolts that are inserted through bolt holes 126 to threadingly engage bolt holes 136 (not shown), clamps (not shown), or collars (not shown).
  • Inlet 140 is an orifice through cap 130 and is spaced inwardly from sealing surface 132.
  • Inlet 140 is connected to a pressurized media fluid source (not shown) that can selectively provide pressurized media fluid through inlet 140.
  • Pressurized media is typically a fluid such as compressed air, nitrogen, well gas, or other types of gas or liquid.
  • additional orifices can be used and can be connected to tubing or pressure relief devices.
  • Plate 160 is an annular plate positioned in housing 112. Plate 160 is generally perpendicular to the axis 159 of housing 112. Plate 160 can span the inner diameter of housing 112 and slidingly or sealingly engage the inner diameter surface of housing 112. Plate 160 includes a central bore 162. Alternatively, plate 160 can span a portion of the inner diameter of housing 112 but not extend to the inner diameter surface of housing 112. The upward facing surface of plate 160 is the pressure side of plate 160.
  • the surface of plate 160 can have a contour such that the radially outward portions are axially below the radially inward portions, or such that the radially outward portions are axially above the radially inward portions (not shown). In other embodiments, the surface of plate 160 can be flat.
  • plate 160 has an upward facing convex surface and an upward facing concave surface.
  • the concave surface can be spaced radially outward from the convex surface or alternatively, radially inward from the convex surface.
  • plate 160 can have a generally flat surface or can have a combination of contoured convex, concave, or flat portions.
  • Plate 160 can be a single, monolithic plate, or, as shown in Figures 1 and 3, can include hub 164 and outer plate 166.
  • Hub 164 includes central bore 162, having ID threads on the ID surface.
  • Hub 164 also includes a sealing surface on an ID of central bore 162.
  • the outer diameter of hub 164 includes outer diameter (“OD”) threads and an OD sealing surface.
  • Outer plate 166 is an annular ring that connects to hub 164, such that plate 160 includes outer plate 166 and hub 164.
  • the upper surface of outer plate 166 slopes downward and outward, with a generally convex shape, and then extends horizontally to ID surface 114. In other embodiments, the upper surface of outer plate 166 can slope upward and outward before extending horizontally to ID surface 114, or can be a flat surface, or can have an alternative shape of a combination sloped and flat portions.
  • the ID bore of outer plate 166 includes ID threads for threadingly engaging the OD threads of hub 164.
  • An annular seal can form a seal between outer plate 166 and hub 164.
  • Sidewall seal 186 is positioned in groove 188 located on an outer diameter of outer plate 166, and thus is located on an outer diameter of plate 160. Sidewall seal 186 sealingly engages ID surface 114 of housing 112 to provide a dynamic seal between ID surface 114 and plate 160.
  • a wear ring (not shown in Figure 1) can be positioned in groove 188. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, a wear ring will reduce the friction between the outer diameter of plate 160 and ID surface 114 of housing 112. The wear ring (not shown in Figure 1) does not have the same sealing properties as sidewall seal 186.
  • Seal nut 194 is detachably connected to the center of plate 160.
  • Seal nut 194 includes a cylindrical body 196. Threads 198 are on an outer diameter of body 196, and threadingly engage the ID threads of hub 164.
  • Seal nut 194 includes a seal 200, positioned in a seal groove 202 on an OD surface of body 196 axially above threads 198, to sealingly engage central bore 162 of hub 164.
  • Upper body 204 is a cylindrical portion of seal nut 194 on the end opposite of threads 198.
  • Upper body 204 has an end surface 203. End surface 203 can be proximate to or engage an inner surface 131 of cap 130 when plate 160 is in an upper position. Inner surface 131 is circumscribed by ID surface 114 of actuator housing 112.
  • a radial groove 205 can be located on an outer diameter of upper body 204.
  • Shoulder 206 is a shoulder that extends radially from an outer diameter of body 196 of seal nut 194. Shoulder 206 is located axially above seal groove 202. The outer diameter of shoulder 206 is greater than the inner diameter of bore 162 so that shoulder 206 radially overlaps a portion of the upward facing surface of plate 160.
  • Shoulder 206 includes downward facing surface 208, which faces towards plate 160 when seal nut 194 is installed in plate 160. Lip 210 protrudes axially downward from surface 208, near the edge of shoulder 206.
  • an orifice can be located in the center of cap 130.
  • the orifice (not shown) can be plugged with a relief device (not shown) to prevent pressurized media from escaping through the orifice (not shown).
  • a relief device not shown
  • an indicator stem housing can be inserted into the orifice (not shown) in cap 130.
  • An indicator stem can be connected to plate 160 such as, for example, by connecting a stem (not shown) to seal nut 140 by way of groove 205.
  • the indicator stem housing (not shown) can slidingly and sealingly engage the stem (not shown).
  • Diaphragm 238 is a flexible diaphragm extending at least from ID surface 114 to seal nut 194. As shown in Figure 1, diaphragm 238 is positioned between sealing surface 132 of cap 130 and surface 122 of flange 120. In one design, bolt hole openings can be spaced apart around diaphragm 238, in alignment with cap bolts 138, so that cap bolts 138 pass through diaphragm 238 when it is positioned between cap 130 and flange 120. Cap bolts 138 are torqued to urge each sealing surface toward diaphragm 238. Diaphragm 238, thus, acts as a seal by sealingly engaging each of the sealing surfaces 132, 122. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, the diaphragm 238 can have a protruding lip that engages a sealing groove in flange 120 to hold diaphragm 238 in place
  • An inner diameter orifice is located at the center of diaphragm 238.
  • the lower portion of seal nut 194 passes through that orifice to engage the threads of central bore 162 and down stop 244.
  • the surfaces of diaphragm 238 are positioned between shoulder 206 of seal nut 194 and plate 160.
  • an upward facing surface of hub 164 sealingly engages a lower surface of diaphragm 238, and the downward facing surface 208 of shoulder 206 sealingly engages an upper surface of diaphragm 238.
  • seal nut 194 is tightened toward plate 160, diaphragm 238 is compressed between them plate 160 and shoulder 206.
  • Lip 210 is pressed into diaphragm 238 to further engage diaphragm 238 and resist radial movement of diaphragm 238 relative to plate 160.
  • pressure chamber 190 is defined by diaphragm 238 and cap 130.
  • diaphragm 238 is fully supported by plate 160 and housing 112.
  • a solid member is in contact with substantially all of diaphragm 238 such that the solid members prevent diaphragm 238 from ballooning outward in response to pressure media.
  • Plate 160 supports the underside of diaphragm 238 across the entire inner diameter of housing 112 over both the convex and concave surfaces of plate 160.
  • the ID surface 1 14 of housing 112 supports the sides of diaphragm 238.
  • diaphragm 238 The portion of diaphragm 238 that is inward from ID surface 114 is supported by plate 160. Because diaphragm 238 is fully supported, it can withstand higher pressure in pressure chamber 190 than an unsupported diaphragm could withstand. This embodiment can therefore have an actuator operating pressure higher than conventional unsupported diaphragms, which may be limited to 150 psig. Furthermore, diaphragm 238 can have an absence of fiber reinforcement and can be thinner than a conventional diaphragm.
  • actuator 100 can be assembled without diaphragm 238.
  • the dual nature of the assembly allows operators to run the actuator as a piston actuator without maintaining a second set of valves and parts.
  • a seal ring (not shown) is positioned between housing 112 and cap 130.
  • Sidewall seal 186 of outer plate 166 forms a seal against ID surface 114, thus defining a pressure chamber without the use of a diaphragm.
  • Plate 160 can be a monolithic plate, or can be an assembly of hub 164 and annular outer plate 166. As with other configurations, pressure media through inlet 140 urges plate 160 downward, thus causing valve stem 106 to move downward.
  • Down stop 244 is a cylindrical member for transmitting axial force between plate 160 and valve stem 106.
  • Down stop 244 includes cylindrical body 246 and shoulder 248 extending therefrom. The upward facing surface of shoulder 248 contacts the downward facing surface of plate 160.
  • Nipple 250 extends axially from the upper end of down stop 244. When actuator 100 is assembled, nipple 250 is positioned in bore 218, thus concentrically aligning both members.
  • the lower end of down stop 244 includes threaded bore 252, which has threads on an ID surface, for threadingly engaging a threaded end of valve stem 106.
  • the connection between down stop 244 and valve stem 106 can be any of various types of connections and is not limited to threaded connections.
  • the outer diameter of the lower end of down stop 244 includes threaded collar 254 and can include any number of spacer rings 256.
  • Threaded collar 254 contacts another member, such as packing retainer 108, located at the lower end of housing 112, to stop the further downward travel of down stop 244.
  • Threaded collar 254 is adjusted so that it stops downward movement, and thus valve stem 106, at the appropriate position to completely open or completely close valve 102.
  • Spacer rings 256 can be added or removed so that an opening of the gate (not shown) of gate valve 102 is properly aligned with a passage (not shown) of gate valve 102.
  • a set screw can be used to hold threaded collar 254 in position.
  • Spring 262 surrounds down stop 244 and at least a portion of valve stem 106, and generally extends from the top of bonnet 104 to the downward facing surface of shoulder 248. Spring 262 is compressed as plate 160 moves from the upper position to the lower position. When fluid pressure from inlet 140 is reduced, spring 262 urges plate 160 up, away from valve 102. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, fluid force within valve 102 can act on valve stem 106 inside of valve 102 to urge valve stem 106 upward. Spring 262 and the upward force on the valve stem 106 can work together or independently to move plate 160 up.
  • indicator assembly 800 indicates the position of plate 160.
  • Indicator housing 802 is a cylindrical housing positioned in indicator orifice 804.
  • Indicator orifice 804 is an opening in a downward facing surface of actuator housing 112, axially below a portion of plate 160.
  • Indicator housing 802 has a generally cylindrical shape with a connector 806, such as threads, on an outer diameter surface.
  • Connector 806 is positioned in and connected to orifice 804.
  • Indicator housing 802 also includes a cylindrical bore therethrough, defined by ID 808.
  • Shoulder 810 is an annular shoulder at the lower end of indicator housing 802, defining an inner diameter that is smaller than the ID 808.
  • Indicator stem 812 is a cylindrical shaft protruding from the orifice defined by shoulder 810.
  • Rib 814 is an annular shoulder protruding from the outer diameter of indicator stem 812.
  • Rib 814 has an outer diameter that is about the same or slightly less than the inner diameter of ID 808, but is greater than the inner diameter of the orifice defined by shoulder 810.
  • the portion of indicator stem 812 above rib 814 is defined as connector end 816.
  • Connector end 816 can be smooth, have threads, or have other features to facilitate connection to another member.
  • Indicator shaft 818 is a cylindrical shaft extending from indicator stem 812 to a downward facing surface 820 of plate 160. Downward facing surface 820 is part of an indicator side of plate 160 that is opposite the pressure side of plate 160 and faces the valve end of housing 112. Indicator shaft 818 can have a coupling 822 for connecting to connector end 816 of indicator stem 812. Coupling 822 can be, for example, a cylindrical bore or a threaded connector. The upper end of indicator shaft 818 can be in contact with surface 820 of plate 160, but is not connected to surface 820 of plate 160 ( Figure 1-2). While the plate 160 is in the upper position, the upper end of indicator shaft 818 is below plate 160 and not touching plate 160 ( Figure 3).
  • Spring 824 is a spring in ID 808 that is concentric with a portion of indicator stem 812. The lower end of spring 824 is in contact with shoulder 810. The upper end of spring 824 is in contact with rib 814. Spring 824, thus, urges indicator stem 812 upward, which in turn urges indicator shaft 818 upward. Stem 812 and shaft 818 move upward until shaft 818 contacts downward facing surface 820. When actuator 100 is actuated and plate 160 moves from the upper position to the lower position, indicator stem 812 is urged downward by way of indicator shaft 818.
  • Indicator stem 812 moves between a plate-up position and a plate-down position, with indicator stem 812 protruding further from housing 102 in the plate-down position than in the plate-up position.
  • spring 824 urges indicator stem 812 upward, to the extent permitted by indicator shaft 818 in contact with plate 160, so that indicator stem 812 moves to the plate-up position as plate 160 moves to the upper position.
  • each indicator shaft 818 and indicator stem 812 can be preselected so that the end indicator stem 812 is flush with or protrudes slightly below shoulder 810 in the plate-up position, and so that rib 814 does not contact shoulder 810 when indicator stem 812 is in the plate down position.
  • Embodiments can include a rotational lock 144 that prevents rotation of housing 102 relative to bonnet 104 or is otherwise used to maintain the connection between housing 102 and bonnet 104.
  • a portion of indicator stem 812 can be located radially outward from and axially aligned with rotational lock 144 when indicator stem 812 is in the plate-down position, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Therefore, in the plate-down position, indicator stem 812 prevents rotational lock 144 from moving to an unlatched position.
  • Latch body 146 ( Figure 5) would bump into indicator stem 812 when pivoting outward, preventing latch body 146 from being in an unlatched position.
  • indicator stem 812 obstructs access to rotational lock 144 in the plate-down position. In the plate-up position, indicator stem 812 does not prevent access to or obstruct rotational lock 144.
  • indicator stem 812 When indicator stem 812 is in the plate -up position, as shown in Figure 3, the end of indicator stem 812 is axially above rotational lock 144. Therefore, indicator stem 812 can be used to prevent or deter unlatching rotational lock 144 when plate 160 is in a down position.
  • orifice 804 is through a lower end of housing 102, orifice 804 is spaced apart from, and not in communication with, pressure chamber 190.
  • the lower end of housing 102, below plate 160 can, for example, be at atmospheric pressure and can have ports (not shown) to expel air below the diaphragm 238 as the diaphragm moves downwards. Therefore, indicator stem 812 does not create a leak path wherein pressure media can escape from pressure chamber 190. Indeed, in embodiments having a diaphragm 238, there are no dynamic seals required to retain pressure in pressure chamber 190. Rather, each of the seals is a static seal.
  • the seal or seals between the piston and housing 102 is the only dynamic seal.
  • the reduction in number of dynamic seals, or the elimination of dynamic seals, to retain pressure media in pressure chamber 190 means that leaks are less likely to occur.
  • diaphragm 238 is pressed between, and sealingly engages, surface 208 and plate 160, thus preventing pressurized media from leaking therebetween.
  • shoulder 206 and diaphragm 238, or an annular seal (not shown) between diaphragm 238 and plate 160 form a seal and, thus, prevent pressurized media from contacting central bore 162 of plate 160.
  • no seal is required between seal nut 194 and bore 162.
  • a seal is used between seal nut 194 and bore 162
  • such a seal will be redundant to the seal between seal nut 194 and diaphragm 238.
  • Pressurized media is introduced through inlet 140 into pressure chamber 190.
  • the pressurized media exerts downward force on diaphragm 238 and plate 160, which urges plate 160, down stop 244, and valve stem 106 downward to actuate valve 102.
  • plate 160 moves downward from the upper position position ( Figure 3) to the lower position ( Figure 1), it urges indicator shaft 818 downward.
  • Indicator stem 812 being connected to indicator shaft 818, is thus urged from the plate-up position ( Figure 3) downward to the plate-down position ( Figure 1) such that more of indicator stem 812 protrudes through orifice 804 in the plate-down position.
  • stem 812 From the exterior of actuator 100, the extension and retraction of stem 812 provides a visual indication of the position of plate 160 and, thus, the state of valve 102.
  • plate 160 moves from the plate-down position back to the plate -up position.
  • spring 824 urges stem 812 upward.
  • one or more indicator assemblies 800 can be spaced apart around housing 1 12.
  • all or a portion of stem 812 can be pushed upward to urge plate 160 upward.
  • indicator shaft 818 can be connected to plate 160 such that pulling downward on indicator shaft 818 urges plate 160 downward.
  • Stem 812 can be configured to be urged downward by an operator such as, for example, by use of jack screws or a connection point to which a tool can be attached.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Fluid-Driven Valves (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil permettant d'actionner une vanne et comprenant un corps présentant un axe, une extrémité de vanne, une extrémité capuchon et une paroi latérale cylindrique définissant une surface de diamètre interne du corps. Un capuchon est raccordé à l'extrémité du corps. Un orifice d'admission est situé dans le capuchon et le corps. Une plaque est positionnée à l'intérieur du corps et présente un diamètre externe qui vient en contact par glissement contre la surface de diamètre interne du corps. La plaque se déplace entre une position étendue et une position rétractée en réaction au milieu de pression provenant de l'orifice d'admission. Un dispositif d'arrêt aval est en contact avec la plaque. Un écrou d'étanchéité présente une première extrémité en contact avec le dispositif d'arrêt aval. L'écrou d'étanchéité présente une seconde extrémité pourvue d'une surface d'extrémité, cette dernière étant espacée du capuchon lorsque la plaque est en position étendue.
PCT/US2013/077392 2012-11-16 2013-12-23 Actionneur de tige sans élévation WO2014078877A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CN201380070678.0A CN105008781B (zh) 2012-12-31 2013-12-23 非升杆促动器
CA2896730A CA2896730C (fr) 2012-12-31 2013-12-23 Actionneur de tige sans elevation
AU2013344362A AU2013344362B2 (en) 2012-12-31 2013-12-23 Non-rising stem actuator
SG11201505184YA SG11201505184YA (fr) 2012-11-16 2013-12-23
MX2015008574A MX2015008574A (es) 2012-12-31 2013-12-23 Accionador de vastago que no se levanta.
BR112015015761A BR112015015761A2 (pt) 2012-12-31 2013-12-23 aparelho para atuar uma válvula

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US13/679,553 2012-11-16
US13/679,553 US8998166B2 (en) 2012-11-16 2012-11-16 Combination diaphragm piston actuator
US201261747753P 2012-12-31 2012-12-31
US201261747479P 2012-12-31 2012-12-31
US61/747,479 2012-12-31
US61/747,753 2012-12-31
US13/832,884 2013-03-15
US13/832,884 US9212758B2 (en) 2012-12-31 2013-03-15 Quick connect valve actuator
US14/107,589 2013-12-16
US14/107,589 US8991420B2 (en) 2012-11-16 2013-12-16 Non-rising stem actuator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2014078877A1 true WO2014078877A1 (fr) 2014-05-22

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2013/077392 WO2014078877A1 (fr) 2012-11-16 2013-12-23 Actionneur de tige sans élévation

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2014078877A1 (fr)

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3146682A (en) * 1962-04-20 1964-09-01 Bendix Corp Fluid pressure motor construction
US3380470A (en) * 1965-11-30 1968-04-30 Texsteam Corp Flow regulator with radially expanding elastomeric block
GB2022704A (en) * 1978-06-12 1979-12-19 Midland Ross Corp Cylinder and piston assembly with piston over-tavel indicator
US4489756A (en) * 1980-07-26 1984-12-25 Schubert & Salzer Sliding gate fluid control valve
EP0416966A2 (fr) * 1989-09-05 1991-03-13 Alliedsignal Europe Services Techniques Servomoteur pneumatique
EP0486824A1 (fr) * 1990-11-20 1992-05-27 Knorr-Bremse Ag Servomoteur combiné pour frein de service et frein à ressort accumulé pour véhicules
GB2303199A (en) * 1995-07-12 1997-02-12 L B Bentley Limited Valve assemblies
US6397892B1 (en) * 2000-08-29 2002-06-04 Enron Machine & Mechnical Services, Inc. Multi-stage unloader
US20070290154A1 (en) * 2006-06-20 2007-12-20 Ckd Corporation Air-operated valve
US20120227983A1 (en) * 2010-08-04 2012-09-13 David Lymberopoulos Safety valve control system and method of use

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3146682A (en) * 1962-04-20 1964-09-01 Bendix Corp Fluid pressure motor construction
US3380470A (en) * 1965-11-30 1968-04-30 Texsteam Corp Flow regulator with radially expanding elastomeric block
GB2022704A (en) * 1978-06-12 1979-12-19 Midland Ross Corp Cylinder and piston assembly with piston over-tavel indicator
US4489756A (en) * 1980-07-26 1984-12-25 Schubert & Salzer Sliding gate fluid control valve
EP0416966A2 (fr) * 1989-09-05 1991-03-13 Alliedsignal Europe Services Techniques Servomoteur pneumatique
EP0486824A1 (fr) * 1990-11-20 1992-05-27 Knorr-Bremse Ag Servomoteur combiné pour frein de service et frein à ressort accumulé pour véhicules
GB2303199A (en) * 1995-07-12 1997-02-12 L B Bentley Limited Valve assemblies
US6397892B1 (en) * 2000-08-29 2002-06-04 Enron Machine & Mechnical Services, Inc. Multi-stage unloader
US20070290154A1 (en) * 2006-06-20 2007-12-20 Ckd Corporation Air-operated valve
US20120227983A1 (en) * 2010-08-04 2012-09-13 David Lymberopoulos Safety valve control system and method of use

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