Patent ID: 6892748
Filing Date: 2005-05-17
Classification: F16K,Y10T

Abstract:
1. For use with a plug valve adapted to control the flow of a fluid between a first confined space and a second confined space having an opening that provides for fluid communication between the first confined space and the second confined space, the plug valve including (a) a first section that alternatively closes off flow of the fluid and allows flow of the fluid between the first confined space and the second confined space through the opening in the second confined space when the plug valve is actuated to close off the flow or allow the flow, respectively, (b) a second section that is mounted in an opening in a wall that defines the first confined space at least in part and (c) an intermediate section that connects the first section and the second section of the plug valve and includes one or more moving components that are exposed to the fluid in the first confined space and move in the direction of the opening in the wall in which the second section of the plug valve is mounted when the plug valve is actuated to either close off or allow the flow of fluid between the first and second confined spaces, the improvement comprising: a shield for the plug valve, the shield extending between a first end located toward the first section of the plug valve and a second end located adjacent the second section of the plug valve and the opening in the wall in which the second section of the plug valve is mounted and enclosing at least a portion of the intermediate section of the plug valve in a spaced relationship so as to establish a space therebetween in which the moving components of the intermediate section of the plug valve move, the shield preventing the accumulation of at least some of the debris in the space between the shield and the intermediate section of the plug valve.