Abstract:
A valve body defines a fluid passage and a valve sealing body is positioned there. The valve sealing body is operable between open and closed positions which allow for fluid-flow and non-flow, respectively. The valve stem has a free end and an engagement end where the engagement end engages the valve sealing body so that rotation of the valve stem operates the valve sealing body between the open and closed positions. A measurement passage is defined through the valve stem from the free end to the engagement end. The measurement passage is in fluid communication with the fluid passage when the valve sealing body is in the open position, and at least one sealing member is positioned within the measurement passage.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to valve assemblies and more particularly to ports for determining process conditions such as temperature and pressure within the valve assemblies. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Valves are well known in the art as a way of regulating fluid flow. Different valves, such as ball valves, gate valves or globe valves, may be utilized depending on the desired fluid dynamics and the specific application. Use of valves often requires different measurements of the fluid in order to maintain the proper internal conditions, for example pressure and temperature. These measurements are typically made at dedicated test openings along the valve body usually before or after the sealing portion of the valve. U.S. Pat. No. RE37,617 E, incorporated herein by reference, describes a pair of test port openings on the inlet side of a ball valve. However, these dedicated test openings require extra machining of the part and a lengthening of the overall assembly which increases the cost and complexity of the assembly. Furthermore, with an increased number of openings there is an increased likelihood of other undesired results including a higher potential for leakage and pressure failure of the assembly. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention is embodied in a valve assembly with an integrated port defined through the valve stem assembly in order to easily determine conditions of the fluid flowing through the valve. 
         [0004]    In at least one exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a valve body defining a fluid passage with a valve sealing body positioned therein. The valve sealing body is operable between open and closed positions which allow for fluid-flow and non-flow, respectively. The valve stem has a free end and an engagement end where the engagement end engages the valve sealing body so that rotation of the valve stem operates the valve sealing body between the open and closed positions. A measurement passage is defined through the valve stem from the free end to the engagement end. The measurement passage is in fluid communication with the fluid passage when the valve sealing body is in the open position, and at least one sealing member is positioned within the measurement passage. 
         [0005]    In at least one exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a valve stem assembly comprising a valve stem body having a free end and an engagement end with the engagement end configured to engage a valve sealing body within a valve body such that rotation of the valve stem body relative to the valve body operates the valve sealing body. A measurement passage is defined through the valve stem body from the free end to the engagement end. At least one sealing member is positioned within the measurement passage. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0006]      FIG. 1  is a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention. 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 1  with the valve stem assembly exploded from the valve assembly body. 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a cross sectional view along the line  3 - 3  in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is an exploded isometric view of an exemplary valve stem assembly of the present invention. 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is an isometric view of the valve stem assembly of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is a cross sectional view along the line  6 - 6  in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is an exploded isometric view of the valve stem assembly and the valve ball of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 7  and illustrating the valve stem assembly engaged with the valve ball. 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is an isometric view similar to  FIG. 8  in partial section. 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a cross sectional view, similar to  FIG. 3 , illustrating the valve assembly in a closed position. 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a cross sectional view, similar to  FIG. 3 , illustrating the valve assembly in an open position with a test probe positioned relative to the valve stem assembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is an exploded isometric view of an alternative exemplary valve stem assembly of the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a cross sectional view, similar to  FIG. 6 , of the valve stem assembly of  FIG. 12 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is a front view, in partial section, of an alternative exemplary embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a front view, in partial section, of another alternative exemplary embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 1  is a front view, in partial section, of yet another alternative exemplary embodiment of the valve assembly of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0022]    Although the invention is illustrated and described herein with reference to specific embodiments, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details shown. Rather, various modifications may be made in the details within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims and without departing from the invention. 
         [0023]    Certain terminology is used in the following description for convenience only and is not limiting. The words “forward” and “rear” refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the valve assembly and designated parts thereof. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof and words of similar import. 
         [0024]    Referring now to the drawings, a valve assembly  10  that is an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described. Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , the valve assembly  10  generally comprises a valve body  12  with an inlet end  14  and an outlet end  16  and a flow path  15  therebetween. The inlet and outlet ends  14  and  16  may be provided with various connectors, for example, internally or externally threaded connectors or smooth connectors. The outlet end  16  is illustrated with a threaded connection to an outlet pipe  18 , however, the invention is not limited to the type of connectors at the inlet and outlet thereof. Additionally, the illustrated embodiment of the valve assembly  10  includes a balancing valve assembly  28  provided along the flow path  15 , however, such is not required. The various components illustrate that the present invention may be utilized with valve assemblies of varying types and configurations. 
         [0025]    A flow control quarter-turn ball valve  100  is rotatably mounted in a ball valve chamber  23  in the valve body  12  on a pair of ball seals  102  and  103  which are retained between a retaining member  104  and a shoulder  106 . While ball seals are illustrated in the current embodiment, any of various types of seals may be provided for the ball valve. The flow control quarter-turn ball valve  100  is rotatably mounted about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the valve body  12 . The valve ball  100  includes a main through passage  108  extending therethrough. The valve ball  100  is controllable within the valve ball chamber  23  between an open position wherein the main through passage  108  is parallel to the fluid path  15  (see  FIG. 3 ), a closed position wherein the main through passage  108  is substantially perpendicular to the fluid path  15  (see  FIG. 10 ), and any desired position therebetween. 
         [0026]    As shown in  FIG. 3 , the valve body  12  is provided with a transverse, outwardly extended integral hub  20  which is positioned centrally relative to the ball valve chamber  23 . The hub  20  is provided with a stepped internal bore  22  which is in communication with the ball valve chamber  23 . A valve stem assembly  40  is positioned in the internal bore  22  of the hub  20  and engages the ball valve  100  for controlled operation thereof. The structure and operation of the ball valve  100  will be described in more detail hereinafter. The internal bore  22  defines a seat  25  configured to support the valve stem assembly  40  as described below. 
         [0027]    An exemplary valve stem assembly  40  will now be described with reference to  FIGS. 4-6 . The valve stem assembly  40  generally includes a cylindrical body  42  extending between a forward end  41  and a rear end  43 . While the illustrated body  42  is cylindrical, the invention is not limited to such and the body  42  may have other configurations. A stepped bore  45  extends through the body  42  from the rear end  43  to the forward end  41 . The rear end  43  includes an opening  55  into the stepped bore  45 . The forward end  41  includes an engagement portion  46  through which the stepped bore  45  extends. 
         [0028]    The valve stem body  42  extends radially outward adjacent the engagement portion  46  to define a shoulder  50 . An annular groove  52  extends about the body  42  adjacent the shoulder  50  and is configured to receive an o-ring seal  53 . Above the annular groove  52  is an annular locking seat  51 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the valve stem assembly  40  is positioned in the internal bore  22  of the hub  20 , the shoulder  50  sits upon the seat  25  and the o-ring seal  53  seals against the inside surface of the internal bore  22 . A snap ring  90  is positioned about the stem valve body  42  and is configured to snap fittingly engage an internal annular groove  27  within the hub  20 . With the snap ring  90  engaged in the annular groove  27 , the snap ring  90  engages the annular locking shoulder  51  and thereby locks the valve stem assembly  40  within the hub internal bore  22 . Other mechanisms for retaining the valve stem assembly  40  may also be utilized. For example, in the alternative exemplary valve stem assembly  40 ′ illustrated in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the valve stem body  42 ′ has a generally uniform diameter except for the retaining shoulder  69  extending outward therefrom. The retaining shoulder  69  is configured to be engaged by a locking nut (not shown) threadably engaged within the hub internal bore  22 . 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  5 , the rear end  43  of the valve stem body  42  includes opposed flat handle sides  47  which define opposed shoulders  57  configured to support a handle  30  on the rear end  43  of the valve stem body  42 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the handle  30  of the present embodiment includes a central portion  32  with a through hole  37  and outwardly extending handle bar portions  34 . The central portion  32  is positioned on the valve stem body  42  such that it is supported by the opposed shoulders  57 . A snap ring  38  is positioned about the valve stem body  42  and is retained in an external annular groove  44  to retain the handle  30  on the valve stem body  42 . The through hole  37  is formed with opposed flat portions  39  configured to align with the flat handle sides  47  of the valve body  42  such that rotation of the handle  30  will cause the flat portions  39  to engage the flat handle sides  47  and thereby rotate the valve stem body  42 . Rotation of the valve stem body  42  controls the position of the ball valve  100  as will be described hereinafter. A pair of stop members  33  and  35  preferably depend from central portion  32  and are configured to engage external stops  24  (only one shown) on the hub  20  to limit rotation of the handle  30 , and thereby the valve stem body  42 , relative to the valve body hub  20 . While a mechanical handle is illustrated, other means, for example, an electromechanical actuator, may alternatively be utilized. 
         [0030]    Referring to FIGS.  3  and  7 - 9 , engagement of the engagement portion  46  of the valve stem body  42  with the valve ball  100  of the present embodiment will be described. The valve ball  100  includes a secondary passage  110  extending perpendicular to the main through passage  108 . The secondary passage  110  extends from the main through passage  108  to an engagement slot  112  on the external surface of the valve ball  100 . The engagement slot  112  has a generally rectangular shape with opposed flat wall surfaces  114 . The engagement portion  46  of the valve stem body  42  has corresponding opposed flat wall surfaces  48  configured to engage the engagement slot flat wall surfaces  114 . Slots  49  preferably extend between the opposed flat wall surfaces  48  such that the engagement portion  46  may compress slightly during engagement to provide a compression fit between the valve stem engagement portion  46  and the valve ball engagement slot  112 . The orientation of the opposed flat wall surfaces  48  relative to the flat handle sides  47  is controlled such that the orientation of the handle  30  will dictate the position of the ball valve  100  in a controlled manner. In the illustrated embodiment, the surfaces  47  and  48  are offset by 90° such that the ball valve  100  is in the open position when the handle  30  extends parallel to the flow path  15  and is in the closed position when the handle  30  extends perpendicular to the flow path  15 . Other orientations and configurations are also possible. 
         [0031]    As illustrated in  FIG. 9 , when the valve stem body  42  is engaged with the ball valve  100 , the secondary passage  110  is aligned with and in fluid communication with the valve stem stepped bore  45  such that a portion of the fluid passing through the main through passage  108  will also flow through the secondary passage  110  to the valve stem bore  45 . Controlled passage of fluid through valve stem bore  45  provides a test port through the valve stem assembly  40 . 
         [0032]    The internal configuration of the valve stem assembly  40  will be described with reference again to  FIGS. 3-6 . A pair of elastomeric members  60  and  64  are positioned in the bore  45 . Each elastomeric member  60 ,  64  has a tapered cylindrical shape with a larger counter sink bore  61 ,  65 , respectively, adjacent the larger end of the cylinder and a smaller counter sink bore  63 ,  67 , respectively, adjacent the smaller end of the cylinder. A generally closed through bore  62 ,  66 , respectively, extends between the respective counter sink bores  61 ,  63  and  65 ,  67 . The elastomeric members  60  and  64  may be made from any desired elastomeric material which generally returns to its original shape after pressure is removed therefrom. An illustrative material is ethylene-propylene-diene-monomer (“EPDM”). 
         [0033]    In the present embodiment, the elastomeric members  60 ,  64  are positioned opposite to one another such that both members  60 ,  64  narrow toward one another. However, as illustrated in the alternative exemplary valve stem assembly  40 ′ shown in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , the elastic members  60  and  64 ′ may be alternatively positioned. In valve stem assembly  40 ′, both elastic members  60  and  64 ′ are oriented such that their smaller end extends toward the forward end  41  of the valve stem body  42 ′. Other configurations and arrangements are also possible. For example, a single elastic member or more than two elastic members may be utilized. Additionally, the elastic member(s) may have any of various shapes other than the illustrated tapered shapes. 
         [0034]    The taper of the elastomeric members  60 ,  64  and the configuration of the counter sink bores  61 ,  63 ,  65 ,  67  facilitates expansion of the generally closed through bores  62 ,  66  during passage of a probe member or the like. In the normal, unpenetrated configuration illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the elastomeric members  60 ,  64  substantially seal and prevent the passage of fluid through bore  45 . 
         [0035]    An attachment member  70  extends through the open end  55  of the valve stem body  42  with a portion thereof positioned within the bore  45  in engagement with the elatastomeric member  64 . In the present embodiment, the attachment member has radial shoulder  74  configured to be engaged by a lip  54  of the valve stem body  42  to retain the attachment member  70 . To assemble the valve stem assembly  40 , the elastomeric members  60  and  64  are positioned within the stepped bore  45 , an o-ring seal  76  is placed about the forward end the attachment member  70 , the forward end is positioned within the stepped bore  45 , and the open end  55  of the valve stem body  42  is rolled or otherwise inwardly deformed to define the lip  54  which engages and retains the attachment member shoulder  74 . Other means of assembling the attachment member  70  to the valve stem body  42  may also be utilized, for example, the attachment member  70  may be threadably connected to the valve stem body  42 , welded thereto, soldered thereto, press fit therein, or otherwise secured. 
         [0036]    The attachment member  70  has a through bore  72  which is preferably coaxial with the elastomeric member through bores  62 ,  66 . As such, the attachment member through bore  72  and the elastomeric member through bores  62 ,  66  provide a sealed measurement passage for a test probe or the like to be passed through into communication with fluid which may be in the valve stem bore  45 . When not being utilized for testing, the through bore  72  is preferably covered by a removable cap  80  or the like. In the present embodiment, the external end of the attachment member  70  has a series of external threads  73  which facilitates threaded engagement with the cap  80 . Other engagement means, for example, a snap fit or the like, may also be utilized. An o-ring seal  82  is preferably positioned within the cap  80  to seal against the attachment member  70 . 
         [0037]    Having generally described the components of the exemplary valve assemblies  10  of the present invention, operation thereof will be described with reference to  FIGS. 3 ,  10  and  11 . Referring to  FIG. 10 , the valve assembly  10  is shown in a closed position. The ball valve  100  has been rotated by the handle  30 , via interaction of the handle  30  with the valve stem body  42  and corresponding interaction of the valve stem engagement portion  46  with the valve ball engagement slot  112 , to a position wherein the main through passage  108  is perpendicular to the fluid path  15 . Fluid flows in through the inlet, as indicated by arrow A, but is prevented from further flow by the contact of the valve ball  100  with the ball seal  102 . 
         [0038]    To open the ball valve  100 , as illustrated in  FIG. 3 and 11 , the handle  30  is rotated. Rotation of the handle  30  causes the handle flat portions  39  to contact the flat handle sides  47  on the valve stem body  42  which causes rotation of the valve stem body  42 . Rotation of the valve stem body  42  in turn causes rotation of the ball valve  100  via engagement of the engagement portion flat wall surfaces  48  with the engagement slot flat wall surfaces  114 . Referring to  FIG. 3 , when the ball valve  100  is in the open position, fluid is free to flow through the main through passage  108  to the valve exit  16 / 18 , as indicated by arrow B. At the same time, a portion of the fluid passing through the main through passage  108  also passes through secondary passage  110  into the valve stem bore  45 , as indicated by arrow C. The fluid is prevented from free passage through valve stem bore  45  by the elastomeric members  60  and  64 . The valve assembly  10  may be operated in a normal manner to control fluid flow through the valve assembly  10 . 
         [0039]    If it is desired to measure a characteristic of fluid passing through the valve assembly  10 , the valve stem assembly cap  80  is removed from the attachment member  70  and a testing instrument  150  is attached thereto, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 . The testing instrument  150  may be of any conventional type. The illustrated testing instrument  150  includes a connector  152  configured to be releasably connected to the external end of the attachment member  70 . In the present embodiment, the connector  152  has internal threads configured to engage the external threads  73  on the attachment member  70 . Other connection means may also be utilized. The testing instrument  150  further includes a body  154  connected to the connector  152  and configured to provide an external port  155 . A hollow probe or needle  157  extends from a forward end of the body  154  such that connection of the testing instrument  150  to the attachment member  70  causes the probe or needle  157  to penetrate and extend through the elastomeric member through bores  66  and  62 . The hollow probe or needle  157  extends through both elastomeric members  64  and  60  such that its forward end establishes a fluid communication with the valve stem bore  45 . As such, fluid is free to flow through the secondary passage  110 , the valve stem bore  45 , the probe or needle  157  and to external port  155 , as indicated by arrow D. The fluid characteristics may be measured or otherwise tested through the external port  155  utilizing known equipment. 
         [0040]    While the previous exemplary embodiments have illustrated ball valves, the invention is not limited to such. As illustrated in  FIGS. 14-16 , the valve mechanism may have other configurations. Referring to  FIG. 14 , the valve assembly  10 ′ provides a plug valve  100 ′ configuration. The valve assembly  10 ′ includes a valve body  12 ′ with an inlet end  14  and outlet end  16  with a plug valve  100 ′ positioned therebetween. The plug valve  100 ′ includes a main through passage  108 ′ with a secondary passage (not shown) configured to communicate with the valve stem bore  45  similar to the ball valve embodiments. The valve stem assembly  40  is substantially as in the previous embodiments, however, may include a longer bore  45  and a different engagement mechanism. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 15 , the valve assembly  10 ″ provides a gate valve  100 ″ configuration. The valve assembly  10 ″ includes a valve body  12 ″ with an inlet end  14  and outlet end  16  with a gate valve  100 ″ positioned in the fluid path  15  therebetween. The gate valve  100 ″ includes a gate  125  configured to move into and out of the flow path  15 . A secondary passage  110 ″ extends into the gate  125  and is configured to communicate with the valve stem bore  45 . The valve stem assembly  40  is substantially as in the previous embodiments, however, it includes a longer bore  45  and a different engagement mechanism. 
         [0042]    Referring to  FIG. 16 , the valve assembly  10 ′″ provides a globe valve  100 ′″ configuration. The valve assembly  10 ′″ includes a valve body  12 ′″ with an inlet end  14  and outlet end  16  with a globe valve  100 ′″ positioned in the fluid path  15  therebetween. The globe valve  100 ′″ includes a plug  130  configured to move into and out of contact with a seat  132  within the flow path  15 . A secondary passage  110 ′″ extends through the plug  130  and is configured to communicate with the valve stem bore  45 . The valve stem assembly  40  is substantially as in the previous embodiments, however, it includes a longer bore  45  and a different engagement mechanism. Fluid will generally flow through the secondary passage  110 ′″ even when the valve is closed, however, the fluid will be prevented from free fluid flow by the elastomeric members  60  and  64  within the valve stem assembly  40 . 
         [0043]    While preferred embodiments of the invention have been shown and described herein it will be understood that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention. Accordingly, it is intended that the appended claims cover all such variation as fall within the spirit and scope of the invention.