Abstract:
A compact manifold ball valve having a valve body, valve ball, valve stem and two piece retainer system; the valve body including a valve chamber having first and second ends, and a first flow passage intersecting the valve chamber and valve ball. The valve ball can be trunnion supported and include pair of movable seat assemblies that can be used to seal the valve ball to the valve body. A two piece retainer can be used to hold in place the valve components, the two piece retainer including a first section which moves only linearly along with a second retainer piece that is a threaded ring that rotationally locks in place the first section of the two piece retainer. The two pieces of the retainer can be symmetrically located about the centerline of the flow passage of the valve body.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This is a non-provisional of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/946,252, filed Feb. 28, 2014, which is incorporated herein by reference. 
         [0002]    Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/946,252, filed Feb. 28, 2014, is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
       [0004]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0005]    Conventionally available are side entry compact valves including a valve ball having integral opposed trunnions rotating in upper and lower trunnion support plates, which plates are supported by the valve body, with right and left valve seats and seals for sealing, and all of which components are inserted and removed from the valve body via one of the side openings of the valve, and which components are held in place during use with a threaded retainer. 
         [0006]    The “compact” nature of compact valves generally results from a short or compact valve body having opposed “open” ends each defining a flange closure seat which is engaged by and establishes sealing with a flange closure which may be defined by a flange of a pipe section of the manifold or other piping assembly. Since no other body closure members are provided, the overall length of the valve body is short and compact as compared with the valve body structures of conventional ball valves. Accordingly, the compact manifold ball valves can be installed in piping systems such as flow control manifolds in offshore production platforms where minimal space is available. 
         [0007]    One example of a type of side entry compact valve is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,171 for a “Compact Manifold Trunnion Ball Valve” which is incorporated herein by reference. The upper and lower trunnion support plates prevent the valve ball from transferring downstream loads to the seals and seats reducing frictional forces between the ball and seals. 
         [0008]    However, in conventionally available side entry compact valves generally a single piece retainer is threadably connected to the valve body, wherein such single piece retainer must be rotated relative to both the valve body and the adjacent valve seat with such relative rotation causing wear to the seals between the valve seat and retainer along with the seals between the retainer and valve body. 
         [0009]    It has been found that sealing elements in compact valves have a significant risk of becoming excessively worn and/or damaged during valve assembly and/or disassembly. It has been found that relative rotational movement between the valve components and the seals increase the risk of substantial wear and/or damage to the seals. 
         [0010]    It would be advantageous to have a retainer both threadably connected to the valve body and concentrically positioned in said body, wherein there is little no relative rotational movement between sealing elements for the valve seat and retainer. 
         [0011]    It would be advantageous to have a retainer both threadably connected to the valve body and concentrically positioned in said body, wherein there is little no relative rotational movement between sealing elements for the valve body and retainer. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0012]    One embodiment generally relates to compact ball valves for use in conduit manifold systems. More particularly one embodiment includes a compact manifold ball valve having a valve body, valve ball, and valve stem; the valve body including a valve chamber having first and second ends, and a first flow passage intersecting the valve chamber and valve ball. The valve ball can be trunnion supported with at least one trunnion support element. A pair of movable seat assemblies can be used to seal the valve ball to the valve body. In one embodiment the above referenced components can be held in place during use with a threaded two piece retainer. 
         [0013]    In one embodiment the two piece retainer longitudinally holds in place at least one trunnion support element restricting the amount of longitudinal movement of said trunnion support element. In one embodiment two trunnion support elements are longitudinally held in place with restricted to no longitudinal movement allowed. 
         [0014]    In one embodiment is provided a retainer which is both threadably connected to the valve body and concentrically positioned in said body includes a sealing portion having little to no relative rotational movement between sealing elements for the valve seat and retainer section during valve assembly. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment is provided a two piece retainer which is both threadably connected to the valve body and concentrically positioned in said body, wherein the two piece retainer includes first and second sections, wherein the first section having little to no relative rotational movement between sealing elements for the valve seat and retainer section during valve assembly. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment is provided a two piece retainer which is both threadably connected to the valve body and concentrically positioned in said body, wherein the two piece retainer includes first and second sections, wherein the second section is threadably connected to the valve body such that rotation of the first section relative to the valve body causes either tightening or loosening of the first section relative to the valve body. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment is provided a two piece retainer including first and second sections, wherein the second section is a ring, and rotational movement of the second section causes linear movement of the second section. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment rotational movement of the first section relative to the valve body is constrained and/or prevented. In one embodiment at least one locking pin rotationally locks the first section relative to the valve body while allowing linear movement of the first section relative to the valve body. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment rotational movement of the first section relative to the valve body is constrained and/or prevented while relative linear movement is allowed. In one embodiment the first section includes a detachable sealing element along with at least one locking pin that rotationally locks the first section relative to the valve body while simultaneously allowing linear movement of both the first section and sealing element relative to the valve body. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment the first section includes a first detachable sealing element and the valve seat includes a second detachable sealing element. In this embodiment the first section also includes at least one locking pin that rotationally locks the first section relative to the valve body while simultaneously allowing linear movement of the first section (and the first sealing element when attached to the first section) relative to the valve body, along with relative movement between the valve seat (and second sealing element when attached to the valve seat) with respect to the first section. In one embodiment the first sealing element forms a seal between the first section and valve body, while the second sealing element forms a seal between the first section and valve seat. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment the first section includes first and second detachable and spaced apart sealing elements, along with at least one locking pin that rotationally locks the first section relative to the valve body while simultaneously allowing linear movement of the first section (and the first and second sealing elements when attached to the first section) relative to the valve body. In one embodiment the first sealing element forms a seal between the first section and valve body, while the second sealing element forms a seal between the first section and valve seat. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment the locking pins are have a relatively small shear force where a rotational force exceeding a predefined force will cause the shear pin(s) to shear and allow rotational movement between the first section and valve body. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment two locking pins are used which are symmetrically spaced about the first section of the retainer. 
         [0024]    In various embodiments at least 50 percent of the longitudinal length of the first retainer section enters the interior portion of the valve body. In various embodiments at least 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 100 percent of the first retainer section enters the interior portion of the valve body during assembly. In various embodiments the amount of longitudinal length of the first retainer section entering the valve body during assembly is between about a range of any two of the above referenced percentages. 
         [0025]    In various embodiments at least 50 percent of the longitudinal length of the second retainer section enters the interior portion of the valve body. In various embodiments at least 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, and 100 percent of the second retainer section enters the interior portion of the valve body during assembly. In various embodiments the amount of longitudinal length of the second retainer section entering the valve body during assembly is between about a range of any two of the above referenced percentages. 
         [0026]    In one embodiment the retainer pins are less than about 3 mm in diameter. In various embodiments the retainer pins are less than about 3, 2.5, 2.0, 1.9, 1.8, 1.7, 1.6, 1.5, 1.4, 1.3, 1.2, 1.1, 1.0, 0.9, 0.7, 0.6, 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, 0.2, and 0.1 mm. In various embodiments the diameters of the retainer pines are between about any two of the diameters specified in this paragraph. 
         [0027]    In various embodiments the first retainer section includes a plurality of openings and the valve body includes a plurality of openings which match the plurality of openings for the first retainer section. In various embodiments a plurality of retainer pins can be placed in the plurality of openings to rotationally lock the first retainer section with respect to the valve body. 
         [0028]    In various embodiments the second retainer section locks in place the plurality of retainer pins in their respective plurality of openings. 
         [0029]    While certain novel features of this invention shown and described below are pointed out in the annexed claims, the invention is not intended to be limited to the details specified, since a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will understand that various omissions, modifications, substitutions and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and in its operation may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention. No feature of the invention is critical or essential unless it is expressly stated as being “critical” or “essential.” 
         [0030]    The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0031]    For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
           [0032]      FIG. 1  is a sectional side view of one embodiment the showing a compact valve body with a two piece retainer holding in position the valve ball and trunnion support elements along with the valve ball seats. 
           [0033]      FIG. 2  is an end view of the compact valve shown in  FIG. 1 , but all valve components shown in an exploded condition from the second end of the body of the compact valve. 
           [0034]      FIG. 3  is a sectional view of the compact valve shown in  FIG. 4  taken along the lines  3 - 3 . 
           [0035]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the first retainer section shown in the valve of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0036]      FIG. 5  is an end view of the first retainer section shown in  FIG. 4 . 
           [0037]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the first retainer section shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , taken along the lines  6 - 6 . 
           [0038]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the second retainer section shown in the valve of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0039]      FIG. 8  is an end view of the second retainer section shown in  FIG. 7 . 
           [0040]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of the second retainer section shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , taken along the lines  9 - 9 . 
           [0041]      FIG. 10  is a partially exploded perspective view of the valve of  FIG. 1  with the two piece retainer of  FIGS. 4 through 9  positioned to be installed in the valve body where the valve ball and seats are already installed in the valve body. 
           [0042]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the partially exploded view of the embodiment shown in  FIG. 10  taken along with lines  11 - 11 . 
           [0043]      FIGS. 12 through 15  schematically indicate the assembly steps of placement of the first and second retainer sections into the valve body. 
           [0044]      FIG. 12  shows both the first and second retainer sections before placement in the valve body of the compact valve. 
           [0045]      FIG. 13  shows the valve of  FIG. 12  where the first retainer section has been partially inserted into the valve body, but the second retainer section has not yet been inserted into the valve body. 
           [0046]      FIG. 14  shows the valve of  FIG. 12  where both the first and second retainer sections have been partially inserted into the valve body. 
           [0047]      FIG. 15  shows the valve of  FIG. 12  where both the first and second retainer sections have been completely inserted into the valve body. 
           [0048]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the valve body taken from the first end of the valve body. 
           [0049]      FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the valve body taken from the second end of the valve body. 
           [0050]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the second end of the valve body. 
           [0051]      FIG. 19  is a sectional view of the valve body taken along the lines  19 - 19 . 
           [0052]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the valve ball shown in the valve of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0053]      FIG. 21  is an end view of the valve ball shown in  FIG. 16 . 
           [0054]      FIG. 22  is a sectional view of the valve ball in  FIGS. 20 and 21 , taken along the lines  21 - 21 . 
           [0055]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of the trunnion support element shown in the valve of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 24  is an end view of the trunnion support element shown in  FIG. 23 . 
           [0057]      FIG. 25  is a sectional view of the trunnion support element shown in  FIGS. 23 and 24 , taken along the lines  25 - 25 . 
           [0058]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of the seat shown in the valve of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0059]      FIG. 27  is an end view of the seat shown in  FIG. 26 . 
           [0060]      FIG. 28  is a sectional view of the seat shown in  FIGS. 26 and 27 , taken along the lines  28 - 28 . 
           [0061]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of the bonnet shown in the valve of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0062]      FIG. 30  is an end view of the bonnet shown in  FIG. 29 . 
           [0063]      FIG. 31  is a sectional view of the bonnet shown in  FIGS. 29 and 30 , taken along the lines  31 - 31 . 
           [0064]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of the stem shown in the valve of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0065]      FIG. 33  is a side view of the stem shown in  FIG. 32 . 
           [0066]      FIG. 34  is a sectional view of the stem shown in  FIGS. 32 and 33 , taken along the lines  34 - 34 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0067]    Detailed descriptions of one or more preferred embodiments are provided herein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to employ the present invention in any appropriate system, structure or manner. 
         [0000]    Overview of Compact Valve with Two Piece Retainer 
         [0068]      FIG. 1  is a sectional side view of one embodiment showing an assembled compact valve body  20  with a two piece retainer  1100  (first  1200  and second  1300  sections) installed in the valve body  20  retaining a valve ball  200  and seats  1000 , 1000 ′ in the valve body  20 .  FIG. 2  is an end view of compact valve  10 , showing certain valve components in an exploded condition—this end view being taken from the second end  40  of body  20 .  FIG. 3  is a sectional side view of the compact valve  10  taken along the lines  3 - 3  generally showing all valve components in an exploded condition. 
         [0069]      FIG. 10  is a partially exploded perspective view of compact valve  10  showing valve body  20  with the two piece retainer  1100  (first  1200  and second  1300  sections) positioned to be installed in the valve body  20  where the valve ball  200  and seats  1000 , 1000 ′ are already installed in the valve body  20 .  FIG. 11  is a sectional view through the partially exploded view of the compact valve  10  taken along with lines  11 - 11 . 
         [0070]    In one embodiment compact valve  10  can comprise body  20 , valve ball  200 , and two piece retainer  1100 . Valve ball  200  can be rotatably and sealably connected to body  20 . Valve body  20  can include flow passage  60 . Valve ball  200  can include flow passage  270 . To allow flow through flow passage  60  of valve body  20 , flow passage  270  can be aligned, either partially or wholly, with flow passage  60 . To restrict or prevent flow through flow passage  60 , flow passage  270  can be non-aligned, either partially or wholly, with flow passage  60 . Alignment of flow passage  270  can be made by rotating valve ball  200  relative to valve body  20 . 
         [0071]    Valve ball  200  can be rotatably supported in body  20  by trunnions  220  and  260 . Trunnion  220  can be rotatably connected to trunnion support element  400 . Trunnion  260  can be rotatably connected to trunnion support element  450 . Valve ball  200  can be operatively connected to stem  500 , such as through stem recess  220 . Stem recess  230  can have a rectangular cross section, although other types of operably connections can be made such as square, ribbed, or any non-circular shaped recess; or any type of mechanical connection. 
         [0072]    In one embodiment rotating stem  500 , such as in the direction of arrow  1500 , causes similar rotation of valve ball  200 . Stem  500  itself can be rotatably connected to body  20 . Trunnion support element  400  can be supported in body  20 . Accordingly, although valve ball  200  can rotate relative to valve body, longitudinal movement (i.e., arrows  1510 , 1520 ) can be restricted and/or prevented depending on the relative amount of longitudinal movement allowable between: valve ball  200  and trunnion support elements  400 , 450 ; and trunnion support elements  400 , 450  and valve body  20 . It is preferred that longitudinal movement between valve ball  200  and valve body  20  be minimized. It is also preferred that stem  500  be aligned with cylindrical opening  420  of trunnion support element  400  (and cylindrical opening  470  of second trunnion support element  450 ) as misalignment can cause difficulty in turning valve ball  200 . 
         [0073]    Valve ball  200  can be sealably connected to valve body  20  by means of opposed and biased seats  1000  and  1000 ′. Seats  1000  and  1000 ′ can be supported in valve body  20  and biased toward valve ball  200 , respectively in the directions of arrows  1510  and  1520 . Accordingly, where flow passage  270  of valve ball  200  is rotated 90 degrees in relation to flow passage  60  of valve body  20  (e.g., in direction of arrow  1500 ), flow is cut off by the sealing effect of seats  1000  and  1000 ′. As the relative rotation between flow passage  270  of valve ball  200  and flow passage  60  of valve body  20  is reduced from 90 ninety degrees, the restriction of flow by valve ball  200  is reduced. Maximum flow through valve  10  is achieved when flow passage  270  of valve ball  200  is aligned with flow passage  60  of valve body  20  (i.e., when the relative rotation is zero degrees). 
         [0074]    Generally two piece retainer  1100  can retain the valve components inside valve body  20 .  FIGS. 4 through 9  show various views of components of the two piece retainer  1100  which is generally comprised of rotationally static first section  1200  and rotating second section  1300 . 
         [0075]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of first retainer section  1200 .  FIG. 5  is an end view of the first retainer section  1200 .  FIG. 6  is a sectional view of first retainer section  1200  taken along the lines  6 - 6 . First section  1200  can include first and second shoulders  1250 , 1260  along with first and second circumferential areas  1252 , 1262  which accommodate seat  1000 . Preferably, planar surface  1222  on second end limits the amount of longitudinal movement of first  400  and second  450  trunnion support elements which second retainer section  1300  is tightened in valve body  20 . When retainer  1100  is installed in valve body  20 , there exists a defined longitudinal length between planar surface  1222  of second retainer section  1200  and third shoulder  116  of valve body  20  so that trunnion support elements  400 ,  450  each have a limited defined space to sit in (i.e., the space between planar surface  1222  and third shoulder  116 ). 
         [0076]    Preferably, a seal is maintained between first retainer section  1200  and valve body  20 , which can be a lip seal. To facilitate this sealing, seal recess  1224  can be provided which can accommodates seals  1044 , which seals can each include a lip seal and back-up ring (the back up ring increasing the sealing pressure rating and resisting extrusion of the lip seal). In one embodiment one or both of the back-up rings can be omitted. 
         [0077]    Also preferably, a seal is maintained between first retainer section  1200  and valve seal  1000 , which can be an o-ring type seal. To facilitate this sealing, seal recess  1040  can be provided which can accommodates seals  1042 , which seals can each include an o-ring and back-up ring (the back up ring increasing the sealing pressure rating and resisting extrusion of the o-ring). 
         [0078]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view the second retainer section  1300 .  FIG. 8  is an end view of second retainer section  1300 .  FIG. 9  is a sectional view of second retainer section  1300  taken along the lines  9 - 9 . Second retainer section can be a threaded ring like section having first end  1310  and second end  1320  with a central opening  1305 . A threaded area  1340  can be used to threadably connect second section  1300  to valve body  20 . A plurality of spaced apart openings  1314  can be used to connect section retainer section  1300  to a tool for tightening or loosening of second retainer section relative to valve body  20 . 
         [0000]    Assembly and Disassembly of Valve with Two Piece Retainer 
         [0079]      FIG. 1  is a sectional side view of the assembled compact valve  10  using two piece retainer  1100  to hold in place various internal valve components.  FIG. 2  is an end view of the compact valve  10 , but all valve components shown in an exploded condition from the second end  40  of valve body  20  of compact valve  10 .  FIG. 3  is a sectional view of exploded compact valve  10  taken along the lines  3 - 3 . 
         [0080]      FIGS. 10 through 15  schematically indicate the assembly steps of placement of the retainer  1100 &#39;s first  1200  and second  1300  retainer sections into valve body  20 .  FIG. 10  is a partially exploded perspective view of one embodiment of valve  10  showing compact valve body  20  with the two piece retainer  1100  positioned to be installed in valve body  20  where the valve ball  200 , trunnion support elements  400 ,  450 , and seats  1000 , 1000 ′ are already installed in the valve body  20 .  FIG. 11  is a sectional view of the partially exploded view of valve  10  taken along with lines  11 - 11 . 
         [0081]      FIG. 12  shows both the first  1200  and second  1300  retainer sections before placement in valve body  20  of compact valve  10 . Arrow  1400  schematically indicates the longitudinal movement which will occur in retain  1100  for pieces  1200 , 1300 , although second retainer section  1300  which include rotational movement. 
         [0082]    First section can include detachable seal  1226  which sits in recess  1224 . Detachable seal  1226  can be a lip type seal. In one embodiment seal  1226  can include an extrusion ring to prevent extrusion of seal  1226 . In one embodiment seal  1226  can be an o-ring type seal. 
         [0083]    Seat retainer  1000  section can include detachable seal  1042  which sits in recess  1040 . Detachable seal  1042  can be various conventionally available seals. In one embodiment seal  1042  can include an extrusion ring to prevent extrusion of seal  1042 . In one embodiment seal  1042  can be an o-ring type seal. 
         [0084]      FIG. 13  shows valve  10  where first retainer section  1200  has been partially inserted into valve body  20 , but second retainer section  1300  has not yet been inserted into valve body  20 . At this point seal  1226  has not yet made contact with valve body  20 . Seal  1224  is shown in the vicinity of threads  140 . Also at this point seal  1042  of seat  1000  has not yet made contact with first retainer section  1200 . Second retainer section  1300  is shown on the outside of valve body  20 . Arrow  1410  schematically indicates that second retainer section  1300  will be rotated relative to valve body  20 , however, during such rotation in the direction of arrow  1410  first retainer section will remain rotationally fixed relative to valve body  20  (and also relative to valve seat  1000 ). Arrow  1400  schematically indicates longitudinal movement of first retainer section  1200  relative to valve body  20  while simultaneously remaining rotationally static relative to valve body  20 . In  FIG. 13  is also shown retaining pins  1246 , 1246 ′ in openings  1247  of first retainer  1200 . Retainer pin  1246  will seat in opening  180  for restricting rotational movement of first retainer section  1200  relative to valve body  20 . Retaining pin  1246 ′ will seat in opening  182  for restricting rotational movement of first retainer section  1200  relative to valve body  20  (rotational movement schematically indicated by arrow  1410 ). However, both retaining pins  1246 , 1246 ′ allow linear movement of first retainer section  1200  relative to valve body  20  (schematically indicated by arrow  1400 ). 
         [0085]      FIG. 14  shows valve  10  where both first  1200  and second  1300  retainer sections have been partially inserted into valve body  20 . Threads  1340  of second retainer section  1300  have now engaged threads  140  of valve body. Seal  1226  has engaged surface  132  of valve body  20 . Seal  1042  has engaged surface  1262  of first retainer section  1200 . Both retaining pins  1246 , 1246 ′ allow linear movement of first retainer section  1200  relative to valve body  20  (schematically indicated by arrow  1400 ). Rotational movement (schematically indicated by arrow  1410 ) of second retainer section  1300 , with its threads  1340  engaging threads  140  of valve body  20 , will cause second retainer section  1300  to move in the direction of arrow  1400  and push first retainer section  1200  in the direction of arrow  1400 . 
         [0086]      FIG. 15  shows valve  10  where both first  1200  and second  1300  retainer sections have been completely inserted into valve body  20 . Continued rotational movement of second retainer section  1300  compared to  FIG. 14  (schematically indicated by arrow  1410 ), with second retainer  1300  threads  1340  engaging threads  140  of valve body  20 , will cause second retainer section  1300  to continue to also move linearly in the direction of arrow  1400  and continue to push first retainer section  1200  linearly in the direction of arrow  1400 . During the linear pushing by second retainer section  1300 , first retainer section  1200  moves only linearly (schematically indicated by arrow  1400 ) and is rotationally constrained by pins  1246  and  1246 ′. In this manner the seals  1226  and  1042  only see relative linear movement and no relative rotational movement. Eventually, second retainer section  1300  will push first retainer section  1200  enough in the direction of arrow  1400  that second end  1220  will contact both first  400  and second  450  trunnion supports locking linearly in place these trunnion support elements with shoulder  116  of valve body  20 . 
         [0087]    Disassembly of valve  20  can be performed by rotating second retainer section  1300  in a direction opposite of the rotational direction of arrow  1410 . During disassembly, second retainer section  1200  also is constrained from rotational movement by pins  1246  and  1246 ′. 
       Valve Components 
       [0088]    Below various individual components of valve  10  will be reviewed. 
         [0089]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of valve body  20  taken from the first end  30 .  FIG. 17  is a perspective view of valve body  20  taken from second end  40 .  FIG. 18  is a side view of valve body  20  taken from the second end  40 .  FIG. 19  is a sectional view of valve body  20  taken along the lines  19 - 19 . Valve body can include first end  30  and second end  40 . Flow passage  60  can proceed from first end  30  through second end  40 . Stem  500  can be rotatably connected to valve body  20 . Valve body  20  can include internal chamber  50  where valve ball  200  remains during use. From first end  30  to second end  40 , valve body  20  can include threaded area  140 , second cylindrical area  135 , second shoulder  134 , first cylindrical area  132 , first shoulder  130 , internal bore  50 , shoulder  116 , cylindrical area  112 , shoulder  110 , cylindrical area  102 , cylindrical bore  102 . First and second shoulders  100 , 110  are found in seat recess  120 . Bonnet recess  80  can be provided for allowing attachment of bonnet  800  to valve body  20 . One or more threaded bores  88  can be provided for fasteners  832 . Openings  834 , 834 ′ can be used for inserting a stop pin  836 . Lubrication port  160  and vent/bleeding port  162  can be respectively provided for lubrication fitting  161  and vent/bleeding fitting  163 . 
         [0090]      FIGS. 29 through 34  show the components of the valve bonnet  800  and stem  700  assembly. 
         [0091]      FIG. 32  is a perspective view of stem  500 .  FIG. 33  is a side view of stem  500 .  FIG. 34  is a sectional view of stem  500  taken along the lines  34 - 34 . Stem  500  can comprise shaft  510 , and ball drive element  520 . Ball drive element  520  can include substantially planar drive surface  530 . Circumferential bearing surface  550  can be included for rotatably connecting stem  500  with valve body  20  through stem receptacle  70 . Shaft  510  can include recess  580  for a key  582  which key can be used to operatively connect stem  500  to an actuator. 
         [0092]      FIG. 29  is a perspective view of bonnet  800 .  FIG. 30  is an end view of bonnet  800 .  FIG. 31  is a sectional view of bonnet  800  taken along the lines  31 - 31 . Bonnet  800  can be used to prevent stem  500  from blowing out of valve body  20 . Bonnet  800  can be connected to valve body  20  through one or more fasteners  832 . Bonnet  800  can include tip  870 . Preferably, a seal is maintained between bonnet  800  and valve body  20 . To facilitate this seal, recess  860  can be provided which can include seal  862  such as an o-ring and back-up ring (the back up ring increasing the sealing pressure rating and resisting extrusion of the o-ring). 
         [0093]      FIG. 20  is a perspective view of valve ball  200 .  FIG. 21  is an end view of valve ball  200 .  FIG. 22  is a sectional view of valve ball  200  taken along the lines  21 - 21 . Valve ball  200  can be spherically shaped and include top  210 , bottom  250 , and flow passage  270 . Upper spherical surface segment can be located by top  210  and lower spherical surface segment  310  can be located by bottom  250 . Stem recess  230  can be included. 
         [0094]    Trunnion  220  can be located on top  210  and can include cylindrical area  222 . Cylindrical area  222  can be rotatably or pivotally connected to trunnion support element  400 . Bearing surface  224  can be substantially planar and slidingly contact first surface  402  of trunnion support element  400 . Preferably, a trunnion shim  404  is provided to act as a bearing surface between bearing area  224  of valve ball  200  and trunnion support element  400 . Also preferably, trunnion bearing  425  is provided between trunnion  220  and trunnion support element  400 . Also preferably, trunnion  220  is prevented from contacting valve body  20  to prevent wear. 
         [0095]    Trunnion  260  can be located on bottom  250  and can include cylindrical area  262 . Cylindrical area  262  can be rotatably or pivotally connected to trunnion support element  450 . Bearing surface  264  can be substantially planar and slidingly contact first surface  452  of trunnion support element  450 . Preferably, a trunnion shim  454  is provided to act as a bearing surface between bearing area  264  of valve ball  200  and trunnion support element  450 . Also preferably, trunnion bearing  475  is provided between trunnion  260  and trunnion support element  450 . Also preferably, trunnion  260  is prevented from contacting valve body  20  to prevent wear. 
         [0096]    Upper and lower spherical segments  300 , 310  can each be sealably connected to both seats  1000 , 1000 ′. 
         [0097]      FIG. 23  is a perspective view of trunnion support element  400  shown in the valve of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 24  is an end view of trunnion support element  400 .  FIG. 25  is a sectional view of trunnion support element  400 , taken along the lines  25 - 25 . Trunnion support element  450  can be substantially similar to trunnion support element  400  and will not be described separately. Cylindrical opening  420  can be provided to slidably connect upper trunnion  220  of valve ball  200 . First and third sides  416 , 418  of trunnion support element  400  can be held in place between third shoulder  116  of valve body  20  and second end  1220  of first retainer section  1200  (limiting movement of trunnion support element  400  in the direction of arrows  1510 , 1520 ). 
         [0098]      FIG. 26  is a perspective view of  1000 .  FIG. 27  is an end view of seat  1000 .  FIG. 28  is a sectional view of seat  1000  taken along the lines  28 - 28 . Seat  1000 ′ can be constructed substantially similar to seat  1000  (and seat  1000 ′ will not be individually described). Seat  1000  can include internal passage  1010 , first side  1020 , second side  1030 , along with first and second circumferential areas  1070 , 1080 . First and second circumferential areas  1070 ,  1080  of seat  1000  sit respectively in first and second circumferential areas  1252 , 1262  of retainer  1200 . (For seat  1000 ′, first and second circumferential areas  1070 , 1080  sit respectively in cylindrical areas  112 , 102  of valve body  20 ). 
         [0099]    Preferably, a seal is maintained between seat  1000  and valve body  20  (or second retainer section  1200 ). To facilitate this seal, recess  1040  can be provided which can include seal  1042 , which seal can each include an o-ring and back-up ring (the back up ring increasing the sealing pressure rating and resisting extrusion of the o-ring). Preferably, a seal is maintained between seat  1000  and valve ball  200 . To facilitate this seal, recess  1050  can be provided which can include seal  1052 , which seal  1052  seals with upper and lower spherical surfaces  300 , 310  of valve ball  200  (seat  1000 ′ is substantially the same). Seal  1052  can be installed in recess  1050  using any conventional means, such as crimping, adhesive, friction fit, or other means. 
         [0100]    To facilitate sealing at lower line pressures between seats  1000 , 1000 ′ and valve ball  200 , biasing members  1090 , 1090 ′ can be provided which respectively push seat  1000  in the direction of arrow  1520  and seat  1000 ′ in the direction of arrow  1510  (both seats toward valve ball  200 ). At higher line pressures seats  1000 , 1000 ′ will tend to be pushed toward valve ball  200  because the larger exposed surface area on first side  1020  as opposed to second side  1030 . This is because line fluid will not be able to pass seal  1052  thereby limiting the amount of surface area to which the line fluid can assert pressure. In an alternative embodiment a second set of biasing members can be provided for second circumferential area  1080  (or area  1080 ′ for seat  1000 ′). In one embodiment, peripheral groove  1082  can be provided to reduce the amount of surface area of seat  1000  which contacts valve body  20  (or retainer  1200  for seat  1000 ′) thereby reducing frictional forces between these items. 
         [0101]    In any of the embodiments a lip seal can be used as the sealing element. In any of the embodiments an extrusion ring can be used in combination with the lip seal. 
         [0102]    The following is a list of reference numerals: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST FOR REFERENCE NUMERALS 
               
             
          
           
               
                 (Reference No.) 
                 (Description) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 compact manifold ball valve 
               
               
                 20 
                 body 
               
               
                 30 
                 first end 
               
               
                 38 
                 bores for fasteners 
               
               
                 40 
                 second end 
               
               
                 42 
                 raised area 
               
               
                 44 
                 peripheral groove for seal 
               
               
                 46 
                 seal 
               
               
                 48 
                 bores for fasteners 
               
               
                 50 
                 internal chamber 
               
               
                 60 
                 flow passage 
               
               
                 70 
                 stem receptacle 
               
               
                 72 
                 bore 
               
               
                 80 
                 bonnet recess 
               
               
                 88 
                 bores for fasteners 
               
               
                 90 
                 seat recess 
               
               
                 100 
                 first shoulder 
               
               
                 102 
                 cylindrical area 
               
               
                 110 
                 second shoulder 
               
               
                 112 
                 cylindrical area 
               
               
                 116 
                 third shoulder 
               
               
                 118 
                 cylindrical area 
               
               
                 120 
                 seat recess 
               
               
                 130 
                 first shoulder 
               
               
                 132 
                 cylindrical area 
               
               
                 134 
                 second shoulder 
               
               
                 135 
                 cylindrical area 
               
               
                 138 
                 third shoulder 
               
               
                 139 
                 cylindrical area 
               
               
                 140 
                 threaded area 
               
               
                 150 
                 internal bore 
               
               
                 152 
                 cylindrical area 
               
               
                 160 
                 lubrication port 
               
               
                 161 
                 lubrication fitting 
               
               
                 162 
                 vent/bleeding port 
               
               
                 163 
                 vent/bleeding fitting 
               
               
                 180 
                 opening 
               
               
                 182 
                 opening 
               
               
                 200 
                 valve ball 
               
               
                 210 
                 top 
               
               
                 220 
                 trunnion 
               
               
                 222 
                 cylindrical area 
               
               
                 224 
                 bearing area 
               
               
                 230 
                 recess for stem 
               
               
                 250 
                 bottom 
               
               
                 260 
                 trunnion 
               
               
                 262 
                 cylindrical area 
               
               
                 264 
                 bearing area 
               
               
                 270 
                 flow passage 
               
               
                 280 
                 first end 
               
               
                 290 
                 second end 
               
               
                 300 
                 spherical surface segment 
               
               
                 310 
                 spherical surface segment 
               
               
                 400 
                 first trunnion support element 
               
               
                 402 
                 first surface 
               
               
                 404 
                 trunnion bearing 
               
               
                 405 
                 trunnion shim/bearing 
               
               
                 410 
                 second surface 
               
               
                 416 
                 first side 
               
               
                 417 
                 second side 
               
               
                 418 
                 third side 
               
               
                 419 
                 fourth side 
               
               
                 420 
                 cylindrical opening 
               
               
                 425 
                 trunnion bearing 
               
               
                 430 
                 recessed area 
               
               
                 450 
                 second trunnion support element 
               
               
                 452 
                 first surface 
               
               
                 454 
                 trunnion bearing 
               
               
                 455 
                 trunnion shim/bearing 
               
               
                 460 
                 second surface 
               
               
                 466 
                 first side 
               
               
                 467 
                 second side 
               
               
                 468 
                 third side 
               
               
                 469 
                 fourth side 
               
               
                 470 
                 cylindrical opening 
               
               
                 475 
                 trunnion bearing 
               
               
                 480 
                 recessed area 
               
               
                 500 
                 stem 
               
               
                 510 
                 shaft 
               
               
                 520 
                 ball drive element 
               
               
                 530 
                 substantially planar drive surface 
               
               
                 540 
                 tip 
               
               
                 550 
                 bearing surface 
               
               
                 552 
                 bearing 
               
               
                 570 
                 top 
               
               
                 580 
                 recess for key 
               
               
                 582 
                 key 
               
               
                 800 
                 bonnet 
               
               
                 810 
                 first end 
               
               
                 820 
                 second end 
               
               
                 830 
                 plurality of recessed bores 
               
               
                 832 
                 plurality of fasteners 
               
               
                 833 
                 plurality of caps 
               
               
                 834 
                 opening for stop pin 
               
               
                 836 
                 stop pin 
               
               
                 840 
                 opening 
               
               
                 850 
                 recess 
               
               
                 852 
                 seal 
               
               
                 860 
                 recess 
               
               
                 862 
                 seal 
               
               
                 870 
                 tip 
               
               
                 880 
                 flat area 
               
               
                 890 
                 bore for stop pin 
               
               
                 892 
                 stop pin 
               
               
                 894 
                 grease bore 
               
               
                 896 
                 lubrication fitting 
               
               
                 1000 
                 seat 
               
               
                 1010 
                 internal passage 
               
               
                 1020 
                 first side 
               
               
                 1022 
                 planar surface 
               
               
                 1030 
                 second side 
               
               
                 1032 
                 shoulder 
               
               
                 1040 
                 recess 
               
               
                 1042 
                 seal and extrusion ring 
               
               
                 1044 
                 seal and extrusion ring 
               
               
                 1052 
                 seal or face seal 
               
               
                 1090 
                 circular wave spring 
               
               
                 1100 
                 two piece retainer 
               
               
                 1200 
                 first piece of retainer 
               
               
                 1210 
                 first end 
               
               
                 1212 
                 planar surface 
               
               
                 1214 
                 first recessed area 
               
               
                 1220 
                 second end 
               
               
                 1222 
                 planar surface 
               
               
                 1224 
                 seal recess 
               
               
                 1226 
                 seal 
               
               
                 1230 
                 internal passage 
               
               
                 1242 
                 first end 
               
               
                 1244 
                 second end 
               
               
                 1246 
                 plurality of shearable retainers to restrict rotation 
               
               
                 1247 
                 plurality of openings 
               
               
                 1248 
                 peripheral edge 
               
               
                 1250 
                 first shoulder 
               
               
                 1252 
                 first circumferential area 
               
               
                 1260 
                 second shoulder 
               
               
                 1262 
                 second circumferential area 
               
               
                 1270 
                 third shoulder 
               
               
                 1272 
                 third circumferential area 
               
               
                 1300 
                 second piece of retainer 
               
               
                 1305 
                 opening 
               
               
                 1310 
                 first end 
               
               
                 1314 
                 plurality of openings 
               
               
                 1320 
                 second end 
               
               
                 1330 
                 internal passage 
               
               
                 1340 
                 threaded area 
               
               
                 1400 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1410 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1500 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1510 
                 arrow 
               
               
                 1520 
                 arrow 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0103]    All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
         [0104]    It will be understood that each of the elements described above, or two or more together may also find a useful application in other types of methods differing from the type described above. Without further analysis, the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily adapt it for various applications without omitting features that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention set forth in the appended claims. The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.