HYDRAULIC ISOLATION VALVE

A hydraulic isolation valve having a body comprising a first fluid port configured to allow pressure to enter the body, a second fluid port configured to allow the pressure that entered the body to exit the body; a central bore configured to intersect the first fluid port and the second fluid port and a sealing element axially disposed within the central bore.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

Aspects of the disclosure relate to valve technology. More specifically, aspects of the disclosure relate to valves used in hydraulic systems to temporarily allow or disallow fluid flow. These valves are commonly used in pumps and test equipment, circuits, etc., used to pressure test or instrument hydraulic systems used in hydrocarbon recovery and processing facilities.

BACKGROUND

Hydraulic systems are comprised of a pressure source, interconnection of tubing/hoses, and end use devices (i.e., cylinder, motors, sensor, pressure gauge). There are times when the fluid should be trapped or isolated within a portion of the system to allow detection of leaks, verify integrity of the plumbing, or otherwise restrict fluid movement. In some cases, the fluid must be vented at a slow rate to avoid shock to the system or components. Conventional systems have a poor track record of avoiding shocks to systems and components and there is a significant need to prevent such shocks from occurring.

Conventional apparatus and methods achieve the temporary fluid movement into or out of a system by an isolation valve. The isolation valve is typically a “needle” type construction. In these types of construction, there is a central conical shaped element which is forced into a mating conical surface. These conventional apparatus block the fluid flow by a mechanically engaged metal to metal seal. In some instances, the seal is complemented with an elastomer. The engagement allows a wide range of partial engagement which also provides for variable flow area through the valve. These types of configurations allow the user to have a fully open or partially open valve within the circuit depending upon the needs of the specific test or activity.

In these types of construction, isolation is achieved by (i.e, “needle” valve, the central element(s)) axial movement to engage the seal seat by means of a T-handle and a screw. In some cases, the T-handle directly affects the sealing element, and in other cases, the handle is separated by means of sliding bearings, etc. The T-handle stem is also sealed along its length to prevent process fluids from escaping around the shaft.

Typically, an adjustment method is used to axially compress the seal, which is comprised of several rings of elastomer, to achieve the desired combination of seal and extra torque on the shaft/handle. The amount of compression used increases the sealing capability but also increases the amount of torque required to rotate the T-handle. There is a possibility that the user may over-torque the packings and render the valve damaged or non-useful.

In these applications, the operator can easily apply too much torque. This is especially true if an additional form of leverage is used on the T-handle. The central conical element can, in some cases, be over-compressed by user input. When this occurs, the seat is damaged and can no longer function as it was when new. The next time the valve is needed to be closed, it will require at least as much torque to close it and seal off the fluid. Eventually, the valve seat has been damaged beyond use. When replacing this central sealing element, there are many variations and each one is unique to the valve, (i.e, not universal). This leads to uncertainty in stocking of spare parts, sourcing replacements, etc.

There is also a possibility that the amount of torque applied, either to overcome drag from pressure and seal compression or seating force, or a combination of both, will exceed the handles connection strength to the central stem. In many instances, this design involves using a set-screw within the handle which contacts a flat portion of the stem. In other cases, the design may incorporate a through-hole on the stem. In most designs, this is a weak point of the valve. In addition to the connection becoming damaged, portions of the valve may become loose due to vibration and use and potentially fall off. This causes a poor user experience as there is no other way to operate the valve resulting in a potentially dangerous situation.

The valve100inFIG. 1is used as an example of many of the issues which face the current technology (PRIOR ART) in isolation valves. The valve has a body101which contains the two ports, inlet102and outlet103. These are also intersected by a central bore104which contains a sealing element105. The sealing element105is forced into a sealing surface or edge feature106contained in the body101. This sealing action is encouraged by rotating a handle108which utilizes screw threads113to convert rotation into linear motion. A few seals109are contained which prevent pressure107from escaping. There are some elements110which accompany the seals to encourage proper operation. A method of retaining111the handle108also provides threads113to operate the valve. Various methods of connecting external pressure sources to the valve body101are available, and in this example a deforming metal seal112is utilized.

The issue with the current isolation valve100can be explained by referencing the two items, shaft sealing109and actuator thread system113, along with the orientation of items105and106. The current isolation valve100has an imbalance of forces due to internal pressure107causing the valve to attempt to open, or move the sealing element105away from the sealing feature106. In this respect, not only must the screw threads113overcome this force, but also must provide sufficient force to create a seal at the interface. This force balance is dependent on the internal pressure value. There is no indication of the additional amount of force to the operator, and this value changes with pressure107in the valve100. Thus it is very likely that there is either too much or too little force on the stem seal106at any given point in time. Most operators use too much torque on the handle108and destroy the interface106or the sealing element105. There is also no limiter on the threads113to prevent an operator from applying too much axial force on the sealing element and interface

Based upon current offerings of isolation valves, there is a need in the market for one which provides an improved operation in many areas.

There is a further need to provide a configuration that does not allow the user to over compress the sealing element.

There is a further need to improve conventional hydraulic isolation valve handle connections.

There is a further need to provide a sealing element that is able to be changed by field operations personnel that alleviates the need for numerous components and different sizes.

There is a further need to provide a more economical method for repair and maintenance operations.

SUMMARY

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized below, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the drawings. It is to be noted that the drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments without specific recitation. Accordingly, the following summary provides just a few aspects of the description and should not be used to limit the described embodiments to a single concept.

In one example embodiment of the disclosure, a hydraulic isolation valve is disclosed. The valve may comprise a body having a first fluid port for fluid to enter the body, a second fluid port for fluid to exit the body and a bore configured to extend between the first fluid port and the second fluid port, wherein the bore is further configured with a top bore. The valve may also be configured with a handle positioned within the top bore and a sealing element configured to interface with the first fluid port and the second fluid port. The valve may also be configured with a ball configured to interface with a portion of the handle and the sealing element and a sealing interface positioned between the sealing element and the body.

In one example embodiment, a method of opening a hydraulic isolation valve is disclosed. The method may comprise rotating a handle of a hydraulic isolation valve. The method may also comprise converting a rotation of a stem of the handle into a linear motion of a stem. The method may also comprise pushing a ball with the stem such that the ball interfaces with a sealing element and forces the sealing element away from a sealing surface within the valve body.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures (“FIGS.”). It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some embodiments will now be described with reference to the figures. Like elements in the various figures will be referenced with like numbers for consistency. In the following description, numerous details are set forth to provide an understanding of various embodiments and/or features. It will be understood, however, by those skilled in the art, that some embodiments may be practiced without many of these details, and that numerous variations or modifications from the described embodiments are possible. As used herein, the terms “above” and “below”, “up” and “down”, “upper” and “lower”, “upwardly” and “downwardly”, and other like terms indicating relative positions above or below a given point are used in this description to more clearly describe certain embodiments.

In one embodiment of the disclosure, a hydraulic valve200is disclosed. Referring toFIG. 2, a valve body201is arranged with an inlet port202and an outlet port203. These fluid ports202,203intersect a bore204, wherein the bore204extends between the first fluid port (the inlet port202) and the second fluid port (the outlet port203). In the illustrated embodiment, the bore204is centralized within the valve body201. As will be understood, other configurations, such as an off-center placement may be possible, therefore the centralized positioning of the bore204should not be considered limiting. The bore204is equipped with a sealing element205which seals on a body portion206in response to pressure207. In a closed position, fluid pressure207is prevented from transferring from the inlet port202to the outlet port203. In embodiments, the inlet port202may be described as the first fluid port and the outlet port203as the second fluid port. A top bore250may also extend from the bore204such that an apparatus may be inserted into the bore204and extend down into the bore204. The inlet port202and the outlet port203may be configured with threading to allow for easy connection of piping and equipment. The inlet port202and the outlet port203may be configured with a conical portion, as illustrated, for forming a flow regime within the valve body201.

The method of “opening” the valve200requires moving the sealing element205away from the sealing surface within the body portion206. The method of providing this motion is provided in this example by rotating a handle208which is equipped with threads209. These threads209convert rotation into linear motion. In one example embodiment, the method provides for pushing the sealing element, not pulling. The pushing is accomplished through a ball210for reduced torque. A stop280may be provided to limit the overall travel of the stem of the handle208so that excessive opening distances are not achieved. A bushing290may be inserted within the top bore to guide the stem of the handle208down into the body201of the valve200. The bushing290may be configured with threading the interfaces with threading on the stem of the handle208.

The details of the sealing element205and a method of operation are one aspect of the improved operation of the valve200. InFIG. 3these details are visible. The sealing element205is positioned in the bore204and pushed downward by rotating the handle208. This action forces the stem260away from the sealing surface270. The sealing element205is returned to position through two forces, namely spring force and pressure:

In the case of spring force, a physical spring302is acting on a retainer301which is affixed to the sealing element205. In this embodiment threads are used, as this feature is existing on the sealing element205.

In the case of pressure207, the fluid within the valve acts on the sealing element205by a seal303. This pressure forces the sealing element205“up” (orientated within the image) and would tend to close the valve. The seal303is retained by several items304and305which are retained in the valve body201rigidly.

There is a feature within the improved valve body201which limits the transmission of force from the handle into the aforementioned sealing element205. The shaft has a reduced section307which presents an area of limited travel within a top retainer306. This prevents the handle from travelling beyond this limits of the section307. This thereby prevents any additional force from being imparted onto the sealing element205which can result in damage of the body portion (sealing interface)206.

One aspect of the current disclosure provides a sealing element205which is only acted upon by the fluid pressure207and is always attempting to “close”. To this end, the hydraulic isolation valve is provided in a naturally sealed configuration. In this embodiment, the state is directly opposite of the prior art configurations that allow for a naturally sealed configuration. Thus, the basic arrangement of components allow for a more secure sealing of the hydraulic isolation valve compared to conventional apparatus. Thus, when changing the state of the valve from closed to open, the operator only is required to apply enough force to overcome this closing force and disrupt the body portion (sealing interface)206. This provides significant advantage compared to conventional apparatus where significant torque must be applied, sometimes to the detriment of the valve. When changing the state of the valve from open to closed, the operator is only required to allow the sealing element205to close, being acted upon by pressure. This self-closing action allows the valve to only operate against fluid pressure acting on the screw threads, and negates the required additional force to impart a seal. Thus, the operating torque is significantly lower than existing valves. This is a significant advantage over conventional apparatus.

In embodiments provided in the disclosure, the conversion of rotary motion to axial motion is limited by features within the valve, preventing damage to the valve components. This configurations prevents the operator from applying too great of force and motion into the sealing element. As well the fluid pressure only applies the proportional amount of closing force to the sealing interface206based on its only value. Thus, the sealing element is always experiencing the appropriate amount of contact force at its interface. This extends the life of the sealing element dramatically.

Another improvement is the handle and stem system. The current valve requires a packing nut111to be tightened and holds packing109around the central shaft105. This is critical as it can add some torque to the handle108. A method is required to then prevent this from rotating. The current invention negates this need as it provides a unique sealing system around the shaft which is trapped and designed to not rotate or translate as far. Thus the seal is a much longer life expectancy and easier to maintain.

The final improvement over the typical current valve technology100is the method of attaching the handle to the stem. This is an area of much pain and suffering in the industry. The handles become loose for two reasons; they use a fastener which can back out, and, the torque applied to the handle is higher than the fastener system can manage. The torque is exceeded due to the operator attempting to stop the valve from leaking. This torque value, which is based on pressure is not well understood or any feedback given accordingly and is exceedingly high in most cases. This leads to very short service life of the valve due to the handle malfunctioning. In the current invention the handle is welded or affixed without fasteners. In the event that the handle was joined from multiple pieces, the torque imparted to it would be significantly lower than that in existing valves as it opens and closes with lower torque. Therefore it is anticipated that the handle will last longer. A design feature of the existing valve is that the packing must be fed onto the valve stem from the top, or above the sealing element. In the case of the current invention, the handle has no seals, and doesn't need to pass any seals over it, which allows the cross bar to be one piece with the stem. This negates the use of fasteners.

It can be appreciated that this technology can be adapted into alternate packaging methods which represent the same important features and operation.FIGS. 4A and 4Bpresent a version of the isolation valve. In this manner a body is presented with both inlet and outlet ports. There is a central bore which is (inFIG. 4A) intersecting the body in two places, one which must be plugged. This plug is for maintenance purposes and assembly. However, inFIG. 4B, this bore can be blind, and not intersect the exterior in two places.FIG. 4Brequires more seals to trap/contain pressure and a few more rings or sleeves. Both are actuated by a “handle” which is nothing more than an inverted bucket with threads on the inside and gripping features on the outer diameter. In some cases, wrench flats can be made, and in others a knurled surface for interface with fingers and hands to provide grip. In another example, a “T-Handle” shaped paddle or knob can be fashioned with the same internal bore. A ball is shown to reduce friction and torque when operating, however this is but one possible configuration.

Referring toFIG. 5, an example method500of opening a valve described inFIG. 2is illustrated. The method500, may entail rotating a handle of a hydraulic isolation valve at502. The method may continue at504, wherein a rotation of a stem of the handle is converted into linear motion. This rotation may be converted through use of a threading. The method may further continue at506by pushing a ball with the stem of the handle such that the ball interfaces with a sealing element and forces the sealing element away from a sealing surface within the valve body. As will be understood, closing of the valve may be a reverse of the above by rotating the handle in the opposite direction, however the valve may be biased such that pressure within the valve body closes the valve. In another example embodiment, the valve may be closed through pressure sealing the sealing element back to the sealing surface within the valve body.

Aspects of the disclosure provide an improved operation in many areas compared to the conventional apparatus.

Aspects of the disclosure provide a configuration that does not allow the user to over compress the sealing element.

Aspects of the disclosure provide an improvement over conventional hydraulic isolation valve handle connections.

Aspects of the disclosure provide a sealing element that is able to be changed by field operations personnel that alleviates the need for numerous components and different sizes.

Aspects of the disclosure provide a more economical method for repair and maintenance operations.

In one example embodiment of the disclosure, a hydraulic isolation valve is disclosed. The valve may comprise a body having a first fluid port for fluid to enter the body, a second fluid port for fluid to exit the body and a bore configured to extend between the first fluid port and the second fluid port, wherein the bore is further configured with a top bore. The valve may also be configured with a handle positioned within the top bore and a sealing element configured to interface with the first fluid port and the second fluid port. The valve may also be configured with a ball configured to interface with a portion of the handle and the sealing element and a sealing interface positioned between the sealing element and the body.

In another example, the hydraulic isolation valve may be configured wherein the handle is a T shaped handle.

In another example embodiment of the disclosure, the hydraulic isolation valve may further comprise a bushing placed within the top bore, the bushing having an inside surface that has a threading and wherein the handle is configured with threads on an exterior such that the threading on the inside surface of the bushing mates with the handle threading.

In another example embodiment of the disclosure, the hydraulic isolation valve may be configured wherein the first fluid port contains a threading.

In another example embodiment of the disclosure, the hydraulic isolation valve may be configured wherein the second fluid port contains a threading.

In another example embodiment of the disclosure, the hydraulic isolation valve may be configured wherein the first fluid port and the second fluid port are not aligned in a straight line.

In another example embodiment of the disclosure, the hydraulic isolation valve may be configured wherein at least one of the first fluid port and the second fluid port have a conical inside surface.

In another example embodiment of the disclosure, the hydraulic isolation valve may further comprise a stop configured to interface with the sealing element to prevent axial travel of the sealing element further than a defined length.

In one example embodiment, a method of opening a hydraulic isolation valve is disclosed. The method may comprise rotating a handle of a hydraulic isolation valve. The method may also comprise converting a rotation of a stem of the handle into a linear motion of a stem. The method may also comprise pushing a ball with the stem such that the ball interfaces with a sealing element and forces the sealing element away from a sealing surface within the valve body.

In one example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the handle is a T handle.

In one example embodiment, the method may be performed wherein the converting is through use of a threading.

While embodiments have been described herein, those skilled in the art, having benefit of this disclosure, will appreciate that other embodiments are envisioned that do not depart from the inventive scope. Accordingly, the scope of the present claims or any subsequent claims shall not be unduly limited by the description of the embodiments described herein.