Radial-directed fluid-pressure-loaded all-metal-sealed gate valve

Patent · Wed Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:868146

Batzer, Thomas H ^[1]

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1. Livermore, CA

A large diameter gate valve uses a radially directed fluid pressure loaded all metal seal formed by engaging and disengaging a fixed and a moveable seal element. The fixed element is formed of a circular flange which contains a pressure chamber with a deformable wall, and is mounted to the valve body. The moving seal element contains an annular recess which mates with the circular flange, and is carried on a moveable sub-frame which moves on a frame fixed in the valve body. The valve opening defines an axis in a first direction, and the sub-frame moves through the valve body in a second direction which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. The sub-frame and moveable seal element move in the second direction until the moveable element reaches a stop mounted in the valve body at which position the moveable element is aligned with but spaced apart from the fixed element. As the sub-frame continues to move in the second direction, the moveable element is forced to move toward and engage the fixed element. The pressure chamber in the flange is then pressurized to complete the seal.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-87ER80537
• Assignee: Batzer Vacuum Technology Associates, Inc. (Livermore, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5083748
• OSTI ID: 868146
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

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