CA1149835A - Fluid seal structure - Google Patents
Fluid seal structureInfo
- Publication number
- CA1149835A CA1149835A CA000348634A CA348634A CA1149835A CA 1149835 A CA1149835 A CA 1149835A CA 000348634 A CA000348634 A CA 000348634A CA 348634 A CA348634 A CA 348634A CA 1149835 A CA1149835 A CA 1149835A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- cavity
- ring
- shoulders
- convergent
- sealing
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K1/00—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces
- F16K1/16—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure-members
- F16K1/18—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure-members with pivoted discs or flaps
- F16K1/22—Lift valves or globe valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure-members with pivoted discs or flaps with axis of rotation crossing the valve member, e.g. butterfly valves
- F16K1/226—Shaping or arrangements of the sealing
- F16K1/2263—Shaping or arrangements of the sealing the sealing being arranged on the valve seat
Abstract
SEAL STRUCTURE
Abstract of the Disclosure A sealing structure capable of various uses and part-icularly in butterfly valves having a body with a flow passage and a movable valve disc in the flow passage and having a sealing surface. The sealing structure is mounted in the body to engage the disc in the closed position of the latter to provide a high performance (i.e. bubble-tight) seal. The sealing structure includes an annular seal retaining cavity with a slot opening to the flow passage. The structure includes a seal ring of Teflon PFA or the like retained in the cavity and sealing one axial side of the ring from the other. It also has a tongue-like extension projecting through the slot into the passage and having a seat at its end engageable with the sealing surface of the disc.
The seal and cavity structures have shoulders normally (in open position of the valve) abutting each other to seal the interior of the cavity (the abutment occurring from expansion of the seal ring into place in the cavity). When the disc radially moves the tongue and seat it also separates the shoulders. Radial spaces are normally provided at opposite sides of the ring and the adjacent sides of the cavity. At the end opposite the slot and tongue the cavity terminates in an anchoring and sealing groove for an extending terminal end of the seal ring. Inter-mediate the radial spaces and the anchoring groove terminal end are adjacent convergent cavity and ring walls that normally barely abut or are in close proximity to each other. A core of substantial cross-section is located within the main body portion of the ring. When the valve is closed the convergent surfaces are engaged, the main body portion of the ring and the core are compressed and expanded to apply a radially directed force to the tongue and seat forcing them against the disc to effect a static seal. When fluid pressure is applied, the pressure acts in the space at that upstream side between the interior of the cavity and the adjacent exterior of the ring. This results in the ring and core producing an increased radially directed sealing force against the disc.
Abstract of the Disclosure A sealing structure capable of various uses and part-icularly in butterfly valves having a body with a flow passage and a movable valve disc in the flow passage and having a sealing surface. The sealing structure is mounted in the body to engage the disc in the closed position of the latter to provide a high performance (i.e. bubble-tight) seal. The sealing structure includes an annular seal retaining cavity with a slot opening to the flow passage. The structure includes a seal ring of Teflon PFA or the like retained in the cavity and sealing one axial side of the ring from the other. It also has a tongue-like extension projecting through the slot into the passage and having a seat at its end engageable with the sealing surface of the disc.
The seal and cavity structures have shoulders normally (in open position of the valve) abutting each other to seal the interior of the cavity (the abutment occurring from expansion of the seal ring into place in the cavity). When the disc radially moves the tongue and seat it also separates the shoulders. Radial spaces are normally provided at opposite sides of the ring and the adjacent sides of the cavity. At the end opposite the slot and tongue the cavity terminates in an anchoring and sealing groove for an extending terminal end of the seal ring. Inter-mediate the radial spaces and the anchoring groove terminal end are adjacent convergent cavity and ring walls that normally barely abut or are in close proximity to each other. A core of substantial cross-section is located within the main body portion of the ring. When the valve is closed the convergent surfaces are engaged, the main body portion of the ring and the core are compressed and expanded to apply a radially directed force to the tongue and seat forcing them against the disc to effect a static seal. When fluid pressure is applied, the pressure acts in the space at that upstream side between the interior of the cavity and the adjacent exterior of the ring. This results in the ring and core producing an increased radially directed sealing force against the disc.
Description
~1~4g~335 The present invention relates to seal structures, and more particularly to improved seal structures useful for flow controlling devices such as butterfly valves.
With the increased use of higher pressures and temperatures and many different fluids, many of which contain foreign substances, corrosives and other contaminants, and practically all requiring flow control, much consideration has been given to the matter of sealing and flow controlling devices.
In most cases, the devices are valves of various types. Cost of manufacture, tight manufacturing tolerances, ease of instal-lation and operation, reliability, minimization of damage by contaminants and replacement of seals are factors to be con-sidered. A major one is the availability of a bubble-tight reliable seal which utilizes the pressure of the fluid being controlled to enhance the sealing in the closed position of the valve.
One use of the invention is in butterfly valves and the present invention will be described in conjunction therewith.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved seal structure especially adapted for use in or with devices having juxtaposed movable parts such as valves and the like, although it may be used elsewhere.
The invention provides a seal structure for providing fluid sealing between juxtaposed first and second member;
~i`:j ` ' -- 1 -- : -~
- . . . . .
1~4~
the first member having an annular peripheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending the convergent interior side walls continuing from said respective first side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity having additional structures continuing from said convergent walls for sealing the sidewall spaces from each ~0 other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extending axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders;
.
~14~
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the con-vergent walls of the ring and cavity barely abut and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance; and when the seat and sealing surface are engaged with fluid pressure at one side the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, the main body portion is axially expanded and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members; and the fluid under pressure has access to the space at said one side axially to compress the ring thereby to increase the radial pressure exerted by the tongue and seat on the sealing surface.
The embodiment hereinafter disclosed in detail provides a reliable, easily made and installed effective seal capable of use under many and adverse conditions. The new and improved seal structure includes cooperatively associated seal receiving and retaining cavity structure in which effective static sealing is obtained as with the valve closed and in the absence of fluid pressure and in which fluid pressure at the upstream side is effectively used to enhance the sealing effect in dynamic seal-ing, i.e., with the valve closed and under pressure. The seal 4Lg'8~
makes effective use of the Poisson effect in its operation.
The ring shoulders have diameters somewhat smaller than those of the flange underside shoulders so that the ring has to ~e stretched to get it into place. The interior of the main body portion of the ring defines an annular sealed opening of substantial cross-section. A normally substantially tension free or relaxed annular core of a material such as an elastomer of substantially the same cross-section is preferably placed in it. When fluid pressure is applied, it has access past the shoulders to the upstream side space between the cavity and ring axially to compress the ring and elastomeric core to increase, as a result of the Poisson effect, the radially acting sealing effect of the seat on the sealing surface.
other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description of an illustrative embodiment thereof, in the course of which reference will be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-FIGURE 1 is an elevational view, partly broken away,of a butterfly valve including a seal structure, the valve and the ~ .
s~al structure embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a diametrical axial vertical cross-sectional view, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, of the valve in its closed position, showing it installed in a pipeline, the latter being shown only in phanto~, FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the valve taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 with the val~ closed but also showing, in phantom, the ~ovable me.mber ~disc or vane) of the valve in its open position:
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional unassembled view of the seal structure including the seal ring and its associated receiving and retaining cavity (formed by the valve body and a retainer ring) prior to assembly; this view and the following ones being taken along line 7-7 of ~IG. l;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the parts assembled in solid lines and illustrating in broken lines the relationships of the æal ring prior to assembly;
FIG. 6 illustrates the structure with the movable `
member approaching the seal structure, i e., the valve partially open:
FIG~ 7 illustrates the valve closed but with no pressure in the flow passage, i.e., the static closed position; ~
and ~ .
FIG. 8 is like FIG. 7 but with fluid pressure applied .
at the upstream side of the valve disc, this being the right S
side of the valve as shown in ~IG. 8 and indicated by the stippling.
Referring now to the drawings, the first to FIGS. 1,
With the increased use of higher pressures and temperatures and many different fluids, many of which contain foreign substances, corrosives and other contaminants, and practically all requiring flow control, much consideration has been given to the matter of sealing and flow controlling devices.
In most cases, the devices are valves of various types. Cost of manufacture, tight manufacturing tolerances, ease of instal-lation and operation, reliability, minimization of damage by contaminants and replacement of seals are factors to be con-sidered. A major one is the availability of a bubble-tight reliable seal which utilizes the pressure of the fluid being controlled to enhance the sealing in the closed position of the valve.
One use of the invention is in butterfly valves and the present invention will be described in conjunction therewith.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved seal structure especially adapted for use in or with devices having juxtaposed movable parts such as valves and the like, although it may be used elsewhere.
The invention provides a seal structure for providing fluid sealing between juxtaposed first and second member;
~i`:j ` ' -- 1 -- : -~
- . . . . .
1~4~
the first member having an annular peripheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending the convergent interior side walls continuing from said respective first side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity having additional structures continuing from said convergent walls for sealing the sidewall spaces from each ~0 other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extending axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders;
.
~14~
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the con-vergent walls of the ring and cavity barely abut and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance; and when the seat and sealing surface are engaged with fluid pressure at one side the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, the main body portion is axially expanded and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members; and the fluid under pressure has access to the space at said one side axially to compress the ring thereby to increase the radial pressure exerted by the tongue and seat on the sealing surface.
The embodiment hereinafter disclosed in detail provides a reliable, easily made and installed effective seal capable of use under many and adverse conditions. The new and improved seal structure includes cooperatively associated seal receiving and retaining cavity structure in which effective static sealing is obtained as with the valve closed and in the absence of fluid pressure and in which fluid pressure at the upstream side is effectively used to enhance the sealing effect in dynamic seal-ing, i.e., with the valve closed and under pressure. The seal 4Lg'8~
makes effective use of the Poisson effect in its operation.
The ring shoulders have diameters somewhat smaller than those of the flange underside shoulders so that the ring has to ~e stretched to get it into place. The interior of the main body portion of the ring defines an annular sealed opening of substantial cross-section. A normally substantially tension free or relaxed annular core of a material such as an elastomer of substantially the same cross-section is preferably placed in it. When fluid pressure is applied, it has access past the shoulders to the upstream side space between the cavity and ring axially to compress the ring and elastomeric core to increase, as a result of the Poisson effect, the radially acting sealing effect of the seat on the sealing surface.
other advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing description of an illustrative embodiment thereof, in the course of which reference will be had to the accompanying drawings, wherein:-FIGURE 1 is an elevational view, partly broken away,of a butterfly valve including a seal structure, the valve and the ~ .
s~al structure embodying the invention;
FIG. 2 is a diametrical axial vertical cross-sectional view, taken along the line 2-2 of FIG. 1, of the valve in its closed position, showing it installed in a pipeline, the latter being shown only in phanto~, FIG. 3 is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the valve taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2 with the val~ closed but also showing, in phantom, the ~ovable me.mber ~disc or vane) of the valve in its open position:
FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional unassembled view of the seal structure including the seal ring and its associated receiving and retaining cavity (formed by the valve body and a retainer ring) prior to assembly; this view and the following ones being taken along line 7-7 of ~IG. l;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the parts assembled in solid lines and illustrating in broken lines the relationships of the æal ring prior to assembly;
FIG. 6 illustrates the structure with the movable `
member approaching the seal structure, i e., the valve partially open:
FIG~ 7 illustrates the valve closed but with no pressure in the flow passage, i.e., the static closed position; ~
and ~ .
FIG. 8 is like FIG. 7 but with fluid pressure applied .
at the upstream side of the valve disc, this being the right S
side of the valve as shown in ~IG. 8 and indicated by the stippling.
Referring now to the drawings, the first to FIGS. 1,
2 and 3 it will be not~d that the invention has been illustrated in conjunction with a ~utterfly valve 10 for controlling the flow of fluid through it and including the seal structure 11 of the present invention.
The seal structure includes an annular seal ring 12 with a projecting tongue or piston-like portion 14 having a 1~ seat 16 at its free end facing and engageable with a disc or vane (to be further described) juxtaposed between first and se~ond members, the first me~ber being a valve disc 18 and the second the valve body 20.
The disc is shown as a section of a sphere having a peripheral spherical sealing surface 22, with radii 22R at its edges.
The disc is movably mounted in a flow passage P
through the valve, the fluid being able to flow and be controlled in either direction of flow, with preferred flow direction :~20 being indicated by the arrow associatad with the passage. The flow passage includes an annular inner surface 24 (with portions 24R and 24L, as best shown in FIGS. 4-8) juxtaposed to the edge of the disc and, as illustrated, slightly spaced therefrom and so that the tongue and its seat project into the space fo-engagement with the disc.
' . ' .
The -~alve disc is rotatable by a sha~t 30 attached by pins 34 to an elongated lug 36 at the back side 38 of the disc.
The disc is axially displaced ~rom axis of rotation o~ the shaft and _he shaft axis intersects the center of rotation of the S spherical section of the disc periphery. The shaft is journalled in sleeve bearings 40 and 42 projecting through body portions and having annular locating collars 44 abutting against counter-bores 46 in the body.
The bearing collar 44 abuts against the flanged lower end of shaft 30 and the latter abuts against an end thrust washer 48 of Teflon, which is held in place and supported by a threaded closure cap 50.
The upper portion of shaft 30 is journalled in its bearing 42 with its collar. It is surrounded by suitable conven-tional packing ;2 including a gland 54 and follower 56 bolted to the body. The body also has an upstanding platform 57 for valve operating means, not shown.
The valve body is mounted in conventional manner between gaskets 59 on pipe flange 58, shown in phantom. The pipes may be considered to constitute part of the flow passage.
The region of flow passage at the seal structure is inclined somewhat as indicated by reference characters 24R and 24L so as to be parallel to the sealing surface 22 of the disc.
Even though it is not truly axial but is inclined slightly ~conical) it is xeferred to as extending axially. The region includes counterbores 62 and 64 in the body 20 and a seal retainer ring 65 secured in a counterbore 65A in the ~alve body 7 _ .
.
1~L4~ 5 by s^rews 65R. The counte~bores 62 and 64 define a receiving and retaining cavity 66 for thè seal ring 12.
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 4 to 8, the cavity has a generally longitudinal axis at right angles to the sealing surface 22 of the disc and its interior is relatively wide axially (i,2., generally parallel to the flow passage P
and surfaces 24R and 24L), A radial slot 68 extends from the interior of the cavity into the flow passage and receives the tongue 14. The tongue may be and is shown axially spaced from the edges of the slot whic'n are defined by the opposed end walls 7~ of -Elanges 72 and 74 of opposed flange structures 76 and 78 fo-ming parts of surfaces of the flow passage P and its portions 2~R and 24L. The undersides of the flanges form shoulders 80 and 82.
The ca~ity 66 includes parallel spaced interior sidewalls 84 and 86, extending radially from the distal ends of the s'noulders 80 and 82, and convergent interior sidewalls 88 and 90 _ontinuing from said respective sidewalls. The cavity terminates in a narro~ anclloring groove 92 extend ng from 'he ends ~ the convergent sidewalls, the groove actually being a coun.erbore on the seal retainer ring 65. The structure of the grooJe is s~rrated at its op~osite side~ 9~ better to hold and seal the ring. An expansion space 9ois provided at the end of the groove to a-commodate expansion of the seal ring.
2~ The seal ring 1~ includes an annu~ar main body portion 100 fitting into the cavity 66 and as noted earlier it has the 133~i ton~ue 14 w th its se~t projec-ting through slo' 68 for an interference fit with the sealing surface 22 of disc 18, as bes~ shown in FIGS, 6, 7 and 8~
The seal ring i5 ~ad~ of relatively rigid, flexible, co,^rosion resisting material, having minimum friction, suc'n as Te1~n, ~nd the like. It has laterally extending external s'noulder structure comp~ising the s'noulders 102 extending late-ally from the base of the tongue 12 to the parallel spaced apart sidewalls 104 and 106. The ring shoulders are designed 1~ to abut the cavity underside shoulders. The ring sid-ewalls 10~ an lOf~ parallel and are spaced somewhat from cavity sidewalls 84 and :3;~ to provide spaces 108Rand 108L into w7.ich the seal structure may be expanded, as ~ereinafter explained.
The sid~walls o. the ring are joined to convergent ring sidewalls 110 and 112, which in turn are joined to anc'noring extens.ion walls 114 and 115 whicll are, when the seal : s_ructure is asse~bled, cla~ed in the ancnoring groove 92, as ~ sh~wn -n FIGS. 5 to 8~
; As ~lready no~ed the ring has the parallel, convergenta~d anchoring side~lls, as well as, the connecting part.
The major portions of these define the main bod~ po-tion 10l~, `' which in accordance w-th a feature of the present invention define, when assembled on the valve body, an annular sealed opening 1~0 w'nich ma~ be of generally circular cross-section.
; 2; Actually, the ring is p--e onned in the sha~e shown in FIG. 4 ~,
The seal structure includes an annular seal ring 12 with a projecting tongue or piston-like portion 14 having a 1~ seat 16 at its free end facing and engageable with a disc or vane (to be further described) juxtaposed between first and se~ond members, the first me~ber being a valve disc 18 and the second the valve body 20.
The disc is shown as a section of a sphere having a peripheral spherical sealing surface 22, with radii 22R at its edges.
The disc is movably mounted in a flow passage P
through the valve, the fluid being able to flow and be controlled in either direction of flow, with preferred flow direction :~20 being indicated by the arrow associatad with the passage. The flow passage includes an annular inner surface 24 (with portions 24R and 24L, as best shown in FIGS. 4-8) juxtaposed to the edge of the disc and, as illustrated, slightly spaced therefrom and so that the tongue and its seat project into the space fo-engagement with the disc.
' . ' .
The -~alve disc is rotatable by a sha~t 30 attached by pins 34 to an elongated lug 36 at the back side 38 of the disc.
The disc is axially displaced ~rom axis of rotation o~ the shaft and _he shaft axis intersects the center of rotation of the S spherical section of the disc periphery. The shaft is journalled in sleeve bearings 40 and 42 projecting through body portions and having annular locating collars 44 abutting against counter-bores 46 in the body.
The bearing collar 44 abuts against the flanged lower end of shaft 30 and the latter abuts against an end thrust washer 48 of Teflon, which is held in place and supported by a threaded closure cap 50.
The upper portion of shaft 30 is journalled in its bearing 42 with its collar. It is surrounded by suitable conven-tional packing ;2 including a gland 54 and follower 56 bolted to the body. The body also has an upstanding platform 57 for valve operating means, not shown.
The valve body is mounted in conventional manner between gaskets 59 on pipe flange 58, shown in phantom. The pipes may be considered to constitute part of the flow passage.
The region of flow passage at the seal structure is inclined somewhat as indicated by reference characters 24R and 24L so as to be parallel to the sealing surface 22 of the disc.
Even though it is not truly axial but is inclined slightly ~conical) it is xeferred to as extending axially. The region includes counterbores 62 and 64 in the body 20 and a seal retainer ring 65 secured in a counterbore 65A in the ~alve body 7 _ .
.
1~L4~ 5 by s^rews 65R. The counte~bores 62 and 64 define a receiving and retaining cavity 66 for thè seal ring 12.
Referring now more particularly to FIGS. 4 to 8, the cavity has a generally longitudinal axis at right angles to the sealing surface 22 of the disc and its interior is relatively wide axially (i,2., generally parallel to the flow passage P
and surfaces 24R and 24L), A radial slot 68 extends from the interior of the cavity into the flow passage and receives the tongue 14. The tongue may be and is shown axially spaced from the edges of the slot whic'n are defined by the opposed end walls 7~ of -Elanges 72 and 74 of opposed flange structures 76 and 78 fo-ming parts of surfaces of the flow passage P and its portions 2~R and 24L. The undersides of the flanges form shoulders 80 and 82.
The ca~ity 66 includes parallel spaced interior sidewalls 84 and 86, extending radially from the distal ends of the s'noulders 80 and 82, and convergent interior sidewalls 88 and 90 _ontinuing from said respective sidewalls. The cavity terminates in a narro~ anclloring groove 92 extend ng from 'he ends ~ the convergent sidewalls, the groove actually being a coun.erbore on the seal retainer ring 65. The structure of the grooJe is s~rrated at its op~osite side~ 9~ better to hold and seal the ring. An expansion space 9ois provided at the end of the groove to a-commodate expansion of the seal ring.
2~ The seal ring 1~ includes an annu~ar main body portion 100 fitting into the cavity 66 and as noted earlier it has the 133~i ton~ue 14 w th its se~t projec-ting through slo' 68 for an interference fit with the sealing surface 22 of disc 18, as bes~ shown in FIGS, 6, 7 and 8~
The seal ring i5 ~ad~ of relatively rigid, flexible, co,^rosion resisting material, having minimum friction, suc'n as Te1~n, ~nd the like. It has laterally extending external s'noulder structure comp~ising the s'noulders 102 extending late-ally from the base of the tongue 12 to the parallel spaced apart sidewalls 104 and 106. The ring shoulders are designed 1~ to abut the cavity underside shoulders. The ring sid-ewalls 10~ an lOf~ parallel and are spaced somewhat from cavity sidewalls 84 and :3;~ to provide spaces 108Rand 108L into w7.ich the seal structure may be expanded, as ~ereinafter explained.
The sid~walls o. the ring are joined to convergent ring sidewalls 110 and 112, which in turn are joined to anc'noring extens.ion walls 114 and 115 whicll are, when the seal : s_ructure is asse~bled, cla~ed in the ancnoring groove 92, as ~ sh~wn -n FIGS. 5 to 8~
; As ~lready no~ed the ring has the parallel, convergenta~d anchoring side~lls, as well as, the connecting part.
The major portions of these define the main bod~ po-tion 10l~, `' which in accordance w-th a feature of the present invention define, when assembled on the valve body, an annular sealed opening 1~0 w'nich ma~ be of generally circular cross-section.
; 2; Actually, the ring is p--e onned in the sha~e shown in FIG. 4 ~,
3~
and is formed into its ultimate shape when clamped in place, as shown in FIGURES 5 to 8.
one side wall securing extension 116 constitutes a first and straight integral unit for abutment and final shaping by the retainer ring. The other is made with the side and diagonal walls angled to fit the interior of the cavity, while the extension wall 114 is at an an~le but brought against the other extension wall, which is also formed into shape in the final assembly. Between the closed ends of the walls is a circular opening 120 terminating in a semicircular end 122.
A further feature of the invention is the placement of an elastomeric core 124 of circular cross-section within the opening 122. Cores having cross-sections other than circular contoured to fit into and substantially filling a similar opening could be used. The core 124 lies lightly in the opening against the closed end of the opening. The core can be thus placed by stretching it to pass it over a sidewall structure and into the opening in which it is substantially tension freeO The core is made of material with a high Poisson Ratio and low Young's Modulus such as Viton tTrademark for a fluoroelastomer substance featuring temperature flexibility and resistance to such sub-stances as oils, fluids, and steam and water, silicone, etc.).
The dimensions of the cavity, ring and core are ~` important, especially the annular diametrical ones, and the cross sectional area of the core relative to the main body. As noted the initial dimensions of the ring are such that it has to be expanded when put in place, it having a smaller inside dia-meter than the undershoulders 80 and 82 and also has to be displaced :
:
~L~4~335 axially to get into position to get a shoulder 102 under shoulder 80, this being done first in assembly, as further noted herein.
It is moved axially relative to the cavity formed in the body to get it into place to be held by the retainer ring 65. This is indicated by the dotted line showing and phantom reference character 12A in Figure 5.
To install the seal ring, the core 124 is first placed in the opening 120 in the ring where, as earlier noted, it just fits into and abuts against the closed end 122 of the opening 120, i.e., it is substantially relaxed and exerts no appreciable tension on the ring in its normal initial position. The ring is then stretched and its left shoulder 120 and angled sidewall 104 is placed over the flange 72 on the body; the angling of sidewall portions 140 and 110 facilitating assembly of the ring on the body and, thereafter, the retainer ring 65 can be more easily placed on the sealing ring and the whole assembly be located relative to the body by axial movement and secured by screws 65R.
It is thus held in place by the resulting tension and abutment of the shoulders (and to some extent by the attachment within groove 92, which also provides the sealing between the two sides of the ring). As noted earlier, the installation effects some change in shape and dimensions of the seal ring and core. When installed, and as shown in Figure 6, the ring and cavity shoulders abut quite forcibly and remain so under valve open and normal pressure, ~which may be a high pressure) fluid flow conditions.
.. . ~ . . ~ ~ . .
3~i t the sa~e time that the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the convergent walls of the ring and ~aivty barely abut and the parallel sidewalls are spaced apart a short distance providing the spaces 108R and 108L as 5 hown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The tongue 1~ with its seat 16 are at their inner~ost positions and the core is compressed very slightly.
The convergent, abutting walls assist in directing the sealing pressure, some of which exists in the convergent region, radially inward toward the disc.
Further, the core 124 is displaced from phantom position 120 A with the ring and is expanded sLightly and co~pressed so that it beco~es somewhat "tear ~rop" in shape.
The core, however, has no appreciable compressive effect on the ring, which is strongly held by the shoulder to shoulder abutment.
FIG. 6 illustrates the same relationships as FIG. 5, but adds a showing of the valve disc 18 approaching the seal ring as the valve is being closed.
When the seal and sealing surface are engaged to close the valve in the absence of fluid pressure, the seal ring is appreciable radially compressed (somewhat flattened) as shown in FIG. 7, and the tongue 12 remains substantially centered in slot 68 but is radially moved, the shoulders are separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted and the main body portion of the ring and the elastomeric Fore are - - 12 _ 83~i axially expanded and direct the seating force radially and e~fect sealing between the first and second members, i.e., the valve disc 18 and ring seat 16.
In the presence of fluid pressure, it has tas shown by the stippling in FIG. 8) access past the shoulders 82 and 102 to the upstream side space 108R between the cavity and ring axially to compress the two, substantially to fill spaca 108L
and slightly shift tongue 14. This has the effect of making the core more "tear drop" shaped, i.e., somewhat more elongated than originally, to apply greater radial sealing force on the tongue without restricting its movability, thereby to increase the Poisson sealing effèct of the seat on the sealing surface. The fluid pressure may be applied as the valve is closed when fluid is flowing, or the valve maY be closed when the fluid pressure is applied. Generally, the fluid pressure would also move the valve disc 18 to the left (for left flow) slightly, as shown.
After t`he fluid pressure has been removed and the disc opened, the seal is returned toward its FIG. 6 position (valve open) primarily by the abutting relation of the convergent walls. -The foregoing "tear drop" shape indicates that the core and its associated opening need not be circular. What is required is that the core substantially fill its associated opening and that both be susceptible to radially outwardly direct-ed forces to permit radial movement of the tongue and seat, as in the static closing and sealing situation. In dynamic sealing ~L49~
the fluid pressure acts axially on the seal to produce a radially inwardly directed seating force. The cavity, ring and core structures should be configured to permit, confine and direct radial seating pressures against the sealing surface, as in the illustrated valve where radially directed sealing is re~uired for the axially flowing fluid.
The seal structure and valve may be used to control flow in either direction, the preferred flow being from left to right. The angularity of the seal ring anchoring portion, as earlier noted, may vary, the variation being determined primarily by the size of the valve. Generally, the smaller the valve and diameter of disc, the greater the angle. Also, it should be mentioned that the shapes of the elastomeric core in FIGS. 5 through 7, are approximations because no way has been discovered to ascertain their exact shapes when installed and in operation. Further, should the Poisson effect be tco great, ; e.g., produce too tight a seal with fluid flow, the effect can be controlled by varying proportions of the materials, such as the thicknesses of the core and the ring wall structure. It~has been found that an advantage of the inv~ntion is that the sa~s ring and core dimensions, much as indicated in the drawings, except for different annular diameters of the cavity, tongue, shoulders and core can be used for various sizes of valves. A
further advanta~e-of the seal structure of the invention is ~;
that it works well with both low and high pressures.
~g8'~5 While the invention has been described with reference to details of an illustrative embodiment, it should be understood ; that such details are not intended to be limitative of the scope of the invention or of the following claims defining same.
and is formed into its ultimate shape when clamped in place, as shown in FIGURES 5 to 8.
one side wall securing extension 116 constitutes a first and straight integral unit for abutment and final shaping by the retainer ring. The other is made with the side and diagonal walls angled to fit the interior of the cavity, while the extension wall 114 is at an an~le but brought against the other extension wall, which is also formed into shape in the final assembly. Between the closed ends of the walls is a circular opening 120 terminating in a semicircular end 122.
A further feature of the invention is the placement of an elastomeric core 124 of circular cross-section within the opening 122. Cores having cross-sections other than circular contoured to fit into and substantially filling a similar opening could be used. The core 124 lies lightly in the opening against the closed end of the opening. The core can be thus placed by stretching it to pass it over a sidewall structure and into the opening in which it is substantially tension freeO The core is made of material with a high Poisson Ratio and low Young's Modulus such as Viton tTrademark for a fluoroelastomer substance featuring temperature flexibility and resistance to such sub-stances as oils, fluids, and steam and water, silicone, etc.).
The dimensions of the cavity, ring and core are ~` important, especially the annular diametrical ones, and the cross sectional area of the core relative to the main body. As noted the initial dimensions of the ring are such that it has to be expanded when put in place, it having a smaller inside dia-meter than the undershoulders 80 and 82 and also has to be displaced :
:
~L~4~335 axially to get into position to get a shoulder 102 under shoulder 80, this being done first in assembly, as further noted herein.
It is moved axially relative to the cavity formed in the body to get it into place to be held by the retainer ring 65. This is indicated by the dotted line showing and phantom reference character 12A in Figure 5.
To install the seal ring, the core 124 is first placed in the opening 120 in the ring where, as earlier noted, it just fits into and abuts against the closed end 122 of the opening 120, i.e., it is substantially relaxed and exerts no appreciable tension on the ring in its normal initial position. The ring is then stretched and its left shoulder 120 and angled sidewall 104 is placed over the flange 72 on the body; the angling of sidewall portions 140 and 110 facilitating assembly of the ring on the body and, thereafter, the retainer ring 65 can be more easily placed on the sealing ring and the whole assembly be located relative to the body by axial movement and secured by screws 65R.
It is thus held in place by the resulting tension and abutment of the shoulders (and to some extent by the attachment within groove 92, which also provides the sealing between the two sides of the ring). As noted earlier, the installation effects some change in shape and dimensions of the seal ring and core. When installed, and as shown in Figure 6, the ring and cavity shoulders abut quite forcibly and remain so under valve open and normal pressure, ~which may be a high pressure) fluid flow conditions.
.. . ~ . . ~ ~ . .
3~i t the sa~e time that the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the convergent walls of the ring and ~aivty barely abut and the parallel sidewalls are spaced apart a short distance providing the spaces 108R and 108L as 5 hown in FIGS. 5 and 6. The tongue 1~ with its seat 16 are at their inner~ost positions and the core is compressed very slightly.
The convergent, abutting walls assist in directing the sealing pressure, some of which exists in the convergent region, radially inward toward the disc.
Further, the core 124 is displaced from phantom position 120 A with the ring and is expanded sLightly and co~pressed so that it beco~es somewhat "tear ~rop" in shape.
The core, however, has no appreciable compressive effect on the ring, which is strongly held by the shoulder to shoulder abutment.
FIG. 6 illustrates the same relationships as FIG. 5, but adds a showing of the valve disc 18 approaching the seal ring as the valve is being closed.
When the seal and sealing surface are engaged to close the valve in the absence of fluid pressure, the seal ring is appreciable radially compressed (somewhat flattened) as shown in FIG. 7, and the tongue 12 remains substantially centered in slot 68 but is radially moved, the shoulders are separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted and the main body portion of the ring and the elastomeric Fore are - - 12 _ 83~i axially expanded and direct the seating force radially and e~fect sealing between the first and second members, i.e., the valve disc 18 and ring seat 16.
In the presence of fluid pressure, it has tas shown by the stippling in FIG. 8) access past the shoulders 82 and 102 to the upstream side space 108R between the cavity and ring axially to compress the two, substantially to fill spaca 108L
and slightly shift tongue 14. This has the effect of making the core more "tear drop" shaped, i.e., somewhat more elongated than originally, to apply greater radial sealing force on the tongue without restricting its movability, thereby to increase the Poisson sealing effèct of the seat on the sealing surface. The fluid pressure may be applied as the valve is closed when fluid is flowing, or the valve maY be closed when the fluid pressure is applied. Generally, the fluid pressure would also move the valve disc 18 to the left (for left flow) slightly, as shown.
After t`he fluid pressure has been removed and the disc opened, the seal is returned toward its FIG. 6 position (valve open) primarily by the abutting relation of the convergent walls. -The foregoing "tear drop" shape indicates that the core and its associated opening need not be circular. What is required is that the core substantially fill its associated opening and that both be susceptible to radially outwardly direct-ed forces to permit radial movement of the tongue and seat, as in the static closing and sealing situation. In dynamic sealing ~L49~
the fluid pressure acts axially on the seal to produce a radially inwardly directed seating force. The cavity, ring and core structures should be configured to permit, confine and direct radial seating pressures against the sealing surface, as in the illustrated valve where radially directed sealing is re~uired for the axially flowing fluid.
The seal structure and valve may be used to control flow in either direction, the preferred flow being from left to right. The angularity of the seal ring anchoring portion, as earlier noted, may vary, the variation being determined primarily by the size of the valve. Generally, the smaller the valve and diameter of disc, the greater the angle. Also, it should be mentioned that the shapes of the elastomeric core in FIGS. 5 through 7, are approximations because no way has been discovered to ascertain their exact shapes when installed and in operation. Further, should the Poisson effect be tco great, ; e.g., produce too tight a seal with fluid flow, the effect can be controlled by varying proportions of the materials, such as the thicknesses of the core and the ring wall structure. It~has been found that an advantage of the inv~ntion is that the sa~s ring and core dimensions, much as indicated in the drawings, except for different annular diameters of the cavity, tongue, shoulders and core can be used for various sizes of valves. A
further advanta~e-of the seal structure of the invention is ~;
that it works well with both low and high pressures.
~g8'~5 While the invention has been described with reference to details of an illustrative embodiment, it should be understood ; that such details are not intended to be limitative of the scope of the invention or of the following claims defining same.
Claims (9)
1. A seal structure for providing fluid sealing between juxtaposed first and second members;
the first member having an annular peri-pheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular sur-face surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axi-ally extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending and convergent interior side walls continuing from said respective first side walls, and a narrow anchoring groove extending from the ends of the convergent side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring of relatively rigid, flexible material, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior side walls and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring having an extension from the convergent walls into and sealed to the anchoring groove, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extending axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders, the interior of the main body portion of the ring having an annular opening of generally circular cross-section;
and a normally substantially tension-free elastomeric core of generally circular cross-section in said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that (1) when the seat is not engaged with -the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the con-vergent walls of the ring and cavity abut or are in close proximity and the parallel sidewalls are spaced apart a short distance; (2) when the seat and sealing surface are engaged in the absence of fluid pressure the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, and the main body portion and the elastomeric core are axially deformed and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members, and thereafter, (3) when fluid pressure is applied, it has access past the shoulders to the upstream side space between the cavity and ring, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially its entire length, and the ring and elastomeric core are axially compressed to increase the sealing effect of the seat on the sealing surface.
the first member having an annular peri-pheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular sur-face surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axi-ally extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending and convergent interior side walls continuing from said respective first side walls, and a narrow anchoring groove extending from the ends of the convergent side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring of relatively rigid, flexible material, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior side walls and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring having an extension from the convergent walls into and sealed to the anchoring groove, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extending axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders, the interior of the main body portion of the ring having an annular opening of generally circular cross-section;
and a normally substantially tension-free elastomeric core of generally circular cross-section in said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that (1) when the seat is not engaged with -the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the con-vergent walls of the ring and cavity abut or are in close proximity and the parallel sidewalls are spaced apart a short distance; (2) when the seat and sealing surface are engaged in the absence of fluid pressure the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, and the main body portion and the elastomeric core are axially deformed and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members, and thereafter, (3) when fluid pressure is applied, it has access past the shoulders to the upstream side space between the cavity and ring, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially its entire length, and the ring and elastomeric core are axially compressed to increase the sealing effect of the seat on the sealing surface.
2. A seal structure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the anchoring groove and the ring extensions therein are disposed at an angle other than the radial.
3. A seal structure as claimed in claim 2 wherein the first member is mounted for angular movement about a transverse axis and the groove and ring extensions are generally parallel to said axis.
4. A seal structure for providing fluid sealing between juxtaposed first and second members;
the first member having an annular peripheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including an axially extending underside shoulder adjacent the slot, an interior sidewall extending radially from the distal end of the shoulder, a radially extending and convergent interior sidewall continuing from said respective first sidewall, and a narrow anchoring groove extend-ing from the end of the convergent sidewall;
an annular fluid seal ring of relatively rigid, flexible material, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with an exterior sidewall adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior sidewall and a convergent exterior wall barely abutting the interior convergent wall of the cavity, the ring having an extension from the con-vergent wall into and sealed to the anchoring groove, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, an external shoulder extending axially from a side of the tongue to the ring sidewall and having a diameter normally somewhat smaller than that of the underside shoulder, the interior of the main body portion of the ring defining an annular opening of generally circular cross-section;
and an elastomeric core of generally circular cross-section normally under but little tension mounted in said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that (1) when the seat is not engaged with the sealing force, the shoulders abut each other with substantial force, the convergent walls of the ring and cavity abut or are in close proximity and the sidewalls are spaced apart a short distance; (2) when the seat and sealing surface are engaged in the absence of fluid pressure the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the shoulders separated, the convergent-surfaces are forcibly abutted, and the main body portion and the elastomeric core are axially deformed and the resulting radial compression effects the sealing between the first and second members, and thereafter, (3) when fluid pressure is applied, it has access past the shoulders to the space between the cavity and ring, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, and the ring and elastomeric core are axially compressed to increase the radial sealing effect of the seat on the sealing surface.
the first member having an annular peripheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including an axially extending underside shoulder adjacent the slot, an interior sidewall extending radially from the distal end of the shoulder, a radially extending and convergent interior sidewall continuing from said respective first sidewall, and a narrow anchoring groove extend-ing from the end of the convergent sidewall;
an annular fluid seal ring of relatively rigid, flexible material, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with an exterior sidewall adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior sidewall and a convergent exterior wall barely abutting the interior convergent wall of the cavity, the ring having an extension from the con-vergent wall into and sealed to the anchoring groove, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, an external shoulder extending axially from a side of the tongue to the ring sidewall and having a diameter normally somewhat smaller than that of the underside shoulder, the interior of the main body portion of the ring defining an annular opening of generally circular cross-section;
and an elastomeric core of generally circular cross-section normally under but little tension mounted in said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that (1) when the seat is not engaged with the sealing force, the shoulders abut each other with substantial force, the convergent walls of the ring and cavity abut or are in close proximity and the sidewalls are spaced apart a short distance; (2) when the seat and sealing surface are engaged in the absence of fluid pressure the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the shoulders separated, the convergent-surfaces are forcibly abutted, and the main body portion and the elastomeric core are axially deformed and the resulting radial compression effects the sealing between the first and second members, and thereafter, (3) when fluid pressure is applied, it has access past the shoulders to the space between the cavity and ring, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, and the ring and elastomeric core are axially compressed to increase the radial sealing effect of the seat on the sealing surface.
5. A seal structure for providing fluid sealing between juxtaposed first and second members;
the first member having an annular peripheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending and convergent interior side walls continu-ing from said respective first side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring of relatively rigid, flexible material, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior side walls to define axially spaced apart spaces and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity defining structure sealing the spaces from each other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extend-ing axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders, the interior of the main body portion of the ring having an annular opening of generally circular cross-section.
and a normally substantially tension-free elastomeric core of generally circular cross-section in said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that (1) when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the convergent walls of the ring and cavity abut or are in close proximity and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance; (2) when the seat and sealing surface are engaged in the absence of fluid pressure the seal ring is radially compressed and -the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, and the main body portion and the elastomeric core are axially deformed and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second member, and (3) in the presence of fluid pressure it has access past the shoulders to the upstream side space between the cavity and ring, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, and the ring and elastomeric core are axially compressed to increase the sealing effect of the seat on the sealing surface.
the first member having an annular peripheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending and convergent interior side walls continu-ing from said respective first side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring of relatively rigid, flexible material, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior side walls to define axially spaced apart spaces and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity defining structure sealing the spaces from each other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extend-ing axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders, the interior of the main body portion of the ring having an annular opening of generally circular cross-section.
and a normally substantially tension-free elastomeric core of generally circular cross-section in said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that (1) when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the convergent walls of the ring and cavity abut or are in close proximity and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance; (2) when the seat and sealing surface are engaged in the absence of fluid pressure the seal ring is radially compressed and -the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, and the main body portion and the elastomeric core are axially deformed and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second member, and (3) in the presence of fluid pressure it has access past the shoulders to the upstream side space between the cavity and ring, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, and the ring and elastomeric core are axially compressed to increase the sealing effect of the seat on the sealing surface.
6. A seal structure for providing fluid sealing between juxtaposed first and second members;
the first member having an annular per-ipheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending and convergent interior side walls continu-ing from said respective first side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior side walls to define axially spaced apart spaces and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity having additional struc-tures continuing from said convergent walls for sealing the spaced from each other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extending axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders, the interior of the main body portion of the ring having an annular opening;
and a core substantially filling said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the con-vergent walls of the ring and cavity barely abut and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance; and when the seat and sealing surface are engaged with fluid pressure at one side the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire leng-th, the main body portion and the core are axially expanded and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members; and the fluid under pressure has access to the space at said one side axially to compress the ring and core, thereby to increase the radial pressure exerted by the tongue and seat on the sealing surface.
the first member having an annular per-ipheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending and convergent interior side walls continu-ing from said respective first side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior side walls to define axially spaced apart spaces and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity having additional struc-tures continuing from said convergent walls for sealing the spaced from each other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extending axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders, the interior of the main body portion of the ring having an annular opening;
and a core substantially filling said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the con-vergent walls of the ring and cavity barely abut and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance; and when the seat and sealing surface are engaged with fluid pressure at one side the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire leng-th, the main body portion and the core are axially expanded and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members; and the fluid under pressure has access to the space at said one side axially to compress the ring and core, thereby to increase the radial pressure exerted by the tongue and seat on the sealing surface.
7. A seal structure as claimed in claim 6 wherein the core is an elastomeric material such as Viton, silicone or the like and the ring body is a polymer such as TFE, PFA or the like.
8. A seal structure for providing fluid sealing between juxtaposed first and second member;
the first member having an annular per-ipheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending the convergent interior side walls continu-ing from said respective first side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity having additional structures continuing from said convergent walls for sealing the sidewall spaces from each other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extend-ing axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the convergent walls of the ring and cavity barely abut and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance;
and when the seat and sealing surface are engaged with fluid pressure at one side the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, the main body portion is axially expanded and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members; and the fluid under pressure has access to the space at said one side axially to compress the ring thereby to increase the radial pressure exerted by the tongue and seat on the sealing surface.
the first member having an annular per-ipheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending radially from the distal ends of the shoulders, radially extending the convergent interior side walls continu-ing from said respective first side walls;
an annular fluid seal ring, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity having additional structures continuing from said convergent walls for sealing the sidewall spaces from each other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulders extend-ing axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls and having outside diameters normally somewhat smaller than those of the underside shoulders;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the convergent walls of the ring and cavity barely abut and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance;
and when the seat and sealing surface are engaged with fluid pressure at one side the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, the main body portion is axially expanded and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members; and the fluid under pressure has access to the space at said one side axially to compress the ring thereby to increase the radial pressure exerted by the tongue and seat on the sealing surface.
9. A seal structure for providing fluid sealing between juxtaposed first and second members;
the first member having an annular per-ipheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending from the shoulders and convergent interior side walls continuing from said respective first side walls;
and annular fluid seal ring of relatively rigid, flexible material, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior side walls to define axially spaced apart spaces and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity defining structure sealing the spaces from each other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulder extend-ing axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls having outside diameters normally some-what smaller than those of the underside shoulders, the interior of the main body portion of the ring having an annular opening of substantial cross-section providing for some radially and axially directed forces and movement of the ring structure;
and a normally substantially tension-free elastomeric core of corresponding cross-section substantially filling said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the con-vergent walls of the ring and cavity abut or are in close proximity and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance; and when the seat and sealing surface are engaged with fluid pressure at one side the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, the main body portion and the elastomeric core are axially deformed and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members;
and the fluid under pressure has access to the space at said one side so as to compress the ring and core axially, thereby increasing the radial pressure exerted by the tongue and seat on the sealing surface.
the first member having an annular per-ipheral sealing surface;
the second member having an annular surface surrounding and normally slightly spaced from the first member;
one of said members having structure defining an annular interior cavity of predetermined axial width with a radial slot defined by spaced apart radial end walls opening to its surface and which is narrower than the cavity;
the cavity including oppositely and axially extending underside shoulders adjacent the slot, parallel spaced interior side walls extending from the shoulders and convergent interior side walls continuing from said respective first side walls;
and annular fluid seal ring of relatively rigid, flexible material, mounted in said cavity having a main body portion with parallel exterior side walls adjacent to but normally spaced from the cavity interior side walls to define axially spaced apart spaces and convergent exterior walls barely abutting the interior convergent walls of the cavity, the ring and cavity defining structure sealing the spaces from each other, the ring also having a tongue radially projecting through and movable in said slot and terminating in a seat engageable by the other of said members, external shoulder extend-ing axially from the sides of the tongue to the ring side walls having outside diameters normally some-what smaller than those of the underside shoulders, the interior of the main body portion of the ring having an annular opening of substantial cross-section providing for some radially and axially directed forces and movement of the ring structure;
and a normally substantially tension-free elastomeric core of corresponding cross-section substantially filling said opening;
the dimensions of the cavity and seal structures being such that when the seat is not engaged with the sealing surface, the two sets of shoulders abut with substantial force, the con-vergent walls of the ring and cavity abut or are in close proximity and the parallel side walls are spaced apart a short distance; and when the seat and sealing surface are engaged with fluid pressure at one side the seal ring is radially compressed and the tongue is radially moved, the sets of shoulders separated, the convergent surfaces are forcibly abutted, the downstream side of the seal ring is brought into contact with the downstream side of the cavity along substantially their entire length, the main body portion and the elastomeric core are axially deformed and the resulting radial compression effects sealing between the first and second members;
and the fluid under pressure has access to the space at said one side so as to compress the ring and core axially, thereby increasing the radial pressure exerted by the tongue and seat on the sealing surface.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/025,498 US4266752A (en) | 1979-03-30 | 1979-03-30 | Seal structure |
| US025,498 | 1979-03-30 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1149835A true CA1149835A (en) | 1983-07-12 |
Family
ID=21826428
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000348634A Expired CA1149835A (en) | 1979-03-30 | 1980-03-28 | Fluid seal structure |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4266752A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1149835A (en) |
Families Citing this family (20)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4396199A (en) * | 1981-05-15 | 1983-08-02 | Honeywell Inc. | Fluid pressure sealing member for a valve |
| MX159596A (en) * | 1981-05-28 | 1989-07-11 | Edison Int Inc | IMPROVEMENTS TO BUTTERFLY TYPE SEAL AND VALVE ASSEMBLY |
| US4506048A (en) * | 1981-08-07 | 1985-03-19 | The Procter & Gamble Company | Agents for preparing cross-linked polymers and paint and plastic compositions containing those agents |
| US4457490B1 (en) * | 1982-02-01 | 1987-01-06 | High temperature valve and seat therefor | |
| FR2566871B1 (en) * | 1984-06-27 | 1986-12-19 | Pont A Mousson | GASKET FOR ROTARY SHUTTER VALVE AND MANUFACTURING METHOD THEREOF |
| US4970241A (en) * | 1988-05-20 | 1990-11-13 | Rohm And Haas Company | Multi-stage opacifying polymer particles containing non-polymeric acid absorbed therein |
| US5294091A (en) * | 1989-10-06 | 1994-03-15 | Keystone International Holdings Corp. | Stop cock for a liquid container |
| NL8902488A (en) * | 1989-10-06 | 1991-05-01 | Keystone Int | VALVE FOR A FLUID CONTAINER. |
| CA2177026A1 (en) * | 1996-05-21 | 1997-11-22 | Adolf Karel Velan | Butterfly valve |
| US6142173A (en) * | 1996-07-30 | 2000-11-07 | Spears Manufacturing Company | High purity corrosion resistant butterfly valve |
| US20060255547A1 (en) * | 2005-05-12 | 2006-11-16 | Widder Edward S | Zip strip seal |
| FR2922984B1 (en) | 2007-10-31 | 2013-09-27 | Saint Gobain Performance Plast | VALVE HAVING RIGID SEAL |
| FR2922988B1 (en) | 2007-10-31 | 2012-10-12 | Saint Gobain Performance Plast | PIPE ASSEMBLIES |
| US8348236B2 (en) * | 2007-10-31 | 2013-01-08 | Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corporation | Butterfly valve with a rigid seal |
| CA2694864C (en) * | 2010-03-23 | 2011-09-20 | Velan Inc. | Ball valve sealing ring |
| US9046004B2 (en) | 2012-02-28 | 2015-06-02 | General Electric Company | Compression sleeve seal |
| US10428955B2 (en) | 2012-06-25 | 2019-10-01 | Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation | Contamination resistant butterfly valve |
| US10539238B2 (en) * | 2014-09-18 | 2020-01-21 | Cnh Industrial America Llc | Sealing element for a hydraulic fitting |
| CN104665600A (en) * | 2015-02-13 | 2015-06-03 | 梁林国 | Cutter group sealing structure of soybean milk machine |
| CN104663908A (en) * | 2015-02-13 | 2015-06-03 | 梁林国 | Cutter group sealing structure of soybean milk maker |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3642248A (en) * | 1969-05-07 | 1972-02-15 | Allen & Co Fof Proprietary Fun | Sealing mechanism |
| US3563510A (en) * | 1969-08-06 | 1971-02-16 | Hills Mccanna Co | Valve sealed by calking ring anchored in support groove |
| US4005248A (en) * | 1975-06-10 | 1977-01-25 | The Firestone Tire & Rubber Company | Smoke-inhibited polymer compositions |
| US4088299A (en) * | 1976-12-16 | 1978-05-09 | Crane Co. | Seal assembly |
| US4130285A (en) * | 1978-01-26 | 1978-12-19 | Walworth Company | Valve sealing device |
-
1979
- 1979-03-30 US US06/025,498 patent/US4266752A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1980
- 1980-03-28 CA CA000348634A patent/CA1149835A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4266752A (en) | 1981-05-12 |
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| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| MKEX | Expiry |