Valves and valve actuation – Fluid actuated or retarded – Flexible wall expansible chamber reciprocating valve actuator
Reexamination Certificate
1971-04-13
2001-02-20
Nelson, Peter A. (Department: 3641)
Valves and valve actuation
Fluid actuated or retarded
Flexible wall expansible chamber reciprocating valve actuator
C251S005000, C137S451000, C137S355180
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189857
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates generally to valves, and more particularly to an improved fluid-actuated rapid closure squeeze valve. It was made in the course of, or under, a contract with the U. S. Atomic Energy Commission.
Valves made in accordance with the invention are especially intended for use in applications where extremely rapid and leak-tight valve operation is required. One such application is the provision of pressure surge protection in a gas centrifuge cascade where individual gas centrifuge machines are joined in parallel to form stages within a cascade. Failure of a single gas centrifuge machine within a stage could generate a pressure surge in the process gas which would cause additional machine failures in a domino fashion. Such an occurrence must be guarded against by valves capable of operating in a sufficiently rapid fashion so that the failed machine is isolated before the pressure wave which it generates can reach a gas header shared in common with other machines. Once activated, the valve must provide a continuing leak-tight seal to prevent atmospheric contamination of the process gas which is maintained at sub-atmospheric pressure within the cascade.
It is, accordingly, a general object of the invention to provide an improved valve capable of rapid closure and leak-tight operation.
Other objects of the invention will become apparent from an examination of the following description of the invention and the appended drawings.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the invention, a fluid actuated squeeze valve is provided which is suitable for use where leak-tight operation and/ or very rapid valve closure characteristics are required. The valve comprises an annular valve body with a generally cylindrical open-ended bore for receiving the frusto-conical end portions of two, axially aligned, opposed end plugs. An annular clearance is provided between the end portions and the bore wall for receiving an elastomeric sleeve. Each end plug is provided with an axially extending bore for passage of process fluid which communicates with angled passageways extending from the bore to the slant surface of a respective frusto-conical end portion. The smaller truncated end surfaces of the two opposed end portions are spaced apart axially to define a narrow gap therebetween. Fluid pressure is exerted through an access port in the valve body by suitable pressure supplying means to actuate the valve by causing the elastomeric sleeve to press against the end portions. The resulting valve is simple in design, rapid operating, and extremely leak tight when actuated due to the existence therein of several seals in series which must all be penetrated before process gas can pass through the valve.
REFERENCES:
patent: 2994336 (1961-08-01), Bryan
patent: 3159373 (1964-12-01), Kroffke
Promin Edward R.
Zeger Leroy
Gottlieb Paul A.
Moser William R.
Nelson Peter A.
Schneider Emily G.
The United States of America as represented by the United States
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