Valve closing mechanism

Details Valve closing mechanism Valve closing mechanism

1994-09-16

1996-12-03

Chambers, A. Michael

Fluid handling

Ambient condition change responsive

Atmospheric

251 58, 251279, 251292, F16K 1736

Patent

active

055798012

DESCRIPTION:

BRIEF SUMMARY
This invention relates to valve closing mechanisms for use in closing spindle-controlled valves of the type used with gas storage vessels.
Toxic or hazardous fluids such as chlorine are often stored in cylinders equipped with a valve which is designed to be turned on and off by means of a rotatable spindle, rotation of which serves to move a valve member relative to a valve seat.
If there is a leakage of the toxic fluid downstream of the storage vessel, it is essential that the valve is closed rapidly and reliably without risk to personnel.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a valve closing mechanism comprising a stand-off arm adapted for attachment to the valve body, a lever arm incorporating a fitting for connection to the valve spindle, and an actuator acting between the stand-off arm and the lever arm for effecting angular oscillatory movement of the lever arm, said fitting comprising a one-way drive transmitting arrangement whereby the spindle is rotated when the lever arm is displaced in one direction but remains stationary when the lever arm is displaced in the opposite direction.
According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a valve assembly with combined valve closing mechanism, comprising: the valve means whereby rotation of the spindle in one sense effects valve closure and rotation in the opposite sense effects valve opening; arrangement whereby the spindle is rotated when the lever arm is displaced in one direction but remains stationary when the lever arm is displaced in the opposite direction; and effecting angular oscillatory movement of the lever arm.
In accordance with a preferred feature of the invention, the standoff arm, the lever arm and the drive arrangement are embodied in an assembly which can be assembled and detached from the valve body as a unit thereby facilitating rapid changeover when it is necessary to replace a depleted storage vessel.
Preferably the connection between the spindle and the stand-off arm via the lever arm and the actuator is of a quick-release nature so that, in the event of valve closure being effected by the actuator, access to the spindle can be had rapidly to allow the valve to be opened (when safe to do so) for example by manual manipulation of the spindle with the aid of a suitable tool.
Preferably the actuator is in the form of a double acting pneumatic piston and cylinder assembly.
The one-way drive transmitting device conveniently comprises a pawl and ratchet drive, for example of the type commonly employed in ratchet spanners.
According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a gas supply system comprising at least one gas storage vessel having a valve-controlled outlet and an associated valve closing mechanism in the form defined in said one aspect of the invention, means for controlling operation of the valve closing mechanism or mechanisms, the control means including gas sensing means responsive to the stored gas and being operable, upon detection of gas by the sensing means, to initiate operation of the actuator to close the or each valve.
The invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawing, the sole FIGURE of which is a schematic diagram showing the valve operating mechanism and associated pneumatic circuity.
Referring to the drawing, the storage vessel (which is shown in part only) is of the common cylinder type used for storage of gases such as chlorine. The cylinder 10 has an outlet fitted with a conventional valve assembly 12 having an outlet 14 through which the gas is supplied to downstream equipment when the valve assembly is open. Valve closure and opening is effected by rotation of a spindle which at its upper end terminates in a squared section 16 for co-operation with a suitable tool. In contrast with conventional practice, instead of closing the valve manually with a tool, the cylinder 10 is equipped with an automatic valve closing mechanism.
The mechanism comprises a standoff arm 18 which is non-rotatably fitted to the

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