Valves and valve actuation – Rotary valves – Ball valve
Patent
1995-10-17
1996-11-26
Fox, John
Valves and valve actuation
Rotary valves
Ball valve
251214, 251288, F16K 506
Patent
active
055777090
ABSTRACT:
When the O-rings of ball valves used in the fluid circuits of refrigeration systems are exposed to new EPA-correct refrigerants and blends, the lubrication covering the O-rings tends to wash away. This results in failure of the ball valves. A quarter turn ball valve with a valve stem seal configuration for use under such conditions is disclosed. The valve stem seal configuration protects the ball valve O-ring from contact with the refrigerant fluid flowing through the ball valve. The ball valve has a valve stem receiving passageway with annular recesses in the upper and bottom portions of the passageway. The recesses are spaced apart from one another and a primary seal washer is seated within the bottom recess while an O-ring is seated within the upper recess. Both embrace the valve stem. An annular spring and valve stem guide are supported above the O-ring. In order to minimize wear, the O-ring is maintained in a state of "controlled squeeze" where it is subjected only to radial compression. The stem guide limits the rotation of the valve stem between the open and closed positions. The annular spring means maintains an upward thrust on the valve stem so that a flange on the bottom of the valve stem compresses the primary seal washer against the top of the bottom recess and the radial portion of the recess so as to form a seal.
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Gugala Zbigniew H.
Loman Lawrence J.
Scapes John N.
Fox John
Henry Valve Company
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