Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
MULTI-PART VALVE ASSEMBLY
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[001] This application claims priority from U.S. Application No. 15/676,624
filed August 14,
2017 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Application No. 15/296,993 filed
October 18, 2016,
which is a continuation of U.S. Application No. 14/213,696 filed March 14,
2014, now Patent No.
9,470,226 issued October 18, 2016.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[002] The disclosed design relates to a valve assembly for use in
reciprocating, positive
displacement pumps, such as mud pumps, well service pumps, and other
industrial applications.
More particularly, the disclosed design is especially suitable for use in a
fracking pump for
subterranean production services. More specifically, the presently disclosed
design relates to a
multi-part valve assembly of various materials constructed in a novel manner
that replaces
conventional two and three part welded valves.
BACKGROUND
1003] Valves have been the subject of engineering design efforts for many
years, and millions
of them have been used. The engineering development of valves has stagnated in
this crowded
and mature field of technology. Improvements have been elusive in recent
years, even as the
cost of materials and manufacturing has continued to climb.
[004] The basic valve structure is present in several U.S. patent
publications. Some of these
describe conventional methods of building a valve, and others describe methods
that have been
rejected by industry. Fewer disclosures teach multiple component valves, as
valves having
multiple components have heretofore been disfavored for a number of reasons.
Primarily, they
are viewed as more costly to manufacture. Multiple components require multiple
manufacturing
steps, assembly steps, and fit-tolerances requirements that valves having
fewer parts do not
Date recue / Date received 2021-12-09
have. Secondly, each assembly and connection is deemed a potential failure
point, so these
valves are, again, disfavored.
[005] Fracking valves are a particular valve used to pump hard material
into a production
wellbore for the purpose of fracturing the reservoir containing formations to
increase fluid flow
into the wellbore. Such pumps are reciprocating, positive displacement pumps
in which the
valves are held closed by springs and open and close by differential pressure.
The pumps deliver
clear fluids or slurries through simple poppet valves that are activated
(opened and closed) by
the fluid pressure differential generated when the mechanical energy of the
pump is converted
into fluid pressure.
[006] In oil and gas exploration, there are two common reciprocating,
positive displacement
applications; mud pumps and well service pumps. The disclosed design is also
appropriate in
both of these categories as well as other, general industrial reciprocating,
positive displacement
applications. Pump valves in these applications must be guided as they move
back and forth
about an axis parallel to the fluid flow. The guides may be "stems" or "wings"
and these may be
on either side or both sides of the valve. They must remain an inseparable
part of the pump valve
during its useful life.
[007] Due to the hardness of the material being pumped, valves include a
soft seating
material, such as a urethane insert, such that a seal can be obtained. The
softer insert component
necessitates at least some assembly in track valves. Other than the inclusion
of the insert,
conventional manufacturing practice has been to minimize the number of
components in a valve
assembly.
[008] Conventional pump valves are thus made from a pair of near net shape
pieces of low
carbon alloy steel that are welded together and then carburized to produce a
hard, wear resistant
surface. The process of manufacturing such near net shapes is expensive.
Alternatively, pump
valves are made from high carbon, low alloy steels of one expensive piece that
requires detailed
finishing, as these alloys are generally not welded.
[009] One form of convention valve manufacturing includes making the
components of the
valve of high alloy steel such as 8620 or 4130. These are expensive grades of
steel for
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manufacturing a limited life product. Additionally, conventional manufacturing
techniques
generate material waste.
[010] Conventional valve guides are manufactured by investment casting. It
is common
practice to forge a one-piece valve and top stem of low carbon alloy steel.
The two pieces are
welded together and carburized as a single piece.
[011] An alternative known method of making valves is to make a single
investment casting
of the entire valve for assembly with only the insert. As with the other
method, the entire part
is then carburized to harden it.
[012] An alternative known method of making valves is to make a single
piece forging from
a high carbon alloy steel. Areas that require hardened surfaces are induction
or flame hardened.
However, the only areas of the valve that require hardened surfaces are
relatively small and
include the face of the valve and the outer edges of the guides.
[013] The disclosed design replaces expensive raw material forms with a
combination of
inexpensive pieces and allows the most productive selective hardening
processes to be used.
SUMMARY
[014] The disclosed design provides a pump valve and a method of
manufacturing and
assembling the pump valve that allows the use of materials usually considered
unsuitable for
multiple components welded together to be constructed as a weldment.
[015] This disclosed design provides for the use of high carbon or high
carbon alloy steel that
can be induction or flame hardened and a collection of inexpensive pieces to
be assembled and
captured as a finished unit at the time of welding. The weld can be a solid
state inertia or friction
weld or any appropriate melt fusion technique. The assembly includes a
retaining pin, a guide, a
valve, an insert, a retainer, and a retainer cap. The retainer cap is welded
to an end of the
retaining pin to compress the other elements into an assembly.
[016] One embodiment of the disclosed design provides for the assembly of
several
components of simpler geometry that would not generally be considered
candidates for welding
because of their composition.
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[017] In another embodiment, a valve assembly is provided comprising a
retaining pin, a
wing guide located on the retaining pin, and a valve located on the retaining
pin above the guide.
An insert is located on the valve. An insert retainer is located on the
retaining pin above the
insert. A retainer cap is welded to the retaining pin to hold the collective
assembly together.
[018] In another embodiment, the top stem, retainer, wing guide stem, and
wing guide are
comprised of a low carbon, or low alloy steel material, and the valve is
comprised of steel higher
in carbon content than that of the retaining pin, guide, and retainer.
[019] In another embodiment, the weld between the retainer cap and the
retaining pin is an
inertia weld.
[020] In another embodiment, the retainer cap has a nonagon configuration.
[021] In another embodiment, the guide has a top portion and three legs
extending
downward from the top portion. A footer extends outward from each leg. Three
stabilizers
extend downward from the top portion, one each between the downwardly
extending legs.
[022] In another embodiment, a plurality of tabs extends outward from the
top portion. The
tabs engage the internal circumference of a circular recess in the valve to
center the guide
concentrically with the valve.
[023] In another embodiment, the retaining pin has a generally triangular
head for fitted
engagement with the underside of the guide.
[024] An advantage of the above summarized invention is that many of the
parts may be
made of material that is easy to machine, such that these components can be
made less
expensively.
[025] Another advantage is that many of the components need not be heat
treated,
eliminating a costly process step that is applied to the entirety of
conventional valve assemblies.
[026] Another advantage is that it is unnecessary to selectively and
manually apply and
remove expensive compounds needed to prevent carburization of several surfaces
to which
hardening is undesirable.
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[027] More recently, an improvement to the above disclosed design has been
developed for
which this summary continues.
[028] In the more recent present embodiments, an improved valve assembly is
provided. The
assembly includes a retaining pin having a retaining cap on its upper end.
Located on the retaining
pin are an insert retainer, an insert beneath the insert retainer, a valve
beneath the insert, and a
guide beneath the valve, the guide has a generally truncated pyramid shape,
and a central portion
on its upper end. The central portion is centered on the retaining pin. The
retaining pin has an
expanded lower end to secure the valve assembly together.
[029] In another embodiment, the guide is bell-shaped. In the guide, four
legs are
interconnected by a generally square base. In another embodiment, the guide
has a window
opening on each of the four sides.
[030] In another embodiment, the guide has a substantially circular top,
and has a conical
upper portion extending downward from the top. There is a continuous base,
with four legs
connecting the upper portion to the base. In this embodiment and others, the
guide has eight
perimeter extents along the base.
[031] In another embodiment, a washer is located between the retaining pin
and the central
portion of the guide. The retainer pin end may be formed by hot pressing the
pin.
[031A] In a broad aspect, the present invention pertains to a valve assembly
comprising a
retaining pin having a retaining cap on its upper end, a retainer centered on
the retaining pin
beneath the retaining cap, a valve centered on the retaining pin beneath the
retainer, and an insert
centered on the valve and beneath the retainer. There is a guide having a
generally truncated
pyramid shape, and having a central portion on its upper end, the guide
central portion being
centered on the retaining pin beneath the valve. The retaining pin has an
expanded end face formed
on its lower end to secure the valve assembly together, and a spacer is
located between the guide
central portion and the expanded end face of the retaining pin.
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CA 3013999 2021-07-23
[031B] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a valve assembly
comprising a
retaining pin having a retaining cap and a shaft extending downward from the
cap. A retainer is
centered on the shaft of the retaining pin beneath the retaining cap, an
insert is centered on the
valve and beneath the retainer, and a valve is centered on the retaining pin
beneath the insert.
There is a guide having a truncated pyramid shape having a top and a central
aperture on the top,
the central aperture of the guide being centered on the retaining pin beneath
the valve. The
retaining pin has a lower end and an expanded end face formed on the lower end
to secure the
valve assembly together. The guide further comprises a transition extending
downward from the
top, four legs extending downward from the transition to a continuous base,
and the base comprises
a facet at an end of each leg forming a chamfered edge between beams extending
between the
facets.
[032] Advantages and features of the embodiments presently disclosed will
become more
readily understood from the following detailed description and appended claims
when read in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals represent
like elements.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[033] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the valve assembly shown in accordance
with certain
embodiments of the present invention, as viewed from the top of the valve.
[034] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the valve assembly of FIG. 1 as viewed
from the bottom
of the valve.
[035] FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of the valve assembly of FIGS. 1-
2 shown in
accordance with certain embodiments of the present invention.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-02-09
, ,
[036] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the valve assembly embodiment of FIGS. 1-
3, illustrating a
section line A-A through this view of the valve assembly.
[037] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the valve assembly embodiment of FIGS.
1-4 sectioned at
A-A as illustrated in FIG. 4.
[038] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the retaining pin component of the
valve assembly
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[039] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an in-process guide component of the valve
assembly
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[040] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the guide component of FIG. 7 after a
forming step.
[041] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the guide component of FIG. 8.
[042] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of the valve component of the
valve assembly
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[043] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of the insert component of the
valve assembly
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[044] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of the retainer component of
the valve assembly
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[045] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of the retainer cap of the valve assembly
embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3.
[046] FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the retainer cap of the valve assembly
embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 sectioned at B-B as illustrated in FIG. 13.
[047] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of the valve assembly shown in
accordance with certain
embodiments of the disclosed design, as viewed from the top of the valve
assembly.
[048] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of the valve assembly of FIG. 15 as
viewed from the bottom
of the valve assembly.
[049] FIG. 17 is an isometric exploded view of the valve assembly of FIGS.
15-16 shown in
accordance with certain embodiments of the disclosed design.
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, ,
[050] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of the retaining pin component of
the valve assembly
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-17.
[051] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of the insert retainer
component of the valve
assembly embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-17.
[052] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of the spacer component of the
valve assembly
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-17.
[053] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of the insert component of the
valve assembly
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-17.
[054] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of the valve component of the
valve assembly
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 15-17.
[055] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of the guide component of the valve
assembly embodiment
illustrated in FIGS. 15-17.
[056] FIG. 24 is a side view of the guide component of FIG. 22.
[057] FIG. 25 is a top view of the valve assembly embodiment of FIGS. 15-
17, illustrating a
section line A-A through this view of the valve assembly.
[058] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly embodiment of
FIGS. 15-17
sectioned at A-A as illustrated in FIG. 18, illustrating the valve assembly in
process, before
compressed expansion of the bottom of the retaining pin.
[059] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly embodiment of
FIG. 26,
illustrating the completed valve assembly, with compressed expansion of the
bottom of the
retaining pin.
[060] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include
exemplary
embodiments to the disclosed design, which may be embodied in various forms.
It is to be
understood that in some instances various aspects of the disclosed design may
be shown
exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate an understanding of the disclosed
design.
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DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[061] The following description is presented to enable any person skilled
in the art to make
and use the disclosed design, and is provided in the context of a particular
application and its
requirements. Various modifications to the disclosed embodiments will be
readily apparent to
those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be
applied to other
embodiments and applications without departing from the spirit and scope of
the disclosed
design. Thus, the disclosed design is not intended to be limited to the
embodiments shown, but
is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features
disclosed herein.
[062] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a valve assembly 10
as viewed
generally from the top of valve assembly 10. FIG. 2 is an isometric view of
this embodiment of
valve assembly 10 as viewed generally from the bottom of valve assembly 10.
[063] FIG. 3 is an isometric exploded view of an embodiment of valve
assembly 10,
illustrating the multiple components of this embodiment. Valve assembly 10
comprises a
retaining pin 20. A guide 30 is positioned on retaining pin 20. A valve 50 is
positioned on retaining
pin 20 above guide 30. An insert 60 is positioned on and in engagement with
valve 50. A retainer
70 is positioned on retaining pin 20 above and engaging insert 60 and valve
50. A retainer cap
80 is welded to retaining pin 20 and optionally to retainer 70.
[064] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the embodiment of valve assembly 10
illustrated in FIGS. 1-
3, and providing a section line A-A through this view of valve assembly 10.
[065] FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the valve assembly embodiment of FIGS.
1-4 sectioned at
A-A as illustrated in FIG. 4. Valve assembly 10 is illustrated at a valve seat
and extending into a
valve port 100. As shown, guide 30 centers valve assembly 10 inside valve port
100. Valve 50
engages a valve seat portion above valve port 100 in normal operation, as does
insert 60.
Retainer 70 compresses insert 60, valve 50, and guide 30 between retaining pin
20 and retainer
cap 80. Retainer cap 80 is welded at 90 to retaining pin 20 to form a secure
valve assembly 10 in
which the component parts do not rotate relative to each other. In an optional
embodiment
illustrated, retainer cap 80 is also welded at 92 to retainer 70. In a
preferred embodiment,
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CA 3013999 2018-08-13
retainer cap 80 is friction, or inertia welded at 90 to retainer pin 20 and/or
friction or inertia
welded at 92 to retainer 70.
[066] FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the retaining pin 20
component of the
illustrated embodiment of valve assembly 10. In the embodiment illustrated,
retaining pin 20
has a triangular shaped base 22. Referring back to FIG. 4, it is seen that a
substantially triangular
head 22 of retaining pin 20 provides an increased contact surface area to
better secure the
generally triangular configuration of guide 30 into valve assembly 10.
[067] A pin shaft 24 extends upwards from the center of base 22. An end
face 26 is formed
on the end of pin shaft 24 opposite to base 22. In the disclosed assembly,
retaining pin 20 may
be made of low carbon steel, such as 1018 or other suitable material. In this
embodiment, heat
treatment of retaining pin 20 is advantageously not required.
[068] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of an embodiment of guide 30 of valve
assembly 10, shown in
process. Among the several unique features of this embodiment is the inclusion
of a flat stock
guide component 30, shown here after stamping and prior to forming.
Optionally, guide 30 may
be formed by laser cutting. Guide 30 has an aperture 32 for positioning guide
30 over retaining
pin 20. At this stage, guide 30 has a substantially flat central portion 40.
[069] Referring to FIG. 7, dashed lines A, B and C illustrate nine separate
folds of the flat
stock of guide 30 that are required to create the final part illustrated in
this embodiment. Folds
'A' create three footers 38. Folds 'B' create three legs 36, which include
footers 38. Folds 'C'
create three stabilizers 34. Of these components, only footers 38 may come
into contact with
valve port 100 (FIG. 4). Footers 38 may have hardfacing or other treatment
applied to enhance
their wear resistance without the need to heat treat the entire valve
assembly.
[070] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of guide 30 of FIG. 7 after a forming step
which includes the
bending of folds A, B and C. FIG. 9 is an isometric view of the embodiment of
guide 30 illustrated
in FIG. 8. As best seen in FIG. 9, folds A have created footers 38 which
extend substantially
perpendicular, one each, in relation to legs 36. Folds B have created legs 36
which extend
downward and substantially perpendicular in relation to top surface 34. Folds
C have created
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CA 3013999 2018-08-13
, stabilizers 34, which also extend downward and substantially
perpendicular in relation to top
surface 40.
[071] In a preferred embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 9, the folds at
B and C can be
advantageously formed such that contiguous stabilizers 34 and legs 36 provide
a singular
substantially continuous structure. In this manner, stabilizers 34 and legs 36
provide mutual
support and strengthen the structure of guide 30.
[072] As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 9, a plurality of tabs 42 is provided
that extends outward
from central portion 40. Tabs 42 may be used to provide locating structures
for accurate bending
of folds A, B, and C. Referring back to FIG. 4, tabs 42 further provide
triangulated positioning of
guide 30 inside a recess 57 (see FIG. 10) of valve 50 of valve assembly 10. In
this manner, a more
accurate concentric alignment of the guide 30 and footers 38 can be achieved
with regard to the
center of valve 50. It is understood that such concentricity between these
structures is critical to
the life and performance of valve assembly 10. It is further understood that
direct three-point
alignment between valve 50 and guide 30 is superior to the inevitable
accumulated tolerances
realized in aligning all components on a third body, such as retaining pin 20.
[073] As described, the unique configuration and process for manufacturing
guide 30 may
be advantageously made of an inexpensive low carbon, or low carbon alloy sheet
steel, or other
affordable material. Guide 30 may also be made of high carbon steel. It may
only be necessary
to heat treat or otherwise surface treat legs 36 of guide 30. Legs 36 and/or
guide 30 may be
readily heat treated by various means, including, but not limited to,
induction or laser heat
treating, spot welding, or conventional hardfacing.
[074] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of valve 50
of valve assembly
10. In this embodiment, valve 50 has an aperture 52 for location of valve 50
onto retaining pin
20. Valve 50 has a recess 57 on bottom surface 54 and an opposite top surface
55 connected at
their centers by aperture 52. Valve 50 has a valve face 56. A tongue and
groove 58 is provided
between valve face 56 and top surface 55. Recess 57 of bottom surface 54
engages central
portion 40 of guide 30 when assembled on retaining pin 20. Tabs 42 of guide 30
position guide
30 centrally by engaging the inner circumference of recessed surface 54.
CA 3013999 2018-08-13
,
[075] Valve face 56 is commonly angled between 30 and 45 degrees relative
to recessed
bottom surface 54. Valve 50 may be made of suitable steel such as 4150 or
other relatively hard
steel. In one embodiment, valve 50 may be hardened by induction hardening or
other
appropriate heat treating method. Advantageously, valve 50 may be heat treated
without the
requirement to heat treat the entire valve assembly 10.
[076] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of insert 60
of valve assembly
10. Insert 60 has an aperture 62. Insert 60 has a top surface 68 and a face
66. A tongue and
groove 64 is provided between aperture 62 and face 66. Tongue and groove 64 is
configured for
complementary engagement with tongue and groove 58 of valve 50. Aperture 62
fits over valve
50 to engage insert 60 with valve 50.
[077] Insert face 66 is commonly angled between 30 and 45 degrees relative
to insert top
surface 68, such that when insert 60 is located onto valve 50, insert face 66
and valve face 56
form a semi-continuous surface for engaging the valve seat portion of valve
port 100, as best
seen in FIG. 5.
[078] Insert 60 may be made of urethane or other suitable material that is
used to
manufacture inserts for conventional valve designs. Insert 60 operates to
provide a seal with the
valve seat of valve port 100 when debris common to operations such as fracking
prevents a
metal-to-metal seal. In a preferred embodiment, insert 60 is compressively fit
over valve 50,
thereby enhancing the wear performance of the elastomeric insert 60.
[079] FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of retainer
70 of valve assembly
10. Retainer 70 has an aperture 72 for location onto retaining pin 20.
Retainer 70 has a bottom
surface 74 and a top surface 76. Bottom surface 74 engages top surface 62 of
insert 60 when
assembled on retaining pin 20. Retainer 70 may be advantageously made of low
carbon steel
such as 1020 steel or other suitable material. In the embodiment illustrated,
heat treatment is
optional, and not required.
[080] In the embodiment illustrated, a first circular recess 78 is located
in top surface 76. In
an optional embodiment, a second circular recess 79 is located on top surface
76.
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=
[081] FIG. 13 is a bottom view of an embodiment of retainer cap 80 of the
valve assembly 10
embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1-3. FIG. 14 is a sectional view of the
embodiment of retainer
cap 80 sectioned at B-B as illustrated in FIG. 13. Referring to FIGS. 13 and
14, retainer cap 80 has
a head portion 82 on top of a stem portion 84. A substantially flat base 86 is
located at the end
of stem 84. A flash trap 88 is formed on the underside of head portion 82,
adjacent stem 84, to
facilitate welding.
[082] In the embodiment illustrated, as best seen in FIG. 13, the exterior
of head portion 82
is configured to have nine symmetrical sides. The nonagon exterior perimeter
generates
contiguous sides having an angle 'A' of about 40 degrees between them. Other
shapes may be
used. Retainer cap 80 may be made of a low alloy, or low carbon steel. Heat
treatment of
retainer cap 80 is optional, and is not required.
[083] In the assembly of valve assembly 10, guide 30, valve 50, insert 60,
and retainer 70 are
stacked on pin shaft 24 of retaining pin 20. Force is applied between head 22
and retainer cap
80 to compress the assembly. Base 86 of retainer cap 80 is welded to end face
26 of retaining
pin 20. This weld can be a solid state inertia or friction weld or any
appropriate meld fusion
technique. In another embodiment illustrated, cap 80 may optionally be welded
directly to
retainer 70 on top surface 76 between first recess 78 and second recess 79.
[084] FIGS. 15-27 are directed to the alternatives in embodiment and
improvements to the
disclosed embodiments of FIGS. 1-14.
[085] FIG. 15 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a valve assembly 110
of the disclosed
design as viewed generally from the top of valve assembly 110. FIG. 16 is an
isometric view of
this embodiment of valve assembly 110 as viewed generally from the bottom of
valve assembly
110.
[086] FIG. 17 is an isometric exploded view of an embodiment of valve
assembly 110,
illustrating the multiple components of this embodiment. Valve assembly 110
comprises a
retaining pin 120. An insert retainer 140 is positioned on retaining pin 120.
In an alternative
embodiment, not illustrated, retaining pin 120 and insert retainer 140 are a
unitary component.
An insert 150 is positioned on retaining pin 120 beneath insert retainer 140.
A valve 160 is
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CA 3013999 2018-08-13
positioned on retaining pin 120 beneath insert 150. Valve 160 is positioned in
engagement with
insert 150. A guide 170 is located on retaining pin 120 beneath valve 160. A
spacer 190 may
optionally be located on retaining pin 120 beneath guide 170.
[087] FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view of retaining pin 120 of the
embodiment of valve
assembly 110 illustrated in FIGS. 1547. Retaining pin 120 has a cap 122 and a
shaft 124 extending
from cap 122. An expanded end face 126 (see FIG. 27) islormed on the end of
pin shaft 124
opposite to cap 122 to complete assembly of valve assembly 110. This process
is completed by
upset forge or similar method. In the disclosed assembly, retaining pin 120
may be made of low
carbon steel, such as 1018 or other suitable material. In this embodiment,
heat treatment of
retaining pin 120 is advantageously not required.
[088] FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional side view of insert retainer 140
component of the
embodiment of valve assembly 110 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. Retainer 140 has
an aperture 142
for location onto shaft 124 of retaining pin 120. Retainer 140 has a top
surface 144 and a bottom
surface 146. Bottom surface 146 engages a top surface 154 of insert 150 when
assembled on
retaining pin 120. Retainer 140 may be advantageously made of low carbon steel
such as 1020
steel or other suitable material. In the embodiment illustrated, heat
treatment is optional, and
not required.
[089] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional side view of spacer 190 component of the
embodiment of valve
assembly 110 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. Spacer 190 has a spacer aperture 192
such that spacer
190 may be located on shaft 124 of retaining pin 120 as best seen in FIG. 27.
In this position, and
unique to the construction and assembly of the presently disclosed valve
assembly 110, an
expanded end face 126 (see FIG. 27) is formed on the end of pin shaft 124 to
complete assembly
of valve assembly 110 and hold the several components together in compression.
This process
may be completed by upset forge or similar method. In this process, spacer 190
absorbs and
distributes the impact forces endured by retaining pin 120 when expanded end
face 126 is formed,
thus protecting the integrity and geometry of guide 170.
[090] FIG. 21 is a cross-sectional side view of insert 150 of the embodiment
of valve assembly
110 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. Insert 150 has an aperture 152. Insert 150 has
atop surface 154
13
Date recue / Date received 2021-12-09
and a face 156. A tongue and groove 158 is provided between aperture 152 and
face 156.
Tongue and groove 158 is configured for complementary engagement with a tongue
and groove
168 of valve 160 (see FIG. 7). Aperture 152 fits over valve 160 to engage
insert 150 with valve
160.
[0911 Insert face 156 is commonly angled between 30 and 45 degrees relative
to insert top
surface 154, such that when insert 150 is located onto valve 160, insert face
156 and valve face
166 form a semi-continuous surface for engaging the valve seat portion of
valve port 100 (not
shown for this embodiment, however, see FIG. 5).
[091A1 Insert 150 may be made of urethane or other suitable material that is
used to
manufacture inserts for conventional valve designs. Insert 150 operates to
provide a seal with
the valve seat portion of valve port 100 when debris common to operations such
as tracking
prevents a metal-to-metal seal. In this embodiment, insert 150 is
compressively fit over valve
160, thereby enhancing the wear performance of the elastomeric insert 150.
[092] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional side view of valve component 160 of the
embodiment of
valve assembly 110 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. In this embodiment, valve 160
has an aperture 162
for location of valve 160 onto retaining pin 120. Valve 160 has a top surface
164 for engagement
with retainer 140 on assembly of valve assembly 110.
[093] Valve 160 has a valve face 166. Valve 160 has a tongue and groove 168
provided
between top surface 164 and valve face 166. Tongue and groove 168 is
configured for
complementary engagement with a tongue and groove 158 of insert 150, as best
seen in FIG. 27.
[094] Valve 160 has a bottom surface 169 on its side opposite to top
surface 164. Valve face
166 is commonly angled between 30 and 45 degrees relative to bottom surface
169. Valve 160
may be made of suitable steel such as 4150 or other relatively hard steel. In
one embodiment,
valve 160 may be hardened by induction hardening or other appropriate heat
treating method.
Quenching and tempering may provide desirable wear hardness to valve face 166.
Advantageously, valve 160 may be heat treated without the requirement to heat
treat the entire
valve assembly 110.
14
Date recue / Date received 2021-12-09
, [095] FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a guide 170 component of the
embodiment of valve
assembly 110 illustrated in FIGS. 15-17. Guide 170 has a top 174 with a
central aperture 172 for
locating guide 170 on shaft 124 of retaining pin 120. An optional transition
176 extends
downward from top 174. Transition 176 may be a spherical segment (shown) or a
conical
segment, or similar transitional geometry. Four legs 178 extend downward from
transition 176.
Transition 176 provides strength to guide 170 as between the connection of
legs 178 to top 174.
[096] FIG. 24 is a side view of guide 170 of FIG. 23. Referring to FIGS. 23
and 24, a continuous
base 180 is provided to connect each of legs 178. In the embodiment
illustrated, base 180 has
facets 182 formed at the bottom of each leg 178. A beam 184 extends between
each facet 182.
Alternating between facets 182 and beams 184, base 180 is a continuous
structure connecting
from which legs 178 extend.
[097] In the embodiment illustrated, base 180 is comprised of two pairs of
opposing parallel
beams 184, oriented perpendicular to each other, to form a substantially
square base 180. Facets
182 may be chamfered edges between beams 184, or radii. Facets 182 position
guide 170 thus
and valve assembly 110 in a centered position inside a pump valve port 100
(represented by circle
102 in FIG. 23) with at least four curves of contact when facets 182 are
circular sections and at
least eight points of contact (edges 183) when facets 182 are not circular
sections.
[098] As seen in FIG. 23, a substantially square and symmetrical flow
portal 188 is formed
inside base 180 to permit high and even flow. Also seen are large windows 186,
formed between
legs 178. Windows 186 and flow portal 188 provide highly symmetrical flow
paths through valve
assembly 110, which, combined with the distributed guide contact described
further below,
extend the life of valve assembly 110.
[099] In the embodiment illustrated, an edge 183 may be formed between each
facet 182
and beam 184. Edges 183 (FIG. 23) provide eight points of contact for guide
170 to distribute
centralizing forces within valve port 100 (represented by circle 102 in FIG.
23). In the
embodiment illustrated, guide 170 has a generally truncated pyramid shape.
Guide 170 may be
advantageously and economically created by stamping and forming.
CA 3013999 2018-08-13
, [0100] In this manner, a more accurate concentric alignment of valve
assembly 110 can be
achieved as to the centerline of a pump cylinder in which valve assembly 110
is disposed. It is
understood that such concentricity is essential to the life and performance of
valve assembly 110.
It is further understood that direct eight-point guide 170 alignment between
valve assembly 110
and the cylinder in which it is disposed is superior to two, three, or four
point contact with regard
to the life of valve assembly 110.
[0101] FIG. 25 is a top view of an embodiment of valve assembly 110,
illustrating a section
line A-A through this view of valve assembly 110.
[0102] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of valve
assembly 110 of FIGS. 15-
17 sectioned at A-A as illustrated in FIG. 25, illustrating valve assembly 110
during the assembly
process, and before compressed expansion of the bottom of shaft 124 of
retaining pin 120.
[0103] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of valve
assembly 110 of FIG. 25,
illustrating completion of the assembly, with formation of expanded portion
126 on the bottom
of shaft 124 of retaining pin 120.
[0104] As described, the unique configuration and process for manufacturing
guide 170 may
be advantageously made of an inexpensive low carbon, or low carbon alloy sheet
steel, or other
affordable material. Guide 170 may also be made of high carbon steel. It may
only be necessary
to heat treat or otherwise surface treat guide 170. Guide 170 may be readily
heat treated by
various means, including, but not limited to, induction or laser heat
treating, spot welding, or
conventional hardfacing.
[0105] In the assembly of valve assembly 110, retainer 140, insert 150,
valve 160, guide 170,
and spacer 190 are stacked on shaft 124 of retaining pin 120. Force is applied
between cap 122
and the heated end of shaft 124 to compress the assembly and form expanded
portion 126 on
the bottom of shaft 124 of retaining pin 120 to hold valve assembly 110
together, and in
compression.
[0106] Expanded end 126 can be advantageously formed by hot pressing
technology. This
process has been demonstrated in test pieces as being a highly economical and
reliable means
for assembly of valve assembly 110.
16
CA 3013999 2018-08-13
[0107]
Having thus described the disclosed design by reference to certain of its
embodiments,
it is noted that the embodiments disclosed are illustrative rather than
limiting in nature and that
a wide range of variations, modifications, changes, and substitutions are
contemplated in the
foregoing disclosure and, in some instances, some features of the disclosed
design may be
employed without a corresponding use of the other features. Many such
variations and
modifications may be considered desirable by those skilled in the art based
upon a review of the
foregoing description of preferred embodiments. Accordingly, it is appropriate
that the
appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope
of the disclosed
design.
17
CA 3013999 2018-08-13
