Valve having ceramic components and associated fabrication method
US6460559B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 1, 2001 |
| Grant date | Oct 8, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 1, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/0508
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve for controlling the flow of a fluid comprises a housing, a flow-control element disposed within the housing, at least one seat operably engaging the flow-control element, and a biasing device for urging the seat and the flow-control element relative toward each other. In some embodiments, the valve also includes an actuating device operably engaging the flow-control element. The flow-control element, the seat, and the biasing device are comprised of a refractory material, and at least the biasing device is formed of a toughened refractory or ceramic material that is fully annealed so that porosity in the material is substantially eliminated and such that the material is substantially homogenous. In some embodiments, the seat, the flow-control element, the biasing device, and/or other components may be advantageously fabricated together as a unitary structure. An associated fabrication method is also provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.