Trunnion ball valve with interchangeable and replaceable seat insert

US9657848B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• CAMERON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION · US

Inventors

• Mircea Balan · Moore, US
• Steven Burrows · Chandler, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Jan 3, 2011
• Grant date: May 23, 2017
• Expiry date: Jan 9, 2034

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/49412
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments include systems and methods for retaining a seat insert of a ball valve in place within a seat ring of the ball valve. In particular, the seat insert is an annular ring having a tapered section on an outer wall of the annular ring. The tapered section of the seat insert is configured to mate with a shoulder in an outer surface of a profiled groove of the seat ring. The seat insert snaps into the profiled groove with the shoulder, thereby preventing axial movement of the seat insert with respect to the profiled groove of the seat ring. In addition, a locking ring also fits within the profiled groove of the seat ring to prevent axial and radial movement of the seat insert with respect to the profiled groove of the seat ring. More specifically, once the seat insert has been snapped into place within the profiled groove of the seat ring, the locking ring is also inserted into the profiled groove of the seat ring.