Valve device and fluid coupling comprised thereof

摘要

Embodiments of a valve device that reduces noise and vibration that may occur during low flow conditions in fluid couplings (e.g., valves and flow regulators). These embodiments utilize a plug and seat arrangement with geometry to prevent pressure differentials that cause the plug element to open and close in a cyclic pattern. In one embodiment, the valve device includes a seat element with an aperture and a plug element with a boss that extends into the aperture when the plug element contacts the seat element. The boss has an outer surface that forms a gap, which defines an annular area proximate the point of contact between the seat element and the plug element that is sized to reduce Venturi flow effects that cause the cyclic pattern to occur.

主权项

1. A valve device, comprising:
a seat element with a top, a bottom, and an aperture extending between the top and the bottom, the aperture forming an inner aperture surface defining an aperture area, wherein the seat element is rounded at the top to form a lip that circumscribes the aperture; and a plug element that contacts the lip of the seat element in a first position, the plug element having a boss that extends into the aperture in the first position, the boss having an outer surface with a profile defining a first section in which the outer surface is parallel to a central axis so as to define a first radius for the outer surface relative to the central axis, the first section transitioning to a second section that slopes towards the central axis so as to define a second radius for the outer surface relative to the central axis, wherein the first section forms a gap with the inner aperture surface, the gap defining an annular area proximate the top of the seat element that is 2% or less of the aperture area, and wherein the second radius is the same as the first radius at a point on the outer surface at which the first section transitions to the second section.