Valve system and method

摘要

A flow control valve includes a housing forming internal passages in fluid communication with a port of the valve, and an internal cavity. A flow direction block is disposed in the internal cavity and forms at least one flow passage extending through a portion thereof. The flow direction block is moveable within the internal cavity such that the free ends of the least one flow passage can be selectively aligned with a respective internal passage along an interface as the flow direction block is moved from a first, closed position to a second, open position. A seal is disposed around each interface and includes an internal face, which presses against an outer surface of the flow direction block, and an external face, which presses against the housing. Sealing function is improved, at least in part, by a differential fluid pressure that acts on the seal.

主权项

1. A flow control valve, comprising:
a housing forming two or more internal passages and an internal cavity in fluid communication with each of the two or more internal passages, wherein each of the two or more passages is in fluid communication with a respective port; a flow direction block disposed in the internal cavity, the flow direction block forming two flow passages extending through a portion of the flow direction block, wherein the flow direction block is moveable within the internal cavity such that each of the free ends of each of the two flow passages can selectively be brought into alignment with a corresponding one of the two or more internal passages of the housing along a respective interface when the flow direction block is moved; a seal disposed around each interface and configured to seal against fluid leakage at the interface; wherein the seal includes an internal face, which presses against an outer surface of the flow direction block to form a seal, and an external face, which presses against an inner portion of the housing to form a seal, the pressing against the outer portion of the flow direction block and the inner portion of the housing depending at least in part on a differential fluid pressure that acts on internal and external surfaces of the seal.