Seal Element Having Contoured V-Spring

摘要

A gate valve for use in oil field applications having a seal assembly made up of an elastomeric case and a spring in the case having a V-shaped cross section. The spring has legs that depend from one another, and free ends of the legs that are contoured towards one another to define a rounded surface on outer surfaces of the legs. The rounded surface reduces stress contact between the spring and the case, thereby prolonging seal assembly life. The seal assembly can be placed between a stem in the valve and a gland packing. Other seal assembly locations include between a seat ring and counterbore in the valve body.

主权项

1. A valve assembly comprising:
a valve body comprising a flow passageway, a cavity that is intersected by the flow passageway, and an axial bore in communication with the cavity; a stem that inserts into the axial bore; a seal assembly disposed in the valve body comprising an annular elastomeric casing and an annular spring having a V-shaped cross section disposed in a recess in the casing and that has legs with free ends that are contoured towards one another so that a rounded surface is formed on inner and outer curved surfaces of the spring.