Valve having reduced operating force and enhanced throttling capability

摘要

A flow control valve element has a generally spherical ball. An inlet is formed in the ball. An outlet is also formed in the ball, the outlet opposing the inlet. A hollowed-out portion extends between the inlet and the outlet. A pair of opposing flats are formed in the ball, the flats each having a first flat portion formed in an external portion of the ball and an opposing second flat portion formed in the hollowed-out portion of the ball.

主权项

1. A flow control valve element, comprising:
a sphere-shaped valve ball; an inlet formed in the valve ball; an outlet formed in the valve ball, the outlet opposing the inlet, at least one of the inlet and the outlet comprising a lip, the lip comprising a flow passage edge, the flow passage edge disposed generally parallel to a fluid flow direction when the valve ball is disposed in a fully open position, the lip comprising a flow passage width which is less than a wall thickness dimension proximate one or more of the inlet and the outlet; and a hollowed-out portion extending between the inlet and the outlet, the hollowed-out portion defined by an ellipsoid segment of an ellipsoid comprising a first semi-principal axis, a second semi-principal axis, and a third semi-principal axis:
the first semi-principal axis is greater than both the second semi-principal axis and the third semi-principal axis; anda path of fluid flow through the hollowed-out portion lies along the first semi-principal axis when the valve ball is disposed in a fully open position.