Guided non-ported expanding gate valve and method

摘要

A non-ported expanding gate valve and method of use, including an expanding gate assembly and a slotted guide, is fixedly positioned on the valve body and slidably coupled with a gate assembly. The guide has slots of varying widths that are used with a pivoting rocker arm coupled with the gate assembly to adjust the thickness of the gate assembly at the proper timing. The guides perform multiple functions, including: centralizing a rocker arm during opening between seats; collapsing the gate assembly when opening; allowing and controlling expansion when closing; guiding lateral movement during operation of the gate assembly between opposing guides on the sides of a flow passageway; guiding axial movement during operation of the gate assembly between opposing guide side flanges; retaining seats in position when the valve is open; and/or stiffening the guide in a lateral direction to control movement of the gate assembly.