Device for sealing a valve

摘要

Embodiments of a seal element for use in a trim assembly that allow valves and, in particular, balance control valves to meet high-temperature and shut-off requirements. These embodiments can engage and disengage a cage element and a plug element of the trim assembly, thereby creating a seal that prevents leaks of working fluid that can compromise operation of the valve. In one embodiment, the seal element comprises an annular ring that circumscribes the outer periphery of the plug element. The annular ring can deflect in response movement of one part of the plug element relative to another part of the plug element. This deflection can cause the seal element to contact the cage element and the plug element in seal regions that are proximate to one another, and to the outer periphery of the plug element.

主权项

1. A valve, comprising:
a cage element with an inner wall; a plug element disposed in the cage element, the plug element having a center axis and an upper part and a lower part, each of the upper part and the lower part having an outer peripheral surface proximate the inner wall of the cage element, the upper part and the lower part forming a seal feature, the seal feature between the upper part and the lower part, the seal feature having a sealing surface forming a peripheral edge with the outer peripheral surface; and a seal element disposed in the seal feature, the seal element having a first seal surface proximate the sealing surface and a second seal surface proximate the inner wall of the cage element, wherein the upper part and the lower part of the plug element are configured to move relative to one another to change a dimension of the seal feature from a first dimension to a second dimension that is smaller than the first dimension, wherein the seal element has a first deflected position and a second deflected position that corresponds with the first dimension and the second dimension, respectively, and wherein the first deflected position configures the seal element, under load, spaced apart from the cage element and the second deflected position configures the seal element, under load, in contact with the cage element and so that the first seal surface contacts the sealing surface of the seal feature in a seal region that is proximate the outer peripheral edge.