USOO6079695A

United States Patent (19) 11 Patent Number: 6,079,695

Gasaway et al. (45) Date of Patent: Jun. 27, 2000
54) BUTTERFLY VALVE CONSTRUCTION 4.944,489 7/1990 Adams et al..
5,097.635 3/1992 Beasley.
75 Inventors: Jerry Gasaway; David Stephan, both 5.244,183 9/1993 Calvin et al..
of North Little Rock; Filiberto 5,305,787 4/1994 Thygesen.
Jimenez, Cabot, all of Ark. OTHER PUBLICATIONS
73 Assignee: Orbit Valve Company, Little Rock, Vanessa Series 30,000, “Principle of Operation', 1 page.
Ark. Adams, “Rotary Tight Shut-Off Valve Type MAK", Series
316, 1 page.
21 Appl. No.: 09/046,194 Vanessa Series 30,000 QTG, “Design and Construction”, 1
22 Filed: Mar. 23, 1998 page.
O O Primary Examiner John Fox
Related U.S. Application Data Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Steve Rosenblatt; Duane, Morris
(60) which
Divisionis aofcontinuation-in-part
application No. 08/732.693, Oct. 18, 1996,
of application No. 08/542,
&ckScher
435, Oct. 12, 1995, Pat. No. 5,707,040. 57 ABSTRACT
51 Int. Cl."7 ........................................................ F16K 1/22
f AbutterflyV Valve
valve having a Valve
valve body
bodW with hereinin and
With a Seat there an
52 U.S. Cl. ............................................. 251/305; 25.1/214 a valve disc carried on a rotatable shaft such that the valve
58 Field of Search ..................................... 251/214, 305 disc can be moved into and away from Sealing engagement
251 (306 with the valve body seat is provided with a removable and
replaceable Seat member forming the valve body Seat and a
56) References Cited removable and replaceable Sealing Surface member is
mounted on the valve disc which is Sealingly engageable
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS with the seat member when the valve disc is moved into
3,442.488 5? 1969 Adams Sealing engagement with the valve body Seat. The valve
35376.83 11f1970 Snell Jr.. body Seat preferably is sized to be press fit into a receSS in
4.1627s2 7/1979 Wilkins. the valve body and retained therein without additional
4,265,426 5/1981 Thurston et al.. fasteners. This butterfly valve can be used in a single, double
4,281,817 8/1981 Adams et al.. or triple offset valve and the valve can be attached to a pipe
4,410,163 10/1983 Scobie et al. . in any conventional manner. The valve Seat material and the
4.505.290 3/1985 Scobie et al.. Sealing Surface material may be Solid metal, a resistant
3. s so 251/214 X material Such as nylon or Teflon(E) may have a metal insert
4649,949 E. S. s N. or may have a high temperature insert Such as graphite.
4785,844 11/1988 Pankov.
4,828.221 5/1989 Scobie et al.. 3 Claims, 7 Drawing Sheets

N
a
N

NS

S
U.S. Patent Jun. 27, 2000 Sheet 1 of 7 6,079,695

::|||}Z Z Z
º| )*? 2
U.S. Patent Jun. 27, 2000 Sheet 2 of 7 6,079,695
U.S. Patent Jun. 27, 2000 Sheet 3 of 7 6,079,695
U.S. Patent Jun. 27, 2000 Sheet 4 of 7 6,079,695

w Y
t f1 3 O
\Sin 5
s

sM(? 1 44.

128
14.6

Z//

2. ZZ
140 104 -
/27
106

108

WZZ3) is ZZ
22.7%
7 114Z 2.
15A.
777

FIG. 12
U.S. Patent Jun. 27, 2000 Sheet 6 of 7 6,079,695

124

5
U.S. Patent Jun. 27, 2000 Sheet 7 of 7 6,079,695

164

FIG. 18
 6,079,695
1 2
BUTTERFLY WALVE CONSTRUCTION Third, it has been found that by making the valve seat
have a frusto-conical shape and having the valve disc have
This is a division of application Ser. No. 08/732,693, a complementary frusto-conical shape enhances the Sealing
filed on Oct. 18, 1996 which is a continuation-in-part of characteristics of the butterfly valve. A third offset is to
application Ser. No. 08/542,435, filed Oct. 12, 1995, now incline the angle of the frusto-conical shapes Such that if the
U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,040. shape was projected out to an apex, the apex would be offset
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
from the centerline of the valve body.
The valve bodies are connected at each end to a pipe
The present invention relates to Sealing members for forming a pipeline, and the connection can be one of a
butterfly valves, and more specifically to removable and variety of different connection types. For example, the pipe
replaceable valve Sealing members. ends may be flanged and the valve body also flanged with a
Butterfly valves are well known wherein a valve body, Series of apertures therethrough for receiving mounting bolts
which is generally a cylindrical member for allowing fluid to to secure the valve body within the pipeline. Alternatively,
flow therethrough, has a valve Seat formed therein and a instead of a full flange, a Series of angularly Spaced lugs may
movable valve disc is carried on a rotatable shaft Such that 15 be provided around the periphery of each end of the valve
the valve disc can be moved into and away from Sealing body to align with Similar lugs or a flange on the pipe for
engagement with the valve body Seat. Thus, in Such a valve receiving Securing bolts. Also, the valve body may be a
there are two Sealing Surfaces, one Sealing Surface is the wafer style which is relatively thin and which is positioned
Valve Seat in the valve body, while the other Sealing Surface between flanges in the pipe and is clamped between the
is carried on a periphery of the valve disc. When the disc is flanges. Further, the valve body may be arranged to be
brought into contact with the Seat, a Seal is formed. welded to the pipe or even threaded to the pipe.
In one type of butterfly valve presently available, the SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
valve seat is formed integrally with the valve body and the
Sealing member on the valve disc is replaceable and is held 25
The present invention provides for an improved butterfly
onto the valve disc by a retainer ring held in place by cap valve construction wherein the seat in the valve body has a
SCCWS. removable and replaceable ring Shaped Seat Seal member
In another type of butterfly valve presently available, the and also the valve disc is provided with a removable and
Valve disc comprises a Single unitary member and a remov replaceable ring shaped Sealing Surface member Such that
able and replaceable Seal member is mounted to the valve either Sealing member, or both, may be removed and
body by means of a retaining ring held in place in the valve replaced as needed either to repair each of the Sealing
body by cap Screws. In this type of arrangement the croSS members due to damage or to allow changing the Sealing
Sectional flow area through the valve body is reduced in member materials to Suit particular pipeline conditions.
order to provide Sufficient area for the cap Screws to engage Sometimes it becomes apparent after the pipeline has been
into the valve body and for the retaining ring to hold the 35 in Service for a while that the Seat materials originally
ring-like Seal member in place. Selected are not appropriate for the fluid being directed
Butterfly valves can be used in a wide variety of instal through the pipeline. By use of the present invention, the
lations within a pipeline, wherein the pipeline may carry a user may replace both Sealing members with a more corro
wide range of different fluids. In some instances the fluids Sive resistant material or a Sealing member Suitable for
may be corrosive or may have a relatively high temperature 40
higher or lower temperature Service as is necessary.
or relatively low temperature, and even might carry Some The present invention also allows the use of Seat materials
solids. In the operation of a butterfly valve, due to the fluid both in the valve body and on the valve disc that are not
and material flowing through the valve body when the disc weldable type materials or that are not weld compatible with
is in an open position, Sometimes the Sealing Surfaces carried the valve body material. Also, the present invention allows
by the disc or within the valve body becomes cut, scratched 45 for the use of resilient inserts such as nylon, Teflon(R), etc. for
or damaged in Some other fashion. When this occurs it is Solid metal Seats and also for Seats with metal inserts or high
necessary to repair the Sealing Surfaces in order to be assured temperature material Such as graphite. Thus, the present
that complete Sealing will be provided. However, in present invention allows for a wide range of flexibility in material
constructions it is possible to only replace one of the two Selection and replacement and can be used in any type of
Sealing Surfaces, thus preventing complete repairability of 50 butterfly valve construction.
the butterfly valve when both surfaces are damaged. The present invention provides a floating disc design
In order to provide enhanced Sealing and reduced wear wherein the disc is keyed to the valve stem by two disc keys
between the movable disc and the valve body Seat, Special and positioned centrally to the valve Seat by a center key. In
geometries and constructions are used. For example, in Some operation, the disc keys carry the torsional load during
constructions the valve disc is carried on a Shaft and the shaft 55 rotation of the disc into engagement with the Seat while the
rotates to move the disc relative to the valve body seat, center key allows the disc to “float” to seek its center with
however, the shaft is offset longitudinally (relative to the respect to the Seat. This floating aspect is important in a
fluid flow centerline of the valve body) from the sealing area metal-seated valve which may be Subjected to temperature
between the disc and the valve body seat. Thus, an axis of variations. The center key allows the disc to move slightly
rotation of the disc shaft is parallel to, but offset from, a 60 which can accommodate temperature variations and ther
plane in which the valve disc engages the valve body Seat. mally induced dimensional changes, which is required to
A second offset may be provided for the valve disc shaft. achieve drop-tight Sealing.
This second offset is a lateral offset such that although the Additionally, the invention provides a valve stem which is
axis of rotation of the valve shaft is perpendicular to the flow normally retained by the disc keys and the center key, and
through centerline of the valve body, the valve disc shaft is 65 also, in an unlikely event that all three keys are sheared, the
laterally offset So that its axis of rotation does not intersect Stem is still retained by a gland retainer which fits into a
the centerline of the valve body. groove formed in the valve stem. The gland retainer is
 6,079,695
3 4
composed of two pieces. These two pieces are held together and replaceable Seat member 26 which is sized to be press
by a packing flange. Furthermore, the inside diameter of the fit into a recess 28 and against a shoulder 30 in the valve
packing flange is larger than the outside diameter of the body and retained therein without additional fasteners. The
packing gland. If the assembler were to forget to install the Seat member 26 preferably is a one piece ring shaped
gland retainer, the packing gland will immediately be member, although it may have an insert as described in more
expelled by line pressure, thereby indicating a problem in detail below.
assembly. The groove in the valve stem is sized Such that The valve disc 24 is provided with a ring shaped remov
excessive actuating torque on the Stem will result in the Stem able and replaceable Sealing Surface member 32 which is
Shearing above the retaining shoulder of the Stem before held onto the disc by means of a retaining ring 34 which is
failing the disc keys. Additionally, in the present invention secured by cap screws 36 into the valve disc 24. The
the valve Seat is captured between the body receSS and the retaining ring 34 presses the Sealing Surface member 32
Valve Stem So that if the valve is accidently over pressured, against a gasket 38 So that there is no leakage occurring
the valve seat cannot be expelled from the valve body either between the sealing surface member 32 and the disc 24. The
upstream or downstream. valve shaft 25 is journaled in the valve body 22 by use of
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
15 bushings 40 and sealed by packing 39 and gasket 41 to avoid
any leakage at the valve shaft.
FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a butterfly valve As best seen in FIG. 2, typically the seat member 26 has
embodying the principles of the present invention. a frusto-conical shape and presents an angled Surface 42
FIG. 2 is a partial side sectional view of the valve seat area facing toward the disk 24. Also, the Sealing Surface member
of the valve of FIG. 1. 32 has a complementary frusto-conical shape Such that when
FIG. 3 is a partial side sectional view of the valve seat area the disc 24 is closed into engagement with the valve body 22
as an FIG. 2, showing an optional Sealing insert. the two angled Surfaces will wedge together to form a tight
Seal area.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a pipeline with a butterfly valve The seat member 26 and the sealing surface member 32
therein and illustrating three offsets. 25
may be formed from a variety of materials to accommodate
FIG. 5 is an end elevational view of a butterfly valve particular fluids and temperatures of fluids flowing through
embodying the principles of the present invention utilizing the valve body 22, Such as a resilient material like Synthetic
a flanged valve body. rubber, nylon or Teflon(R), or a solid metal material formed
FIG. 6 is an end elevational view of a butterfly valve of a particular metal which, in Some instances, may need to
embodying the principles of the present invention utilizing be resistant to corrosive characteristics of the fluid. Also, as
a lugged valve body. shown in FIG. 3, the valve seat member 26 may be provided
FIG. 7 is an end elevational view of a butterfly valve with an insert 44 Such as a resilient material like Synthetic
embodying the principles of the present invention utilizing rubber, nylon or Teflon(E) or a high temperature material like
a wafer style valve body. 35 graphite or a metal insert retained within a different metal
FIG. 8 is an end elevational view of a butterfly valve material forming the Seat member 26. Thus, a wide range of
embodying the principles of the present invention utilizing conditions may be accommodated by Selecting the appro
a weldable or threadable valve body. priate material for the Seat member 26 and the Sealing
FIG. 9 is a partial sectional view of a butt weld connection surface member 32. Also, both of these sealing members 26,
between a valve body and a pipe. 40 32 can be removed and replaced if conditions of the fluid
carried through the valve body 22 change or if it is deter
FIG. 10 is a partial sectional view of a socket weld mined after an initial operating period that different mate
connection between a valve body and a pipe. rials would be more Suitable for use in connection with the
FIG. 11 is a partial sectional view of a threaded connec fluids being directed through the valve body, in addition to
tion between a valve body and a pipe. 45 being changed or replaced due to damage to either or both
FIG. 12 is a longitudinal sectional view of an alternate members.
embodiment valve of the present invention. In order to enhance the Sealing characteristics of the
FIG. 13 is partial right side view of the valve shown in butterfly valve 20 and to reduce wear and rubbing action
FIG. 12. between the valve body seat member 26 and the sealing
FIG. 14 is a Sectional view taken generally along line 50 surface member 32, it may be desirable to provide one, two
XIV-XIV of FIG. 13. or even three offsets. These offsets are illustrated in FIG. 4.
FIG. 15 is an elevational view of the valve disc shown in There it is seen that the valve shaft 25 has an axis of rotation
FIG. 13. 50 which is offset by a distance A from a plane 52 passing
through the Sealing engagement area between the valve Seat
FIG. 16 is a Sectional view taken generally along the line 55 member 26 and the Sealing Surface member 32. A Second
XVI-XVI of FIG. 15. offset is shown wherein the axis of rotation 50 is offset
FIG. 17 is a Sectional view taken generally along line laterally by a distance B from a centerline 54 of the valve
XVI-XVII of FIG. 15. body such that, although the axis of rotation 50 is perpen
FIG. 18 is an exploded sectional view of a portion of the dicular to the valve body centerline 54, they do not intersect.
valve shown in FIG. 12. 60 A third offset is shown which relates to the frusto-conical
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE shape of the valve seat member 26 wherein, when the
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS conical shape is projected out to an apex 56, that apex is
offset by a distance C from the centerline 54 of the valve
In FIG. 1 there is illustrated a butterfly valve generally at body 22. The present invention accommodates any one or
20 which is comprised of a valve body 22 and a movable 65 any combination of these offsets. If the third offset is
valve disc 24. The valve disc 24 is carried on a rotatable utilized, then the angle of the inwardly directed face 42 of
shaft 25. The valve body 22 is provided with a removable the valve Seat member 26 changes in relation to the Sidewall
 6,079,695
S 6
of the valve body 22 around the circumference of the seat diameter D2 smaller than D1. The gland retainer 146 has an
member 26. This same changing angle is complemented by inside diameter smaller than D1 end larger than D2.
the Sealing Surface member 32. Thus, these two Sealing As shown in FIG. 18 the packing flange 148 includes a
members must be mounted into the valve body 22 and onto recessed shoulder 160 which bears against a Surrounding
the valve disc 24, respectively, in the appropriate angular ledge 162 of the gland retainer 146. The gland retainer 146
position So that the two angled mating Surfaces will be has a downwardly and inwardly tapered seat 164 which
properly aligned. This angular positioning may be accom bears against a complimentary tapered Surface 166 of the
plished by means of recesses and detents, markings or other packing gland 144. The gland retainer 146 is provided in two
alignment features. pieces 146a, 146b so that assembly around the shaft within
The present invention can be utilized in any style of valve the groove 152 can be accomplished. The packing flange
body available. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates a butterfly 148 thereby holds the two pieces 146a, 146b together when
valve body 22A having a full flange 60 with a series of assembled.
angularly Spaced holes 62 therethrough. AS shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 12 further shows that the shaft includes oblong key
Such an arrangement is provided So that the flange 60 will ways 180, 182 on opposite sides of the center line 108, and
abut with a flange 64 on a pipe 66. Such flange 64 also is 15
a square cut horizontal key way 186 on the center line 108.
apertured So that a clamping bolt 68 can hold the two flanges An upper key way 190 is provided for connection of an
together with a Sealing gasket 70 interposed therebetween. actuator (not shown).
FIG. 6 illustrates a somewhat similar valve body 22B As shown in FIG. 13, the disc 124 includes an upper hub
which, instead of a full flange, contains a Series of angularly 200 and a lower hub 202 for receiving the shaft 114 for
spaced lugs 72 which have holes 74 therethrough, again for connection to the disc 124. The upper hub 200 includes a
receiving fastening bolts from a pipe. In this type of arrange vertical groove 206 for receiving a plate shaped key 208
ment the valve body 22B may have a relatively short axial therein. The plate shaped key 208 is held within the oblong
dimension along its flow centerline 54 such that the lugs 72 key way 180 of the shaft thereby locking the shaft torsion
are clamped between adjacent end flanges in the connecting ally to the upper hub 200. The lower hub 202 also includes
pipes. 25
a slot 210 for receiving a Second plate shaped key 212
FIG. 7 illustrates a wafer style valve body 22C in which therein. The Second plate shaped key 212 is also inserted into
the axial length of the valve body is short and the valve body the oblong key way 182 to lock the shaft 114 to the lower
is Sandwiched between two flanged pipe ends. A Single hub 202 torsionally. The hubs 200, 202 thus surround the
bottom lug 76 is provided and holes 78 are provided at the shaft 114 and are locked rotationally thereto by the keys 208,
top and bottom of the valve body 22C for receipt of 212.
clamping and aligning bolts from the pipe flanges. A center key assembly 220 is provided between the upper
FIG. 8 illustrates a valve body 22D that is designed to be and lower hubs 200, 202. The assembly includes a generally
connected to adjacent pipes either by welding or by a rectangular plate 222 with an extending key portion 224 for
threaded connection. 35 interfitting into the groove 186 provided in the shaft 114. The
FIG. 9 illustrates a butt weld between a valve body wall plate includes an oval shaped receSS portion 226 having two
22D and a pipe wall 66D. The ends of the two walls are oval shaped apertures 228, 230 arranged therethrough. The
beveled to receive the weld material 80. A second type of disc 124 includes, through a surface 232 thereof, first and
weld connection is illustrated in FIG. 10 which is referred to second threaded bolt holes 236,238 in registry with the oval
as a Socket Weld in which a pipe 22E is received in a Socket 40 apertures 228, 230. Two bolts or machine screws 240
in a valve body 66E and weld material 82 holds the two (shown in FIG. 14) attach the plate 222 to a complimentary
walls together. recessed area 246 in the surface 232 of the disc 124. The key
FIG. 11 illustrates a threaded connection between a valve portion 224 and the groove 186 are sized with respect to
body wall 66F and a pipe wall 22F. each other to allow a certain amount of Vertical movement
FIG. 12 shows an alternate embodiment valve 100. The 45 of the disc 124 with respect to the shaft 114 such that the disc
valve 100 includes a valve body 104 having a through bore 124 when pressing tightly against the Seat 26 can center
106 with a center line 108. Components or features which itself. Additionally, the oval apertures 228, 230 allow a
are common with the previously described embodiments use precise initial positioning of the key portion 224 within the
the same item indicators. slot 186.
The Seal ring 32 is properly located with respect to the 50 The method of mounting of the disc 124 to the stem 114
retainer 34 by a seal ring locater 112. A valve stem 114 is important in that in a metal-seated valve Subject to
penetrates into the bore 106 and is fixed to a valve disc 124 temperature variations, a means of accommodating ther
as described below. The body 104 includes a stem mounting mally induced dimensional changes is advantageous to
bore 128 onto which is mounted an actuator adapter 130 by achieve drop-tight Sealing. It is also important to note that it
bolts 132. Within the bore 128 is located packing rings 136, 55 is important in this art that provision be made to prevent a
bushings 138, 139 and a bushing/stem seal 140. For com stem 114 from being projected out of the bore 128 under
pressing the packing within the bore 128 is arranged a influence of pressure within the valve. These are known as
packing gland 144, a gland retainer 146 and a packing flange “blow out proof” stems. The present invention provides
148, stacked in series. Two or more packing studs 150 with advantageous protection against Such an occurrence. In the
respective nuts 152 are arranged threaded into the bore 128 60 unlikely event that all three keys, 208, 212, 224 are sheared,
for exerting a downward thrust upon the packing flange 148 the stem would still be prevented from being projected from
to compress the gland retainer 146 onto the packing gland the bore 128 by the flange retainer 146 which has an inner
144 to compress the packing ringS 136. The gland retainer diameter Smaller than the diameter D1 of the shaft at the
146 is composed of two half circular pieces having an location 260 as shown in FIG. 12. Thus, many levels of
assembled inside diameter Smaller than an overall outside 65 protection against this occurrence are provided.
diameter D1 of the shaft 114. To accommodate this gland Additionally, it is important to note that the Seat 26 is
retainer, a groove 152 is formed in the shaft 114 having a provided trapped between the shoulder 30 of the body 104
 6,079,695
7 8
and the stem 114. Thus, even if the valve is over pressured, a packing gland assembly arranged above Said packing
the seat 26 cannot be blown down stream to where further material for retaining Said packing material within Said
damage could occur. The Seat is trapped between the shoul Side bore, Said packing gland assembly comprising a
der 30 and the stem 114. packing gland, a gland retainer having an inside diam
AS is apparent from the foregoing Specification, the inven eter Smaller than an overall diameter of Said stem, a
tion is Susceptible of being embodied with various alter packing flange arranged above and partially around
ations and modifications which may differ particularly from Said gland retainer having an inside diameter greater
those that have been described in the preceding Specification than an overall diameter of Said packing gland, and a
and description. It should be understood that I wish to fastener assembly for drawing Said packing flange
embody within the Scope of the patent warranted hereon all 1O
downwardly towards Said valve disc to compress Said
Such modifications as reasonably and properly come within packing material, and
the Scope of my contribution to the art.
I claim as my invention: Said Stem having a reduced diameter, and Said gland
1. Abutterfly valve having a valve body with a valve seat retainer arranged to encircle Said reduced diameter.
therein and a valve disc assembly carried on a valve stem 15 2. The butterfly valve according to claim 1, wherein said
Such that valve disc assembly can be moved into and away packing gland assembly comprises a gland arranged beneath
from Sealing engagement with Said valve Seat, comprising: Said gland retainer and against Said packing.
a valve body having a through bore to be connected on 3. The butterfly valve according to claim 1, wherein said
opposite Sides to flow conduits, and a side bore for packing flange comprising an inside Stepped profile and Said
receiving a valve Stem into Said through bore, Said gland retainer comprises an outside Stepped profile, Said
Valve Seat mounted within Said through bore, and a inside Step profile and Said outside Step profile interlock
Valve disc assembly carried on Said valve stem to be together to allow Said packing flange to encircle Said gland
rotationally Sealingly engaged to Said valve Seat upon retainer to prevent Separation of Said gland retainer into two
rotation of Said valve stem; 25
pieces.
packing material arranged around Said valve Stem within
Said Side bore;
 UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
Certicate
Patent No. 6,079,695 Patented: June 27, 2000
On petition requesting issuance of a certificate for correction of inventorship pursuant to 35 U.S.C.
256, it has been found that the above identified patent, through error and without any deceptive intent,
improperly sets forth the inventorship.
Accordingly, it is hereby certified that the correct inventorship of this patent is: David Stephan,
North Little Rock, Arkansas.
Signed and Sealed this Twenty-Eighth Day of November, 2000.
GREGORY L. HUSON
Supervisory Patent Examiner
Art Unit 3753