Magnetically actuated gate valve
AssigneeFMC Technologies, Inc.
InventorsThomas Hergarden, Paul L. Riley, John Calder, Jonathan Morley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems, methods, and devices for magnetically actuating a gate valve of a subsea system via external magnetic actuation from a magnetic actuator. The magnetic actuator is disposed externally around a valve cavity such that motion of a valve stem disposed within the valve cavity can be controlled externally through magnetic coupling with the magnetic actuator such that a physical link (and the dynamic pressure seals associated therewith) is not needed to actuate the valve stem.
Claims20
A magnetically actuated gate valve for a subsea system, the magnetically actuated gate valve comprising:
- a valve stem disposed within a valve cavity of the magnetically actuated gate valve, the valve stem comprising a valve gate disposed at one end of the valve stem,
- wherein the valve stem is translatable in an axial direction perpendicular to a bore of the magnetically actuated gate valve such that the valve gate blocks flow in a closed position and allows flow in an open position;
- at least one spring element coupled to the valve stem, the at least one spring element configured to bias the valve stem into the closed position;
- a magnetic actuator disposed outside of the valve cavity and magnetically coupled to at least a portion of the valve stem, the magnetic actuator configured to selectively adjust the valve stem;
- an external actuator disposed outside of the valve cavity and mechanically coupled to the magnetic actuator, the external actuator operable to drive translation of the magnetic actuator in the axial direction;
- and
- at least one seal disposed in the valve cavity providing a pressure seal.
A valve assembly for a subsea system, the valve assembly comprising:
- a valve cavity;
- a valve stem disposed within the valve cavity, the valve stem comprising a valve gate disposed at one end of the valve stem,
- wherein the valve stem is translatable in an axial direction perpendicular to a bore of the subsea system such that the valve gate blocks flow in a closed position and allows flow in an open position;
- at least one spring element disposed within the valve cavity and coupled to the valve stem, the at least one spring element configured to bias the valve stem into the closed position;
- a magnetic actuator comprising one or more magnets magnetically coupled to a magnetic portion of the valve stem, the magnetic actuator disposed outside of the valve cavity and configured to selectively adjust the valve stem;
- and
- an external actuator disposed outside of the valve cavity and mechanically coupled to the magnetic actuator, the external actuator operable to drive translation of the magnetic actuator in the axial direction.
A valve assembly for a subsea system, the valve assembly comprising:
- a valve cavity;
- a valve stem disposed within the valve cavity, the valve stem comprising a valve gate disposed at one end of the valve stem,
- wherein the valve stem is translatable in an axial direction perpendicular to a bore of the valve assembly such that the valve gate blocks flow in a closed position and allows flow in an open position;
- at least one spring element configured to bias the valve stem into a fail-close position;
- a magnetic actuator comprising one or more magnets disposed outside of the valve cavity and magnetically coupled to a magnetic portion of the valve stem;
- and
- an external actuator mechanically coupled to the magnetic actuator and disposed outside of the valve cavity, the external actuator configured to drive motion of the magnetic actuator in the axial direction to thereby selectively adjust the valve stem.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.