Valves and an improved method of replacing valves in pressurized systems
OwnerMichael L. Marckelinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A fluid valve comprising a frame having a valve seat defining a flow passage and an actuator secured to the frame. A valve is secured to the actuator and movable into and out of engagement with the valve seat in response to the actuator for closing and opening the flow passage. A spacer is positioned between the valve and the valve seat. The spacer holds the valve and valve seat apart and the valve open. The spacer is of a disappearing material at predetermined fluid conditions allowing the valve to be installed in a fluid system, the system to be filled with fluid, and the system brought to normal operating conditions, simultaneously, in accordance with the method of the invention.
Claims30
A valve comprising a frame having a valve seat defining a flow passage, an actuator secured to said frame, a valve secured to said activator and movable into and out of engagement with said valve seat in response to said actuator for closing and opening said flow passage at predetermined fluid conditions, and a spacer between said valve and valve seat, said spacer holding said valve and valve seat apart, said spacer being of a disappearing material at said predetermined fluid conditions, whereby the valve may be installed in a fluid system, said system filled with fluid and brought to normal operating conditions, simultaneously.
A method of replacing a defective valve in a pressurized fluid system with another valve comprising the steps of uncapping and depressurizing the system, removing said defective valve, installing a new valve in place of said defective valve, said new valve having a frame having a valve seat defining a flow passage, an actuator secured to said frame, a valve secured to said actuator and movable into and out of engagement with said valve seat in response to said actuator for closing and opening said flow passage at predetermined fluid conditions, and a spacer between said valve and valve seat, said spacer holding said valve and valve seat apart, said spacer being of a disappearing material at said predetermined fluid conditions, filling said fluid system with coolant to operating levels, circulating said fluid throughout said system, capping said system, and removing said spacer from between said valve and valve seat, whereby said system may be filled and brought to operational temperature and pressure all in a single operation after said defective valve has been replaced.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.