GB2535565A

GB2535565A - Improvements in or relating to slide valves

Info

Publication number: GB2535565A
Application number: GB1517186.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Goodwin Anthony; Bailey Paul
Original assignee: Process Components Ltd
Current assignee: Process Components Ltd
Priority date: 2014-09-29
Filing date: 2015-09-29
Publication date: 2016-08-24
Anticipated expiration: 2035-09-29
Also published as: GB201417167D0; GB2535565B; GB201517186D0

Abstract

A manually operated slide valve is convertible to be automatically operable. The slide valve has a slide plate reciprocally movable in a valve body between open and closed positions. An electric or pneumatic actuator is releasably connectible to the slide plate to provide automated operation.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO SLIDE VALVES

The present invention relates generally to a valve and particularly to a slide valve in which a gate or the like is used to selectively open or close a flow path.

Slide valves (which may also be known, for example, as gate valves or orifice valves) generally include a valve body which includes an aperture and a movable gate which is reciprocal between an open and closed position to accommodate flow of material through the valve or to block the flow.

The present invention seeks to provide improvements over known valves.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a manually operated slide valve which is convertible so as to be automatically operable.

The present invention therefore provides a slide valve which can be switched between manual and automated operation. In some embodiment the conversion process can be performed whilst a valve is in situ.

In some embodiments the valve may be hand-operated (e.g. using a handle or wheel) and is convertible to be pneumatically operated. Other forms of automation, including hydraulic and electrical, are possible.

In some embodiments a conversion kit is provided, which may, for example, include a support housing for receiving an actuator (such as a pneumatic cylinder).

In embodiments in which a handle is used to move the gate, the conversion kit may provide the handle with means for receiving an actuator, for example a clevis which is attachable to the handle and which can receive a cylinder rod.

The present invention also provides a slide valve comprising: a valve body including an aperture, a slide plate reciprocally movable within the body between a first position in which the aperture is occluded and a second position in which the aperture is open, the slide plate including a handle for manual operation, in which an actuator is releasably connectable to the slide plate to provide automated operation.

The present invention also provides a slide valve comprising: a valve body including an aperture, a slide plate reciprocally movable within the body between a first position in which the aperture is occluded and a second position in which the aperture is open, the slide plate including a handle for moving the plate between the first and second positions, in which an actuator is connected to the slide plate to provide automated operation of the valve.

The actuator may be connected or connectable to the slide plate handle.

A valve body extension may be provided. The extension may be releasably connected or connectable to the valve body.

The present invention also provides a slide valve converter kit. The kit may comprise a support housing which is attachable to a slide valve body and can receive an actuator.

The present invention also provides a method for converting a manually operable slide valve into an automatically operated slide valve comprising the steps of: providing a handle with a cylinder connector; fitting a cylinder support housing; and fitting a pneumatic cylinder.

The present invention also provides a slide valve substantially as shown and/or described herein.

The present invention also provides a kit substantially as shown and/or described herein.

The present invention also provides a method substantially as shown and/or described herein.

Different aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used separately or together.

Further particular and preferred aspects of the present invention are set out in the accompanying independent and dependent claims. Features of the dependent claims may be combined with the features of the independent claims as appropriate, and in combination other than those explicitly set out in the claims.

The present invention is more particularly shown and described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a perspective view of a valve formed in accordance with the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the valve of Figure I shown fitted with an automating converter in accordance with the present invention; Figure 3 is a plan view of the valve of Figure I shown in manual mode; Figure 4 is a side view of the valve of Figure 3 shown in use; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the valve of Figure I shown in a closed position; Figure 6 shows the valve of Figure 5 being fitted with a handle clevis; Figure 7 shows the valve of Figure 6 being fitted with a support housing; Figure 8 shows the valve of Figure 7 being fitted with a cylinder support plate carrying pneumatic cylinder; Figure 9 shows the pneumatic cylinder being connected to the handle clevis and shows a cover plate being fitted onto the support housing; Figure 10 shows the handle of Figure I with the converter of Figure 2 shown in exploded form; Figure 11 shows the handle of Figure I and the converter of Figure 2, both in exploded form; Figure 12 is a key for the component part labelled in Figure I to 11; Figures I 3a to I 3e illustrate a method for converting the valve of Figure I into the automated valve assembly of Figure 2; Figures I 4a to I 4e illustrate the method of Figure 13 in further detail; Figure 15 shows a valve 200 formed according to a further embodiment incorporating an electric motor 37 as an actuator for controlling the position of the slide plate 22 in the valve body I; and Figure 16 is an exploded view of the valve of Figure 15, with the following parts shown.

I BODY -MACHINING DETAIL -300 2 GLAND PLATE 3 GLAND PACKING -300 4 TAPERED SUPPORT PIN LOCKNUT MI6 x 1.5P Plastic (RS) 6 M5 Capscrew -35 Lng 7 SERIAL NAME PLATE 8 0 x 1/8 HAMMERDRIVE SCREW 9 M I 0 Capscrew -60 Lng M6 Pan Hd Screw -10 Lng II M6 Washer -Int Shake 12 DRIVE SCREW COVER -300E 13 DRIVE MOUNT PLATE -300-E 14 M8 Nut -Dome Label -MUCON 16 MS Capscrew -10 Lng 17 M8 Hex Hd Screw -12 Lng 18 MIO Nut -Dome 19 PLAIN BEARING SUPPORT PLAIN BEARING BUSH 14 DIAM x I 0 BORE x 20 LNG 22 SLIDE PLATE -300 23 M6 Nut -Aerotight 24 SENSOR -NCB4-I 2GM-Z5-NC THIN NUT -MI2 x I 26 ACME SCREW -520 -SPECIAL 27 3/4" D x 1/2" P HI-LEAD NUT 28 NUT ATTACHMENT BLOCK 29 SENSOR HOLDER M6 Soc Button Hd -16 Lng 31 M6 Washer -Plain 32 LOWER COVER 33 M5 Nut -Dome 34 SENSOR COVER

CABLE GLAND

36 GROMMET -8mm DIAM x 2 PLATE 37 DRIVE UNIT NORD SK I SI3 I -FB I -HA-IEC63-63S 38 M6 Hex Hd Screw -25 Lng 39 M6 Nut -Dome M6 Capscrew -30 Lng In this embodiment the slide plate 22 includes two cut-outs and a respective folded down portions at one end, each being grippable by a hand when the valve is in manual mode so that two hands can be used to move the slide plate.

The Nut Attachment Block 28 and the Nut 27 engage either side of the folded down parts of the handle and then move the slide plate as the rod 26 is rotated by the motor 37.

The example embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those of ordinary skill in the art to embody and implement the systems and processes herein described. It is important to understand that embodiments can be provided in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples set forth herein.

Accordingly, while embodiment can be modified in various ways and take on various alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown in the drawings and described in detail below as examples. There is no intent to limit to the particular forms disclosed. On the contrary, all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the appended claims should be included. Elements of the example embodiments are consistently denoted by the same reference numerals throughout the drawings and detailed description where appropriate.

In the description, all orientational terms, such as upper, lower, radially and axially, are used in relation to the drawings and should not be interpreted as limiting on the invention or its connection to a closure.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein are to be interpreted as is customary in the art. It will be further understood that terms in common usage should also be interpreted as is customary in the relevant art and not in an idealised or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

In the drawings, several embodiments of the present invention are further described. The figures are not necessary drawn to scale, and in some instances the drawings may have been exaggerated or simplified for illustrative purposes only. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate the many possible applications and variations of the present invention based on the following examples of possible embodiments of the present invention.

Although illustrative embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in detail herein, with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is understood that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown and that various changes and modifications can be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSI. A manually operated slide valve which is convertible so as to be automatically operable.
2. A valve as claimed in claim I, in which the valve is convertible from hand operated to pneumatic operation.
3. A valve as claimed in claim I, in which the valve is convertible from hand operated to electrical operation.
4. A valve as claimed, in any preceding claim, in which a support housing is provided for receiving an actuator.
5. A valve as claimed in claim 4, in which the actuator is a pneumatic cylinder.
6. A valve as claimed in claim 4, in which the actuator is an electric motor.
7. A valve as claimed in any preceding claim, in which a handle is provided with means for receiving an actuator.
8. A valve as claimed in claim 7, in which the handle is fitted with a clevis.
9. A slide valve comprising: a valve body including an aperture, a slide plate reciprocally movable within the body between a first position in which the aperture is occluded and a second position in which the aperture is open, the slide plate including a handle for manual operation, in which an actuator is releasably connectable to the slide plate to provide automated operation.
10. A slide valve comprising: a valve body including an aperture, a slide plate reciprocally movable within the body between a first position in which the aperture is occluded and a second position in which the aperture is open, the slide plate including a handle for moving the plate between the first and second positions, in which an actuator is connected to the slide plate to provide automated operation of the valve.
11. A valve as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, in which the actuator is connected to the slide plate handle.
12. A valve as claimed in claim 9 or claim 10, in which a valve body extension is provided.
13. A valve as claimed in claim 12, in which the extension is releasably connected or connectable to the valve body.
14. A slide valve converter kit comprising a support housing which is attachable to a slide valve body and can receive an actuator.
15. A method for converting a manually operable slide valve into an automatically operated slide valve comprising the steps of: providing a handle with a cylinder connector; fitting a cylinder support housing; and fitting a pneumatic cylinder. I0
16. A valve substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
17. A converter kit for converting a manually operable slide valve into an automatically operated slide valve substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.
18. A method for converting a manually operable slide valve into an automatically operated slide valve substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawings.