Floating Piston Valve

About this technology

Overview

The valve developed consists of a solid piston floating in a medium to control the flow stream. The piston is designed to be axially and radially balanced within the flow stream whether the valve is in the open or closed position. The only force imparted onto the piston is that which the operator chooses to input on to it. The advantages to this design are (1) the elimination of a conventional actuator, which is replaced by one or two simple solenoid valves; (2) elimination of valve actuator adjustments; (3) consistent seating force regardless of the pressure drop across the valve; (4) elimination of the valve stem and stem seals; and (5) elimination of most flow induced thrust forces. Additionally, the valve consists of only five parts with a few simple seals incorporated into a well protected design. The simple design allows for use in nominal or extremely high pressures and for the use of soft or hard metal seats; this valve design reduces downtime and maintenance costs, while increasing valve reliability and seat life.