Metal Seated (316L/INCONEL SEATS)
High Performance Butterfly Valves
The HUAMEI metal-to-metal seated high performance butterfly valves are with metal seat for higher tensile strength, a 300 series stainless steel back-up ring in the seat cavity for axial seat support, and a disc that is case hardened by nitriding.
The Metal seat, by its dynamic and flexible design, applies enough force per linear inch against the disc edge (Rock-well Hardness of C66 to C70) to obtain an optimum sealing characteristic while controlling the loads between the metal surfaces. The HUAMEI metal-to-metal seat valve is utilized for temperatures up to 900°F, (482°C) in compliance with ASME B16.34 pressure/temperature specifications. Leakage is rated at Class IV per ASME FCI 70-2.
Unique Metal Seat Design
Principle of Metal Seat Sealing
Figure 1 Principle of metal seating
Metal-to-metal sealing is accomplished by the “line contact” between a spherical surface and conical surface. Figure 1 illustrates a typical globe control valve seat and plug. The plug seating surface is the segment of a sphere; when engaged against the seat ring, a line contact seal is achieved.
In a metal seat design, it is necessary to apply enough force per linear inch to maintain tight metal-to-metal contact between the sealing members; however, high linear thrust can cause a collapse of the seating members (“bearing failure”).
Figure 2 DISC CLOSED, Self-Energized Seal
In Figure 2, the disc and seat are engaged, and the process fluid is under low pressure. The spherical edge of the disc, with a larger diameter than the conical seat tongue, imparts a thrust of approximately 600 pounds per linear inch against the seat. The mechanical properties and shape of the metal seat allow it to both flex and maintain a constant thrust against the disc.
This controlled loading prevents the occurrence of bearing failure and reduces the leakage and wear between the components.
Figure 3 DISC CLOSED, Pressure-Energized Seal (Seat Upstream)
As line pressure increases, the process fluid enters the sidewall area and applies a load against the parallel-spaced sidewall and convergent sidewall of the metal seat. The seat moves towards the downstream sidewall while being supported axially by the support ring, as shown in Figure 3. The cavity shape confines the seat movement and directs the movement radially inward towards the disc; the higher the line pressure, the tighter the line contact between the disc and seat. The metal seat, shaped by a special hydroforming process, is able to flex under these loads and return to its original shape after removal of the loads.
This dynamic seal, sealing equal to Flowseal, is totally unique among high performance butterfly valves.
Figure 4 DISC CLOSED, Pressure-Energized Seal (Seat Downstream)
The HUAMEI valve is bi-directional (in some instances, modifications may be required to operate this arrangement for dead end service). The cavity and seat sidewalls are symmetrically designed to permit, confine and direct movement of the seat to the disc to dynamically seal with line pressure in the seat downstream direction, as in Figure 4. Recommended installation direction is “SUS” (seat upstream), as in Figure 3.
The stainless steel back-up ring interacts dynamically with the metal seat for axial support in seat sealing. Additionally, this ring effectively restricts corrosion and particulate build-up in the cavity.
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Contact info.
Address: 3 Economic and Technological Development Zone of Ningjin County, Dezhou City, Shandong, China 253400
Tel: +86 (0) 532-84688512
Fax: +86 (0) 532-84688513
Email: sales@huameimachinery.com