Pressure regulating shut-off valve
A regulating piston for a pressure regulating shut-off valve comprises: a tubular sleeve; a first closed end; a second open end; a port defined in the tubular sleeve between the first and second ends, arranged to permit fluid flow between the exterior and interior of the regulating piston; and a support structure disposed within the piston arranged to direct fluid flow between the port and the second open end. The piston can be included in a pressure regulating shut-off valve, and methods for manufacturing the piston and valve.
1. A regulating piston for a pressure regulating shut-off valve, wherein the regulating piston comprises:
a tubular sleeve;
a first closed end;
a second open end;
a port defined in the tubular sleeve between the first and second ends, arranged to permit fluid flow between the exterior and interior of the regulating piston; and
a support structure disposed within the piston arranged to direct fluid flow between the port and the second open end;
wherein the port extends about the entire periphery of the piston and wherein the port is a single hole that extends about the entire periphery of the piston.
2. The regulating piston as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the support structure bridges the port.
3. The regulating piston as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the support structure cooperates with the first closed end to form a chamber within the piston and defines an orifice for fluid communication therewith.
4. The regulating piston as claimed in claim 3 , comprising a plurality of support ribs within the chamber connecting the first closed end of the piston with the support structure.
5. A pressure regulating shut-off valve comprising:
a regulating piston as recited in claim 1 .
6. The pressure regulating shut-off valve as claimed in claim 5 , further comprising:
a first portion defining a valve outlet;
a second portion coupled to the first portion and defining a valve inlet; and
a cartridge portion coupled to the first portion and disposed within the second portion;
wherein the first portion and the cartridge portion cooperate to house the regulating piston and permit the regulating piston to move between a first position and a second position to regulate fluid flow through the valve.
7. The pressure regulating shut-off valve as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first or second portion(s) comprise a plurality of integral ribs in a longitudinal direction arranged to increase the durability of the valve in respect of high frequency vibrations.
8. The pressure regulating shut-off valve as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first or second portion includes a plurality of integral ribs in a radial direction arranged to increase the durability of the valve in respect of internal pressure.
9. The pressure regulating shut-off valve as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first or second portion includes a web of integral ribs.
10. The pressure regulating shut-off valve as claimed in claim 6 , wherein an outer wall of the first or second portion is about 2 millimetres thick.
11. The pressure regulating shut-off valve as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first or second portion includes an outwardly extending feature and further comprise a buttress arranged to support the outwardly extending feature.
12. The pressure regulating shut-off valve as claimed in claim 6 , wherein the first or second portion is formed by additive manufacturing.
13. A method of manufacturing a pressure regulating shut-off valve as recited in claim 6 ,
the method comprising:
inserting the regulating piston into the first portion and/or into the cartridge portion of the valve;
inserting the cartridge portion into the second portion of the valve; and
fixing the first portion to the second portion.
14. A method of manufacturing the regulating piston as recited in claim 1 ,
the method comprising:
forming a portion of the tubular sleeve;
simultaneously with forming the tubular sleeve, forming a portion of the support structure in order to support the tubular sleeve during formation thereof.