Importance

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Abstract

A ball valve capable of sealing fluids under high pressure is disclosed. The ball valve includes a valve body having a first internal shoulder and a second internal shoulder. A support ring abuts against the first internal shoulder. A sealing ring having an annular recess extending radially abuts against the support ring. A comb disk spring is positioned within the annular recess, the comb disk spring having an apex biased towards the ball. A fitting having a smooth annular support surface extends into the valve body. Sealing rings, such as a backup ring and an O-ring are placed over the smooth support surface and abut against the shoulder of the fitting. A compression ring is placed over the end of the fitting, abutting against the sealing rings. When the fitting is placed within the valve body, the compression ring abuts against the second shoulder of the valve body. Threading of the fitting 20 into the valve body causes the sealing rings to be compressed between the compression ring and the shoulder of the fitting. An arcuate surface on the compression ring forces the O-ring against as support surface of the fitting and a sealing surface of the valve body, preloading the ball valve assembly in the sealed condition. When the ball valve is closed, a seal between the ball and the flow passage is provided by the fitting firmly retaining the comb disk spring and the sealing ring against the ball. Sealing on the side in which the fluid exists is provided between the valve body and the fitting by the combination of the compression ring, O-ring and backup rings and their relationship to the fitting and the valve body.

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First Claim