Reduction of axial and radial deformations of thin-walled shell seals

Abstract

The article considers one of the promising directions of improvement of sealing connections of shut-off valves – the use of thin-walled metal seals in shutters of quick-acting valves. Shutting off of the flow of the working medium in such connections occurs at a speed sufficient for destruction of the thin-walled seal. Change of geometric parameters of sealing (thickness) leads to loss of positive qualities in comparison with other connections, therefore it is rather important to ensure reliable operation of the valve shutter under dynamic (impact) loads without loss of strength properties. Previously, the issues of reduced rigidity decrease of thin-walled seal due to the use of plate elements have already been considered. In such design solutions there is a load from the working medium on the area of the plate element, which can vary within wide limits and affect reliability of the sealing connection. To protect thin-walled metal seal of reduced rigidity, the article proposes to use thin-walled elastic limiters, which will prevent overload of the shutter. To test the proposed design of the shutter finite element modeling was performed in the AWP Structure 3D module of the AWP WinMachine software product from the Scientific and Production Center. The obtained stress values in a thin-walled seal with and without limiters indicate reliable operation of the valve shutter, especially when operating conditions are exceeded. The use of an axial stop helps prevent large seal overloads and, in combination with thin-walled stops, allows the seat to be made thinner, ensuring that the sealing force in the sealing joint is minimized.