An inlet valve system (10), as may be used for a cylinder chamber (20) of a compressor, such as a reciprocating compressor, is disclosed. A plurality of inlet valves (250) is movable between an open position and a closed position. The plurality of inlet valves is arranged between an unloader chamber (120) and a cylinder chamber (20) of the compressor. A control valve (270, 270′) is coupled to a controller (300) and is movable between a first position and a second position to close the inlet valves. A check valve (260, 260′) is movable between a first position and a second position to open the inlet valves. The check valve and the control valve are respectively fluidly coupled to a control chamber (252), which is decoupled from any pressure control external to cylinder chamber (20).

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to reciprocating compressors. In one example embodiment, a reciprocating compressor is disclosed including a cylinder, a piston, at least one suction valve, at least one pressure valve, at least one connection chamber, a sequence valve, a sequence valve control unit, and an unloader. The piston moves back and forth in the cylinder in order to form a compression chamber in the cylinder. The at least one suction valve and the at least one pressure valve are provided on the compression chamber. The at least one connection chamber having a connection chamber volume, which is connected to the compression chamber via at least one overflow opening. The sequence valve opens and closes the at least one overflow opening, and the sequence valve control unit controls the sequence valve. The unloader is actuated by an electrically controllable actuator.

An automatic plate valve having a valve seat, a valve guard, a longitudinal axis (L) and a valve element arranged between the valve seat and the valve guard and movable along the longitudinal axis (L). The valve seat includes an end face having with valve seat openings oriented towards the valve guard, and a plurality of passages, which have a fluid-conducting connection to the valve seat openings. The valve element includes sealing element interacting with the valve seat openings. Wherein some of the passages have a different distance to the longitudinal axis in a radial direction (R). The end face of the valve seat including a plurality of grooved recesses, forming valve seat openings, with passages open into the same recess, the passages forming a fluid-conducting connection to the valve seat opening. Some of these passages connected to the valve seat opening have different distances to the longitudinal axis.

Poppet valve, plate valve, with a longitudinal axis (L), with a valve seat having a plurality of valve seat passage channels, with a catcher arranged at a distance from the valve seat in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L), and with a sealing element arranged movably between the valve seat and the catcher for opening and closing the valve seat passage channels. One of the valve components formed as the valve seat or the catcher having a plurality of passage channel limiting sections and a plurality of web portions, each extending mutually at an angle (α), wherein at least one of the valve components formed as valve seat or catcher is produced at least in sections by additive manufacturing, and wherein at least one of the passage channel limiting sections is dimensioned shorter in the direction of the longitudinal axis (L).

Fluid flow adapter for a cylinder of a reciprocating compressor, the cylinder having a side wall provided with a valve seat, the fluid flow adapter comprising a filler element having an internal surface facing an internal volume of the cylinder and an external surface facing the valve, the filler element having at least a channel connecting the internal surface to the external surface, wherein the internal surface is flush with the side wall of the cylinder, the channel being configured to allow the passage of fluid between the internal volume of the cylinder and the valve.

An automatic ring valve 10 comprising a valve seat 12 provided with a plurality of gas flow passages 14 arranged according to at least one annular row, at least a shutter 18 comprising at least one ring-shaped portion for selectively closing and opening the gas flow passages 14, wherein said ring-shaped portion of the shutter 18 comprises a fiber-reinforced matrix 40, at least one contrasting member for contrasting an opening movement of ring-shaped portion of the shutter 18, wherein said ring-shaped portion of the shutter 18 comprises a structural core 18A made by said fiber-reinforced matrix 40, and wherein at least a portion of said structural core 18A is covered by at least one primary layer 18B, designed to improve fracture and/or impact and/or wear resistance of said ring-shaped portion.

A valve for a reciprocating machine is disclosed. The valve includes a seat provided with flow apertures therein. A valve closing member is adapted to co-act with the seat for selectively closing and opening the flow apertures. A cage is connected to the seat and forms a guide, in which the actuation stem of a valve closing member is slidingly engaged and guided.

An automatic valve including a valve seat having first gas flow passages extending there through and a valve guard having second gas flow passages extending there through. The valve further comprises at least one shutter member movably arranged between the valve guard and the valve seat, at least one set of spring members biasing the at least one shutter member towards a closed position in sealing engagement with the valve seat to close the first gas flow passages, and at least one spring holder ring provided with a plurality of spring retention seats. Each spring member of the set of spring members is partially housed in a respective spring pocket formed in the valve guard and retained in a respective one of the spring retention seat.

A reciprocating gas compressor valve having a plurality of clusters of kidney shaped holes positioned along a common circular or annular locus in the main body and a sealing element with a top portion, a bottom portion and a tubular section. The tubular section is integrally connected to the top portion and bottom portion. In an open position, a flow pathway is provided through the clusters of kidney shaped holes and the tubular section and the bottom profile abuts a stop surface of the valve. In a closed position, the top profile abuts the seat for sealing gas flow within the valve.

A compressor valve assembly is presented. The compressor valve assembly includes a seat and a guard attached to each other. The seat includes an inlet hole. The guard includes a spring. The guard includes a guide pin attached to the bottom of the guard and extends out the spring internally. The guard includes a seal element attached to the guide pin. The seal element includes a socket to receive the guide pin and a spring landing area residing on top of the spring. The guide pin internally guides a movement of the seal element to move toward the inlet hole when the spring extends and to move away from the inlet hole when the spring is compressed.