VALVE FITTING

Abstract

A fitting prevents the unintentional flow of flowable material out of a container through a valve. The valve comprises a housing, a flow control element rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and an actuator for moving the flow control element, wherein the fitting is adapted for insertion into the housing which in use locks the flow control element in a closed configuration by preventing rotation of the flow control element.

Claims

1. A fitting for preventing the unintentional flow of flowable material out of a container through a valve, the valve comprising a housing; a flow control element rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and an actuator for moving the flow control element, wherein the fitting is adapted for insertion into the housing which in use locks the flow control element in its closed configuration by preventing rotation of the flow control element.

2. A fitting according to claim 1, wherein the fitting is adapted to plug an opening in the housing.

3. A fitting according to claim 1, wherein the fitting is adapted to collect flowable material that inadvertently escapes from the container.

4. The fitting according to claim 1, wherein the fitting is configured so that it cannot be fully inserted into the housing when the flow control element is in its open configuration.

5. A fitting according to claim 1, wherein the fitting comprises a cylindrical tube and a plate arranged to close one end of the cylindrical tube.

6. A fitting according to claim 5, wherein the end of the cylindrical tube opposite the plate is free from formations.

7. A fitting according to claim 5, wherein the plate is circular in plan.

8. A fitting according to claim 5, wherein the plate comprises a downwardly tapering side wall.

9. A fitting according to claim 5, wherein the diameter of the plate is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical tube.

10. A fitting according to claim 5, wherein the circular plate comprises a circular groove for receiving a seal.

11. A fitting according to claim 10, wherein a seal is provided in the circular groove.

12. A fitting according to claim 10, wherein the housing comprises an annular shoulder provided with a recess that is adapted to the receive the seal.

13. An assembly for preventing the unintentional discharge of flowable material from a container, wherein the assembly comprises a valve comprising a housing, a flow control element rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and an actuator for moving the flow control element, and a fitting adapted for insertion into the housing which in use locks the flow control element in its closed configuration by preventing rotation of the flow control element.

14. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the flow control element comprises a substantially circular disc mounted on a rod.

15. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the assembly comprises a container and the valve is connected to the container.

16. An assembly according to claim 13, wherein the container comprises a metal or metal alloy powder.

17. A method of preventing the unintentional discharge of flowable material from a container through a valve, the valve comprising a housing; a flow control element rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and an actuator for moving the flow control element, wherein the method comprises the steps of inserting a fitting into the housing to lock the flow control element in its closed configuration and detachably securing the fitting to the housing.

18. A method according to claim 17 comprising the step of clamping the fitting to the housing.

19. A kit of parts comprising a valve for a container for storing powder, the valve comprising a housing; a flow control element rotatable between an open configuration and a closed configuration and an actuator for moving the flow control element; and a fitting adapted for insertion into the housing.

20. A kit according to claim 19, wherein the kit comprises means for detachably securing the fitting to the housing.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0029] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the disclosed technology appertains will more readily understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to the following drawings.

[0030] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of the fitting.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the fitting shown in FIG. 1.

[0032] FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the fitting shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the fitting inserted into a butterfly valve.

[0034] FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a container for storing powder.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0035] In order that the disclosure may be more clearly understood one or more embodiments thereof will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] The fitting 1 of present disclosure is particularly suitable for preventing the unintentional discharge of powder 210 from a container 200 comprising a butterfly valve 100. The butterfly valve 100 has a first housing part 110 and a second housing part 120 which together define a through passage. A gasket 130 is provided between the first and second housing parts 110, 120. The first housing part 110 is adapted for connection to a connection flange 211 of a container 200 for storing metal powder 210 and the second housing part 120 is adapted for connection to adjacent pipework, e.g. an inlet pipe 300 of an additive manufacturing machine (not shown). Accordingly, the first and second housing parts 110, 120 comprise respective connection flanges 111, 121. Each connection flange 111, 121 comprises a circular recess 112, 122 adapted to receive a seal member (not shown). The inlet pipe 300 comprises an inlet pipe valve 310 for controlling the flow of powder 210 into the additive manufacturing machine and a corresponding connection flange 311 for connecting to the connection flange 121 of the second housing part 120.

[0037] The butterfly valve 100 further comprises a pivotally mounted rod (not shown) which extends across the through passage and into a handle 140 located outside of the valve housing. A substantially circular disc 150 is mounted to the rod. By rotating the handle 140 through 90 the circular disc 150 is caused to rotate between an open configuration which allows powder 210 to flow out of the container 200 and a closed configuration in which the flow of powder 210 out of the container 200 is prevented.

[0038] A fitting 1 in accordance with the present disclosure comprises a cylindrical tube 10 formed from stainless steel. In this embodiment the cylindrical tube 10 has a length of 51 mm and a diameter of 89 mm. The cylindrical tube 10 is adapted for insertion into the second housing part 120. As best shown in FIG. 1, the free end of the cylindrical tube 10 is free from formations such as protrusions and recesses. This has the benefit that the cost of manufacturing the fitting 1 can be kept relatively low. It also reduces the risk of contamination, e.g. between two different metal powders.

[0039] The fitting 10 additionally comprises a substantially circular stainless steel plate 20 which closes one end of the cylindrical tube 10. As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 the diameter of the stainless steel plate 20 is greater than the diameter of the cylindrical tube 10 forming a flange of comparable diameter to that of the second housing part connection flange 121. A circular groove 21 is formed in the top surface of the flange and is adapted to receive a seal member such as a rubber O-ring.

[0040] In operation, the container 200 can be connected to the additive manufacturing machine by coupling the connection flange 111 of the first housing part 110 to the container connection flange 211 and by connecting the second housing part connection flange 121 to the inlet pipe connection flange 311. A vacuum flange clamp is used to clamp around the connection flange 121 of the second housing part 120 and the corresponding connection flange 311 of the inlet pipe 300.

[0041] Once the container 200 has been coupled to the additive manufacturing machine, an operative rotates the handle 140 ninety degrees to move the disc 150 from a closed configuration to an open configuration so that powder 210 in the container 200 is able to flow through the butterfly valve 100 and into the inlet pipe 300 of the additive manufacturing machine. Once a desired quantity of powder 210 has been dispensed from the container 200, the operative rotates the handle 90 so that the disc 150 moves from its open configuration to a closed configuration which prevents powder 210 from flowing into the inlet pipe 300. The vacuum clamp is then removed to enable decoupling of the second housing part 120 from the inlet pipe 300 of the additive manufacturing machine. With the disc 150 still in its closed configuration, the free end of the cylindrical tube 10 is inserted into the second housing part 120 until the plate 20 sealingly engages the second housing part connection flange 121. The second housing part 120 and the fitting 1 are then clamped together to detachably secure the fitting 1 to the second housing part 120.

[0042] As best shown in FIG. 4, insertion of the cylindrical tube 10 into the second housing part 120 obstructs the disc 150 to an extent that it is unable to move from its closed configuration to an open configuration, e.g. as a consequence of accidental or improper adjustment of the handle by the operative. Accordingly, insertion of the fitting 1 into the second housing part 120 prevents an operative from unintentionally dispensing powder 210 from the container 200 which would result in the powder 210 becoming contaminated and render it unusable in an additive manufacturing build operation.

[0043] The one or more embodiments described above are by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of protection afforded by the appended claims.