Ball Valve for a Pipe System for Conveying Liquid or Gaseous Media

Abstract

The invention relates to a ball valve (1) for a pipe system for conveying liquid or gaseous media, comprising a housing (3), which has a ball plug (4) and seat rings (5, 6). A hydraulic system (7), which is independent of the pressure of the liquid or gaseous medium flowing through the pipe system, is provided for changing the contact pressure of at least one of the seat rings (5, 6) against the ball plug (4).

Claims

1. A ball valve for a line system for conveying liquid or gaseous media comprising: a housing which has a ball plug and seat rings, characterized in that a pressure system (7), in particular a hydraulic system, which is independent of the pressure of the liquid or gaseous medium flowing through the line system, is provided in order to vary the contact pressure of at least one of the seat rings (5, 6) against the ball plug (4) and wherein the pressure system (7) comprises at least one pressure channel (8a, 8b) which is suitable for feeding a medium to, or discharging said medium from, a rear side (5a, 6a), averted from the ball plug (4), of the seat ring (5, 6) in order to vary the pressure on the seat ring (5, 6) and wherein an annularly encircling annular space (11) with which the pressure channel (8a, 8b) corresponds is formed between the rear side (5a, 6a) of the seat ring (5, 6) and an adjacent inner wall surface (10), facing toward the seat ring (5, 6), of the housing (3), and wherein the pressure system (7) has a bypass line (32) in order to produce a pressure equalization between the annular space (11) and the dead space (18) when required, and wherein the pressure system (7) has at least one shut-off element (33) in order to open and/or close the bypass line (32).

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. The ball valve as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the annular space (11) is delimited by a first seal (12) and a second seal (19) which are arranged such that the medium fed from the pressure channel (8a, 8b) generates a pressure force which acts directly on the rear side (5a, 6a) of the seat ring (5, 6).

5. The ball valve as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the first seal (12) is arranged between the inner wall surface (10) of the housing (3) and the seat ring (5, 6) and seals off the annular space (11) with respect to a dead space (18), wherein, during the normal operation of the line system, a pressure prevails in the dead space (18) which corresponds to the pressure in pipelines (2a, 2b), through which the liquid or gaseous medium is transported, of the line system.

6. The ball valve as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that the first seal (12) is designed as a piston seal and preferably has an O-ring (13) and a slide ring seal (14), wherein the O-ring (13) is preferably arranged on the rear side, averted from the inner wall surface (10), of the slide ring seal (14).

7. The ball valve as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that a sealing and pressure-exerting device (120) is inserted in the annular space (11) and/or in the region of an outlet opening of the pressure channel (8a, 8b).

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. The ball valve as claimed in any of claim 1, characterized in that the pressure that acts on the rear side of the at least one seat ring (5, 6) can be set to the pressure in the line system and/or to a pressure higher than the pressure in the line system and/or to a pressure lower than the pressure in the line system.

11. The ball valve as claimed in any of claim 1, characterized in that a control device (35) is provided for controlling the pressure channel (8a, 8b) and/or a pressure unit (36) such that a pressure can be applied to the rear side (5a, 6a) of at least one of the seat rings (5, 6) independently of the medium flowing through the line system.

12. The ball valve as claimed in claim 10, characterized in that the control device (35) is designed to reduce the pressure at the rear side (5a, 6a) of the seat ring (5, 6) to a pressure below the pressure in the line system.

13. The ball valve as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, for each seat ring (5, 6), a spring device (16) is provided for pushing the seat ring (5, 6) against the ball plug (4).

14. A method for adjusting a ball valve as claimed in claim 1, in which method the ball valve (1) is integrated into a line system for conveying liquid or gaseous media and is adjusted in order to open and close pipelines (2a, 2b), in which method, for the adjustment of the ball valve (1), a pressure which is generated by a medium, in particular a hydraulic medium, and which acts on a rear side (5a, 6a), averted from a ball plug (4), of at least one of the seat rings (5, 6) is variable such that the pressure acting on the rear side (5a, 6a) is reduced to a pressure below the pressure in the pipelines (2a, 2b).

15. A method for leading at least one pig through a ball valve (1) inserted into a line system (2) for liquid or gaseous media, wherein the ball valve (1) has a ball plug (4) and seat rings (5, 6), in which method one or more pigs are led through pipelines (2a, 2b) into which the ball valve (1) is inserted, in which method at least one of the seat rings (5, 6) is pressed against the ball plug (4) by means of a pressure which is generated and controllable by a pressure system (7), in which method the pressure system (7) is configured to generate the pressure independently of the pressure in the pipelines (2a, 2b) and wherein, the pressure system (7) generates a pressure which is sufficient for pressing at least one of the seat rings (5, 6) against the ball plug (4) and holding it in contact with the ball plug (4) while the pig or the pigs is or are led through the ball plug (4).

16. (canceled)

17. The method as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that, after the pig or the pigs has or have been led through the ball plug (4), the pressure which is generated by the pressure system (7) and which presses at least one of the seat rings (5, 6) against the ball plug (4) is reduced to such an extent that the at least one seat ring (5, 6) lifts off from the ball plug (4).

18. A method for cleaning a ball valve, in which method the ball valve (1) is integrated into a line system for conveying liquid or gaseous media and is adjusted in order to open and close pipelines (2a, 2b), in which method the ball valve (1) has a ball plug (4) and seat rings (5, 6), in which method a pressure system (7) is provided which is designed to, independently of the pressure in the pipelines (2a, 2b), generate a pressure which is fed to at least one of the seat rings (5, 6) such that the at least one seat ring (5, 6) is acted on with a force which pushes the seat ring (5, 6) away from the contact surface on the ball plug (4) and wherein the pressure generated by the pressure system (7) is fed to a dead space (18).

19. The method as claimed in claim 18, characterized in that the pressure generated by the pressure system (7) is equal to or higher than the pressure in the pipelines (2a, 2b).

20. (canceled)

21. A method for sealing a ball valve, in which method the ball valve (1) is integrated into a line system for conveying liquid or gaseous media and is adjusted in order to open and close pipelines (2a, 2b), in which method the ball valve (1) has a ball plug (4) and seat rings (5, 6), in which method a pressure system (7) is provided which is designed to, independently of the pressure in the pipelines (2a, 2b), generate a pressure which is fed to at least one of the seat rings (5, 6) such that the at least one seat ring (5, 6) is pressed against the ball plug (4) such that a contact surface between the ball plug (4) and the seat ring (5, 6) is sealed off even if a sealing surface (31) of the at least one seat ring (5, 6) is damaged.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0133] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is diagrammatically illustrated below.

[0134] In the figures:

[0135] FIG. 1 shows a side view of a ball valve according to the invention which is inserted into a pipeline of a line system;

[0136] FIG. 2 shows a diagrammatic illustration of a section through a ball valve in a typical design as a double piston ball valve, without the hydraulic system according to the invention being illustrated;

[0137] FIG. 3 shows a section through a ball valve in a first embodiment with a sealing and pressure-exerting device in a region in which a seat ring bears sealingly against a ball plug;

[0138] FIG. 4 shows a section through a ball valve in a second, preferred embodiment in a region in which a seat ring bears sealingly against a ball plug; and

[0139] FIG. 5 shows a diagrammatic illustration of a circuit diagram of the hydraulic pressing of the seat ring against the ball plug in accordance with the invention.

WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0140] Ball plugs are well known from the general prior art, specifically both in terms of their structural design and with regard to their functioning for the purposes of opening and closing pipelines. Also known are various ball valves sealing systems, for which reason only the features essential to the invention will be discussed in more detail below.

[0141] In the exemplary embodiment, provision is made whereby the ball valve 1 is installed underground, though this is optional.

[0142] FIGS. 1 and 2 diagrammatically show a ball valve 1 which is inserted into a line system 2 illustrated by two line pieces 2a, 2b. The line system 2 may serve for conveying liquid or gaseous media. In the exemplary embodiment, provision is made whereby a gaseous medium is transported through the line system 2. The exemplary embodiment is however not restricted to this.

[0143] The ball valve 1 according to the invention has a housing 3 which accommodates a ball plug 4 and two seat rings 5, 6. Merely for the purposes of illustrating the known functional principle, FIG. 2 illustrates a section through a ball valve, showing the housing 3, the ball plug 4 and the two seat rings 5, 6. This is also illustrated in detail form in FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0144] In the exemplary embodiment, the seat ring 5 is situated downstream of the seat ring 6, that is to say the medium flowing through the line system 2 passes firstly to the seat ring 6 and then to the seat ring 5. This is illustrated in FIG. 2 by the flow arrows.

[0145] The ball plug 4 is actuated by means of an actuating device 9 (see FIG. 1), that is to say the ball plug 4 can be rotated in order to open or close the line system 2.

[0146] FIG. 1 shows a diagrammatic illustration of the hydraulic system 7 according to the invention, to which the invention and the exemplary embodiments are not restricted. In the exemplary embodiment, provision is made whereby the hydraulic system 7 can push both seat rings 5, 6 hydraulically against the ball plug 4 as required, independently of the liquid or gaseous medium flowing through the line system 2.

[0147] The hydraulic system 7 comprises hydraulic channels 8a, 8b, which are suitable for feeding a hydraulic medium to a rear side 5a, 6a, averted from the ball plug 4, of the seat rings 5, 6, in order to build up a hydraulic pressure there.

[0148] Of the hydraulic channel 8a, FIGS. 3 and 4 show substantially only one part, specifically the part that extends as a bore through the housing 3 to the rear side 5a of the seat ring 5.

[0149] FIG. 3 now shows one possible first embodiment of the invention, which may possibly be used independently of, but also in addition to, the preferred embodiment described below in FIG. 4.

[0150] Unless presented otherwise, individual features that have been described with regard to one of the two exemplary embodiments may also be used in the other exemplary embodiment.

[0151] As can be seen from FIG. 3, an annularly encircling annular space 11 with which the hydraulic channel 8a which feeds the hydraulic medium corresponds is formed between the rear side 5a of the seat ring 5 and an adjacent inner wall surface 10, facing toward the seat ring 5, of the housing 3. A sealing and pressure-exerting device 120 of annular form is inserted in the annular space 11. The sealing and pressure-exerting device 120 has, in the exemplary embodiment, an O-ring 130 and a pressure-exerting ring 140. The O-ring 130 is arranged at the rear side, averted from the seat ring 5, of the pressure-exerting ring 140. The front side 140a, facing toward the seat ring 5, of the pressure-exerting ring 140 has notches, grooves 150 or channels such that a liquid or gaseous medium can flow through between the front side 140a of the pressure-exerting ring 140 and the seat ring 5 or can penetrate below the front side 140a.

[0152] As also emerges from FIG. 3 and basically also from FIG. 2, the seat ring 5 has a spring device 16 for pressing the seat ring 5 against the ball plug 4. The spring device 16 may for example impart a force which pushes the seat ring 5 against the ball plug 4 with a force corresponding to a weight force of 2 to 2.5 tonnes.

[0153] In the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 3, the housing 3 and the seat rings 5, 6 have a differential pressure channel system 17 for pushing the seat rings 5, 6 against the ball plug 4 in a manner dependent on the liquid or gaseous medium flowing through the line system 2. The exact course of the differential pressure channel system 17 is not of further relevance for this purpose. By means of the differential pressure channel system 17, it can be achieved that, if a pressure prevails in the line system 2, this acts on the rear side 5a, 6a of the seat rings 5, 6, wherein the rear side 5a, 6a of the seat rings 5, 6 has a larger surface area for the action of the pressure than the front side 20 of the seat rings 5, 6, such that, with increasing pressure, the seat rings 5, 6 are pushed with ever greater intensity against the ball plug 4. This basically also emerges from FIG. 2.

[0154] From FIG. 2, it is possible to see the principle of the double piston system. In said figure (and also in detail form in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), a dead space 18 such as is conventional in the case of ball valves is also illustrated.

[0155] In the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 3, during the normal operation of the line system 2, that is to say if pressure prevails in the line system 2, pressurized gas passes through the dead space 18 to the seat ring 5 also. Through a first differential pressure channel 17, the pressurized gas passes to the pressure-exerting ring 140 and displaces the latter in a direction away from the seat ring 5. As a result, the pressurized gas flows onward and consequently then passes into an annular space 17, which is part of the differential pressure channel system 17. A sealing element 19 can be arranged in a known manner in the annular space 17. The sealing element 19 is movable in an axial direction in the annular space 17. By means of the pressurized gas, the sealing element 19 is displaced in a direction away from the seat ring 5. In this way, at the rear side 5a of the seat ring 5, large surfaces are provided on which the pressurized gas acts. The seat ring 5 is thus pressed against the ball plug 4 counter to the pressure force acting on the front side 20 of the seat ring 5.

[0156] This basic concept is already known from the prior art, for which purpose reference is also made to FIG. 2, which shows the flow direction of a gas in relation to the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3. In the context of the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 3, the specific design of the differential pressure channel system 17 is not of importance, but the illustrated embodiment has nevertheless proven advantageous in conjunction with the sealing and pressure-exerting device 10 illustrated there.

[0157] In the embodiment as per FIG. 4, there is likewiseoptionallyillustrated a differential pressure channel system, which is however implemented differently than in FIGS. 2 and 3 but performs the same function.

[0158] FIG. 1 shows the hydraulic system 7, which may have a port 21 for the connection of a hydraulic unit 36. The hydraulic unit 36 may for example be a pump with which the hydraulic pressure which acts on the seat ring 5 and/or the seat ring 6 can be varied or generated or reduced. Furthermore, FIG. 1 shows that the hydraulic system 7 may have a manometer 22 and/or a pressure-limiting valve 23. The pressure-limiting valve 23 may preferably be set to a pressure limit at the level of 40 bar, preferably 50 bar. Furthermore, the hydraulic system 7 may have a distributor block 24. In the exemplary embodiment, the hydraulic system 7 is fed from a merely diagrammatically illustrated hydraulic unit 36, which can be connected to the port 21. Via the distributor block 24, the hydraulic medium then passes into the hydraulic channels 8a, 8b, wherein a dedicated shut-off element, for example a shut-off valve 25, may be provided for each hydraulic channel 8a, 8b. The shut-off valves 25 may preferably be designed as ball valves.

[0159] The hydraulic channels 8a, 8b may have a throttle point (not illustrated), which is preferably positioned in the transition region to the annular space 11.

[0160] In a manner not illustrated in any more detail, the two seat rings 5, 6 may also be fed with the hydraulic medium from a common hydraulic channel, possibly with the omission of a distributor block.

[0161] As can also be seen from FIG. 1, the ball valve 4 has a dead space ventilation line 26 (illustrated merely by way of example) which serves for the ventilation of the dead space 18. The dead space ventilation line 26 may be connected to the hydraulic system 7 via a branch line. The branch line may in this case possibly have a shut-off element 27. The shut-off element 27 may for example have a pressure-limiting valve and/or a bypass valve.

[0162] The dead space ventilation line 26 is not essential but is advantageous for the invention.

[0163] As can be seen from FIG. 1 and also from FIG. 4, a control device 35 may be provided for controlling the hydraulic unit 36 and/or the hydraulic channels 8a, 8b and/or the shut-off elements 25 and 33 (as presented in more detail below with regard to FIG. 4). The control device 35 may permit automated switching, in the case of which the pressure in the annular space 11 is correspondingly set upon every switching process. The control device 35 is provided for controlling the hydraulic channels 8a, 8b and/or the hydraulic unit 36 such that a hydraulic pressure can be applied to the rear side 5a, 6a of at least one of the seat rings 5, 6 independently of the medium flowing through the line system. The control device 35 is in particular designed such that the hydraulic pressure at the rear side 5a, 6a of the seat ring 5, 6 can also be reduced to a pressure below the pressure in the line system.

[0164] A particularly suitable exemplary embodiment will be presented below on the basis of FIG. 4. In FIG. 4, no sealing and pressure-exerting device 120 is provided, wherein a combination with this would basically be possible.

[0165] In FIG. 4, provision is made whereby a hydraulic system 7 which is independent of the pressure of the liquid or gaseous medium flowing through the line system varies the contact pressure with which the seat ring 5, preferably both seat rings 5, 6, is or are pushed against the ball plug 4. This will be described below on the basis of a variation of the pressure on the seat ring 5.

[0166] The pressure acting on the seat ring 5 can be set to a pressure in the line system and/or to a pressure higher than that in the line system and/or to a pressure lower than that in the line system. The control device 35 may be provided for this purpose.

[0167] The hydraulic system 7 comprises the hydraulic channels 8a, 8b already described above, wherein FIG. 4 illustrates only the hydraulic channel 8a for conducting a hydraulic medium to, or discharging said hydraulic medium from, the rear side 5a of the seat ring 5 in order to vary the hydraulic pressure on the seat ring 5. Here, an annular space 11 such as is basically known is formed between the rear side 5a of the seat ring 5 and the inner wall surface 10, adjacent to the seat ring 5, of the housing 3, which annular space however differs from the annular space as per FIG. 3, as presented below. The annular space 11 corresponds to the hydraulic channel 8a which opens into the annular space 11.

[0168] By contrast to the illustration in FIG. 3, provision is made, in the case of the annular space 11 as per FIG. 4, that said annular space is delimited by a first seal 12 and a second seal 19, which are arranged such that the hydraulic medium fed from the hydraulic channel 8 generates a hydraulic force which acts directly on the rear side 5a of the seat ring 5.

[0169] As emerges from FIG. 4, the first seal 12 is arranged between the inner wall surface 10 of the housing 3 and the seat ring 5 in order to seal off the annular space 11 with respect to the dead space 18. During the normal operation of the line system, a pressure prevails in the dead space 18 which, as already described, corresponds to the pressure in the pipelines 2a, 2b of the line system through which the liquid or gaseous medium is transported.

[0170] By means of the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, an annular space 11 is created in which, independently of the pressure in the line system, a suitable or desired pressure can be set which may be equal to, lower than or higher than the pressure in the line system, in order to perform various functions.

[0171] In particular during the pigging process, it is possible by means of the hydraulic system 7 for a pressure to be set in the annular space 11, which pressure is of a magnitude which ensures that the pig does not lift the seat ring 5 off from the ball plug 4. In particular during the adjustment of the ball valve 1, a reduced pressure can be set in the annular space 11, which pressure permits an easy adjustment of the ball plug 4 and in particular prevents excessive loading of the seal between the seat ring 5 and the ball plug 4.

[0172] In the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 4, the seal 12 is preferably in the form of a piston seal. The seal 12 preferably has an O-ring 13 and a slide ring seal 14 or a slide ring, wherein the O-ring 13 is preferably arranged on the rear side, averted from the inner wall surface 10, of the slide ring seal 14. The seal is preferably arranged at least partially in an annular groove of the seat ring 5.

[0173] In the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 4, provision is preferably made whereby the hydraulic system 7 has a bypass line 32, which is illustrated by way of example, in order to produce pressure equalization between the annular space 11 and the dead space 18. Here, the hydraulic system 7 preferably has a shut-off element 33 (likewise illustrated merely by way of example), for example a shut-off valve, a ball valve or a valve, in order to open or close the bypass line 32, that is to say in order to connect the annular space 11 to, or shut off the annular space 11 with respect to, the dead space 18.

[0174] By means of the bypass line 32, it is possible to achieve that, during normal operation, that is to say when liquid or gaseous medium is transported through the pipelines 2, 3, the differential channel pressure system 17 which has already basically been described can also be used in the case of the ball valve 1 according to the invention as per FIG. 4. For this purpose, a shut-off element 25 which is merely diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 4 may also be provided, which can be closed, such that the hydraulic device 36 is not activated or connected to the hydraulic channel 8a, or is activated or connected to the hydraulic channel 8a only when required. The arrangement of the shut-off elements 25, 33 in the lines is merely an example. The positioning may also be realized in any manner such that the desired control is possible. For this purpose, it is also possible for more or fewer shut-off elements 25, 33 to be provided. Alternatively, or in addition, use may also be made of a distributor block for controlling the hydraulic flow in the desired manner. In the event a closure of the shut-off element 33 and a corresponding opening of the shut-off element 25, it is possible, preferably with the aid of the control device 35, for the hydraulic device 36 to be controlled such that a desired pressure which is independent of the pressure in the line system can be set in the annular space 11.

[0175] It is advantageous if, in a method for adjusting a ball valve, the ball valve 1 is integrated in a known manner into a line system for conveying liquid or gaseous media. In accordance with the method according to the invention, it is possible, for the opening and closing of pipelines 2a, 2b, that is to say when the ball valve 1 or the ball plug 4 thereof is to be adjusted, for a pressure generated by means of a hydraulic medium and which acts on a rear side 5a, averted from a ball plug 4, of at least one of the seat rings 5 to be varied such that the pressure that acts on the rear side 5a of the seat ring 5 is reduced to a pressure below the pressure in the pipelines 2a, 2b.

[0176] By virtue of the pressure in the annular space 11 being reduced, the pressure prevailing at the front side 20 of the seat ring 5 is opposed by a lower or decreasing pressure, whereby the seal between the seat ring 5 and the ball plug 4 is relieved of load. By means of a corresponding reduction of the pressure in the annular space 11, it can also be achieved at the seat ring 5 is lifted off from the ball plug 4, or retracts.

[0177] A mechanical stop (not shown in any more detail in FIG. 4) may be provided in order to limit a lift-off of the seat ring 5.

[0178] For the ventilation of the annular space 11, a solenoid valve may be provided in a manner which is not illustrated.

[0179] The second seal 19 may be designed in any desired form, for example as an O-ring or, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in multi-part form, preferably as a grooved sealing ring, particular preferably as a double grooved sealing ring.

[0180] In the exemplary embodiment, provision may be made whereby the hydraulic system 7 is designed to generate a hydraulic pressure such that the respective seat ring 5, 6 is pushed against the ball plug 4 with a force corresponding to a weight force of 5 to 20 tonnes, preferably 8 to 10 tonnes, when a pig is led through the ball plug 4. The exact design is in this case also dependent on the dimensioning of the ball valve 1.

[0181] In the case of a method for leading a pig through the line system or the pipeline 2a, 2b and the ball valve 1, provision may be made whereby one or more pigs are led in succession through the line portion into which the ball valve 1 is inserted. A method for cleaning the line system or the ball valve 1 may for example be involved here. For this purpose, use may for example be made of cleaning pigs. Here, the seat rings 5, 6 can be blocked by means of the above-described application of a hydraulic pressure.

[0182] FIG. 5 illustrates a highly schematic circuit diagram which is intended to serve merely for illustrative purposes and which restricts neither the invention nor the exemplary embodiments.

[0183] As can be seen from FIG. 5, it is possible by means of the hydraulic unit 36, which in the exemplary embodiment may be a pump, for a hydraulic medium to be fed to the distributor block 24. With closed-loop control by means of shut-off valves 25, the hydraulic medium passes via the hydraulic channels 8a, 8b to the rear side of the seat rings 5, 6 or is fed to the seat rings 5, 6 such that the seat rings 5, 6 are hydraulically loaded in the direction of the ball plug 4. From the dead space 18, and evacuation of the hydraulic medium can take place via the dead space ventilation line 26. Via a branch line and the shut-off element 33, which may be composed for example of a pressure-limiting valve and a bypass valve, the hydraulic medium preferably passes back into the distributor block 24, or, possibly also bypassing said distributor block, to a tank 29. A manometer 22 illustrated in FIG. 1 and a pressure-limiting valve 23 may be connected to the distributor block 24. The pressure-limiting valve 23 may preferably be set to a value of 50 bar.

[0184] The use of a dead space ventilation line 26 in conjunction with the shut-off element 33 and possibly further ball valves 30 is optional for FIG. 5. A distributor block 24 with the manometer 22 and the pressure-limiting valve 23 may also be dispensed with if appropriate.

[0185] In the exemplary embodiments, the invention has been described substantially on the basis of the seat ring 5; the seat ring 6 may be constructed and actuated in an identical manner. It is self-evidently also possible for only the hydraulic loading of one seat ring 5 or 6 to be provided by means of the hydraulic system 7.

[0186] In the exemplary embodiments, provision is made whereby the seat rings 5, 6, for the sealing with respect to the ball plug 4, have a sealing surface 31, which is provided preferably by a soft seal, particular preferably by an elastomer seal. The seat rings 5, 6 are preferably produced from metal.

[0187] The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, in particular in FIGS. 3 and 4, are also suitable for carrying out a method for cleaning a ball valve 1 in which provision is made whereby the pressure system 7 is designed such that the pressure is generated independently of the pressure in the pipelines 2a, 2b and is fed to at least one of the seat rings 5, 6 such that the at least one seat ring 5, 6 is acted on with a force which pushes the seat ring 5, 6 away from the contact surface on the ball plug 4. This may preferably be achieved by virtue of the pressure system 7 being designed to introduce a pressure into the dead space 12. Corresponding lines or channels for introducing pressure into the dead space 12 are not illustrated in FIG. 3 but are easily conceivable. In the second embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4, provision may for example be made for this purpose whereby the dead space ventilation line 26 or an additional line which is not illustrated is correspondingly used. To assist the method, provision may furthermore be made whereby the pressure in the annular space 11 is reduced, for which purpose the hydraulic channels 8a, 8b may be used.

[0188] In the method for cleaning, provision may be made whereby the pressure system 7 is designed such that the pressure that is generated in the dead space 18 by the pressure system 7 is equal to or higher than the pressure in the pipelines 2a, 2b.

[0189] The method for cleaning a ball valve 1 may in particular also be used after the pigging process.

[0190] The method according to the invention for sealing a ball valve 1 may, in principle, likewise be realized with the exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures, in particular the exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Here, the method according to the invention for sealing provides that the pressure system 7, independently of the pressure in the pipelines 2a, 2b, generates a pressure which is fed to at least one of the seat rings 5, 6 such that the at least one seat ring is pressed against the ball plug such that a contact surface between the ball plug 4 and one of the seat rings 5, 6, preferably both seat rings 5, 6, is sealed off even if the sealing surface 31 or generally the sealing system of the at least one seat ring 5, 6 is damaged. Here, the pressure system 7 preferably increases the pressure in the annular space 11 correspondingly, for which purpose the hydraulic channels 8a, 8b may be correspondingly used.