Check Valve for Submersible Pump

Abstract

The present invention comprises a unibody check valve for detachable use with a submersible pump, said check valve comprising a unibody housing with an inlet and an outlet defining a fluid passage, where a portion of the face of the outlet comprises a poppet seat, and a poppet stem enclosing member held in axial alignment with the fluid passage by one or more supporting members, a poppet slidably retained within said poppet stem enclosing member, and a biasing member captured between the one or more supporting members and a poppet stem base, where the biasing member biases the poppet head into a closed position against the seat when liquid flow is not sufficient to overcome the force of the biasing member, and where the poppet head is pushed away from the seat when liquid flow is sufficient to overcome the force of the biasing member.

Claims

1. A check valve for use in a submersible pump comprising: (a) a unibody housing comprising a first inlet and a first outlet opposite said first inlet, wherein a portion of said first outlet comprises a seat; (b) a fluid passage connecting said first inlet to said first outlet; (c) one or more support members disposed within said fluid passage and connected to said unibody housing; (d) a stem enclosure connected to said one or more support members and disposed axially with respect to said fluid passage; (e) a poppet comprising a head, a stem, and a stem base, wherein said stem is slidably engaged with said stem enclosure, said poppet is partially retained within said stem enclosure by said stem base, and the back face of said poppet head is realasably sealedly engaged with said seat (f) a biasing member captured between said one or more support members and said stem base, wherein said poppet head is releasably sealedly engaged with said seat when said poppet is biased by said biasing member into a closed position.

2. The check valve of claim 1, wherein said biasing member comprises a spring.

3. The check valve of claim 2, wherein said unibody housing further comprises threading around its outer circumference for connection to a submersible pump.

4. The check valve of claim 3, wherein said threading comprises male threading.

5. The check valve of claim 3, wherein said threading comprises female threading.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] FIG. 1 shows a representative submersible pump in connection with which a check valve according to the present invention could be used;

[0012] FIG. 2 shows a a cutaway view of a representative submersible pump with an embodiment of a check valve according to the present invention installed;

[0013] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of one embodiment of a check valve according to the present invention;

[0014] FIG. 4 shows a reverse perspective view of one embodiment of a check valve according to the present invention;

[0015] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of one embodiment of a check valve according to the present invention;

[0016] FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a check valve according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] In one embodiment, the check valve of the present invention comprises a three-piece assembly. In this embodiment, the check valve comprises a housing (1) with a first end (3) and a second end (5). The housing includes a fluid passage (7) that both connects said first end (3) to said second end (5) and passes through said first end (3) and said second end (5). The fluid passage (7) defines a void through the housing (1) through which fluid under pressure can pass. Although in some embodiments the fluid passage (7) is tubular, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that the fluid passage may assume a variety of internal cross-sectional configurations or shapes.

[0018] In these embodiments, a portion of the wall of the fluid passage comprises a shelf (9). The shelf (9) comprises a ledge, a protrusion, or multiple protrusions, optionally coplanar, within the fluid passage (7). In this embodiment, the shelf (9) comprises a ridge running substantially around the perimeter of the wall of the fluid passage (7). The shelf (9) may comprise a unitary structure running around the entirety of the perimeter of the wall of the fluid passage, or may alternatively comprise one or more inwardly depending protrusions from the wall of the fluid passage that do not run around the entirety of the perimeter of the wall of the fluid passage. The plane defined by the shelf is substantially perpendicular to the axis of travel of fluid through the fluid passage (7). The shelf (9) may be located at a variety of locations within the housing (1). The shelf (9) may be located substantially at the midpoint of the housing (1), or between the midpoint of the housing (1) and the first end (3). The shelf (9) is preferably located at a point between the midpoint of the housing (1) and the second end (5). Alternatively, the shelf (9) may be formed by one or more portions of the face of the inlet of the second end cap (21).

[0019] Embodiments of the invention further comprise a first end cap (11) detachably attached to the first end (3). The first end cap (11) comprises a first inlet (13), a first outlet (15), and a seat (17). In this embodiment, the first inlet (13) comprises the initial entry point of fluid into the check valve assembly. The seat (17) is disposed around the face of the first outlet (15) facing the second end (5). In embodiments, the seat (17) comprises a bevel in the face of the first outlet (15) configured to mate sealably with the poppet head (19). The first outlet (15) comprises the general area in which fluid leaves the portion of the check valve assembly defined by the first end cap (11) and pushes the poppet (25) away from the seat (17). Fluid moves from the first inlet (13) to the first outlet (15), past the poppet head (29), and down the fluid passage (7) in the direction of the second end (5). The opening defined by the first outlet (15) has a cross-sectional area smaller than the cross-sectional area of the fluid passage (7) exclusive of the shelf (9). The opening defined by the first outlet (15) is sized to prevent travel of the retainer (23) past the first outlet (15), such as in the event of catastrophic failure of the poppet (25).

[0020] These embodiments of the present invention further comprise a second end cap (21) detachably attached to the second end (5). The second end cap (21) comprises a second inlet (29) and a second outlet (27). The second inlet (29) comprises general area in which fluid flowing from the direction of the first end (3) enters the second end cap (21). The second outlet (27) comprises the exit point of fluid from the check valve assembly. In one embodiment hereof, one or more portions of the face of the opening defined by the second inlet (29) comprises a shelf (9).

[0021] In these embodiments, the first end (3) and a portion of the first end cap (11) are cooperatively threaded for threaded engagement of the first end cap (11) to the first end (3). Similarly, the second end (5) of the housing (1) and a portion of the second end cap (21) are cooperatively threaded for threaded engagement of the second end cap (21) to the second end (5). In this way, the check valve assembly can be easily disassembled for service, removal, or replacement of internal parts. The first end (3) and first end cap (11), second end (5) and second end cap (21), or both, may be connected in manners other than by threaded engagement. Any form of connection suitable for plumbing or gas flow applications may be used, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Suitable forms of connection include, by way of example, press-on connection, soldered connection, sweated connection, cemented connection, clamped connection, and friction fit connection. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, washers, rubber washers, gaskets, cements, epoxies, or sealants may be used to enhance the connection between the housing and the first end cap (11), second end cap (21), or both.

[0022] Further, in these embodiments, a portion of at least one of the first end cap (11) or the valve body is adapted for engagement with the outlet valve of a pump, preferably a submersible pump. This adaptation is preferably male threading located on the external face of the first end cap or valve body, sized and configured for threaded engagement with the female threads of a pump outlet. Most preferably, this male threading is configured for threaded engagement with 1.25″ female threading, as is commonly located within submersible pump outlets. One skilled in the art would appreciate that a variety of connection means and sizes could be used to connect a check valve within the teachings of this invention to a submersible pump. For example, connection by way of soldering, friction, cement, adhesive, or other known connection means, as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art.

[0023] In these embodiments, a poppet assembly is located within the fluid passage (7). The poppet assembly comprises a retainer (23), a biasing member (38), and a poppet (25). The retainer (23) comprises a sleeve (31) adapted to retain the poppet (25). The retainer (23) is oriented within the fluid passage (7) so that the opening defined by the sleeve (31) is generally coaxial with the overall direction of travel of fluid. The retainer further comprises one or more feet (33) extending substantially perpendicularly from the sleeve (31). The feet are collectively sized to define an area smaller than the area of the fluid passage (7) exclusive of the shelf (9), but larger than the shelf (9), such that when the retainer (23) is placed within the housing in the proper orientation the feet (33) cannot travel past the shelf (9). The “feet” may comprise a single unitary structure, such as a ring, or may comprise one or more outwardly-depending protrusions from the sleeve (31). Preferably, the feet comprise at least three equally spaced outwardly-depending protrusions, and, most preferably, the feet comprise four equally-spaced outwardly depending protrusions. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a large variety of numbers, shapes, sizes, and configurations of feet are possible within the scope and spirit of this invention.

[0024] A removable poppet (25), comprised of a head (19) and a stem (35), is slidably engaged with the retainer (23). The poppet (25) is positioned within the valve so that the stem (35) is within the sleeve (31) and the head (19) faces the seat (17). The poppet head (19) is shaped to cooperate with the seat (17) to form a releasable sealed engagement when the biasing member (38) presses the head (19) against the seat (17). A removable biasing member (38) is located between the poppet head (19) and the retainer feet (33) and is adapted to bias the poppet head (19) against the seat (17). Preferably in these embodiments, the biasing member (38) is retained between the poppet head (19) and retainer feet (33). The poppet (25) in these embodiments preferably comprises a collar (20) on a face of the head (19) opposite the face of the head (19) that seals to the seat, which assists the poppet (25) in aligning with the sleeve (31) when the poppet (25) is under pressure in the forward flow direction. Optionally, the collar (20) may align with a cooperative bevel in the face of the opening defined by the sleeve (31).

[0025] The biasing member (38) biases the poppet head (19) against the seat (17) such that when fluid subject to pressure of a desired minimum level moving in the appropriate direction encounters the poppet (25), the poppet head (19) slides away from the seat (17) towards the second end (5) allowing the fluid to pass into the housing (1). As long the fluid is subject to sufficient pressure in the appropriate direction, fluid will pass the poppet head (19) and pass through the check valve in the direction of travel from the first inlet (13) to the second outlet (29). If pressure in the appropriate direction becomes insufficient, or if pressure from the reverse direction is applied, the head (19) is biased back into substantially sealed engagement with the seat (17), substantially preventing the reverse flow of fluid through the valve.

[0026] In a second embodiment, the check valve of the present invention comprises a two-piece assembly. In this embodiment, the check valve comprises a body comprising a first piece (37) detachably attached to a second piece (39), with a fluid passage (41) running through the first piece (37) and second piece (39).

[0027] The first piece (37) comprises a first inlet (43), a first outlet (47) and a portion of the fluid passage (41). A seat (45) is disposed around the inner face of the first inlet (43). The seat (45) comprises a bevel or a shelf in the inner face of the first inlet (43) configured to mate sealably with a poppet head (19).

[0028] The second piece (39) comprises a second inlet (49), a second outlet (51), a portion of the fluid passage (41), and a stem enclosure (101). A portion of the first piece (37) disposed toward the first outlet (47) comprises internal threading, and a portion of the second piece (39) disposed towards the second inlet (49) comprises cooperative external threading such that the first piece (37) and second piece (39) detachably connect by threaded engagement. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the threading may be reversed. In this way, the check valve assembly can be easily disassembled for service, removal, or replacement of internal parts. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, a variety of means of mechanical connection may be used to detachably attach the first piece (37) to the second piece (39) within the scope and spirit of this invention. Any form of connection suitable for plumbing or gas flow applications may be used, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art. Suitable forms of connection include, by way of example, press-on connection, soldered connection, sweated connection, and friction fit connection. As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, washers, rubber washers, gaskets, cements, epoxies, or sealants may be used to enhance the connection between the first piece (37) and second piece (39).

[0029] The stem enclosure (101) comprises a sleeve to slidably retain the poppet stem. The stem enclosure (101) is disposed substantially in the center of the fluid passage defined by the second piece. The stem enclosure (101) is held in axial alignment with the poppet stem by one or more, and in the depicted embodiment, 2, supporting members connecting the stem enclosure (101) to the valve body. Preferably in these embodiments, the stem enclosure (101) extends beyond the end of fluid passage. Preferably in these embodiments, the external surface of the stem enclosure (101) is configured in a hex profile, which allows it to operate with secondary function as a turning aid for installation of the valve in the outlet of a pump.

[0030] Further, a portion of the outer circumference of the second piece (39) is adapted for threaded engagement with the outlet of a submersible pump, preferably in standard sizes, and most preferably in the size of 1.25 inch. Preferably in these embodiments, a portion of the outer circumference of the second piece (39) comprises male threading configured for threaded engagement with the female threading in the outlet of a submersible pump. One skilled in the art would appreciate that a variety of different or alternate configurations could be used to achieve connection between the check valve of the present invention and a submersible pump outlet, including the use of connection types other than threaded connection or differing sizes or configurations. For example, the first piece (37), or second piece (39), or both could be selected or adapted for male or female connection to the outlet of a submersible pump, or could be selected or adapted to connect to the same by way of threading, soldering, friction, cement, adhesive, or other known connection means as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. By replacing one or more of the first piece (37) or second piece (39) with alternative pieces configured to fit to outlets of different sizes or configurations, or using different connection means, a user may easily adapt the check valve of this embodiment for engagement with a wide variety of submersible pumps.

[0031] A poppet assembly is located within the fluid passage (41). The poppet assembly comprises a biasing member (38), and a poppet (25).

[0032] A removable poppet (25), comprised of a head (19) and a stem (35), is slidably engaged with the stem enclosure (101). The poppet (25) is positioned so that the stem (35) is within the stem enclosure (101) and the head (19) faces the seat (45). The poppet head (19) is shaped to cooperate with the seat (45) to form a releasable sealed engagement when the biasing member (38) presses the head (19) against the seat (45). A removable biasing member (38) is located between the head (19) and a face of the stem enclosure (101) and adapted to bias the head (19) against the seat (45). Preferably in these embodiments, the poppet (25) comprises a collar (20) on the head (19) opposite the face of the head (19) that seals to the seat, which assists the poppet (25) in aligning with the stem enclosure (101) when the poppet (25) is under pressure in the forward flow direction. Optionally, the collar (20) may align with a cooperative bevel in the face of the opening defined by the stem enclosure (101). In some embodiments, the poppet head is comprised entirely of metal. In some embodiments, as depicted in FIG. 5, the poppet head may be comprised of metal with a removable rubber cover surface. Preferably in these embodiments, the poppet head (19) is comprised of or non-removably coated with rubber.

[0033] The biasing member (38) biases the head (19) against the seat (45) such that when fluid under pressure of a desired minimum level moving in the appropriate direction encounters the poppet (25), the poppet (25) slides away from the seat (45) towards the second outlet (51) allowing the fluid to pass through the first inlet (43). As long as sufficient pressure is applied in the appropriate direction, fluid will pass into the first inlet (41), past at least one face of the stem enclosure (101), and exit the valve assembly through the second outlet (51). If pressure in the appropriate direction ceases or pressure from the reverse direction is applied, the head (19) is biased back into substantially sealed engagement with the seat (45), substantially preventing the reverse flow of fluid through the valve.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-6, the check valve of the present invention comprises a unibody assembly. In this embodiment, the check valve comprises a unibody housing,(37), with a fluid passage (41) running through the unibody housing (37).

[0035] The unibody housing (37) comprises a first inlet (43), a first outlet (47) and a fluid passage (41). A portion of the first outlet (47) comprises a seat (45), which is disposed around the face of the first outlet (57).

[0036] The unibody housing (37) further comprises a stem enclosure (101), as shown in in FIGS. 2-6. The stem enclosure (101) preferably comprises a sleeve to slidably retain the poppet stem. The stem enclosure (101) is preferably disposed axially substantially at the center of the circle defined by the cross-section of the unibody housing (37). Preferably, the stem enclosure (101) is held in axial alignment by one or more, and in the depicted embodiment, two, supporting members (201). In this way, the stem enclosure (101) can be located in the flow path of the fluid passage (41). In this preferred embodiment, the stem enclosure (101) extends beyond the end of fluid passage. In this preferred embodiment, the external surface of the stem enclosure (101) is configured in a hex profile, which allows it to operate with secondary function as a turning aid for installation of the valve in the outlet of a pump.

[0037] In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2-6, a portion of the stem enclosure (101) forms a retaining member to retain one end of the biasing member (38), with the opposite end of the biasing member (38) being retained by the supporting members connecting the stem enclosure to the valve body. A removable poppet (25), comprised of a head (19) and a stem (35) is slidably engaged with the stem enclosure (101). The poppet (25) is positioned so that the stem (35), but not the stem base (111) is within the stem enclosure (101). The stem base (111) may include a washer or other structure with a diameter larger than the exterior diameter of the stem enclosure (101). The stem (35) traverses the first inlet (43) and first outlet (47) so that the rear of the poppet head (19) faces the seat (45) formed by the first outlet (47). The poppet head (19) rear is shaped to cooperate with the seat (45) to form a releasable sealed engagement when the biasing member (38) presses the rear of the poppet head (19) against the seat (45).

[0038] The biasing member (38) biases the poppet head (19) against the seat (45) such that when fluid under pressure of a desired minimum level moving in the appropriate direction encounters the poppet (25), the poppet (25) slides away from the seat (45) away from the first outlet (47) allowing the fluid to pass through the second inlet and second outlet. As long as sufficient pressure is applied in the appropriate direction, fluid will exit the valve assembly through the first outlet (47). If pressure in the appropriate direction ceases or pressure from the reverse direction is applied, the poppet head (19) is biased back into substantially sealed engagement with the seat (45), substantially preventing the reverse flow of fluid through the valve.

[0039] Further, a portion of the outer circumference of the unibody housing (37) may be adapted for threaded engagement with the outlet of a submersible pump, preferably in standard sizes, and most preferably in the size of 1.25 inch. In A portion of the outer circumference of the unibody housing (37) may comprise male threading configured for threaded engagement with the female threading in the outlet of a submersible pump. One skilled in the art would appreciate that a variety of different or alternate configurations could be used to achieve connection between the check valve of the present invention and a submersible pump outlet, including the use of connection types other than threaded connection or differing sizes or configurations. For example, the unibody housing (37) could be selected or adapted for male or female connection to the outlet of a submersible pump, or could be selected or adapted to connect to the same by way of threading, soldering, friction, cement, adhesive, or other known connection means as would be appreciated by one skilled in the art. By replacing one or more of the unibody housing (37) with alternative pieces configured to fit to outlets of different sizes or configurations, or using different connection means, a user may easily adapt the check valve of this embodiment for engagement with a wide variety of submersible pumps.

[0040] Embodiments of the present invention can be manufactured or made from a variety of materials, as will be understood by one skilled in the art. Metals and metal alloys such as, for example, carbon steel, impact tested carbon steel, low temperature service carbon steel, stainless steel, malleable iron, non-ferrous metals, and chrome-molybdenum steel, non-metallic substances such as ABS, FRE, HDPFE, tempered glass, PVC, and other plastics, elastomers such as rubber, overmolded metals, and overmolded non-metallic materials, can all be used to for one or more parts of the check valve assembly taught herein, as will be appreciated by one skilled of the art In preferred embodiments, the body of the check valve and the retainer are made of metal, preferably by machining.

[0041] Although the invention herein has been described with regard to specific embodiments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments. Alternative materials, manners of assembly or connection, retainer shapes or sizes, poppet shapes or sizes, or biasing means other than those expressly depicted herein may be used within the scope and spirit of this invention.