Inflatek Valve - Operating Principle

Operating Principle

The dome component closes beneath the seat (seal) when the seal is relaxed (not inflated), allowing a controlled gap between the seat (seal) and the closing member (dome). Material is allowed to pass through or enter the controlled gap if, due to its characteristics, it is pulled into the gap by the action of the dome component moving to its closed position.

In the closed position, high pressure air or other gas enters the space between the back of the seal face and the insert ring to cause the seal face to expand onto and around the periphery of the dome component. Material particles are entrapped by the seal against the dome surface, irrespective of particle size or shape. Before opening the valve, the seat is relaxed, and the controlled gap is reestablished before the dome component moves to its open position.

The seal is a loose component clamped into place by a spigot piece and external fasteners holding the top plate assembly to the body. The seal is easily removed for inspection.

U.S. Patent No. 4,137,935

Inflatable Seats

Inflatable flexible seats entrap particles that are normally the cause of seat erosion. Particles are induced to move across valve seats under the influence of pressure differentials on either side of the closing member. Entrapping particles within a flexible face during the period of valve closure prevents particle movement and considerably reduces valve seat wear. Inflatable seats allow automatic wear compensation.

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A Division of
Macawber Group

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