Elastomeric reciprocating compressor valve spring

Abstract

An elastomeric storage device for use in a gas compressor valve is provided. Reciprocating gas compressor valves use these storage devices to control the closing of a valve sealing element.

1 . A valve for a reciprocating gas compressor, the valve comprising: 
 a sealing element repetitively moveable between an open and a closed position in response to the differential pressure across the sealing element; and    an elastomeric energy storage device in operational connection with the sealing element for controlling the timing of the opening and the closing of the sealing element.    
   
   
       2 . In a reciprocating gas compressor valve, an elastomeric valve spring in operational connection with a sealing element repetitively moveable between a seated and unseated position in response to differential pressure across the sealing element.  
   
   
       3 . An energy storage device for controlling the timing of the repetitively opening and closing of a valve in a reciprocating gas compressor, the energy storage device comprising: 
 an elastomeric spring.    
   
   
       4 . A valve spring assembly for a reciprocating gas compressor valve, the assembly comprising: 
 a stem having a shaft and a first end;    a spring housing; and    an elastomer web connected between at least a portion of the shaft and the housing;    wherein the first end of the stem is adapted for operational connection with a sealing element of the reciprocating gas compressor valve for controlling the timing of the repetitive seating and unseating of the sealing element in response to a differential pressure across the sealing element.    
   
   
       5 . In a reciprocating gas compressor valve, a spring comprising elastomeric material wherein said spring operably engages a sealing element to open and close the valve.  
   
   
       6 . The spring of  claim 5  wherein the elastomeric material is selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, styrene butadiene, synthetic rubber, thermoplastic elastomers, thermoset elastomers, fluoro-elastomers, elastomeric copolymers, elastomeric terpolymers, elastomeric polymer blends and elastomeric alloys.  
   
   
       7 . A spring comprising a stem having a first end and a second end, a web frame comprising at least a first support member and a second support member extending radially from the stem and longitudinally along a substantial portion of the length of the stem, and a wall structure wherein said web frame is contained within said wall structure so as to enclose the support members and the stem.