Abstract: A gate valve includes:(1) an inlet;(2) an outlet;(3) wall means for defining a flow path between the inlet and the outlet;(4) a bonnet wall which defines a bonnet space; and(5) at least one valve seat.A gate is selectively movable between a first gate position, in which the gate is retracted away from the valve seat and the inlet communicates with the outlet, and a second gate position, in which the gate contacts the valve seat, thereby preventing flow from the inlet to the outlet, the gate having a seal surface which contacts the valve seat when the gate is in the second gate position. At least one valve seat protector is selectively movable between a first seat protector position, in which the valve seat protector covers the valve seat, and a second seat protector position, in which the valve seat protector is retracted away from the valve seat. The gate is movable between the first and second gate positions and the seat protector is movable between the first and second seat protector positions.

Abstract: A packing resistant valve has a gate rotatably mounted within an angled valve body and an inlet face of the gate defines a concave recess for inducing eddy currents in fluid flow impinging thereon. The eddy currents direct fluid flow away from the valve body, reducing the tendency of the fluid to accumulate within the valve body. Because the valve body is angled, material tends to drain from the body under the influence of gravity. Also, the angled configuration results in the formation of an air pocket within the valve body, precluding packing therein. In one embodiment, a mechanical seal is provided to preclude fluid leakage across the valve stem. In a further embodiment of the invention, a diverter valve assembly is disclosed, which includes a diverter plate for preventing the impingement of fluid against the closed valve disk.

Abstract: A packing resistant valve has a gate rotatably mounted within an angled valve body and an inlet face of the gate defines a concave recess for inducing eddy currents in fluid flow impinging thereon. The eddy currents direct fluid flow away from the valve body, reducing the tendency of the fluid to accumulate within the valve body. Because the valve body is angled, material tends to drain from the body under the influence of gravity. Also, the angled configuration results in the formation of an air pocket within the valve body, precluding packing therein. In one embodiment, a mechanical seal is provided to preclude fluid leakage across the valve stem. In a further embodiment of the invention, a diverter valve assembly is disclosed, which includes a diverter plate for preventing the impingement of fluid against the closed valve disk.