Abstract: A valve assembly for a reciprocating gas compressor includes a seat, a guard plate attached to the seat, elements, and springs is presented. The seat defines inlet openings, each inlet opening extends through the seat along a central longitudinal axis of each inlet opening. The guard plate defines element bores, each element bore aligning with one of the inlet openings along the central longitudinal axis. Each element includes a first end with a first recessed surface and a second end with a second recessed surface, the first end and the second end cooperating to define a cylindrical shape therebetween, and an extension protruding outward from the outer diameter of the element. Each element is positioned within one of the element bores and movable between an open position in which the element contacts the guard plate and a closed position in which the element contacts the seat.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a reciprocating gas compressor includes a seat, a guard plate attached to the seat, elements, and springs is presented. The seat defines inlet openings, each inlet opening extends through the seat along a central longitudinal axis of each inlet opening. The guard plate defines element bores, each element bore aligning with one of the inlet openings along the central longitudinal axis. Each element includes a first end with a first recessed surface and a second end with a second recessed surface, the first end and the second end cooperating to define a cylindrical shape therebetween, and an extension protruding outward from the outer diameter of the element. Each element is positioned within one of the element bores and movable between an open position in which the element contacts the guard plate and a closed position in which the element contacts the seat.

Abstract: A compressor valve may include a guard and a seat affixed thereto. The seat may have an inlet surface and an outlet surface opposite the inlet surface. A reconditioning limit indicator may be defined by or adjacent the outlet surface. The reconditioning limit indicator may be indicative of a maximum amount of material of the seat removable from the outlet surface during reconditioning of the seat. The reconditioning limit indicator may be a groove defined by the outer cylindrical surface of the seat, a portion of the outer cylindrical surface of the seat adjacent the outlet surface and having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the seat, or a predetermined shape of a predetermined depth machined on the outlet surface of the seat.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly including a valve seat defining at least one inlet port configured to receive a working fluid, a valve guard coupled to or integral with the valve seat and defining at least one outlet port configured to discharge the working fluid therefrom, and a valve member disposed in a guide pocket defined in the valve guard. The valve member may include a primary impact surface configured to contact a planar surface of the valve guard facing the valve seat. The valve member may also include a secondary impact surface configured to contact a bottom portion of the valve guard within the guide pocket after a structural failure of the primary impact surface prevents substantially all of the primary contact surface from contacting the planar surface.

Abstract: A poppet valve assembly including a valve seat defining at least one inlet port configured to receive a working fluid, a valve guard coupled to or integral with the valve seat and defining at least one outlet port configured to discharge the working fluid therefrom, and a valve member disposed in a guide pocket defined in the valve guard. The valve member may include a primary impact surface configured to contact a planar surface of the valve guard facing the valve seat. The valve member may also include a secondary impact surface configured to contact a bottom portion of the valve guard within the guide pocket after a structural failure of the primary impact surface prevents substantially all of the primary contact surface from contacting the planar surface.

Abstract: A valve member for a poppet valve is provided. The valve member may include a valve stem, a valve head, a face formed on the valve head, a sealing surface disposed between the face and the perimeter of the valve head, a tapered socket, and a bevel. The valve stem may include an outside surface defining a stem diameter. The valve head may include a maximum diameter greater than the stem diameter. The face may be formed on the valve head opposite the valve stem. The sealing surface may include a transition ring disposed between the perimeter of the face and the maximum diameter of the valve head. The tapered socket may be disposed in an end of the valve stem, defining an opening with a socket perimeter sized to receive a spring therein.

Abstract: A valve member for a poppet valve is provided. The valve member may include a valve stem, a valve head, a face formed on the valve head, a sealing surface disposed between the face and the perimeter of the valve head, a tapered socket, and a bevel. The valve stem may include an outside surface defining a stem diameter. The valve head may include a maximum diameter greater than the stem diameter. The face may be formed on the valve head opposite the valve stem. The sealing surface may include a transition ring disposed between the perimeter of the face and the maximum diameter of the valve head. The tapered socket may be disposed in an end of the valve stem, defining an opening with a socket perimeter sized to receive a spring therein.

Abstract: A compressor valve may include a guard and a seat affixed thereto. The seat may have an inlet surface and an outlet surface opposite the inlet surface. A reconditioning limit indicator may be defined by or adjacent the outlet surface. The reconditioning limit indicator may be indicative of a maximum amount of material of the seat removable from the outlet surface during reconditioning of the seat. The reconditioning limit indicator may be a groove defined by the outer cylindrical surface of the seat, a portion of the outer cylindrical surface of the seat adjacent the outlet surface and having an outer diameter smaller than the outer diameter of the seat, or a predetermined shape of a predetermined depth machined on the outlet surface of the seat.