Dril-Quip, Inc.
BALL VALVE WITH PRESSURE ABSORBING ACCUMULATOR

Abstract:

A ball valve assembly including a fluid storage mechanism (e.g., accumulator) that absorbs excess fluid pressure vented through a communication port is provided. The ball valve assembly includes a housing with a fluid passage formed therethrough, a seat located in the fluid passage, and an inlet of the fluid passage on a first side of the seat for coupling the ball valve assembly to the communication port. The ball valve assembly includes a ball with a bore formed therethrough. The ball is positioned in the seat and rotatably movable between an open position allowing flow through the fluid passage and a closed position preventing flow through the fluid passage. The ball valve assembly also includes an accumulator disposed in the housing and fluidly coupled to the first fluid passage on a second side of the seat opposite the first side.