Sealing valve for controlling fluid flow through a passage

Abstract

A sealing valve for controlling the flow of fluid through a passage defined by the interior surface of a tubular casing comprises a valve body having a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal bore therethrough. The valve body is formed for releasable connection to the tubular casing when the valve body is inserted longitudinally into the passage of the tubular casing. A valve seat is disposed on the valve body. A sealing assembly comprises a sealing device adapted for sealing engagement with the valve seat. The sealing device is movable with respect to the valve seat from a closed sealing position in which the sealing device sealingly engages the valve seat to block fluid flow through the bore in the valve body to an open position in which the sealing device is spaced from the valve seat to permit fluid flow through the bore. A filter element is disposed adjacent the inner end of the sealing valve and is configured for substantially preventing passage of particulate matter of a size capable of interfering with movement of the sealing device to its closed sealing position. The valve body, sealing assembly and filter element are so constructed that they are held in assembly with one another independent of the valve stem so that they can be simultaneously installed in and removed from the tubular casing passage as a single unit.