Valve having ceramic components and associated fabrication method

Abstract

A flow-controlling device is provided for controlling the flow of a fluid. The device comprises a housing, a flow-control element disposed within the housing, at least one seat operably engaging the flow-control element, a biasing device operably engaging each seat for urging the seat into sealing engagement with the flow-control element, and an actuating device operably engaging the flow-control element. The seat operably engages the flow-control element and the biasing device operably engages the seat to urge the seat into a sealing engagement with the flow-control element. The flow-control element, the seat, and the biasing device are comprised of a refractory and/or toughened ceramic material that is fully annealed so that porosity in the material is substantially eliminated and such that the material is substantially homogenous. Components fabricated from such a ceramic are generally heat, corrosion, and wear resistant and are capable of substantial elongation without failure. The flexible ceramic allows the fabrication of fluid-contacting, sealing, or other members as unitary structures from the same heat, corrosion, and wear-resistant ceramic material. More specifically, the seat, the flow-control element, the biasing device, or other components may be advantageously fabricated of a flexible ceramic material and, in some cases, as a unitary structure. An associated fabrication method is also provided.