Convertible valve with retained conversion element

Abstract

A convertible valve having a conversion element retained in a seat to convert a valve gate from bidirectional flow to unidirectional flow. The convertible valve includes a valve gate moveable between a first open position and a second closed position, a seat moveable between a first position and a second position, and a conversion element retained in the seat. The seat, in its first position, maintains the valve gate in its first open position. With the valve gate in the first open position, the convertible valve allows bi-directional fluid flow. Fluid flowing through the convertible valve creates downward force on the conversion element and the seat. Upon reaching a predetermined force, the seat moves to its second position allowing the valve gate to move to its second closed position. With the valve gate in the second closed position, the convertible valve allows only unidirectional fluid flow.