Patent attributes
A valve body substantially symmetrical about a longitudinal axis has at least one internal space and comprises guide means and two separately formed portions joined by at least one cylindrical web. One or more passages spaced apart from the longitudinal axis allow fluid communication between at least one internal space and space external to the valve body. At least one internal space may be substantially filled with a substantially incompressible flowable substance to facilitate pressure equalization across the valve body. Forging or casting valve body portions to near-net-shape prior to joining minimizes machining necessary to achieve a final desired shape. Increased valve durability and reduced metal wear arise from reduced valve body weight and correspondingly reduced impact loading as the valve body moves to seal against a valve seat. Valve sealing may be aided by an elastomeric seal in a peripheral integral seal retention groove of the valve body.
