A flow disrupter is configured for use in a valve. These configurations are well-suited for applications that subject the valve to extreme temperature gradients that can cause convective flow to develop in their elongate structure and, in turn, increase thermal heat loss and disrupt operator processes. The proposed design introduces obstacles into the elongate structure. These obstacles may create transient seals that inhibit convective flow. In one implementation, this feature may reduce heat loss because it creates localized, smaller circulation zones within the elongate structure.
An actuator pressuring unit is configured for use on a control valve. These configurations may include a flow path disposed in a valve stem of the valve, which terminates at an end found in the actuator. The flow path may direct a pneumatic signal from the controller to the actuator. In one implementation, the flow path has an opening outside of the actuator to receive the pneumatic signal. Other openings may reside in the actuator. These openings permit the pneumatic signal to exhaust inside of the actuator, pressurizing the actuator as necessary for use to control flow through the device.
A bonnet that is configured for use on a valve. These configurations may comprise a valve stem portion that can receive packing material that surrounds a valve stem. The valve stem portion may be arranged with features that affect how thermal energy dissipates through the structure. In one implementation, these features may embody grooves that reside in proximity to the valve stem. The grooves may extend axially, for example, on an inner surface of a through-bore that extends through the bonnet. The grooves may also form spiral depressions that "wind" around the valve stem. In use, the grooves are useful to increase surfaces area of the through-bore, which in turn changes properties of the bonnet to transfer or exchange heat with the environment around the valve.
A bonnet that is configured for use on a valve. These configurations may comprise a valve stem portion that can receive packing material that surrounds a valve stem. The valve stem portion may be arranged with features that affect how thermal energy dissipates through the structure. In one implementation, these features may embody grooves that reside in proximity to the valve stem. The grooves may extend axially, for example, on an inner surface of a through-bore that extends through the bonnet. The grooves may also form spiral depressions that “wind” around the valve stem. In use, the grooves are useful to increase surfaces area of the through-bore, which in turn changes properties of the bonnet to transfer or exchange heat with the environment around the valve.
F16K 49/00 - Means in or on valves for heating or cooling
F16K 3/30 - Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing Details
A silencer configured for use with a pressure relief valve. These configurations incorporate flow-reducing or disrupting features that can reduce or suppress noise in high-velocity fluid streams. These features may adopt geometry with shapes that interpose within the high-velocity flow to cause changes in flow patterns that exit the device. These patterns may create intermediate layers of slower-moving fluid about the high-velocity fluid stream. These intermediate layers suppress sound waves that are typical of aerodynamic noise. The embodiments may adopt designs that fit onto the pressure relief valves, or other flow controls, within certain confines or pre-determined envelopes that operators have for equipment within their distribution networks. In power plants, and other facilities, that flow high-velocity steam (or gas or fluids generally), the device can suppress or abate noise without the need for large, complex mufflers.
F01N 13/00 - Exhaust or silencing apparatus characterised by constructional features
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
A silencer configured for use with a pressure relief valve. These configurations incorporate flow-reducing or disrupting features that can reduce or suppress noise in high-velocity fluid streams. These features may adopt geometry with shapes that interpose within the high-velocity flow to cause changes in flow patterns that exit the device. These patterns may create intermediate layers of slower-moving fluid about the high-velocity fluid stream. These intermediate layers suppress sound waves that are typical of aerodynamic noise. The embodiments may adopt designs that fit onto the pressure relief valves, or other flow controls, within certain confines or pre- determined envelopes that operators have for equipment within their distribution networks. In power plants, and other facilities, that flow high-velocity steam (or gas or fluids generally), the device can suppress or abate noise without the need for large, complex mufflers.
F16K 47/02 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for preventing water-hammer or noise
F16K 17/02 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side
A position monitoring system is configured for use on control valves and other flow controls. These configurations include a motion sensitive unit, for example, a flexible tube with one end that can move in conjunction with a valve stem on the flow control. The flexible tube may hold synthetic oil. Another end of the tube may couple with a pressure senor. In use, this senor may generate a signal that corresponds with head pressure of the synthetic oil in the tube. Operating hardware on the flow control, for example, processing hardware that is part of a valve positioner or controller, may process the signal from the pressure sensor to identify a operating condition of a valve, for example, a position for a closure member of the valve.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
8.
USING PRESSURE TO MONITOR POSITION OF COMPONENTS ON A CONTROL VALVE
A position monitoring system is configured for use on control valves and other flow controls. These configurations include a motion sensitive unit, for example, a flexible tube with one end that can move in conjunction with a valve stem on the flow control. The flexible tube may hold synthetic oil. Another end of the tube may couple with a pressure senor. In use, this senor may generate a signal that corresponds with head pressure of the synthetic oil in the tube. Operating hardware on the flow control, for example, processing hardware that is part of a valve positioner or controller, may process the signal from the pressure sensor to identify a operating condition of a valve, for example, a position for a closure member of the valve.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A closure member is configured to avoid or reduce leak rates on a safety valve. These configurations may include a primary seal and a secondary seal, the combination of which may significantly reduce the amount of flow that exits the device. The secondary seal may embody a resilient member, like a bent or pleated metal spring. This resilient member may compress and extend in response to presence or absence of a load. This feature can maintain contact between the resilient member and the seat of the valve.
A closure member is configured to avoid or reduce leak rates on a safety valve. These configurations may include a primary seal and a secondary seal, the combination of which may significantly reduce the amount of flow that exits the device. The secondary seal may embody a resilient member, like a bent or pleated metal spring. This resilient member may compress and extend in response to presence or absence of a load. This feature can maintain contact between the resilient member and the seat of the valve.
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
A seal is configured to reduce leak rates on a safety valve. These configurations may direct escaping material through a tortuous flow path that can significantly dissipate the amount of flow that exits the device. This tortuous flow path may include features, like undulations or loops, which can affect flow in a way that achieves these exit parameters for the flow.
A seal is configured to reduce leak rates on a safety valve. These configurations may direct escaping material through a tortuous flow path that can significantly dissipate the amount of flow that exits the device. This tortuous flow path may include features, like undulations or loops, which can affect flow in a way that achieves these exit parameters for the flow.
F16K 17/10 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded with auxiliary valve for fluid operation of the main valve
F16K 15/18 - Check valves with actuating mechanismCombined check valves and actuated valves
A trim device for a ball valve that is configured to reduce noise. The trim device may embody a portion of an annular ring. This portion may include a noise-suppressing element, for example, openings of a shape that can modify flow of material as it passes through the ball valve. In one implementation, the portion of the annular ring fits into an opening in a throttling ball, preferably without heating the throttling ball.
A trim device for a ball valve that is configured to reduce noise. The trim device MAY embody a portion of an annular ring. This portion may include a noise-suppressing element, for example, openings of a shape that can modify flow of material as it passes through the ball valve. In one implementation, the portion of the annular ring fits into an opening in a throttling ball, preferably without heating the throttling ball.
F16K 47/04 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure, the throttle being incorporated in the closure member
F16K 5/06 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfacesPackings therefor
F16K 27/06 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of taps or cocks
A sensor configured to measure rate of flow of fugitive emissions on a flow control. The configurations may include devices that are sensitive to low flow or low pressure. These devices may include piezo-electric films or foams. These materials may deflect in response to flow of fluid along the outer surface of the reciprocating shaft. In one implementation, the embodiments can generate average leak rate over time and measure against regulation or specifications to ensure appropriate operation (e.g., leak suppression) of the flow control. Storing this data can provide a database of information that allows operators to benchmark performance of the flow control, for example, to correlate leaks to a certain date or time. This feature may, in turn, permit the operators to also correlate the device-specific performance to overall plant or network operations.
G01M 3/18 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for valves
F16K 41/04 - Spindle sealings with stuffing-box with at least one ring of rubber or like material between spindle and housing
Systems and devices for controlling flow of a fluid through a valve are provided. A valve plug can include a hub. The hub can include a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending through the hub body and a bore extending along the longitudinal axis extending through the hub body. The hub can also include at least one elliptically-shaped protrusion integrally formed within the hub body. The valve plug can also include a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one side wall extending between the first surface and the second surface around a circumference of the dome. The valve plug can also include at least one arm extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome. The valve plug can be coupled to a drive shaft and a controller in a variety of non-limiting valve types.
F16K 5/20 - Special arrangements for separating the sealing faces or for pressing them together for plugs with spherical surfaces
F16K 5/06 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfacesPackings therefor
F16K 27/06 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of taps or cocks
Systems, devices, and methods of controlling valve actuation using an inertial sensor are provided. The system can include a valve including an inlet, an outlet, and a plug positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The plug can include a stem configured to translate or rotate in a first direction causing the plug to open the valve or to translate or rotate in a second direction causing the plug to close the valve. The system can also include an actuator coupled to the stem, an inertial sensor coupled to the stem, and a controller coupled to the inertial sensor and to the actuator. The controller can cause the controller to receive sensor data from the inertial sensor and to generate control signals provided to the actuator. The control signals can cause the actuator to translate or rotate the stem in the first direction or the second direction.
Systems, devices, and methods of controlling valve actuation using an inertial sensor are provided. The system can include a valve including an inlet, an outlet, and a plug positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The plug can include a stem configured to translate or rotate in a first direction causing the plug to open the valve or to translate or rotate in a second direction causing the plug to close the valve. The system can also include an actuator coupled to the stem, an inertial sensor coupled to the stem, and a controller coupled to the inertial sensor and to the actuator. The controller can cause the controller to receive sensor data from the inertial sensor and to generate control signals provided to the actuator. The control signals can cause the actuator to translate or rotate the stem in the first direction or the second direction.
F16K 1/02 - Lift valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with screw-spindle
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
F16K 31/04 - Operating meansReleasing devices electricOperating meansReleasing devices magnetic using a motor
A bellows is configured for use on a valve. These configurations may include a corrugated section that is hollow to receive a valve stem therethrough. At its ends, the corrugated section can terminate at adapters. In one implementation, additive manufacturing can construct the bellows as a unitary or monolithic unit, avoiding welds or fasteners that can complicate manufacture of the parts. This techniques can create interfaces between the corrugated section and the adapters that comprises the same material as the adjacent parts.
A valve trim that is configured to abate noise in a control valve. These configurations may include a cage with a flow path that has interior and exterior openings. The cage may also have a bore to receive a closure member or "plug." This plug can travel longitudinally to change parameters of flow through the control valve. In one implementation, the exhausts of flow paths with adjacent inlets are offset or spaced from another. In one implementation, the exterior openings vertically offset. However, other designs may adopt combinations of radial, helical, or angular offsets as well. This feature can prevent mixing offlow from jets that are in the same inlet plane. This feature, in tum, can reduce jet-to-jet interactions that may abate noise.
F16K 47/08 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure and having a throttling member separate from the closure member
F16K 1/32 - Lift valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces Details
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
A bellows is configured for use on a valve. These configurations may include a corrugated section that is hollow to receive a valve stem therethrough. At its ends, the corrugated section can terminate at adapters. In one implementation, additive manufacturing can construct the bellows as a unitary or monolithic unit, avoiding welds or fasteners that can complicate manufacture of the parts. This techniques can create interfaces between the corrugated section and the adapters that comprises the same material as the adjacent parts.
A valve trim that is configured to abate noise in a control valve. These configurations may include a cage with a flow path that has interior and exterior openings. The cage may also have a bore to receive a closure member or “plug.” This plug can travel longitudinally to change parameters of flow through the control valve. In one implementation, the exhausts of flow paths with adjacent inlets are offset or spaced from another. In one implementation, the exterior openings vertically offset. However, other designs may adopt combinations of radial, helical, or angular offsets as well. This feature can prevent mixing of flow from jets that are in the same inlet plane. This feature, in turn, can reduce jet-to-jet interactions that may abate noise. Use of additive manufacturing may be useful (or even necessary) to create these parts within certain design envelopes because these techniques can create the unique flow geometry within a unitary or monolithic body. In this way, the valve trim of the present disclosure can maintain, or even reduce, costs of the control valve, while at the same time it can simply the overall construction of the valve device.
A valve bonnet defines a packing box having an inner surface Roughness Average (Ra) of 0.15 or less, for example, between 0.10 and 0.15. Multiple Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) packing rings are in a packing stack. A packer is bolted to the bonnet and extends into the packing box. The packer is configured to apply a packing pressure on the packing, for example, between 100 megapascals (MPa) and 200 MPa. Such arrangements can allow for high pressure valves, for example valves that can retain up to 10,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure or up to 15,000 PSI.
F16J 15/24 - Sealings between relatively-moving surfaces with stuffing-boxes for elastic or plastic packings with radially or tangentially compressed packing
An indication system includes the following features. A mechanism is within an enclosure. An indicator is mounted to an outer surface of the enclosure. A magnet couples the indicator to a component of the mechanism indicative of a state of the mechanism. The indicator displays a reading indicative of the state of the mechanism responsive to the magnet coupling.
An indication system includes the following features. A mechanism is within an enclosure. An indicator is mounted to an outer surface of the enclosure. A magnet couples the indicator to a component of the mechanism indicative of a state of the mechanism. The indicator displays a reading indicative of the state of the mechanism responsive to the magnet coupling.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A valve trim that is configured to abate noise in a control valve. These configurations may include a cage with a flow path that has interior and exterior openings. The cage may also have a bore to receive a closure member or "plug." This plug can travel longitudinally to change parameters of flow through the control valve. In one implementation, the interior and exterior openings arc vertically offset or spaced from another along the axis of the bore. In one implementation, the exterior openings are in a section of the cage that is not normally exposed to flow. This feature can increase density of noise-abating features within given dimensions for the cage (or the valve trim itself). Use of additive manufacturing may be useful (or even necessary) to create these parts within certain design envelopes because these techniques can create the unique flow geometry within a unitary or monolithic body. In this way, the valve trim of the present disclosure can maintain, or even reduce, costs of the control valve, while at the same time it can simply the overall construction of the valve device.
F16K 47/12 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure and having a throttling member separate from the closure member the throttling channel being of helical form
A monitoring unit is configured for use on a valve. These configurations may include sensors that can generate data consistent with physical condition of a closure member, like a valve "plug," when the valve is in service on a process line. Analysis of this data may indicate erosion on the plug that is often due to highly-erosive working fluids or other process (or application) conditions. Signals or alerts from the process control system, or DCS, may alert operators to perform timely maintenance that avoids problems that may arise as a result of physical changes in the valve plug.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A valve positioner that is configured to detect fugitive emissions on a valve, The configuration may include a sensor that resides in proximity to the device. The sensor may connect to a control unit, preferably with operating hardware that can process signals. This arrangement may secure to structure of the valve. In one implementation, the sensor can connect to connections that exist on a circuit board. This feature permits upgrades to devices, including those in assembly or those in the field, with minimal impact to design or performance.
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A closure member is configured for use in a valve. These configurations may have a coating or conformal layer that may cover most, if not all, of the underlying material. This layer may include pre-propagated cracks that form due to thermal cycling prior to use in service. These pre-propagated cracks act as stress relief to accommodate for possible thermal stress that occurs due to different rates of thermal expansion between the underlying closure member and the coating. In one implementation, the layer may include a crack profile, which is engineered to direct formation of the pre-propagated cracks as well as to arrest crack development to a certain depth to maintain at least some integral layer of material over the underlying plug (118). This feature can extend service life of the plug, particularly in highly-erosive process fluids, like particle- entrained fluids commonly found in hydrocracking or refining operations.
A monitoring unit is configured for use on a valve. These configurations may include sensors that can generate data consistent with physical condition of a closure member, like a valve “plug,” when the valve is in service on a process line. Analysis of this data may indicate erosion on the plug that is often due to highly-erosive working fluids or other process (or application) conditions. Signals or alerts from the process control system, or DCS, may alert operators to perform timely maintenance that avoids problems that may arise as a result of physical changes in the valve plug.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A closure member is configured for use in a valve. These configurations may have a coating or conformal layer that may cover most, if not all, of the underlying material. This layer may include pre-propagated cracks that form due to thermal cycling prior to use in service. These pre-propagated cracks act as stress relief to accommodate for possible thermal stress that occurs due to different rates of thermal expansion between the underlying closure member and the coating. In one implementation, the layer may include a crack profile, which is engineered to direct formation of the pre-propagated cracks as well as to arrest crack development to a certain depth to maintain at least some integral layer of material over the underlying plug 118. This feature can extend service life of the plug, particularly in highly-erosive process fluids, like particle-entrained fluids commonly found in hydrocracking or refining operations.
A valve positioner that is configured to detect fugitive emissions on a valve. The configuration may include a sensor that resides in proximity to the device. The sensor may connect to a control unit, preferably with operating hardware that can process signals. This arrangement may secure to structure of the valve. In one implementation, the sensor can connect to connections that exist on a circuit board. This feature permits upgrades to devices, including those in assembly or those in the field, with minimal impact to design or performance.
G01M 3/04 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 41/04 - Spindle sealings with stuffing-box with at least one ring of rubber or like material between spindle and housing
A valve trim that is configured to abate noise in a control valve. These configurations may include a cage with a flow path that has interior and exterior openings. The cage may also have a bore to receive a closure member or “plug.” This plug can travel longitudinally to change parameters of flow through the control valve. In one implementation, the interior and exterior openings are vertically offset or spaced from another along the axis of the bore. In one implementation, the exterior openings are in a section of the cage that is not normally exposed to flow. This feature can increase density of noise-abating features within given dimensions for the cage (or the valve trim itself). Use of additive manufacturing may be useful (or even necessary) to create these parts within certain design envelopes because these techniques can create the unique flow geometry within a unitary or monolithic body. In this way, the valve trim of the present disclosure can maintain, or even reduce, costs of the control valve, while at the same time it can simply the overall construction of the valve device.
F16K 47/12 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure and having a throttling member separate from the closure member the throttling channel being of helical form
F16K 1/54 - Arrangements for modifying the way in which the rate of flow varies during the actuation of the valve
A valve housing is configured to maintain temperature of a valve. These configurations may incorporate paths or channels in structure of the valve that carry working fluid. Heating fluid, like steam or hot water, may flow through these paths to heat this structure. This feature can maintain or raise temperature of the working fluid to meet specifications, standards, or process parameters. In one implementation, the paths may have complex routes or geometry with curves, bends, or other feature that can maximize surface area that is available to distribute heat to the device. This geometry may require manufacturing techniques, like additive manufacturing, that can generate unitary or monolithic structures, particularly those structures that includes voids in the material to form the integral paths for the heating fluid.
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
F16K 49/00 - Means in or on valves for heating or cooling
F16K 27/06 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of taps or cocks
F16K 1/12 - Lift valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with streamlined valve member around which the fluid flows when the valve is opened
A closure member is configured for use in a valve. These configurations may include a plug with grooves or "flutes" that extend along its length. Inserts in the flutes may comprise materials, like ceramics, that are different than the material that forms the core or base portion of the plug. These inserts are useful to slow erosion of the device, particularly in the flutes, which form an outwardly-facing surface that is subject to high velocity flow in the valve. This feature can extend service life of the plug, particularly in highly-erosive process fluids, like particle-entrained fluids commonly found in hydrocracking or refining operations.
F16K 1/08 - Special arrangements for improving the flow, e.g. special shape of passages or casings in which the spindle is perpendicular to the general direction of flow
A closure member is configured for use in a valve. These configurations may include a plug with grooves or “flutes” that extend along its length. Inserts in the flutes may comprise materials, like ceramics, that are different than the material that forms the core or base portion of the plug. These inserts are useful to slow erosion of the device, particularly in the flutes, which form an outwardly-facing surface that is subject to high velocity flow in the valve. This feature can extend service life of the plug, particularly in highly-erosive process fluids, like particle-entrained fluids commonly found in hydrocracking or refining operations.
F16K 5/04 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having cylindrical surfacesPackings therefor
F16K 1/54 - Arrangements for modifying the way in which the rate of flow varies during the actuation of the valve
F16K 5/08 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary Details
Systems and devices for controlling flow of a fluid through a valve are provided. A valve plug can include a hub. The hub can include a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending through the hub body and a bore extending along the longitudinal axis extending through the hub body. The hub can also include at least one elliptically-shaped protrusion integrally formed within the hub body. The valve plug can also include a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one side wall extending between the first surface and the second surface around a circumference of the dome. The valve plug can also include at least one arm extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome. The valve plug can be coupled to a drive shaft and a controller in a variety of non-limiting valve types.
F16K 5/06 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfacesPackings therefor
38.
RELIEVING PRESSURE IN CRITICAL AND SUB-CRITICAL FLOW REGIMES IN BACKPRESSURE CONDITIONS
A pressure relief valve includes the following features. A housing defines an inlet and an outlet. The housing defines a flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A seat can be defined by the housing. The seat defines a throat flow area. A plunger is configured to rest upon the seat. The plunger blocks the flow passage when in a closed position. The plunger is configured to actuate between a fully open position and the closed position. The plunger and the seat can at least partially defining a curtain flow area. A bias directs the plunger towards the seat. A ratio of the throat flow area to the curtain flow area is sized for sonic or supersonic flow velocities during critical flow conditions and subsonic velocities during subcritical flow conditions.
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
F16K 17/22 - Excess-flow valves actuated by the difference of pressure between two places in the flow line
F16K 17/34 - Excess-flow valves in which the flow-energy of the flowing medium actuates the closing mechanism
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
39.
Relieving pressure in critical and sub-critical flow regimes in backpressure conditions
A pressure relief valve includes the following features. A housing defines an inlet and an outlet. The housing defines a flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A seat can be defined by the housing. The seat defines a throat flow area. A plunger is configured to rest upon the seat. The plunger blocks the flow passage when in a closed position. The plunger is configured to actuate between a fully open position and the closed position. The plunger and the seat can at least partially defining a curtain flow area. A bias directs the plunger towards the seat. A ratio of the throat flow area to the curtain flow area is sized for sonic or supersonic flow velocities during critical flow conditions and subsonic velocities during subcritical flow conditions.
F16K 17/24 - Excess-flow valves actuated by the difference of pressure between two places in the flow line acting directly on the cutting-off member
F16K 17/06 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded with special arrangements for adjusting the opening pressure
F16K 47/04 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure, the throttle being incorporated in the closure member
40.
RE-COUPING ACTUATING MEDIA USED TO OPERATE A CONTROL VALVE
A recovery unit configured to re-inject lost or fugitive emissions back into a pipeline. These configuration may include a pressure vessel that can hold gas (or other fluid) that might vent to atmosphere from, for example, a valve or like flow control. A pump may couple with the pressure vessel. In use, this pump can draw fluid out of the pressure vessel and pressurize it to inject back into the pipeline, typically downstream of the valve. The pump may utilize upstream pressure as a power source.
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
F16K 5/18 - Special arrangements for separating the sealing faces or for pressing them together for plugs with cylindrical surfaces
F16K 27/06 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of taps or cocks
F04D 15/00 - Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations, or systems
F04D 13/16 - Pumping installations or systems with storage reservoirs
F04D 27/00 - Control, e.g. regulation, of pumps, pumping installations or pumping systems specially adapted for elastic fluids
F04F 5/10 - Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which fluid flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow the inducing fluid being liquid displacing liquids, e.g. containing solids, or liquids and elastic fluids
F04F 5/24 - Jet pumps, i.e. devices in which fluid flow is induced by pressure drop caused by velocity of another fluid flow the inducing fluid being elastic fluid displacing liquids, e.g. containing solids, or liquids and elastic fluids
41.
RE-EVALUATING VALVE FIT AND FUNCTION ON A PROCESS LINE
A control system is configured to monitor operation of a flow control, like a control valve. These configurations can use of continuous or real-time data to evaluate fitness or function of the device under operating conditions. This feature can alert operators to problems or issues with one or more devices, or process lines in total. These problems may, for example, indicate that a valve is incorrectly sized for actual working conditions. As a result, engineers may find that the valve is too big (or oversize) or too small (or undersize) because the design process for layout of the process line relies upon a design load that reflects a future maximum (plus some factor of safety), and not the actual working conditions that might prevail once the device is in service in the field.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
42.
INTEGRATING FLUID PATHWAYS INTO A VALVE SUPERSTRUCTURE
A superstructure is configured for use on a flow control, like a control valve. These configurations may have internal plumbing to carry fluid between parts of the valve. In one implementation, the plumbing connects a controller with an actuator to allow a pneumatic signal from the controller to pressurize the actuator. The internal plumbing forgoes the need for external pipes or tubes. This feature can simplify the assembly, as well as reduce the overall package size of the valve to avoid potential fit or interference issues at its location on a process line.
F16K 31/122 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a piston
F16K 1/12 - Lift valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with streamlined valve member around which the fluid flows when the valve is opened
F16K 1/52 - Means for additional adjustment of the rate of flow
43.
POWERING SENSORS WITH AN EXISTING PROCESS CONTROL LOOP
Hardware that is configured to gather data on a process line. These configurations may include devices that can connect to existing process control networks, like 4-20 mA control loops. These devices may include rechargeable power sources, for example, a supercapacitor. This power source can power a sensor or like hardware that resides in proximity to a control valve or other device on the process line. The sensor may require a power level for a short time that significantly exceeds one available from 4-20mA current loop network. As an added benefit, the circuitry may find use to allow the power source to store power, or re-charge, at periodic intervals to ensure that the sensor can gather data regularly during the lifetime of the control valve.
H02J 7/00 - Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
44.
Integrating fluid pathways into a valve superstructure
A superstructure is configured for use on a flow control, like a control valve. These configurations may have internal plumbing to carry fluid between parts of the valve. In one implementation, the plumbing connects a controller with an actuator to allow a pneumatic signal from the controller to pressurize the actuator. The internal plumbing forgoes the need for external pipes or tubes. This feature can simplify the assembly, as well as reduce the overall package size of the valve to avoid potential fit or interference issues at its location on a process line.
F16K 31/363 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the conduit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor the fluid acting on a piston
B33Y 80/00 - Products made by additive manufacturing
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
45.
POWERING SENSORS WITH AN EXSITIGN PROCESS CONTROL LOOP
Hardware that is configured to gather data on a process line. These configurations may include devices that can connect to existing process control networks, like 4-20 mA control loops. These devices may include rechargeable power sources, for example, a supercapacitor. This power source can power a sensor or like hardware that resides in proximity to a control valve or other device on the process line. The sensor may require a power level for a short time that significantly exceeds one available from 4-20 mA current loop network. As an added benefit, the circuitry may find use to allow the power source to store power, or re-charge, at periodic intervals to ensure that the sensor can gather data regularly during the lifetime of the control valve.
A recovery unit configured to re-inject lost or fugitive emissions back into a pipeline. These configuration may include a pressure vessel that can hold gas (or other fluid) that might vent to atmosphere from, for example, a valve or like flow control. A pump may couple with the pressure vessel. In use, this pump can draw fluid out of the pressure vessel and pressurize it to inject back into the pipeline, typically downstream of the valve. The pump may utilize upstream pressure as a power source.
A control system is configured to monitor operation of a flow control, like a control valve. These configurations can use of continuous or real-time data to evaluate fitness or function of the device under operating conditions. This feature can alert operators to problems or issues with one or more devices, or process lines in total. These problems may, for example, indicate that a valve is incorrectly sized for actual working conditions. As a result, engineers may find that the valve is too big (or oversize) or too small (or undersize) because the design process for layout of the process line relies upon a design load that reflects a future maximum (plus some factor of safety), and not the actual working conditions that might prevail once the device is in service in the field.
G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
G01F 15/00 - Details of, or accessories for, apparatus of groups insofar as such details or appliances are not adapted to particular types of such apparatus
An evacuation unit is configured to remove entrapped fluid from a flow control. These configurations may incorporate devices that can passively discharge fluid in response to loss of system pressure. These devices may use gravity or spring-assist as mechanisms to move fluid out of spaces in the device. This feature mitigates risks that the entrapped fluid freezes and expands, which can cause damage to metal components and lead to extensive downtime of process lines. As an added benefit, the features can reduce product costs or complexity because the proposed designs avoid the need for additional, peripheral “accessories,” like pumps or heating elements, resident at the location of the flow control.
F16K 17/10 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded with auxiliary valve for fluid operation of the main valve
A valve trim that is configured to abate noise in a control valve. These configurations may include a cage with a flow path that has a spiral design or layout. This flow path can direct flow around a central bore. A plug may reside in this bore. This plug can travel longitudinally to change parameters of flow through the control valve. In one implementation, the spiral design can split flow inside of the cage. This feature can elongate travel of flow without any increase in dimensions of the cage (or the valve trim itself). Use of additive manufacturing can further maintain these parts within certain design envelopes because these techniques create the unique flow geometry within a unitary or monolithic body. In this way, the valve trim of the present disclosure can maintain, or even reduce, costs of the control valve, while at the same time it can simply the overall construction of the valve device.
F16K 47/12 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure and having a throttling member separate from the closure member the throttling channel being of helical form
F16K 3/24 - Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution with cylindrical valve members
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
A valve housing is configured to maintain temperature of a valve. These configurations may incorporate paths or channels in structure of the valve that carry working fluid. Heating fluid, like steam or hot water, may flow through these paths to heat this structure. This feature can maintain or raise temperature of the working fluid to meet specifications, standards, or process parameters. In one implementation, the paths may have complex routes or geometry with curves, bends, or other feature that can maximize surface area that is available to distribute heat to the device. This geometry may require manufacturing techniques, like additive manufacturing, that can generate unitary or monolithic structures, particularly those structures that includes voids in the material to form the integral paths for the heating fluid.
A valve bonnet defines a packing box having an inner surface Roughness Average (Ra) of 0.15 or less, for example, between 0.10 and 0.15. Multiple Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) packing rings are in a packing stack. A packer is bolted to the bonnet and extends into the packing box. The packer is configured to apply a packing pressure on the packing, for example, between 100 megapascals (MPa) and 200 MPa. Such arrangements can allow for high pressure valves, for example valves that can retain up to 10,000 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure or up to 15,000 PSI.
A controller is configured to operate a flow control. These configurations may operate an actuator that is part of an industrial valve. In one implementation, the controller may include a solenoid valve that couples with the actuator. The controller may utilize feedback from the valve, for example, sensor data, to identify changes that it needs to make to the solenoid valve. These changes can direct flow to different sides of the actuator.
F16K 31/06 - Operating meansReleasing devices electricOperating meansReleasing devices magnetic using a magnet
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
A controller is configured to operate a flow control. These configurations may operate an actuator that is part of an industrial valve. In one implementation, the controller may include a solenoid valve that couples with the actuator. The controller may utilize feedback from the valve, for example, sensor data, to identify changes that it needs to make to the solenoid valve. These changes can direct flow to different sides of the actuator.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 31/42 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid by means of electrically-actuated members in the supply or discharge conduits of the fluid motor
54.
IMPROVING ACCURACY OF CONTROL VALVES USING A SHORT-STROKE POSITION CONVERTER
A position transfer device is configured for use on a control valve. These configurations may convert a linear position of a closure member on the control valve to an angular position of magnets. A sensor in proximity to the magnets can generate a signal in response to the angular position. A valve positioner or controller can process the signal to identify the position of the closure member relative to a seat. In one implementation, the position transfer device includes a shaft that clamps onto a pin. This arrangement causes the pin to translate radially about an axis that is perpendicular to the shaft. The magnets move in response to the pin.
F16K 31/126 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a diaphragm, bellows, or the like
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
55.
IMPROVING ACCURACY OF CONTROL VALVES USING A LONG-STROKE POSITION CONVERTER
A position transfer device is configured for use on a control valve. These configurations may convert a linear position of a closure member on the control valve to an angular position of magnets. A sensor in proximity to the magnets can generate a signal in response to the angular position. In one implementation, a valve positioner or controller can process the signal to identify the position of the closure member relative to a seat.
F16K 31/126 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a diaphragm, bellows, or the like
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A plug assembly that is configured to secure a plug tip to a valve stem, These configurations may include a clamp that secures to an end of the valve stem. The clamp encloses at least part of the plug tip. In one implementation, the design may include a spring assembly that generates a pre-load on the top of the plug tip, as well. The clamp is useful because it accommodates plug tips made from ceramics and like, brittle materials. Its features can prevent certain mechanical failure, for example, cracks or breaks that can occur during manufacture or assembly. As an added benefit, the device can maintain alignment of the plug tip with the valve stem. This feature can ensure proper engagement with a seat in a flow control, like a control valve.
A plug assembly that is configured to secure a plug tip to a valve stem. These configurations may include a clamp that secures to an end of the valve stem. The clamp encloses at least part of the plug tip. In one implementation, the design may include a spring assembly that generates a pre-load on the top of the plug tip, as well. The clamp is useful because it accommodates plug tips made from ceramics and like, brittle materials. Its features can prevent certain mechanical failure, for example, cracks or breaks that can occur during manufacture or assembly. As an added benefit, the device can maintain alignment of the plug tip with the valve stem. This feature can ensure proper engagement with a seat in a flow control, like a control valve.
F16K 1/54 - Arrangements for modifying the way in which the rate of flow varies during the actuation of the valve
F16K 3/02 - Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with flat sealing facesPackings therefor
A flow control that is configured to monitor energy use. These configurations may include a controller that delivers a signal to pressurize a pneumatic actuator. This controller may have software that can calculate energy use based on pressure of the signal and, for example, changes in position of a valve. This feature can provide real-time data that operators can use to identify potential problems on their process lines. In one implementation, the operators can flag devices that exhibit energy use that trends away from baseline levels. These devices may have inherent issues that can manifest into larger, more catastrophic problems, potentially causing quality problems with end product or requiring the operating to shut-down the process line altogether.
A flow control that is configured to monitor energy use. These configurations may include a controller that delivers a signal to pressurize a pneumatic actuator. This controller may have software that can calculate energy use based on pressure of the signal and, for example, changes in position of a valve. This feature can provide real-time data that operators can use to identify potential problems on their process lines. In one implementation, the operators can flag devices that exhibit energy use that trends away from baseline levels. These devices may have inherent issues that can manifest into larger, more catastrophic problems, potentially causing quality problems with end product or requiring the operating to shut-down the process line altogether.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 31/122 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a piston
F16K 31/126 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a diaphragm, bellows, or the like
A valve trim that is configured to abate noise in a control valve. These configurations may include a cage with a flow path that has a spiral design or layout. This flow path can direct flow around a central bore. A plug may reside in this bore. This plug can travel longitudinally to change parameters of flow through the control valve. In one implementation, the spiral design can split flow inside of the cage. This feature can elongate travel of flow without any increase in dimensions of the cage (or the valve trim itself).
F16K 47/08 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure and having a throttling member separate from the closure member
F16K 1/32 - Lift valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces Details
F16K 47/04 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure, the throttle being incorporated in the closure member
A monitor device that is configured for use on flow controls and like industrial devices. The embodiments may include a resonator that is sensitive to vibrations on the flow control. The resonator may generate a non-electrical signal, like pressure waves. This non-electrical signal can transit a conduit to a sensor that can convert the pressure waves into an electrical signal. On valve assemblies, a controller can process the electrical signal to detect potential health or maintenance issues. The controller may, in turn, generate an alert to prompt operators to perform maintenance on the flow control.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
G01L 9/00 - Measuring steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or a fluent solid material by electric or magnetic pressure-sensitive elementsTransmitting or indicating the displacement of mechanical pressure-sensitive elements, used to measure the steady or quasi-steady pressure of a fluid or fluent solid material, by electric or magnetic means
H04R 1/42 - Combinations of transducers with fluid-pressure or other non-electrical amplifying means
A sensor configured to measure rate of flow of fugitive emissions on a flow control. The configurations may include devices that are sensitive to low flow or low pressure. These devices may include piezo-electric films or foams. These materials may deflect in response to flow of fluid along the outer surface of the reciprocating shaft. In one implementation, the embodiments can generate average leak rate over time and measure against regulation or specifications to ensure appropriate operation (e.g., leak suppression) of the flow control. Storing this data can provide a database of information that allows operators to benchmark performance of the flow control, for example, to correlate leaks to a certain date or time. This feature may, in turn, permit the operators to also correlate the device-specific performance to overall plant or network operations.
G01M 3/18 - Investigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for pipes, cables, or tubesInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for pipe joints or sealsInvestigating fluid tightness of structures by using fluid or vacuum by detecting the presence of fluid at the leakage point using electric detection means for valves
F16K 41/04 - Spindle sealings with stuffing-box with at least one ring of rubber or like material between spindle and housing
An amplifier is configured for use in a control valve. These configurations provide a pneumatic signal to an actuator that regulates flow through the device. The amplifier may include a variable orifice, or bleed valve, that moves in response to changes in actuating media around steady state. This bleed valve prevents bleed of actuating media at steady state. This feature reduces energy consumption or emissions from the control valve.
An amplifier is configured for use in a control valve. These configurations provide a pneumatic signal to an actuator that regulates flow through the device. The amplifier may include a variable orifice, or bleed valve, that moves in response to changes in actuating media around steady state. This bleed valve prevents bleed of actuating media at steady state. This feature reduces energy consumption or emissions from the control valve.
F15B 13/043 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor operated by fluid pressure with electrically-controlled pilot valves
F15B 13/04 - Fluid distribution or supply devices characterised by their adaptation to the control of servomotors for use with a single servomotor
A tool configured for use to assemble and install trim into a steam conditioning valve. These configurations can include a device that mounts in place of a bonnet and an actuator that technicians remove from the valve. The device can cantilever the trim assembly, essentially providing a platform on which technicians can slide the trim assembly into the valve body (or out of the valve body) to complete install or repair of the device. As an added benefit, technicians can also use the device to assemble the trim in proximity to the subject valve.
A controller is configured to perform in-situ testing on a control valve. These configurations can generate a signal that changes position of a closure member in the valve during operation of a process. These changes exercise components of the valve for a short period of time. This testing may result in data that can indicate whether the device is operating properly or may be in need of maintenance or repair.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A tool configured for use to assemble and install trim into a steam conditioning valve. These configurations can include a device that mounts in place of a bonnet and an actuator that technicians remove from the valve. The device can cantilever the trim assembly, essentially providing a platform on which technicians can slide the trim assembly into the valve body (or out of the valve body) to complete install or repair of the device. As an added benefit, technicians can also use the device to assemble the trim in proximity to the subject valve.
B23P 15/00 - Making specific metal objects by operations not covered by a single other subclass or a group in this subclass
B23P 19/00 - Machines for simply fitting together or separating metal parts or objects, or metal and non-metal parts, whether or not involving some deformationTools or devices therefor so far as not provided for in other classes
A tool configured for use to assemble and install trim into a steam conditioning valve. These configurations can include a device that mounts in place of a bonnet and an actuator that technicians remove from the valve. The device can cantilever the trim assembly, essentially providing a platform on which technicians can slide the trim assembly into the valve body (or out of the valve body) to complete install or repair of the device. As an added benefit, technicians can also use the device to assemble the trim in proximity to the subject valve.
A safety valve is configured for use at temperatures at or above 760° C. (1400° F.). The safety valve includes a closure assembly that can create a self-energizing, metal-to-metal seal. In one implementation, this closure assembly includes a disc with an arcuate finger that circumscribes an axis of fluid flow through a seat. The arcuate finger may extend inwardly toward this axis and downwardly toward the seat. This geometry permits the finger to flex in response to pressure of fluid that impinges on the downstream side of the disc, such flexure causing a first sealing surface on the disc to more forcefully contact a second sealing surface on a seat.
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
F16K 17/06 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded with special arrangements for adjusting the opening pressure
71.
IMPROVING SAFETY VALVES FOR USE AT EXTREMELY HIGH TEMPERATURES
A safety valve is configured for use at temperatures at or above 760° C (1400° F). The safety valve includes a closure assembly that can create a self-energizing, metal -to-metal seal. In one implementation, this closure assembly includes a disc with an arcuate finger that circumscribes an axis of fluid flow through a seat. The arcuate finger may extend inwardly toward this axis and downwardly toward the seat. This geometry permits the finger to flex in response to pressure of fluid that impinges on the downstream side of the disc, such flexure causing a first sealing surface on the disc to more forcefully contact a second sealing surface on a seat.
A position transfer device is configured for use on a control valve. These configurations may convert a linear position of a closure member on the control valve to an angular position of magnets. A sensor in proximity to the magnets can generate a signal in response to the angular position. A valve positioner or controller can process the signal to identify the position of the closure member relative to a seat. In one implementation, the position transfer device includes a shaft that clamps onto a pin. This arrangement causes the pin to translate radially about an axis that is perpendicular to the shaft. The magnets move in response to the pin.
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 31/528 - Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam with pin and slot
F16K 1/22 - Lift valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure members with pivoted discs or flaps with axis of rotation crossing the valve member, e.g. butterfly valves
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
73.
Accuracy of control valves using a long-stroke position converter
A position transfer device is configured for use on a control valve. These configurations may convert a linear position of a closure member on the control valve to an angular position of magnets. A sensor in proximity to the magnets can generate a signal in response to the angular position. In one implementation, a valve positioner or controller can process the signal to identify the position of the closure member relative to a seat.
F16K 31/06 - Operating meansReleasing devices electricOperating meansReleasing devices magnetic using a magnet
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A coating that is configured for use on parts of a control valve. The configurations may incorporate various material layers, preferably that form a layered structure on a base or substrate (for example, an Inconel body). In one implementation, the layered structure can be arranged as "stacked" individual layers that exhibit different concentrations or ratios of materials, including by example tungsten carbide and nickel alloy. The concentration of tungsten carbide may increase from an innermost layer to an outer most layer. This feature can extend service life of the parts, particularly when in use with highly-erosive process fluids, like particle-entrained fluids commonly found in hydrocracking or refining operations. Manufacture of the layered structure on the parts may require use of additive manufacturing technology in order to deposit layers of material of varying composition and thickness on the unique fluted design contemplated herein.
C23C 16/455 - Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for introducing gases into the reaction chamber or for modifying gas flows in the reaction chamber
C23C 4/10 - Oxides, borides, carbides, nitrides or silicidesMixtures thereof
C23C 4/073 - Metallic material containing MCrAl or MCrAlY alloys, where M is nickel, cobalt or iron, with or without non-metal elements
A coating that is configured for use on parts of a control valve. The configurations may incorporate various material layers, preferably that form a layered structure on a base or substrate (for example, an Inconel body). In one implementation, the layered structure can be arranged as “stacked” individual layers that exhibit different concentrations or ratios of materials, including by example tungsten carbide and nickel alloy. The concentration of tungsten carbide may increase from an innermost layer to an outer most layer. This feature can extend service life of the parts, particularly when in use with highly-erosive process fluids, like particle-entrained fluids commonly found in hydrocracking or refining operations. Manufacture of the layered structure on the parts may require use of additive manufacturing technology in order to deposit layers of material of varying composition and thickness on the unique fluted design contemplated herein.
F16K 5/08 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary Details
A component for a ball valve that is configured to reduce noise. The component or “shoe” can install into the valve body, for example, on a downstream side of a throttling ball. In one implementation, the embodiments comprise an annular ring with an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is cupped to receive a portion of the throttling ball. The outer surface may have a stepped profile with portions of the annular ring that have concentrically-decreasing diameter. This stepped profile sits in a corresponding recess in the valve body. Welds can be used to secure the shoe in place in lieu of fasteners, like bolts or screws.
F16K 27/06 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of taps or cocks
F16K 5/06 - Taps or cocks comprising only cut-off apparatus having at least one of the sealing faces shaped as a more or less complete surface of a solid of revolution, the opening and closing movement being predominantly rotary with plugs having spherical surfacesPackings therefor
F16K 47/02 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for preventing water-hammer or noise
F16K 47/08 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure and having a throttling member separate from the closure member
F16K 47/04 - Means in valves for absorbing fluid energy for decreasing pressure, the throttle being incorporated in the closure member
A component for a ball valve that is configured to reduce noise. The component or "shoe" can install into the valve body, for example, on a downstream side of a throttling ball. In one implementation, the embodiments comprise an annular ring with an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface is cupped to receive a portion of the throttling ball. The outer surface may have a stepped profile with portions of the annular ring that have concentrically-decreasing diameter. This stepped profile sits in a corresponding recess in the valve body. Welds can be used to secure the shoe in place in lieu of fasteners, like bolts or screws.
A locking mechanism (122) is configured to secure a seat (120) on a valve (108). The configurations may include a pin (124) with a tapered end (128). The pin (124) extends into the valve body (110) to engage with an engagement feature (194), like a slot, on the seat. The slot (192) may reside on the downstream side of the seat (120). This location can provide ready access to the pin (124), for example, through various features found on the valve body (110), such as a boss (178). For steam conditioning valves, the locking mechanism (122) may prove useful because it allows the seat (120) to easily remove from the valve body (110).
A locking mechanism is configured to secure a seat on a valve. The configurations may include a pin with a tapered end. The pin extends into the valve body to engage with an engagement feature, like a slot, on the seat. The slot may reside on the downstream side of the seat. This location can provide ready access to the pin, for example, through various feature found on the valve body, such as a boss. For steam conditioning valves, the locking mechanism may prove useful because it allows the seat to easily remove from the valve body.
A safety system is configured to remotely shut off flow of material through a safety shut- off device. These configurations may include a solenoid valve that couples with an actuator on the shut-off device. In use, the solenoid valve may change state in response to an outside stimuli, like a signal from an operator's central monitoring station. This change in state may cause the actuator to operate, for example, by actuating a latch. The latch may move a flapper in the shut- off device to cease flow of material. In the field, the safety system may find use in pipe and pipeline networks that carry natural gas, wherein remote shut-off of this type can offer rapid, real- time response to problems (e.g., wildfires) in proximity to the networks.
F16K 31/46 - Mechanical actuating means for remote operation
F16K 1/18 - Lift valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with pivoted closure members with pivoted discs or flaps
F16K 31/06 - Operating meansReleasing devices electricOperating meansReleasing devices magnetic using a magnet
F16K 17/02 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side
A valve control is configured for use with control valves and other flow controls. The valve control leverages a simplified structure to avoid problems with manufacture and reduce costs. This structure includes a support unit that compresses parts of a valve housing together. Inside of the valve housing, the structure incorporates diaphragms that cause a pair of balanced valves to move in response to changes in pressure of fluid in a conduit. For industrial application, the valve control finds use to maintain pressure of natural gas in pipelines downstream from a control valve.
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
F16K 27/08 - Guiding yokes for spindlesMeans for closing housingsDust caps, e.g. for tyre valves
F16K 11/20 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with two or more closure members not moving as a unit operated by separate actuating members
F16K 7/07 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of fluid pressure
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A pilot-operated pressure relief valve nozzle assembly and associated systems and methods are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle assembly includes a body having an elongate shaft with an inner lumen extending therein and a flange at one end of the elongate shaft and having an annular notch formed therein. The annular notch is configured to seat an annular ring, and the annular notch includes an annular groove formed therein that enables communication between a first bore extending through the flange from the inner lumen to the annular groove and a second bore extending through the annular ring, thus allow the first and second bores to be radially offset from one another.
F16K 17/10 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded with auxiliary valve for fluid operation of the main valve
A pilot-operated pressure relief valve nozzle assembly and associated systems and methods are provided. In an exemplary embodiment, the nozzle assembly includes a body having an elongate shaft with an inner lumen extending therein and a flange at one end of the elongate shaft and having an annular notch formed therein. The annular notch is configured to seat an annular ring, and the annular notch includes an annular groove formed therein that enables communication between a first bore extending through the flange from the inner lumen to the annular groove and a second bore extending through the annular ring, thus allow the first and second bores to be radially offset from one another.
F16K 31/58 - Mechanical actuating means comprising a movable discharge-nozzle
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
Downloadable cloud-based software for use in selecting industrial valves in the energy exploration, production, development, refining and transportation field
A valve positioner for use on a process control valve or “valve assembly.” The process control valve may include a pneumatic actuator and a valve having a closure member coupled with the pneumatic actuator and moveable relative to a seat. The valve positioner may couple to the pneumatic actuator to provide a pneumatic signal to set a position of the closure member relative to the seat. An accelerometer may couple with the valve positioner. The accelerometer may generate data in response to orientation of the valve positioner. In one implementation, the configurations can use this data to ensure proper visualization of data on a display. The data also permits the device to properly manage operating modes, like tight shut-off or fully-opened mode, that may prevail due to orientation issues that cause defects in a measured position for a closure member that regulates flow of material through the valve assembly.
F15B 21/02 - Servomotor systems with programme control derived from a store or timing deviceControl devices therefor
F15B 19/00 - Testing fluid-pressure actuator systems or apparatus, so far as not provided for elsewhere
F15B 21/08 - Servomotor systems incorporating electrically- operated control means
G05D 7/06 - Control of flow characterised by the use of electric means
F16K 31/12 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A pilot assembly is configured for use with various types of flow controls. These configurations include a manifold with an internal flow network that connects pilot valves and an adjustable orifice. The pilot valves may have a fixed and variable differential pressure. In one implementation, the manifold comprises a pair of separable blocks, one each that includes part of the internal flow network. This construction also permits the manifold to expand with, for example, and additional block for an additional pilot valve. This feature configures the manifold for use in working monitor systems or those systems that deploy multi-stage pressure regulation.
A pressure regulator is configured for better accuracy and response times at higher inlet pressures. These configurations may integrate two-path control with a pressure-balanced plug. The two-path control may leverage a pair of pilot valves, one with a fixed differential pressure and the other with a variable differential pressure. In one implementation, the device is plumbed so that downstream pressure is sensed at both the actuator and the variable differential pressure pilot valve.
F16K 31/165 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid with a mechanism, other than pulling- or pushing-rod, between fluid motor and closure member the fluid acting on a diaphragm
F16K 17/04 - Safety valvesEqualising valves opening on surplus pressure on one sideSafety valvesEqualising valves closing on insufficient pressure on one side spring-loaded
A pressure regulator is configured for better accuracy and response times at higher inlet pressures. These configurations may integrate two-path control with a pressure-balanced plug. The two-path control may leverage a pair of pilot valves, one with a fixed differential pressure and the other with a variable differential pressure. In one implementation, the device is plumbed so that downstream pressure is sensed at both the actuator and the variable differential pressure pilot valve.
A valve control is configured for use with control valves and other flow controls. The valve control leverages a simplified structure to avoid problems with manufacture and reduce costs. This structure includes a support unit that compresses parts of a valve housing together. Inside of the valve housing, the structure incorporates diaphragms that cause a pair of balanced valves to move in response to changes in pressure of fluid in a conduit. For industrial application, the valve control finds use to maintain pressure of natural gas in pipelines downstream from a control valve.
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
F16K 27/08 - Guiding yokes for spindlesMeans for closing housingsDust caps, e.g. for tyre valves
F16K 11/20 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with two or more closure members not moving as a unit operated by separate actuating members
F16K 7/07 - Diaphragm cut-off apparatus, e.g. with a member deformed, but not moved bodily, to close the passage with tubular diaphragm constrictable by external radial force by means of fluid pressure
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
A valve control is configured for use with control valves and other flow controls. The valve control leverages a simplified structure to avoid problems with manufacture and reduce costs. This structure includes a support unit that compresses parts of a valve housing together. Inside of the valve housing, the structure incorporates diaphragms that cause a pair of balanced valves to move in response to changes in pressure of fluid in a conduit. For industrial application, the valve control finds use to maintain pressure of natural gas in pipelines downstream from a control valve.
F16K 11/02 - Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valvesPipe fittings incorporating such valvesArrangement of valves and flow lines specially adapted for mixing fluid with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
95.
Manufacture of actuators and control valve assemblies
An actuator for use in a control valve assembly that has a structure amenable to manufacture. The actuator may comprise a housing comprising a plurality of walls secured to one another with fasteners to form an interior cavity, a torque hub disposed in the interior cavity, the torque hub comprising a torque body and a torque arm that are releasably engaged with one another via fasteners, each of the torque body and the torque arm having interfacing geometry that defines surfaces that engage with opposing surfaces on the other; and a load generator coupled with the torque hub.
F16K 31/163 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid with a mechanism, other than pulling- or pushing-rod, between fluid motor and closure member the fluid acting on a piston
F16K 27/00 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 31/52 - Mechanical actuating means with crank, eccentric, or cam
F16K 31/56 - Mechanical actuating means without stable intermediate position, e.g. with snap action
96.
Constructing valve positioners for hazardous areas
A controller for a valve assembly that is configured to meet requirements for use in hazardous areas. These configurations may regulate flow of instrument air to a pneumatic actuator to operate a valve. The controller may comprise enclosures, including a first enclosure and a second enclosure, each having a peripheral wall forming an interior space, and circuitry comprising a barrier circuit disposed in the interior space of one of the enclosures that power limits digital signals that exits that enclosure. In one example, the peripheral wall of enclosures are configured to allow instrument air into the interior space of the first enclosure but to prevent instrument air from the interior space of the second enclosure.
F16K 31/02 - Operating meansReleasing devices electricOperating meansReleasing devices magnetic
F15B 13/08 - Assemblies of units, each for the control of a single servomotor only
F15B 20/00 - Safety arrangements for fluid actuator systemsApplications of safety devices in fluid actuator systemsEmergency measures for fluid actuator systems
F16K 37/00 - Special means in or on valves or other cut-off apparatus for indicating or recording operation thereof, or for enabling an alarm to be given
F16K 31/126 - Operating meansReleasing devices actuated by fluid the fluid acting on a diaphragm, bellows, or the like
97.
Compensating for orientation of a valve positioner on a valve assembly
A valve positioner for use on a process control valve or “valve assembly.” The process control valve may include a pneumatic actuator and a valve having a closure member coupled with the pneumatic actuator and moveable relative to a seat. The valve positioner may couple to the pneumatic actuator to provide a pneumatic signal to set a position of the closure member relative to the seat. An accelerometer may couple with the valve positioner. The accelerometer may generate data in response to orientation of the valve positioner. In one implementation, the configurations can use this data to ensure proper visualization of data on a display. The data also permits the device to properly manage operating modes, like tight shut-off or fully-opened mode, that may prevail due to orientation issues that cause defects in a measured position for a closure member that regulates flow of material through the valve assembly.
An aeroderivative gas turbine provided with a casing, a compressor including a rotor mounted on a generator shaft supported for rotation in the casing, a high pressure turbine arranged in the casing and with a rotor mounted on the generator shaft for co-rotation with the compressor rotor, a combustor, a power turbine arranged in the casing and including a rotor mounted on a turbine shaft to drive a load, wherein a thermal insulation coating is present to reduce heat dispersion through the casing.
F02K 3/065 - Plants including a gas turbine driving a compressor or a ducted fan in which part of the working fluid by-passes the turbine and combustion chamber the plant including ducted fans, i.e. fans with high volume, low-pressure outputs, for augmenting jet thrust, e.g. of double-flow type with front and aft fans
99.
Regulating overtravel in bi-furcated plugs for use in valve assemblies
A gap control device that works with a plug on a valve assembly for use in high-temperature applications. The plug may include two parts and a compressible seal that, when compressed, engages with an adjacent wall of a cylinder or “cage” typical of a trim assembly. In one embodiment, the gap control device forms a hard stop that expands in response to high temperatures. This feature prevents excess over-travel between the two parts of the plug in the high-temperature applications so as to limit stress and wear on the compressible seal.
F16K 27/02 - Construction of housingsUse of materials therefor of lift valves
F16K 39/02 - Devices for relieving the pressure on the sealing faces for lift valves
F16K 3/24 - Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution with cylindrical valve members
F16K 1/12 - Lift valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closure members having at least a component of their opening and closing motion perpendicular to the closing faces with streamlined valve member around which the fluid flows when the valve is opened
A method that configures a liquid-level transmitter device to generate a measured value for a level of a liquid. The method includes steps to correct for changes in physical properties of one or more components of the device. In one embodiment, the method utilizes a correction value that incorporates data from a temperature sensor disposed inside of the device, for example, inside of the electronics member.
G01F 23/24 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water by measuring variations of resistance of resistors due to contact with conductor fluid
G01F 23/34 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by floats using rotatable arms or other pivotable transmission elements using mechanically actuated indicating means
G01F 23/22 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm by measuring physical variables, other than linear dimensions, pressure or weight, dependent on the level to be measured, e.g. by difference of heat transfer of steam or water
G01F 23/00 - Indicating or measuring liquid level or level of fluent solid material, e.g. indicating in terms of volume or indicating by means of an alarm
G01F 1/84 - Coriolis or gyroscopic mass flowmeters
G01N 11/16 - Investigating flow properties of materials, e.g. viscosity or plasticityAnalysing materials by determining flow properties by moving a body within the material by measuring damping effect upon oscillatory body
G05B 19/042 - Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
G01N 9/00 - Investigating density or specific gravity of materialsAnalysing materials by determining density or specific gravity
