FISHER CONTROLS INTERNATIONAL LLC Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20150378365 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ADJUSTING TRAVEL SENSOR ALIGNMENT ON PROCESS CONTROL VALVES - To simplify the process of adjusting travel sensor alignments on process control valves, a method and system generates a graphical interface to display alignment information to a user or operator. The graphical interface visualizes the state of alignment between a feedback element and a sensing element that comprise a magnetic travel sensor on a process control valve. Using the graphical interface, the user or operator can easily determine whether the alignment between the feedback element and the sensing element is proper or correct. The graphical interface also provides information on whether or not physical adjustments are needed in order to fix detected alignment problems so that impending failures can be avoided and optimal performances can be achieved. In this manner, the method and system improves the reliability and accuracy of valve travel feedback. | 12-31-2015 |
20150316158 | VENT ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR A DIGITAL VALVE POSITIONER - A digital valve positioner for use with an actuator. The digital valve positioner includes a housing, at least one exhaust port opening formed in the housing, and a vent assembly operatively coupled to the at least one exhaust port opening. The vent assembly includes a body having a bore, a valve seat surrounding the bore, and a check valve disposed within the bore. The check valve is arranged to shift from a closed position seated against the valve seat to an open position disposed away from the valve seat. A plurality of barriers is disposed around and positioned to enclose the check valve. The plurality of barriers is arranged to prevent an external medium from entering the check valve and to provide a tortuous flow path for the exhaust medium reducing sound through the vent assembly. | 11-05-2015 |
20150267838 | Integrated Transducer - A transducer for a connection to a fluid pressure source having a mechanism for setting a pneumatic output by way of an electrical input signal. The transducer provides a lower housing assembly and an upper housing assembly. The lower housing assembly comprises lower housing configured to receive a supply nozzle. The supply nozzle fluidly communicates with a supply port and intermittently fluidly communicates with an output port of the lower housing through an internal fluid passageway. The lower housing further comprises an exhaust nozzle fluidly communicating with an exhaust port and intermittently fluidly communicates with the output port of the lower housing through the internal fluid passageway. The upper housing assembly comprises an upper housing configured to receive a coil and an armature such that the upper housing, coil and armature define a latching electromagnetic circuit that provides alternating contact of the armature with the supply nozzle and the exhaust nozzle of the lower housing assembly. | 09-24-2015 |
20150260306 | DIAPHRAGM ACTUATORS HAVING ADJUSTABLE ACTUATION FORCE - Diaphragm actuators having adjustable actuation force are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a spring seat coupled to a diaphragm of an actuator. The spring seat is to contact a spring and is to be coupled to a stem. The diaphragm is to displace the stem based on a force provided to the diaphragm, and the stem is to control a fluid valve. The example apparatus also includes an adjuster to adjust an amount of force provided to the spring seat by the spring. | 09-17-2015 |
20150243192 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO EXPOSE ENCLOSURE LABELS - Methods and apparatus to expose enclosure labels are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first enclosure having a first characteristic, a first label indicative of the first characteristic and fixed to an outer surface of the first enclosure, and a second enclosure to couple to the first enclosure. The second enclosure is to cover the first label when the second enclosure is coupled to the first enclosure. The first and second enclosures have a second characteristic when the second enclosure is coupled to the first enclosure. The example apparatus also include a second label indicative of the second characteristic and fixed to an outer surface of the second enclosure. The second label is to be exposed when the second enclosure is coupled to the first enclosure. | 08-27-2015 |
20150240965 | ACTUATOR APPARATUS WITH INTERNAL TUBING AND ANTI-ROTATION MECHANISM - Fluid valve actuator apparatus having internal tubing and anti-rotation features are disclosed. An example actuator apparatus includes an actuator casing and a diaphragm plate disposed within the actuator casing. The diaphragm plate defines a first pressure chamber and a second pressure chamber opposite the first pressure chamber. A yoke couples the actuator casing to a fluid valve. The yoke includes a first internal fluid passageway in fluid communication with atmosphere and a second internal fluid passageway to receive a control fluid from a controller. A tube fluidly couples the first or second internal fluid passageway to the first pressure chamber via an opening in the diaphragm plate. The tube also prevents the diaphragm plate from rotating relative to the actuator casing. | 08-27-2015 |
20150233489 | ACTUATOR APPARATUS HAVING INTEGRAL YOKE TUBING - An actuator apparatus includes and actuator and a yoke. The actuator includes an upper casing and a lower casing defining a cavity and an actuating device disposed at least partially within the cavity and dividing the cavity into an upper chamber and a lower chamber. The yoke is connected to the actuator and has an actuator spring disposed within a body of the yoke and a yoke tube extending longitudinally through the body of the yoke. The yoke tube extends from an aperture in the lower casing of the actuator and provides an air passage that fluidly connects the lower chamber of the actuator and a controller. | 08-20-2015 |
20150192931 | VALVE POSITIONER WITH OVERPRESSURE PROTECTION CAPABILITIES - A method of limiting control pressure provided to an actuator of a valve coupled to a valve positioner, a drive signal is provided to a pneumatic stage of the valve positioner. The pneumatic stage is arranged to control output pressure of the valve positioner in accordance with the drive signal. A pressure measurement from a pressure sensor communicatively coupled to the valve positioner is obtained, and an abnormal pressure is detected based on the pressure measurement. In response to detecting the abnormal pressure, the drive signal is controlled so as to limit the output pressure of the valve positioner, wherein the output pressure provides control pressure to the actuator. | 07-09-2015 |
20150152976 | SWEPT OUTLET NOISE REDUCING ELEMENT - A stackable noise attenuating disk includes an inner perimeter edge and an outer perimeter edge. A plurality of inlet passages is disposed along the inner perimeter edge and a plurality of outlet passages disposed along the outer perimeter edge. The plurality of outlet passages includes first outlet passages having a first width and second outlet passages having a second width, which is greater than the first width. Each of the plurality of outlet passages defines a longitudinal axis that is offset by a predetermined angle from a radial axis extending through a corresponding outlet passage. The plurality of inlet passages and the plurality of outlet passages are arranged such that fluid entering one of the plurality of inlet passages exits through at least one of the plurality of outlet passages. | 06-04-2015 |
20150146332 | Intrinsically Safe Voltage Clamping Device - An intrinsically safe voltage clamping device includes a regulated rail, a ground rail, and a shunt regulator assembly. The shunt regulator assembly is coupled to both the regulated rail and the ground rail and includes one or more regulating components. The shunt regulator assembly is configured to clamp a voltage applied across the regulated rail and the ground rail to a safety clamp voltage value. The intrinsically safe voltage clamping device also includes a power-sensing component configured to cause one or more limiting components to reduce a power dissipated in the respective regulating components without raising the clamp voltage. | 05-28-2015 |
20150128882 | DESUPERHEATER AND SPRAY NOZZLES THEREFOR - A steam assisted ring style desuperheater includes a ring body defining an axial flow path and one or more spray nozzles extending through a wall of the ring body. Each of the nozzles is connected to a separate cooling water manifold and atomizing steam manifold to conduct cooling water and atomizing steam separate from each other through the spray nozzle to an injection point. An atomizing head of each nozzle combines the cooling water and atomizing steam to form a spraywater cloud that is injected radially into the axial flow path. The spray nozzles include one or more flow passage inserts that define separate first and second fluid flow paths for conducting the cooling water and the atomizing steam separately through the spray nozzle. | 05-14-2015 |
20150112491 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A REMOTE VALVE - A system and method for controlling a remote valve includes temporarily driving or activating a battery-powered pilot valve assembly to place an operatively coupled output valve assembly in a switch position. A processor energizes a bistable valve of the pilot valve assembly to enable a fluid supply to drive the output valve assembly to a desired switch position, whereupon the pilot valve assembly may be de-energized and the switch position of the output valve assembly maintained. | 04-23-2015 |
20150108378 | FLUID FLOW DEVICE THAT PROVIDES AN IMPROVED SEAL BY EXPLOITING DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL EXPANSION - A fluid flow control device includes a valve body, a valve seat disposed within the valve body, and a valve cage coupled to the valve seat within the valve body. The fluid flow control device also includes a gland defined by the valve body, the valve seat, and the valve cage. The valve body has a first thermal expansion coefficient and the valve seat and/or the valve cage have a second thermal expansion coefficient different from the first thermal expansion coefficient. The fluid flow control device further includes a sealing assembly disposed within the fluid flow control device to provide a seal between the valve body and the valve cage. The sealing assembly exploits differential thermal expansion between the valve body and the valve cage in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis and in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis to improve the seal. | 04-23-2015 |
20150102251 | FLOATING BALL VALVE SEAL - A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve an eccentric cammed ball. The seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal ring retainer may be threadedly secured to an interior of the valve body, thereby retaining the seal ring in the valve body. | 04-16-2015 |
20150102246 | Interlocking Spring Seat Assembly and Rotary Control Valve Comprising Same - A spring seat assembly for a fluid valve includes a first spring seat having a first protruding member extending away from a first seating surface and a second spring seat having a second protruding member extending away from a second seating surface, the first spring seat being slidable relative to the second spring seat. A spring is disposed between the first seating surface and the second seating surface. A locking element is disposed on at least one of the first protruding member and the second protruding member. | 04-16-2015 |
20150098158 | INTRINSICALLY SAFE VOLTAGE LIMITING SHUNT REGULATOR CIRCUIT - An intrinsically safe redundant regulator circuit includes a plurality of voltage limiting regulators between a regulated rail and a ground rail. Each of the plurality of voltage limiting regulators includes: (i) a shunt regulator component configured to clamp a voltage across the regulated rail and the ground rail to a safety clamp voltage value; and (ii) one or more components, where a property of each of the one or more components is selected to configure the safety clamp voltage value. | 04-09-2015 |
20150088434 | VALVE PROGNOSTICS FOR POLYMERIC COMPONENTS BASED ON ACCELERATED AGING TECHNIQUES - The claimed method and system develops accelerated aging test protocols for a component of a process control device, such as a polymeric component of a valve assembly, where the accelerated aging test protocol is specifically developed in response to expected operating conditions to be used during operation of the process control device in a process plant installation. Test data from the developed accelerated aging tests is analyzed to determine a projected lifetime profile of the component that profiles the component through failure under those expected operating conditions. Particular profiling for polymeric features includes oxidation failure profiling and other fatigue conditions. | 03-26-2015 |
20150082902 | VALVE STEM CONNECTOR WITH INTEGRATED STEM FORCE MEASUREMENT - A valve stem connector comprises a first half and a second half, each of which includes a top section adapted to receive a portion of an actuator and a bottom section adapted to receive a portion of a valve stem. A plurality of cut-away sections is disposed in each of the first and second halves, and a pair of shear web installation sites is disposed between the plurality of cut-away sections on each of the first and second halves. A force measurement device is disposed in each shear web installation site of the pair of shear web installation sites, the force measurement device for measuring the strain on the valve stem. Each shear web installation site has a shear strain measurable by the force measurement device, and the plurality of cut-away sections allows for a bending beam near each pocket to minimize deflection. | 03-26-2015 |
20150075652 | ROTARY VALVE POSITION INDICATOR - A rotary valve position indicator is disclosed. An example apparatus includes an actuator housing defining an explosion-proof enclosure boundary. An actuator output shaft has a first shaft portion and a second shaft portion. The first shaft portion is partially disposed within the explosion-proof enclosure boundary, and the second shaft portion is disposed outside of the explosion-proof enclosure boundary. A visual position indicator is disposed on the second shaft portion of the actuator output shaft and indicates the rotational position of the actuator output shaft relative to the actuator housing. | 03-19-2015 |
20150070007 | HALL EFFECT SENSOR SYSTEM WITH DIAGNOSTIC CAPABILITIES - In a method for verifying measurements obtained from a hall effect sensor in a hall effect sensor system, the hall effect sensor is excited with an excitation current having a first value. A first measurement corresponding to a voltage output of the hall effect sensor when the hall effect sensor is excited with the excitation current having the first value is obtained. Additionally, the hall effect sensor is excited with the excitation current having a second value, the second value different than the first value. A second measurement corresponding to a voltage output of the hall effect sensor when the hall effect sensor is excited with the excitation current having the second value is obtained. Operation of the hall effect sensor is then verified based at least on the first measurement and the second measurement. | 03-12-2015 |
20150061634 | CURRENT LOOP INPUT PROTECTION - A protective circuit for a process control device such as a valve actuator, for example, prevents damage to device components. In particular, a protective circuit allows an analog current loop (e.g., 4-20 mA) to provide to a device component a secondary operating voltage, derived from the analog current loop, in the absence of a primary operating voltage source (e.g., during a power failure), such that the device component is not damaged when a signal from the analog current loop is applied to the process control device in the absence of the primary operating voltage source. | 03-05-2015 |
20150059886 | METHOD OF CAVITATION/FLASHING DETECTION IN OR NEAR A PROCESS CONTROL VALVE - A system and apparatus for detecting and monitoring cavitation inside a flow control device, such as a control valve, includes an acoustic emission sensor coupled to the flow control device in a manner to acquire acoustic signals caused by cavitation. A processor receives acoustic information from the acoustic emission sensor. The processor selectively identifies cavitation events from the acoustic information that meet certain predefined criteria. Cavitation levels are monitored based on at least one of a rate of cavitation events and intensity of individual cavitation events. The cavitation levels may be used to identify the presence of cavitation in the flow control device, to track accumulated cavitation in the flow control device, and/or to identify significant changes in the cavitation levels over time. This information may be used to reduce cavitation, estimate repair and maintenance, and/or monitor performance of the flow control device. | 03-05-2015 |
20150053880 | HIGH TEMPERATURE SEALS FOR USE IN ROTARY VALVES - High temperature seals for use in rotary valves are described herein. An example seal for use with a rotary valve includes a primary seal to engage a flow control member when the primary seal is in a first condition and a secondary seal at least partially disposed within the primary seal. The primary seal is to prevent the secondary seal from engaging the flow control member when the primary seal is in the first condition and the secondary seal is to engage the flow control member when the primary seal is in a second condition. | 02-26-2015 |
20150051716 | Control Signal Protection Device - A control signal protection device protects a current-receiving field device from an undesirable interruption in a control signal provided to the field device. The control signal protection device includes a first terminal to connect the signal protection device to a control system and a second terminal that connects the control signal protection device to a field device. The control signal device further includes a power storing element for temporary accumulation of electric energy and a switching circuit for controlling operational mode of the signal protection device. Electric energy is stored in the power storing element in a first operational mode. Electric energy stored in the power storing element is supplied to a positive terminal in the second terminal pair in a second operational mode. | 02-19-2015 |
20150045970 | PROVIDING DIAGNOSTIC AND/OR PROGNOSTIC CAPABILITIES IN A PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM - A process control device is provided. The process control device includes a process control valve, an actuator, a digital valve controller (“DVC”), and a processor. The actuator is coupled to the process control valve and is configured to control a position of the process control valve. The DVC is communicatively coupled to the process control valve and the actuator. The DVC is configured to obtain first data and second data, the first data associated with a fluid flow through the actuator or the DVC at a first point in time, and the second data associated with the fluid flow through the actuator or the DVC at a second point in time different from the first point in time. The processor is configured to aggregate the first data and the second data, and perform diagnostic and/or prognostic techniques based on the aggregated data. | 02-12-2015 |
20150028242 | FLUID VALVE APPARATUS HAVING ENCLOSED SEALS - Fluid valve apparatus having enclosed seals are disclosed. An example fluid valve includes a movable flow control member positioned between an inlet and an outlet of a fluid flow passageway of the fluid valve. A retainer is removably coupled to the flow control member such that the retainer and the flow control member define a sealing cavity when the retainer is coupled to the flow control member. A seal is positioned within the sealing cavity to define a sealing surface of the flow control member. The seal has an inner core composed of a first material, where the core is substantially encased with a sheath composed of a second material different than the first material. The retainer clamps the seal to the flow control member. | 01-29-2015 |
20140339454 | CONTROL VALVE TRIM CAGE HAVING A PLURALITY OF ANTI-CAVITATION OR NOISE ABATEMENT BARS - A cage for a control valve trim assembly includes a cage wall, a first plate attached to the cage wall, a second plate spaced apart from the cage wall, and a first plurality of rods longitudinally disposed between the first plate and the second plate. Fluid flowing through the cage is characterized by the first plurality of rods. | 11-20-2014 |
20140303793 | INTELLIGENT ACTUATOR AND METHOD OF MONITORING ACTUATOR HEALTH AND INTEGRITY - An intelligent actuator for a control valve includes an actuator body, an actuator rod, a biasing device, a controller, and at least one sensor. The actuator body includes an actuator casing defining a cavity. The actuator rod is adapted to be coupled to a control element of a control valve. The biasing device is disposed in the cavity of the actuator housing and operably coupled to the actuator rod for biasing the actuator rod into a predetermined position. The controller is carried by the actuator body and includes a memory, a processor, and logic stored on the memory. The at least one sensor is operably coupled to the controller for measuring various parameters of the actuator and transmitting those parameters to the controller. The at least one sensor can include one or more vibration sensors, one or more acoustic sensors, one or more temperature sensors, etc. | 10-09-2014 |
20140265983 | Method and Apparatus for Monitoring Motor Current for an Electric Valve Positioner - A system and method for monitoring and controlling the amount of electrical current provided to a motor used to actuate a field device within a control system. | 09-18-2014 |
20140265150 | PISTONS - Pistons are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a piston defining a chamber and a circumferential groove in communication with the chamber. At least a portion of the chamber is to be substantially filled with a fluid. The example apparatus also includes a piston ring disposed in the chamber and the groove. The fluid is to apply a first pressure to the piston ring to enable the piston ring to apply a second pressure to a cylinder wall. The second pressure is to be greater than the first pressure. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264138 | VALVE SEAT ASSEMBLIES - Valve seat assemblies are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a valve seat assembly including a cage and a valve seat coupled to the cage. The valve seat assembly is to be disposed in a valve body. The example apparatus also includes a seal having a first side, a second side, a third side and a fourth side. The first side, the second side and the third side are to be in contact with the valve seat assembly, and the fourth side is to be in contact with the valve body. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264137 | Two-Stage Seal for a Valve - A two-stage seal, such as a ring seal for use in a pressurized process fluid line, has a dynamic sealing member and a static sealing member. The dynamic sealing member is arranged to continuously sealingly engage against a seal surface that slides along the dynamic sealing member. The static sealing member is arranged to sealingly engage against the seal surface in response to an increased process fluid pressure within the process fluid line to increase static seal pressure against the seal surface. The static sealing member is also arranged to release from the seal surface to minimize friction with the seal surface when the process fluid pressure drops and/or in response to movement of the seal surface. The two-stage seal may be used in arrangements requiring both dynamic sealing and static sealing, such as in some process control valves. A process control valve having the two-stage seal is disclosed. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264135 | VALVE SEAT APPARATUS FOR USE WITH FLUID VALVES - A valve seat apparatus for use with fluid valves is described herein. An example valve seat apparatus includes a seat ring having a central passage therethrough and an outer wall. The outer wall comprises a threaded portion, having a first diameter, to engage a cage of a fluid valve. The outer wall also includes a sealing portion to capture a seal assembly between the sealing portion and a surface of a body of the fluid valve. The sealing portion has a second diameter greater than the first diameter. The outer wall of the example valve seat apparatus further includes a flange portion to capture the seal assembly between the cage and the flange portion. The flange portion extends toward the surface of the body and the sealing portion is to be positioned between the flange portion and the threaded portion. The flange portion has a third diameter greater than the second diameter. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264129 | GRAPHITE/METAL VALVE SEAL ASSEMBLY FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE CONTROL VALVES - A sliding stem control valve includes a valve body, a seat ring located within the valve body and a valve plug slidably mounted within the valve body, the valve plug and the valve seat cooperating to control fluid flow through the control valve. A seal assembly is located between the valve plug and the valve seat, the seal assembly including a metal/graphite seal ring located between a first backup ring and a second backup ring. A biasing element is located adjacent the second backup ring and a retainer ring is located adjacent the biasing element to maintain the biasing element adjacent the second backup ring. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264128 | COMPOSITE DYNAMIC VALVE SEAL ASSEMBLY FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE CONTROL VALVES - A sliding stem control valve includes a valve body, a seat ring located within the valve body and a valve plug slidably mounted within the valve body, the valve plug and the valve seat cooperating to control fluid flow through the control valve. A composite seal assembly is located between the valve plug and the valve seat, the composite seal assembly includes a composite seal ring located between a first backup ring and a second backup ring. A biasing element is located adjacent the second backup ring and a retainer ring is located adjacent the biasing element to maintain the biasing element adjacent the second backup ring. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264121 | ROTARY SHAFT SEALS - Rotary shaft seals are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a valve body and a shaft extending into the valve body. The shaft is to rotate relative to the valve body. The example apparatus also includes a seal. The seal is disposed outside of the valve body and fixedly coupled to the valve body and the shaft to provide a fluid seal between the shaft and a cavity within the valve body. | 09-18-2014 |
20140264107 | STACKED DISK NOISE ABATEMENT DEVICE AND CONTROL VALVE COMPRISING SAME - A fluid pressure reduction device includes a radial and axial fluid flow path in stacked disks. The stacked disks form a fluid flow path including at least two pressure reduction stages, a first pressure reduction stage being oriented so that the fluid flowpath is directed radially outward and a second pressure reduction stage being oriented so that the fluid flowpath is directed radially inward. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261791 | LABORATORY TESTING-BASED VALVE PROGNOSTICS - The claimed method and system develops a useful lifetime profile for a component of a process control device, such as a valve, and uses that lifetime profile to determine a projected remaining lifetime for the device component in operation. The lifetime profile is developed from using real world operational data of similar process control devices, used under substantially the same operating conditions as to be experienced during operation. Profiles may be developed for numerous device components, from which a projected lifetime profile for the entire process control device is developed. Based on the projected remaining lifetime, notification warnings may be sent to remote computers and maintenance scheduling may be automatically achieved. | 09-18-2014 |
20140231128 | Electromagnetic Interference Shield - An assembly configured to protect a circuit board from electromagnetic interference. The assembly includes a metal shield and an enclosure. The metal shield includes a metal plate and a plurality of tangs. The plurality of tangs are spaced about and extend transversely away from at least a portion of a perimeter portion of the metal plate. The enclosure has a bottom wall and at least one sidewall disposed around a perimeter of the bottom wall, the at least one sidewall configured to urge the tangs of the metal shield inward when the metal shield is disposed in the enclosure. | 08-21-2014 |
20140214186 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO INTERFACE WITH A DIGITAL CONTROL LOOP - Example methods and apparatus to interface with a control a loop are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a loop controller to control a control loop, a sensor to provide a measurement value to the loop controller, a device controller to adjust a control device based on an output from the loop controller, and a loop interface to receive a set point value and send the set point value to the loop controller, wherein the loop interface is different from a host device communicatively coupled to the loop controller. | 07-31-2014 |
20140203201 | BUTTERFLY VALVES HAVING MULTIPLE SEALS - Butterfly valves having multiple seals are described herein. An example butterfly valve includes a body defining a passageway between an inlet and an outlet. The example butterfly valve includes a first flexible seal coupled to a first surface of the body adjacent the inlet to engage a first portion of a disk. The example butterfly valve also includes a second flexible seal coupled to a second surface of the body adjacent to the outlet to engage a second portion of the disk different than the first portion. | 07-24-2014 |
20140190263 | ACOUSTIC FLUID VALVE CALIBRATION - Methods and apparatus for acoustic fluid valve calibration are disclosed herein. An example method involves rotating a closure member of a valve to a involves rotating a closure member of a valve to a plurality of positions along a valve stroke, obtaining acoustic emission signals generated by a fluid passing through the valve using a sensor when the closure member is in the positions, and identifying, using a processor, a zero position of the closure member based on the acoustic emission signals. | 07-10-2014 |
20140175319 | MULTI-SECTION VALVE BODIES HAVING FACE SEALS - Multi-section valve bodies having face seals are described herein. An example multi-section valve body includes a first body defining a first portion of a valve passageway and having a fluid flow axis, the first body having a first sealing surface substantially perpendicular to the fluid flow axis and a first annular wall substantially parallel to the fluid flow axis, the first body having an annular cavity defined in the first sealing surface to receive a seal. The example valve also includes a second body having a bore defining a second portion of the valve passageway, the second body having a first end surface to be substantially parallel to the first sealing surface, wherein the first sealing surface is to engage the first end surface and the first annular wall is to extend into the bore of the second body when the first body is coupled to the second body. | 06-26-2014 |
20140166917 | SLEEVE SEAL ASSEMBLY AND ROTARY VALVE HAVING SLEEVE SEAL ASSEMBLY - A fluid flow control device includes a valve body, a bonnet, a control assembly, an internal recess, and a seal assembly. The valve body defines an inlet portion, an outlet portion, a bonnet opening, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet portion and the outlet portion. The bonnet is disposed in the bonnet opening. The control assembly is at least partly supported by the bonnet, and includes a ball element disposed within the valve body and rotatable between an open position and a closed position. The internal recess is defined by the valve body downstream from the inlet portion and adjacent the bonnet opening. The seal assembly is disposed within the internal recess and includes a movable sleeve seal, a retaining device, a biasing element, and one or more sealing elements for preventing leakage between the sleeve seal and the retaining device and/or the valve body. | 06-19-2014 |
20140144530 | WIRELESS POSITION TRANSDUCER FOR A VALVE - A wireless position transducer for a valve in a process control system converts a motion or a position of an actuator of the valve into a wireless signal including a value indicative of the position of the actuator. The transducer causes the wireless signal to be transmitted over a wireless communication channel to a valve controller, such as by using a wireless HART protocol. The wireless communication channel is an exclusive connection between the transducer and the controller, and the transducer is powered by a local rechargeable energy storage device. The controller controls the valve based on the value included in the wireless signal. The transducer may also cause the wireless signal to be transmitted to a control host of the process control system. | 05-29-2014 |
20140131608 | VALVE SHAFT APPARATUS FOR USE WITH ROTARY VALVES - An example valve shaft apparatus for use with a rotary valve disclosed herein includes a shaft having a first portion to be positioned in an opening of a valve body and a second portion to be positioned in a cavity of a closure member. A first seal is coupled to the first portion of the shaft to prevent fluid leakage into the opening of the valve body, where the first seal defines a first leakage detection area adjacent the first seal. A second seal is coupled to the second portion to prevent fluid leakage into the cavity of the closure member, where the first seal is spaced from the second seal and the second seal is to define a second leakage detection area adjacent the second seal. A passageway is formed in the shaft and fluidly coupled to the first and second leakage detection areas to provide an indication of fluid leakage past the first seal in the opening or to detect fluid leakage past the second seal in the cavity. The passageway is in fluid communication with a shaft outlet formed in an end of the shaft, where the shaft outlet is positioned away from the first and second leakage detection areas. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130874 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR VALIDATING A FIELD DEVICE IN A CONTROL SYSTEM - A system and method for validating the availability and operability of a field device in a process plant is provided. A diagnostic apparatus includes a processor coupled to the field device wherein a diagnostic check is executed to remotely determine the availability and operability of the field device. | 05-15-2014 |
20140124055 | VALVE CAGE HAVING ZERO DEAD BAND BETWEEN NOISE ABATEMENT AND HIGH CAPACITY FLOW SECTIONS - A valve cage for a fluid flow control device includes a hollow cylindrical body, a noise abatement section, a high capacity flow section, and a transition section. The noise abatement section has a plurality of inlet openings, a plurality of outlet openings, and a plurality of tortuous flow paths extending between the inlet and outlet openings. The high capacity flow section is disposed axially adjacent to the noise abatement section and includes a first axial end, a second axial end, and a plurality of primary flow openings. The transition section is defined at an interface between the noise abatement section and the second axial end of the high capacity flow section and includes a plurality of transition openings. The transition section provides a valve cage with zero dead band between the noise abatement and high capacity flow sections when implemented into a fluid flow control device. | 05-08-2014 |
20140100673 | Methods and Apparatus for Process Device Calibration - Methods and apparatus are disclosed for process device calibration. An example method includes determining if a first position of a process control device is a first end position, and in response to the first position being the first end position, calculating a second end position of the process control device based on the first end position and configuration information. The example method further includes calculating a partial stroke zone of the process control device based on the first end position and the second end position, and determining when a current position of the process control device is within the partial stroke zone. The example method also includes, when the current position is within the partial stroke zone, calculating an output bias based on a control signal and a summed value. | 04-10-2014 |
20140097373 | MOVABLE VALVE APPARATUS HAVING CONDITIONED LUBRICATING SURFACES - Movable valve apparatus having conditioned lubricating surfaces are described. An example valve includes a valve packing having a graphite packing ring disposed within a bonnet of the fluid valve and a stem or shaft has a conditioned surface to hold a lubricating material. The conditioned surface of the stem or shaft is disposed within the bonnet and moves the lubricating material relative to and in contact with the graphite packing ring during operation of the fluid valve. | 04-10-2014 |
20140090922 | SIMPLIFIED MODAL ATTENUATOR - A modal attenuator may include an attenuator body having a lead-in segment and a lead-out segment joined by a connection segment, a perforated screen disposed within the attenuator body and spaced apart from the attenuator body to form an annular space, and a plurality of rings disposed between the perforated screen and the attenuator body. When fluid flows through the modal attenuator, sound waves pass through the perforated screen and are reflected back by the plurality of rings to disrupt other sound waves, thereby reducing fluid noise in the modal attenuator. | 04-03-2014 |
20140084200 | FLUID CONTROL VALVE HAVING AN ADJUSTABLE VALVE STEM AND PISTON ASSEMBLY - Fluid control valves having adjustable valve stem and piston assembly are described herein. An example fluid control valve includes a piston to control a flow of fluid through a valve body, a bonnet with a threaded bore coupled to a bonnet yoke to be coupled to the valve body and a housing having a first portion to pivotally mount a roller assembly to move the piston and a second elongated portion with a threaded outer surface to couple to the threaded bore of the bonnet. A valve stem moves through the housing to control the movement of the piston. | 03-27-2014 |
20140077111 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO LOAD A VALVE PACKING - Methods and apparatus to load a valve packing are described. An example method disclosed herein includes adjusting a packing flange nut to a position corresponding at least approximately to a free condition of a biasing assembly, coupling a first gauge member to a first flange, adjusting a first gap between a first surface of the first gauge member and a reference surface opposite the first flange to a first predetermined distance, and tightening the packing flange nut so that the first surface of the first gauge member substantially aligns with or engages the reference surface and causes a load assembly to provide a first predetermined packing stress to the valve packing when the first gauge member substantially aligns with or engages the reference surface. | 03-20-2014 |
20140049868 | Control Signal Protection Device - A control signal protection device having a first operational mode and a second operational mode includes a first terminal pair that connects the signal protection device to a control system and a second terminal pair that connects the converter to a field device. The control system provided a control signal to the control system protection device. The control signal device further includes a power storing element for temporary accumulation of electric energy and a switching circuit for controlling operational mode of the signal protection device. Electric energy is stored in the power storing element in the first operational mode. Electric energy stored in the power storing element is supplied to a positive terminal in the second terminal pair in the second operational mode. | 02-20-2014 |
20140034858 | VALVE ACTUATOR FOR ROTARY VALVE - A valve actuator for a rotary valve includes a piston and housing assembly, wherein axial movement of the piston along a bore of the housing causes an actuator rod to twist or rotate about an axis of the bore. The rotary motion of the actuator rod is caused in some arrangements by axial rotation of the piston along a helical housing wall and/or by axial rotation of a generally helical shape of the actuator rod engaged with a central opening through the piston. | 02-06-2014 |
20140026746 | VOLUME BOOSTER WITH STABILIZED TRIM - A fluid flow control device includes a body having an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a discharge port. A supply path extends between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and a booster module is disposed within the body. The booster module includes a control element and an actuator element and defines an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. A supply port is disposed within the booster module along the supply path between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and at least a first damping means operatively connected to the booster module. | 01-30-2014 |
20140014865 | BOLTED VALVE CONTROL ELEMENT - A control element for a fluid flow control device includes a stem, a plug, and a fastener. The stem includes an elongated member with a first end and a second end. The first end is adapted to be operably coupled to an actuator and the second end including a fastener recess including a plurality of internal threads. The plug is disposed adjacent to the second end of the stem. The fastener fixing the plug to the stem and includes a threaded portion extending from the plug and engaging the plurality of internal threads of the fastener recess. | 01-16-2014 |
20130334449 | Hydraulic Mechanism for Valves - A valve assembly includes a first piston member displaceably disposed within a first chamber. A second piston member is coupled to a valve closure element, such as a diaphragm, and the second piston member is disposed within a second chamber. A longitudinal displacement of the first piston member relative to the first chamber causes hydraulic fluid disposed within the first chamber to longitudinally displace the second piston member such that the valve closure element engages a valve seat to close the valve assembly. The area of the second piston member is greater than that of the first piston member to multiply the force provided by an actuator that displaces a valve stem coupled to the first piston member. | 12-19-2013 |
20130304238 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONFIGURING A BLACKOUT PERIOD FOR SCHEDULED DIAGNOSTIC CHECKS OF A FIELD DEVICE IN A PROCESS PLANT - A diagnostic system and method for a field device in a process plant is provided. The diagnostic apparatus includes a processor operatively connected to the field device and a calendar having a proscribed period stored in memory. A diagnostic check is executed on the field device if an occurrence of a diagnostic event is detected and execution of the diagnostic check does not coincide with the proscribed period. | 11-14-2013 |
20130282150 | Method and Apparatus for Local or Remote Control of an Instrument in a Process System - Example methods and apparatus to a controller of a local control loop having a field device and a sensor configured in a closed-loop control system are disclosed. The controller is wirelessly coupled to a control system wherein the controller and the control system execute complementary control over the field device. | 10-24-2013 |
20130277596 | GUIDE MEMBER FOR USE IN A VALVE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY - A valve actuator assembly includes a housing having a diaphragm plate and diaphragm disposed within the housing. A stem projection downwardly extends from a bottom surface of the diaphragm plate, and the stem projection is coupled to an actuator stem disposed along a longitudinal axis. A guide member has a top wall and a center aperture that receives the stem projection, and the top wall is biased into engagement with the bottom surface of the diaphragm plate by a spring. The guide member also has a side wall that downwardly extends from the top wall, and an outer surface of the side wall is adapted to engage an inner surface of a spring housing to limit displacement of the diaphragm plate and the actuator stem in a direction normal to the longitudinal axis. | 10-24-2013 |
20130257585 | System and Method for Monitoring and Controlling a Target Operating Device of a Process Control System - A method of monitoring and controlling a target operating device of a process control system. The method comprises: detecting activation of one or more parts of the target operating device with a sensor of a wireless latching unit; latching a switch of the wireless latching unit from an active state to an inactive state upon detecting the activation of the one or more parts; transmitting one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to abuse station upon latching the switch to the active state; detecting deactivation of the one or more parts of the target operating device with the sensor of the wireless latching unit; ignoring the detected deactivation at the wireless latching unit; and continuing to transmit the one or more active signals from the wireless latching unit to the base station. A wireless monitoring and control system is also disclosed. | 10-03-2013 |
20130256572 | FLOW STRAIGHTENING SEAT RING AND CONTROL VALVE HAVING FLOW STRAIGHTENING SEAT RING - A seat ring for a control valve has a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a gallery. The seat ring includes an annular body and a flow separator. The annular body is adapted to he disposed in the gallery of the valve body and includes an interior sidewall defining a port for accommodating fluid flow through the gallery. The flow separator is disposed within the port and includes a flow straightening portion defining a plurality of separate passageways. Each of the plurality of separate passageways has a hydraulic diameter and a length that is larger than the hydraulic diameter. As such, the passageways separate the flow of fluid through the port into a plurality of separate flow paths to interrupt turbulence adjacent to the port. | 10-03-2013 |
20130248751 | CONTROL VALVE SEAL ASSEMBLY ENERGIZED BY SHAPE MEMORY ALLOYS AND FLUID VALVES COMPRISING SAME - A fluid valve includes a valve body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid passageway. A valve seat is disposed within the fluid passageway. A fluid control member is movably disposed within the fluid passageway, the fluid control member cooperating with the valve seat to control fluid flow through the fluid passageway. A seal assembly is disposed within the valve body, the seal assembly preventing fluid from leaking through the valve body when the fluid control member is in a closed position. The seal assembly is made, at least in part, from a shape-memory alloy. | 09-26-2013 |
20130240770 | LOAD RELIEVING STEM CONNECTORS - Example apparatus including load relieving stem connectors are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a connector housing including an internal cavity therein, a load relieving body disposed in the internal cavity, and a shaft coupled to the load relieving body. In the example apparatus, the shaft is to rotate the load relieving body between a first position and a second position. | 09-19-2013 |
20130231874 | DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR DETECTING CONTROL VALVE COMPONENT FAILURE - The claimed method and system identifies faults and/or deterioration of components in a process control valve. The system may use different sensor combinations to provide the necessary data to compute irregular component integrity. Alerts may be generated to indicate potential component integrity problems. In particular, the system may detect potential deterioration and/or faults in actuator springs, pneumatic tubing and piping, and bellows seals. The claimed system may be communicatively coupled to a process control network to provide a more elaborate alarm system. Moreover, additional statistical methods may be used to refine the detection accuracy of the system. | 09-05-2013 |
20130227575 | SCHEDULING FUNCTION IN A WIRELESS CONTROL DEVICE - A field device for use in a process control system includes a scheduling module configured to receive a time input which specifies a scheduled time for performing a scheduled action or a scheduled sequence of actions and to receive an action input which specifies the scheduled action or the scheduled sequence of actions. At the scheduled time, the scheduling module automatically initiates the scheduled action or the scheduled sequence of actions. After initiating the action or the sequence of actions, the scheduling module causes an initiation status indicating that the action or the sequence of actions has been initiated to be sent to a host and/or causes the initiation status to be stored in a local memory of the field device. | 08-29-2013 |
20130223494 | Time-Stamped Emissions Data Collection for Process Control Devices - The claimed method and system provide a process control device monitoring system and a process control valve assembly with a process control device monitoring system to measure one or more operating states of a process control device. The process control device monitoring system may also associate a time-stamp with the one or more measured operating states of the process control device in response to a trigger generated based on the one or more measured operating states. The process control device monitoring system may also transmit the time-stamp and an indication of the one or more operating states to a monitoring device. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221260 | OBLIQUE MATING SURFACES IN A VALVE ASSEMBLY - A valve assembly includes a valve body having a body recess and a bonnet including a bonnet recess having a bonnet mating surface. The valve assembly further includes a valve cage disposed within an interior of the valve body, the valve cage including a body portion extending along a longitudinal axis and a circumferential mating protrusion extending from an outer surface in a transverse direction, the mating protrusion including an upper mating surface and a lower mating surface. The upper mating surface is disposed within the bonnet recess to be aligned with the bonnet mating surface, and the lower mating surface is disposed within the body recess to be aligned with the body mating surface, wherein the upper and lower mating surface are not parallel. Accordingly, clamping forces acting on the mating protrusion include a longitudinal and tangential component, allowing for increased clamping forces without plastically deforming the mating protrusion. | 08-29-2013 |
20130221259 | FLUID PRESSURE CONTROL DEVICE HAVING A THROTTLING ELEMENT SEAL - A fluid flow control device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve seat ring is coupled to the body and defines an orifice through which the fluid flow path passes. A cage is also coupled to the body and defines an interior bore, wherein the cage includes at least one passage through which the fluid flow path passes. A throttling element is sized for insertion into the cage interior bore and movable along an axis between open and closed positions. The throttling element defines a sealing surface oriented substantially parallel to the axis. A seal is positioned to engage the sealing surface when the throttling element is substantially in the closed position, thereby to restrict fluid flow through the valve seat ring orifice. | 08-29-2013 |
20130199649 | PRESSURE REDUCER - Pressure reducers are disclosed that, in some embodiments, are designed for use in a pressurized pipe line to provide variable resistance to flow of process fluid, such as steam or water, with no moving parts. The pressure reducers have an elongate outer shell and an inner sleeve spaced radially inwardly from the outer shell. The outer shell is defined by an outer annular wall having an open end and an end wall opposite the open end. The inner sleeve and the outer shell are connected near the open end. The inner sleeve defines a passageway that extends into a cavity defined by the outer shell and has an outlet that is spaced from the end wall. The outer annular wall and the end wall are perforated by a plurality of flow holes extending therethrough, and the sleeve is preferably not perforated. | 08-08-2013 |
20130190897 | Asset Data Modules Including an Integral Near Field Communication Interface - The present disclosure relates to various assets utilized within manufacturing and process plants for monitoring and control purposes. The asset data modules of the present disclosure include an integral near field communications (NFC) interface configured to provide access to asset data stored within memory integral to the given asset. | 07-25-2013 |
20130179697 | CONTINUOUSLY POWERED FIELD DEVICE - A continuously powered field device for use in a process control system includes a field device housing, a primary power port disposed within or connected to the field device housing, and a power source switching module comprising a first power terminal, a second power terminal, and a third power terminal. The first power terminal is coupled to the primary power port, and the third power terminal is configured to deliver power applied to the third power terminal to at least a portion of the field device. The power source switching module is operable in a first state of operation to couple the first power terminal to the third power terminal, and the power source switching module is operable in a second state of operation to couple the second power terminal to the third power terminal. | 07-11-2013 |
20130145219 | PROGRAM FLOW CONTROL MONITORING ROUTINES, RELATED METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The present disclosure relates to program flow control monitoring routines. In one embodiment, a process control apparatus is provided with a plurality of modules associated with control and/or monitoring of a given plant. Program flow control monitoring routines are provided to monitor the various modules. | 06-06-2013 |
20130133755 | Slam-Shut Safety Device Having a Cage - A slam-shut device includes an inlet, an outlet, a valve seat, and defines a flow path. A valve disc is shiftable between an open position and a closed position, and reset pin responsive to an actuator is coupled to the valve disc and shifts between an untripped position and a tripped position. A cylindrical cage is mounted within the valve body and is disposed in the flow path, and includes a plurality of flow apertures slidably receives the valve disc. The cage includes a first end adjacent the valve seat and a second end away from the valve seat, and the cage forms a cylindrical recess disposed adjacent the second end of the cage and spaced from the flow apertures. | 05-30-2013 |
20130103780 | DELAYED PUBLISHING IN PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEMS - Techniques for delaying the publication of data to a network by a device in a process control system or plant include obtaining, at the device, data to be published to the network; storing the obtained data and a corresponding timestamp in a cache; triggering a publication of cached data; and, based on the trigger, publishing the oldest cached data to the network during the publishing timeslot assigned to the device. The cached data may correspond to a sample rate of the device and may include multiple instances of data obtained over time. The device includes a network interface, a cache, and a publisher, and the device may be configured to operate in the delayed publishing mode, or to operate in an immediate publishing mode in which currently obtained data that has not been cached is published to the network during the publishing time slot assigned to the device. | 04-25-2013 |
20130090024 | ELECTRICAL TERMINALS AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - Electrical terminals and methods of manufacturing the same are disclosed. An example terminal is disclosed that comprises a housing and a wire clamp positioned within the housing to secure a wire in electrical contact with a connector pin, the connector pin extending out a bottom surface of the housing to be electrically connected to a printed circuit board, the housing is to have one or more feet to separate the bottom surface of the housing from the printed circuit board. | 04-11-2013 |
20130050962 | ELECTROMAGNETIC INTERFERENCE SHIELD - A device for protecting a circuit board from electromagnetic interference, and which includes shield to be attached to the circuit board. The device includes a metal plate and a plurality of tangs. The metal plate has a perimeter portion. The plurality of tangs are spaced about and extend transversely away from at least a portion of the perimeter portion of the metal plate. Each tang includes a bridge portion and a finger portion. The bridge portion has a first end attached to the perimeter portion and a second end spaced away from the perimeter portion and attached to the finger portion. The finger portion extends away from the second end of the bridge potion and is disposed at an obtuse angle relative to the bridge portion such that the plurality of tangs, in combination, are adapted to receive the circuit board. | 02-28-2013 |
20130042476 | APPARATUS, METHODS AND ARTICLES OF MANUFACTURE TO CALIBRATE VALVE-MOUNTED INSTRUMENTS - Example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture to calibrate valve-mounted instruments, such as a position controllers and/or a position transmitter, are described. An example method disclosed herein includes securing a position of a flow control member of a control valve assembly to prevent movement of the flow control member and installing a controller to the control valve assembly. The method includes activating a user interface of the controller after the controller is coupled to the control valve assembly, entering a position sensor sensitivity value and a single-point position value, the single-point position value being representative of the secured position of the flow control member, applying a single-point calibration value, placing the controller in a control mode, and releasing the position of the flow control member, the controller to self-calibrate during operation of the control valve assembly based on the position sensor sensitivity value and the single-point position value while the control valve assembly is in operation. | 02-21-2013 |
20130041481 | METHODS AND APPARATUS TO LIMIT A CHANGE OF A DRIVE VALUE IN AN ELECTRO-PNEUMATIC CONTROLLER - Example methods and apparatus to limit a change of a drive value in an electro-pneumatic controller are disclosed. A disclosed example method includes determining a slew limit of a controller based on noise in at least one of a control signal or a feedback signal, calculating a drive value based on the control signal and the feedback signal, and changing the calculated drive value if a difference between the drive value and a previous drive value is greater than the slew limit of the controller. | 02-14-2013 |
20130019683 | Control Valve Monitoring System - A control valve monitoring system is disclosed. The control valve monitoring system includes at least one sensor connected to one of a valve stem or valve shaft, and the at least one sensor detects a change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft. A device for providing data regarding the change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft is provided, allowing maintenance of the valve shaft or valve stem to be conducted in an efficient manner. | 01-24-2013 |
20130015383 | Bellows Energized Seal Assembly for a Rotary Control Valve - A bellows energized seal assembly includes a seal body, a main seal that is axially slidable within the seal body, and a bellows connected to the seal body and the main seal. The bellows both biases the main seal and provides a seal between the seal body and the main seal. | 01-17-2013 |
20120274334 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARACTERIZING PROCESS CONTROL EQUIPMENT COUPLING INTEGRITY - In a process plant, a first series of measurements from a coupling interface are received. The first series of measurements are stored. A second series of measurements from a coupling interface are received. The second series of measurements. The first series and second series of measurements are compared. An indication of loss of clamping force is generated if the first series of measurements deviates from the second series of measurements. | 11-01-2012 |
20120274333 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CHARACTERIZING PROCESS CONTROL EQUIPMENT INTEGRITY - In a process plant, a first series of impedance measurements from a valve body are received. The first series of impedance measurements are stored. A second series of impedance measurements from the valve body are received. The second series of impedance measurements from the valve body are stored. The first series and second series of impedance measurements are compared. An indication of loss of integrity of the valve body is generated if the first series of impedance measurements deviates from the second series of impedance measurements. | 11-01-2012 |
20120230309 | Method and Apparatus for Wireless Communications in a Process Control or Monitoring Environment - A method in a communication device that implements a communication stack to wirelessly communicate with a remote device according to a general purpose wireless communication protocol, where the remote device operates in a process control environment, includes receiving a request from a software module to establish a wireless communication link with the remote device, establishing a direct connection between the software module and the communication stack, where the direct connection is free of intermediate services, and communicating process data between the software module and the remote device in accordance with an industrial automation protocol over the wireless communication link, where the wireless communication link utilizes the general purpose wireless communication protocol. | 09-13-2012 |
20120228530 | BYPASS ARRANGEMENT FOR VALVE ACTUATOR - A bypass arrangement in accordance with an embodiment of the invention includes an actuator movable in a first direction and a second direction, a volume booster in fluid communication with the actuator, the volume booster having a supply passage, an exhaust passage, and a volume booster output bypass connection in fluid communication with the supply passage, and a bypass valve in fluid communication with the volume booster output bypass connection. | 09-13-2012 |
20120216887 | Noise Control via Outlet Jet Frequency Dispersal - A stackable noise attenuating disk includes an inner perimeter edge and an outer perimeter edge. A plurality of inlet passages is disposed along the inner perimeter edge and a plurality of outlet passages is disposed along the outer perimeter edge. The plurality of outlet passages includes a plurality of first outlet passages and a plurality of second outlet passages. Each of the plurality of first outlet passages have a first width and each of the plurality of second outlet passages have a second width that is greater than the first width. Fluid entering the inlet passages passes through a plenum section of adjacent disks to exit through the first and second outlet passages. The first outlet passages and second outlet passages cooperate to disperse the noise peak frequencies of fluid exiting the plurality of outlet passages, thereby reducing the overall noise level of fluid exiting the plurality of outlet passages. | 08-30-2012 |
20120215488 | Method and Apparatus for Partial Stroke Testing of an Emergency Shutdown Valve - A method for conducting a partial stroke test of an emergency shutdown valve includes receiving a request to initiate the partial stroke test from a user interface or another source, establishing a direct or an indirect wireless communication link with the emergency shutdown valve, and generating one or more commands of a digital industrial automation protocol to be transmitted to the emergency shutdown valve via the wireless communication link, so that a partial stroke test of the emergency shutdown valve is initiated in response to these commands. | 08-23-2012 |
20120181079 | Capacitor Coupled Cable Shield Feedthrough - Shielding performance and protection from radiated RF energy at a cable's point of entry to an enclosure are improved when a shield of the cable is AC coupled around an entire opening of the enclosure using a discoidal capacitor. The capacitor may be electrically coupled to the shield and the enclosure around the entire inner and outer circumferences of the discoidal capacitor. Compared to traditional DC coupling or the use of a drain wire and traditional capacitor, using the discoidal capacitor lowers inductance and improves shielding of the opening itself while improving AC filtering characteristics and preventing ground loops. | 07-19-2012 |
20120167996 | Valve Controller Automatic Calibration Without User Interface - A valve controller may have inputs that can be programmably set to one of several functions. A first function is for use as a event monitor, whereby a signal at the inputs may cause the valve controller to report an alert or send an alarm. A second function is to activate a self-calibration routine in the valve controller responsive to the signal where the valve controller tests and records the limits of valve travel. An optional pressure range calibration and performance tuner may also be activated in conjunction with the valve travel calibration. While the self-calibration routine is running, applying the signal a second time may cancel the self-calibration routine and restore system variables and modes to their state prior to initiating the self-calibration. | 07-05-2012 |
20120139725 | AUTOMATIC VALVE SEATING INTEGRITY TEST - The present invention comprises methods for testing the valve seating integrity of a valve. The valve components that determine valve seating integrity are typically a valve seat and a valve closing element that engages the valve seat to close the valve. Examples of the test method described herein respectively test valve seating integrity during opening of the valve and during closing of the valve, and do so in all instances without interrupting the operation of a process control system that includes the valve, without isolating the valve, and without relying on user analysis. | 06-07-2012 |
20120112112 | Biasing Device for Use With Actuators of Fluid Valves - A biasing device for use with a piston actuator of a fluid valve includes a tubular seat member, a tubular retention member, a tubular retention bracket, and a biasing element disposed between an external annular flange of the tubular seat member and an external annular flange of the tubular seat bracket. The tubular retention member is partially disposed within the tubular, seat member, the tubular retention member passing through an opening in the inner flange of the tubular seat member. The tubular retention member is partially disposed within the tubular seat bracket, the tubular retention member passing through an opening in the inner flange of the tubular seat bracket. The basing member is seated against the exterior annular flange of the tubular seat member and against the exterior annular flange of the tubular seat bracket. | 05-10-2012 |
20120085437 | Volume Booster With Seat Load Bias - A fluid flow control device includes a trim cartridge, a diaphragm assembly, and a control element. The trim cartridge defines a cartridge supply port and an upper planar surface. The cartridge supply port is disposed along a supply path of the volume booster and the upper planar surface is disposed along an exhaust of the volume booster. The diaphragm assembly defines an exhaust port on the exhaust path. The control element is movably disposed in the trim cartridge and includes a supply plug, an exhaust plug, and a stem. The supply plug engages the cartridge supply port and the exhaust plug engages the exhaust port. The exhaust plug further includes a lower planar surface that is coplanar with the upper planar surface of the trim cartridge. | 04-12-2012 |
20120061606 | VOLUME BOOSTER WITH VARIABLE ASYMMETRY - A volume booster for a fluid flow control device comprises a supply path for supplying a fluid boost to facilitate actuation of an actuator in a first direction, and an exhaust path for enabling controlled exhaust to facilitate actuation of the actuator in a second direction. The supply path defines a supply resistance that is set by the geometry of a supply trim component. The exhaust path includes an exhaust resistance that is set by the geometry of an exhaust trim component. The supply and exhaust trim components are independently removable and replaceable with replacement components to customize the exhaust and supply resistances, and therefore, the exhaust and supply capacities for specific applications. | 03-15-2012 |
20120061594 | Volume Booster with Stabilized Trim - A fluid flow control device includes a body having an inlet connection, an outlet connection, and a discharge port. A supply path extends between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and a booster module is disposed within the body. The booster module includes a control element and an actuator element and defines an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. A supply port is disposed within the booster module along the supply path between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and at least a first damping means operatively connected to the booster module. | 03-15-2012 |
20120060952 | VOLUME BOOSTER WITH DISCRETE CAPACITY ADJUSTMENT - A volume booster for an actuator system advantageously includes an adjustable restrictor, such that the exhaust capacity of the device can be adjusted for specific applications. The device comprises a body, a supply path, an exhaust path, and the restrictor. The supply path operates to provide a supply of fluid to boost a stroke time of an actuator in the actuator system, e.g., in an opening direction. The exhaust path operates to accommodate backpressure relief when the actuator system operates the actuator in a closing direction, for example. The restrictor is disposed within the exhaust path and is selectively manipulable between a plurality of positions to define a plurality of distinct exhaust capacities, thereby eliminating any requirement to change the entire volume booster to achieve a different exhaust capacity. | 03-15-2012 |
20120060682 | Volume Booster With Reduced Noise Trim - A fluid flow control device having a body having a inlet connection, an outlet connection, a discharge port and a booster module disposed within the body. The booster module including a control element and an actuator element having a noise-reducing trim element with a supply path extending between the inlet connection and the outlet connection and an exhaust path extending between the outlet connection and the discharge port. The noise-reducing trim element being coupled immediately adjacent to the discharge port such that the noise-reducing trim element distributes a fluid flow to the discharge port via the exhaust path into a plurality of fluid jets to substantially inhibit jet recombination at the discharge port. | 03-15-2012 |
20120029848 | DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR DETECTING CONTROL VALVE COMPONENT FAILURE - The claimed method and system identifies faults and/or deterioration of components in a process control valve. The system may use different sensor combinations to provide the necessary data to compute irregular component integrity. Alerts may be generated to indicate potential component integrity problems. In particular, the system may detect potential deterioration and/or faults in actuator springs, pneumatic tubing and piping, and bellows seals. The claimed system may be communicatively coupled to a process control network to provide a more elaborate alarm system. Moreover, additional statistical methods may be used to refine the detection accuracy of the system. | 02-02-2012 |
20110291039 | Control Valve Pressure Bleed Inspection Port - A valve with an integral bleed passage includes a valve body including a threaded bore, a bonnet having a first threaded portion arranged to be securable to the bore of the valve body and having a second portion disposed outside the valve body, and a cavity defined between the valve body and the first portion of the threaded bonnet. A bleed passage is formed in the bonnet and includes an entrance aperture formed in the first portion of the bonnet and in flow communication with the cavity, the passage including an exit aperture formed in the second portion of the bonnet, and a main portion providing flow communication between the entrance aperture and the exit aperture. The cavity and the entrance aperture are positioned to expose the passage to an interior portion of the valve prior to removal of the bonnet from engagement with the valve body. | 12-01-2011 |
20110266484 | Floating Ball Valve Seal With Bellows and C-Seal - A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve having a top-mounted bonnet, thereby allowing the seal assembly to be installed and removed without removing the valve from the pipeline. In an embodiment, the seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal carrier may be disposed between the seal ring and the valve body, and the seal carrier may be removably secured to the valve body by a plurality of bolts disposed in the valve interior. A primary leak path may exist between the seal ring and the seal carrier and a secondary leak path may exist between the seal carrier and the valve body. A bellows seal may prevent fluid flow through the primary leak path, and an auxiliary seal may prevent fluid flow through the secondary leak path. | 11-03-2011 |
20110266482 | Floating Ball Valve Seal With Dynamic C-Seal and Static C-Seal - A seal assembly is provided for a rotary ball valve having a top-mounted bonnet, thereby allowing the seal assembly to be installed and removed without removing the valve from the pipeline. In an embodiment, the seal assembly may include a seal ring disposed within the valve interior and biased toward the ball element of the valve. A seal carrier may be disposed between the seal ring and the valve body, and the seal carrier may be removably secured to the valve body by a plurality of bolts disposed in the valve interior. A primary leak path may exists between the seal ring and the seal carrier and a secondary leak path may exists between the seal carrier and the valve body. A first and second auxiliary seal may prevent fluid flow through the primary and secondary leak path, respectively. | 11-03-2011 |
20110265886 | BALL VALVE SEAL ASSEMBLY AND BALL VALVE COMPRISING SAME - A seal assembly in a rotary ball valve is installable and replaceable through a bonnet opening in a valve body of the rotary ball valve. The seal assembly includes an anchor ring located in an internal recess in the valve body and one or more seal assembly components, such as a flexible seal member, a seal carrier, a seal retainer, and a rigid seal ring, are secured to the anchor ring. | 11-03-2011 |
20110214764 | NOISE CONTROL FOR FLUID PRESSURE REDUCTION DEVICE FOR HIGH PRESSURE DROP RATIO - An improved fluid pressure reduction device including a perimeter and a hollow center aligned along a longitudinal axis, and further including an inlet region at the hollow center and an outlet region at the perimeter, wherein the outlet region includes multiple dimensioned outlet areas arranged to substantially reduce outlet tone generation. | 09-08-2011 |
20110209777 | LOW FRICTION LIVE-LOADED PACKING - A valve packing assembly for a control valve includes a seal assembly, a loading assembly, and a packing retainer. The seal assembly has a seal component to provide a fluid seal around a valve stem and an anti-extrusion component to substantially prevent extrusion of the seal component about the valve stem. The loading assembly is configured to advantageously provide a predetermined packing stress to the seal assembly that is in the same direction as a process stress applied to the seal assembly by a process fluid, thereby substantially reducing packing friction and packing wear in the control valve assembly. | 09-01-2011 |
20110147632 | Control Valve Having Live Loaded Packing Follower with Leak-Off and Independent Secondary Seal - A control valve includes a valve body, a valve stem, and a control element. The valve body receives the stem and includes a packing box housing a packing set. A packing follower includes a bore sized to receive the stem and includes an upper portion, a lower portion, and a bearing surface, the lower portion sized to extend into the valve bonnet to engage the packing set to apply a first compressive force to the packing set, the upper portion including threads and having an upper counterbore housing a secondary seal ring. A nut operatively engages the threads of the upper portion of the packing follower, the nut positioned to apply a second compressive force to the secondary seal ring, and a spring is positioned between the packing flange and the bearing surface of the packing follower, wherein the first compressive force is independent of the second compressive force. | 06-23-2011 |
20110071688 | IN SITU EMISSION MEASUREMENT FOR PROCESS CONTROL EQUIPMENT - A system and method for accurately measuring supply gas consumed by a particular process control component within a process control system is disclosed. Enhanced measurement accuracy is derived from measuring the consumption of the process control component in a normal operating mode of the process control system. The amount of fluid expended by one process control component is separated by a fluid control system from the amount of supply gas expended in actuating other process control components. The amount of fluid expended by each component may be determined by measuring a decrease in a fluid within a vessel having a known quantity that independently supplies supply gas to each component during its operation. | 03-24-2011 |
20110054828 | Emergency Test Control Panel Device, System and Method - Embodiments disclosed herein include a test control panel device, system, computer program product, and method for receiving a test input signal; reading a duration of the test input signal; verifying that the signal duration is a valid duration to initiate the test; initiating the test by sending a start test signal to a valve controller device; receiving signals from the valve controller device; indicating that the test control panel device has received a valve controller device signal from the valve controller device; wherein the valve controller device signal is a test acknowledgement signal. | 03-03-2011 |
20110042601 | Parabolic Bonnet For Three-Way Valve - A fluid control device including a valve body, a control member, and a one-piece bonnet. The valve body defines a flow path for a fluid. The control member is disposed in the valve body and adapted for displacement between at least a first position and a second position. The one-piece bonnet is coupled to the valve body and defines a protrusion. The protrusion extends at least partially into the flow path and is arranged to direct at least some of the fluid flowing along the flow path when the control member is disposed between the first position and the second position. | 02-24-2011 |
20110030806 | Sound Pressure Level Feedback Control - Methods and systems are provided for predicting internal sound pressure within a flow passage, by measuring a vibration velocity response of a wall of the flow passage, for example, using accelerometers. A radiation model may then be used for predicting externally radiated sound pressure to provide feedback to control a process control system. Methods and systems are also provided for predicting externally radiated sound pressure based on internally-mounted pressure transducer sensor data. | 02-10-2011 |
20110006241 | CONTROL VALVE HAVING PRESSURE BOUNDARY INTEGRITY DIAGNOSTIC CAPABILITIES, METHOD OF MAKING THE CONTROL VALVE, AND METHOD OF USING THE CONTROL VALVE - A method of diagnosing pressure boundary integrity of a control includes choosing a control valve having a valve body, determining a velocity profile within the control valve, choosing an area of the velocity profile, choosing a surface on an exterior of the valve body at or adjacent to the area, forming a pad on the exterior surface overlying the point, applying a testing device to the pad, and measuring a reference thickness of a wall of the valve body through the pad using the testing device. The method further includes applying the testing device to the pad at a time subsequent to measurement of the reference thickness, measuring a first thickness, and comparing the first thickness to the reference thickness. The comparison of the first thickness to the reference thickness can be used to calculate the amount of valve body wall lost during using and the remaining life of the control valve. | 01-13-2011 |
20110001070 | Device and Method for Determining a Failure Mode of a Pneumatic Control Valve Assembly - A control valve assembly is capable of diagnosing malfunctions in the control valve assembly and discerning a location of a control fluid leak in the control valve assembly. The control valve assembly includes a control valve, an actuator and a positioner. The actuator includes an actuator vent in an actuator housing, the actuator vent being connected to a flow switch. By determining a flow condition through the actuator vent, the positioner determines whether a control fluid leak is located in a control line or in a diaphragm. | 01-06-2011 |
20100264347 | Seal Retainer/Line Centering Clips with Multiple Flange Capability - A wafer-style valve assembly adapted to be coupled between opposing pipeline components having a common centerline secured together by a plurality of longitudinal fasteners includes a substantially cylindrical valve body, a seat retaining plate, and at least one clip. The valve body has a peripheral edge portion and an axial end surface. The seat retaining plate is disposed on the axial end surface. The at least one clip is also disposed on the axial end surface and extends radially outward of the peripheral edge portion. The clip has a radially inward portion and a radially outward portion. The radially inward portion secures the seat retaining plate to the to valve body. The radially outward portion has an edge defining a first recess and a second recess. The first and second recesses are each adapted to accommodate a longitudinal fastener to locate the valve assembly relative to the centerline of the pipeline. | 10-21-2010 |
20100243081 | Gas Pressure Regulator and Method for Assembling and Disassembling the Regulator - A gas pressure regulator comprises a main body having a first, gas inlet pipe and a second, gas outlet pipe, a calibrated gas passage through which gas flows from the first pipe to the second pipe, a shutter housed at least partially in the main body and mobile lengthwise along a first defined line to adjust the opening of the calibrated passage, a device for actuating the shutter and a regulator spring unit opposing the movement of the shutter. | 09-30-2010 |
20100243080 | Gas Pressure Regulator and Method for Assembling and Disassembling the Regulator - A gas pressure regulator comprises a main body having a first, gas inlet pipe and a second, gas outlet pipe, a calibrated gas passage through which gas flows from the first pipe to the second pipe, a shutter housed at least partially in the main body and mobile lengthwise along a first defined line to adjust the opening of the calibrated passage, a device for actuating the shutter and a regulator spring unit opposing the movement of the shutter. | 09-30-2010 |
20100214036 | Common-Mode Noise Reduction Circuit - A system operating in a process control environment includes a field device to perform a process control function in the process control environment, a remote device disposed away from the field device to perform an auxiliary function associated with the process control function of the field device, a first wired communication link communicatively coupled to the field device and to the remote device to support data communication between the field device and the remote device, and a common-mode noise reduction circuit coupled to the field device and to the wired communication link to reduce common-mode noise generated in the first wired communication link. | 08-26-2010 |
20100193716 | Pneumatic Actuator Having Diaphragm Retention Ring - A pneumatic valve actuator for moving the valve stem of a control valve comprises an upper casing and a lower casing each having flanges, a diaphragm plate operatively coupled to the valve stem, a spring arranged to bias the diaphragm plate in a first direction, a diaphragm movable in conjunction movement of the diaphragm plate, an air inlet defined in the casing and arranged for attachment to an air supply source to bias the diaphragm plate in a second direction, and a ring disposed between the upper flange and the lower flange and positioned to engage the outer portion of the diaphragm. The ring includes a protrusion positioned to engage a surface of the outer portion of the diaphragm. | 08-05-2010 |
20100145476 | Method and Apparatus for Operating Field Devices via a Portable Communicator - A portable communicator for operating a field device. The portable communicator is configured to communicate with the field device to configure and/or analyze performance of a field device in an efficient manner. In some embodiments, the portable communicator includes an intuitive user interface that allows the user to perform a relatively limited set of preconfigured procedures on a field device. The portable communicator may communicate with the field device via a wire and/or wirelessly. In one embodiment, the portable communicator is a Bluetooth-enabled smartphone, a PDA, a pocket PC, or any Bluetooth-enabled generic mobile communication device. The portable communicator may communicate with the field device via a wireless communication unit (e.g., Bluetooth modem) coupled to the field device. In a process plant environment, in which the field device is coupled to a controller, the portable communicator may communicate with the field device without communicating with the controller. | 06-10-2010 |
20100141596 | User Interface for a Portable Communicator for Use in a Process Control Environment - A portable communicator for use in a process control system. The portable communicator includes a touchscreen configured to receive input from a user. The touchscreen may include a user interface that separate the scrolling functionality from the selection functionality. In one embodiment, the user interface includes a first portion and a second portion that is separate from the first portion. The first portion of the user interface includes multiple input fields associated with a multiple parameters of a field device. The first portion enables a user to scroll through the multiple input fields (e.g., via a grab-and-drag mechanism), and the second portion enables the user to select a value for at least one of the multiple input fields in the first portion. | 06-10-2010 |
20100059131 | Noise Level Reduction of Sparger Assemblies - A method results in a system configuration wherein positioning a plurality of spargers reduces noise levels caused by fluid passing through the plurality of spargers. The method includes providing the plurality of spargers, each sparger having a center line access and an outer diameter measurement. Each of the plurality of spargers is positioned in a manner such that a ratio of the distance between the center line access of each sparger to the outer diameter measurement of each sparger is greater than a pre-determined ratio value. A greater ratio results in a reduction of noise emitted. | 03-11-2010 |
20100044613 | CONTROL VALVE HAVING "C" SEAL - A control valve having a shiftable valve plug includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a longitudinal axis, a generally cylindrical valve cage disposed within the valve body and sized to receive the valve plug, with the valve cage including at least one aperture comprising at least a portion of the flow passage, a portion of the valve cage disposed adjacent a portion of the valve body at an interface. A seal having a C-shaped cross section is provided and is disposed at the interface between the valve cage and the valve body, and a retainer is disposed adjacent the interface and positioned to secure the seal against movement along the longitudinal axis. | 02-25-2010 |
20100037960 | Versatile Emergency Shutdown Device Controller Implementing a Pneumatic Test for a System Instrument Device - A multi-functional or versatile emergency shutdown valve controller may be used in various different emergency shutdown configurations to enable the testing of different types and configurations of emergency shutdown devices and the supporting equipment associated therewith. In one example, a digital valve controller for use with an emergency shutdown valve includes two pressure sensors and is adapted to be connected to a pneumatic valve actuator and to a solenoid valve device to assist in the on-line testing of the valve actuator as well as in the on-line testing of the solenoid valve. To perform testing of the solenoid valve, the valve controller may measure the pressure at different ports of the solenoid valve as the solenoid valve is actuated for a very short period of time. The valve controller may determine whether the solenoid device is fully functional or operational based on the derivative of the difference between the measured pressure signals, i.e., based on the rate of change of the difference between the measured pressure signals over time. | 02-18-2010 |
20090326682 | LEAD-LAG FILTER ARRANGEMENT FOR ELECTRO-PNEUMATIC CONTROL LOOPS - A lead-lag input filter is connected ahead of a positioner feedback loop having one or more valve accessories, such as a volume booster or a QEV, to overcome slow dynamics experienced by the accessories when receiving low amplitude change control or set point signals. A user interface is connected to the lead-lag input filter and enables an operator or other control personnel to view and change the operating characteristics of the lead-lag input filter to thereby provide the control loop with any of a number of desired response characteristics. | 12-31-2009 |
20090320931 | UNIVERSAL TRIM CONTROL VALVE AND METHOD OF MAKING SUCH A CONTROL VALVE - A universal control valve may use two different seat ring types including a threaded seat ring or a clamped seat ring. The valve includes a valve body, a cage mounting space enclosed by a bonnet and sized to receive two different valve cage types, and a seat ring mounting location including, an annular shoulder, a radiused projection, and a threaded portion. The threaded portion receives a threaded seat ring and the radiused projection forms a seal, while the shoulder supports a mounting flange of a clamped seat ring and forms a seal. Accordingly, the seat ring mounting location can receive a selected one of the two different seat ring types. | 12-31-2009 |
20090314360 | Fluid Regulator - A fluid regulator includes a valve block having an inlet arranged for connection to a gas supply and an outlet arranged for connection to an item of gas equipment and defining a flow path. The valve block may include one or more of a pressure regulator, a metering valve, and an on-off switch disposed in the flow path. A rotatable pinion operatively is coupled to the metering valve, and a hand control is coupled to the valve block and rotatable about an axis and includes a toothed rack movable with the hand control. A spring biases the toothed rack toward pinion to provide improved precision and/or less play between internal components. The fluid regulator they also include a balanced gear assembly for rotating a control rod of the valve, and further may be adapted to provide various visual indicators of the on-off the state of the device. | 12-24-2009 |
20090309059 | Seal Assembly for a Fluid Pressure Control Device - A seal assembly for a fluid pressure control device includes a guide element having a sealing surface and a first guide surface. A throttling element assembly includes a throttling element positionable within a fluid flow path, the assembly defines a mating surface adapted to seal with the sealing surface, and a second guide surface sized to slidingly engage the first guide surface. A relief void is formed in at least one of the guide element and the throttling element assembly adjacent the first and second guide surfaces to receive loose solid material, to thereby prevent disruption of the seal formed between the sealing surface and the mating surface. | 12-17-2009 |
20090289575 | Opto-Isolator Multi-Voltage Detection Circuit - An opto-isolator multi-voltage detection circuit is capable to handle a wide range of input voltages ranging from about 9 volts DC to about 240 volts AC includes an input voltage, an opto-isolator, a rectifier, a voltage divider, first and second transistors, and a DC to DC converter. The voltage divider operatively coupled to the first and second transistors is capable of evenly dividing the input voltage across the first and second transistors. The DC to DC converter operatively coupled to the transistors, the voltage divider, and the opto-isolator is capable of maintaining an output current from the rectifier. The use of the DC to DC converter, the voltage divider, and the transistors provide benefit of reducing a power dissipated throughout the entire circuit. | 11-26-2009 |
20090261281 | Balanced Port Housing with Integrated Flow Conditioning - A gas regulator includes an actuator, a valve, and a balanced port housing disposed within the valve for flow conditioning to convert turbulent flow within the valve to laminar flow when the fluid reaches the sensing point of a Pitot tube disposed within the outlet of the valve. The balancing port housing includes an opening through a sidewall and disposed between a valve port of the valve and the outlet. The opening may include a partial obstruction, such as baffles or a mesh screen over which the fluid flows to convert the turbulent flow to laminar flow. The regulator may further include balanced trim having a balancing diaphragm in fluid communication with the upstream pressure to apply a force to a valve disc of the valve in the opposite direction of the force applied to the valve disc by the upstream pressure so that the upstream pressure does not affect the regulator's control of the downstream pressure. | 10-22-2009 |
20090222220 | DIAGNOSTIC METHOD FOR DETECTING CONTROL VALVE COMPONENT FAILURE - The claimed method and system identifies faults and/or deterioration of components in a process control valve. The system may use different sensor combinations to provide the necessary data to compute irregular component integrity. Alerts may be generated to indicate potential component integrity problems. In particular, the system may detect potential deterioration and/or faults in actuator springs, pneumatic tubing and piping, and bellows seals. The claimed system may be communicatively coupled to a process control network to provide a more elaborate alarm system. Moreover, additional statistical methods may be used to refine the detection accuracy of the system. | 09-03-2009 |
20090222124 | ESTIMATION OF PROCESS CONTROL PARAMETERS OVER PREDEFINED TRAVEL SEGMENTS - A method of determining a segment-specific estimate of a parameter associated with a process control loop includes receiving signal data corresponding to a signal from a process control loop, storing the signal data, partitioning the stored signal data into a plurality of data segments and performing a statistical analysis on a first one of the plurality of data segments selected from the plurality of data segments to generate a first segment-specific parameter estimate. | 09-03-2009 |
20090127488 | Fluid Flow Control Device Having A Seat Ring Retainer - A control valve having a retainer for securing a seat ring within the valve body of the device is disclosed. The seat ring is disposed within a bore in the fluid flow path of the valve body of the control valve, and the retainer is attached to the inner surface of the valve body to retain the seat ring within the bore. The retainer includes threaded openings therethrough for receiving bolts that are tightened down on the seat ring to hold the seat ring against the inner surface of the bore and/or a gasket to form a tight seal and prevent leakage when the control device is in the closed position. | 05-21-2009 |
20090065726 | High Temperature Ball Valve Seal - A high temperature ball valve seal is disclosed that achieves Class IV shutoff for operating temperatures above 550 degrees F. The ball valve seal includes a C-seal positioned between a main seal and a seal housing to prevent fluid from flowing through a secondary flowpath when the ball valve is in a closed position. | 03-12-2009 |
20090057595 | Fluid Pressure Control Device Having a Throttling Element Seal - A fluid flow control device includes a body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending from the inlet to the outlet. A valve seat ring is coupled to the body and defines an orifice through which the fluid flow path passes. A cage is also coupled to the body and defines an interior bore, wherein the cage includes at least one passage through which the fluid flow path passes. A throttling element is sized for insertion into the cage interior bore and movable along an axis between open and closed positions. The throttling element defines a sealing surface oriented substantially parallel to the axis. A seal is positioned to engage the sealing surface when the throttling element is substantially in the closed position, thereby to restrict fluid flow through the valve seat ring orifice. | 03-05-2009 |
20090049207 | Network Scanning and Management in a Device Type Manager of Type Device - A method of communicating with a device using a Field Device Tool (FDT) framework, such that the device operates in a process control environment and is communicatively coupled to a communication link, includes generating an instance of a scan capable device type manager (DTM) of type device that represents the device in the FDT framework, communicatively connecting the instance of the scan capable DTM to a communication channel which corresponds to the communication link, scanning the communication link to discover the device using the instance of the scan capable DTM, and obtaining an address of the discovered device at the scan capable DTM. | 02-19-2009 |
20080310195 | Bidirectional DC to DC Converter for Power Storage Control in a Power Scavenging Application - A bidirectional DC to DC converter having a first operational mode and a second operational mode includes a first terminal pair that has a positive terminal and a negative terminal and that connects the converter to a first electric circuit, a second terminal pair that has a positive terminal and a negative terminal and that connects the converter to a second electric circuit, an accumulation element for temporary accumulation of electric energy; and a switching circuit connected to the first terminal pair, the second terminal pair, and the accumulation element. Electric energy is transferred from the first electric circuit to the second electric circuit via the accumulation element in the first operational mode of the bidirectional DC to DC converter and, from the second electric circuit to the first electric circuit via the accumulation element in the second operational mode of the DC to DC converter. | 12-18-2008 |
20080276798 | Asymmetric Volume Booster Arrangement for Valve Actuators - An asymmetric volume booster assembly includes an actuator movable in a first direction and a second direction, a first booster in fluid communication with the actuator, and a second booster in fluid communication with the actuator. The first booster includes a first supply passage and a first exhaust passage, wherein the first supply passage supplies fluid to the actuator and the first exhaust passage exhausts fluid from the actuator. The first exhaust passage is configured to produce a first fluid flow resistance. The second booster includes a second supply passage and a second exhaust passage, wherein the second supply passage supplies fluid to the actuator and the second exhaust passage exhausts fluid from the actuator. The second exhaust passage is configured to produce a second resistance to fluid flow. The first fluid flow resistance is greater than the second fluid flow resistance, such that the actuator moves substantially symmetrically in the first direction and the second direction. | 11-13-2008 |
20080272324 | ELLIPTICAL SEALING SURFACE FOR BUTTERFLY VALVE - A reduced component wear valve is comprised of a valve body having a passage therethrough and a disc attached to a rotatable shaft. The disc is utilized with a seal forming a gap between the disc and the seal proximate to the rotational axis of the disc. When the disc is in the open position, the seal major axis is greater then the disc diameter and they do not touch. As the disc rotates to near closure, the disc perimeter engages the minor axis of the seal (which is smaller than the disc diameter), and the disc stretches the seal in the minor axis direction thus decreasing the major axis such that the gap is closed. The seal can be pre-formed in an elliptical shape or it can be formed into an elliptical shape by a retaining mechanism. The seal may be a single-piece or a multi-piece assembly press-fit into the valve body. Zero or light disc to seal contact during the majority of the valve disc rotation minimizes valve seal wear and rotational friction. | 11-06-2008 |
20080264504 | Control Valve Having "C" Seal - A control valve having a shiftable valve plug includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, a flow passage extending between the inlet and the outlet, and defining a longitudinal axis, a generally cylindrical valve cage disposed within the valve body and sized to receive the valve plug, with the valve cage including at least one aperture comprising at least a portion of the flow passage, a portion of the valve cage disposed adjacent a portion of the valve body at an interface. A seal having a C-shaped cross section is provided and is disposed at the interface between the valve cage and the valve body, and a retainer is disposed adjacent the interface and positioned to secure the seal against movement along the longitudinal axis. | 10-30-2008 |
20080258099 | Service Regulator Vent - A fluid regulating device comprises an actuator with upper and lower housing components. The upper and lower housing components are secured together at mating flanges via a plurality of fasteners. The upper housing component is formed with a vent to contain a relief valve, which exhausts fluid to the atmosphere under overpressure conditions. The upper housing component is constructed such that it does not require a pedestal or fins extending between the vent and the flange, which advantageously provides a completely unobstructed, continuous, ring-shaped flange for receiving and manipulating the fasteners during assembly and/or maintenance of the regulating device. | 10-23-2008 |
20080258096 | Gas Regulator Flow Boost Cartridge - A gas regulator includes an actuator, a valve, and a cartridge disposed within the valve to advantageously direct, or “boost,” fluid downstream and away from the actuator under normal operating conditions, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the regulator. The cartridge includes a first portion with a first diameter and a second portion with a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. During normal operation, the first portion receives a valve disc of the actuator within generally tight tolerances such that the valve disc and the cartridge restrict fluid communication between the valve and the actuator. This directs or “boosts” the gas toward the outlet of the valve. Additionally, during a relief operation, the second portion of the cartridge receives the valve disc to allow the free flow of gas to the actuator. | 10-23-2008 |
20080258095 | Adjustable Disc Mechanism for Gas Regulator - A gas regulator comprises an actuator and a valve body, wherein the actuator includes a valve disc with a cylindrical shroud that extends beyond the valve disc to direct the flow of fluid through the regulator toward the outlet of the valve and away from the actuator. This configuration advantageously reduces the amount of pressure drop experienced by the actuator during normal operation, thereby minimizing a phenomenon known as “droop.” At least in one embodiment, the shroud can be adjustable and/or removable to allow the regulator to be tuned for specific applications. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257427 | Service Regulator with Improved Boost Performance - A regulator comprises a regulator valve and an actuator. The regulator valve comprises a valve body equipped with a customized valve port. That is, the valve seat is designed to have a customized seat height depending on a diameter of an orifice through the valve port, a longitudinal dimension of an orifice through the valve port, and/or a flow capacity of the valve port. Such a design advantageously maximizes the efficiency at which gas flows through the regulator. The actuator is coupled to the valve body and comprises a valve disc disposed within the valve body and adapted for displacement between a closed position engaging the valve seat and an open position spaced from the valve seat. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257424 | Flow Valve Port for a Gas Regulator - A fluid regulating device comprises a valve body carrying a valve port that defines an elongated orifice that converges from an inlet portion to an outlet portion. The converging orifice minimizes the effects of boundary layer separation and advantageously maximizes the flow capacity of the valve port. The elongated orifice can be defined by a one-piece body, which is threaded into the valve body, or by a cartridge slidably disposed in a housing, which is threaded into the valve body. The fluid regulating device further comprises a diaphragm-based actuator including a control element movably disposed within the valve body for controlling the flow of fluid therethrough. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257423 | Secondary Seat for Gas Regulator - A fluid regulating device includes a valve disc and a valve port adapted to provide a secondary seal during an obstructed closing operation, whereby the valve disc directly engages a housing component of the valve port to maximize the integrity of the secondary seal and advantageously reduce the size and complexity of existing valve ports. The valve port comprises a housing and a cartridge slidably disposed in the housing. The valve disc directly engages a primary seat carried by the cartridge during a normal closing operation. During an obstructed closing operation, however, the cartridge is pushed into the housing such that the valve disc directly engages a secondary seat carried by the housing at a location that is downstream of the cartridge. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257421 | Integral Overpressure Monitoring Device - The present invention provides an integral cantilever monitoring device for a regulator having a positionable vent port that may be disposed proximate the lowest point of the monitoring device to allow drainage of liquids accumulating within the monitoring device due to humidity and precipitation. The monitoring device may also include a connection module allowing the monitoring device to be rotated independently of the actuator and valve body of the regulator to accommodate varying installation environments. The connection module may further include an inlet port for connection to a downstream pressure feedback line when the regulator valve body and connection module portions of a primary downstream pressure feedback passage are out of alignment due to rotation of the monitoring device. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257420 | SLAM SHUT SAFETY DEVICE - A safety device for a gas distribution system includes a valve body, an upper casing attached to the valve body, the upper casing housing two springs. The two springs are co-axially located and separated by a casting tube. Further, the two springs are attached to a movable diaphragm that is exposed to gas system pressure. A snap ring flange is also attached to the valve body, the snap ring flange being used to secure the safety device to a main regulator in the gas distribution system. The valve body also includes a cam mounted within the valve body. A limit switch is directly connected to the cam such that the limit switch moves directly in response to movement of the diaphragm. Additionally, a reset pin extends from the valve body and interacts with the cam such that the cam may be reset from a closed position to an open position by moving the reset pin. | 10-23-2008 |
20080257418 | Pressure Averaging Sense Tube For Gas Regulator - A regulator comprises a regulator valve and an actuator. The actuator is coupled to the regulator valve and comprises a control element for controlling the flow of fluid through the regulator valve. The actuator is additionally equipped with a pressure averaging sense tube to sense the actual pressure at the outlet of the regulator valve. The actual pressure is then supplied to a sensing element such as a diaphragm of the actuator to adjust the position of the control element. The pressure averaging sense tube includes an open sensing end and an elongated slot. The elongated slot advantageously senses and averages the pressure across the length of the sense tube to maximize the accuracy of the pressure signal supplied to the sensing element. | 10-23-2008 |
20080216704 | Conformal Coating - A conformal coating comprises a binding layer and a particulate which provides shielding against conductive crystalline structure growth. The particulate comprises materials that provide a tortuous path to substantially inhibit the growth of conductive crystalline structure on electrically conductive surfaces. | 09-11-2008 |