Abstract: In a method for estimating a remaining lifetime of a solenoid coil of a valve controller operating in a process control system, a record of a duration of activation of the solenoid coil is maintained during operation of the solenoid coil. An operating temperature of the solenoid coil is determined. An estimate of the remaining lifetime of the solenoid coil is generated based on the duration of activation of the solenoid coil and the operating temperature of the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A valve can include a rib for improving flow, which can include improving a flow rating of the valve and improving the structural integrity of the valve. A valve can include a valve body, one or more inlets for allowing flow into the body, one or more outlets for allowing flow out of the body, one or more flow paths, and one or more ribs for routing fluid in a flow path. A valve can include an orifice fluidicly between an inlet and an outlet and one or more ribs disposed upstream and/or downstream of the orifice. A valve can include one or more ribs in an inlet flow path, an outlet flow path or another flow path and a rib can be coupled between two or more portions of a valve.

Abstract: A connector element is disclosed in accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure. The connector element is for coupling a first tubular element to a second tubular element, wherein the second tubular element is having an end configuration selected from a threaded end configuration and a non-threaded plain configuration. The connector element is having a threaded element complementary to the threads of the threaded end configuration of the second tubular element, a tube lock that is co-axially arranged with respect to and disposed downstream of the threaded element for holding the second tubular element, and a guide element that is co-axially arranged with respect to and disposed down-stream of the tube lock for guiding the second tubular element.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a solenoid valve and associated method of control for compensated performance based on environmental conditions and optionally product life. The solenoid coil power consumption is proactively optimized based on predetermined database information to cross reference a given operating temperature and optionally, valve operating cycles. The net effect is to reduce power consumption under normal conditions and selectively apply higher power to the valve coil when required.

Abstract: A solenoid coil assembly for hazardous environments comprises a solenoid coil and an enclosure entirely filled with encapsulation material. The encapsulation material leaves zero or almost zero volume in the enclosure for hazardous material to accumulate in any amount that could explode. This allows the solenoid coil assembly to be constructed without the usual industry standard flame paths. Additionally, the enclosure may be made of physically rigid and strong material such as metal or the like to better withstand harsh and corrosive conditions within hazardous environments without being explosion proof. The walls of such an enclosure need only have a moderate thickness and weight relative to enclosures that are explosion proof, as there is no meaningful risk of an explosion occurring within the enclosure. The combination of a rugged exterior and a zero-volume interior allows the solenoid coil assembly to reduce weight and cost while providing superior environmental protection.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and system for measuring an increase in wattage to detect a potential winding failure. The increase in watts in the winding occurs when a time-varying magnetic field from active turns of the winding induces a time-varying current on shorted turns of the winding. The resistance through the shorted turns and the induced current result in power usage and increased watts. The wattage increase is much greater than a resistance decrease in the winding by the shorted turns. Measuring the watts results in detecting a shorting winding with greater sensitivity than measuring the resistance. In one embodiment, the winding can be tested offline with a wattmeter and power supply. In another embodiment, the winding in use and its wattage can be monitored continuously or periodically locally or remotely, with an optional sensor to initiate a signal upon reaching a certain percentage increase in watts.

Abstract: A solenoid coil assembly for hazardous environments comprises a solenoid coil and an enclosure entirely filled with encapsulation material. The encapsulation material leaves zero or almost zero volume in the enclosure for hazardous material to accumulate in any amount that could explode. This allows the solenoid coil assembly to be constructed without the usual industry standard flame paths. Additionally, the enclosure may be made of physically rigid and strong material such as metal or the like to better withstand harsh and corrosive conditions within hazardous environments without being explosion proof. The walls of such an enclosure need only have a moderate thickness and weight relative to enclosures that are explosion proof, as there is no meaningful risk of an explosion occurring within the enclosure. The combination of a rugged exterior and a zero-volume interior allows the solenoid coil assembly to reduce weight and cost while providing superior environmental protection.

Abstract: A method of assuring drop out of a valve assembly comprising detecting a level of a signal from the controller; diverting the signal to a solenoid coil of the valve assembly when the level of the signal is above a predetermined value; and diverting the signal to a load when the level of the signal is below the predetermined value. The level detector may divert the signal away from the coil when the level of the signal is below the predetermined value, thereby ensuring that the coil is fully de-energized in response to the level of the signal being below the predetermined value, while allowing current to flow through the valve assembly, thereby allowing the controller to monitor the integrity of the wiring between the controller and the valve assembly.

Abstract: A method of sealing coil leads during encapsulation by placing a lead of a coil in a tube, such that there remains a gap between the lead and the tube; placing the coil in a mold such that the gap remains open to an environment surrounding the mold; and injecting encapsulation material into the closed mold in a liquid state under pressure, thereby causing the material to flow through the gap toward the environment. Injecting encapsulation material into the mold may be done at a rate, temperature, and/or environmental temperature to cause the material to solidify before passing through the gap into the environment. In any case, there is no need to seal the mold to the leads. Each lead of the coil may be placed into an individual tube and/or the tubes may be is formed within a single sleeve.

Abstract: A valve assembly having a valve body; at least one port to receive tubing; and a collar group to secure the tubing to the port, wherein the collar group is selected from a first collar group configured to secure the tubing by a flattening a washer, thereby driving teeth of the washer into the tubing, and a second collar group having a smooth interior surface to which the tubing is bonded, wherein either the first or the second collar groups may be interchangeably threaded onto the port.

Abstract: A solenoid valve for use in a hazardous environment requiring a surface temperature of the valve to not exceed a cutoff temperature, the valve comprising coil configured to physically move an armature using an field generated by the coil; a thermal cutoff device having a fusing temperature above the cutoff temperature; and a heating resistor sized and configured to raise thermal cutoff device's temperature to the fusing temperature before the surface temperature exceeds the cutoff temperature. A method of constructing a solenoid valve for use in a hazardous environment requiring a surface temperature of the valve to not exceed a cutoff temperature, the method comprising the steps of: selecting a thermal cutoff device having a fusing temperature above the cutoff temperature; and selecting and configuring a heating resistor to raise thermal cutoff device's temperature to the fusing temperature before the surface temperature exceeds the cutoff temperature.

Abstract: A manifold (100) comprising an inlet port (102) for receiving a fluid flow, said inlet port defining a flow passage (122); a plurality of outlet ports (104-114); wherein some of the outlet ports are provided with direct communication with said flow passage (122); and the ports being connected by auxiliary passages adapted to convey fluid between said outlet ports to reduce stagnation pressure zones and maintain desired pressure distribution at each outlet port.

Abstract: A valve comprising a housing defining an interior chamber; an inlet port; an outlet port; an exhaust port; an actuator that selectively allows and prevents communication between the inlet port and outlet port; and a bleed port providing communication between the inlet port and the interior chamber regardless of the position of the actuator. The housing may be surrounded by an environment that is exposed to combustibles and therefore classified as a hazardous environment. Even so, the valve may be rated for use in that environment even though the actuator may require more energy to operate than would normally be acceptable in that environment.

Abstract: A process control valve with a spring rate adjustment and a spring force adjustment, thereby accommodating tight spring tolerances, such as those encountered in low power and proportional applications. The spring rate and spring force may both be adjusted after the valve has been fully assembled, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A solenoid valve assembly including a process control valve plumbed within a hazardous environment; a solenoid coil mated to the valve and configured to operate the valve, the solenoid coil located within the hazardous environment; a valve coil configured to receive power and transfer that power to the solenoid coil, thereby operating the valve, the valve coil located within the hazardous environment; and a controller coil configured to transmit power to the valve coil, the controller coil located in the hazardous environment.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for controlling energy consumption in a system having a battery and including a controller and one or more solenoids. In accordance with the disclosure, the controller provides a controlling mechanism, such as a control algorithm, that will provide the necessary power to operate the one or more solenoids throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that optimizes the voltage discharge from the battery and simultaneously maximizes battery life. Further power conservation measures are implemented by using a controller and an associated control algorithm to operate a solenoid throughout the range of battery voltage in a manner that places the discharge of the battery in reduced power consumption operating modes as the capacity of the battery is reduced.

Abstract: A manifold (100) comprising an inlet port (102) for receiving a fluid flow, said inlet port defining a flow passage (122); a plurality of outlet ports (104-114); wherein some of the outlet ports are provided with direct communication with said flow passage (122); and the ports being connected by auxiliary passages adapted to convey fluid between said outlet ports to reduce stagnation pressure zones and maintain desired pressure distribution at each outlet port.

Abstract: The inventions disclosed and taught herein are further directed to a solenoid valve configured for operation at minimum power levers comprising: a casing; a magnetic coil within the casing adapted for inducing a magnetic flux when energized; a plunger selectively actuated by the magnetic coil to operate the solenoid valve; and at least one energy storage device within the casing adapted to store energy and selectively energize the magnetic coil by applying the energy to the magnetic coil.

Abstract: A system for indicating the status of a valve may include an encapsulation with electronic circuitry disposed at least partially therein, a communication sub-system, a sensor, an indicator and a power source. The encapsulation may be zero volume, and the indicator may include a color changing skin. A method of indicating the status of a valve may include providing a valve, providing a status indicating system, changing a status of the valve, sensing a status of the valve, and indicating a status of the valve. A method of encapsulating a status indicating system may include providing an encapsulant and coupling at least a portion of the system with the encapsulant.