Abstract: A method of designing a three-dimensional flow control element includes creating a first computer aided design representative of a flow configuration having a first end and a second end. A second computer aided design of a host body is created. The design of the flow configuration is digitally inserted into the design of the host body such that the two designs define an overlapping region. The first computer aided design and the portion of the second computer aided design in the overlapping region is subtracted from a remainder of the second computer aided design to produce a third computer aided design of a flow control element having a fluid pathway extending therethrough. The fluid pathway is associated with the overlapping portions of the first and second computer aided designs.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a valve housing having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A valve body is disposed within the valve housing and is transitional relative to the valve housing between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the valve body prevents fluid flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The valve body is incrementally transitional from the closed position to the open position to incrementally increase the amount of fluid flow from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A flow control element is positioned within the valve housing downstream of the valve body. The flow control element includes a peripheral body and an inward body having a plurality of flow control passageways extending therethrough. The flow control element additionally includes an opening defined collectively by the peripheral body and the inward body.

Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body and a flow control device having a wall extending around a central axis. A plurality of flow control channels are formed in the wall, with each flow control channel extending in a first direction substantially parallel to the central axis and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis toward an inner surface and terminating between an outer surface and the inner surface at an inner channel surface. A valve plug is moveable relative to the flow control device in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the valve plug covers the plurality of flow control channels, and as the valve plug transitions from the closed position toward the open position, the plurality of flow control channels become exposed to receive fluid flow.

Abstract: A valve body, for use in a valve housing having an inlet and outlet, includes a spherical outer surface. A flow opening extends diametrically from one side of the outer surface to an opposing side. A plurality of flow control passageways extend from the outer surface into the valve body. The valve body is moveable relative to the valve housing between a closed position, a restricted flow position, and a free flow position. In the closed position, the flow opening and all of the plurality of flow control passageways are out of alignment with the inlet and outlet. In the restricted flow position, at least one flow control passageway is moved into fluid communication with the inlet and outlet to facilitate fluid communication therebetween. In the free flow position, the flow opening is moved into fluid communication with the inlet and outlet to facilitate fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: A flow control element includes an element body formed as a unitary structure and disposed about a body axis. The element body includes a first surface, a second surface in spaced relation to the first surface, and an inner peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces and defining a central bore extending along the body axis. The element body additionally includes an outer peripheral surface extending between the first and second surfaces in spaced relation to the inner peripheral surface. A plurality of passageways extend between the inner peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface, with each passageway having a pair of side surfaces extending in generally opposed relation to each other and a pair of beveled surfaces extending toward each other from respective ones of the pair of side surfaces.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a stack of annular discs positioned in a flow path. Each disc includes fluid passageways extending between inner and outer perimeters of the disc, with each passageway defining a flow axis extending out of the disc and radially offset from a central axis of the discs. A plug is moveable relative to the discs between closed and open positions. In the closed position, a cylindrical section of the plug is positioned to block fluid flow through the annular discs. In the open position, the annular discs and a tapered section of the plug collectively define an annular vortex chamber. The fluid passageways in the annular discs and the tapered section of the plug collectively impart a rotational flow when the plug is in the open position and as fluid exits the annular discs.

Abstract: A fluid control valve includes a housing defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A valve seat is coupled to the housing and is positioned between the inlet and the outlet. The valve seat includes an end surface, seating surface extending from the end surface toward the seat axis, and a groove surface extends from the seating surface and defines a groove extending around the seat axis. The valve seat further includes an inner surface defining a central bore extending along the seat axis. A spindle is disposed within the housing and is reciprocally moveable between closed and open positions within the central bore of the valve seat. The spindle defines a longitudinal axis and includes an outer surface and a plurality of flow passages formed in the outer surface to prescribed lengths and extending in generally parallel relation to the axis of the spindle.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a cylindrical body disposed about a primary axis. The cylindrical body includes a primary flow passage extending therethrough. A ball element having an inlet flow passage extending therethrough is pivotable relative to the cylindrical body between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the inlet flow passage is in fluid communication with the primary flow passage, and in the closed position, the inlet flow passage is not in fluid communication with the primary flow passage. The flow control device further comprises an internal flow control body having a collar positioned within the cylindrical body about the primary axis. A plurality of outer helical fins extend outwardly from the collar and define a plurality of outer helical passageways, and a plurality of inner helical fins are positioned inwardly from the collar and define a plurality of inner helical passageways.

Abstract: A valve for regulating the flow of a fluid includes a housing defining a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. A flow control element is disposed within the housing and is configured to dissipate energy in a fluid flowing therethrough from the fluid inlet to the fluid outlet. A valve seat is positioned within the housing and includes a plurality of vortex generators which induce vortices in the fluid as the fluid flows through the valve seat. A plug is disposed within the housing and is moveable relative thereto between closed and open positions. The plug moves away from the valve seat as the plug moves from the closed position toward the open position such that fluid flow through the flow control element and the valve seat increases as the plug is moved from the closed position toward the open position.

Abstract: A multi-stage, torispherical drilled-hole dump device which mounts on the surface of an air cooled condenser (ACC) duct, and provides a compact and lightweight method for discharging steam into the duct by presenting a large surface area which minimizes noise and vibration, while also having a low-profile shape which minimizes projection into the duct and flow disturbance in the duct.

Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body having a main valve passageway. A flow control assembly is positioned in the main valve passageway and includes a first control element, and a second control element rotatable relative to the first control element between a closed position, a first position, and a second position. In the closed position, the first and second control elements form a plug which prevents fluid flow through the main valve passageway. In the first position, the first and second control elements collectively define a first control passageway therethrough, and in the second position, the first and second control elements collectively define the first control passageway and a second control passageway therethrough.

Abstract: A control valve which includes a discrete, multi-stage, multi-path valve trim, located in concentric cylinders, along the outlet axis of the valve, with potential to characterize flow resistance at different opening points.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a strainer system for use in a nuclear sump. The strainer system of the present invention includes at least one primary strainer module which defines a primary strainer/filter surface. In the strainer system, the primary strainer surface of the primary strainer module has a debris interceptor which is cooperatively engaged thereto, and may be outfitted with one or more pressure released or activated membranes. In a loss of coolant accident, the debris interceptor, alone or in combination with the pressure activated membrane(s), is adapted to reduce the differential pressure experienced across the strainer system in nuclear power plants with medium to high fiber loads.

Abstract: In accordance with the resent invention, there is provided a fugitive emission detection system for use in conjunction with a valve having a packing deign which includes a primary packing and a secondary packing. The valve further includes a leak port which is disposed within the valve bonnet between the primary and secondary packings. The detection system is operative to maintain the leak port in a normally open state. As a result, any fluid leakage past the primary packing is normally sent to the detection system, as opposed to being applied to and thus pressurizing the secondary packing. In the event of that a prescribed level of fluid leakage beyond the primary packing is detected, the leak port will be closed. The closure of the leak port facilitates the pressurization of the secondary packing.

Abstract: An anti-surge system capable of anticipating a surge event in a compressor for readying the actuator to quickly actuate the anti-surge valve from the closed position to the open position. The control system includes a compressor surge controller configured to transmit a signal to the valve positioner when the operating point of the valve is approaching the surge control line. The compressor surge controller may monitor an operating margin equal to the difference between the operating point and the surge control line, and when the operating margin falls below a prescribed threshold, the compressor surge controller may send a signal to the positioner. In turn, the positioner may vent some pressure from the actuator. In this way, the dead time of the anti-surge valve on the valve seat is minimized and the valve will react more promptly to an opening signal.

Abstract: A cascade type trim for integration into control valve and having a valve stem and a valve cage which cooperate with each other to define a plurality of fluid passageway columns, each of which extend between a valve inlet and a valve outlet. Each fluid passageway column is collectively defined by a plurality of stem passageways and a plurality of cage passageways. The stem and cage passageways are brought in and out of alignment as a result of axial movement of the stem relative to the cage. In a first position, a first fluid passageway is open, while a second fluid passageway remains closed. In a second position, both the first and second fluid passageways are open, and yet in a third position, the first fluid passageway is closed and the second fluid passageway is open.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a bi-directional shut-off trim for a valve which possesses the functional attributes of a pilot operated trim and a balanced trim through the integration of a spring loaded check valve into a pilot trim. In forward flow isolation, the bi-directional shut-off trim of the present invention acts as a normal pilot operated trim. In reverse flow, the check valve of the shut-off trim opens to balance the pressure on either side of the plug thereof.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a bi-directional shut-off trim for a valve which possesses the functional attributes of a pilot operated trim and a balanced trim through the integration of a spring loaded check valve into a pilot trim. In forward flow isolation, the bi-directional shut-off trim of the present invention acts as a normal pilot operated trim. In reverse flow, the check valve of the shut-off trim opens to balance the pressure on either side of the plug thereof.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a multi-spindle spray nozzle assembly for a steam desuperheating or attemperator device. The nozzle assembly features a nozzle holder which accommodates two small, spring-loaded nozzles, each of which is adapted to produce a spray pattern of reduced cone angle (e.g., approximately 60°) in comparison to currently know nozzle designs. The two nozzles are positioned within the nozzle holder such that they diverge from the axis thereof as allows the spray pattern generated thereby to be effectively tilted into the flow of steam within a desuperheating device having the nozzle assembly interfaced thereto.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a bi-directional shut-off trim for a valve which possesses the functional attributes of a pilot operated trim and a balanced trim through the integration of a spring loaded check valve into a pilot trim. In forward flow isolation, the bi-directional shut-off trim of the present invention acts as a normal pilot operated trim. In reverse flow, the check valve of the shut-off trim opens to balance the pressure on either side of the plug thereof.