Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a field device including a network bridge, the network bridge to convert first data received at a first Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio of the network bridge, over a BLE network, from a second BLE radio of a remote device, and formatted according to a BLE communication protocol, into second data formatted according to an industrial communication protocol.

Abstract: Valve body insert apparatus and related methods are described. An example valve includes a valve body made of a first material and having a fluid flow passageway and a first shaft bore. The fluid flow passageway defines a first axis and the first shaft bore defines a second axis that is substantially non-parallel relative to the first axis of the fluid flow passageway. A first insert is positioned in the first shaft bore. The first insert is made of a second material different than the first material such that the second material has a higher corrosion resistance characteristic than the first material.

Abstract: An integrated controller configured to operate in a field includes a network interface module, one or more function modules, and an output module. The network interface module is configured to receive, from a remote host via a communication link, a setpoint for a process variable. The one or more function modules are configured to (i) receive a measurement of a process variable from a field device and (ii) execute logic for a control loop including the field device based at least in part on the measurement of the process variable and the setpoint for the process variable, to generate an output signal independently of the remote host, where the output signal is for controlling the field device. The output module is configured to directly apply the generated output signal to the field device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Valve trim and related methods are described. An example valve trim includes a cage defining a body having a bore to receive a valve plug. The cage includes a plurality of passageways through a side surface of the body that are radially spaced relative to a longitudinal axis of the bore. A valve seat to receive the cage. The valve seat has a plurality of projections defining a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings. Ones of the first openings to align with respective ones of the passageways to provide a first flow characteristic when the cage is positioned in a first orientation relative to the valve seat. Ones of the second openings to align with respective ones of the passageways of the cage to provide a second flow characteristic different than the first flow characteristic when the cage is positioned in a second orientation relative to the valve seat different from the first orientation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a field device includes a valve coupler having a first portion configured to couple to an actuator rod of an actuator, a second portion configured to couple to a movable component of a control valve, and one or more sensors measuring one or more parameters indicative of the health and/or remaining service life of the control valve assembly and/or one or more components of the valve assembly. Further, at least one of the one or more sensor devices may generate energy from the control valve assembly and/or the operating environment of the control valve assembly for operation of the electronics.

Abstract: A relay valve configured according to the various embodiments as described herein advantageously provides consistent, reliable start point pressures for both supply and exhaust functionalities. To achieve this, the relay valves described herein utilize a plurality of diaphragms to neutralize any variable forces due to pressure in an actuator and, optionally, a supply connected to the relay valve.

Abstract: A non-plugging, multi-stage valve trim and a fluid flow control device employing the same. The valve trim includes a unitary cage body extending along a longitudinal axis, and a valve plug movably disposed within the unitary cage body to control fluid flow through the unitary cage body. The unitary cage body includes an outer wall arranged to engage the valve body, an inner wall spaced radially inwardly of the outer wall, a cage inlet formed in the outer wall, a cage outlet formed in the outer wall, and a pressure reducing fluid flow passageway formed within the unitary cage body and extending between the cage inlet and the cage outlet.

Abstract: Example tapered nut valve plug fastener apparatus disclosed herein include a valve plug, a valve stem, and a nut. The valve plug has a first end, a second end located opposite the first end of the valve plug, and a bore extending from the first end to the second end of the valve plug. The valve stem has a first end, a second end located opposite the first end of the valve stem, and a first tapered surface located between the first end and the second end of the valve stem. The first end of the valve stem extends through the bore The nut is threadably engaged with the first end of the valve stem. The nut includes a second tapered surface. The first tapered surface engages the bore from the first end of the valve plug and the second tapered surface engages the bore from the second end of the valve plug to capture the valve plug between the first and second tapered surfaces, and to rigidly secure the valve plug to the valve stem.

Abstract: Adjustment of loop-powered pneumatic process control device interfaces is disclosed. A disclosed example interface for use with a pneumatic process control device includes a power input to scavenge power from a loop power control signal associated with the process control system, a movement controller to cause movement of an actuator powered by the loop power, where the actuator is operatively coupled to a movable control input associated with the process control device, and a calibrator to read position feedback of the actuator during the movement to calculate a positional error, where the calibrator is to adjust a set point of the loop power control signal based on the positional error to control the actuator.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for operating, in a process control system, a circuit coupled to an input power supply and a supercapacitor susceptible to damage at high temperatures. A controller causes the circuit to supply electric charge from the input power supply to the supercapacitor. The controller also causes the circuit to supply electric power from the supercapacitor to a field device, such as an actuator. The controller selects a voltage to which the supercapacitor is to be charged based at least in part on a detected temperature associated with the supercapacitor, and causes the circuit to supply electric charge from the input power supply to the supercapacitor based on the selected voltage.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture are disclosed for a positioner apparatus for use with fluid valves. An example apparatus includes a fluid valve, an actuator operatively coupled to the fluid valve, and a positioner fluidly coupled to the actuator to control a position of the fluid valve via a fluid provided from a fluid supply line, the positioner having first and second transducers configured to increase or decrease a pressure of the fluid in the actuator, the positioner to enable the first and second transducers to change the position of the fluid valve during a safety event.

Abstract: Valve packing installation apparatus and related methods for use with fluid valves are disclosed. An apparatus includes a tube to receive a stack of packing components. The tube has a first end and a second end. A plunger is disposed within the tube adjacent the second end. The plunger is slidable toward the first end to expel the stack of packing components into a valve in a predetermined order associated with an installation sequence.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to produce fluid control device components are related fluid control devices. An example method of producing a valve component, includes: accessing a first request from a user interface device to produce a valve component, the first request specifying first characteristics of the valve component; when the first characteristics are not associated with a first build file, comparing the first characteristics to first reference characteristics to determine if the first characteristics satisfy a threshold; if the first characteristics do not satisfy the threshold, providing feedback accessible at the user interface device to change the first characteristics to second characteristics, where the second characteristics satisfy the threshold; and when the first characteristics are associated with the first build file or when the first or second characteristics satisfy the threshold, causing, using the one or more processors, an additive manufacturing machine to produce the valve component.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for coordinating operation of valves are disclosed. In some examples, an apparatus includes a valve controller to receive a first signal from a first control system to change an operating state of a valve, the valve controller is to provide the first control system exclusive control of the valve. In some examples, the valve controller is to receive a second signal from a second control system requesting permission to operate the valve, and send a response to the second control system indicating the first control system has exclusive control of the valve and has changed an operating state of the valve.

Abstract: A control valve includes a valve body, a valve seat, and a valve closure member displaceable a closed position and an open position. An anti-cavitation element is provided and includes a plurality of hollow tubes including a first tube, a second tube and a third tube. Each tube includes a flow axis from an open first end to an open second end, and an inner surface defining a flow area and having a cross-sectional shape normal to the flow axis. A second end of the tubes is between the valve closure member and first ends of the tubes along their respective flow axes when the valve closure member is closed. The first tube, the second tube, and the third tube are integrally formed as a single, unitary structure.

Abstract: Example methods and apparatus to correct remote sensor signals are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a sensor to generate a signal and a first memory to store calibration data associated with the sensor. The example apparatus also includes a second memory to store the calibration data and a first processor proximate to the sensor and the first memory to retrieve the calibration data from the first memory. In addition, the example apparatus includes a second processor, proximate to the second memory and remotely situated relative to the first processor. The second processor is to receive the signal from the sensor, receive the calibration data from first processor, and correct the signal based on the calibration data.

Abstract: A unitary valve trim assembly that can be easily installed in and removed from a valve body of a process control valve. The valve trim assembly includes a valve cage and a valve seat. The valve cage has a first projection that extends in a first direction that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the valve cage. The valve seat has a second projection that extends in a second direction, opposite the first direction, that is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The second projection is arranged to engage the first projection to removably couple the valve seat to the valve cage.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to characterize fluid valves are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a fluid valve having a valve seat and a flow control member to sealingly engage the valve seat. The apparatus includes a sensor to detect a change in position of the flow control member. The apparatus includes a processor to determine at least one of a seating point or a breakout point corresponding to the flow control member based on the change in position.

Abstract: 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.