Abstract: A piezoelectric fluid pressure fluctuation frequency sensor, preferably for a vortex-shedding flowmeter. A piezoelectric transducer is located in a sensor chamber between and in physical contact with a diaphragm and a chamber surface. Pressure fluctuations in a von Karman vortex street outside the diaphragm compress the transducer, between the diaphragm and the chamber surface. The transducer generates a responsive electrical signal which is representative of the pressure fluctuations.

Abstract: A pneumatic process controller includes a nozzle mounted on a set point lever and a flapper with a connected process lever. The set point lever pivots the nozzle about a set point and input axis in response to set point adjustment. The process lever pivots the flapper about the same axis in response to the process variable. The nozzle and set point lever are mechanically separated from the flapper and process lever. Artificial effect upon the process variable from set point adjustment is eliminated.

Abstract: A device for attenuating noise of fluid in non-axisymmetric turbulent flow which comprises a conduit and a plurality of parallel aligned nested tubes in said conduit. The nested tubes are of varying cross-sectional size and have approximately the same cross-sectional shape. The tubes are eccentrically aligned with respect to each other such that a lower surface of each tube is in closely spaced relationship or is in substantially line contact with a surface of an adjacent tube along their longitudinal lengths, the line contact between all of the tubes being substantially at a common line, allowing for the thickness of the tube walls. A brace extends through and interconnects the nested tubes. In one embodiment, the noise attenuating device is spaced closely downstream from a reverse flow ball valve to provide a smooth transition from the non-axisymmetric flow discharging from the valve to substantially axisymmetric flow (or fully developed pipe flow) in the conduit downstream of the valve.

Abstract: A combustion control system for a furnace monitors the oxygen content, carbon monoxide content and temperature in the flue gas exhausting from the combustion chamber. These parameters are used to calculate total heat loss due to unreacted oxygen and the other excessive air components associated therewith, and carbon monoxide. Such heat loss calculations are continuously made and compared to determine whether total heat loss, oxygen related heat loss and carbon monoxide heat loss are increasing or decreasing. Depending upon the combination of increase and decrease associated with the various heat losses, the combustion air supply is increased or decreased. In this manner it is possible to minimize heat loss and maximize furnace efficiency even though the combustion characteristics of the combustion unit may change with time.

Abstract: A vortex-shedding flowmeter comprising two stationary vortex-shedding cross-members (i.e., bluff bodies) disposed transversely to a stream of fluid. Each cross-member has a bluff face with sharp Karman vortex generating edges with independently selected edge to edge widths d of from 10 to 40% of the inside width of the conduit through which the fluid flows and lengths 1 of from 0.3 to 2.0d. The second cross-member is disposed downstream of the first cross-member a distance of from 4 to 15 times the width d of the first cross-member. Any sensor may be used in any location provided it or they sense the Karman vortices generated by co-action of the two cross-members. This flowmeter provides strong signals with a high signal to noise ratio and high Strouhal number.

Abstract: A pilot-operated back pressure regulator of simplified design and construction having a balanced valve plug attached to a diaphragm actuator and secured to the regulator body by bolts for ready simultaneous removal of the plug and actuator. The diaphragm divides the actuator into two cavities; a spring cavity acting to close the valve plug and pressure balancing cavity. A pilot valve is in communication with the inlet pressure to the regulator body, the spring cavity and an exhaust to regulate the inlet pressure to flex the diaphragm. In a preferred embodiment O-ring seals are located between (a) the valve plug and the valve seat, (b) the valve plug and its guide, and (c) the valve plug guide and the regulator body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are valve seals wherein an annular metallic seal member is retained in an annular recess in a valve body wall, the seal member being resiliently deformable in both axial and radial directions. A resilient annular Belleville spring portion is provided linking an inner sealing portion and an outer flange portion which is sealingly engaged by the valve body. When a valve employing this seal arrangement is closed, differential pressure acting from either direction urges a valve closure member and the seal member in a downstream direction, and forces the seal member and the valve closure member into tighter sealing engagement.

Abstract: A Batch Option Module is provided for a process control instrument. Whenever the process control instrument reaches the limits of its control range, the Batch Option Module is activated to limit the output of the instrument as a function of the process variable, the setpoint, and an adjustable bias. When the output of the instrument due to normal control action no longer trys to exceed the Batch Option Module limit, the Batch Option Module is deactivated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are valve seals wherein an annular seal member is retained in an annular recess in a valve body wall, the seal member being axially flexible. A resilient annular garter spring is provided between the seal member and a converging surface on a wall of the valve body recess. When a valve employing this seal arrangement is closed, differential pressure urging the seal member in a downstream direction tends to deflect the seal member around the garter spring, while the garter spring tends to coact with the converging surface of the recess to provide a radially inwardly moving fulcrum for forcing the seal member into tighter engagement with a valve closure member.

Abstract: A valve mechanism is disclosed comprising valve body means with a fluid flow passage communicating an inlet and an outlet. A valve for controlling the flow of fluid through the fluid flow passage is connected to a stem which extends outwardly from the valve body. Handle means externally secured to the stem include a cam operable against the valve body for actuating the valve away from a seat within the valve body. A shut-off spring functions to urge the valve toward its valve seat. Cooperating latching means are provided on the handle means and stem to lock the parts with less than 90.degree. rotation of the handle means. Release means cooperate with the latching means to free the handle means for rotation and permit the stem to move so that the main spring can close the valve. The handle, latching means, and stem are arranged to rotate so as to permit actuation of the handle in any position about 360.degree. of the axis of rotation of the stem.

Abstract: Described herein is a structure for attachment of two parts of a valve structure in a pressure-tight leakproof relationship, which employs a minimum number of parts and may be quickly disassembled, but which is nonetheless strong, rugged, and durable. This structure includes a first member having two pairs of spaced-apart lugs protruding in a direction generally parallel to the axis of an opening in the first member. A second member is provided which extends into the opening and includes two ears, each ear being adapted for placement between two lugs. The lugs are provided with matching transverse holes, whereby a bolt or pin may be placed through one lug of a pair, then over a portion of an ear, then into the second lug of the pair for securing the two members together in a predetermined relationship. Means are provided for detection of internal pressure in the valve to prevent disassembly thereof prior to removal of the pressure.

Abstract: Described herein are fluid flow control valves of the type wherein a perforated orifice member is interposed between the valve inlet and outlet, and a flexible membrane is provided which selectively covers and uncovers the perforations in the orifice member. A valve stem is provided which is attached to an edge of the membrane and by reciprocal movement of this valve stem the membrane may be peeled from a surface of the orifice member to expose perforations for fluid flow.