Abstract: An example fluid pressure reduction device includes a hollow cylinder having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of passageways extending between the inner and outer surfaces. Each passageway delimits an aperture having a cross-sectional area and a wetted perimeter that is greater than a second wetted perimeter of one of a circle-shaped aperture or a rectangle-shaped aperture having the same cross-sectional area as one of the passageways.

Abstract: A fluid pressure reduction device comprises two or more stackable annular plates. Each disk having a perimeter and a hollow center aligned along a longitudinal axis when the annular plates are stacked one on top of the other. Each disk further comprising at least one inlet flow sector having an inlet flow stage for defining a first inlet area and a first outlet area, and at least one outlet flow sector having an outlet flow stage defining a second inlet area and a second outlet areas wherein the ratio of the second inlet area to the second outlet area is predetermined to define a backpressure at the outlet flow stage to provide a sub-sonic fluid flow at the perimeter.

Abstract: Apparatus to vary the effective spring rate of diaphragm actuators are described. An example spring assembly for use in a diaphragm actuator includes a first spring operatively coupled to a diaphragm plate and an actuator stem, and a second spring operatively coupled to the actuator stem and configured to be serially operative with the first spring. Additionally, a movable spring seat is disposed between the first and second springs.

Abstract: Apparatus to connect a valve stem to a valve plug and, more particularly, apparatus to connect a threaded valve stem to a valve plug of a control valve are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a threaded valve stem received in a threaded opening of a valve plug and a securement member received in an adjacent opening extending from at least one of the threaded opening or an exterior surface of the valve stem to secure non-rotatably the threaded valve stem to the valve plug.

Abstract: A valve actuator comprises a housing, a lever, and a positioning device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A valve actuator comprises a housing, a lever, a collet, and a biasing device. The lever is disposed within the housing and is adapted to be operatively coupled to rotate the valve shaft. The collet is carried by the lever and adapted to couple the lever to the valve shaft. The biasing device comprising a spring operatively coupled to the collet to bias the lever into a predetermined position.

Abstract: Apparatus to seal a shaft to a diaphragm in a diaphragm actuator are disclosed. An example apparatus for use in a diaphragm actuator has a central aperture and an integral sealing protrusion disposed about a circumference of the central aperture. The sealing protrusion is configured to sealingly engage a shaft of the diaphragm actuator.

Abstract: A valve with a flow adjustment device in the form of a valve stem travel limiter includes a collar having a passage therethrough to receive a valve stem having a projection, the collar further includes a plurality of grooves having different depths. The flow adjustment device may be assembled to a valve stem to permit a plurality of different predetermined valve stem travel limits corresponding to respective different maximum flow capacities of the valve.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Apparatus to determine the position of a movable member of an actuator operating a valve assembly are disclosed. The movable member of the actuator displaces an actuation arm of a position sensor such that relative displacement occurs between a magnetic flux source and a magnetic flux sensor of the position sensor.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A seal assembly for a fluid pressure control device includes a guide element having a scaling 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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of reprogramming a field device in a process control network using the standard communications protocol for the network, and a reprogrammable field device in the process control network adapted for being reprogrammed using the standard communications protocol for the network. The method and device of the present invention use the standard communications protocol to transmit the downloaded code to the field device and store the downloaded code in the field device while the device is enabled to perform process control. Once the new code is downloaded and stored in the field device, the field device is set to a steady state condition and/or disabled from performing process control, reprogrammed to execute the downloaded code, and reenabled to perform process control.

Abstract: An emergency shutdown system includes an emergency shutdown valve, a control line to carry a signal determinative of positioning of the emergency shutdown valve, a solenoid assembly coupled to the control line to effectuate the positioning of the emergency shutdown valve, and a junction device coupled to the control line and the solenoid assembly. In some embodiments, the junction device includes a switch, such as a relay, responsive to the signal to control whether the solenoid assembly is coupled to the control line and, therefore, energized.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for a field device in a process control apparatus is provided. At least one sensor is associated with the process control apparatus, and a computer is adapted to receive data from the sensor and to detect an occurrence of a predetermined process event. A memory device is operatively connected to the computer and adapted to store sensor data received by the computer at a time corresponding to the occurrence of the predetermined process event.

Abstract: A control valve of the ball type with bi-directional shutoff capabilities is disclosed. The ball valve including an inlet and an outlet, a ball element and a seal assembly. When closing the valve, the ball element, which is eccentrically mounted on a shaft, rotates to abut the seal assembly. While closed, the seal assembly including a seal housing, a main seal and a resilient member, contacts the ball element at the main seal, while the resilient member biases the main seal toward the ball element. The seal assembly further includes a secondary flowpath between the main seal and seal housing, which is restricted by a high temperature seal.

Abstract: A tank manifold assembly for use in combination with fuel tanks of Hydrogen fuel cell-powered vehicles. The manifold assembly incorporates a regulator, an excess flow valve, a manual shutoff valve, and ports to receive separate components. The separate components may include, by way of example, a thermal relief valve, a pressure sensor, a pressure relief valve, a check valve, thermal temperature sensors, and a low pressure solenoid valve. The tank assembly is versatile and easily customized to particular applications.