Abstract: A rotary valve includes a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet, and a valve shaft is disposed in the valve body. A control element includes a first side, a second side, and defines a pivot axis. The control element operatively connected to the valve shaft, disposed in the fluid flow path, and is rotatable by the valve shaft about the pivot axis between an open position, in which the control element permits fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet, and a closed position, in which the control element limits flow between the inlet and the outlet of the valve body. A portion of the control element includes a lattice structure including a plurality of connected lattice members. The lattice structure defines one or more channels extending across the first side of the control element.

Abstract: Digital valve controllers and seal washer assemblies for use with digital valve controllers include a seal washer assembly. The seal washer assembly includes a body. The body has a bore. The seal washer assembly includes a flange. The flange is coupled to the body and includes a passage, a face-seal groove, and an exterior-seal groove. The seal washer assembly includes a face seal. The face seal is disposed within the face-seal groove. The seal washer assembly includes an exterior seal. The exterior seal is disposed within the exterior-seal groove.

Abstract: Bonnet and valve trim assembly and related methods are described. An example bonnet and valve trim assembly includes a bonnet structured to couple to a valve body via a valve body mounting flange, the bonnet including a cage mounting interface. A cage defining a body has a bonnet mounting interface to couple to the cage mounting interface of the bonnet. A retainer retains the cage mounting interface and the bonnet mounting interface to couple the cage and the bonnet. The retainer to enable axial movement between the cage and the bonnet when the retainer is coupled to the cage and the bonnet.

Abstract: Discrete logic safety systems for smart process control devices are disclosed. A discrete logic safety system includes a heartbeat monitor to be operatively coupled to a processor of the process control device to monitor a first condition of the processor, a sensor monitor to be operatively coupled to a sensor of the process control device to monitor a second condition of the sensor, and first discrete logic operatively couple to the heartbeat monitor and the sensor monitor to generate a failure indication associated with the process control device based on the first condition or the second condition.

Abstract: To generate a setpoint signal to stroke a valve during a partial-stroke test, a first target is determined for the setpoint signal based at least on a travel displacement threshold, the travel displacement threshold corresponding to a desired extent of travel of the valve during the partial-stroke test; the setpoint signal is ramped from an initial value to the first target, during a first time interval; subsequently to the first time interval, the setpoint signal is maintained at the first target during a second time interval; a second target is determined for the setpoint signal based at least on the initial value; and during a third time interval subsequent to the second interval, the setpoint signal is ramped from the first target to the second target in a direction opposite to the ramping of the setpoint signal during the first time interval.

Abstract: Brackets for amplifying antenna gain associated with mountable radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a bracket and an RFID tag. The bracket has a base, a first meandering amplification arm connected to and extending away from the base in a first direction, and a second meandering amplification arm connected to and extending away from the base in a second direction opposite the first direction. The RFID tag is mounted to the base of the bracket. The first meandering amplification arm and the second meandering amplification arm are respectively structured to at least one of: amplify an antenna gain associated with the RFID tag; or increase a communication range associated with the RFID tag.

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: A fluid flow control device includes a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending therebetween, a valve seat ring coupled to the body that defines an orifice through which the fluid flow path passes, a cage coupled to the body that defines an interior bore, a control element slidably disposed within the interior bore of the cage, and a particle catcher at least partially disposed within an interior bore of the control element. The particle catcher includes a particle catcher body that defines an inner flow path and at least one particle catcher passage through which the fluid flow path passes. An outer surface of the particle catcher and an inner surface of the control element form a particle catching portion. The at least one particle catcher passage directs the fluid flow path downwardly into the particle catching portion.

Abstract: A digital positioner for a valve includes a valve controller configured to obtain a set point value for a valve travel of a valve, and generate a pulse-width modulated current signal based on the set point value. The digital positioner also includes a current-to-pressure converter configured to receive the pulse-width modulated current signal from the valve controller, convert the pulse-width modulated current signal to a pulse-width modulated pressure signal, and provide the pulse-width modulated pressure signal to a pneumatic actuator in the valve to adjust a position of the valve.

Abstract: Spray heads for use with desuperheaters and desuperheaters including such spray heads. One example of a spray head includes a main body having an exterior surface and defining a central passage, the main body adapted for connection to a source of fluid, at least one entrance port formed in the main body along the central passage, and at least one spray nozzle arranged adjacent the exterior surface of the main body. The spray head also includes a plurality of flow passages, each of the plurality of flow passages providing fluid communication between the entrance port and an exit opening of the spray nozzle. A first one of the plurality of flow passages follows a first non-linear path and has a first distance, and a second one of the plurality of flow passages follows a second non-linear path and has a second distance different from the first distance.

Abstract: An example valve includes a valve body, a cage, and a plug. The valve body includes a fluid passageway extending between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The cage and the plug are disposed in the fluid passageway. The cage includes a first annular sidewall having an inner layer and an outer layer that circumscribes the inner layer. The inner layer includes first openings extending through the inner layer. The outer layer includes second openings extending through the outer layer. The second openings are in fluid communication with the first openings. The second openings are smaller than the first openings. The plug includes a second annular sidewall circumscribed by the first annular sidewall. The second annular sidewall includes third openings extending through the second annular sidewall. The plug is movable relative to the cage to selectively place the third openings in fluid communication with the first openings.

Abstract: Spray heads for use with desuperheaters and desuperheaters including such spray heads. One example of a spray head includes a main body having an exterior surface and defining a central passage, the main body adapted for connection to a source of fluid, at least one entrance port formed in the main body along the central passage, and at least one spray nozzle arranged adjacent the exterior surface of the main body. The spray head also includes a plurality of flow passages, each of the plurality of flow passages providing fluid communication between the entrance port and an exit opening of the spray nozzle. A first one of the plurality of flow passages follows a first non-linear path and has a first distance, and a second one of the plurality of flow passages follows a second non-linear path and has a second distance different from the first distance.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, systems and articles of manufacture for valve trim apparatus for use with control valves are disclosed. An example valve trim apparatus for use with a fluid valve includes a cage positioned in a fluid flow passageway of a valve body, the cage including a primary valve seat and a secondary valve seat. The valve trim apparatus includes a valve plug slidably positioned within the cage, the valve plug including a primary sealing surface to sealingly engage the primary valve seat and a secondary sealing surface to sealingly engage the secondary valve seat, the primary sealing surface adjacent to a first end of the valve plug and the secondary sealing surface spaced away from the primary sealing surface along a longitudinal axis of the valve plug toward a second end of the valve plug.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. A cage is disposed in the flow path, and a bonnet is coupled to the cage and includes a portion overlapping with a portion of the cage. A retaining ring is disposed between the cage and the bonnet. The retaining ring includes an interior side, an exterior side, and a cavity formed between the interior and exterior sides.

Abstract: An example method includes, in response to receiving a byte array including process data, determining whether auxiliary data is to be transmitted from a field device based on a counter, the auxiliary data including an encryption key identifier and an initialization vector, when auxiliary data is to be transmitted, transmitting a first data packet including the auxiliary data to the remote device, and determining a value for a source bit based on a type of connection between the field device and the remote device, the source bit and the counter included in associated data. The method further includes generating a nonce value based on the source bit and the initialization vector, encrypting a payload including the byte array based on the encryption key identifier and the nonce value, and transmitting a second data packet to the remote device, the second data packet including the associated data and the encrypted payload.

Abstract: An example apparatus includes a first sensor tag to retrieve operational data, via a modem and a data bus, from a process control field device, wherein the first sensor tag includes a memory to store the operational data; a first antenna arranged to communicate with the first sensor tag when the first sensor tag receives operational data, the first antenna to communicate with the first sensor tag via a first frequency band; and a first identification device to retrieve the operational data from the first sensor tag, via the first antenna and the first frequency band, while the process control field device is unpowered.

Abstract: Apparatus for managing pressure events in protective casings and related methods are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a first body including a pressure inlet port, a pressure outlet port, and a groove defined in a wall of the first body. The example apparatus includes a gasket at least partially disposed in the groove. The example apparatus includes a second body removably coupled to the first body. The first body and the second body define a housing. An edge of the second body is to extend over the wall of the first body. The edge includes a lip. A portion of the lip includes a notch defined therein to enable a portion of the gasket to extrude from the groove in response to a pressure event in the housing.

Abstract: A flow control valve includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. A trim assembly is disposed in the flow path and includes a valve seat and a cage. The cage includes a body and a central cavity defined by the body. A control member is movable in the central cavity of the cage between an open position, in which the control member is spaced away from the valve seat, and a closed position, in which the control member engages the valve seat. The body has a non-circular longitudinal cross-section.

Abstract: A valve body and a control valve including such a valve body, the valve body including an inlet, an outlet, a valve port defined therebetween, and a plurality of discrete flow channels extending between the inlet and the valve port to distribute fluid flow to the valve port in a manner that equalizes the velocity of fluid at the perimeter of the valve port. The plurality of discrete flow channels includes (i) one or more first flow channels arranged to direct a first amount of the fluid flow to a front portion of the valve port, (ii) one or more second flow channels arranged to direct a second amount of the fluid flow to a rear portion of the valve port, and (iii) one or more third flow channels arranged to direct a third amount of the fluid flow to one or both side portions of the valve port.

Abstract: To generate a setpoint signal to stroke a valve during a partial-stroke test, a first target is determined for the setpoint signal based at least on a travel displacement threshold, the travel displacement threshold corresponding to a desired extent of travel of the valve during the partial-stroke test; the setpoint signal is ramped from an initial value to the first target, during a first time interval; subsequently to the first time interval, the setpoint signal is maintained at the first target during a second time interval; a second target is determined for the setpoint signal based at least on the initial value; and during a third time interval subsequent to the second interval, the setpoint signal is ramped from the first target to the second target in a direction opposite to the ramping of the setpoint signal during the first time interval.