Abstract: Valves comprise a valve body having a gallery coupled to an inlet and an outlet to facilitate a fluid flow therethrough. A plug is movably disposed within the valve body and a seat ring assembly may be coupled to the outlet of the valve body. At least one circular motion inducement feature is positioned in a portion of the valve body, the seat ring assembly, or both. The at least one circular inducement feature is configured to induce a circular motion in a fluid flow through the valve. Methods of creating a circular flow in a fluid flowing through a valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: An element for controlling the fluid flow rate through a fluid valve. The element may include a generally spherical metal housing encasing a cylindrical ceramic insert. The element may also include a cone-shaped metal housing encasing a cylindrical ceramic insert. The cylindrical ceramic insert defines a fluid passageway through the element. The element further includes a coupling mechanism disposed on the metal housing configured for securing a metal actuation shaft to the element. The coupling mechanism provides a high-strength element-to-shaft connection between the metal actuation shaft and a metal portion of the element. The present invention also encompasses a method of manufacturing the element.

Abstract: An element for controlling the fluid flow rate through a fluid valve. The element may include a generally spherical metal housing encasing a cylindrical ceramic insert. The element may also include a cone-shaped metal housing encasing a cylindrical ceramic insert. The cylindrical ceramic insert defines a fluid passageway through the element. The element further includes a coupling mechanism disposed on the metal housing configured for securing a metal actuation shaft to the element. The coupling mechanism provides a high-strength element-to-shaft connection between the metal actuation shaft and a metal portion of the element. The present invention also encompasses a method of manufacturing the element.

Abstract: An improved high performance butterfly is provided. The valve includes a valve body, a disk, an annular seat and a shaft. The disk has at least a portion of the circumference of the peripheral edge notched or beveled to provide better clearance of the annular seat and to reduce wear on the seat. The centerline of the shaft, corresponding to the center of rotation of the disk, is slightly offset from the centerline of the valve.