Abstract: A fluid pressure safety relief system for a pressure vessel (10) having a main valve member (46) seating on a nozzle ring (38) under a mechanical force of a predetermined amount resulting from a calibrated counterweight (54). An operating rod (55) is connected between the main valve member (46) and a piston (74) having one side in fluid communication with fluid pressure in the pressure vessel (10). A fluid chamber (78) is provided on the other side of piston (74) and a fluid passage (84) from fluid chamber (78) has an outlet at its upper end (86) closely adjacent the nozzle ring (38). Upon unseating of the valve member (46) from the nozzle (38) fluid flows from the fluid chamber (78) to increase the fluid pressure differential across the piston (74) to assist in the movement of the main valve member (46) to an open position.

Abstract: A stop cock for a liquid container, comprising a substantially annular valve housing, a circular valve rotatably mounted in the valve housing, a handle mounted on an operational shaft for rotating the valve between a closed and open position, a seat mounted in the valve housing and cooperating with the valve in the closed position, characterized in that the handle (21) comprises a recess (28) for rotatably receiving a stop bush (29) that comprises a cam (30) which in the closed position cooperates with an indentation (42) of a top plate (24) arranged on a boss (9) and includes a circular passage for shaft (7), said stop bush (29) having an unround passage (33) for mounting a correspondingly formed driving shaft (34) of an unlocking lever (35), the handle (21) and the top plate (24) in a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A stabilized connector assembly (24) for connecting an instrument manifold (26) to an orifice fitting assembly (16) for a main flow passage (10) comprising a pair of generally identical stabilized connector subassemblies (30, 32). Each subassembly (30, 32) includes an elongate connector body (34) having an externally threaded inner end (38) for threaded engagement with an internally threaded outlet port (24) of the orifice assembly (16) and a flanged outer end (40). Bolts (58), jack nuts (68), and collar (78) form stabilizing components connected between the outer flange (40) and the orifice assembly (16) for resisting radial loads from a manifold (26) thereby minimizing any deflection of connector body (34) and resulting stress at inner threaded end (38).

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved knifegate valve 1, comprising a body 3, a knifegate 2, a gland box 4, an actuator 9, 10, 11 for inserting the knifegate 2 through the gland box 4 into the valve body 3 and retracting it therefrom, a support 5,6 for supporting the actuator 9, 10, 11 in spaced relation to the gland box 4 and the body 3 and a securing device 20 for securing the gland box 4 in such a way that it is capable of retaining packing material 17 contained therein in a compressed state, wherein the improvement comprises connecting the securing device 6 to the support 5. The support may comprise a bridge 5 supported in spaced relation to the body 3 by pillars 6 connected to the body 3, in which case the securing device may comprise nuts 20 that are capable of cooperating with corresponding external threads on the pillars 6 to secure the gland box lid 14 to its base 13.

Abstract: A fluid pressure relief system and method for a pressure vessel or tank (10) having a normal vent (16) with a first pilot operated safety valve (18) and an emergency vent (62) having a second pilot operated safety valve (25). A vapor recovery line (20) is connected to relief valve (18) and collected at a vapor storage container (21). A manway (22) on the pressure vessel (10) shown in FIG. 2 defines the emergency vent (62) and a main valve member (66) has a counterweight (74) thereon to urge main valve member (66) to a seated closed position on nozzle (60). The first pilot operated safety valve (18) for the normal vent (16) is shown in FIG. 7 and has a T-shaped body (142) with a main relief valve member (172) at one end of the body (142) mounted for movement in a generally horizontal direction and controlled by a diaphragm (176) at an opposite end of the body (142).

Abstract: An isolator flow control apparatus (10) especially to selectively control communication of a contained fluid to an overpressure protection system. The isolator apparatus (10) includes a flow housing (12) having a single inlet opening (20) placed in fluid communication by an internal manifold means with a plurality of outlet openings (22, 24). A floating rotatable ball closure member (28, 30) is operably disposed in each of the outlet openings (22, 24) for effecting a metal-to-metal seal with a fixed downstream seat (16d, 18d). The ball closure members (28, 30) are interlocked by a shaft (34) in a passage (14b) extending between enlarged diameter portions (22a, 24A) receiving the ball closure members (28, 30). The ball closure members (28, 30) are actuated by an operator means (40) for automatically closing or isolating a selected outlet opening (22 or 24) while opening another outlet opening (22 or 24) to ensure continuous fluid flow or fluid communication through the isolator apparatus (10).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and analyzing the performance of a recirculation control system are disclosed. According to the invention, the pressure of the liquid passing through the control system is measured directly by pressure and differential pressure transducers at the main inlet, main outlet, and, within the regulation means of the control system. Where the means for regulating the flow of liquid to the recirculation outlet comprises a piston within a piston chamber, the pressure of the liquid within the regulating means is measured in the piston chamber. The pressure data is analyzed to determine valve performance.

Abstract: A fluid pressure relief system and method for a pressure vessel or tank (10) having a normal vent (16) with a first pilot operated safety valve (18) and an emergency vent (62) having a second pilot operated safety valve (25). A vapor recovery line (20) is connected to relief valve (18) and collected at a vapor storage container (21). A manway (22) on the pressure vessel (10) shown in FIG. 2 defines the emergency vent (62) and a main valve member (66) has a counterweight (74) thereon to urge main valve member (66) to a seated closed position on nozzle (60). The first pilot operated safety valve (18) for the normal vent (16) is shown in FIG. 7 and has a T-shaped body (142) with a main relief valve member (172) at one end of the body (142) mounted for movement in a generally horizontal direction and controlled by a diaphragm (176) at an opposite end of the body (142).

Abstract: A fluid pressure relief system and method for a pressure vessel or tank (10) having a normal vent (16) with a first pilot operated safety valve (18) and an emergency vent (62) having a second pilot operated safety valve (25). A vapor recovery line (20) is connected to relief valve (18) and collected at a vapor storage container (21). A manway (22) on the pressure vessel (10) shown in FIG. 2 defines the emergency vent (62) and a main valve member (66) has a counterweight (74) thereon to urge main valve member (66) to a seated closed position on nozzle (60). The first pilot operated safety valve (18) for the normal vent (16) is shown in FIG. 7 and has a T-shaped body (142) with a main relief valve member (172) at one end of the body (142) mounted for movement in a generally horizontal direction and controlled by a diaphragm (176) at an opposite end of the body (142).

Abstract: A sealing assembly, usable with a valve or the like, having a movable shaft within a main housing and controlling a product under a first pressure. A cartridge housing forms a continuation of the main housing. An extension of the shaft extends through the cartridge housing and forms an annulus therewith. Spaced first and second annular seals movably seal the annulus between the shaft extension and the cartridge housing, forming a central sealing chamber. An injector introduces sealing medium into the central sealing chamber under a pressure higher than the product pressure. An accumulator receives excess sealing medium from the central sealing chamber, and can also be associated with monitoring means. Additional annular seals may form additional chambers spaced along the shaft, and these chambers may likewise be used for injection of sealing media and/or monitoring and/or leak detection.

Abstract: A recirculation valve for cooling a centrifugal pump. The invention comprises a valve casing having a first chamber for connection to a centrifugal pump and a second chamber for connection to a fluid outlet, a recirculation port for redirecting fluid from the first chamber to the centrifugal pump. Between the first and second chambers is a check valve means for permitting fluid flow from the first to the second chamber. Connected to the check valve means is a hollow cylindrical valve stem permitting flow from the first chamber to the second chamber. The check valve means is comprised of a circular disc which opens when the fluid pressure in the first chamber exceeds the fluid pressure in the second chamber and closes when the fluid pressure in the second chamber approaches that in the first and intermediate chambers. A two angle control surface between the check valve disc and the valve casing controls the position of the check valve relative to the flow of fluid past the valve.

Abstract: A ball valve (10) has a one-piece valve body (12) with a small diameter bore (16) and an opposed large diameter bore (18) in fluid communication with a valve chamber (14). An annular flange (40) projects within the large diameter bore (18) and a washer-type square spring (50) is inserted within the central opening (44) defined by the flange (40) and then positioned in centered relation on the shoulder (42) defined by the flange (40) for urging the ball valve member (24) into seated position against an annular seat (22) about small diameter bore (16).

Abstract: Disc-stem connection for a butterfly valve using interfitted slots on the disc and stem for mechanical connection. An oversize slot on the disc creates channels between the disc and the stem which allows deep penetration of a weld bead. Centralization of the stems within the oversize slots is effected by means of small spacers interposed between the stems and the slot edges. The spacers are small enough so that the necessary space created for the weld is not displaced.

Abstract: A pressure relief valve (14, 14A) has a reciprocable valve member (34, 34A) for seating on an annular seat face (66,66A) of a nozzle assembly (38,38A). The nozzle assembly (38,38A) has an inner seat ring (40,40A), a radially outer anchor ring (42,42A), and a flexible connecting member (44,44A) extending in a generally radial direction between the outer peripheral surface (64) of the seat ring (40,40A) and the inner peripheral surface of the anchor ring (42,42A). Upon seating or reseating of the valve member, (34,34A), seal face (36,36A) contacts the seat face (66,66A) of seat ring (40,40A) and flexible connecting member (44,44A) flexes upon relative movement of the seat ring (40,40A) after initial contact of the valve member (34,34A) against the seating ring (40,40A) thereby to act as a shock absorber for absorbing impact forces.

Abstract: A rotary actuator defining a first arcuate chamber and a second chamber, the housing having an inwardly projecting, peripherally extending rib which defines an aperture in open communication with the arcuate chamber, a peripherally extending groove being formed in the rib in surrounding relationship to the aperture, the groove having first and second peripherally extending spaced side surfaces, an arcuate shaped piston being disposed in the housing for reciprocable movement in the arcuate chamber, a shaft rotatably journaled in the housing and connected to the piston and being rotatable in response to movement of the piston, a floating seal disposed in the groove for effecting sealing between the piston and the housing, the seal being in sealing engagement with the first and second side surfaces forming the groove, a fluid pressure inlet to introduce fluid pressure into at least one of the arcuate chamber or the second chamber to provide a pressurized chamber and effect movement of the piston in a first direc

Abstract: Improved techniques are provided for manufacturing a toroidal arc segment piston for use in a fluid pressure responsive rotary actuator, and for forming an actuator housing defining an arcuate chamber for receiving a rotary actuator piston. A moldable polymeric material is positioned within an arcuate master chamber in a piston-forming fixture, and a metal piston core is rotatably mounted to the fixture. The piston core is rotated to displace the polymeric material and form a sheath about the piston core. After curing, the piston core and sheath are rotated out of the arcuate master chamber, and are installed in a rotary actuator housing. A master piston may similarly be used to form a polymeric lining which defines the chamber for receiving the piston in the actuator housing.

Abstract: A mounting plate (20) is positioned between a manifold (18) and a pair of fluid pressure transmitters including a differential pressure transmitter (22) and a gauge pressure transmitter (24). The fluid pressure from high and low pressure taps or lines (14, 16) placed on opposite sides of a flow restriction (12) of a main flow line (10) is measured and transmitted to a remote location by the transmitters (22, 24). The mounting plate (20) has low and high pressure ports (62, 64) for differential pressure transmitter (22) and a low pressure port (66) for a gauge pressure transmitter (24). A connecting fluid passage (68) connects the low pressure ports (62, 66) and a block valve (80) is movable between open and closed positions to permit or block fluid communication between the ports (62, 66) and fluid communication between the transmitters (22, 24).

Abstract: A pilot valve (40) for a control valve (14) has a separate auxiliary source of high pressure fluid (106) for the operation of the pilot valve (40). The dome chamber (36) of the control valve (14), the inlet fluid chamber (72), and the intermediate fluid chamber (104) are exposed only to the auxiliary source of fluid (106). Thus, process fluid from the sensing line (62) does not contaminate the spool valve (76) or the dome chamber (36).

Abstract: Pressure reduction and conditioning valve for simultaneously reducing the pressure and temperature of steam.

Abstract: A flow control device illustrated as a pressure relief valve (10, 10A) has a reciprocable valve member (22, 22A) for seating on a face (20, 20A) of a fixed seat ring (18, 18A). The valve member (22, 22A) includes a hub (36, 36A), an outer seal ring (38, 38A), and a flexible connecting member (40, 40A) extending between and connecting the seal ring (38, 38A) and the hub (36, 36A). Upon seating or reseating of valve member (22, 22A) seal ring (38, 38A) contacts fixed seat ring (18, 18A) and flexible connecting member (40, 40A) flexes upon relative movement of the hub (36, 36A) after initial contact of the seal ring (38, 38A) with the fixed seat ring (20, 20A) to act as a shock absorber for absorbing impact forces.