MULTI-END CONNECTOR ADAPTOR

Abstract

A multi-end connector adaptor comprising a main pipe run having a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs having a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow control element of a ball valve. Multiport severe service ball valve assemblies, systems comprising the multi-end connector adaptors and methods of use are also disclosed.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of co-pending International Patent Application PCT/US2013/033588, filed Mar. 22, 2013, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/614,486 filed Mar. 22, 2012, all of which are fully incorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND

Severe service ball valves are utilized in a number of processes and under a variety of conditions, including extreme temperatures, high pressures, abrasive particles, acidic fluids, heavy solids buildup, critical safety applications, large pressure differentials, velocity control, noise control, etc. Severe service ball valves may be characterized as valves suitable for use under relatively high pressures, pressure drops and/or temperatures. Pressure and/or pressure differentials may exceed 0.7 MPa (100 psi), 7 MPa (1000 psi) or even 70 MPa (10,000 psi), and temperatures may exceed 100° C., 200° C. or even 500° C. Difficult process streams may be corrosive, may include abrasive particulates, may be prone to solidification unless maintained above a particular temperature, may be prone to solids buildup, and the like. Severe service ball valves are characterized by metal-to-metal sealing contact between the ball and the seats of the valve.

In various processes, severe service ball valves may be employed in redundant legs or pathways of a process for a configuration which allows for selectively isolating the two pathways to maintain a process flow (or isolation) via one pathway, while providing service or maintenance on the unused, isolated leg. Likewise, various pathways may be employed in a severe service process in which different process steps may be required depending on the characteristics of a particular stream. A multiport manifold has been attached to two or more severe service ball valves via intermediate flanged connections. However, with large valves the assembly can be complicated, contain an excessive footprint, and moreover dead volume in flow paths from the manifold header to the valves may be problematic in some severe service applications, e.g., solids may accumulate in non-flow areas and stresses due to thermal cycling may become extreme.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure is generally directed to a multi-end connector adaptor, multiport valve assemblies comprising the multi-end connector adaptor connected to a plurality of valves, systems comprising a plurality of the multiport valve assemblies and methods involving the multi-end connector adaptor, valve assemblies and systems. In embodiments, the valves may be ball valves or severe service ball valves.

In an embodiment, a multi-end connector adaptor, comprises a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow control element of a ball valve.

In an embodiment, the main pipe run connector flange is a pipe type end connector flange. In an embodiment, the multi-end connector adaptor may further comprise a minimum seat recess spacing of the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run which is less than two main pipe run diameters, wherein the main pipe run diameter is determined at the inlet end and the minimum seat recess spacing is the minimum distance between the annular landing and a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run determined along a longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run. In an embodiment, the minimum seat recess spacing is less than or equal to 1 main pipe run diameter.

In an embodiment, the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector of the one of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs (e.g., the first transverse auxiliary pipe run) is located entirely outside of a linear projection of an inner surface of the main pipe run parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run. In an embodiment, the first and the second transverse auxiliary pipe runs intersect the main pipe run in a Y configuration wherein the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs are each arranged such that a central longitudinal axis of the corresponding transverse auxiliary pipe run is at an angle from about 95° to about 175° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

In an embodiment, the multi-end connector adaptor may further comprise a third transverse auxiliary pipe run oriented transverse to a plane defined by the central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run. In an embodiment, the third transverse auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector flange.

In an embodiment, a central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle of about 90° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run. In an embodiment, both the central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run and a central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run are arranged at an angle of about 90° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

In an embodiment, the multi-end connector adaptor may further comprise a third auxiliary pipe run oriented coaxial with the main pipe run. In an embodiment, the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector flange. In an embodiment, the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a ball valve type end connector flange.

In an embodiment, at least one ball valve type end connector flange comprises a purge port in fluid communication with the annular landing. In an embodiment, the ball valve type end connector comprises an annular projection radially arranged about the flow bore extending from a face of the respective flange, the annular projection comprising an outside diameter which is less than an outside diameter of the respective flange and an inside diameter which is greater than or equal to an outside diameter of the annular landing.

In an embodiment, a multiport severe service ball valve assembly comprises a multi-end connector adaptor according to one or more embodiments which further includes ball valves attached to each of the ball valve type end connector flanges, which may be severe service ball valves.

In an embodiment, a multiport severe service ball valve assembly comprises a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring, each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball valve type end connector flange.

In an embodiment, the multiport severe service ball valve assembly further comprises an opposing end connector attached to each ball valve body opposite the respective ball valve type end connector of the multi-end connector adaptor.

In an embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each of the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each of the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring, each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealingly engaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball valve type end connector flange; and a system inlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the first multiport severe service ball valve assembly in fluid communication with a system outlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the second multiport severe service ball valve assembly through respective transverse auxiliary pipe runs, flow control elements, and process elements of each of the flow paths.

In an embodiment, the process elements of the system include a pressure letdown valve, a flow control valve, an isolation valve, a filter, a heat exchanger, a distillation column, a reactor, a mixer, a noise attenuation element, or any combination thereof.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a valved flush line inlet in fluid communication with a valved flush line outlet through at least a portion of one of the flow paths. In an embodiment, the system including the first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies and the process elements are mounted on at least one skid to form a module. In an embodiment, each of the multi-end connector adaptors further comprise a third auxiliary pipe run and wherein the system inlet and the system outlet are in fluid communication through a valved bypass line in fluid communication between each of the third auxiliary pipe runs. In an embodiment, the system further comprises a control system to operate the first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to selectively open and isolate the parallel flow paths with respect to the system inlet and the system outlet.

In an embodiment, a method of processing fluid flow through a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a like plurality of parallel flow paths comprises providing the a system according to embodiments disclosed herein in a process unit, selectively opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to pass fluid through a first flow path; selectively closing the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to isolate the process element of a second flow path; servicing the isolated process element of the second flow path; and opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to initiate fluid flow through the serviced process element of the second flow path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional plan view of a prior art multi-end connector in a Y configuration;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a multi-end connector adapter according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional plan view of a multiport valve assembly equipped with two-piece valve bodies according to an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional plan view of a multiport valve assembly equipped with three-piece valve bodies according to an embodiment;

FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional plan view of a multi-end connector adapter shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional plan view of a multi-end connector adapter according to another embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional plan view of a multi-end connector adapter according to another embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a 4-way multi-end connector adapter according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a multi-end connector adapter comprising an auxiliary pipe run according to another embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a modular multiple path valve system comprising multi-end connector adapter assemblies according to another embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an overhead view of a skid mounted modular multiple path valve system comprising multi-end connector adapter assemblies according to another embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a side view of the skid mounted modular multiple path valve system shown in FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The embodiments disclosed herein are merely exemplary of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not intended to be limiting, but merely illustrations that can be modified within the scope of the attached claims.

For purposes herein, a bore is defined as a hole, passage, conduit, flow-path, and/or the like at least partially bound along an axis by a valve body and/or a pipe run, having an opening to a surface or end of the valve body and formed by or as if by boring. A bore may be produced by contacting a solid body with some rotary cutting instrument removing a core of material therefrom, and/or by casting or forging a body to comprise the bore, and/or by welding various pieces together to form the bore. For purposes herein, bore, passage, conduit, and flow-path are used interchangeably unless otherwise indicated.

For purposes herein, a pipe run is a continuous, monolithic length of the adapter body, which may be a pipe or a block of material, comprising a bore there-through, which may be straight, curved or angled. Monolithic as used herein refers to a component made from a single piece or block of metal formed or as if formed by casting, by forging, by machining from a larger piece and/or by welding two or more pieces of material together forming bore through a body, a pipe, or sections of pipe together.

For purposes herein, a multi-end connector adaptor is defined as a monolithic component comprising at least three pipe runs in communication for the through flow of fluid from an inlet end located at a terminal end of a main pipe run through the multi-end connector adapter to at least two outlet ends of the multi-end connector adapter, each located at terminal ends of a plurality of corresponding auxiliary pipe runs in fluid communication with an end of the main pipe run located opposite the inlet end, and to which valves may be attached to each of the outlet ends by bolting, threading, clamping, friction fitting, adhesive attachment, welding, and/or the like. For purposes herein, the terms multi-end connector adaptor, multiport adapter, and the like are used interchangeably. Likewise, the terms multiport ball valve assembly, multiport severe service ball valve assembly, multiport adapter assembly, and the like refer to a multi-end connector adaptor equipped with ball valves (severe service ball valves) attached to ball valve type end connectors located at the ends of at least two auxiliary pipe runs.

For purposes herein the main pipe run in a multi-end connector adaptor is the pipe run directly attached to the inlet, which is intersected by at least two transverse auxiliary pipe run(s), and optionally one or more auxiliary pipe runs. It is to be understood that for purposes herein, the inlet and outlets of the multi-end connector adaptor refer only to the location of the valves, wherein the valves are located at the outlet ends of auxiliary pipe runs of the multi-end connector and thus, an inlet of a multi-end connector adaptor located at an inlet of a valve system may also be the inlet of the valve system, while the inlet of another multi-end connector adaptor located at the outlet of the same valve system is still referred to as the inlet of the multi-end connector adaptor even though it functions as the outlet of the valve system as a whole.

For purposes herein, a multi-end connector adaptor may further include one or more auxiliary intersecting pipe runs and, if present, the auxiliary pipe run(s) may be coaxial with the main pipe run having an opening at the end opposite that of the inlet to the main pipe run. While the coaxial auxiliary pipe run(s) may be open and/or otherwise physically similar or identical to the main pipe run, in general, the main pipe run may be used as an unobstructed fluid inlet or a valved fluid inlet, whereas a coaxial auxiliary pipe run may be used as a fluid outlet and may optionally include a flow control element mounted to or on an end thereof.

The extent of the main pipe run is from the opening of the main pipe run to the end of the pipe run, or if there is a coaxial auxiliary pipe run, to the intersection of the main pipe run and the transverse auxiliary pipe run closest to the opening of the coaxial auxiliary pipe run. The extent of an auxiliary pipe run is from the opening at the end to the outer surface or projection of the outer surface of the main pipe run across the end of the transverse auxiliary pipe run. The term “intersecting” refers to the inner end of the auxiliary pipe run open to an inner surface or projection of the inner surface of the main pipe run across the end of the transverse auxiliary pipe run for fluid communication between the main and auxiliary pipe run—it is not a requirement for intersecting pipe runs that their longitudinal axes intersect, but they may. For purposes herein, an auxiliary pipe run is defined as being in direct or valved fluid communication with the main pipe run. As used herein, the “surface,” “inner surface” and “inner diameter” of a pipe run are synonymous.

For purposes herein a severe-service ball valve is characterized as a valve suitable for use: at a rated pressure and/or pressure differential in excess of 0.7 MPa (100 psi), or 7 MPa (1000 psi), or 70 MPa (10,000 psi); or at a rated temperature in excess of 100° C., or 200° C. or 500° C.; or with corrosive streams; or with streams which include or may include abrasive particulates; or with streams prone to solidification unless maintained above a temperature of 60° C. or higher; or any combination thereof.

For purposes herein a metal-to-metal seal is one which achieves a seal by contact between two surfaces of metal or thinly (less than 1 mm) ceramic-coated metal, e.g., a metal flow control element and a metal seat and/or a coated metal flow control element and a metal seat.

For purposes herein a flow control element is a spherical element having an arcuate convex or concave surface with a locus of points an equal distance (radius) from an origin.

For purposes herein a valve comprises a valve body attachable to a bore on an inlet side of the valve body through a connector and attachable to or comprising an integral outlet connector on an outlet side of the valve body. The valve body may further comprise a flow control element located in a valve cavity, which is an enlarged recess formed within the valve body to wholly or partially receive the flow control element positioned and arranged thereon to block or allow fluid flow through the bore. For purposes herein, a two-piece valve or valve body refers to a valve comprising a monolithic valve body-end and outlet connector assembly, e.g., a one piece valve body, which is detachable to an inlet end connector of the valve body (which may be a ball valve type end connector) as another piece. Likewise, a three-piece valve or valve body refers to a valve body comprising an outlet end connector which is detachable to the valve body, and a valve body which is detachable to an inlet end connector of the valve body (which may be a ball valve type end connector) as another piece.

For purposes herein, a pipe type end connector comprises a flange radially disposed about a bore, the flange dimensioned and arranged to engage a corresponding flange, which may include a recess and/or a projection in which a gasket or other compressible sealing element is located in or arranged on, such that bringing two complementary pipe type end connector flanges together (e.g., a first flange and a second flange) sealingly engages the bore of the first flange with the bore of the second flange. As used herein, a pipe type end connector comprises a flange with a flow bore through it continuous with the pipe run and/or having the same inside diameter as the pipe run, or an end connector that does not otherwise have an annular landing recess to receive a seat ring for sealing against the flow control element of a ball valve.

For purposes herein, the diameter of a main pipe run is determined at the inlet end of the main pipe run. For purposes herein, the seat spacing, also referred to herein as the minimum seat recess spacing of a ball valve type end connector from a main pipe run is determined between a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run and a point of an annular landing (of a corresponding auxiliary pipe run) disposed in the ball valve type end connector (located at an end of the corresponding auxiliary pipe run) which is located nearest to the central longitudinal axis when the distance is determined along an axis of the auxiliary pipe run, which for an angled Y-type connector is typically along an inner wall of the auxiliary pipe run located farthest away from the inlet. In an embodiment, a minimum seat recess spacing of the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector of a transverse auxiliary pipe run is the minimum distance between the annular landing and a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run determined along a longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run. Accordingly, a minimum seat recess spacing of a ball valve type end connector from a main pipe run which is less than 1 diameter of the main pipe run may result in a portion of the annular landing and thus a portion of a valve seat located in the annular landing, to be located within a linear projection of the main pipe run parallel to a central axis of the main pipe run, depending on the angle of a central axis of the auxiliary pipe run relative to a central axis of the main pipe run. In other words, depending on the angle of the auxiliary pipe run, a spacing of a ball valve type end connector from a main pipe run which is less than or equal to 1 diameter of the main pipe run may be directly in the flow path of the inlet to the adapter.

In an embodiment, a ball valve type end connector comprises a flange, typically attached to or attachable to a pipe run, the flange dimensioned and arranged to sealingly engage a side of a valve body, typically an inlet side of the valve body; the flange comprising a flow bore there-through and further comprising an annular landing recessed into the flange radially around the flow bore dimensioned and arranged to receive a seat ring, also referred to as a valve seal, for sealing between the flange and a flow control element located within the valve body of a valve attached to the ball valve type end connector. In embodiments, the annular landing may further or optionally accommodate a spring to bias the valve seal against flow control element. In addition, the flange of the ball valve type end connector may further comprise one or more annular landings disposed therein and/or annular projections extending from a surface of the flange to sealingly engage a valve body attached to the ball valve type end connector. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the ball valve type end connector allows a pipe run to directly sealing attach to an inlet end of a ball valve without requiring an separate inlet flange on the ball valve, such as a pipe type end connector, an attachment flange, a threaded adapter, a weldable nipple, and/or the like.

According to embodiments herein, a multi-end connector adaptor for a plurality of ball valves, which in an embodiment may be severe service ball valves, comprises a main pipe run in fluid communication with a plurality of auxiliary pipe runs comprising at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run and flanged connectors to respective ends of the pipe runs, including a main pipe run connector to an end of the main pipe run and auxiliary pipe run connectors to respective ends of the plurality of auxiliary pipe runs, wherein at least two of the auxiliary pipe run connectors (at least two of the flanged connectors) each comprise a ball valve type end connector comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed into the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing between the ball valve type end connector and a flow control element of a ball valve. In embodiments, at least one of the other flanged connectors may be a pipe type end connector.

In embodiments, a spacing of a nearest point of the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector (the minimal seat recess spacing) in the at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run is less than or equal to two main pipe run diameters, or less than or equal to 1.5 main pipe run diameters, or from 0.5 to 1.5 main pipe run diameters, or from 1 to 2 main pipe run diameters, or from 0.5 to 2 main pipe run diameters, or from 0.5 to 1.5 main pipe run diameters, or from 0.51 to 0.75 main pipe run diameters when determined between the nearest point (i.e., the minimum distance) of the annular landing to the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run when determined along a longitudinal axis of the transverse auxiliary pipe run.

In embodiments, the annular landing, in at least one of the ball valve type end connectors relative to at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run, is located entirely outside of a linear projection of an inner surface of the main pipe run. In an embodiment, a minimum seat recess spacing of a nearest point of the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector in the at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run is greater than one (1) diameter of the main pipe run. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, no part of the annular landing is within a line of sight taken along an inner surface of a portion of the main pipe run located immediately prior to the intersection of the auxiliary pipe run and the main pipe run such that a fluid traveling along the main pipe run does not directly imping upon any portion of a seal located within the annular landing.

In alternative or additional embodiments, at least a portion of the annular landing in at least one of the ball valve type end connectors relative to at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run is located within a projection of the inner surface of the main pipe run, In an embodiment, a minimum seat recess spacing of a nearest point of the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector in the at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run is less than or equal to 0.5 diameters of the main pipe run when determined as discussed above. Accordingly, in such an embodiment, a portion of the annular landing is within a line of sight taken along an inner surface of a portion of the main pipe run located immediately prior to the intersection of the auxiliary pipe run and the main pipe run such that a fluid traveling along the main pipe run directly impinges on a portion of a seal located within the annular landing.

In embodiments, a multi-end connector adaptor comprises two transverse auxiliary pipe runs intersecting the main pipe run in a Y configuration wherein each of the central longitudinal axes of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs are arranged at an angle from about 95° to about 175° relative to the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run. In embodiments, a multi-end connector adaptor comprises two transverse auxiliary pipe runs intersecting the main pipe run in a T configuration wherein each of the central longitudinal axes of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs are arranged at an angle of about 90° (e.g., from greater than 85° to less than 95°) relative to the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run. In embodiments, each of the central longitudinal axes of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs are coplanar with the central longitudinal axes of the main pipe run. In embodiments, only one central longitudinal axis of the plurality of transverse auxiliary pipe runs is coplanar with the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

In embodiments, two of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs intersect the main pipe run in a Y configuration wherein each central longitudinal axis of each transverse auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle from about 95° to about 175°, or from about 105° to about 165°, or from about 120° to about 150°, or from about 125° to about 145°, or about 135°, relative to the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run. In an embodiment, each of the central longitudinal axes of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs meet at the same point along the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

In embodiments, a central longitudinal axis of a third auxiliary pipe run is arranged transverse to, or essentially orthogonal to, a plane defined by the central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run.

In embodiments, a central longitudinal axis of a third auxiliary pipe run is arranged or oriented coaxial with the main pipe run, which may be coplanar with a plane defined by the central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

In embodiments, the multi-end connector adaptor includes a main pipe run, at least two transverse auxiliary pipe runs, and at least one auxiliary pipe run, and the flanged connectors to the main pipe run and the orthogonal auxiliary pipe run comprise pipe type end connectors and the flanged connectors to two transverse auxiliary pipe runs comprise ball valve type end connectors. In embodiments, the flanged connectors to the main pipe run and the orthogonal auxiliary pipe run comprise pipe type end connectors and the flanged connectors to the two transverse auxiliary pipe runs in a Y configuration comprise ball valve type end connectors.

In embodiments, one of the transverse auxiliary pipe runs is positioned at a essentially a 90° angle with respect to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run, and the flanged connector of the right angle auxiliary pipe run comprises the ball valve type end connector.

In embodiments, the multi-end connector adaptor comprises two transverse auxiliary pipe runs positioned each at a right angle with respect to the central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run, wherein the flanged connectors to the two right angle auxiliary pipe runs each comprise the ball valve end connectors.

In embodiments, the multi-end connector adaptor comprises a main pipe run, at least two transverse auxiliary pipe runs, and a third auxiliary pipe run, wherein the third auxiliary pipe run is located coaxial with the main pipe run. In an embodiment, the flanged connector of the coaxial auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector. In an embodiment, the flanged connector of the coaxial auxiliary pipe run comprises a ball valve type end connector.

In embodiments, the multi-end connector adaptor further comprises a flush port or flush flow passage in fluid communication with the bore of the main pipe run and by extension, at least a portion of the bores of the auxiliary pipe runs. The location of the flush port may be on any side or surface of the main pipe run, and/or a multi-end connector adaptor may comprise a plurality of flush flow passages oriented for use according to the orientation of the multi-end connector adaptor such that a single multi-end connector adaptor may be used in a variety of orientations e.g., on an inlet of a valved system using a first flush port with a second flush port blocked or sealed off, and on an outlet of the same valved system using the second flush port with the first flush port blocked or sealed off.

In embodiments, the main pipe run may terminate at an end located opposite the inlet and proximate to the auxiliary pipe runs. In such embodiments, the main pipe run may terminate at a coaxial concave frustoconical recess, or at a transverse convex surface which may be a coaxial and/or comprise a frustoconical projection, and/or at a removably attached (to the connector adaptor at the end of the pipe run) impingement element, which may carry a wear surface which may be metallic, ceramic, and/or the like.

In embodiments, one or two of the auxiliary pipe runs and a third coaxial auxiliary pipe run may form a three-way, Y-type (auxiliary pipe runs are not coplanar) or a T-type (auxiliary pipe runs and main pipe run are coplanar) end connector adaptor. In embodiments, the two auxiliary pipe runs are located at a right-angle to and coplanar with the main pipe run and a coplanar and coaxial auxiliary pipe run forms a four-way, cross-type end connector adaptor.

In embodiments, the ball valve type end connector may comprise an annular projection extending from a face of the respective flange, wherein an outside diameter of the annular projection is less than an outside diameter of the respective flange, and wherein the annular landing has an outside diameter less than or equal to the inside diameter of the annular projection and an inside diameter greater than or equal to a diameter of the flow bore.

In an embodiment, a multi-end connector adaptor assembly, also referred to herein as a multiport ball valve assembly or a multiport severe service ball valve assembly, comprises a multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiments herein which further includes ball valves (which may be severe service ball valves), attached to each of the ball valve type end connectors of the auxiliary pipe runs. Accordingly, in embodiments, a multi-end connector adaptor assembly comprises a multi-end connector adaptor for a plurality of severe service ball valves, comprising a main pipe run in fluid communication with a plurality of auxiliary pipe runs comprising at least one transverse auxiliary pipe run; flanged connectors to respective ends of the pipe runs, comprising a main pipe run connector to an end of the main pipe run and auxiliary pipe run connectors to respective ends of the plurality of auxiliary pipe runs; wherein at least two of the flanged connectors each comprise a ball valve type end connector comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed into the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow control element of a ball valve; and a ball valve body detachably connected to each of the at least two ball valve type end connectors, a flow control element in a cavity in each valve body and a seat ring in each annular landing recess for sealing against the respective flow control element.

In embodiments the seat ring provides metal-to-metal sealing contact with the flow control element of the attached ball valve.

In embodiments, the assembly may further comprise an opposing end connector attached to each ball valve body opposite the respective ball valve type end connector of the multi-end connector adaptor. In embodiments, at least one of the valves comprises an opposing end connector which is integral and monolithic with the valve body as in a two-piece ball valve. In an embodiment, at least one of the valves comprises an opposing end connector which is detachably connected to the valve body, as in a three-piece ball valve. In embodiments, at least one of the ball valves further comprises a purge flow passage(s) into the valve body cavity(ies). In embodiments, at least one of the ball valves is a two way ball valve. In embodiments, at least one of the ball valves is a one-way ball valve, wherein the “sealing end” of the ball valve is connected to the ball valve type end connector of the multi-end connector adaptor.

In embodiments, a system comprises a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel processing paths between auxiliary pipe runs of first and second multi-end connector adaptor assemblies, a flow path between a system inlet in direct fluid communication with a main pipe run of the first multi-end connector adaptor assembly through one of the parallel processing paths through the respective auxiliary pipe runs and flow control elements of the first and second multi-end connector adaptor assemblies to a system outlet in direct fluid communication with a main pipe run of the second multi-end connector adaptor assembly.

In embodiments, process elements may be critical equipment requiring standby redundancy, ones periodically requiring increased processing capacity in a parallel processing paths, ones requiring frequent servicing, e.g. equipment with high failure or fouling rates, beds or other media requiring regeneration or replacement, etc., such as pressure letdown valves, flow control valves, isolation valves, filters, heat exchangers, noise attenuation elements, and so on.

In embodiments, the system may be modular, e.g., skid mounted, for transportation to and from the process unit and a remote assembly or servicing location away from the process unit. In embodiments, the system is modular, or the first and second multi-end connector adaptor assemblies and the process elements are mounted on one or more skids, e.g., to form a module. In embodiments, each of the one or more skids of the system is transportable via truck on the US interstate highway system, by rail, and/or by containerized transportation.

In an embodiment, a method comprises selectively operating the flow control elements in the multi-end connector adaptor assemblies described above between opened and closed position for fluid flow or isolation. In embodiments, the flow control elements may be operated independently for simultaneous or sequential operation. In embodiments, a purge fluid may be supplied to the valve body cavities to flush debris from around the seat rings. In embodiments, a flush fluid may be supplied to the flush ports to flush debris and/or thermally condition one of the parallel processing paths isolated from the system inlet and system outlet.

In an embodiment, a method of processing fluid flow through a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel processing paths, comprises: providing the system described above in a process unit with the system inlet connected to an upstream fluid supply and the system outlet connected to a downstream process line; selectively opening the flow control elements in the multi-end connector adaptor assemblies of a first one of the parallel processing paths to pass fluid through the respective process element; and selectively closing the flow control elements in the multi-end connector adaptor assemblies of the second one of the parallel processing paths to isolate the respective process element. In embodiments, the method may further comprise isolating and servicing one of the process elements; and opening the flow control elements in the respective parallel processing path to initiate fluid flow through the serviced process element.

Turning to the figures, prior art FIG. 1 shows a multiport adapter arrangement 1 comprising a main pipe run 5 equipped with a flange connector 6 at the inlet 13 of the multiport adapter 1, in fluid communication with two transverse auxiliary pipe runs 7A and 7B in a Y-pattern, both of which also terminate in an outlet flange connector 3 (e.g., outlet flanges 3A and 3B) in fluid communication with an outlet 54. Such adapters require the outlet flanges 3A and 3B to be located a sufficient distance from one another (distance between opposite lateral pipe runs of the multiport adaptor 1) so that the bolts 4 can be accessed for assembly and/or disassembly of an attached ball valve, generally represented as 27, (e.g., ball valves 27A and 27B). Outlet flanges 3A and 3B add length to the “dead space” indicated generally as 8 created in the length of the flow passage between the inlet 13 of multiport adaptor 1 and the flow control element 38, which is also increased by the volume associated with the inlet end connector 2 of ball valve 27, e.g., inlet end connectors 2A and 2B of ball valves 27A and 27B, respectively.

For flanged adapters known in the art, a minimum seat recess spacing, indicated by line 48, is greater than two times a diameter 49 of the main pipe run 5, wherein the minimum seat recess spacing 48 is determined between a nearest surface (represented by line 25) of an annular landing 24 disposed in the inlet end connector 2 to accommodate the inlet valve seat 44; and a central longitudinal axis 20 of the main pipe run 5, determined along a longitudinal axis 29 of the auxiliary pipe run 7.

The dead space 8 within the auxiliary pipe runs may become problematic due to the accumulation of materials therein when one of the two ball valves 27 is in a closed position, e.g., auxiliary pipe run 7A shown in FIG. 1.

Referring to FIG. 2, in an embodiment, a multi-end connector adaptor 10 comprises a main pipe run 12, also referred to in some embodiments as an inlet pipe run, in fluid communication with two or more transverse auxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B, also referred to herein as outlet pipe runs, which are shown arranged in a Y-pattern. Flanged connector 16 located at an inlet 13 of the main pipe run 12 comprises a flange for a pipe type connection, e.g., a flange in accordance with ASME/ANSI B16.5. As used herein, ASME refers to the standards of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers in effect on the filing date of this document; and ANSI refers to the American National Standards Institute in effect on the filing date of this document. Auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B each terminate in a ball valve type end connector 18, e.g., ball valve type end connectors 18A and 18B, each of which, in an embodiment, are in accordance with ASME/ANSI B16.34 or an equivalent thereof. Each of the ball valve type connectors 18A and 18B comprise a flange 20, radially arranged about an auxiliary flow bore 22 dimensioned and arranged to engage a ball valve 27 (cf. FIG. 3). The ball valve type connectors 18A, 18B further include an annular landing 24 recessed into the flange 20 radially disposed about the auxiliary flow bore 22, dimensioned and arranged to receive and sealingly engage with an inlet valve seat 44 of a ball valve 27 directly attached to and sealingly engaged with flange 20 (cf. FIG. 3).

In an embodiment, ball valve type end connectors 18A and/or 18B may each further comprise a purge port 31, also referred to herein as purge fluid passages and/or as seal purge port or seal purge passage, connector flange comprises a purge port in fluid communication with the annular landing 24 to supply a purge fluid 56 from a purge system 207 via a purge valve 35 (cf. FIG. 9) to or proximate to the annular landing 24 to flush out any debris and the like which may accumulate proximate to the valve seat 44 (cf. FIG. 3).

In an embodiment, pipe runs 12, 14A, and 14B may comprise NPS (Nominal Pipe Size based on ASME B36.10M and/or B36.19M) or DN (nominal diameter conforming to the International Standards Organization) pipe, or an equivalent thereof, according to the standard ASME/ANSI B36.10 or an equivalent thereof, or pipe meeting the valve standard for ASME/ANSI B16.34 or an equivalent thereof, e.g. pipe runs terminating at pipe connectors may meet the standard ASME/ANSI B36.10 or an equivalent thereof, whereas pipe runs terminating at ball valve type end connectors, or at least the portion adjacent to the end connector, may meet the standard ASME/ANSI B16.34 In embodiments, portions of the pipe runs 14A, 14B adjacent to the connectors 18A, 18B comply with standard ASME/ANSI B16.34 for welded connections, which are welded to respective portions of the pipe runs 14A, 14B complying with standard ASME/ANSI B36.10. In general, pipe runs per ASME/ANSI B16.34 and ASME/ANSI B36.10 have the same bore or inside diameter, but depending on the schedule or pressure ratings vary in wall thicknesses and flange dimensions, with valve standard ASME/ANSI B16.34 being the larger of the two.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, a central longitudinal axis 26 of the auxiliary bore 14 (e.g., central longitudinal axes 26A and 26B in each auxiliary bore 14A and 14B, respectively) is arranged at an angle 28A and 28B of about 95° to about 175° relative to a main bore central longitudinal axis 50. Accordingly, in an embodiment, two of the transverse, intersecting auxiliary bores 14A and 14B are arranged in a Y configuration at an angle 28A and 28B, respectively, from about 95° to about 175°, or from about 105° to about 165°, or from about 120° to about 150°, or from about 125° to about 145°, or about 135°, relative to the central longitudinal axis 50 of the main bore 12.

In an embodiment, a minimum seat recess spacing 48 represents the linear distance between the location of the nearest point or surface (indicated by line 25) of the annular landing 24 into which a ball seat 44 (cf. FIG. 3) is locatable, and a central longitudinal axis 50 of the main pipe run 12, when determined along a longitudinal axis of the transverse auxiliary pipe run, indicated by line 29. In an embodiment, the minimum seat recess spacing 48 is less than two times a diameter 49 of the main pipe run 12, wherein the diameter of the main pipe run 49 is determined at the inlet 13 of the main pipe run 12. In embodiments, the minimum seat recess spacing 48 is less than or equal to about 1.5 times the main pipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 1.25 times the main pipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 1 times the main pipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 0.9 times the main pipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 0.8 times the main pipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 0.7 times the main pipe run diameter 49, or less than or equal to about 0.6 times the main pipe run diameter, or greater than about 0.5 times the main pipe run diameter 49.

The absolute minimum seat recess spacings 48 of an embodiment is determined by the angle (e.g., 28A or 28B) of the auxiliary pipe runs (14A or 14B) relative to the main pipe run 12, the diameter of the auxiliary pipe runs, and the space requirements between the backside of the flanges 20 and the adapter which is necessary according to commonly accepted standards in the art to allow access for tooling and the like required to attach a ball valve 27 to the ball valve type end connector (18A or 18B).

FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional plan view of a multiport valve assembly 30 comprising the multi-end connector adaptor 10 directly connected to a pair of ball valves 27 at each ball valve type end connector 18A and 18B of the auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B. It is to be understood that the ball valve 27 may be a two piece ball valve 32, in which the valve body, generally represented as 34 is integral with the valve end connector, generally represented as 36, and/or the ball valve 27 may be a three piece ball valve 33 (cf. FIG. 4), in which the valve body 34 is a separate structure attached to the valve end connector 36. Both are used interchangeably herein unless otherwise noted.

In embodiments, the ball valves 27 comprise a ball valve body 34 connected between one of the end connectors 18A, 18B and opposing valve end connector 36 for connection to a process line to supply or remove process fluid to or from one of the respective auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B through valve flow bore 15A or 15B. In embodiments, each of the ball valves 27 comprise a flow control element 38 located in a valve body cavity 40 formed in the ball valve body 34. The flow control element 38 is independently rotatable via the valve stem 58 about stem axis 42 between an open (cf. right side, 14B) and a closed position (cf. left side, 14A). Inlet valve seat 44 and outlet valve seat 46 provide metal-to-metal sealing contact between the flow control element 38 and the respective end connectors 18A and 36; 18B and 36 via the valve body 34. In an embodiment, each flow control element 38 may be associated with a valve stem 58, packing 41, packing gland 43, valve handle or operator 45, and the like, common in the art.

Due to the arrangement of the auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B within the adaptor 10, and the close proximity of the recessed landing 24 and thus inlet valve seat 44 and the flow control element 38 to the main pipe run 12, there is minimal dead space 17 in the auxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B in which debris can accumulate while one of the flow control elements 38 is closed (auxiliary pipe run 14A) and the other auxiliary pipe run 14B is opened to allow fluid flow between inlet 13 and outlet 54. Also, the close proximity of the recessed landing 24 (i.e., the inlet valve seat 44) and the flow control element 38 facilitates less temperature variation and thus lower stresses during thermal cycling which may occur when one valve e.g., the valve on auxiliary pipe run 14B is opened and the other e.g., the valve on auxiliary pipe run 14A is closed to re-route the path for the flow of a hot (or cold) fluid.

In an embodiment, the minimum seat recess spacing 48 allows sufficient clearance spacing, indicated as 19 for assembly and connection of the valve end connectors 18A and 18B to the ball valve 27, e.g., sufficient clearance space required for an equivalently rated flange connection according to ANSI B16.10 or an equivalent thereof, based on the inner diameter of the bore and the pressure/temperature rating of the severe service ball valve 27 to allow for tooling and the like required for installation of the ball valve 27 into such service. In an embodiment, the minimum seat recess spacing 48 is less, and/or the dead volume 17 is less than dead volume 8 (cf. FIG. 1) which is present using an equivalently sized and rated prior art multiport adapter 1 employing standard pipe connection flanges between the ends of the multiport adapter and a valve end connector. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the multiport valve assembly 30 results in a decrease in the distance between the inlet 13 of the main pipe run 12 and the flow control element 38, amounting to at least the dead space 8 (cf. FIG. 1) associated with the adding length of the flow passage between the inlet 13 and the valve inlet end connector 2 and the flow control element 38 in the ball valve 27 required by the adapter outlet flange 3, and the spacing requirements to allow access to the adapter outlet flange 3 and the inlet end connector 2 of the ball valve 27, along with the added length of the flanges themselves, as shown in FIG. 1.

In embodiments, the minimum seat recess spacing 48, as determined above is less than the minimum seat recess spacing which would be required to attach a severe service ball valve 27 to a multiport flange with a bolted flange arrangement as shown in FIG. 1, as specified by ANSI B16.10 or an equivalent thereof, which would typically require a minimum seat recess spacing 48 of at least 3 or more times that of the main pipe run diameter 49.

In an embodiment, ball valve type end connectors 18A and/or 18B may each further comprise a purge port 31, and the ball valve 27 may further include one or more purge ports 31 to supply a purge fluid from an external source (cf. FIG. 9) to the annular landing 24, proximate the inlet valve seat 44, to the valve body cavity 40, and the like. The supply of purge fluid from an external source may inhibit debris from otherwise accumulating at the inlet valve seats 44 or valve spring 52 disposed in annular landing 24 which may interfere with the metal to metal seal between the flow control element 38, the inlet valve seat 44, the ball valve body 34 of the ball valve 27, and the adapter 10.

In an embodiment, the multiport valve assembly 30 may further comprise one or more flush flow ports 37, which may be inlets or outlets to introduce a flush fluid from an external source (cf. FIG. 9) into outlet bores 15 of the ball valves 27. The one or more flush flow ports 37 may include corresponding valves and supply systems to introduce a flush fluid into flow paths 114 located between auxiliary bores 14 of two multiport valve assemblies 30 (cf. FIG. 9).

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional plan view of a multiport valve assembly 30 comprising three piece ball valves 33 for the two ball valves 27 connected at the ends of the auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B, each directly connected to ball valve type end connectors 18A and 18B. In embodiments, the main pipe run 12 may terminate at an end 63 located opposite the inlet 13 and proximate to the auxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B. In embodiments, the main pipe run 12 may terminate at a coaxial concave frustoconical recess, or at a transverse convex surface which may be a coaxial and/or comprise a frustoconical projection 65, and/or at a removably attached (to the connector adaptor at the end of the pipe run) impingement element, which may carry a wear surface which may be metallic, ceramic, and/or the like.

As shown in FIG. 4, the flush flow ports 37A, 37B are generally located in respective upper and lower portions of the installed multiport valve assembly 30. Depending on the desired use of these flush flow port connections, this arrangement allows the multiport valve assembly to be installed with the functionality of both flush fluid inlet e.g., via the upper flush flow port 37A and/or a flush fluid drain or outlet via the lower flush fluid port 37B. Where the multiport valve assembly is installed with flush flow port 37B as the upper port and flush flow port 37A as the lower port, the functionality may be reversed. Where only one of the flush flow ports 37A, 37B is required in a particular installation, the other one of the flush flow ports 37B, 37A may be optionally be utilized for additional functionality such as a reverse flush operation (e.g., by connection of alternate supply piping, which may be temporarily or more or less permanently connected), inspection (e.g., by removing a removable plug or installing a sight glass) and/or the like, or may simply be blocked off Accordingly, in an embodiment, the multiport valve adapter 10 and the corresponding multiport valve assembly 30 utilizes interchangeable valves, and is interchangeable between an inlet of a system comprising two or more pathways between a pair of multiport valve assemblies 30 (cf. FIG. 9).

As shown in FIG. 5A, which shows the same multiport adapter 10 as shown in FIG. 2, in an embodiment, the minimum seat recess spacing 48 is proportioned and/or the transverse auxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B are dimensioned and arranged such that a linear projection 51 located parallel to the central longitudinal axis 50 describing the bounds of the annular landing 24 is located entirely outside of a linear projection 53 of the main bore 12 arranged parallel to the central longitudinal axis 50. The linear projection 51 arranged tangential to a point 62 located on the nearest surface (line 25) of the annular landing 24 which is at the minimum lateral distance (represented by 64) from the central longitudinal axis 50. Accordingly, in embodiments, the annular landing 24 and by extension the inlet valve seat 44 and the flow control element 38 of an attached ball valve 27 (cf. FIG. 3 or 4) is not directly in the flow path of main pipe run 12 or an incoming fluid flowing from or to the inlet 13 of multiport adapter 10.

As shown in FIG. 5B, in an alternative embodiment 10A, the minimum seat recess spacing 48 is proportioned and/or the transverse auxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B are dimensioned and arranged such that at least a portion of the annular landing 24 is directly in the flow path of the main pipe run 12 or an incoming fluid flowing from or to the inlet 13 of multiport adapter 10. Accordingly, in an embodiment, the minimum seat recess spacing 48 is proportioned and/or the transverse auxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B are dimensioned and arranged such that a linear projection 51 parallel to the central longitudinal axis 50 describing the bounds of the annular landing 24 is located at least partially within a linear projection 53 of the main bore 12 arranged parallel to the central longitudinal axis 50.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional plan view of an alternative embodiment of a multiport valve assembly 30A comprising an alternative embodiment of a multiport adapter 10B equipped with a pair of three piece ball valves 33 for the two ball valves 27 connected at the ends of the auxiliary pipe runs 14A, 14B, each directly connected to ball valve type end connectors 18A and 18B. As shown in FIG. 6, in embodiments, the ball valve type end connectors 18A and 18B may be machined into or otherwise arranged and disposed into the body 11 of the multiport adapter 10B, as compared to a plurality of pipe sections welded together. In embodiments, the body 11 may be formed from a single block of material by boring, casting, or otherwise machining bores therethrough. In embodiments, one or more of the ball valves 27 may be attached to the ball valve type end connectors 18A and 18B of the multiport adapter 10B using nuts or other threaded members 4 threadedly engaged with one end of a corresponding threaded attachment post or stud 71, the stud 71 secured into the multiport adapter 10B on another end to eliminate the need for clearance spacing 19 (cf. FIG. 3) required on other embodiments of multiport adapters discussed herein. In embodiments, the main pipe run 12 may terminate at an end 63 located opposite the inlet 13 and proximate to the auxiliary pipe runs 14A and 14B. As shown in FIG. 6, in embodiments, the main pipe run 12 may terminate at a coaxial concave frustoconical recess 67. As is also shown, in embodiments, the inlet 13 of multiport adapter 10B may comprise a pipe connection flange adapter 69 removably attached to the inlet 13 of the multiport adapter 10B.

In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, a multiport adapter 10C may comprise three or more of the transverse, intersecting auxiliary bores 14A and 14B and 14C, arranged in a T or other configuration such that one or more central longitudinal axes 26A, 26B, and 26C, of each auxiliary bore 14A, 14B, and 14C, respectively, is arranged orthogonal (i.e., at an angle 28A of about 90°) to the central longitudinal axis 50 of the main bore 12. As shown in FIG. 7, in embodiments, the multiport adapter 10 may further comprise one or more mounting posts 211 suitable to secure the multiport adapter to a structure.

As shown in FIG. 8, in still other alternative embodiments the multiport adapter 10D may comprise three or more flow paths beginning at main bore 12 and terminating at a plurality of auxiliary bores 14A, 14B, and 39. In an embodiment, the multiport adapter may comprise a 4-way cross arrangement, further comprising a coaxial auxiliary bore 39 in fluid communication with, and collinear with the main bore 12 and transverse to (e.g., essentially orthogonal to) the auxiliary bores 14A and 14B. In embodiments, the auxiliary bores 14A and 14B are at essentially right angles to the main bore 12 (i.e., a central longitudinal axis 26 of each auxiliary bore 14A and 14B is arranged at an angle 28A of about 90° to the central longitudinal axis 50 of the main bore 12). However, in an embodiment, one or more of the central longitudinal axes 26 of each auxiliary bore may be at any angle between 90° and 180° relative to the main bore 12, and at any angle from 30° to 180° relative to one another determined coplanar to any two auxiliary bores. In an embodiment, the multi-end connector adapter 10D may be arranged as a 4-way cross or X adapter and comprise a mixing chamber 59 located at the intersection of the main bore 12 with the auxiliary bores 14A, 14B, and 39, wherein a process fluid may be supplied through the main bore 12 and/or coaxial auxiliary bore 39 and/or one or more additive fluids may be introduced through the coaxial auxiliary bore 39. In an embodiment, the diameter 49 of the main bore 12 is equal to the diameter of the auxiliary bores 47 (e.g., 47A, 47B) and/or the coaxial auxiliary bore diameter 57 of any coaxial auxiliary bore 39. In an embodiment, at least one diameter of an auxiliary bore 47A, 47B, and/or 57 is different, than the diameter of the main bore 49. In an embodiment, at least one diameter of an auxiliary bore 47A, 47B, and/or 57 is less than the diameter of the main bore 49. In an embodiment, at least one diameter of an auxiliary bore 47A, 47B, and/or 57 is greater than the diameter of the main bore 49.

As shown in FIG. 8, in embodiments, auxiliary bores 14A and 14B terminate in ball valve type end connectors 18A, 18B and main bore 12 and coaxial auxiliary bore 39 comprise flange connectors 16 and 61, respectively. However, it is to be understood that coaxial auxiliary bore 39 may comprise a ball valve type end connector 18 and/or at least one of auxiliary bores 14A and 14B may comprise a flange connector 16, so long as at least two of the auxiliary bores comprise ball valve type end connectors.

In an embodiment, as shown schematically in FIG. 9, a system 100 comprises a system inlet 112 in fluid communication with a system outlet 110 through one or more multiport valve assemblies 30Y and 30X, respectively. Each multiport valve assemblies 30 comprising a multi-end connector adaptor 10Y and 10X, each having a plurality of ball valves 27 directly attached to and sealingly engaged with the ball valve end connectors 18. In an embodiment, system 100 comprises one or more process elements 118 respectively disposed in parallel processing paths 114A and 114B between first and second multi-end connector adaptor assemblies 30Y and 30X. System inlet 112 is connected to the inlet 13 of main bore 12 (cf. FIG. 3) of the first multi-end connector adaptor 10Y and system outlet 110 is likewise connected to the inlet 13 of the main bore 12 of the second multi-end connector adaptor 10X.

In embodiments, the two or more flow paths 114A and 114B are redundant, meaning each comprise essentially identical process elements 118 and/or flow paths. In embodiments, the two or more flow paths 114A and 114B are different, and may comprise different process elements and/or alternative process elements 118, which may differ in terms of function, design, manufacture, materials of construction, and/or the like, depending on the particular application. In an embodiment, each of the processing elements 118 interact with a fluid flowing therethrough in some manner, and may be selected from a flow control valve, an isolation valve, a filter, a heat exchanger, a distillation column, a reactor, a mixer, a noise attenuation element, or any processing element known in the art, including combinations thereof.

In an embodiment, two or more of a plurality of flush flow ports 37 may be put into fluid communication with each other (e.g., through flush valves cf. FIGS. 10 and 11) through at least a portion of one of a plurality of parallel fluid flow paths 114 which are part of system 100 to provide a flush fluid 202 as part of a flush system generally represented as 205 which may further include the necessary valves, supply and control systems to provide a supply of temperature and/or composition controlled flush fluid 202, steam, compressed gas, and/or the like, as part of flush system 205. In an embodiment, flush system 205 may comprise a plurality of flush valves attached to flush ports 37 in fluid communication with each other through at least a portion of one of the processing paths 114 of the system, which may be in electrical communication with a control system 200. In embodiments, system 100 may further comprise a purge system 207 comprising one or more purge valves 35 attached to purge ports 31 to direct a purge fluid 56 into a space within the ball valves 27 proximate the valve seats and the like as described herein. Control system 200 may be in electrical, electronic (wired or wireless), pneumatic, and/or mechanical contact to operate the ball valves 27 and any other components e.g., 118 and systems e.g., flush system 207, purge system 205, and the like, of system 100 including independently operating each of the ball valves 27 of the multiport valve assemblies 30X and 30Y to selectively open and isolate the parallel processing paths 114A, 114B with respect to the inlet 112 and outlet 110 of the system.

In embodiments, the system 100 may further comprise a control system 200 which may optionally be computer- or microprocessor-controlled to independently, semi-independently, or manually operate any one of the ball valves e.g., 27 or other components 118 present in the system, which may include the flow control elements 38 of the ball valves 27 (cf. FIGS. 3 and 4) of the multiport valve assemblies 30X and 30Y. The control system 200 may receive inputs from transmitters 201, e.g., pressure, temperature, differential pressure, chemical composition, pH, and/or the like, as readily understood in the art. Control system 200 may provide control over the flush system 207, the purge system 205, any of the ball valves 27 and/or the process elements 118, in a sequence necessary to provide safe establishment of fluid communication between the system inlet 112 and the system outlet 110 along one or both of the parallel processing paths 114A or 114B, or to isolate either or both of the parallel processing paths 114A, 114B. In an embodiment, the control system 200 is capable of autonomous operation, semi-autonomous operation, manual operation or any combination thereof.

As shown in overhead view FIG. 10 and in side view FIG. 11, in embodiments, a system 100 comprises first and second multiport valve assemblies 30X and 30Y, each comprising a multi-end connector adaptor 10X and 10Y, each having a ball valve 27 directly attached to and sealingly engaged with the ball valve end connectors 18, wherein a plurality of process elements 118 are connected between each multiport valve assembly 30 in parallel processing paths 114A and 114B. In embodiments, system 100 further includes one or more components of a flush system 205 (e.g., a flush valve connected to flush port 37), one or more components of a purge system 207, (e.g. a purge valve connected to a purge port 31), and/or the like, one or more components of a control system, (e.g., valve controllers 213). As also shown, in embodiments, system 100 may further comprise one or more auxiliary paths 207 between auxiliary bores 39 (cf. FIG. 9) of two multi-end connector adaptors 10X and 10Y e.g., a valved bypass line 207 in fluid communication between the main bores of the multiport valve assemblies 30X and 30Y. In embodiments, the system 100 is dimensioned and arranged to be mounted on one or more skids 212 to form one or more pieces of a module 210 or an entire module installable between an inlet 214 and an outlet 215 of a commercial process.

In embodiments a method of processing fluid flow through a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a like plurality of parallel processing paths, comprising: providing a system according to one or more embodiments disclosed herein in a process unit, wherein with the main pipe run of the first multiport severe service ball valve assembly is connected to an upstream fluid supply and the main pipe run of the second multiport severe service ball valve assembly is connected to a downstream process line; selectively opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to pass fluid through the process element of a first one of the parallel processing paths; selectively closing the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to isolate the process element of a second one of the parallel processing paths; servicing the isolated process element; and opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to initiate fluid flow through the serviced process element.

In embodiments, the various modules of the system may be assembled remotely and connected to form the system at the intended end-use location. In embodiments, one of the flow paths may be isolated and a module containing a portion of the system removed from the system and maintained or repaired at a remote location.

Embodiments Listing

Embodiments of the multiport severe service ball valve, systems, and processes comprising the same include:

• A. A multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:
  • a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs;
  • the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and
  • the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow control element of a ball valve.
• B. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment A, wherein the main pipe run connector flange is a pipe type end connector flange.
• C. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiments A or B, further comprising a minimum seat recess spacing of the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run which is less than two main pipe run diameters, wherein the main pipe run diameter is determined at the inlet end and the minimum seat recess spacing is the minimum distance between the annular landing and a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run determined along a longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run.
• D. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment C, wherein the minimum seat recess spacing is less than or equal to 1 main pipe run diameter.
• E. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment C, wherein the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run is located entirely outside of a linear projection of an inner surface of the main pipe run parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.
• F. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of embodiments A through E, wherein the first and the second transverse auxiliary pipe runs intersect the main pipe run in a Y configuration wherein the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs are each arranged such that a central longitudinal axis of the corresponding transverse auxiliary pipe run is at an angle from about 95° to about 175° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.
• G. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of embodiments A through F, further comprising a third transverse auxiliary pipe run oriented transverse to a plane defined by the central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run.
• H. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment G, wherein the third transverse auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector flange.
• I. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of embodiments A through H, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle of about 90° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.
• J. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiment I, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle of about 90° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.
• K. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of embodiments A through J, further comprising a third auxiliary pipe run oriented coaxial with the main pipe run.
• L. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiments G or K, wherein the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector flange.
• M. The multi-end connector adaptor according to embodiments G or K, wherein the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a ball valve type end connector flange.
• N. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of embodiments A through M, wherein at least one ball valve type end connector flange comprises a purge port in fluid communication with the annular landing.
• O. The multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of embodiments A through N, wherein each ball valve type end connector comprises an annular projection radially arranged about the flow bore extending from a face of the respective flange, the annular projection comprising an outside diameter which is less than an outside diameter of the respective flange and an inside diameter which is greater than or equal to an outside diameter of the annular landing.
• P. A multiport severe service ball valve assembly, comprising the multi-end connector adaptor according to any one of embodiments A through O comprising at least two severe service ball valves attached thereto providing metal to metal sealing between a valve seat and a flow control element.
• Q. A multiport severe service ball valve assembly, comprising:
  • a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:
  • a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs;
  • the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and
  • the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring,
  • each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball valve type end connector flange.
• R. The multiport severe service ball valve assembly according to embodiments P or Q, further comprising an opposing end connector attached to each ball valve body opposite the respective ball valve type end connector of the multi-end connector adaptor.
• S. A system comprising a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies according to any one of embodiments P through R.
• T. A system comprising:
  • a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each of the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising:
  • a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:
  • a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs;
  • the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and
  • the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring,
  • each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball valve type end connector flange; and
  • a system inlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the first multiport severe service ball valve assembly in fluid communication with a system outlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the second multiport severe service ball valve assembly through respective transverse auxiliary pipe runs, flow control elements, and process elements of each of the flow paths.
• U. The system according to embodiments S or T, wherein the process elements include a pressure letdown valve, a flow control valve, an isolation valve, a filter, a heat exchanger, a distillation column, a reactor, a mixer, a noise attenuation element, or any combination thereof.
• V. The system according to any one of embodiments S through U, further comprising a valved flush line inlet in fluid communication with a valved flush line outlet through at least a portion of one of the flow paths.
• W. The system according to any one of embodiments S through V, wherein the first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies and the process elements are mounted on at least one skid to form a module.
• X. The system according to any one of embodiments S through W, wherein each of the multi-end connector adaptors further comprise a third auxiliary pipe run and wherein the system inlet and the system outlet are in fluid communication through a valved bypass line in fluid communication between each of the third auxiliary pipe runs.
• Y. The system according to any one of embodiments S through X, further comprising a control system to operate the first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to selectively open and isolate the parallel flow paths with respect to the system inlet and the system outlet.
• Z. A method of processing fluid flow through a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a like plurality of parallel flow paths, comprising:
  • i) providing a system in a process unit, according to any one of embodiments S through Y;
  • ii) selectively opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to pass fluid through a first flow path;
  • iii) selectively closing the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to isolate the process element of a second flow path;
  • iv) servicing the isolated process element of the second flow path; and
  • v) opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to initiate fluid flow through the serviced process element of the second flow path.
• A1. A method of processing fluid flow through a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a like plurality of parallel flow paths, comprising:
  • i) providing a system in a process unit, the system comprising a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each of the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising:
    • a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:
    • a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs;
    • the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run;
    • the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring;
    • each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball valve type end connector flange;
    • a system inlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the first multiport severe service ball valve assembly in fluid communication with a system outlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the second multiport severe service ball valve assembly through respective transverse auxiliary pipe runs, flow control elements, and process elements of each of the flow paths, wherein with the system inlet is connected to an upstream fluid supply and the system outlet is connected to a downstream process line;
  • ii) selectively opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to pass fluid through a first flow path;
  • iii) selectively closing the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to isolate the process element of a second flow path;
  • iv) servicing the isolated process element of the second flow path; and
  • v) opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to initiate fluid flow through the serviced process element of the second flow path.

The invention is described above in reference to specific examples and embodiments. The metes and bounds of the invention are not to be limited by the foregoing disclosure, which is illustrative only, but should be determined in accordance with the full scope and spirit of the appended claims. Various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the description and examples. It is intended that all such variations within the scope and spirit of the appended claims be embraced thereby.

Claims

1. A multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:

a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs;

the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and

the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring for sealing against a flow control element of a ball valve.

2. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1, wherein the main pipe run connector flange is a pipe type end connector flange.

3. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1, further comprising a minimum seat recess spacing of the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run which is less than two main pipe run diameters, wherein the main pipe run diameter is determined at the inlet end and the minimum seat recess spacing is the minimum distance between the annular landing and a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run determined along a longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run.

4. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 3, wherein the minimum seat recess spacing is less than or equal to 1 main pipe run diameter.

5. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 3, wherein the annular landing of the ball valve type end connector of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run is located entirely outside of a linear projection of an inner surface of the main pipe run parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

6. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1, wherein the first and the second transverse auxiliary pipe runs intersect the main pipe run in a Y configuration wherein the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs are each arranged such that a central longitudinal axis of the corresponding transverse auxiliary pipe run is at an angle from about 95° to about 175° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

7. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 6, further comprising a third transverse auxiliary pipe run oriented transverse to a plane defined by the central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run and the central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run.

8. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 7, wherein the third transverse auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector flange.

9. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the first transverse auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle of about 90° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

10. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 9, wherein a central longitudinal axis of the second transverse auxiliary pipe run is arranged at an angle of about 90° relative to a central longitudinal axis of the main pipe run.

11. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 10, further comprising a third auxiliary pipe run oriented coaxial with the main pipe run.

12. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 11, wherein the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a pipe type end connector flange.

13. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 11, wherein the third auxiliary pipe run comprises a ball valve type end connector flange.

14. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1, wherein at least one ball valve type end connector flange comprises a purge port in fluid communication with the annular landing.

15. The multi-end connector adaptor of claim 1, wherein each ball valve type end connector comprises an annular projection radially arranged about the flow bore extending from a face of the respective flange, the annular projection comprising an outside diameter which is less than an outside diameter of the respective flange and an inside diameter which is greater than or equal to an outside diameter of the annular landing.

16. A multiport severe service ball valve assembly, comprising:

a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:

a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs;

the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and

the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring,

each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball valve type end connector flange.

17. The multiport severe service ball valve assembly of claim 16, further comprising an opposing end connector attached to each ball valve body opposite the respective ball valve type end connector of the multi-end connector adaptor.

18. A system comprising:

a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each of the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising:

a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising:

a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs;

the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; and

the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring,

each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball valve type end connector flange; and

a system inlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the first multiport severe service ball valve assembly in fluid communication with a system outlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the second multiport severe service ball valve assembly through respective transverse auxiliary pipe runs, flow control elements, and process elements of each of the flow paths.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein the process elements include a pressure letdown valve, a flow control valve, an isolation valve, a filter, a heat exchanger, a distillation column, a reactor, a mixer, a noise attenuation element, or any combination thereof.

20. The system of claim 18, further comprising a valved flush line inlet in fluid communication with a valved flush line outlet through at least a portion of one of the flow paths.

21. The system of claim 18, wherein the first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies and the process elements are mounted on at least one skid to form a module.

22. The system of claim 18, wherein each of the multi-end connector adaptors further comprise a third auxiliary pipe run and wherein the system inlet and the system outlet are in fluid communication through a valved bypass line in fluid communication between each of the third auxiliary pipe runs.

23. The system of claim 18, further comprising a control system to operate the first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to selectively open and isolate the parallel flow paths with respect to the system inlet and the system outlet.

24. A method of processing fluid flow through a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a like plurality of parallel flow paths, comprising:

i) providing a system in a process unit, the system comprising a plurality of process elements respectively disposed in a plurality of parallel flow paths between first and second multiport severe service ball valve assemblies; each of the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies comprising: a multi-end connector adaptor, comprising: a main pipe run comprising an inlet end in fluid communication with outlet ends of first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs; the main pipe run comprising a main pipe run connector flange located at the inlet end of the main pipe run; the outlet ends of the first and second transverse auxiliary pipe runs each comprising a ball valve type end connector flange comprising a flow bore through the respective flange and an annular landing recessed in the respective flange around the flow bore to receive a seat ring; each of the ball valve type end connector flanges detachably connected to a ball valve body of a corresponding severe service ball valve such that a flow control element in a cavity of each ball valve body is sealing engaged with a corresponding seat ring disposed in the annular landing of the respective ball valve type end connector flange; a system inlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the first multiport severe service ball valve assembly in fluid communication with a system outlet located at the inlet end of the main pipe run of the second multiport severe service ball valve assembly through respective transverse auxiliary pipe runs, flow control elements, and process elements of each of the flow paths, wherein with the system inlet is connected to an upstream fluid supply and the system outlet is connected to a downstream process line;

ii) selectively opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to pass fluid through a first flow path;

iii) selectively closing the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to isolate the process element of a second flow path;

iv) servicing the isolated process element of the second flow path; and

v) opening the flow control elements in the multiport severe service ball valve assemblies to initiate fluid flow through the serviced process element of the second flow path.