Abstract: A pressure control valve includes a spool that strokes to one side in the direction of an axis due to the conduction of current to a coil, a spring that urges the spool to the other side in the axis direction, a control device for controlling the conduction of the current to the coil, a determination unit for determining the start of a foreign substance removing operation by the spool, a command value setting unit for setting a command value for the current conducted to the coil, and a dither current setting unit for setting a dither current superimposed on the command value. When the determination unit determines the start of the foreign substance removing operation, the dither current setting unit changes an oscillation frequency of the dither current to an oscillation frequency lower than the frequency at the current point in time, and the command value setting unit periodically increases and reduces the command value on which the changed oscillation frequency is superimposed.

Abstract: Reusable network of spatially-multiplexed microfluidic channels each including an inlet, an outlet, and a cuvette in-between. Individual channels may operationally share a main or common output channel defining the network output and optionally leading to a disposable storage volume. Alternatively, multiple channels are structured to individually lead to the storage volume. An individual cuvette is dimensioned to substantially prevent the formation of air-bubbles during the fluid sample flow through the cuvette and, therefore, to be fully filled and fully emptied. The overall channel network is configured to spatially lock the fluidic sample by pressing such sample with a second fluid against a closed to substantially immobilize it to prevent drifting due to the change in ambient conditions during the measurement. Thereafter, the fluidic sample is flushed through the now-opened valve with continually-applied pressure of the second fluid.

Abstract: An assembly can include a turbine housing that includes a bore, a wastegate seat and a wastegate passage that extends to the wastegate seat; a bushing configured for receipt by the bore; a rotatable wastegate shaft configured for receipt by the bushing; a wastegate plug extending from the wastegate shaft; a control arm operatively coupled to the wastegate shaft; and a biasing cam operatively coupled to the control arm wherein the biasing cam comprises a disengaged orientation associated with a closed position of the wastegate plug with respect to the wastegate seat and an engaged orientation associated with an open position of the wastegate plug with respect to the wastegate seat. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprises: a valve body including a passageway through which a first gas can be transmitted through the valve assembly; a valve flow control element movable relative to the valve body between an opened position wherein flow through the passageway is at a maximum flow, and a closed position wherein flow through the passageway is at a minimum flow, the valve flow control element is shaped so that a control gap is provided between the valve body and valve flow control element through which the first gas can flow, and the dimensions of the control gap vary depending on the position of the valve flow control element relative to the valve body; and a gas injector arrangement for selectively injecting a second gas into the control gap when the valve assembly is used to control the flow of the first gas through the passageway.

Abstract: A method for connecting coupling parts of a subsea coupling arrangement, the coupling parts having at least one sealing surface, in which the coupling parts are connected by displacing the coupling parts towards each other, wherein a watertight seal is formed when the coupling parts are connected, feeding filtered sea water through a channel into a space between the coupling parts during the displacement, flowing the filtered sea water over the sealing surfaces to prevent particles and dirt from being trapped between the sealing surfaces, and discharging the filtered sea water from the space into surroundings of the subsea coupling arrangement.

Abstract: A rotary selection valve (1) is disclosed having a stator (20) and a rotor (40) having complementary abutting fluid tight surfaces (30,50) for relative rotation between the stator (20) and the rotor (40) about a rotational axis. The stator or rotor has at least one connection port in fluid communication with an associated orifice at said stator or rotor abutment surfaces (30,50). The stator and/or rotor further comprise a separate fluid recess extending radially beyond said associated orifice or orifices and open to the complementary abutment surfaces for improving the automatic cleaning of the valve.

Abstract: A method for process optimization for a valve (1) comprising a valve seat (5) arranged in a valve housing (3) between an inlet (7) and an outlet (8), comprising a valve disk (4) which is connected to an actuating rod (10) and comprising an actuating device (2) which acts on the actuating rod (10), by which means the valve disk (4) is brought into a closed position (23) for closing the valve (1) and is pressed onto the valve seat (5) and for opening the valve (1) is raised from the valve seat (5) and brought into an opening position (26), wherein fluid flows through the valve (1) for carrying out the method in the course of cleaning, can be improved with regard to a better cleaning effect in remote regions (14, 15, 16) of the interior (17) of the valve housing (3) whereby during cleaning the valve disk (4) is brought into at least one intermediate position (24, 24, 31) between the closed position (23) and the open position (26).

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a faucet valve cartridge 10 configured for use within a dual handle faucet 16, 18. The valve cartridge 10 includes first and second fluid flow control members 94 and 96 received within a valve housing 74 and configured to control fluid flow from an inlet 32, 36 to an outlet 29.

Abstract: A method of flushing liquid fuel from valves and nozzles in a gas turbine is conducted via a mixing valve including flow passages for fuel and water. In the method, water is flowed through the flow passages, and the flow is interrupted for a period of no flow. This flow profile is repeated such that the water flow is pulsed through the flow passages.

Abstract: A butterfly valve comprises: a body including a valve opening; and a flapper rotatably mounted about a rotation axis so as to be movable relative to the valve opening. The flapper is rotatable at least 180° about the rotation axis so that the flapper is movable to at least one fully opened position, at least one fully closed position 90° apart from the fully opened position, and a third position, either fully opened or fully closed, 180° from the other like position. In one embodiment the flapper is rotatable at least 360° about the rotation axis so that the flapper is movable to each of two opened positions 180° apart, and two closed positions 180° apart from each other and 90° and 270° apart from each of the fully opened positions. The valve can be easily calibrated and controlled, and cleaned to extend the useful service life between cleanings.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is described which provides stable flow rates over a range of different flow rates and while multiple fluids are being concurrently delivered. The delivery system includes one or more reservoirs each containing a respective fluid to be transferred. The reservoir(s) are positioned within a secondary fluid selected such that the reservoir(s) and their contents, i.e. the fluids to be transferred, float within the secondary fluid. One end of a flow conduit is submerged in each fluid to be transferred. A pressure differential is then induced in the flow conduit whereby fluid flow therein occurs.

Abstract: A cleaning system for cleaning one or more valve seats in a valve and for cleaning one or more interior surfaces of said valve with a cleaning agent, where said cleaning system are preferably arranged in a mixproof valve (1) consisting of at least a valve body (2), one or more valve seats (5, 9), a first valve plug (4) with a first stem (6) and a second valve plug (8) with a second stem (10), the second valve plug having a central hollow part (11) for guiding the first stem. Said cleaning system has nozzle means (17) for creating two different spray patterns, said nozzle means being arranged between and/or on the first stem and the hollow central part of the second valve plug, where a first spray pattern is primarily used for cleaning the interior surfaces of said valve and where a second spray pattern is primarily used for cleaning one or more of said valve seats, while the valve is open between a product area (14) and a drain area (15).

Abstract: A valve comprising sealing members configured to allow the valve to achieve an open position, a closed position, lower seat clean position and an upper seat clean position is described. A method including opening a valve, closing a valve, moving the valve to a lower seat clean position, and moving the valve to an upper seat clean position is described.

Abstract: An outer valve surrounds an inner valve. A plug can move relative to a seat of the inner valve to control flow through that valve. A plug co-operates with the outlet port of the outer valve to control fluid through that valve. The plug comprises part of the inner valve.

Abstract: A valve device for connecting two conduits in a unit for conducting a product comprises a first shut-off member and a second shut-off member and a first leakage space between the first and the second shut-off members, a first connection for one of the two conduits on a side of the first shut-off member facing away from the leakage space, and a second connection for the other of the two conduits on the side of the second shut-off member facing away from the leakage space. A third shut-off member and a fourth shut-off member and a second leakage space are present between the third and the fourth shut-off members, wherein a central third leakage space is present between the second and the third shut-off members, and wherein the second connection for the other of the two conduits is arranged on a side of the fourth shut-off member facing away from the second leakage space.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and apparatus to allow high pressure pumping a fluid mixture of solid and/or abrasive particles with a liquid, and separating the fluid mixture into a solid and/or abrasive particle component and a cleaned liquid component. An embodiment includes surrounding the pump plunger/piston, and timely cycling the cleaned liquid to flush the pump check valves to displace erosive solid and/or abrasive material. Consequently, this invention allows for proper check valve sealing, extends the life of check valves, extends the life of the pump, and improves efficiency.

Abstract: A device and methods for sample distribution through a channel in which an expandable valve provides a mechanism to regulate flow through the channel. The valve may be configured to exert a force on a membrane layer so as to substantially block a portion of the channel to retain the sample in a desired location and prevent flow past the valve mechanism between the channel and a chamber.

Abstract: Self-cleaning apparatus and methods are disclosed for handling viscous fluids, such as thick solid-liquid slurries of lignocellulosic biomass and its components, under high pressure, using an array of retractable valves.

Abstract: Accumulation of polymer on equipment, which is in contact with polymerizable material during normal process operation, is minimized by the method and apparatus of the present invention. The method involves positioning and affixing the equipment, such as a pressure relief device, to process apparatus, such as a distillation column, proximate to a wetted region comprising liquid phase fluid in the process apparatus, such that the moving liquid phase fluid is at least intermittently in contact with the equipment and one or more of accumulated polymerizable material, condensate comprising same, and polymer, is washed off of the equipment.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve assembly is provided, such as for use in a vacuum cleaner such as a particularly advantageous vacuum cleaner system that has at least two filters and self-cleans its filters via back-flushing, without needing to stop normal operation to self-clean. Also, a vacuum cleaner is provided that uses permanent, self-cleaning filters, and does not need disposable filters or filter bags, and advantageously can use inexpensive plastic bags. In another vacuum cleaner system, waste is collected in an ordinary plastic bag without any special preparation or modification of the bag being needed. Further, an inventive self-cleaning X-valve assembly cleans itself and is useable in the vacuum cleaner system.

Abstract: A ball valve with a purging mechanism is used in a method that provides a fluid purge of the valve. The fluid purge may be accomplished by introducing fluid into a housing of the valve and allowing the fluid to pass through the valve and out through an outlet port. The fluid purge eliminates any residual matter from a liquid flow line. The fluid used for the purge is typically nitrogen or clean dry air (CDA).

Abstract: A washing machine includes a valve with a housing base and a rotor, the housing base defining a central liquid line, nozzles in the housing base and in a circle that is concentric to an axis of the rotor, the nozzles being connectable to the central liquid line by a connection line in the rotor and having a seal that seals a connection with the connection line, a motor for driving the rotor, a storage container connected to each of the nozzles, a liquid line connected to the central liquid line, a pump connecting the liquid line to a dispensing device for a laundry treatment room, and a water feed without a seal in a transition to the connection line. The rotor axially presses the seals toward the housing base until contact areas of the rotor and the housing base oppose each other and are close to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve body and condensate holding tank flushing system and method for use in a delayed coker operation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus for efficient, durable, reliable, and cost-effective fluid injection. In particular, the present invention provides an unpowered device for automatic fluid injection dictated by pressure differential in the line. More specifically, the present invention provides a device for injecting a degreasing chemical into air relief valves in municipal wastewater systems, which operates off of the differential pressure in the pumped lines resulting from the pump operating cycles.

Abstract: Provided is a ball valve having a retractable main ball seal and a clean-in-place spindle seal. By moving opening the spindle seal, the spindle seal cavity may be cleaned without disassembly by allowing fluid flow around and within the ball valve cavity. Similarly, by retracting the main ball seal, the valve cavity may be cleaning without disassembly. Opening a spindle seal may allow the fluid to drain naturally. In addition, a method for cleaning such a ball valve is provided.

Abstract: A method of clearing debris from an air valve of an air driven tool including the steps of contacting a portion of a first valve with a portion of a second valve; sealing the first valve to the second valve; and opening the first valve prior to the sealing step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular reactor for carrying out catalytic gas-phase reactions, containing a catalyst tube bundle (8) that is traversed by the relevant reaction gas mixture, is filled with a catalyst, extends between two tube sheets (4, 148) and around which flows a heat transfer medium contained within a surrounding reactor jacket (6). The reactor also comprises gas entry and discharge hoods (2; 60) that cover the two tube sheets for supplying the relevant process gas to the catalyst tubes and for discharging the reacted process gas from the catalyst tubes. Together with all the parts that come into contact with the process gas mixture, the reactor is designed to have an appropriate strength for withstanding the deflagration and explosive pressures that are to be taken into account during its operation. The volume available to the process gas mixture prior to its entry into the catalyst tubes is restricted as much as possible in construction and flow engineering terms.

Abstract: A self-cleaning valve assembly is provided, such as for use in a vacuum cleaner such as a particularly advantageous vacuum cleaner system that has at least two filters and self-cleans its filters via back-flushing, without needing to stop normal operation to self-clean. Also, a vacuum cleaner is provided that uses permanent, self-cleaning filters, and does not need disposable filters or filter bags, and advantageously can use inexpensive plastic bags. In another vacuum cleaner system, waste is collected in an ordinary plastic bag without any special preparation or modification of the bag being needed. Further, an inventive self-cleaning X-valve assembly cleans itself and is useable in the vacuum cleaner system.

Abstract: The normal control of an electrically-activated hydraulic valve armature is overridden to automatically and periodically open the armature for flushing out debris that has accumulated between the armature and a seat that the armature is designed to engage. The valve develops fluid pressure for maintaining engagement of a motor vehicle transmission clutch, and when excessive slippage of the clutch is detected, the armature is forced into engagement with the seat until the slippage is reduced or a predetermined period of time has elapsed, after which the armature is temporarily positioned away from the seat to provide full flow of hydraulic fluid across the seat to flush out debris that prevents the armature from engaging the seat. During Neutral operation of the transmission, the armature is continuously positioned away from the seat, and during low torque conditions the armature is temporarily positioned away from the seat.

Abstract: A valve seat and a valve assembly incorporating such valve seat form tight dual seals with glass lined nozzle of a reagent or reaction vessel. This reduces or eliminates cavities and crevices between the value seat and the nozzle where residues or contaminants can accumulate. Additionally, the present valve assembly comprises flush ports to permit the valve seat and the valve to be cleaned-in-place. This eliminates the need to disassemble the valve seat and/or the valve to remove the contaminants, thereby minimizing process “down time.

Abstract: Method of cleaning valves or lines through which hydrolysable polymers are transported at the operating temperature, in which, after the polymer stream has been shut off and the polymer has been evacuated as far as possible, steam is passed through the valves or lines to be cleaned while the operating temperature is maintained at plus/minus 10° C., with the steam being introduced via hydrolysis valves set in the wall of the valve housing or the lines and discharged via emptying apertures.

Abstract: A method and a device for controlling at least one valve, in response to a detected leak in the system including the valve. An activation signal is generated which opens the valve briefly for flushing purposes and closes it again, or moves the valve ball at great speed onto the valve seat.

Abstract: A suspension system that restricts side-to-side airflow between air springs on opposite sides of a vehicle or trailer. In one embodiment, active airflow discs in suspension ports of a valve operate in two modes; restrictive and non-restrictive. A disc attains a non-restrictive mode when air is exhausted from an air spring. A disc attains a restrictive mode when air is injected into the suspension port from the valve toward an air spring. Airflow discs in opposing suspension ports both attain a non-restrictive state to rapidly dump air from the springs and lower vehicle ride height. In another embodiment, a pneumatic circuit includes one-way check valves, in fluid communication with opposing air springs, aligned to restrict airflow between the opposing springs under uneven loading conditions. A pair of electronic solenoids acts in concert with the check valves to selectively inflate or deflate the air springs.

Abstract: A water flushing unit and a method of making such comprising a cover plate that is to be mountingly installed to replace the original equipment cover plate of a shower valve. The modified cover plate has a drain conduit which includes an on/off valve. The on/off valve is in turn connected to a flexible tube. Flushing water from the shower valve is to be confined and directed through the drain pipe and, with the on/off valve in an open position, is caused to flow through the drain tube.

Abstract: In order to free a seized valve, an inspection port is formed in a wall of the valve body and the areas where the valve is seized are determined. One or more injection ports are formed in the valve body adjacent to the seized portions of the valve, pressurized fluid (preferably an insoluble lubricant having a very high cone penetration) is injected through the or each injection port and the injection ports are then closed.

Abstract: A corporation stop cleaner device includes a T-shaped body having an inlet end, an outlet end, a flushing inlet connection and a flushing outlet connection. The T-shaped body is attached to the fluid inlet of a corporation stop. A removable brush is mounted on one end of a rigid rod and is forced through the T-shaped body and into the corporation stop. The brush abuts the inner surfaces of the corporation stop to remove debris or the like from the inner surfaces of the corporation stop. Flushing water flows through the T-shaped body to remove debris removed from the corporation stop. An optional pipe cleaning tool includes the T-shaped body attached to a service water line with an expandable brush mounted on one end of a flexible cable wherein the brush expands through the pipe cleaning tool inside of the water pipe to remove debris from the line that is stopping flow of water therethrough.

Abstract: A multiple opening sleeve valve is provided with a gate movable to control flow or pressure without the need for axial movement of a component through a pressure-containing seal. A gate actuator can include a drive rod and nut coupled to a gate substantially internal to the valve housing without the need for grease or similar external lubrication. The valve can provide for relatively high in-line gate-moving force, a reduction in force or torque requirements for operation, increased ease of wear-part replacement and decreased overall valve length, compared to previous valve configurations of comparable size or capacity.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a hygienic three way valve for dispensing medicinal, pharmaceutical and food products or other fluid materials which require the processing of fill products without contamination while providing a positive control over the the fill product. The novel hygienic three way valve provides a positive control over fill products by utilizing a fluid activated piston having a positive shut off provided by a substantially cylindrical sealing head in combination with tapered sealing seats that receive the upper and lower sealing surfaces of the substantially cylindrical sealing head. A pneumatic or fluid means is provided for activating the piston and a leak detection port is disposed through the wall of the main valve body communicating with the piston.

Abstract: A positive control fill valve for dispensing fillable materials which eliminates dripping, splashing, sloshing and contamination of fill materials is provided with a fluid activiated fill piston having a substantially cylindrical piston sealing head cooperating with a tapered seat for receiving the piston filling head in combination with a leak detection port for positively detecting potential leaks between the fluid activated fill piston and the product fill chamber. The novel fill valve preferably includes at one end, a pneumatic means for opening and closing the fill valve piston and at the other end, a fill chamber having a tapered seat for positively seating the sealing head of the pneumatically activated piston with a product inlet means disposed therebetween and a two seal arrangement separating the pneumatic chamber at one end from the product dispensing chamber at the other end and a leak detection port disposed intermediate the two seals.

Abstract: A method is provided for cleansing a seal of a device used for sealing an evaporative emission control system of an automotive vehicle. The method starts by determining if a request to close the device has been made. If the request to close the device has been made, the method cycles the device a plurality of times to press and lift the seal off of a seat repeatedly. The method also determines if the seal is closed after the cycling step. If the seal is not closed after the cycling step, the method closes the seal. Preferably, the cycling step includes cycling the device at a pre-selected duty cycle, frequency and cycle count. The duty cycle, frequency, and cycle count correspond to calibration tables prepared for the particular device employed to insure that the seal strikes its seat about three times before sealing.

Abstract: A switch valve 10 is provided with an upper body 14 having a plurality of outlet ports 20A, 20B, and 20C and a lower body housing 16 with inlet port 18. The switch valve includes a ball member 22 which is rotatable within the switch valve body 12 for selective fluid communication between the inlet port 18 and the selected one of the plurality of outlet ports. The ball 22 is rotated by a stem 28, which may be powered by an actuator unit. The upper body 14 includes a substantially dome-shaped seating surface 40 for sealing engagement with the outer surface 38 of the ball. The biasing member 48 biases the ball radially in a direction opposite the ball inlet port 24 to obtain the desired sealing engagement. The biasing member is preferably a Belleville spring 48 having a single wrap design.

Abstract: The invention provides a valve 10,30 for connecting first and second conduits 12,14. The valve 10,30 comprises; a valve member 16 rotatably mounted in a housing 18, to define a space 22 between the valve member 16 and the housing 18; and inflatable seal means 20,32, operable to provide a seal between the valve member 16 and the housing 18. The invention further provides a valve assembly 40 for connecting first and second conduits 12,14. The assembly 40 comprises: a valve member 16 movably mounted in a housing 18, to define a space 22 between the valve member 16 and the housing 18; inflatable seal means 20,32, operable to provide a seal between the valve member 16 and the housing 18; and an air inlet controller 42 for supplying compressed air into the space 22, for driving a pig 44 along the conduits 12,14. The invention also provides methods of cleaning the valve 10,30 and assembly 40 in situ by in-line fluid flow.

Abstract: A sleeve valve comprises a sleeve and a gate. The sleeve includes an intake, a discharge nozzle section, and a clean-out section. The discharge nozzle section includes a plurality of nozzles. The sleeve is adapted for fluid flow from the intake through a fluid passage and out the nozzles. The clean-out section includes at least one access port. The gate is adapted for sliding within the sleeve in sliding sealing engagement with the interior surface of the sleeve between closed, throttling, open, and clean positions. The gate and sleeve are configured so that the gate, when in the closed position, prevents fluid within the fluid passage from flowing out the nozzles and the access port. The gate and sleeve, when in the throttling position, permits fluid within the fluid passage to flow out some of the nozzles but prevents fluid within the fluid passage from flowing out the access port of the clean-out section and others of the nozzles.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a solenoid-operated regulator valve wherein command current applied to a solenoid actuator establishes a defined response of a valve. Cleaning current pulses applied to the solenoid establish a response that does not interfere with the effectiveness of the valve function. The pulse width, pulse amplitude, pulse direction and pulse period are determined by the degree of contamination of the valve environment.