Valve trim and control valve including such valve trim

Abstract

A valve trim and a control valve including such a valve trim are disclosed. An exemplary device includes a cage for a fluid control valve, the cage including a first flow path having a first opening and a second flow path having a second opening, a wall disposed between the first and second flow paths to direct the fluid to flow into the first opening and through the first flow path toward an end of the cage before changing direction and flowing through the second flow path and through the second opening, the change in direction reducing the velocity of the fluid and preventing flashing or cavitation from occurring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to control valves, and more particularly to valve trims and control valves including such valve trims. Background Art

[0002] When the pressure of a fluid flowing through a restricted area of ​​a control valve changes, a phase change may occur. In some examples, when the pressure of the fluid drops to or below the vapor pressure of the fluid, vapor pockets form in the fluid. In examples where the downstream pressure is above the vapor pressure, the vapor pockets in the fluid collapse in an event known as cavitation. In examples where the downstream pressure remains at or below the vapor pressure, the vapor pockets do not collapse and continue to expand and gain speed in an event known as flashing. When the pressure to which the vapor pockets were exposed is restored, the vapor pockets implode. Regardless of whether the event involves flashing and / or cavitation, such an event may damage components of the control valve and / or may increase noise and / or vibration when the valve is operated. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first example, an apparatus includes: a cage for a fluid control valve, the cage including a first flow path having a first opening and a second flow path having a second opening, a wall disposed between the first flow path and the second flow path to direct the fluid to flow into the first opening and through the first flow path toward an end of the cage before changing direction and flowing through the second flow path and out of the second opening, the change in direction reducing the velocity of the fluid and preventing flashing or cavitation from occurring.

[0004] According to a second example, an apparatus includes a cage for a fluid control valve, the cage including means for changing the direction of a fluid flowing through the cage between a first direction and a second direction to prevent flashing or cavitation from occurring, the first direction being substantially opposite to the second direction.

[0005] According to a third example, an apparatus includes: a valve body including an inlet and an outlet; and a valve trim disposed within the valve body, the valve trim including a cage and a plug, the plug controlling fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet, the cage including a first end and a second end and a generally V-shaped or generally U-shaped flow path, the V-shaped or U-shaped flow path directing fluid to enter the cage at the first end toward the second end before following toward and exiting the cage.

[0006] Further according to the foregoing first, second and / or third examples, the apparatus and / or method may further include any one or more of the following:

[0007] According to one example, the device further includes a protrusion extending into the first flow path, wherein proximate protrusions within the first flow path define pressure stages to controllably vary the pressure of the fluid flowing through the cage.

[0008] According to another example, the protrusions comprise ends having corresponding profiles to reduce lateral gaps between the protrusions.

[0009] According to another example, the protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, and the first protrusion overlaps with the second protrusion.

[0010] According to another example, the first protrusion and the second protrusion have different lengths.

[0011] According to another example, the protrusion includes a first protrusion and a second protrusion, the first protrusion extending into the first flow path along the first direction, and the second protrusion extending into the first flow path along the second direction.

[0012] According to another example, at least one of the first protrusions is disposed between at least two of the second protrusions.

[0013] According to another example, the protrusion comprises an annular rib.

[0014] According to another example, the protrusion includes a first protrusion, and the device further includes a second protrusion extending into the second flow path.

[0015] According to another example, the first flow path is coupled to the second flow path at an end of the cage.

[0016] According to another example, the end portion is a first end adjacent to the first opening, and the cage includes a second end, the first end being opposite to the second end.

[0017] According to another example, the second opening is adjacent to the first end.

[0018] According to another example, the first opening is a fluid inlet for the cage and the second opening is a fluid outlet for the cage.

[0019] According to another example, the cage includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being coupled to the second portion.

[0020] According to another example, the end is a first end and the first part includes the first end and the inner and outer walls of the cage, the second part includes the second end and the wall, the first end being opposite to the second end.

[0021] According to another example, the inner wall and the outer wall comprise substantially coaxial cylindrical surfaces.

[0022] According to another example, the wall comprises a tapered surface.

[0023] According to another example, the device further includes a divider extending between the inner wall and the outer wall to separate the first flow path into the first sub-flow path and the second sub-flow path, thereby preventing the fluid from swirling in the first flow path.

[0024] According to another example, the first and second flow paths form a substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped flow path between the first opening and the second opening.

[0025] According to another example, the wall is a first wall and the end is a first end, the device further comprising a second wall extending from a second end of the cage, the second wall defining a third flow path of the cage through which fluid flows.

[0026] According to another example, the device also includes a third wall extending from the first end, the first wall is arranged between the inner wall and the second wall of the cage, the second wall is arranged between the first wall and the third wall, the third wall is arranged between the second wall and the outer wall of the cage, and the third wall and the outer wall define a fourth flow path through which the fluid flows.

[0027] According to another example, the first and second flow paths are coupled adjacent to the second end, the second and third flow paths are coupled adjacent to the first end, and the third and fourth flow paths are coupled adjacent to the second end.

[0028] According to another example, a unit for changing the direction of a fluid flowing through a cage includes a wall disposed between first and second flow paths of the cage and a protrusion extending into the first and second flow paths, the protrusion forming a pressure stage that reduces the velocity of the fluid and prevents flashing or cavitation from occurring, the first and second flow paths extending between ends of the cage.

[0029] According to another example, the device also includes a partition extending between the inner wall and the outer wall to separate a first flow path of a V-shaped or U-shaped flow path into a first sub-flow path and a second sub-flow path, the inlet includes a first inlet coupled to the first sub-flow path and a second inlet coupled to the second sub-flow path, and the first and second inlets or at least one of the first and second sub-flow paths are different to achieve a first flow rate flowing through the first inlet and the first sub-flow path, and a second flow rate flowing through the second inlet and the second sub-flow path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 An exemplary control valve that may be used to implement the examples disclosed herein is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 shows that it can be used to implement Figure 1 A cross-sectional isometric view of an exemplary cage of a control valve trim.

[0032] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 Cross-section of the cage.

[0033] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 Another cross-sectional view of an exemplary cage including a reference cone to illustrate a fluid flow path through the exemplary cage.

[0034] Figure 5 shows that it can be used to implement Figure 1 2 isometric view of a cross-sectional view of an exemplary cage of trim for a control valve including substantially coaxial flow paths.

[0035] Figure 6 shows that it can be used to implement Figure 1 An exemplary cage of a trim of a control valve including a threaded coupling portion.

[0036] Figure 7 shows that it can be used to implement Figure 1 An exemplary cage of a trim of a control valve including a fastening portion.

[0037] Figure 8 shows that it can be used to implement Figure 1 0026] A cross-sectional view of an exemplary cage including overlapping protrusions for trim of a control valve of FIG.

[0038] Fig. 9 shows that it can be used to implement Figure 1 00136] A cross-sectional view of an exemplary cage including an exemplary serpentine shape flow path for trim of a control valve of FIG.

[0039] Fig.10 shows that it can be used to implement Figure 1 0026] A cross-sectional view of an exemplary cage of a trim of a control valve including an exemplary S-shaped flow path.

[0040] Fig.11 A cross-sectional isometric view of an exemplary cage including radially extending dividers that separate a flow path into sub-flow paths to prevent swirl of fluid flowing through the cage is shown.

[0041] Fig.12 Shown by Fig.11 The negative space formed by the flow path of the exemplary cage.

[0042] Fig.13 A cross-sectional isometric view of an exemplary cage including radially extending dividers that separate a flow path into sub-flow paths, wherein inlets to each sub-flow path have different lengths and are configured to interact with a plug to control fluid flow into the cage.

[0043] Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 Another cross-sectional isometric view of an exemplary cage.

[0044] Fig.15A cross-sectional isometric view of an exemplary cage including radially extending dividers that separate a flow path into sub-flow paths, wherein inlets to each sub-flow path are configured to be exposed at different travel positions of a valve plug to control fluid flow into the cage.

[0045] Fig.16 Shows Fig.15 A cross-sectional isometric view of an exemplary cage. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Although the following text discloses a detailed description of an exemplary method / apparatus and / or article, it should be understood that the legal scope of the property rights is defined by the words of the claims set forth at the end of this patent. Therefore, the following detailed description is to be interpreted as an example only and does not describe every possible example, because it is impractical, if not impossible, to describe every possible example. Many alternative examples can be implemented using current technology or technology developed after the filing date of this patent. It is conceivable that these alternative examples will fall within the scope of the claims.

[0047] The examples disclosed herein relate to control valves including multi-stage trims for high pressure drop applications and / or applications where the fluid flowing through the valve is considered "dirty". Some of these valves include stem valves (e.g., stop valves, angle valves) that are configured to have one or more flow characteristics. In some examples, the profile of the inlet and / or outlet (e.g., window) and / or the profile of the plug can be configured to provide specific flow characteristics. By implementing a valve using the examples disclosed herein, flashing and / or cavitation is reduced and / or prevented by, for example, distributing the pressure drop along the flow path of the exemplary trim (e.g., smoothly distributed), thereby preventing and / or preventing the violent nature of the fluid phase that may occur. In other words, the examples disclosed herein reduce cavitation that reduces the service life of the valve. In addition, relative to other examples, the examples disclosed herein can be produced at a reduced cost. For example, the cage can be produced with significantly fewer processing processes compared to some other exemplary cages.

[0048] While the exemplary cage can be produced by any method and using one or more parts, when an additive manufacturing process is used to produce the cage, in some examples, the cage can be produced as a single piece that is easily installed and / or removed from the body of the control valve. Some additive manufacturing techniques that can be used to produce the exemplary trim and / or any other part (e.g., valve body) disclosed herein include three-dimensional (3D) printing, laser and / or electron beam powder bed fusion, etc. Other production processes that can be used to manufacture the exemplary trim include casting, machining, and / or coupling the parts together using fasteners (e.g., threads, welding, adhesives, etc.).

[0049] Some exemplary cages disclosed herein have a body defining a cavity, and the cavity is separated into channels and / or flow paths by a central wall. The number of channels can be an even number or an odd number, and a plurality of central walls can be included to define the channels. However, when the number of channels is an even number, the height of the inner part can be reduced because the inlet and outlet of the cage are both arranged at the same end of the cage, and when the number of channels is an odd number, the inlet and outlet are, for example, arranged at different ends of the cage. In order to reduce and / or prevent the vortex of the fluid flowing through the inner part, in some examples, the first flow path in the flow path is separated by a first section (e.g., five sections) and / or the second flow path in the flow path is separated by a second section (e.g., zero section, three sections, five sections). The section can extend radially from the inner wall of the cage to the outer wall of the cage and / or between them and / or between the central wall of the cage and one or more of the inner wall of the cage and the outer wall of the cage.

[0050] In some examples, the surface of the center wall has a profile substantially the same as the surface of the cage body defining the cavity. As defined herein, the phrase "substantially the same profile" takes into account manufacturing tolerances. When the surface of the center wall has a profile substantially the same as the surface of the cage body, a reference coaxial cylinder can extend through an adjacent flow path. In other examples, the surface of the center wall has a different profile (e.g., tilted) relative to the surface of the cage body and is constructed and / or spaced to increase the flow area of ​​each pressure stage along the flow direction. By providing a flow path with an inclined arrangement, the flow area of ​​each stage can be increased along the flow direction, thereby reducing the velocity of the fluid and / or reducing vibrations caused by outgassing and / or flashing. In examples where the flow area increases along the flow direction, the pressure drop can be reduced along the flow direction.

[0051] When the surface of the central wall has a different profile than the surface of the body, the reference relative cone extends through the adjacent flow path of the cage. When the flow path has a trapezoidal cross section, the flow area of ​​the pressure stages increases gradually, so that the pressure drop within each stage decreases gradually. Additionally or alternatively, the flow path cross section enables the velocity of the fluid to be reduced if flashing and / or outgassing occurs.

[0052] In order to enable the flow paths to be coupled, the center wall may not extend the full length of the cavity. Alternatively, the center wall may define a hole (e.g., a hole, a slit, etc.) to enable the fluid to flow between the flow paths. In order to enable the pressure of the fluid to change (e.g., reduce) in a controlled manner and to prevent and / or prevent the pressure of the fluid from being equal to or lower than the vapor pressure, in some examples, the surface of the body and / or the center wall includes a protrusion and / or a surface structure. The protrusion may include a first protrusion extending inwardly from the housing and a second protrusion extending outwardly from the center wall. The first and second protrusions may be spaced apart in any manner. For example, the interval between the first and second protrusions may gradually increase to gradually expand the flow area. Although the examples disclosed herein may be implemented in a control valve with a downward flow configuration or a control valve with an upward flow configuration, the flow direction (e.g., downward flow or upward flow) may be associated with the direction in which the protrusion interval increases. In other words, the interval between the protrusions adjacent to the inlet may be less than the interval between the protrusions adjacent to the outlet. In some examples, the first plane of the first protrusion is substantially parallel to the second plane of the second protrusion. In other examples, the first plane of the first protrusion is non-parallel with respect to the second plane of the second protrusion.

[0053] In order to control the direction of fluid flow and separate a larger pressure drop (e.g., an overall pressure drop) into multiple pressure drops, at least one of the first protrusions can be disposed between other second protrusions. In such an example, a pressure level is defined between adjacent protrusions, wherein the protrusions define a restriction that causes the fluid to experience a pressure drop as the fluid passes through the restriction and enters a larger volume immediately after the restriction. In order to increase the pressure drop within the channel, in some examples, one or more of the protrusions overlap with other protrusions in the protrusions. In order to produce a cage in which the protrusions overlap each other, an additive manufacturing process can be used to produce any of the examples disclosed herein. However, additional or alternative manufacturing processes can be used to produce any of the examples disclosed herein. For example, in order to produce a cage with overlapping protrusions, the cage can be made of multiple components (e.g., five components) that are coupled together using fasteners (e.g., bolts).

[0054] The projections may be formed by ribs, annular ribs, fins, radially spaced projections, etc., and may be positioned and / or configured (e.g., sized, contoured) to achieve a desired pressure drop. For example, if some of the first and second projections have a first length and are spaced a first distance apart, a first pressure drop may be achieved, and if some of the first and second projections have a second length and are spaced a second distance apart, a second pressure drop may be achieved. Regardless of how the projections are implemented, the exemplary passages are constructed and / or configured to increase the area of ​​fluid flow through the cage to enable a control valve including the exemplary trim to be used with dirty fluids.

[0055] Figure 1 An exemplary control valve 100 that can be used to implement the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. Figure 1 As shown, valve 100 includes a valve body 102 that defines a fluid flow passage 104 between an inlet 106 and an outlet 108. To control the flow of fluid through flow passage 104, valve 100 includes an exemplary trim 110 retained within valve body 102 by a bonnet 111. Figure 1 As shown in the example of , the valve trim 110 includes an example cage 112, an example valve seat 114, and an example plug 116. In some examples and as disclosed in more detail below, the cage 112 is configured to block and / or prevent the fluid flowing through the cage 112 from reaching a pressure associated with a vapor point of the fluid. Therefore, the cage 112 is configured to reduce and / or prevent flashing and / or cavitation from occurring. In operation, the actuator moves the plug 116 relative to the valve seat 114 to control the flow of fluid through the passage 104, wherein the interaction between the plug 116 and the cage 112 guides the movement of the plug 116.

[0056] Figure 2 and Figure 3 shows that it can be used to implement Figure 1 1 and 12 are different views of an exemplary cage 200 of the cage 112. Although the cage 200 is shown as being formed from a single component, in other examples, the cage 200 can be formed from multiple components coupled together using fasteners (e.g., threads, adhesives, bolts, etc.) or in any other manner.

[0057] refer to Figure 2 and Figure 3 , the cage 200 includes a first end 202 and a second end 204, which are coupled by an exemplary first and / or inner wall 206 and an exemplary second and / or outer wall 208. In the example shown, the inner wall 206 defines an orifice 210 and a first hole and / or window 212, and the outer wall 208 defines a second hole and / or window 214. The windows 212, 214 can be formed as fluid inlets and / or outlets, and their sizes and / or shapes (e.g., having contours) can be set to achieve fluid characteristics of quick opening, equal percentage and / or linear flow. The cage 200 can be used in a valve with an upward flow configuration. In this example, the orifice 210 is configured to guide a flow control member (e.g., Figure 1 The travel of the plug 116) and the windows 212, 214 are separated by spacers, dividers and / or ribs 216, 218.

[0058] In order to separate the exemplary channel 220 formed between the inner wall 206 and the outer wall 208 into a first flow path 222 and a second flow path 224, an exemplary third and / or center wall 226 extends from the first end 202 toward the second end 204. In this example, the inner wall 206 and the outer wall 208 are substantially coaxial cylindrical surfaces, and the center wall 226 includes a first center wall surface 227 and a second center wall surface 228 that are opposite, and the first center wall surface 227 and the second center wall surface 228 are conical surfaces. As used herein, the phrase "substantially coaxial" takes into account manufacturing tolerances. As shown in this example, the first flow path 222 and the second flow path 224 form a substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped flow path. However, in other examples, the cage 200 can include any number of flow paths (e.g., 1, 3, 4, 5, etc.) having any shape (e.g., serpentine, N-shaped, M-shaped). In an example where one flow path is provided, an inlet of the flow path may be positioned proximate to the first end 202 and an outlet of the flow path may be positioned proximate to the second end 204 .

[0059] In order to make the fluid flowing into the first window 212 and out of the second window 214 experience multiple pressure drops, in the illustrated example, the inner wall 206 and the first central wall surface 227 include a first protrusion 230 and a second protrusion 232 extending into the first flow path 222, and the outer wall 208 and the second central wall surface 228 include a third protrusion 234 and a fourth protrusion 236 extending into the second flow path 224. The protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 can be formed as radially and / or laterally spaced annular ribs and / or arcuate ribs. However, the protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 can have any size and / or shape, depending on the application, the characteristics of the fluid flowing through the cage 200, and / or the pressure drop across the cage 200.

[0060] In this example, the first protrusion 230 and the second protrusion 232 and the third protrusion 234 and the fourth protrusion 236 are sized and / or positioned so that the cage 200 can be used for fluids that are considered "dirty". As used herein. The phrase "dirty fluid" refers to fluids that include larger particles, such as fluids associated with oil and gas refining and / or exploration. In other words, the spacing between the protrusions in the first protrusion 230 and the second protrusion 232 and the protrusions in the third protrusion 234 and the fourth protrusion 236 enables particles of a certain size to pass through the cage 200. Because the protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 in this example are annular rather than holes drilled through the cage 200, the flow area provided by the flow paths 222, 224 is relatively large and is not limited by the diameter of the tool (e.g., drill bit) that may be in other examples. This increase in flow area prevents particles passing through the flow paths 222 , 224 from getting stuck or otherwise blocking / clogging the flow paths 222 and / or 224 of the cage 200 .

[0061] In this example, the spaces between immediately adjacent protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 define pressure stages, wherein the spacing between the first protrusion 230 and the second protrusion 232 and between the third protrusion 234 and the fourth protrusion 236 gradually increases along the flow paths 222, 224 to increase the flow area at each pressure stage. Increasing the flow area gradually reduces the pressure of the fluid in a controlled manner to block and / or prevent the fluid pressure from reaching or falling below the vaporization point of the fluid. Although Figure 2 and Figure 3 The example of the embodiment shows that the spacing between the protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 gradually increases between the first window 212 and the second window 214, so that the first window 212 serves as the entrance of the cage 200 and the second window 214 serves as the exit of the cage 200, but in other examples, the spacing between the protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 gradually increases between the second window 214 and the first window 212, so that the second window 214 serves as the entrance and the first window 212 serves as the exit. Although the protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 are shown as having a specific length and being disposed at a specific position, the protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 can have any other shape and / or profile and / or can be positioned at any position to prevent flashing and / or cavitation from occurring within the fluid. Although the cage 200 includes a particular number of protrusions 230 , 232 , 234 , 236 , it may alternatively include any other number of protrusions 230 , 232 , 234 , 236 (eg, 6, 7, 8, 9, etc.).

[0062] Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary cage 200 is shown. Figure 3As shown, pressure levels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, and 312 are defined between corresponding ones of the first protrusion 230 and the second protrusion 232, and pressure levels 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, and 324 are defined between corresponding ones of the third protrusion 234 and the fourth protrusion 236. To reduce flashing and / or cavitation within the fluid flowing through the cage 200, in some examples, the pressure levels 302, 304, 306, 308, 310, 312 and 314, 316, 318, 320, 322, and 324 are sized, structured, and / or otherwise configured to prevent and / or prevent the fluid pressure from reaching and / or falling below a vaporization point.

[0063] In order to reduce the gap between the ends of the first protrusion 230 and the second protrusion 232 and / or increase the pressure drop across each stage, while enabling the cage 200 to be produced from multiple parts that are assembled together to form the cage 200, in this example, the ends of the first protrusion 230 and the second protrusion 232 converge at a reference cone 402 ( Figure 4 ) near the reference surface 326 of the second flow path 224. Similarly, in order to reduce the gap between the ends of the third protrusion 234 and the fourth protrusion 236 and / or increase the pressure drop across each stage, while enabling the cage 200 to be produced by multiple parts that are assembled together to form the cage 200, in this example, the ends of the third protrusion 234 and the fourth protrusion 236 converge at a reference cone 406 ( Figure 4 ) near the reference surface 328. Figure 3 As shown, the ends of the opposing protrusions 230, 232 have substantially similar or corresponding relative profiles, and the ends of the opposing protrusions 234, 236 have substantially similar or corresponding relative profiles. As explained herein, the phrase "substantially similar" with respect to the relative profiles of the protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 takes into account manufacturing tolerances. Although the surfaces 326, 328 of the reference cones 402, 406 are shown as having specific angles relative to each other and relative to the inner wall 206 and the outer wall 208, the angles of the surfaces 326, 328 and the associated flow paths 222, 224 may be different (e.g., between about 45° and 135°).

[0064] In this example, arrows 330, 332, 334, 336, 338, 340, 342, 344, 346, 348, 350, 352, 354, 356, 358, 360, 362 show the direction taken by the fluid as it flows through the first window 212, the first flow path 222, the second flow path 224, and out of the second window 214. In other words, arrows 330-346 show fluid flowing into the first window 212 adjacent to the first end 202 and toward the second end 204 through the first flow path 222, and arrows 350-362 show fluid flowing from the second end 204 to the first end 202 through the second flow path 224 and out of the second window 214. Thus, in contrast to some examples, the fluid traveling through the first flow path 222 travels more along the longitudinal axis 363 of the cage 200 than along the lateral axis 364 of the cage 200. As defined herein, the phrase "travels more along the longitudinal axis than along the transverse axis" means that the fluid travels between about 45° and 135° relative to the transverse axis 362 (e.g., see surfaces 326, 328 as examples). Similarly and in contrast to some examples, the fluid traveling through the second flow path 224 travels more along the longitudinal axis 362 of the cage 200 than along the transverse axis 364 of the cage 200.

[0065] Figure 4 Shows Figure 2 2. Different views of an exemplary cage 200 of FIG. 2 including reference cones 402, 406 passing through flow paths 222, 224.

[0066] Figure 5 shows that it can be used to implement Figure 1 1 is an isometric view of another exemplary cage 500 of the cage 112. Although the cage 500 is shown as being formed from a single component produced using, for example, an additive manufacturing process, other manufacturing processes may be used and / or the cage 500 may be produced from multiple components (e.g., 2, 3, etc.) that are assembled or otherwise coupled. Similar to Figure 2 Cage 200, Figure 5 The cage 500 includes a first end 502 and a second end 504 coupled by an inner wall 506 and an outer wall 508. In order to separate the exemplary channel 510 formed between the inner wall 506 and the outer wall 508 into a first flow path 511 and a second flow path 512, an exemplary central wall 513 extends from the first end 502 toward the second end 504. Figure 2 In contrast to the cage 200, the central wall 513 includes a first central wall surface 514 and a second central wall surface 516 opposite to each other, and the central wall surfaces 514 and 516 are cylindrical surfaces, while Figure 2 The central wall surfaces 226, 228 of the cage 200 are conical surfaces (e.g., Figure 2 and Figure 5). Thus, in this example, the inner wall 506, the outer wall 508 and the central wall 513 form a substantially coaxial cylinder.

[0067] In order to enable the fluid flowing into the first window 212 and out of the second window 214 to experience multiple pressure levels as the fluid flows through the first flow path 511 and the second flow path 512, in the example shown, the inner wall 506 and the first central wall surface 514 include a first protrusion 518 and a second protrusion 520 extending into the first flow path 511, and the outer wall 508 and the second central wall surface 516 include a third protrusion 522 and a fourth protrusion 524 extending into the second flow path 512. Figure 2 The protrusions 230, 232, 234, 236 of the cage 200 are formed in contrast, and because the cross-sections of the flow paths 511, 512 are substantially parallel to each other, the ends of the protrusions 518, 520, 522, 524 have a profile that is substantially the same as the profile of the inner wall 506 and the outer wall 508. As shown in this example, the length of the first protrusion 518 is substantially the same, the length of the second protrusion 520 is substantially the same, the length of the third protrusion 522 is substantially the same, and the length of the fourth protrusion 524 is substantially the same. As described herein, the phrase "substantially the same length" takes into account manufacturing tolerances.

[0068] In order to reduce the gap between the ends of the first protrusion 518 and the second protrusion 520 and / or increase the pressure drop across each stage, while enabling the cage 500 to be produced by multiple parts assembled together to form the cage 500, in this example, the ends of the first protrusion 518 and the second protrusion 520 converge about the first reference cylinder 526, and the ends of the third protrusion 522 and the fourth protrusion 524 converge about the second reference cylinder 528. Figure 5 As shown, the inner wall 506, the central wall 513, and the outer wall 508 and the first reference cylinder 526 and the second reference cylinder 528 are substantially coaxial. However, in other examples, the protrusions 518, 520, 522, 524 can have different ends, profiles, lengths, and / or shapes.

[0069] Figure 6 An exemplary cage 600 is shown, which is similar to Figure 5 The cage 500 can be used to achieve Figure 1 Cage 112. With Figure 5In contrast to the cage 500 of FIG. 5 , the cage 600 is formed of a first portion 602, which includes a portion of the first end 502 and the center wall 513, and a second portion 604, which includes an inner wall 506 and an outer wall 508 and the second end 504. In this example, threads 606, 608 are provided to couple the first portion 602 and the second portion 604 together. However, in other examples, additional or alternative fasteners are provided to couple the first portion 602 and the second portion 604 together.

[0070] Figure 7 An exemplary cage 700 is shown, which is similar to Figure 6 The cage 600 can be used to achieve Figure 1 Cage 112. With Figure 6 The cage 600 formed a control, Figure 7 The cage 700 is coupled together using bolts 702. However, in other examples, additional or alternative fasteners are provided to couple the first portion 602 and the second portion 604 together. Furthermore, while the cage 700 is disclosed as being formed from the first portion 602 and the second portion 604, in other examples, the inner wall 506 and a portion of the first end 502 form a first portion of the cage 700, the center wall 513 and another portion of the first end 502 form a second portion of the cage 700, and the third wall 508 and the second end 504 form a third portion of the cage 700, wherein the first, second, and third portions are coupled together. Of course, the example cages disclosed herein may be formed from any number of portions coupled in any suitable manner.

[0071] Figure 8 An exemplary cage 800 is shown, which is similar to Figure 5 The cage 500 can be used to achieve Figure 1 Although cage 800 is shown as a single component that can be produced using an additive manufacturing process, cage 800 can include multiple components coupled using one or more fasteners. Figure 5 The cage of 500 forms a control, Figure 8 The cage 800 includes a first protrusion 802 and a second protrusion 804, and the protrusions 802 and 804 overlap and extend into the first flow path 511. Figure 5 The cage 500 is similar and forms a comparison, Figure 8The cage 800 includes a third protrusion 806 and a fourth protrusion 808, which overlap and extend into the second flow path 512. Compared with the example in which the protrusions do not overlap, by overlapping the protrusions 802, 804 and 806, 808, the pressure drop provided by the pressure level defined between the protrusions 802, 804, 806, 808 is increased. Although the protrusions 802, 804, 806, 808 are shown as having a specific length and being arranged at a specific position, the protrusions 802, 804, 806, 808 can have any other shape and / or profile and / or can be positioned at any position to prevent flashing and / or cavitation from occurring in the fluid. Although a specific number of protrusions 802, 804, 806, 808 are included in the cage 800, any other number of protrusions 802, 804, 806, 808 (e.g., 6, 7, 8, 9, etc.) can be included.

[0072] Fig. 9 An exemplary cage 900 is shown, which is similar to Figure 5 The cage 500 can be used to achieve Figure 1 The cage 112. Fig. 9 As shown in the example of FIG. 1 , the cage 900 includes a first end 902 and a second end 904, the first end 902 and the second end 904 are coupled by an inner wall 906 and an outer wall 908, similar to the use of Figure 2 The coupling of the spacers 216 and 218 is shown. Fig. 9 As shown in the example of FIG. 9 , the cage 900 includes a first central wall 910 , a second central wall 912 , and a third central wall 914 , which define a first flow path 916 , a second flow path 918 , a third flow path 920 , and a fourth flow path 922 . Fig. 9 The example shows a cage 900 including four flow paths, but any number of flow paths (eg, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.) may be included to achieve a desired pressure drop while reducing or substantially preventing the vaporization point of the fluid from being reached and / or exceeded.

[0073] To enable the fluid to experience multiple pressure drops or pressure levels as the fluid flows through the first flow path 916 and the second flow path 918 and out of the windows 924, 925, in the illustrated example, the inner wall 906 and the first center wall 910 include a first protrusion 926 and a second protrusion 928 extending into the first flow path 916, and the first center wall 910 and the second center wall 912 include a third protrusion 930 and a fourth protrusion 932 extending into the second flow path 918. Additionally, to enable the fluid to experience multiple pressure levels as the fluid flows through the third flow path 920 and the fourth flow path 922, in the illustrated example, the second center wall 912 and the third center wall 914 include a fifth protrusion 934 and a sixth protrusion 936 extending into the third flow path 920, and the third center wall 914 and the outer wall 908 include a seventh protrusion 938 and an eighth protrusion 940 extending into the fourth flow path 922. In this example, the protrusions 926, 928, 930, 932, 934, 936, 938, 940 do not overlap. However, in other examples, two or more of the protrusions 926, 928, 930, 932, 934, 936, 938, 940 overlap (see Figure 8 ).

[0074] In the example shown, the corresponding protrusions of the first protrusion 926, the second protrusion 928, the third protrusion 930, the fourth protrusion 932, the fifth protrusion 934, the sixth protrusion 936, the seventh protrusion 938, and the eighth protrusion 940 are substantially the same (e.g., length, profile, and / or shape). As described herein, the phrase "substantially the same" with respect to the protrusions 926-940 takes into account manufacturing tolerances. However, in other examples, the corresponding protrusions of the first protrusion 926, the second protrusion 928, the third protrusion 930, the fourth protrusion 932, the fifth protrusion 934, the sixth protrusion 936, the seventh protrusion 938, and the eighth protrusion 940 are different. For example, some of the first protrusions 926 may have a first length and / or profile, while other protrusions of the first protrusions 926 may have a second length and / or profile. Although the protrusions 926-940 are shown as being disposed at specific locations, the protrusions 926-940 may be positioned at any location to prevent flashing and / or cavitation from occurring within the fluid. Although a specific number of protrusions 926-940 are included within the cage 900, any other number of protrusions (e.g., more protrusions or fewer protrusions) may be included. For example, two protrusions may extend from the inner wall 906 and four protrusions may extend from the outer wall 908.

[0075] Fig.10 An exemplary cage 1000 is shown, which is similar to Fig. 9 The cage 900 can be used to achieve Figure 1Cage 112. With Fig. 9 The cage 900 formed a control, Fig.10 The cage 1000 includes a first flow path 1002, a second flow path 1004, and a third flow path 1006 that form an S-shaped flow path and / or a serpentine flow path. In this example, an inlet 1008 of the cage 1000 is adjacent to a first end 1010 of the cage 1000, and an outlet 1012 of the cage 1000 is adjacent to a second end 1014 of the cage 1000. Fig.10 As shown, the cage 1000 includes a first portion 1016 and a second portion 1017, wherein the first portion 1016 includes an outer wall 1018, a portion of the first end 1010 and the second end 1014, and a first central wall 1020, and the second portion 1017 includes an inner wall 1022, a portion of the first end 1010 and the second end 1014, and a second central wall 1026. In order to couple the first portion 1016 and the second portion 1017 together, threads 1027, 2028 are included adjacent to the inlet 1008 and the outlet 1012 of the cage 1000. Although the cage 1000 is shown as being manufactured from the first portion 1016 and the second portion 1017, in other examples, the cage 1000 is manufactured as a single portion or more than two portions. Regardless of the number of portions included in the cage 1000, the cage 1000 can be produced by any method, including additive manufacturing processes, milling processes, casting, etc.

[0076] Fig.11 and Fig.12 Different views of an exemplary cage 1100 are shown, which is similar to Figure 2 The cage 200 can be used to achieve Figure 1 of cage 112. However, with Figure 2 In order to prevent the fluid vortex in the cage 1100, Fig.11 The cage 1100 includes exemplary dividers and / or ribs 1102 that extend radially from an inner surface 1104 of the cage 1100 defining the orifice 210 to an outer surface 1106 of the cage 1100. Thus, the cage 1100 includes a first flow path 1108 and a second flow path 1110 that are separated into sub-flow paths by the dividers 1102. In this example, the cage 1100 includes six dividers. However, in other examples, any number of dividers associated with the number of windows (e.g., inlets / outlets) of the cage 1100 may be included. For example, the cage 1100 may include four dividers, six dividers, eight dividers, etc. Fig.12 Shows Fig.11 1. The negative space of the exemplary cage 1100. In this example, the cage 1100 includes six dividers 1102 that separate the flow paths 1110, 1112 into different sub-flow paths and / or flow path segments.

[0077] Fig.13 and Fig.14 Different views of an exemplary cage 1300 are shown, which is similar to Fig.11 The cage 1100 can be used to implement Figure 1 of cage 112. However, with Fig.11 The cage 1100 forms a comparison, Fig.13 The cage 1300 includes first windows 1302 of different lengths, which serve as an entrance to the cage 1300. The length of the first windows 1302 enables the plug of the fluid valve to gradually expose the first windows 1302 as the plug travels between the closed position and the open position. For example, when the plug is in a lower position, the plug can completely cover the first windows 1302 with a shorter length while partially covering the first windows 1302 with a longer length, and when the plug is in a raised position, the plug can completely expose all of the first windows 1302 to enable fluid to flow through each of the first windows 1302. In this example, the first windows 1302 have an oblong shape and are defined by an inner wall 1304 of the cage 1300. Although the first windows 1302 are shown as having three lengths (e.g., a first length, a second length, a third length) and arranged in a particular arrangement, the first windows 1302 can have any length or any size and / or shape and / or can be arranged in any arrangement.

[0078] Additionally, in this example, cage 1300 includes exemplary dividers and / or ribs 1305 that extend radially from inner wall 1304 toward center wall 1306 but do not extend between center wall 1306 and outer wall 1308 of cage 1300. Fig.13 In the example of FIG. 1 , the separator 1305 divides the first flow path 1310 into sub-flow paths 1311 (see Fig.14 ), but different from Fig.11 Cage 1100, Fig.13 The dividers 1305 do not divide the second flow path 1312 into sub-flow paths, wherein the first flow path 1310 is coupled to the first window 1302 and the second flow path 1312 is coupled to the second window 1314, which serves as an outlet for the cage 1300. Although the dividers 1305 are shown as being equally spaced in the cage 1300, in other examples, the dividers 1305 may be spaced differently and / or may be different in other ways (e.g., different widths, different shapes, etc.).

[0079] As with other examples disclosed herein, cage 1300 includes a first protrusion 1316 and a second protrusion 1318 extending into a first flow path 1310 and a third protrusion 1320 and a fourth protrusion 1322 extending into a second flow path 1312. In this example, protrusions 1316, 1318, 1320, 1322 are shown overlapping and formed as an annular rib having a triangular cross-section. However, in other examples, two or more of protrusions 1316, 1318, 1320, 1322 may not overlap and / or one or more of protrusions 1316, 1318, 1320, 1322 may have a different cross-section and / or shape than shown.

[0080] Fig.14 A cross-sectional isometric view of a cage 1300 including dividers 1305 is shown.

[0081] Fig.15 and Fig.16 Different views of an exemplary cage 1500 are shown, which is similar to Fig.13 In this example, cage 1500 includes a first window 1502, a second window 1504, and a third window 1506 of different lengths and / or shapes, which serve as entrances to cage 1500. As shown, first window 1502, second window 1504, and third window 1506 are configured so that a plug of a fluid valve can gradually expose windows 1502, 1504, 1506 to allow fluid to flow through cage 1500 in a manner that prevents cavitation and / or flashing. Fig.15 As shown, the first and third windows 1502 , 1506 have teardrop shapes to enable flow through the windows 1502 , 1506 to gradually increase as the plug progresses toward the open position, and the second window 1504 is shown to be thinner and longer than the first and third windows 1502 , 1506 .

[0082] like Fig.16As shown, the cage 1500 includes exemplary first and second partitions and / or ribs 1508, 1509, wherein the first partition 1508 radially extends from the inner wall 1510 to the central wall 1512 but does not extend between the central wall 1512 and the outer wall 1514 of the cage 1500, and the second partition 1509 extends from the inner wall 1510 to the outer wall 1514. In other words, the first partition 1508 and the second partition 1509 divide the first flow path 1515 into a first sub-flow path 1516, a second sub-flow path 1517, and a third sub-flow path 1518 having different arc lengths, and the second partition 1509 divides the second flow path 1520 into a fourth sub-flow path 1522. In this example, the first sub-flow path 1516 and the third sub-flow path 1518 are associated with the first window 1502 and the third window 1506, and the second sub-flow path 1517 is associated with the second window 1504, so that depending on the position of the plug relative to the windows 1502, 1504, 1506, the fluid may or may not flow through the corresponding sub-flow paths 1516, 1517, 1518.

[0083] As shown in the illustrated example, the first sub-flow path 1516 and the third sub-flow path 1518 have a first size and / or cross-section, and the second sub-flow path 1517 has a second size and / or cross-section, wherein the first size is greater than the second size. When the fluid flows through the second window (e.g., the first stage), the size and / or shape of the second sub-flow path can make the pressure drop relatively small and / or not relatively large. Although the sub-flow paths 1516, 1517, 1518 are shown as having specific cross-sections, the sub-flow paths 1516, 1517, 1518 can have any other cross-sections that are similar or different from each other.

[0084] The examples disclosed herein reduce and / or prevent cavitation and / or flashing from occurring in a fluid flowing through a valve, which could otherwise damage the internal components of the valve. In other words, the embodiments disclosed herein controllably and / or gradually change pressure to reduce the likelihood of reaching or exceeding a vaporization point when a fluid flows through a fluid valve. In contrast to some examples, the exemplary cages disclosed herein include a flow path that travels between the ends of the cage, as compared to examples having a flow path that passes through and along a transverse axis of the cage. By having the flow path travel between the ends of the cage, the fluid flowing through the exemplary cage interacts and / or encounters a plurality of surface structures that define a plurality of pressure stages that gradually reduce or, more generally, change the pressure of the fluid.

[0085] In some examples, the space between adjacent surface structures defines a pressure level or a change in flow area (e.g., expansion and contraction of the fluid). Because adjacent surface structures define pressure levels, the pressure levels can be changed (e.g., increasing pressure grading, decreasing pressure grading) by changing the distance or other characteristics between the surface structures (e.g., the profile of the surface structures). In addition, because adjacent surface structures define pressure levels, more or fewer pressure levels can be provided by increasing or decreasing the number of surface structures within the flow path (e.g., more protrusions, fewer protrusions). Therefore, the examples disclosed herein are easy to construct and / or are flexible (e.g., customizable) to increase or decrease the pressure grading provided by the cage, thereby enabling the exemplary trim to be used in applications with different pressure drops. For example, for applications with higher pressure drops, the number of pressure levels can be higher and / or the distance between ribs can be smaller than for applications with lower pressure drops. In some examples, the surface structures are configured as annular ribs, which can radially increase the levels so that the center of gravity of the valve is relatively low. In other words, compared to some other examples, the examples disclosed herein enable the production of cages / valves with shorter vertical heights.

[0086] In some examples, one or more dividers extend between one or more flow paths to control flow. In some examples, an inlet to the cage can be configured so that access to the flow paths can be changed based on the position of the plug. For example, when the plug is in a mid-stroke position, the plug can cover some of the inlets, preventing fluid flow through the corresponding flow paths, while not covering other of the inlets, allowing fluid flow through the corresponding inlets.

[0087] In addition, although several examples have been disclosed herein, any feature from any example may be combined with or replaced by other features from other examples. In addition, although several examples have been disclosed herein, changes may be made to the disclosed examples without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A cage for a fluid control valve, the fluid control valve having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, the cage comprising: Inner wall; outer wall; as well as a first flow path having a first opening and a second flow path having a second opening, a central wall disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall and between the first flow path and the second flow path to direct the fluid into the first opening and through the first flow path toward an end of the cage before changing direction and flowing through the second flow path and out of the second opening, the change in direction reducing the velocity of the fluid and preventing flashing or cavitation from occurring, wherein the inner wall includes a first protrusion extending into the first flow path and the first surface of the central wall includes a second protrusion extending into the first flow path, and wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion within the first flow path define one or more pressure stages to controllably vary the pressure of a fluid flowing through the cage.

2. The cage according to claim 1, wherein: The outer wall includes a third protrusion extending into the second flow path and the second surface of the central wall includes a fourth protrusion extending into the second flow path, wherein immediately adjacent protrusions within the second flow path define one or more additional pressure stages to controllably vary the pressure of the fluid flowing through the cage.

3. The cage according to claim 1, wherein: The first and second protrusions include ends having corresponding profiles to reduce a lateral gap between the first and second protrusions.

4. The cage according to claim 1, wherein: The first protrusion overlaps with the second protrusion.

5. The cage according to claim 4, wherein: The first protrusion and the second protrusion have different lengths.

6. The cage according to claim 2, wherein: The first protrusion extends into the first flow path along a first direction, and the second protrusion extends into the first flow path along a second direction.

7. The cage according to claim 6, wherein: At least one of the first protrusions is disposed between at least two of the second protrusions.

8. The cage according to claim 2, wherein: The first protrusion and the second protrusion include annular ribs.

9. The cage of claim 1, wherein: The first flow path is coupled to the second flow path at the end of the cage.

10. The cage according to claim 9, wherein: The end is a first end adjacent to the first opening, and the cage includes a second end, the first end being opposite the second end.

11. The cage according to claim 10, wherein: The second opening is adjacent to the first end.

12. The cage according to claim 11, wherein The first opening is a fluid inlet to the cage and the second opening is a fluid outlet to the cage.

13. The cage of claim 1, wherein: The cage includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being coupled to the second portion.

14. The cage of claim 13, wherein: The end is a first end and the first portion includes the first end and the inner and outer walls of the cage, and the second portion includes a second end and the central wall, the first end being opposite to the second end.

15. The cage of claim 14, wherein: The inner wall and the outer wall include substantially coaxial cylindrical surfaces.

16. The cage of claim 15, wherein: The central wall includes a tapered surface.

17. The cage of claim 14, further comprising a partition extending between the inner wall and the outer wall to separate the first flow path into a first sub-flow path and a second sub-flow path to prevent fluid from swirling within the first flow path.

18. The cage of claim 1, wherein: The first flow path and the second flow path form a substantially U-shaped or substantially V-shaped flow path between the first opening and the second opening.

19. The cage of claim 1, wherein: The central wall is a first central wall and the end is a first end, the cage further comprising a second central wall extending from a second end of the cage, the second central wall defining a third flow path of the cage through which fluid flows.

20. The cage of claim 19, further comprising a third center wall extending from the first end, the first center wall being disposed between the inner wall and the second center wall of the cage, the second center wall being disposed between the first center wall and the third center wall, the third center wall being disposed between the second center wall and the outer wall of the cage, the third center wall and the outer wall defining a fourth flow path through which fluid flows.

21. The cage of claim 20, wherein: The first flow path and the second flow path are coupled adjacent to the second end, the second flow path and the third flow path are coupled adjacent to the first end, and the third flow path and the fourth flow path are coupled adjacent to the second end.

22. A control valve, comprising: a valve body including an inlet and an outlet; as well as a valve trim disposed within the valve body, the valve trim comprising a cage and a plug, the plug being configured to control fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet, the cage comprising: a first end and a second end; a generally V-shaped or generally U-shaped flow path that directs fluid into the cage at the first end toward the second end before flowing to and out of the cage; Inner wall; outer wall; a central wall disposed between the inner wall and the outer wall, wherein the inner wall includes a first protrusion extending into a first flow path of the V-shaped or U-shaped flow path and the first surface of the central wall includes a second protrusion extending into the first flow path, and wherein the first protrusion and the second protrusion within the first flow path define one or more pressure stages to controllably vary the pressure of a fluid flowing through the cage.

23. The control valve according to claim 22 further includes a partition, which extends between the inner wall and the outer wall to separate the first flow path of the V-shaped or U-shaped flow path into a first sub-flow path and a second sub-flow path, and the inlet includes a first inlet coupled to the first sub-flow path and a second inlet coupled to the second sub-flow path, and the first inlet and the second inlet or at least one of the first sub-flow path and the second sub-flow path are different to achieve a first flow rate through the first inlet and the first sub-flow path, and a second flow rate through the second inlet and the second sub-flow path.

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