Regulator

Abstract

A fluid regulator includes an actuator assembly disposed within a valve body. The sleeve includes a cylindrical wall, a first plate, and a second plate. Each of the first and second plates is disposed within a cavity of the sleeve. A valve stem extends through the sleeve and is axially aligned with a longitudinal axis of the body, and includes a passageway that extends partially through the valve stem. The actuator assembly includes a first piston and a second piston. A first chamber, a second chamber, a third chamber, and a fourth chamber are separately disposed between the sleeve, the first or second plate, or the first or second piston. The first chamber and the third chamber are in fluid communication, and the second chamber and the fourth chamber are in fluid communication via the passageway of the valve stem. The actuator assembly actuates a control element in response to fluid pressure that can be received in the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, and / or the fourth chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a regulator, and more particularly, to an axial regulator. Background Art

[0002] Industrial processing plants use pressure regulators in a variety of applications, such as controlling fluid flow (e.g., gas, liquid) in processing operations. The valve body of a conventional regulator valve is divided into several parts that must be tightly fixed together to maintain the internal pressure of the regulator. The valve body requires multiple mounting flanges, flange bolts, and must be able to be disassembled to access the internal components of the regulator for repair or replacement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] According to a first exemplary aspect, a regulator may include: a valve body that defines an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet; a valve seat; and a control element that is movable relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the control element engages the valve seat, and in the open position, the control element is spaced apart from the valve seat. An actuator assembly may be operatively coupled to the control element. The actuator assembly may include a sleeve and a valve stem, the sleeve includes a first plate and a second plate, the valve stem is operatively coupled to the control element and extends through the sleeve. The valve stem may include an internal passage. A first piston may be coupled to the valve stem and may be disposed within the sleeve and between the first plate and the second plate. A second piston may be coupled to the valve stem and is disposed within the sleeve and on a side of the second plate opposite to the first piston. The first piston, the second piston, the first plate, and the second plate may jointly define: a first chamber disposed between the first plate and the first piston; a second chamber disposed between the first piston and the second plate; a third chamber disposed between the second plate and the second piston; and a fourth chamber disposed opposite to the third chamber relative to the second piston. The first chamber and the third chamber may be in fluid communication, and the second chamber and the fourth chamber may be in fluid communication via the passage of the valve stem. The flow path may be peripherally located relative to the actuator assembly.

[0004] According to a second exemplary aspect, a fluid regulator may include a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. An actuator assembly may be inserted into the valve body through one of the inlet or the outlet. The actuator assembly may include a sleeve and two or more pistons that define multiple chambers within the sleeve and are capable of being coupled to a valve stem. Two or more of the multiple chambers may be fluidly connected via a passage within the valve stem. The flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet may be peripherally located relative to the actuator assembly.

[0005] According to a third exemplary aspect, a method of assembling a regulator may include providing a single-cast valve body. The valve body may define an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. The valve body may include a bore that is internally located relative to the flow path and extends along a longitudinal axis of the valve body. The method may include assembling an actuator assembly. The actuator assembly may include a sleeve, a valve stem, a first piston, and a second piston. Additionally, the method may include operably coupling a control element to the valve stem and aligning the actuator assembly with the longitudinal axis of the valve body. The method may include inserting the actuator assembly into the valve body and maintaining the actuator assembly within the valve body by operably coupling a fitting to the valve body.

[0006] According to a fourth exemplary aspect, according to the first exemplary aspect, a fluid control device may include a valve body that defines an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. A control element may be movable between a closed position and an open position along a longitudinal axis between the inlet and the outlet, in which the control element engages a valve seat in the closed position and is spaced apart from the valve seat in the open position. A valve stem may be operably coupled to the control element and axially aligned with the longitudinal axis. An indicator assembly may be at least partially disposed within a bore of the valve body along an indicator axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis. Movement of the valve stem along the longitudinal axis may cause movement of a rod of the indicator assembly along or about the indicator axis to indicate the position of the control element.

[0007] According to a fifth exemplary aspect, according to the second exemplary aspect, a fluid control device may include a valve body that defines an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. A control element may be movable between a closed position and an open position along a longitudinal axis of the valve body, in which the control element engages a valve seat in the closed position and is spaced apart from the valve seat in the open position. A valve stem may be operably coupled to the control element and axially aligned with the longitudinal axis. The indicator assembly may be at least partially disposed within a bore of the valve body along an indicator axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis. The indicator assembly may include a roller that contacts a tapered cap portion connected to the valve stem. A rod may be coupled to the roller, and movement of the roller along the cap portion may cause movement of the rod along the indicator axis to indicate the position of the control element relative to the valve seat.

[0008] According to a sixth exemplary aspect, according to a third exemplary aspect, an indicator assembly for use with a fluid control device may include a rod that is at least partially positioned within the body of the fluid control device along an indicator axis. At least one feature may be operatively coupled to the rod and operatively coupled to a valve stem of the fluid control device. The indicator assembly may be configured to convert movement of the valve stem along a longitudinal axis that is not parallel to the indicator axis into movement along or about the indicator axis to indicate the position of a control element of the fluid control device.

[0009] Further in accordance with any one or more of the foregoing first, second, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth aspects, a fluid regulator and / or a method of assembling a fluid regulator may include any one or more of the following preferred forms.

[0010] In a preferred form, the passageway of the valve stem may include a radial passage and a longitudinal passage.

[0011] In a preferred form, the radial passage may be in fluid communication with the second chamber, and the longitudinal passage may be in fluid communication with the fourth chamber.

[0012] In a preferred form, the orifice of the first plate may be sized to receive a first portion of the valve stem, and the orifice of the second plate may be sized to receive a second portion of the valve stem.

[0013] In a preferred form, the outer diameter of the first portion of the valve stem may be different from the outer diameter of the second portion of the valve stem.

[0014] In a preferred form, a first passage may extend through the valve body and may be in fluid communication with the first chamber and the third chamber.

[0015] In a preferred form, a second passage may extend through the valve body and may be in fluid communication with the second chamber and the fourth chamber.

[0016] In a preferred form, a second passageway may partially extend through the valve stem.

[0017] In a preferred form, the second passageway may be in fluid communication with the first chamber and in fluid communication with the third chamber.

[0018] In a preferred form, a path may extend fluidly at least partially between the sleeve and the valve body and may connect the first chamber and the third chamber.

[0019] In a preferred form, the path may include a plurality of channels formed in the sleeve.

[0020] In a preferred form, the sleeve can be held within the valve body by an inlet fitting.

[0021] In a preferred form, the control element can include a plurality of spokes extending between a central hub and an outer ring.

[0022] In a preferred form, the central hub can define a hub orifice sized to receive the valve stem.

[0023] In a preferred form, in the closed position, the outer ring can be arranged to engage the valve seat.

[0024] In a preferred form, a drain hole can be formed in the valve body and can fluidly connect the flow path to the exterior of the valve body.

[0025] In a preferred form, the sleeve can include a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, the first sleeve portion including a first plate and the second sleeve portion including a second plate.

[0026] In a preferred form, the fluid pressure in the second chamber and the fourth chamber can be used to move the control element towards the closed position, and the fluid pressure in the first chamber and the third chamber can be used to move the control element towards the open position.

[0027] In a preferred form, the sleeve can include a cylindrical wall, a first plate, and a second plate spaced apart from the first plate.

[0028] In a preferred form, the cylindrical wall can define a cavity, and each of the first plate and the second plate can be disposed within the cavity.

[0029] In a preferred form, the plurality of chambers can include: a first chamber disposed between the first plate of the sleeve and a first piston; a second chamber disposed between the first piston and the second plate; a third chamber disposed between the second plate and a second piston; and a fourth chamber disposed opposite the third chamber relative to the second piston.

[0030] In a preferred form, the first chamber and the third chamber can be in fluid communication, and the second chamber and the fourth chamber can be in fluid communication via a passage in the valve stem.

[0031] In a preferred form, the passage in the valve stem can include a radial channel and a longitudinal channel.

[0032] In a preferred form, the radial channel may be in fluid communication with the second chamber, and the longitudinal channel may be in fluid communication with the fourth chamber.

[0033] In a preferred form, a passageway may be formed in the cylindrical wall of the sleeve.

[0034] In a preferred form, the actuator assembly may include a control element and may be configured to actuate the control element between an open position and a closed position in response to fluid pressure that can be received in at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, and the fourth chamber.

[0035] In a preferred form, inserting the actuator assembly may include inserting the actuator assembly through the inlet.

[0036] In a preferred form, the fitting may be an inlet fitting.

[0037] In a preferred form, the method may include coupling a spacer to the valve body such that the fitting and the actuator assembly can be removed when the regulator is installed in a pipeline.

[0038] In a preferred form, the method may include fixing the first piston to the valve stem such that the radial channel of the first passageway formed in the valve stem is adjacent to the downstream surface of the first piston.

[0039] In a preferred form, the method may include fixing the first piston to the valve stem such that the radial channel of the second passageway formed in the valve stem is adjacent to the upstream surface of the first piston.

[0040] In a preferred form, the method may include fixing the first piston to the valve stem such that the radial channel of the second passageway formed in the valve stem is adjacent to the upstream surface of the second piston.

[0041] In a preferred form, assembling the actuator assembly may include slidably coupling a first portion of the valve stem to a first plate of the sleeve and slidably coupling a second portion of the valve stem to a second plate of the sleeve.

[0042] In a preferred form, the outer diameter of the first portion may be different from the outer diameter of the second portion.

[0043] In a preferred form, the indicator axis may be perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

[0044] In a preferred form, the indicator assembly may include an indicator that is coupled to the rod and can extend outside the valve body.

[0045] In a preferred form, the indicator assembly may include a plug coupled to the valve body.

[0046] In a preferred form, the indicator may be slidably coupled to the plug.

[0047] In a preferred form, when the control element is in the open position, the indicator may extend a first distance outside the valve body, and when the control element is in the closed position, the indicator may extend a second distance outside the valve body.

[0048] In a preferred form, the first distance may be greater than the second distance.

[0049] In a preferred form, the indicator assembly may include a spring disposed between the plug and a spring seat carried by the rod.

[0050] In a preferred form, the spring may bias the rod toward the valve stem.

[0051] In a preferred form, a cap may be provided at one end of the valve stem and may include an inclined surface.

[0052] In a preferred form, the cap may have a wide first end and a narrow second end.

[0053] In a preferred form, when the control element is in the open position, the first end of the cap may contact the rod, and when the control element is in the closed position, the second end of the cap may contact the rod.

[0054] In a preferred form, the indicator assembly may include a roller contacting the cap.

[0055] In a preferred form, the indicator assembly may include a cord and a roller.

[0056] In a preferred form, the cord may be operably coupled to the valve stem at a first end of the cord and operably coupled to the rod at a second end of the cord.

[0057] In a preferred form, the cord and the roller may be configured to convert an axial movement of the valve stem into an axial movement of the rod.

[0058] In a preferred form, the indicator assembly may include an arm pivotally coupled to the valve stem and pivotally coupled to the rod.

[0059] In a preferred form, the arm may be configured to convert an axial movement of the valve stem into an axial movement of the rod.

[0060] In a preferred form, axial movement of the valve stem can cause rotational movement of the rod member.

[0061] In a preferred form, the valve stem can include a corrugated surface and the rod member can include a corrugated surface rotatably coupled to the corrugated surface of the valve stem.

[0062] In a preferred form, when the valve stem moves in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valve body, the corrugated surface of the valve stem can engage the corrugated surface of the rod member to cause the rod member to rotate about the indicator axis or move along the axis.

[0063] In a preferred form, the indicator assembly can include a spring that biases the roller toward the tapered cap portion.

[0064] In a preferred form, the indicator can be coupled to the rod member and can extend outside the body.

[0065] In a preferred form, the at least one feature can be configured to engage a cap portion disposed at one end of the valve stem and can have an inclined surface.

[0066] In a preferred form, when the control element is in the first position, the feature can be positioned at the wide end of the cap portion, and when the control element is in the second position, the feature can be positioned at the narrow end of the cap.

[0067] In a preferred form, the at least one feature can be a roller that contacts the cap portion.

[0068] In a preferred form, the at least one feature can include a cord and a roller.

[0069] Any one or more of these aspects can be considered separately and / or combined with each other in any functionally appropriate manner. Additionally, any one or more of these aspects can further include any one or more of the optional exemplary arrangements and / or features described below and / or be implemented therein. These and other aspects, arrangements, features, and / or technical effects will become apparent upon a detailed examination of the drawings and the following description. Description of the Drawings

[0070] Figure 1 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a regulator assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, showing the regulator in a fully open position;

[0071] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a partially exploded perspective view of the regulator;

[0072] Figure 3 is Figure 1 Front cross-sectional view of the regulator, showing the regulator in the closed position;

[0073] Figure 4A is Figure 3 Enlarged view of a part of the regulator, showing the seal assembly;

[0074] Figure 4B is Figure 3 Enlarged view of different parts of the regulator;

[0075] Figure 4C is Figure 3 Enlarged view of different parts of the regulator;

[0076] Figure 5 is Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the first exemplary valve stem of the regulator;

[0077] Figure 6A is at Figure 3 obtained at I-I of Figure 1 First exemplary cross-sectional view of the regulator;

[0078] Figure 6B is at Figure 3 obtained at I-I of Figure 1 Second exemplary cross-sectional view of the regulator;

[0079] Figure 7 is at Figure 3 obtained at II-II of Figure 1 Cross-sectional view of the regulator;

[0080] Figure 8A is Figure 1 Front cross-sectional view of the regulator, showing the regulator in the closed position;

[0081] Figure 8B is Figure 1 Top cross-sectional view of the regulator, showing the regulator in the closed position;

[0082] Figure 9A is Figure 1 Front cross-sectional view of the regulator, showing the regulator in the partially open position;

[0083] Figure 9B is Figure 1 Top cross-sectional view of the regulator, showing the regulator in the partially open position;

[0084] Figure 10A is Figure 1 Front cross-sectional view of the regulator, showing the regulator in the fully open position;

[0085] Figure 10B is Figure 1 a top cross-sectional view of a regulator, which shows the regulator in a fully open position;

[0086] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary valve stem assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0087] Figure 11A is taken at A-A Figure 11 of the valve stem;

[0088] Figure 11B is taken at B-B Figure 11 of the valve stem;

[0089] Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view of a third exemplary valve stem assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0090] Figure 12A is taken at A-A Figure 12 of the valve stem;

[0091] Figure 12B is taken at B-B Figure 12 of the valve stem;

[0092] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary valve stem assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0093] Figure 13A is taken at A-A Figure 13 of the valve stem;

[0094] Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of a fifth exemplary valve stem assembled in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure;

[0095] Figure 14A is taken at A-A Figure 14 of the valve stem;

[0096] Figure 14B is taken at B-B Figure 14 of the valve stem;

[0097] Figure 14C is taken at C-C Figure 14 of the valve stem;

[0098] Figure 14D is taken at D-D Figure 14 of the valve stem;

[0099] Figure 15 isFigure 3 An enlarged view thereof showing Figure 1 a first exemplary indicator assembly of the regulator of

[0100] Figure 16 is assembled and disposed in the regulator of Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view of a second exemplary indicator assembly;

[0101] Figure 16A is a partial cross-sectional view of the indicator assembly taken at A-A of Figure 16 ;

[0102] Figure 16B when Figure 16 a partial side view of the indicator assembly of

[0103] Figure 17 is assembled and disposed in the regulator of Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view of a third exemplary indicator assembly; and

[0104] Figure 18 is assembled and disposed in the regulator of Figure 1 a partial cross-sectional view of a fourth exemplary indicator assembly. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0105] In Figures 1-3 , an exemplary fluid regulator 10 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The regulator 10 includes a valve body 14 having a central bore 18 and an actuator assembly 22 disposed within the bore 18. The valve body 14 defines an inlet 26, an outlet 30, and a flow path 34 connecting the inlet 26 and the outlet 30. The bore 18 formed in the valve body 14 is centered about a longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14, and the flow path 34 is peripherally disposed relative to the bore 18. A control element 38 is movable relative to the valve body 14 between a closed position ( Figure 3 ) and an open position ( Figure 1) moves between them. In the closed position, the control element 38 engages a valve seat 42 disposed in the flow path 34, and in the open position, the control element 38 is spaced apart from the valve seat 42. The actuator assembly 22 is operatively coupled to the control element 38 and is configured to move the control element 38 axially along the longitudinal axis X to open and close the regulator 10. The inlet fitting 46 is coupled to the valve body 14 at the inlet 26 and is configured to hold the actuator assembly 22 and the control element 38 within the bore 18 of the valve body 14. The inlet fitting 46 is removably coupled to the valve body 14. For example, external threads on the inlet fitting 46 can be coupled to internal threads in the inlet 26 of the valve body 14. Similarly, the inlet fitting 46 can be bolted to the inlet 26 of the valve body 14. Since the inlet fitting 46 can be removed from the valve body 14, the internal components of the regulator 10 (e.g., the actuator assembly 22 and the control element 38) can be inserted and removed through the inlet 26. However, in another example, the inlet 26 and the outlet 30 can be switched (i.e., such that fluid flows from right to left in Figures 1-3 ), in which case the internal components of the regulator 10 will be removably disposed to pass through the outlet 30 of the valve body 14. In either example, the valve body 14 can be a single casting (e.g., integrally formed) valve body 14.

[0106] The actuator assembly 22 includes a sleeve 50, a valve stem 54 extending through the sleeve 50, a first piston 60 coupled to the valve stem 54, and a second piston 62 coupled to the valve stem 54 and spaced apart from the first piston 60. The sleeve 50, the valve stem 54, or both the sleeve 50 and the valve stem 54 provide a path to allow internal fluid communication to actuate the actuator assembly 22. As Figure 1 and 2 shown, the sleeve 50 includes a separable first sleeve portion 50a and a second sleeve portion 50b. The first sleeve portion 50a has a cylindrical wall 66a and a first plate 70, and the second sleeve portion 50b has a cylindrical wall 66b and a second plate 72. As Figure 2 shown, when the first sleeve portion 50a and the second sleeve portion 50b are positioned adjacent to each other, they together form the sleeve 50 in which the first wall 70 is spaced apart from the second wall 72. The cylindrical walls 66a, 66b (collectively forming a wall labeled 66) and the first plate 70 and the second plate 72 define a first cavity 75 and a second cavity 74, in which the first piston 60 is slidably disposed in the first cavity 75 and the second piston 62 is slidably disposed in the second cavity 74. As Figure 1 and 3As shown and described in more detail below, a passageway 76 is formed in the cylindrical wall 66 of the sleeve 50 to provide fluid communication between the upstream surface 78 of the first piston 60 and the upstream surface 80 of the second piston 62. Further described below, the valve stem 54 includes a passage 82 (shown in phantom in Figure 1 ) that extends partially through the valve stem 54 and provides fluid communication between the downstream surface 84 of the first piston 60 and the downstream surface 86 of the second piston 60. As used herein, the term "upstream" refers to the side facing the inlet 26 (i.e., upstream of the flow path 34), and the term "downstream" refers to the side facing the outlet 30 (i.e., downstream of the flow path 34).

[0107] As Figure 2 shown, the internal components of the regulator 10 are configured to be aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14. Specifically, the sleeve 50 is configured to align the valve stem 54, the first piston 60, and the second piston 62 with the control element 38 such that the actuator assembly 22 and the control element 38 are properly aligned within the bore 18 of the valve body 14. For example, the first plate 70 and the second plate 72 each define orifices 87, 89 that are aligned with the longitudinal axis E of the sleeve 50. When the sleeve 50 is disposed within the bore 18, the longitudinal axis E is coaxial with the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14. The shape of the cylindrical wall 66 of the sleeve is designed to substantially match the profile wall that defines the bore 18 of the valve body 14 such that when the sleeve 50 is fully inserted into the valve body 14, the sleeve 50 is properly axially aligned. The sleeve 50 includes a first end 51 and a second end 53. In the illustrated embodiment, the inner diameter S1 of the first end 51 is different from the inner diameter S2 of the second end 53. However, in other embodiments, different sleeve geometries may be used, such as to correspond to different geometries of the bore 18. The size and shape of the inner diameter S1 of the first end 51 are designed to slidably receive the control element 38. The second end 53 is configured to abut the inner wall of the valve body 14 such that when the inlet fitting 46 is secured to the valve body 14, the internal components of the regulator 10 are secured (e.g., clamped) in place. When the control element 38 is in the fully open position, the second piston 62 is adjacent to the second end 53 of the sleeve 50.

[0108] The first piston 60 and the second piston 62 are configured to slide together on the smooth inner surface of the cylindrical wall 66 of the sleeve 50 in response to pressure changes sensed by the actuator assembly 22. The first piston 60 and the second piston 62 are firmly attached to the valve stem 54 such that the valve stem 54 and the pistons 60, 62 move relative to the sleeve 50 while the sleeve 50 remains in a fixed position relative to the valve body 14. The longitudinal axis F of the valve stem 54 is arranged to be aligned with the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14. As discussed further below, a plurality of chambers 88, 90, 92, and 94 are formed between the sleeve 50 and the first piston 60 and the second piston 62 and have different internal volumes when the regulator 10 is opened and closed. Specifically, as Figure 3 shown, a first chamber 88 is provided between the first plate 70 of the sleeve 50 and the first piston 60, a second chamber 90 is provided between the first piston 60 and the second plate 72 of the sleeve 50, a third chamber 92 is provided between the second plate 72 of the sleeve 50 and the second piston 62, and a fourth chamber 94 is provided downstream of the second piston 62. The fourth chamber 94 is partially defined by the cylindrical wall 66 of the sleeve 50 and the valve body 14. The travel indicator assembly 96 is partially disposed in the fourth chamber 94 and provides a visual indication of the position of the regulator 10 (e.g., partially open, fully open, closed).

[0109] In operation, the actuator assembly 22 actuates the control element 38 between an open position and a closed position in response to the balance of fluid pressures in the first chamber 88, the second chamber 90, the third chamber 92, and the fourth chamber 94 acting on the first piston 60 and the second piston 62. In the illustrated example, the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 are in fluid communication via a path 76 formed in the sleeve portions 50a, 50b (as described below), and the second chamber 90 and the fourth chamber 94 are in fluid communication via a passage 82 in the valve stem 53. The fluid pressures in the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 act on the upstream surfaces 78, 80 of the first piston 60 and the second piston 62, respectively, to push the first piston 60 and the second piston 62 in a first direction H toward the open position of the regulator 10. The fluid pressures in the second chamber 90 and the fourth chamber 94 act on the downstream surfaces 84, 86 of the first piston 60 and the second piston 62, respectively, to push the first piston 60 and the second piston 62 in a second direction G (opposite to the first direction H) toward the closed position of the regulator 10.

[0110] The chambers 88, 90, 92, and 94 of the regulator 10 can be defined relative to the positions of the inlet 26 and the outlet 30 and generally along the direction of fluid flow. For example, the fluid generally flows in the direction from the inlet 26 toward the outlet 30 such that the first chamber 88 is the upstream chamber of the first piston 60 (i.e., the first upstream chamber 88), and the second chamber 90 is the downstream chamber of the first piston 60 (i.e., the first downstream chamber 90). Similarly, the third chamber 92 is the upstream chamber of the second piston 62 (i.e., the second upstream chamber 92), and the fourth chamber 94 is the downstream chamber of the second piston 62 (i.e., the second downstream chamber 94). Through the paths in the sleeve 50 and / or the valve stem 54, the first upstream chamber 88 and the second upstream chamber 92 are in fluid communication with each other, and the first downstream chamber 90 and the second downstream chamber 94 are in fluid communication with each other.

[0111] The regulator 10 further includes a spring 100, a valve cage 104, and a seal assembly 108 fixed in the valve body 14 by the inlet fitting 46. The spring 100 is disposed between a spring seat 112 formed in a first plate 70 of the sleeve 50 and a spring seat 116 formed in the control element 38. As Figure 1 and 3 shown, the control element 38 includes a plurality of spokes 120 extending between a central hub 124 and an outer ring 128 surrounding the spring 100. The central hub 124 defines a hub orifice 130 sized to receive a first end 132 of the valve stem 54. As Figure 3 shown, the spokes 120 of the control element 38 extend radially outward from the central hub 124 at an angle. The orifices between the spokes 120 enable the fluid pressure at the inlet 26 to act uniformly on the upstream and downstream sides of the surface of the control element 38, such that the fluid inlet pressure is not used to push the control element 38 in the direction H. The control element 38 is configured to slide relative to the valve cage 104 and relative to the sleeve 50 together with the valve stem 54 between an open position and a closed position. In the closed position, the outer ring 128 of the control element 38 mates with the seal assembly 108 to prevent fluid from flowing from the inlet 26 to the outlet 30. Specifically, as described in more detail below, the radially outward portion of the upstream end of the outer ring 128 (opposite the spring seat 116) is configured to engage a radial seal assembly 144 of the valve seat 42. One or more seals may be provided between the control element 38 and the sleeve 50.

[0112] Figure 3Shown is a spacer 134 that is coupled to the inlet end of the valve body 14. In operation, the spacer 134 is clamped between a flange at the upstream end of the regulator 10 and a corresponding flange (not shown) positioned upstream of the spacer 134 by bolts that span between the flanges and compress gaskets 136 positioned between the spacer 134 and each flange (only one such gasket 136 is shown). The spacer 134 can be removed by removing the bolts to enable insertion or removal of internal components (e.g., seal assembly 108, actuator assembly 22 components, control element 38 components, etc.) of the regulator 14 when the regulator 10 is installed.

[0113] Figure 4A Shown in more detail is Figure 3 the seal assembly 108. The seal assembly 108 includes a retaining ring 140 and a radial seal ring 144 that is disposed in a groove between the retaining ring 140 and the inlet fitting 46. In the closed position, the outer ring 128 of the control element 38 is able to sealingly engage the seal ring 144 to provide a fluid-tight engagement. The radial seal ring 144 is formed of a material such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) that provides wear resistance and chemical resistance as well as a relatively low sealing force relative to the control element 38. When the regulator 10 is in the closed position, a first O-ring 152 is radially positioned outside the radial seal ring 144 within a groove between the retaining ring 140 and the inlet fitting 46 to urge the radial seal ring 144 into contact with the control element 38. A second O-ring 152 is positioned between the retaining ring 140 and the inlet fitting 46. Fasteners 148 secure the retaining ring 140 in place relative to the inlet fitting 46.

[0114] Figure 4B and 4C Shown in more detail is Figure 3 the actuator assembly 22. In these figures, the connections between the valve stem 54 and the first plate 70, between the valve stem 54 and the second plate 72, between the valve stem 54 and the first piston 60, and between the valve stem 54 and the second piston 62 are shown more clearly. These figures also show the varying diameter (or thickness) along the length of the valve stem 54. Each of the varying diameters of the valve stem 54 is sized to specifically match one of the first plate 70, the first piston 60, the second plate 72, and the second piston 62. The valve stem 54 is divided into sections or portions that slide relative to the first plate 70 with respect to the sleeve 50 and the second plate 72 with respect to the sleeve 50. In Figure 4BIn it, the first part 156 of the valve stem 54 is arranged to pass through the orifice 87 of the first plate 70. The size of the orifice 87 of the first plate 70 is specifically designed to receive the first part 156 of the valve stem 54, which first part has an outer diameter D1. The packing assembly 164 is fixed to the first plate 70 and is configured to allow the valve stem 54 to slide relative to the first plate 70 while providing a sealed connection between the first plate 70 and the first part 156 of the valve stem 54. Figure 4B Also shown is a first piston 60 attached to a stepped portion 166 formed in the outer surface of the valve stem 54. The first piston 60 is fixed to the valve stem 54 via a retaining plate 168 and a fastener 170. The retaining plate 168 is disposed in an annular groove 174 formed in the valve stem 54, and its size is designed to receive the retaining plate 168 such that the first piston 60 does not slide relative to the valve stem 54. Moving on to Figure 4C , the size of the orifice 89 of the second plate 72 is specifically designed to receive the second part 182 of the valve stem 54, the outer diameter D2 of which is different from the outer diameter D1 of the first part 156. Figure 4C Also shown is a second piston 62 attached to a stepped portion 184 formed in the outer surface of the valve stem 54. The second piston 62 is fixed to the valve stem 54 via a retaining cap 186 that is threadedly connected to the valve stem 54. In other examples, the second piston 62 can be fixed to the valve stem 54 by other suitable connectors.

[0115] As Figure 5 shown, the stepped portions 166, 184 and the different outer diameters D1, D2 of the valve stem 54 correspond to specific arrangements of the valve stem 54 relative to the first plate 70 and the second plate 72 of the sleeve 50. In operation, the valve stem 54 slides relative to the first plate 70 of the sleeve 50 along the length L1 of the first part 156 and slides relative to the second plate 72 of the sleeve 50 along the length L2 of the second part 182. The geometric configuration of the valve stem 54 and the valve body 14 ensures proper alignment of the first plate 70, the second plate 72, the first piston 60, and the second piston 62 within the valve body 14.

[0116] As Figure 4B , 4C and as shown in 5, the corresponding engagement between the valve stem 54 and the first plate 70 and the second plate 72 of the sleeve 50 also ensures proper alignment of the path 76 connecting the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 and proper alignment of the passage 82 formed in the valve stem 54 connecting the second chamber 90 and the fourth chamber 94. As Figure 4BAs shown, the passageway 82 includes a radial channel 194 (e.g., extending in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis X), and a longitudinal channel 198 that is centrally disposed within the second portion of the valve stem 54 and axially extends through the second end 200 of the valve stem 54. The radial channel 194 is in fluid communication with the second chamber 90 and is positioned adjacent to the downstream surface 84 of the first piston 60. The longitudinal channel 198 axially extends along the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14 and terminates in the fourth chamber 94. The radial channel 194 is perpendicular to the longitudinal channel 198. However, in other examples, the channels 194, 198 may not be perpendicular to each other but may be non - parallel. Additionally, the valve stem 54 may be a plurality of connected components to provide a valve stem configuration and may have a plurality of passageways that extend parallel and / or staggered relative to each other to connect the different chambers 88, 90, 92, and 94 of the actuator assembly 22.

[0117] Briefly returning to Figure 3 , a path 76 formed in the sleeve 50 is partially shown. The path 76 includes one or more channels having both a lateral portion 202 depicted in Figure 3 and an axial portion that is hidden in Figure 3 . Each lateral portion 202 radially extends inward from the cylindrical wall 66 within a portion of the second plate 72. Each lateral portion 202 of the path 76 is connected to a hole 204 formed in the downstream surface of the second plate 72 of the sleeve 50 to provide fluid communication between the lateral portion 202 of the path 76 and the third chamber 92. Now turning to Figure 6A and 6B , first and second exemplary arrangements of the axial portion of the path 76 formed in the sleeve 50 are shown. First turning to Figure 6A , the axial portion of the path 76 includes one or more channels 206A (four channels are shown, but more or fewer channels may be employed in different arrangements), where each channel 206A extends through the cylindrical wall 66 of the sleeve 50 to connect the first chamber 88 to the lateral portion 202 of the path 76. The channels 206A are formed in the outer surface 210 of the sleeve 50 such that the path 76 is at least partially defined between the sleeve 50 and the valve body 14. In Figure 6BIn the second exemplary arrangement, the axial portion of path 76 includes one or more channels 206B formed between the inner surface 214 and the outer surface 210 of the cylindrical wall 66 such that the axial portion of each channel 206B is embedded within the cylindrical wall 66 of the sleeve 50. In either arrangement, the axial portion 206 of path 76 ultimately extends between the lateral portion 202 and the upstream end of the second sleeve portion 50b. The downstream surface of the first plate 70 includes one or more grooves that include another portion of path 76 such that the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 are in fluid communication.

[0118] of the regulator 10 Figure 7 shows an exhaust hole 218 formed in the valve body 14. The exhaust hole 218 fluidly couples the flow path 34 of the valve body 14 to the atmosphere and may provide an access port to exhaust process fluid (e.g., condensate droplets) remaining in the valve body 14. The exhaust hole 218 may be sealed with a plug that is accessible from the outer surface 222 of the valve body 14.

[0119] Figure 8A 、 8B Figures 9A, 9B, 10A, and 10B show front and top views of the regulator 10 Figure 8A 、 8B in the closed position ( Figure 9A 、 9B ), the partially open position ( Figure 10A 、 10B ), and the fully open position ( Figure 8B 、 9B, 10B) extend laterally (radially outwardly from the longitudinal axis X) through the sidewall of the valve body 14 and terminate at the orifice 18 to provide an external fluid connection to the path 76. The second sleeve portion 50b is configured such that the axial portions (e.g., 206A, 206B) of the path 76 are fluidly coupled to the first passage 226. Thus, the first passage 226 is in fluid communication with the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 via the path 76. The second passage 230 extends laterally through the sidewall of the valve body 14 and terminates at the orifice 18 to provide an external fluid connection to the fourth chamber 94. Thus, the second passage 230 is in fluid communication with the second chamber 90 and the fourth chamber 94 via the second passage 82 in the valve stem 54. The passages 226, 230 may be located in other portions of the valve body 14 and / or may be configured to provide fluid pressure to other portions of the actuator assembly 22 inside the valve body 14. As described below, the passages 226, 230 may terminate at a fitting (e.g., a pipe fitting) at the outer surface of the valve body 14 to facilitate connection to the sensing and loading lines.

[0120] In a typical arrangement, the second passage 230 receives the downstream pressure via a sensing line, and the first passage 226 receives the loading pressure from a pilot device via a loading line, such that the regulator 10 functions as a pressure reducing regulator. In this arrangement, when the downstream pressure is at or above the pressure setpoint of the pilot device, the pilot device supplies the downstream pressure as the loading pressure to the first passage 226. Thus, the forces generated by the spring 100 and the fluid pressures (i.e., the downstream pressure) in the second chamber 90 and the fourth chamber 94 acting on the downstream surfaces 84, 86 of the first piston 60 and the second piston 62, respectively, exceed the forces generated by the fluid pressures (i.e., the downstream pressure) in the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 acting on the upstream surfaces 78, 80 of the first piston 60 and the second piston 62, respectively. As a result, the shaft 54 and the connected control element 38 move entirely in the direction G until the first piston 60 and the second piston 62 are adjacent to the first plate 70 and the second plate 72, and the control element 38 engages the valve seat 42, as Figure 8A and 8B shown, and the control element 38 engages the valve seat 42. In this position, fluid is prevented from flowing from the inlet 26 to the outlet 30.

[0121] When an increase in downstream demand causes the downstream pressure to drop below the pressure setpoint of the pilot device, the pilot device supplies an increased pressure (i.e., a pressure greater than the downstream pressure) to the first passage 226 as a loading pressure. At this increased loading pressure, the forces generated by the fluid pressures (i.e., the increased loading pressure) in the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 acting on the upstream surfaces 78, 80 of the first piston 60 and the second piston 62, respectively, exceed the forces generated by the spring 100 and the fluid pressures (i.e., the downstream pressure) in the second chamber 90 and the fourth chamber 94 acting on the downstream surfaces 84, 86 of the first piston 60 and the second piston 62, respectively. As a result, the shaft 54 and the connected control element 38 move in the direction H, which causes the control element 38 to disengage from the seat 42 and allows fluid to flow from the inlet 26 to the outlet 30. Force balance determines the actual position of the shaft 54 and the connected control element 38, and the flow capacity of the regulator 10 increases as the control element 38 moves in the direction H away from the seat 42 to Figure 9A and 9B a partially open position within Figure 10A and 10B a fully open position within. Although the above example describes a typical connection of the pilot device to the first passage 226 and the second passage 230, the regulator 10 can also be configured differently. For example, the first passage 226 can alternatively be connected to the upstream pressure, and the second passage 230 can be connected to the loading pressure supplied by the pilot device, such that the regulator 10 functions as a backpressure regulator.

[0122] Turning now to Figures 11-14 , an alternative valve stem arrangement for use with the axial regulator 10 of Figure 1-1 0 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The second exemplary valve stem 236, the third exemplary valve stem 238, the fourth exemplary valve stem 240, and the fifth exemplary valve stem 242 are configured to be slidably coupled to the sleeve 50 of the actuator assembly 22 and can thus replace the first exemplary valve stem 54. Each of the second exemplary valve stem 236, the third exemplary valve stem 238, the fourth exemplary valve stem 240, and the fifth exemplary valve stem 242 defines a first passage for fluidly coupling the second chamber 90 and the fourth chamber 94 and a second passage for fluidly coupling the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92. Thus, the actuator assembly 22 utilizing one of the second exemplary valve stem 236, the third exemplary valve stem 238, the fourth exemplary valve stem 240, and the fifth exemplary valve stem 242 can include a sleeve 50 that is similar to the first exemplary sleeve 50 shown in the previous figures but without one or more of the paths 76 formed in the cylindrical sleeve 50.

[0123] In Figure 11 , 11AIn FIGS. 11A and 11B, the second exemplary valve stem 236 extends between a first end 244 and a second end 246 and includes a first passage 248, a second passage 250, and a third passage 252. The valve stem 236 may include the same shape as the Figure 5 valve stem 54 to facilitate assembly with the dual piston actuator assembly 22. Similar to the Figure 5 valve stem 54, the longitudinal axis F of the second exemplary valve stem 236 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14. Additionally, the valve stem 236 includes a first portion 256 having a diameter D1 and a second portion 260 having a diameter D2. A first stepped portion 264 separates the first portion 256 and the second portion 260 of the valve stem 236, and a second stepped portion 268 separates the second portion 260 and the second end 246. Similar to the Figure 5 passage 82 of the valve stem 54, the first passage 248 extends partially through the valve stem 236 in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis F. The first passage 248 includes a radial passage 272 (e.g., extending in a radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis F), and a longitudinal passage 276 extending between the radial passage 272 and the second end 246 of the valve stem 236. More specifically, the radial passage 272 extends through the outer surface 280 of the valve stem 248 in the second portion 260 such that the radial passage 272 is in fluid communication with the second chamber 90 and is positioned adjacent the downstream surface 84 of the first piston 60. The longitudinal passage 276 extends axially relative to the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14 and terminates in the fourth chamber 94.

[0124] With Figure 5Compared to the valve stem 54, the second exemplary valve stem 236 is configured to fluidly couple the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 of the regulator 10. The second passage 250 and the third passage 252 are symmetric about the longitudinal F axis of the valve stem 236 and extend between the first portion 256 and the second portion 260 of the valve stem 236. The second passage 250 includes a first radial channel 284 formed in the first portion 256 of the valve stem 236, a second radial channel 288 formed in the second portion 260 of the valve stem 236, and a longitudinal channel 292 extending between the first radial channel 284 and the second radial channel 288. The first radial channel 284 and the second radial channel 288 are positioned relative to the valve stem 236 such that the second passage 250 is in fluid communication with the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 of the regulator 10. Thus, it can be understood that, for example, the shapes of the first plate 70 and the second plate 72 of the sleeve 50 are designed to permit fluid communication between the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92 via the radial channels 284, 288 and are connected to the longitudinal channel 292. It should also be understood that the third passage 252 is substantially similar to the second passage 250 such that any details of the second passage 250 equally apply to the third passage 252. The first passage 248, the second passage 250, and the third passage 252 may have the same inner diameter, or the inner diameter of the first passage 248 may be greater than the inner diameter of each of the second passage 250 and the third passage 252. In one example, the combined flow capacity of the second passage 250 and the third passage 252 substantially matches the flow capacity of the first passage 248.

[0125] In Figure 12 , 12A and 12B, the third exemplary valve stem 238 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The third exemplary valve stem 238 is similar to Figure 11 , 11A and 11B's second exemplary valve stem 236. However, the valve stem 238 includes a first passage and a second passage. Similar to the second exemplary valve stem 238, the first passage 248 is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis F, and the second passage 250 is parallel to the longitudinal axis F and radially offset relative to the longitudinal axis F. Additionally, the longitudinal axis F of the third exemplary valve stem 238 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14. In the illustrated example, the inner diameter of the first passage 248 is equal to the inner diameter of the second passage 250. However, in other examples, the inner diameters of the passages 248, 250 are different. In yet another example, both the first passage 248 and the second passage 250 may be radially offset relative to the longitudinal axis F.

[0126] In Figure 13 and 13AIn [the context], the fourth exemplary valve stem 240 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. When the fourth exemplary valve stem 240 is disposed in the valve body 14, the longitudinal axis F of the valve stem 240 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14. The fourth exemplary valve stem 240 is similar to Figure 11 , 11A and the second exemplary valve stem 236 of 11B. However, the second passage 250 and the third passage 252 extend from the first end 244 of the valve stem 240 to the second portion 260. For ease of manufacture, the first passage 248 is formed by drilling a longitudinal channel 276 from the second end 246, and the second passage 250 and the third passage 252 are formed by drilling longitudinal channels 292 from the first end 244 of the valve stem 240. A radial channel 294 extends through the first portion 256 of the valve stem 240 to connect the longitudinal channels 292 of the first passage 250 and the second passage 252. A stop 296 is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal channels 292 of the second passage 250 and the third passage 252 to isolate the fluid communication of the second passage 250 and the third passage 252 between the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92. To further isolate the longitudinal channels 292 of the second passage 250 and the third passage 252, stops 300, 302 are disposed in one of the longitudinal channels 292 in the longitudinal channels 292 at the first end of the valve stem 240.

[0127] In Figure 14 , 14A , 14B, 14C and 14D, the fifth exemplary valve stem 242 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The fifth exemplary valve stem 242 is formed by overlapping the first passage, the second passage and the third passage without connecting the first passage 248 to any one of the second passage 250 or the third passage 252. When the fifth exemplary valve stem 242 is disposed in the valve body 14, the longitudinal axis F of the valve stem 242 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14. Such an overlapping structure can be formed using additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. As Figure 14A shows, the radial channel 272 of the first passage 248 is angled such that the radial channel 272 does not connect to the second passage 250 and the third passage 252. In Figure 14B , the first passage 248, the second passage 250 and the third passage 252 are aligned such that the first passage 248 is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis F, and each of the second passage 250 and the third passage 252 is radially offset relative to the longitudinal axis F and evenly spaced from the first passage 248. However, as Figure 14C shows, the first passage 248 is radially offset relative to the longitudinal axis F such that the first passage 248 does not intersect the second radial channels 306 (which are provided to pass through the second portion 260 of the valve stem 242) of the second passage 250 and the third passage 252. As Figure 14CAs shown, the first passage 248 curves around the second passage 250 and the radial second passage 306 of the third passage 252 such that as Figure 14D shown, the first passage 248 is axially aligned with the longitudinal axis F at the second end 246 of the valve stem 242.

[0128] In Figure 15 , a first exemplary indicator assembly 96 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The indicator assembly 96 is operably coupled to the regulator 10 and provides a visual display based on the position of the regulator 10. The visual display is located external to the valve body 14 such that an operator will understand the position of the control element 38 from a distance. Specifically, the indicator assembly 96 is operably coupled to the valve stem 54 such that when the control element 38 moves between the open position and the closed position, the valve stem 54 causes the indicator assembly 96 to display the change in position of the control element 38. The indicator assembly 96 is at least partially disposed in a radial bore 310 formed in the valve body 14 and includes a rod 314, an indicator 318 operably coupled to the rod 314, a spring 320, and a plug 322. The rod 314 is disposed perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14 and is aligned with the longitudinal axis Y. The rod 314 of the indicator assembly 96 is capable of moving between a first position (as Figure 3 , Figure 8A and Figure 15 shown) when the control element 38 is in the closed position and a second position (as Figure 1 and 10A ) when the control element 38 is in the open position. It should be understood that when the regulator 10 is between the open position and the closed position, for example, when the control element 38 is in the Figure 9A shown partially open position, the indicator assembly 96 also occupies an additional position between the first position and the second position to display the positioning of the control element 38. In Figure 15 , the longitudinal axis Y of the rod 314 is oriented at an angle β of 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis F of the valve stem 54 and the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14. However, in other examples, the angle β between the longitudinal axis Y of the indicator assembly 96 and the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14 can be any value between 0 degrees and 180 degrees.

[0129] In Figure 15In this case, the rod member 314 includes a first end 326 slidably coupled to the second end 200 of the valve stem 54 and a second end 330 spaced apart from the first end 326 and operably coupled to the indicator 318. Specifically, the first end 326 of the rod member 314 is slidably coupled to a tapered cap portion 334 that is fixed to the second end 200 of the valve stem 54. The cap portion 334 has a hole 338 sized to receive the second end 200 of the valve stem 54 and in fluid communication with the passage 82 of the valve stem 54 to maintain fluid communication between the passage 82 and the fourth chamber 94. The cap portion 334 has an inclined outer surface 342 that tapers from a wide first end 344 to a narrow second end 348. In other words, the outer diameter of the second end 348 of the cap portion 334 is less than the outer diameter of the first end 344 of the cap portion 334, such that as the valve stem 54 moves axially relative to the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14, the rod member 314 axially displaces axially relative to the longitudinal axis Y. Specifically, the outer surface 342 of the cap portion 334 is inclined at an angle α relative to the longitudinal axis X. In Figure 15 this case, the second end 348 of the cap portion 334 contacts a ball 352 that is firmly coupled to the first end 326 of the rod member 314. As the valve stem 54 moves between the open position and the closed position, the ball 352 facilitates the movement of the rod member 314 relative to the valve stem 54.

[0130] The rod member 314 moves axially along the Y axis (e.g., moves upward in the J direction and downward in the K direction) to move the indicator 318 outside the valve body 14 according to the position of the control element 38. A guide sleeve 356 is disposed between the valve body 14 and the rod member 314 to stably guide the rod member 314. The extent to which the indicator 318 extends outside the valve body 14 indicates the degree of opening of the regulator 10. For example, when the control element 38 is in the open position, the ball 352 contacts the first end 344 of the cap portion 334, and the indicator 318 extends fully in the J direction. When the control element 30 is in the closed position, the ball 352 contacts the second end 348 of the cap portion 334, and the indicator 318 retracts fully in the K direction. As Figure 10A shown, the extension (fully open) of the indicator 318 relative to the valve body 14 is greater than as Figure 9A shown, the extension (partially open) of the indicator 318 relative to the valve body 14, as Figure 9A shown, the extension of the indicator 318 relative to the valve body 14 is in turn greater than as Figure 8A shown, the extension of the indicator 318 relative to the valve body 14, because the rod member 314 displaces the least amount when the ball 352 is adjacent to the second end 348 of the cap portion 334 (in the closed position), and the rod member 314 displaces the greatest amount when the ball 352 is adjacent to the first end 344 of the cap portion 334 (in the open position).

[0131] The indicator 318 is slidably coupled to the plug 322 and is extendable outside of the valve body 14. However, in the illustrated example, the indicator 318 is fixed to the second end 330 of the rod 314 and the indicator 318 can be part of the rod 314. The indicator assembly 96 also includes a spring 320 housed between the plug 322 and the spring seat 360. The spring seat 360 is carried by the rod 314 and moves axially along the longitudinal axis Y (e.g., moves upwardly in the J direction and downwardly in the K direction) and compresses the spring 320 against the plug 322. The spring 320 ensures that the ball 352 maintains contact with the cap 334. The external threads 364 of the plug 322 are rotatably coupled to the internal threads 368 of the bore 310 of the valve body 14 to secure the plug 22 to the valve body 14. The plug 322 can be removed from the body 14 by rotating the plug 322 relative to the valve body 14 to access the indicator assembly 96 or to adjust the calibration of the indicator 318. The indicator 318 is visible through a cover 372 attached to the plug 322. The cover 372 is preferably transparent such that an operator can easily view the length that the indicator 318 extends outside of the valve body 14. In some examples, the cover 372 can have graduations with measurements or markings corresponding to different positions of the indicator 318. In some examples, the indicator 318 can have a color (e.g., red) that is clearly visible through the cover 372 and contrasts with the environment in which the mounting regulator 10 is located.

[0132] Typically in operation, when the regulator 10 is opened, the actuator assembly 22 causes the valve stem 54 to move in the H direction. As the valve stem 54 moves, the inclined surface 342 of the cap 334 slides against the ball 352 and pushes the rod 314 in the J direction that is perpendicular to the H direction. The rod 314 carrying the indicator 318 moves the indicator 318 in the J direction such that the indicator 318 extends outside of the valve body 14 and slides into view relative to the cover 372 to indicate the positioning of the regulator 10. As the rod moves in the J direction, the rod 314 causes the spring seat 360 to compress the spring 320 against the plug 322 such that when the valve stem 54 moves in the G direction, the spring 320 expands and biases against the spring seat 360 to move the rod 314 in the K direction (opposite the J direction). As the rod 314 moves in the K direction, the indicator 318 also moves in the K direction and slides out of view relative to the cover 372.

[0133] Advantageously, the indicator assembly 96 provides an accurate reading of the position of the regulator 10 based on the orientation of the indicator assembly 96 relative to the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14. As Figure 15 shown, the indicator assembly 96 is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis F of the valve stem and the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14 such that the angle β is 90 degrees. To determine the displacement of the valve stem 54 or the displacement of the rod 414, the following equation can be used:

[0134]

[0135] Wherein, L is the displacement of the stroke indicator 318, Δx is the displacement of the valve stem 54, and Δh is the displacement of the rod 314 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the valve stem 54. Since the angle β = 90°, this equation can be simplified as follows:

[0136] L = Δh = Δx tan ∝

[0137] Although the stroke indicator assembly 96 has been described in the context of being used in the pressure regulator 10, the stroke indicator assembly 96 can also be used in other types of fluid control devices. As will be further described below, different iterations of the stroke indicator assembly can include at least one feature that is operatively coupled to the rod and operatively coupled to the valve stem to indicate the stroke of the valve stem of the pressure regulator or other fluid control device. In the following examples, the ball feature of the stroke indicator assembly is replaced by, for example, a rack and pinion feature, a cord and roller feature, or a hinged arm feature.

[0138] Figure 16 A second exemplary indicator assembly 496 constructed in accordance with the teachings within the present disclosure is shown. The second exemplary indicator assembly 496 can replace the first exemplary indicator assembly 96 for operation with Figures 1-10B the regulator 10. The second exemplary indicator assembly 496 is similar to the indicator assembly 96 discussed above, except that in the rack and pinion embodiment ( Figure 16A ), the second exemplary indicator assembly 496 utilizes the engagement of the valve stem 54 and the rod 414 to convert the axial movement of the valve stem 54 of the regulator 10 (e.g., in the G and H directions) into a rotational movement of the rod 414 (e.g., in the R and T directions) to display the positioning of the control element 38, or alternatively, in the rack and rack embodiment ( Figure 16B ), the second exemplary indicator assembly 496 utilizes the engagement of the valve stem 54 and the rod 414 to convert the axial movement of the valve stem 54 (e.g., in the directions of G and H) into an axial movement of the rod 414 (e.g., in the J and K directions) to display the positioning of the control element 38. Elements of the second exemplary indicator assembly 496 that are similar to the elements of the first exemplary indicator assembly 96 are denoted by the same reference numerals incremented by 100. For the sake of brevity, the description of many of these elements is abbreviated or even omitted.

[0139] Figure 16 The second exemplary indicator assembly 496 is arranged in a rack and pinion configuration or in a rack and rack configuration ( Figure 16B ). InFigure 16A In the rack and pinion embodiment shown, when the valve stem moves axially along the longitudinal axis X, the indicator 418 of the indicator assembly 496 does not move vertically along the Y axis, but instead rotates relative to the Y axis. For example, movement of the valve stem 54 in the H direction causes the rod 414 of the indicator assembly 496 to rotate about the longitudinal axis Y of the valve stem 414 in the T direction. The rotational movement of the indicator assembly 496 can be configured in a variety of different ways. In Figure 16A the example shown, the rod 414 has a corrugated outer surface 452 that provides a plurality of teeth that are configured to matingly engage the corrugated outer surface 442 of the second end 200 of the valve stem 54. The teeth of the outer surface 452 of the rod 414 engage the teeth of the corrugated surface 442 of the valve stem 54 such that when the valve stem 54 moves axially in the G direction or the H direction, the valve stem 54 engages the teeth of the rod 414 to rotate the rod 414 in the T direction or the R direction, respectively. The teeth of the corrugated surface 442 of the valve stem and the outer surface 452 of the rod 414 can be arranged to provide a specific gear ratio to provide a desired degree of rotation of the rod 414 that corresponds to the full linear travel of the valve stem 54.

[0140] When the indicator 418 rotates, the position of the control element 38 can be displayed based on the rotational position of the indicator 418. In the example shown, the second piston 62 is adjacent to the second end 53 of the sleeve 50 such that the control element 38 is in the open position. In the open position, the indicator 418 displays a triangular marker whose tip points to the inlet 26 of the valve body 14. In the closed position, the marker of the indicator 418 can be configured to point to the outlet 30 of the valve body 14. In another example, when the regulator 10 is closed, the marker of the indicator 418 can point to the inlet 26, and when the regulator 10 is open, the marker of the indicator 418 can point to the outlet 30. The indicator 418 can display the positioning of the regulator 10 in other ways (e.g., by exposing different colors or displaying text as the indicator 418 rotates in the display housing or cover 472). In still other examples, the indicator 418 provides different visible signals to convey the position of the regulator 10. For example, the indicator can match different measurements or markings on the cover 472 based on the position of the regulator 10.

[0141] In operation, the valve stem 54 moves in the H direction to open the regulator 10. The corrugated outer surface 442 of the valve stem 54 engages the corrugated outer surface 452 of the rod 414, thereby causing the rod 414 to rotate about the Y axis ( Figure 16A in the counterclockwise direction in Figure 16As shown, the regulator 10 is in the fully open position, and the marker of the indicator 418 faces away from the outlet 30 (i.e., towards the inlet 26). When the regulator 10 is closed, the valve stem 54 moves in the G direction (opposite to the H direction) and engages the lever 414, causing the lever 414 to rotate about the Y axis in the R direction ( Figure 16A the clockwise direction in

[0142] Figure 16B Figure 16B In the rack and pinion embodiment shown, the lever 414 includes a helical thread 474 configured to engage the helical thread 476 of the valve stem 54. In this embodiment, when the valve stem 54 moves in the G or H direction, the helical thread 476 of the valve stem 54 engages the helical thread 474 of the lever 414, causing the lever 414 to move axially in the J or K direction. When the valve stem 54 moves in the H direction, the helical thread 476 of the valve stem 54 engages the helical thread 474 of the lever 414, causing the lever 414 to move in the J direction, so that the indicator 418 extends into the display cover 472. When the valve stem 54 moves in the G direction, the helical thread 476 of the valve stem 54 engages the helical thread 474 of the lever 414, causing the lever 414 to move in the K direction, causing the indicator 418 within the display cover 472 to descend. Thus, like the travel indicator assembly 96, the rack and pinion arrangement of the travel indicator assembly 496 indicates the position of the regulator 10 based on the position of the indicator 418 along the Y axis. In another example, the indicator assembly 496 can be constructed differently to convert the axial movement of the valve stem 54 into rotational movement of the lever 414 and the indicator 418. In yet another example, the fluid regulator can be constructed such that rotational movement of the valve stem 54 moves the control element 38 between the open and closed positions. In this case, the indicator assembly 496 will be configured to convert the rotational movement of the valve stem 54 into axial movement of the lever 414 and the indicator 418 to indicate the positioning of the regulator 10.

[0143] Figure 17 A third exemplary indicator assembly 596 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is shown. The third exemplary indicator assembly 596 can replace the first exemplary indicator assembly 96 to cooperate with Figures 1-10Boperates together with the regulator 10. The third exemplary indicator assembly 596 is similar to the indicator assembly 96 discussed above, except that the third exemplary indicator assembly 596 includes a cable 576 and a roller assembly 580 to convert the axial movement of the valve stem 54 (e.g., in directions G and H) into the axial movement of the rod 514 (e.g., in directions J and K). Elements of the third exemplary indicator assembly 596 that are similar to the elements of the first exemplary indicator assembly 96 are denoted by the same reference numerals incremented by 200. For the sake of brevity, the description of many of these elements is abbreviated or even omitted.

[0144] As Figure 17 shown, the rod 514 is operatively coupled to the valve stem 54 by the cable 576 and the roller assembly 580. Specifically, the cable 576 is operatively coupled to the second end 200 of the valve stem 54 at a first hook 552 and is operatively coupled to the first end 526 of the rod 514 at a second hook 548. The roller assembly 580 is coupled to the cable 576 to transmit the displacement of the valve stem 54 to the rod 514 via the cable 576. The cable 576 is bent around the roller assembly 580 such that a portion of the cable 576 moves with the valve stem 54 in directions G and H and a portion of the cable 576 moves with the rod 514 in directions J and K. The cable 576 is a flexible material (such as steel wire) to bend around the roller assembly 580, but rigid enough such that the cable 576 remains taut between the valve stem 54 and the rod 514. A spring 520 is disposed between a spring seat 560 that axially extends outward from the rod 514 and a plug 522. The spring 520 expands in direction J when the valve stem 54 moves in direction H and compresses in direction K when the valve stem 54 moves in direction G. In operation, the valve stem 54 pulls the cable 576 in direction G to close the regulator 10, and when the valve stem 54 moves in direction H, the rod 514 pulls the cable 576 in direction J. The spring 520 helps ensure that the steel cable 576 remains taught to respond properly to the movement of the valve stem 54. In this case, the indicator 518 is the second end 530 of the rod 514 such that the rod 514 is slidably disposed to extend through a hole in the plug 522 to extend outside of the valve body 14 to indicate the positioning of the control element 38. However, in another example, the rod 514 and the indicator element 518 are separate components.

[0145] Figure 18 illustrates a fourth exemplary indicator assembly 696 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The fourth exemplary indicator assembly 696 may replace the first exemplary indicator assembly 96 to cooperate with Figures 1-10Boperates together with the regulator 10. The fourth exemplary indicator assembly 696 is similar to the first exemplary indicator assembly 96 discussed above, except that the fourth exemplary indicator assembly 696 includes a rigid arm 684 connecting the valve stem 54 and the rod member 614 to convert the axial movement of the valve stem 54 (e.g., in the G and H directions) into the axial movement of the rod member 614 (e.g., in the J and K directions). Elements of the fourth exemplary indicator assembly 696 that are similar to the elements of the first exemplary indicator assembly 96 are denoted by the same reference numerals increased by 300. For the sake of brevity, the description of many of these elements is abbreviated or even omitted.

[0146] As Figure 18 shown, the arm 684 has a first end 688 hinge-coupled to the second end 200 of the valve stem 54 and a second end 692 hinge-coupled to the first end 626 of the rod member 614. Similar to the third exemplary indicator assembly 596, the rod member 614 of the fourth exemplary indicator assembly 696 is integrally formed with the indicator 618. The arm 685 is a rigid member that converts the axial movement of the valve stem 54 into the axial movement of the rod member 614. When the regulator 10 is opened, the valve stem 54 pushes the first end 688 of the arm 684 in the H direction, which causes the second end 692 of the arm 684 to slide in the J direction within the bore 610 of the valve body 14. The second end 692 is hinge-coupled to the first end 626 of the rod member 614 to allow the arm 684 to swivel in the V direction when the first end 688 moves in the H direction. When the regulator 10 is closed, the valve stem 54 pulls the first end 688 of the arm 684 in the G direction, thereby causing the second end 692 of the arm 684 to slide in the K direction within the bore 610 of the valve body 14. When the first end 688 of the arm 684 moves in the G direction, the arm 684 rotates in the M direction (opposite to the V direction). In another example, the indicator assembly 696 may include a second arm 684 hinge-coupled to the valve stem 54 and the rod member 614.

[0147] Referring again to Figure 2, a method of assembling or installing the regulator 10 generally includes the following steps: providing a single-cast valve body 14, assembling the actuator assembly 22, operatively coupling the control element 38 to the valve stem 54, aligning the actuator assembly 22 with the longitudinal axis X of the valve body 14, inserting the actuator assembly 22 through the inlet 26 into the bore 18 of the valve body 14, and securing the actuator assembly 22 to the valve body 14 by operatively coupling the inlet fitting 42 to the valve body 14. To assemble the actuator assembly 22, the first piston 60 and the second piston 62, and the first sleeve portion 50a and the second sleeve portion 50b are assembled to the valve stem 54. Specifically, the steps of assembling the actuator assembly 22 include sliding the second end 200 of the valve stem 54 through the orifice 89 of the second plate 70 and the orifice of the second piston 62, and sliding the first end 132 of the valve stem 54 through the orifice of the first piston 60 and the orifice 89 of the second plate 72. As described above, the first piston 60 and the second piston 62 are fixed to the valve stem 54. The hub 130 of the control element 138 slides onto and is fixed to the first end 132 of the valve stem 54. The cap portion 334 is fixed to the second end 200 of the valve stem 54. The valve stem 54 and the components attached thereto are then fully inserted into the valve body 14 together with the valve cage 104, and all the internal components are maintained in the valve body 14 by securing the inlet fitting 46 to the inlet 26.

[0148] Advantageously, the axial regulator 10 of the present disclosure simplifies regulator construction, manufacture, maintenance, and assembly. To access the internal components of the disclosed regulator 10, an operator only needs to remove the inlet fitting 46 from the valve body 14 and slide the internal components out of the bore 18 through the inlet 26, which can be achieved with the regulator 10 installed in a pipeline via the spacer 134. The assembly of the regulator 10 is also simplified because the internal components can be properly arranged before inserting the actuator assembly 22 into the valve body 14, ensuring the precise alignment and placement of these components. The repair or replacement of the regulator components is also simplified, and access to the internal components can be achieved through the inlet 26 or, in some cases, through a different access entry to the inlet 26. The removability of the internal components further enables the valve body 14 to be used with different types of internal components to provide different functions. For example, different internal components can be inserted into the valve body 14 so that the resulting device can be used as a control valve or a quick-closing safety valve. The valve stem 54 of the regulator 10 also facilitates assembly. As described above, the valve stem 54 has different portions with varying outer diameters. When positioning the valve stem 54 relative to the sleeve 50 before inserting the internal components into the valve body 14, the operator only needs to match the apertures 87, 89 of the plates 70, 72 of the sleeve 50 with the corresponding thicknesses (i.e., segments) of the valve stem 54. Additionally, before arranging the actuator assembly 22 within the valve body 14, the operator can ensure that the passage 82 of the valve stem 54 fluidly connects the first downstream chamber 90 and the second downstream chamber 94, and the path 76 of the sleeve 50 fluidly connects the first upstream chamber 88 and the second upstream chamber 92.

[0149] The dual-piston actuator assembly 22 provides a compact design for the regulator 10 while providing a sufficient pressure sensing area. The pistons 60, 62 are arranged in series, and the upstream chambers 88, 92 and the downstream chambers 90, 94, which are partially defined by each piston 60, 62 respectively, are in fluid communication. In this way, the dual-piston actuator assembly 22 effectively provides a pressure sensing area similar to or even larger than that of a much larger single-piston actuator assembly, but in a relatively compact configuration. The size of the regulator 10 is further reduced by the axial insertion of the internal components, which allows the valve body 14 to be a single component rather than multiple components connected with large and heavy flanges. The compact size enables the regulator 10 to be designed to be installed in large line sizes (e.g., 12-inch lines), whereas the size and weight of prior art axial regulators can limit the design of such regulators to smaller line sizes.

[0150] Additionally, the actuator assembly 22 is arranged such that the first piston 60 and the second piston 62 move in sealed engagement with the sleeve 50 rather than with the inner wall of the valve body 14. This simplifies the manufacturing process because only the sleeve 50 rather than the valve body 14 needs to be machined to provide a smooth sliding inner surface 214. Thus, the larger valve body 14 can be manufactured using lower cost techniques such as rough casting rather than machining. Accordingly, the dual piston actuator assembly 22 thus reduces the manufacturing cost of the regulator 10.

[0151] The second exemplary valve stem 236, the third exemplary valve stem 238, the fourth exemplary valve stem 240, and the fifth exemplary valve stem 242 also simplify the dual piston actuator assembly 22. As described above, each of the second exemplary valve stem 236, the third exemplary valve stem 238, the fourth exemplary valve stem 240, and the fifth exemplary valve stem 242 provides at least two passages to fluidly connect the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92, and the second chamber 90 and the fourth chamber 94. Because each of the valve stems 236, 238, 240, and 242 provides a fluid connection between the first chamber 88 and the third chamber 92, the sleeve 50 of the regulator 10 may not include one or more paths 76 that extend through the cylindrical portion 66 and the second disk 72 of the sleeve 50. In this way, the regulator 10 will not require the same sealing mechanism disposed in the bore 18 and between the valve body 14 and the sleeve 50 to effectively seal the path 76 of the actuator assembly 22. Instead, the control pressure is transmitted through the valve stems 236, 238, 240, 242 without being formed in the cylindrical wall 66 of the sleeve 50.

[0152] Advantageously, the indicator assemblies 96, 396, 496, 596, and 696 of the present disclosure provide an accurate reading of the position of the regulator 10 and a compact design by converting the axial displacement of the valve stem 54 into an indicator movement that is convenient outside the regulator 10.

[0153] Any of the components of the regulator 10 can be manufactured using additive manufacturing (AM) techniques or processes for building three-dimensional objects by adding successive layers of material to a material or receiving surface. Specifically, the first valve stem 236, the second valve stem 238, the third valve stem 240, the fourth valve stem 236, and the fifth valve stem 242 can be manufactured using AM to achieve a staggered passage arrangement and even more complex passage arrangements. The AM techniques can be performed by any suitable machine or combination of machines. The AM techniques can generally involve or use a computer, three-dimensional modeling software (e.g., computer-aided design or CAD software), machine equipment, and layered materials. Once a CAD model is generated, the machine equipment can read the data from the CAD file and stack or add successive layers of liquid, powder, sheet (e.g.) in a layer-by-layer manner to manufacture a three-dimensional object. The AM techniques can include any one of a number of techniques or processes, such as, by way of example, stereolithography ("SLA") process, digital light processing ("DLP"), fused deposition modeling ("FDM") process, multi-jet modeling ("MJM") process, selective laser sintering ("SLS") process, selective laser melting ("SLM") process, electron beam melting ("EBM") process, and arc welding AM process. In some embodiments, the AM process can include a directed energy laser deposition process. Such a directed energy laser deposition process can be performed by a multi-axis computer numerical control ("CNC") machine tool having directed energy laser deposition capabilities. Other manufacturing techniques can be utilized to create the valve stems of the axial regulator in accordance with the present disclosure and are not limited to the techniques herein.

[0154] The accompanying drawings and description provided herein depict and describe preferred embodiments of the axial regulator for illustrative purposes only. It will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art from the foregoing discussion that alternative embodiments of the components shown herein can be employed without departing from the principles described herein. Thus, upon reading this disclosure, those skilled in the art will understand additional alternative structural and functional designs for the axial regulator. Accordingly, although specific embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it should be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes, and variations that are obvious to those skilled in the art can be made in the arrangement, operation, and details of the methods and components disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A regulator, comprising: A valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet; A valve seat; A control element movable relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position, in the closed position, the control element engages the valve seat, and in the open position, the control element is spaced apart from the valve seat; An actuator assembly operatively coupled to the control element, the actuator assembly comprising: A sleeve including a first plate and a second plate, wherein the control element is at least partially disposed within the sleeve; A valve stem operatively coupled to the control element and extending through the sleeve, wherein the valve stem includes an internal passage; A first piston coupled to the valve stem and disposed within the sleeve between the first plate and the second plate; A second piston coupled to the valve stem and disposed within the sleeve on a side of the second plate opposite the first piston, wherein the first piston, the second piston, the first plate, and the second plate together define: A first chamber disposed between the first plate and the first piston; A second chamber disposed between the first piston and the second plate; A third chamber disposed between the second plate and the second piston; and A fourth chamber disposed opposite the third chamber relative to the second piston; Wherein the first chamber and the third chamber are in fluid communication, and the second chamber and the fourth chamber are in fluid communication via the internal passage of the valve stem, and wherein the flow path is peripherally located relative to the actuator assembly; Wherein the actuator assembly can be axially inserted into or axially removed from the valve body through one of the inlet or the outlet; and Wherein the sleeve includes a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, the first sleeve portion includes the first plate, the second sleeve portion includes the second plate, the first sleeve portion has a first diameter and the second sleeve portion has a second diameter different from the first diameter.

2. The regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The passage of the valve stem includes a radial passage and a longitudinal passage, the radial passage is in fluid communication with the second chamber, and the longitudinal passage is in fluid communication with the fourth chamber.

3. The regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The orifice of the first plate is sized to receive a first portion of the valve stem, and the orifice of the second plate is sized to receive a second portion of the valve stem, and the outer diameter of the first portion of the valve stem is different from the outer diameter of the second portion of the valve stem.

4. The regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, Further comprising a first passage and a second passage, the first passage extending through the valve body and being in fluid communication with the first chamber and the third chamber, the second passage extending through the valve body and being in fluid communication with the second chamber and the fourth chamber.

5. The regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a second passageway that extends partially through the valve stem and is in fluid communication with the first chamber and in fluid communication with the third chamber.

6. The regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a path that extends at least partially between the sleeve and the valve body and fluidly connects the first chamber and the third chamber.

7. The regulator according to claim 6, wherein The path includes a plurality of channels formed in the sleeve.

8. The regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve is held within the valve body by an inlet fitting.

9. The regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control element includes a plurality of spokes that extend between a central hub and an outer ring, the central hub defining a hub orifice sized to receive the valve stem, and the outer ring being arranged to engage the valve seat in the closed position.

10. The regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes a drain hole formed in the valve body and fluidly connecting the flow path to the exterior of the valve body.

11. The regulator according to claim 1, wherein The fluid pressures in the second chamber and the fourth chamber are used to move the control element toward the closed position, and the fluid pressures in the first chamber and the third chamber are used to move the control element toward the open position.

12. The regulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, It further includes an indicator assembly that is at least partially disposed within the bore along an indicator axis that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bore of the valve body, wherein movement of the valve stem along the longitudinal axis causes movement of a rod of the indicator assembly along or about the indicator axis to indicate the position of the control element.

13. The regulator according to claim 12, characterized in that, The indicator axis is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.

14. The regulator according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The indicator assembly includes an indicator that is coupled to the rod and is capable of extending outside the valve body.

15. A fluid regulator, comprising: A valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet; A control element movable relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position; An actuator assembly insertable into the valve body through one of the inlet or the outlet, and the actuator assembly includes: A sleeve; and One or more pistons that define a plurality of chambers within the sleeve and are coupled to a valve stem, wherein two or more of the plurality of chambers are fluidly connected via a passageway within the valve stem; Wherein the flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet is peripherally located relative to the actuator assembly; Wherein the control element is at least partially disposed within the sleeve; and Wherein the sleeve includes a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, the first sleeve portion includes a first plate, the second sleeve portion includes a second plate, the first sleeve portion has a first diameter and the second sleeve portion has a second diameter different from the first diameter.

16. The fluid regulator according to claim 15, characterized in that, The sleeve includes a cylindrical wall, the second plate is spaced apart from the first plate, the cylindrical wall defines a cavity, and each of the first plate and the second plate is disposed within the cavity.

17. The fluid regulator according to claim 16, wherein The plurality of chambers include: A first chamber, the first chamber being disposed between the first plate of the sleeve and a first piston of the one or more pistons; A second chamber, the second chamber being disposed between the first piston and the second plate; A third chamber, the third chamber being disposed between the second plate and a second piston of the one or more pistons; and A fourth chamber, the fourth chamber being disposed opposite the third chamber relative to the second piston; wherein the first chamber and the third chamber are in fluid communication, and the second chamber and the fourth chamber are in fluid communication via a passage of the valve stem.

18. The fluid regulator according to claim 17, wherein The passage of the valve stem includes a radial passage and a longitudinal passage, the radial passage being in fluid communication with the second chamber, and the longitudinal passage being in fluid communication with the fourth chamber.

19. The fluid regulator according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that, The actuator assembly is configured to actuate the control element between an open position and a closed position in response to a fluid pressure that can be received in at least one of the first chamber, the second chamber, the third chamber, and the fourth chamber.

20. The fluid regulator according to any one of claims 15 to 18, characterized in that, Further included is a path formed in the cylindrical wall of the sleeve.

21. A method of assembling a regulator, the method comprising: Providing a single-cast valve body, the valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet, the valve body including a bore that is internally positioned relative to the flow path and extends along a longitudinal axis of the valve body; Assembling an actuator assembly, the actuator assembly including a sleeve, a valve stem, a first piston, and a second piston; Operatively coupling a control element to the valve stem; Aligning the actuator assembly with the longitudinal axis of the valve body; Inserting the actuator assembly into the valve body through the inlet or the outlet; And Maintaining the actuator assembly within the valve body by operatively coupling a fitting to the valve body; wherein the control element is movable relative to the valve body between a closed position and an open position; wherein the control element is at least partially disposed within the sleeve; and wherein the sleeve includes a first sleeve portion and a second sleeve portion, the first sleeve portion includes a first plate, the second sleeve portion includes a second plate, the first sleeve portion has a first diameter and the second sleeve portion has a second diameter different from the first diameter.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein Inserting the actuator assembly includes inserting the actuator assembly through the inlet, and wherein the fitting is an inlet fitting.

23. The method according to claim 21 or 22, characterized in that, Further included is: Coupling a spacer to the valve body such that the fitting and the actuator assembly can be removed when the regulator is installed in a pipeline.

24. The method according to claim 21, wherein Further included is: Fixing the first piston to the valve stem such that a radial passage of a first passage formed in the valve stem is adjacent to a downstream surface of the first piston.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein Further included is: Fixing the first piston to the valve stem such that a radial passage of a second passage formed in the valve stem is adjacent to an upstream surface of the second piston.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein Further included is: Fix the second piston to the valve stem such that a second radial passage of the second passage formed in the valve stem is adjacent to an upstream surface of the second piston.

27. The method according to claim 21, wherein Assembling the actuator assembly includes slidably coupling a first portion of the valve stem to a first plate of the sleeve and slidably coupling a second portion of the valve stem to a second plate of the sleeve, the outer diameter of the first portion being different from the outer diameter of the second portion.

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