Valve assembly with integrated temperature control

Abstract

A valve control assembly includes a valve body and a bonnet coupled to the valve body. The valve body has an inlet adapted to be coupled to a source of process fluid having a first temperature, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet port, the outlet port, the annular chamber, the inlet passage, and the outlet passage are integrally formed in the valve body or the bonnet. The inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of the medium, and the annular chamber is disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port, proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path. The inlet passage directs the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber, and the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid pressure reduction devices and, more particularly, to a method of manufacturing a valve assembly with integrated temperature control that more efficiently and effectively reduces, if not prevents, cavitation and solidification during fluid pressure reduction of a process fluid flowing through the valve assembly. Background Art

[0002] In process control systems, such as those commonly found in distributed or scalable processes such as those found in chemical, petroleum, power generation, or other industrial processes, it is often necessary to reduce the pressure of a fluid. However, when the fluid is viscous, this pressure reduction can lead to cavitation or solidification within the fluid. Consequently, process control systems often employ flow reduction devices, the goal of which is to reduce the fluid pressure in a manner that does not cause cavitation or solidification.

[0003] However, known flow reducing devices that attempt to prevent cavitation or solidification are manufactured using time-consuming and expensive manufacturing processes. For example, FIG1 shows a known flow reducing device in the form of a valve for reducing or eliminating solidification in applications using high viscosity polymers. The valve of FIG1 is manufactured by block forging a body, drilling multiple channels in the side of the body, and then plugging some of the drilled channels to create a single inlet and outlet. FIG2 and FIG3 show a flow reducing device commonly referred to as a A device of a plate that can be fabricated on the exterior surface of a valve to reduce or eliminate freezing. The plate has "indentations" pressed into a piece of metal that create channels for the media to pass through and cool or heat the process fluid flowing through the valve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to a first exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a valve control assembly for use in a fluid flow control device is disclosed. The valve control assembly includes a valve body, a bonnet coupled to the valve body, an inlet port, an outlet port, an annular chamber, an inlet passage, and an outlet passage. The valve body defines an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is adapted to be coupled to a source of a process fluid having a first temperature. The inlet port and the outlet port are integrally formed in the valve body or bonnet, and the inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium. The medium has a control temperature that is different from the first temperature of the process fluid. The annular chamber is integrally formed in the valve body or bonnet between the inlet port and the outlet port and is positioned proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path. The inlet passage is integrally formed in the valve body or bonnet and directs the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber, such that the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature. The outlet passage is also integrally formed in the valve body or bonnet and directs the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

[0005] According to a second exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a valve control assembly for use in a fluid flow control device is disclosed. The valve control assembly includes a valve body and a valve cover coupled to the valve body, the valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is adapted to be coupled to a source of process fluid having a first temperature. The valve control assembly further includes a unit for changing the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature. The unit for changing the temperature includes an annular chamber integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover proximate a portion of the fluid flow path.

[0006] According to a third exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a manufacturing method is disclosed. The method includes producing a valve control assembly using additive manufacturing technology. The production operation includes forming a valve body that defines an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is adapted to be coupled to a source of process fluid having a first temperature. The production operation also includes forming a unit for changing the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature. The operation of forming the unit for changing the temperature of the process fluid includes forming an annular chamber in the valve body or the valve cover proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The features of the present invention which are believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The present invention may best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals identify similar elements throughout the several views, and in which:

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional high viscosity polymer ("HVP") flow control valve.

[0009] Figure 2 is the traditional Perspective view of the board.

[0010] Figure 3 is the traditional Perspective view of a cross section of a plate.

[0011] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of one example of a process or method for manufacturing a valve control assembly according to the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary valve control assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 6 A table that provides the vapor pressure of water at various temperatures.

[0014] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 Cross-sectional view of the valve bonnet of the valve control assembly.

[0015] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another example valve control assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0016] Figure 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary valve control assembly taken along line AA.

[0017] Figure 10 It is along Figure 8 sectional view of an exemplary valve control assembly taken along line BB. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The present disclosure generally relates to a method for manufacturing a device that reduces fluid pressure more effectively than conventional fluid pressure reduction devices and, at the same time, is easier and less expensive to manufacture than such conventional fluid pressure reduction devices. The methods described herein utilize cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, such as additive manufacturing, to facilitate the custom fabrication of a fluid pressure reduction device that includes any number of integrally formed channels for cooling or heating a process fluid. Thus, the fluid pressure reduction device can, for example, include a complex flow path that utilizes substantially the entire contour of the device, thereby maximizing (or at least increasing) the length of the flow path and, in turn, maximizing (or at least enhancing) the cooling and heating capabilities of the device.

[0019] Figure 4 is a diagram of an example of a method or process 100 according to the teachings of the present disclosure. Figure 4 The method or process 100 schematically shown in FIG. 1 is a method or process for custom manufacturing a fluid pressure relief device. Similar to conventional fluid pressure relief devices described above (e.g., valves or devices for reducing or eliminating solidification in applications using high viscosity polymers) Plate), the fluid pressure reduction device manufactured according to method or process 100 is configured to reduce the pressure of the fluid flowing therethrough, but as described above, it reduces the fluid pressure more effectively than traditional fluid pressure reduction devices, and at the same time, it is easier and less expensive to manufacture than traditional fluid pressure reduction devices.

[0020] More specifically, method 100 includes an operation 104 of producing a valve control assembly using additive manufacturing technology based on a given application. Additive manufacturing technology can be any additive manufacturing technology or process that builds a three-dimensional object by adding successive layers of material to a material. Additive manufacturing technology can be performed by any suitable machine or combination of machines. Additive manufacturing technology can generally involve or use a computer, three-dimensional modeling software (e.g., computer-aided design ("CAD") software), a machine tool, and layered materials. Once a CAD model is generated, the machine tool can read the data from the CAD file and layer or add successive layers of liquid, powder, sheet material (for example) in a layer-by-layer manner to produce the three-dimensional object. Additive manufacturing technology can include any of a variety of technologies or processes, such as, for example, stereolithography ("SLA"), fused deposition modeling ("FDM") processes, multi-jet modeling ("MJM") processes, selective laser sintering ("SLS") processes, electron beam additive manufacturing processes, and arc welding additive manufacturing processes. In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing process can include a directed energy laser deposition process. Such a directed energy laser deposition process may be performed by a multi-axis computer numerically controlled ("CNC") lathe having directed energy laser deposition capabilities.

[0021] Operation 104 of producing the valve control assembly includes forming a valve body (operation 108) and forming a valve cover (operation 112). The valve body and valve cover can be made of one or more suitable materials, such as, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, various alloys, and, because they are customizable, can have any number of different shapes and / or sizes. Operation 104 also includes forming a unit (collectively referred to as a "unit") for changing the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path of the valve body (operation 116). Operation 116 includes forming an annular chamber (plenum) in the valve body or valve cover (operation 120). As described above, using additive manufacturing technology to customize the manufacture of fluid pressure relief devices allows the unit to be formed based on the desired application. That is, the unit is customizable. Because it is customizable, the unit can be unique and complex (as opposed to simple), having any number of cross-sections of different sizes and / or shapes, and / or arranged in any number of patterns. As a result, one or more annular chambers can be formed to include or define multiple different temperature zones (e.g., a first temperature zone and a second temperature zone where the temperature is less than the temperature in the first temperature zone).

[0022] Although not shown, operation 104 may further include forming an inlet port in the valve body or the valve cover, wherein the inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium having a control temperature different from the first temperature. Operation 104 may also include forming an inlet channel in the valve body or the valve cover to direct the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber, forming an outlet port in the valve body or the valve cover, and forming an outlet channel in the valve body or the valve cover to direct the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

[0023] It will be appreciated that operation 104 (as well as operations 108, 112, 116, and 120) can be performed any number of different times. Operation 104 can be performed multiple times, for example, to produce multiple valve control assemblies (or components thereof) or other fluid pressure reduction devices, wherein each valve control assembly (or component thereof) is produced for a specific application. Alternatively or additionally, operation 104 can be performed multiple times to produce valve control assemblies for use in multiple similar or different process control systems.

[0024] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A first example of a valve control assembly 200 manufactured using the process or method 100 is shown. Valve control assembly 200 generally includes a valve body 204 and a valve cover 208 coupled to valve body 204. Valve body 204 includes an inlet 212 adapted to be coupled to a source of process fluid having a first temperature, an outlet 216, and a fluid flow path 220 extending between inlet 212 and outlet 216. Valve control assembly 200 further includes a unit 224a for changing the temperature of the process fluid from the first temperature to a second temperature, where the second temperature is different from the first temperature. In this example, unit 224a is integrally formed within valve cover 208, but in other examples, unit 224a may be integrally formed within valve body 204 or another component of valve control assembly 200. In some examples, unit 224a may change the temperature of the process fluid from the first temperature to the second temperature by increasing the temperature of the process fluid, thereby heating the process fluid (e.g., to reduce, if not prevent, freezing). In other examples, module 224a may change the temperature of the process fluid from a first temperature to a second temperature by lowering the temperature of the process fluid, thereby cooling the process fluid (eg, to reduce, if not prevent, cavitation).

[0025] The valve control assembly 200 further includes a valve seat 264 disposed in the valve body 208 along the fluid flow path 220 and a cage 268 coupled to the valve seat 248. Figure 6 As shown, the cage 268 is integrally formed with the bonnet 208 and extends outwardly from a flange portion 270 of the bonnet 208 ( Figure 5216 ). However, in other examples, the cage 268 and the bonnet 208 can be two separate components, such that the cage 268 is disposed between the bonnet 208 and the valve seat 264. In any case, the cage 268 includes one or more fluid passages 272 formed to allow process fluid to flow through the cage 268 (and more generally, the bonnet 208) as the process fluid flows from the inlet 212 to the outlet 216. Each of the one or more fluid passages 272 is defined by an inlet aperture 276, an outlet aperture 280, and an intermediate portion 284 extending between the inlet aperture 276 and the outlet aperture 280. The inlet aperture 276 is formed in and through the outer surface 252 of the bonnet 208, and the outlet aperture 280 is formed in and through the inner surface 248 of the bonnet 208. The intermediate portion 284 extends through the bonnet 208 from the inlet aperture 276 to the outlet aperture 280.

[0026] In this example, unit 224a generally includes an inlet port 228, an outlet port 232, an annular chamber 236, an inlet passage 240, and an outlet passage 244, each of which is integrally formed within the valve cover 208 using the process or method 100. In particular, the inlet port 228 is integrally formed in the flange portion 270 of the valve cover 208 so that the inlet port 228 is arranged to be coupled to a source of a medium having a temperature different from the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 220. In this example, the inlet port 228 is a circular threaded hole that extends radially inward from the periphery of the valve cover 208 and is thus configured to receive a threaded end of a fluid line that fluidly couples the inlet port 228 to the source of the medium. In other examples, the inlet port 228 may be a fixedly received An outlet port 232 is also integrally formed in the flange portion 270 of the bonnet 208, but at a position opposite the inlet port 228, such that the outlet port 232 is arranged to discharge the medium from the valve assembly 200. The outlet port 232 (which in this example is a circular threaded hole similar to the inlet port 228) is configured to discharge the medium after it has passed through and exited the annular chamber 236.

[0027] An annular chamber 236 is disposed between the inlet port 228 and the outlet port 232 and is positioned proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path 220 such that the annular chamber 236 is positioned to change the temperature of the process fluid from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, the annular chamber 236 is positioned within the cage 268 of the valve bonnet 208, and more specifically, proximate to one of the fluid passages 272 formed in the cage 268. As shown in this example, the annular chamber 236 surrounds the valve bonnet 208 at a location between the inner surface 248 and the outer surface 252 of the valve bonnet 208 and extends three hundred and sixty degrees (360°) within the valve bonnet 208. However, in other examples, the annular chamber 236 may extend only partially around the valve bonnet 208. In other examples, a non-annular chamber may be used in place of the annular chamber 236. In those such examples, the non-annular chamber may have a rectangular, triangular, oval, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. Additionally, although not shown herein, it should be understood that the annular chamber 236 may be coated with a material different than the material used to construct the valve cover 208 .

[0028] The inlet passage 240 is disposed between the inlet port 228 and the annular chamber 236 and is used to direct the medium received at the inlet port 228 to the annular chamber 236. The inlet passage 240 can have any number of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, irregular, or other cross-sectional shapes) depending on the application and the shape of the valve cover 208. Figure 5 As shown, in this example, the inlet passage 240 follows a curved path from the inlet port 228 to the annular chamber 236. Alternatively, the inlet passage 240 may follow a linear path, an "L" shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitable shaped path.

[0029] An outlet passage 244, similar to the inlet passage 240, is disposed between the annular chamber 236 and the outlet port 232 for directing the medium that has been directed into and enters the annular chamber 236 from the annular chamber 236 to the outlet 232. That is, the outlet passage 244 is used to discharge the medium from the annular chamber 236 and out of the valve assembly 200. The outlet passage 244 can have any number of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, irregular, or other cross-sectional shapes), including the same or different sizes and / or shapes as the inlet passage 240, depending on the application and the shape of the valve cover 208. Figure 5 As shown, in this example, the outlet passage 244 follows a curved path from the outlet port 232 to the annular chamber 236. Alternatively, the outlet passage 244 may follow a linear path, an "L" shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path.

[0030] In operation, a medium flows into inlet passage 240 through inlet port 228 and flows from inlet port 228 through inlet passage 240 to annular chamber 236. Once annular chamber 236 is filled with the medium, the medium flows from annular chamber 236 through outlet passage 244 to outlet 232, and then exits valve control assembly 200 via outlet port 232. Unit 224a, and specifically annular chamber 236, utilizes the medium flowing therethrough to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of fluid flow path 220 immediately adjacent to annular chamber 236 from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, as the process fluid flows through the portion of fluid flow path 220 immediately adjacent to annular chamber 236, unit 224a utilizes the medium to cool the process fluid, causing the first temperature to be greater than the second temperature. In this example (where the medium cools the process fluid), the medium may be, for example, water, a mixture of ethylene glycol and water, or liquid nitrogen. However, in other examples, unit 224a utilizes a medium to heat the process fluid as it flows through the portion of fluid flow path 220 immediately adjacent to annular chamber 236. In these examples (where the medium heats the process fluid), the medium may be, for example, saturated steam, superheated water, or oil.

[0031] Heating or cooling the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 220 in this manner eliminates or reduces problems associated with pressure reduction. Specifically, reducing the temperature of the process fluid as it flows through the valve assembly 200 reduces the vapor pressure of the process fluid, which in turn reduces the likelihood of cavitation occurring in the process fluid while the valve assembly 200 reduces the pressure of the process fluid. For example, Figure 6 As shown, the vapor pressure of water flowing through the valve assembly 200 at a temperature of 212°F is 14.70 pounds per square inch ("psi"). Therefore, if the pressure of the water entering or flowing through the valve assembly 200 is equal to 100 psi and needs to be reduced to 10 psi, cavitation will occur because the desired operating pressure of 10 psi is lower than the vapor pressure of water at 212°F (14.70 psi). However, reducing the water temperature to 185°F will reduce the vapor pressure of the water to 8.38 psi, which is lower than the desired operating pressure of 10 psi. Therefore, by reducing the temperature of the water from 212°F to 185°F before reducing the operating pressure from 100 psi to 10 psi, cavitation of the water flowing through the valve assembly 200 can be prevented.

[0032] Although not shown herein, the outlet port 232 may also be coupled to a recirculation line (not shown) that fluidically couples the outlet port 232 to the inlet port 228 outside the valve assembly 200. In particular, in some examples, the recirculation line may extend from the outlet port 232 to the source of the medium. In such examples, when the medium returns to the source of the medium via the recirculation line, the temperature of the medium may return to the control temperature. In other examples, the recirculation line may couple the outlet port 232 to a heat exchanger (not shown). In such examples, the heat exchanger may change the temperature of the medium from the temperature at the outlet port 232 (after the medium has passed through the annular chamber 236) to the control temperature. In some cases, the heat exchanger may heat the medium back to the control temperature, while in other examples, the heat exchanger may cool the medium to return the temperature of the medium to the control temperature. Coupling the heat exchanger in line with the recirculation line allows the recirculation line to be directly coupled to the inlet port 228 because the medium will be at the control temperature necessary to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 220.

[0033] Figure 7 A portion of another example of a unit 224b for changing the temperature of a process fluid flowing through a portion of the fluid flow path 220 of the valve control assembly 200 is shown. Figure 7 The exemplary unit 224b shown is similar to Figure 5 The unit 224a is shown as being integrally formed in the valve cover 208, as the unit 224b is integrally formed in the valve cover 208 and includes the inlet port 228, the outlet port 232, the annular chamber 236, the inlet passage 240, and the outlet passage 244, but differs in that the unit 224b includes an additional annular chamber 236a integrally formed in the valve cover 208 and at least one internal passage 260 integrally formed in the valve cover 208 that fluidly couples the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a. In this example, the unit 224b includes a plurality of internal passages 260, but it should be understood that the unit 224b could alternatively include only a single internal passage 260.

[0034] Like annular chamber 236, additional annular chamber 236a is disposed between inlet port 228 and outlet port 232 and is positioned proximate another portion of fluid flow path 220 such that additional annular chamber 236a is similarly positioned to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through fluid flow path 220 from a first temperature to a second temperature, but does so more efficiently due to at least one internal passage 260. In some examples, relative to Figure 5In the orientation shown in FIG, annular chamber 236 may be positioned above fluid passage 272, while additional annular chamber 236a may be positioned below fluid passage 272. In some examples, additional annular chamber 236a may be positioned closer to inner surface 248 or outer surface 252 of valve cover 208, or, in other examples, additional annular chamber 236a may be equidistant from inner surface 248 and outer surface 252 of valve cover 208. Additional annular chamber 236a may also surround valve cover 208 and extend three hundred and sixty degrees (360°) within valve cover 208, just like annular chamber 236, or may extend only partially around valve cover 208. In other examples, a non-annular chamber may be used in place of additional annular chamber 236a. In those such examples, additional annular chamber 236a may have a rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. Additional annular chamber 236a may have the same cross-sectional shape as annular chamber 236. However, in other examples, the additional annular chamber 236a may have a different cross-sectional shape than the annular chamber 236 .

[0035] Each of the at least one internal passage 260 extends between the annular chamber 236 and the additional annular chamber 236a in the bonnet 208 between the inner surface 248 and the outer surface 252 of the bonnet 208. The at least one internal passage 260 can follow any path from the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a. In some cases, each of the at least one internal passage 260 can surround one or more fluid passages 272 in the cage 268. Figure 6 In the illustrated example, each of the at least one internal passage 260 follows a curved path from the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a. However, in other examples, one or more of the at least one internal passage 260 may follow a linear path, such as a diagonal path, or a path of another shape from the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a. Each of the at least one internal passage 260 may have any cross-sectional shape depending on the shape of the valve cover 208. For example, each of the at least one internal passage 260 may have a circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape.

[0036] also, Figure 7 The unit 224b is shown with Figure 5The illustrated unit 224a differs in that an outlet passage 244 extends from the outlet port 232 to the additional annular chamber 236a, rather than the annular chamber 236. In this example, the medium is directed from the inlet port 228 to the annular chamber 236 via the inlet passage 240, flows from the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a via the at least one internal passage 260, and then flows from the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a. The medium in the additional annular chamber 236a then flows from the additional annular chamber 236a to the outlet port 232 via the outlet passage 244.

[0037] Figure 8-10 Another example of a valve control assembly 300 custom manufactured using the method or process 100 is shown. Figure 8-10 The valve control assembly 300 shown is similar to Figure 5 The valve control assembly 300 is similar to the valve control assembly 200 shown in that the valve control assembly 300 includes a valve body 304 and a valve bonnet (not shown) coupled to the valve body 304, but differs in that the valve control assembly 300 includes a different unit 324 for changing the temperature of the process fluid flowing through a portion of the fluid flow path 320 of the valve control assembly 300, and the unit 324 is integrally formed within the valve body 304 (rather than the valve bonnet).

[0038] Like cells 224a and 224b, cell 324 changes the temperature of a process fluid flowing through a portion of fluid flow path 320 from a first temperature to a second temperature. Figure 8-10 The unit 324 shown in FIG. 3 includes an inlet port 328, an outlet port 332, an annular chamber 336, an additional annular chamber 336a, an inlet passage 340, an outlet passage 344, and at least one internal passage 360, each of which is integrally formed within the valve body 304. In particular, the inlet port 328 is integrally formed within the valve body and is disposed along the periphery of the valve body 304 such that the inlet port 328 is arranged to be coupled to a source of a medium having a temperature different from that of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 320. The provision of the inlet port 328 along the periphery of the valve body 304 allows for unobstructed access to the inlet port 328 when the source of the medium is coupled to the inlet port 328. The inlet port 328 can take the form of any mechanism for coupling the source of the medium to the inlet port 328. In some cases, the inlet port 328 takes the form of a mechanism for releasably coupling the source of the medium to the inlet port 328. In this example, the inlet port 328 takes the form of a circular threaded hole that extends radially inward from the periphery of the valve body 304 and is thus configured to receive a threaded end of a fluid line that couples the inlet port 328 to a source of the medium. In other examples, the inlet port 328 may take the form of a fixedly received An outlet port 332 is also integrally formed in the periphery of the valve body 304, but at a position opposite the inlet port 328, such that the outlet port 332 is arranged to discharge the medium from the valve assembly 300. Similar to the inlet 328, the outlet port 332, which is a circular threaded hole in this example, is configured to discharge the medium after it passes through and is discharged from the additional annular chamber 336a.

[0039] An annular chamber 336 is disposed within the valve body 304 between the inlet port 328 and the at least one internal passage 360 ​​and is positioned proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path 320 such that the annular chamber 336 is positioned to change the temperature of the process fluid from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, the annular chamber 336 is located within the valve body 304 proximate to the inlet 312 and proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path 320. As shown in this example, the annular chamber 336 surrounds the valve body 304 at a location between the inner surface 348 and the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304 and extends three hundred and sixty degrees (360°) within the valve body 304, but in other examples, the annular chamber 336 may extend only partially around the valve body 304. In other examples, a non-annular chamber may be used in place of the annular chamber 336. In those such examples, the non-annular chamber may have a rectangular, triangular, oval, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. The annular chamber 336 can be disposed equidistant from the inner surface 348 and the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304. However, in other examples, the annular chamber 336 can be disposed toward the inner surface 348 of the valve body 304, or in other examples, toward the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304. Additionally, while not shown herein, it should be understood that the annular chamber 336 can be coated with a material different from the material used to construct the valve body 304.

[0040] The inlet passage 340 is disposed between the inlet port 328 and the annular chamber 336 and is used to direct the medium received at the inlet port 328 to the annular chamber 336. The inlet passage 340 can take any number of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, oval, irregular, or other cross-sectional shapes) depending on the application and the shape of the valve body 304. Figure 8 As shown, in this example, the inlet passage 340 follows a linear path from the inlet port 328 to the annular chamber 336. Alternatively, the inlet passage 340 may follow a curved path, an "L" shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path.

[0041] An outlet passage 344, similar to the inlet passage 340, is disposed between the additional annular chamber 336a and the outlet port 332 for directing the medium that has been directed into and enters the additional annular chamber 336a from the additional annular chamber 336a to the outlet port 332. That is, the outlet passage 344 is configured to discharge the medium from the additional annular chamber 336a and out of the valve assembly 300 (via the outlet 332). The outlet passage 344 can have any number of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shapes), including the same or different sizes and / or shapes as the inlet passage 340, depending on the application and the shape of the valve body 304. Figure 8 As shown, in this example, the outlet passage 344 follows a curved path from the outlet port 332 to the additional annular chamber 336a. Alternatively, the outlet passage 344 may follow a linear path, an "L" shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path.

[0042] The additional annular chamber 336a is disposed between the outlet port 332 and the at least one internal passage 360 ​​and is positioned proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path 320 such that the additional annular chamber 336a is positioned to change the temperature of the process fluid from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, the additional annular chamber 336a is positioned within the valve body 304 proximate to the outlet 316 and proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path 320 such that the additional annular chamber 336a is opposite the annular chamber 336. As shown in this example, the additional annular chamber 336a surrounds the valve body 304 at a location between the inner and outer surfaces 348, 352 of the valve body 304 and extends three hundred and sixty degrees (360°) within the valve body 304, but in other examples, the annular chamber 336 may extend only partially around the valve body 304. In other examples, an additional non-annular chamber may be used in place of the additional annular chamber 336a. In those such examples, the additional non-annular chamber can have a rectangular, triangular, oval, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. The additional annular chamber 336a can be positioned equidistant from the inner surface 348 and the outer surface 348 of the valve body 304. However, in other examples, the additional annular chamber 336a can be positioned toward the inner surface 348 of the valve body 304, or, in other examples, toward the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304. Additionally, while not shown herein, it should be understood that the additional annular chamber 336a can be coated with a material different from the material used to construct the valve body 304.

[0043] Each of the at least one internal passage 360 ​​is integrally formed in the valve body 304 and extends between the annular chamber 336 and the additional annular chamber 336a. Specifically, each of the at least one internal passage 360 ​​is integrally formed in the valve body 304 between the inner surface 348 and the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304, such that the internal passage 360 ​​is disposed proximate to the flow path 320. The at least one internal passage 360 ​​may follow any path from the annular chamber 336 to the additional annular chamber 336a. Figure 8 In the example shown, each of the at least one internal passage 360 ​​follows a curved path from the annular chamber 336 to the additional annular chamber 336a. However, in other examples, one or more of the at least one internal passage 360 ​​may follow a linear path, for example, a diagonal path, or a path of another shape, from the annular chamber 336 to the additional annular chamber 336a (not shown). Each of the at least one internal passage 360 ​​may take any cross-sectional shape depending on the shape of the valve body 304. For example, each of the at least one internal passage 360 ​​may have a circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. Figure 9 As shown, each of the at least one channel 360 can be disposed adjacent to the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304. In other examples, each of the at least one channel 360 can be disposed adjacent to the inner surface 348 of the valve body 304. In other examples, each of the at least one channel 360 can be disposed equidistant from the inner surface 348 and the outer surface 352.

[0044] In operation, a medium flows into inlet passage 340 through inlet port 328 and flows from inlet port 328 to annular chamber 336 through inlet passage 340. Once annular chamber 336 is filled with the medium, the medium flows from annular chamber 336 to and into additional annular chamber 336a through each of the at least one passage 360 ​​integrally formed in valve body 304. The medium then flows from additional annular chamber 336a to outlet port 332 through outlet passage 344, and then exits valve control assembly 300 through outlet port 332. Unit 324 then uses the medium flowing therethrough to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of fluid flow path 320 immediately adjacent to annular chamber 336, additional annular chamber 336a, and each of the at least one passage 360 ​​from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, as the process fluid flows through fluid flow path 320, unit 324 uses the medium to cool the process fluid so that the first temperature is greater than the second temperature. In this example (where the medium cools the process fluid), the medium can be, for example, water, a mixture of ethylene glycol and water, or liquid nitrogen. However, in other examples, unit 324 can utilize the medium to heat the process fluid as it flows through fluid flow path 320. In these examples (where the medium heats the process fluid), the medium can be, for example, saturated steam, superheated water, or oil. Regardless, as with valve assembly 200 described above, heating or cooling the process fluid flowing through fluid flow path 320 in this manner eliminates or reduces the problems associated with pressure drops.

[0045] Although not shown herein, the outlet port 332 may also be coupled to a recirculation line (not shown) that fluidically couples the outlet port 332 to the inlet port 328 outside the valve assembly 300. In particular, in some examples, the recirculation line may extend from the outlet port 332 to the source of the medium. In such examples, when the medium returns to the source of the medium via the recirculation line, the temperature of the medium may return to the control temperature. In other examples, the recirculation line may couple the outlet port 332 to a heat exchanger (not shown). In such examples, the heat exchanger may change the temperature of the medium from the temperature at the outlet port 332 (after the medium has passed through the annular chamber 236) to the control temperature. In some cases, the heat exchanger may heat the medium back to the control temperature, while in other examples, the heat exchanger may cool the medium to return the temperature of the medium to the control temperature. Coupling the heat exchanger in line with the recirculation line allows the recirculation line to be directly coupled to the inlet port 328 because the medium will be at the control temperature necessary to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 320.

Claims

1. A valve control assembly for use in a fluid flow control device, the valve control assembly comprising: a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, the inlet being adapted to be coupled to a source of a process fluid having a first temperature; a valve cover coupled to the valve body; a cage integrally formed with the bonnet and partially disposed in the valve body, the cage including one or more fluid passages disposed in the fluid flow path; an inlet port integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover, the inlet port adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium having a controlled temperature different from the first temperature; an outlet port integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover; an annular chamber integrally formed in the cage between the inlet port and the outlet port and proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path, wherein the annular chamber is proximate to the one or more fluid passages of the cage; an inlet passage integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover to guide the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber so that the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature; and An outlet passage is integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover to guide the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

2. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet passage is integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover to guide a thermal medium having a temperature higher than the first temperature from the inlet port to the annular chamber, such that the annular chamber includes a thermal medium chamber configured to increase the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path.

3. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet passage is integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover to guide a cold medium having a temperature lower than the first temperature from the inlet port to the annular chamber, such that the annular chamber includes a cold medium chamber configured to reduce the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path.

4. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet port, the inlet passage, the outlet passage, and the outlet port are integrally formed in the valve cover.

5. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein: The inlet port, the inlet passage, the outlet passage, and the outlet port are integrally formed in the valve body.

6. The valve control assembly of claim 1 , further comprising: a valve seat disposed in the valve body along the fluid flow path; wherein the cage is arranged between the valve cover and the valve seat, and Wherein, the annular chamber is arranged adjacent to the one or more fluid channels.

7. The valve control assembly according to claim 5, further comprising: an additional annular chamber integrally formed in the valve body between the inlet port and the outlet port; as well as One or more internal passages are integrally formed in the valve body and extend along the fluid flow path between the annular chamber and the additional annular chamber, such that the annular chamber, the one or more internal passages, and the additional annular chamber change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to the second temperature.

8. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a recirculation loop having one end connected to the outlet port and one end connected to the inlet port, the recirculation loop comprising a heat exchanger configured to increase or decrease an outlet temperature of the medium at the outlet port so that the outlet temperature is substantially equal to the control temperature.

9. A valve control assembly for use in a fluid flow control device, the valve control assembly comprising: a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, the inlet being adapted to be coupled to a source of process fluid having a first temperature; a valve cover coupled to the valve body; a cage coupled to the bonnet and partially disposed in the valve body, the cage including one or more fluid passages disposed in the fluid flow path; as well as means for changing the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature, the means for changing the temperature comprising: an inlet port integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover; an outlet port integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover at a position opposite to the inlet port; and an annular chamber integrally formed in the valve body or the bonnet between the inlet port and the outlet port and proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path; wherein the annular chamber is disposed within the valve body proximate to the one or more fluid passages of the cage.

10. The valve control assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The unit for changing the temperature includes a unit for reducing the temperature, and the unit for reducing the temperature includes: the inlet port, wherein the inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium having a controlled temperature different from the first temperature; said outlet port; the annular chamber; an inlet passage integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover to guide the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber so that the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature; and An outlet passage is integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover to guide the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

11. The valve control assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The inlet port, the inlet passage, the annular chamber, the outlet passage, and the outlet port are integrally formed in the valve cover.

12. The valve control assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The inlet port, the inlet passage, the annular chamber, the outlet passage, and the outlet port are integrally formed in the valve body.

13. The valve control assembly of claim 12, further comprising: an additional annular chamber integrally formed in the valve body between the inlet port and the outlet port; as well as One or more internal passages are integrally formed in the valve body and extend along the fluid flow path between the annular chamber and the additional annular chamber, such that the annular chamber, the one or more internal passages, and the additional annular chamber change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to the second temperature.

14. The valve control assembly according to claim 9, wherein: The unit for changing the temperature includes a unit for increasing the temperature, and the unit for increasing the temperature includes: the inlet port, wherein the inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium having a controlled temperature different from the first temperature; said outlet port; the annular chamber; an inlet passage integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover to guide the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber so that the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature; and An outlet passage is integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover to guide the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

15. The valve control assembly according to claim 14, wherein: The inlet port, the inlet passage, the annular chamber, the outlet passage, and the outlet port are integrally formed in the valve cover.

16. The valve control assembly of claim 14, wherein: The inlet port, the inlet passage, the annular chamber, the outlet passage, and the outlet port are integrally formed in the valve body.

17. The valve control assembly of claim 16, further comprising: an additional annular chamber integrally formed in the valve body between the inlet port and the outlet port; as well as One or more internal passages are integrally formed in the valve body and extend along the fluid flow path between the annular chamber and the additional annular chamber, such that the annular chamber, the one or more internal passages, and the additional annular chamber change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to the second temperature.

18. The valve control assembly of claim 9, further comprising: a valve seat disposed in the valve body along the fluid flow path; in The cage is disposed between the bonnet and the valve seat, wherein the cage seats against the valve seat to retain the valve seat in the valve body, and Wherein, the annular chamber is arranged adjacent to the one or more fluid channels.

19. A manufacturing method comprising: Producing a valve control assembly using additive manufacturing techniques, the producing comprising: forming a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, the inlet being adapted to be coupled to a source of process fluid having a first temperature; forming a valve cover coupled to the valve body; forming a cage coupled to the bonnet and at least partially disposed within the valve body, the cage including a plurality of fluid passages disposed within the fluid flow path; and forming means for changing the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature, wherein forming means for changing the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path comprises: integrally forming an inlet port in the valve body or the valve cover; integrally forming an outlet port in the valve body or the valve cover at a position opposite to the inlet port; An annular chamber is integrally formed in the valve body, the valve cover, or the valve cage at a portion between the inlet port and the outlet port and adjacent to the fluid flow path. The annular chamber is provided in the valve body at a position adjacent to the plurality of fluid passages of the cage.

20. The valve control assembly of claim 19, wherein: The inlet port is integrally formed in the valve body or the valve cover, the inlet port being adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium having a control temperature different from the first temperature, and wherein forming the means for changing the temperature comprises: forming an inlet passage in the valve body or the valve cover to direct the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber such that the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature; and An outlet passage is formed in the valve body or the valve cover to guide the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

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