valve cage

Abstract

A flow control valve includes a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. Internal components are disposed in the flow path and include a valve seat and a valve cage. The valve cage includes a body and a central cavity defined by the body. A control member is movable within the central cavity of the valve cage between an open position and a closed position; in the open position, the control member is spaced apart from the valve seat; in the closed position, the control member engages the valve seat. The body has a non-circular longitudinal cross-section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to control valves, and more specifically, to valve cages used for control valves. Background Technology

[0002] Control valves are commonly used in process plants to control the flow of fluids (e.g., gases, liquids, etc.) or any other substances through piping and / or containers connected to the process plant. A control valve typically consists of one or more inlets and outlets and includes a fluid control element or component (e.g., gate, piston, valve plug, control member, etc.) for controlling fluid flow through orifices fluidly coupled to one or more inlets and outlets. The control member is typically coupled to a bonnet that is mechanically coupled (e.g., bolted, clamped, threaded, etc.) to the valve body. Typically, the control member is configured to engage a sealing structure (e.g., a seat) that surrounds the flow path through the valve. A regulator is a self-controlled form of control valve.

[0003] Generally, control elements (fluid control components, seats, and valve cages) are referred to in the art as "valve internals" or "internal assembly." In some cases, it may be necessary to characterize the fluid as it flows through the valve, for example, to reduce pressure. In these cases, an internal assembly comprising a valve cage having multiple openings drilled through the wall of the valve cage can be used. The size and shape of the openings can be set to characterize the fluid flow as it flows through the openings in the valve cage, for example, by reducing pressure as the fluid moves through the valve internals. This characterization or pressure reduction process generates undesirable noise.

[0004] For example, hydrodynamic noise can be caused by cavitation, which is the formation and rupture of vapor chambers in a flow subjected to rapid pressure changes. When vapor chambers in the fluid are subjected to high pressure, they burst and generate strong shock waves, which can damage internal parts of the valve or produce audible noise. Damage from cavitation occurs gradually, and if detected early, valve components can be replaced to avoid leaks and / or valve failure. Currently, cavitation is controlled by using pressure drop, and noise reduction is achieved by valve cages with multiple openings formed by drilling, casting, stamping, machining, etc., in the valve cage wall. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first exemplary aspect, a flow control valve may include a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet. Internal components may be disposed in the flow path and may include a valve seat and a valve cage. The valve cage may include a body and a central cavity defined by the body of the valve cage. A control member is movable within the central cavity of the valve cage between an open position and a closed position, in the open position being spaced apart from the valve seat and in the closed position being engaged with the valve seat. The body of the valve cage may have a non-circular longitudinal cross-section.

[0006] According to a second exemplary aspect, a valve cage assembly may include a control member and a valve cage. The valve cage may include a central cavity and a body defining the central cavity. The body of the valve cage may have a non-circular longitudinal cross-section. The central cavity of the valve cage may slidably receive the control member.

[0007] According to a third exemplary aspect, a valve cage for a fluid control device may include a body having an inner wall and an outer wall. A central cavity may be defined by the inner wall of the body. A plurality of flow paths may connect the inner wall and the outer wall of the body. The plurality of flow paths may be arranged tangentially relative to the central cavity. The body of the valve cage may have a non-circular longitudinal cross-section.

[0008] Furthermore, according to any one or more of the foregoing first, second, or third exemplary aspects, the flow control valve, valve cage assembly, and / or valve cage may include any one or more of the following preferred forms.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the body of the valve cage may include a plurality of protrusions extending radially outward from the central cavity.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, multiple flow paths may be formed in one or more of the multiple protrusions of the body of the valve cage.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of flow paths may extend between the inner and outer walls of the body of the valve cage.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, one or more of the plurality of flow paths may be oriented substantially tangentially to the central cavity.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of protrusions may have a U-shaped cross-section having a first arm and a second arm, and an elbow connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, multiple flow paths may be formed in at least one of the first and second arms of each of the multiple protrusions.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral cavity may be arranged radially outward relative to the central cavity.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the peripheral cavity may be in fluid communication with the central cavity.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the baffle may be disposed within the peripheral cavity.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the control member may include a rib extending into the peripheral cavity.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the body of the valve cage may include a plurality of protrusions adjacent to the central cavity of the valve cage.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, multiple flow paths may extend through one or more of the multiple protrusions.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of flow paths may be oriented tangentially relative to the central cavity.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, multiple peripheral cavities may be in fluid communication with the central cavity.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of peripheral cavities may be defined by one of the plurality of protrusions.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, the control member may include multiple ribs.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of ribs may extend into one of the plurality of peripheral cavities.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the baffle may be disposed in at least one of the plurality of peripheral cavities.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of protrusions may have a U-shaped longitudinal cross-section.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal cross-section of the U-shape may include a first arm, a second arm, and an elbow connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, multiple flow paths may be provided in at least one of the first and second arms of the plurality of protrusions.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, the body may include a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the central cavity.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the plurality of protrusions may define a peripheral cavity that is fluidly connected to the central cavity.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of protrusions may include a U-shaped longitudinal cross-section, the U-shaped longitudinal cross-section including a first arm, a second arm, and an elbow connecting the first arm and the second arm.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment, the plurality of flow paths may be formed in the first arm and the second arm of each protrusion. Attached Figure Description

[0034] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary control valve and a first exemplary valve cage assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A perspective view of the first exemplary valve cage;

[0036] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional perspective view of the valve cage;

[0037] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 An enlarged perspective view of the cross-sectional view of the valve cage;

[0038] Figure 5 Through Figure 1 An exemplary flow diagram of fluid flow in a valve cage;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of a second exemplary valve cage for controlling a valve, assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective view of part of the valve cage;

[0041] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a third exemplary valve cage for controlling a valve, assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0042] Figure 9 yes Figure 8 A perspective view of part of the valve cage;

[0043] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a fourth exemplary valve cage for controlling a valve, assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0044] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of a fifth exemplary valve cage for controlling a valve, assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0045] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional view of a second exemplary control valve and a sixth exemplary valve cage assembled in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure;

[0046] Figure 13 yes Figure 12 An enlarged sectional view of the valve cage. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The exemplary valve cage described herein can substantially reduce the effects of cavitation, thereby extending the service life of valve components in control valves or regulators. First turn to Figure 1 A first exemplary fluid valve 100 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The valve 100 has a valve body 102 having an inlet 104, an outlet 106, and a fluid flow path or channel 108 connecting the inlet 104 and the outlet 106. A valve cover 110 is coupled to the valve body 102 by a plurality of fasteners 112 and includes a hole 114 to receive a rod 116. An end 118 of the rod 116 extends from the valve cover body 120 and is operatively coupled to an actuator (not shown), and an opposite end 122 of the rod 116 is coupled to a control member 124 (e.g., a valve plug).

[0048] The valve internals assembly 126 of the first exemplary fluid valve 100 includes a valve cage 130 and a seat ring 132 defining a valve seat. The valve cage 130 includes a body 134 and a central cavity 136 defined by the body 134. Figure 1 In the example shown, valve internals assembly 126 includes a cage retainer 138, which is separate from and distinct from the cage 130. However, in other examples, the cage 130 and the cage retainer 138 may be formed as a single integral structural element. Valve internals assembly 126 is disposed in the flow path and interacts with control member 124 to control the flow of fluid through valve body 102. Control member 124 is movable within the central cavity 136 of the cage 130 between an open position and a closed position, wherein in the open position, control member 124 is spaced apart from valve seat 132, and in the closed position, control member 124 is engaged with valve seat 132. Figure 1 In the diagram, valve 100 is shown in the closed position.

[0049] Typically, the end 140 of the cage retainer 138 is at least partially located within the valve body 102 and adjacent to the valve cover 110, and the opposing end 142 of the cage retainer 138 engages the first end 148 of the valve cage 130, such that the cage retainer 138 and the valve cage 130 are coaxially aligned. The valve cage 130 is positioned within the valve body 102 such that opposing steps or shoulders 150 and 152 of the valve cage 130 and the valve seat 132 (e.g., a seat ring) engage and / or interlock to at least partially secure the valve seat 132 within an orifice 154 of the valve body 102. In other examples, the valve cage 130 is installed in the valve without the cage retainer 138 and / or with an integrally formed cage retainer.

[0050] Figure 1 The control valve 100 is an upward-flowing control valve, wherein fluid flows into the control valve 100 through inlet 104, flows from the central cavity 136 through the valve cage 130 to the outside of the valve cage 130, and exits the control valve 100 through outlet 106. In other examples, valve 100 can be different types of control valves, such as downward-flowing valves, rotary control valves (e.g., Vee-Ball TM V150 valve, Vee-Ball TM (e.g., V300 valve), throttle valve, isolation valve, or other control valve. Furthermore, components of the control valve 100 (e.g., valve body 102, control member 124, and valve cover 110) may differ from those depicted herein. For example, the inlet 104, outlet 106, and the fluid flow path 108 extending therebetween may vary in shape and / or size, while still performing the intended function.

[0051] Although existing valve cages have a circular cross-section, the one described in this paper... Figures 2-4 A first exemplary valve cage 130 has a non-circular longitudinal cross-section. The wall 134 of the valve cage 130 has a plurality of protrusions 158 or lobe 158 extending radially outward from a central cavity 136 to form a non-circular longitudinal cross-section. In this example, the valve cage 130 has eight evenly spaced protrusions 158, and each protrusion 158 defines a peripheral cavity 162 in fluid communication with the central cavity 136. The peripheral cavity 162 is positioned peripherally relative to the central cavity 136 and receives fluid flow traveling through the central cavity 136 before exiting the valve cage 130. The valve cage body 134 includes an inner wall 166 and an outer wall 170, wherein the inner wall 166 at least partially defines the central cavity 136 and the peripheral cavity 162 of the valve cage 130.

[0052] like Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, multiple flow paths 174 extend between the inner wall 166 and the outer wall 170 of the valve cage body 134 to fluidly connect the central cavity 136 of the valve cage 130 to the external environment of the valve cage 130. Specifically, the flow paths 174 extend through each protrusion 158 of the valve cage body 134. Each protrusion 158 has a U-shaped longitudinal cross-section having a first arm 178, a second arm 182, and an elbow 186 connecting the first arm 178 and the second arm 182. The U-shaped first arm 178 and second arm 182 extend radially outward from a cylindrical aperture 188 in the body 134 and connect to the second arm 182 and the first arm 178 of the adjacent protrusion 158, respectively. The protrusions 158 are spaced apart to provide a daisy-tailed cross-section, wherein there is an external space between the protrusion 158 and the outer wall 170 of the valve cage body 134. In these spaces, fluid jets impact each other to dissipate energy. To generate fluid impingement outside the valve cage 130, a flow path 174 is formed in at least one of the first arm 178 and the second arm 182 of each protrusion 158. In the example shown, the flow path 174 is formed in each wall 178, 182 of each protrusion 158 and extends along the length of the valve cage 130 (i.e., from the first end 148 to the second end 185 of the valve cage). In other examples, each protrusion may have a different cross-sectional shape, flow path arrangement, and orientation than those shown. Although the arrangement of the protrusions 158 forms a symmetrical longitudinal section of the valve cage 130, in other examples, the protrusions may be arranged to form an asymmetrical cross-section of the valve cage 130.

[0053] Return to Figure 1 The illustration of control valve 100 depicts a cross-section of two protrusions 158 of valve cage 130 and a control member 124 slidably disposed within valve cage 130. In this example, control member 124 has a plurality of ribs 184 extending radially outward relative to the central axis X of control member 124. Each of the plurality of ribs 184 extends into a peripheral cavity 162 of one of the protrusions 158. Figure 1 As shown, the rib 184 of the control member abuts against the inner wall 166 of the protrusion 158. With this configuration, throttling of the fluid through the valve cage 130 will occur directly at the opening of each of the plurality of flow paths 174. Specifically, the openings of these flow paths 174 are blocked by the rib 184 of the valve plug 124 until the entire valve plug 124 moves away from the valve seat 132 (i.e., in...). Figure 1(Moving upwards in the direction of flow) exposes flow path 174 to the control fluid. Since this is the smallest part of the controlled flow cross-sectional area and the location where fluid control or throttling occurs, a first pressure drop occurs here. The fluid pressure drop can be more precisely controlled to mitigate cavitation. Control member 124 can be specially manufactured to fit within the central and peripheral cavities of valve cage 130, thus allowing valve cage assemblies comprising both valve cage 130 and control member 124 to be manufactured, packaged, and marketed together.

[0054] Back Figure 3 and Figure 4 A transverse section of one of the protrusions 158 is shown in more detail. A plurality of flow paths 174 are formed in each arm 178, 182 of the protrusions 158 and are arranged along the length of the valve cage 130 (i.e., from the first end 148 to the second end 185). The plurality of flow paths 174 are radially spaced by a distance D from the cylindrical orifice 188 of the valve cage 130 and terminate at a bend in the connecting elbow 186. Each flow path 174 has an opening at an inlet 190 with a cross-sectional area A1, which is larger than the opening at an outlet 192 with a cross-sectional area A2. The inlet 190 of the flow path 174 connects to an inlet passage 194, and the outlet 192 connects to an outlet passage 196, which is narrower than the inlet passage 194, to create a pressure drop or depressurization stage. The flow paths 174 formed in the protrusions 158 are oriented substantially tangentially relative to the cylindrical orifice 188 of the valve cage 130, such that the fluid jets collide with each other as they exit the valve cage 130.

[0055] Inlet passage 194 is positioned adjacent to inner wall 166 and extends into the first arm 178 and second arm 182 of valve cage body 134. In the example shown, inlet passage 194 is cylindrical, but it can be any shape required for a particular application. Inlet passage 194 is offset radially and longitudinally from other inlet passages 194 such that none of the inlet passages 194 of flow path 174 intersects with it. The cross-sectional area A1 of inlet passage 194 is larger than the cross-sectional area A2 of outlet passage 196 to provide a first pressure drop as fluid flows between inlet passage 194 and outlet passage 196. Outlet passage 196 is positioned adjacent to outer wall 170 and extends into the first arm 178 and second arm 182 of valve cage body 134. In the example shown, outlet passage 196 is cylindrical, but it can be any shape required for a particular application. Outlet passages 196 are offset radially and longitudinally from each other such that none of the outlet passages 196 of flow path 174 intersects with it. The flow of fluid from outlet passage 196 to the outer region of valve cage 130 provides another pressure drop for the fluid flow. In some examples, one or more intermediate passages may connect each inlet passage 194 and outlet passage 196 to provide one or more pressure drops.

[0056] This configuration, and as Figure 5 As shown in the flow diagram, the flow through the valve body (e.g., Figure 1 Fluid from the valve body 102 enters the central cavity 136 of the valve cage 130 and is guided into the peripheral cavity 162 of the protrusion 158. The fluid exits the valve cage 130 by flowing through multiple flow paths 174 formed in the protrusion 158 and extending between the inner wall 166 and the outer wall 170 of the valve cage body 134. Specifically, the fluid flows through the inlet 190 and into the inlet passage 194 of the flow path 174, and passes through a first pressure-reducing stage upon entering the outlet passage 196. The fluid jet exits through the outlet 192 of the flow path 174 and collides with jets exiting from the flow paths 174 of adjacent protrusions 158. When the fluid jets collide with each other, the energy from the jets is dissipated upon impact, and any damage due to cavitation occurs at the outer wall 170 of the valve cage 130, not at the inner wall of the valve body.

[0057] In the example shown, each protrusion 158 has multiple flow paths 174 formed in the first arm 178 and the second arm 182 of the valve cage body 134. However, in other examples, not all protrusions 158 have flow paths 174 formed in the first arm 178 and the second arm 182. Additionally, other examples may have different patterns of flow paths 174 distributed along the length of the valve cage (i.e., parallel to the longitudinal axis Y). In one example, the flow paths of the valve cage 130 may be concentrated in the lower and / or upper portions of the valve cage 130. In another example, the flow paths may be formed in a different manner, making the flow paths more tortuous through the valve cage body 134. In yet another example, the flow paths may be formed in the elbow 186 of each protrusion 158.

[0058] Now go to Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second exemplary valve cage 230 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The second exemplary valve cage 230 is similar to the first exemplary valve cage 130 and can be installed... Figure 1 The control valve 100 is used. Therefore, for ease of reference, as far as possible, the same or similar parts in the second exemplary valve cage 230 will retain the same reference numerals as those described above with respect to the first exemplary valve cage 130, but the reference numerals will be increased by 100. However, the second exemplary valve cage 230 differs from the first exemplary valve cage 130 by including a plurality of baffles 244 disposed in one or more protrusions 258.

[0059] With can be Figures 1 to 5In contrast to the ribbed control member 124 slidably received by the first exemplary valve cage 130, the second exemplary valve cage 230 is configured to slidably receive a cylindrical or rounded control member. A plurality of baffles 244 divide each of the plurality of peripheral cavities 262 of the valve cage 230, and the inner walls 266 of the baffles 244 help guide the control member along the longitudinal axis Z of the valve cage 230. The baffles 244 help limit and control the volume of the pressure space (i.e., the area between the valve plug 124 and the flow path 174) fed to the outlet 192 of the flow path 174. The pressure space can act as a pressure drop and recovery volume that "stages" or splits the pressure drop so that the control fluid does not experience an uncontrolled pressure drop that falls below the vapor pressure of the control fluid.

[0060] Figure 8 and Figure 9 A third exemplary valve cage 330 is depicted, and Figure 10 A fourth exemplary valve cage 530 constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure is depicted. The third exemplary valve cage 330 and the fourth exemplary valve cage 430 are similar to the second exemplary valve cage 230, and each can be installed... Figure 1 The control valve 100 is used. Therefore, for ease of reference, as far as possible, the same or similar parts of the third exemplary valve cage 330 and the fourth exemplary valve cage 430 will retain the same reference numerals as those outlined above with respect to the second exemplary valve cage 230, but the reference numerals will be increased by 100 and 200, respectively. However, the third exemplary valve cage 330 and the fourth exemplary valve cage 430 differ from the second exemplary valve cage 230 by providing a plurality of walls or barriers 356, 456 between the central cavities 336, 436 and one or more of the plurality of protrusions 358, 458, respectively.

[0061] The third exemplary valve cage 330 mitigates the effects of cavitation by providing an additional pressure-reducing stage. This is in addition to the pressure-reducing stages formed in the multiple flow paths 374 (as described above). Figures 4-6In addition to the discussed aspects, the second pressure-reducing stage is formed by providing a barrier 356 between the central cavity 336 of the valve cage 330 and the peripheral cavity 362 of one of the protrusions 358. Each protrusion 358 of the valve cage 330 includes a plurality of barriers 356 extending parallel to the V-axis of the valve cage 330, thereby surrounding a plurality of compartments 360 between the protrusion 358 (i.e., the first arm 378, the second arm 382, ​​and the elbow 386) and the baffle 344. Additional openings 364 are formed in the barriers 356, allowing fluid to flow from the central cavity 336 through the openings 364 and into the pressure space region of the compartments 360. In the example shown, each protrusion 358 has a plurality of compartments 360, some of which open toward the central cavity 336, while other compartments are isolated from the central cavity 336 by the barriers 356. However, in Figure 10 In another example shown, a plurality of barriers 456 extend along the length of the valve cage 430 (i.e., from the first end 348 to the second end 385 of the valve cage 330) to separate the central cavity 436 from a plurality of peripheral cavities 462. In this example, the plurality of protrusions 458 may not include dividing baffles to further separate the peripheral cavities 462. Alternatively, the plurality of protrusions 458 may include baffles defining a plurality of compartments along the length of the valve cage 430.

[0062] Figure 11 The fifth exemplary valve cage 530 is constructed in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure. The fifth exemplary valve cage 530 is similar to the first exemplary valve cage 130 and can be installed... Figure 1 In the control valve 100. The same or similar components of the fifth exemplary valve cage 530 will retain the same reference numerals, but with an addition of 400. The fifth exemplary valve cage 530 differs from the previous exemplary valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430 by having six protrusions or projections 558. However, any valve cage in the exemplary valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530 may include fewer or more protrusions 158, 258, 358, 458, 558. The number, shape, and arrangement of the protrusions 158, 258, 358, 458, 558 surrounding the central cavity 136, 236, 336, 436, 536 of the valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530 may depend on the application, desired flow characteristics, and / or the size of the control valve body in which the valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530 are disposed.

[0063] In the example shown, any one of the exemplary valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, and 530 is configured for installation in an upward-flowing valve 100, in which fluid flows through chambers 136, 236, 336, 436, and 536 of the valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, and 530, and through multiple paths 174, 274, 374, 474, and 574 before leaving the control valve 100. However, any one of the exemplary valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, and 530 can be modified for installation in a downward-flowing control valve. For example, Figure 12 An example of a downward-flowing control valve 600 is illustrated, featuring a sixth exemplary valve cage 630. In this example, fluid flows into the control valve 600 through inlet 604 and into multiple flow paths 674 and a central cavity 636 before exiting the control valve 600 through outlet 606. The valve cage 630 is similar to... Figure 6 and Figure 7 The second exemplary valve cage 230 is configured to slidably receive a cylindrical or rounded control member 624 in a central cavity 636. However, as Figure 13 As shown, the multiple flow paths 674 of the valve cage 630 are specifically arranged for the downward flow of the valve 600. (As...) Figure 13 As shown, the inlet flow passage 690 and the outlet flow passage 692 are arranged in the opposite manner to the upward flow of the valve cage, such that the inlet passage 690 extends from the outer wall 670 of the valve cage body 634 and the outlet passage 692 extends from the inner wall 666 of the valve cage body 634.

[0064] The exemplary valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 630 illustrated and described herein can be manufactured using additive manufacturing, which can be any additive manufacturing technique or process that constructs a three-dimensional object by adding continuous layers of material onto a material. The pressure-reducing stage of the flow path can be customized according to the application, including the orientation and dimensions of the inlet and outlet passages. Specifically, flow paths 174, 274, 374, 474, and 574 form the upward-flowing valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, and 530, wherein the inlet passage is formed in the inner walls 166, 266, 366, 466, 566, and 666 of the valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 630, and has a cross-sectional area larger than that of the outlet passage. Due to limitations of conventional drilling techniques, it is only possible to configure upward-flowing valve cage designs using additive manufacturing techniques.

[0065] Additive manufacturing techniques can be performed using any suitable machine or combination of machines. Additive manufacturing techniques typically involve or utilize computers, 3D modeling software (e.g., computer-aided design or CAD software), machinery, and layered materials. Once a CAD model is generated, machinery can read data from the CAD file and, for example, layer or add successive layers of liquid, powder, or sheet materials to create a 3D object. Additive manufacturing techniques can include any of a variety of techniques or processes, such as stereolithography (“SLA”), fused deposition modeling (“FDM”), multi-jet modeling (“MJM”), selective laser sintering (“SLS”), electron beam additive manufacturing, and arc welding additive manufacturing. In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing process can include a directed energy laser deposition (“DEL) process. Such a DEL process can be performed by a multi-axis computer numerical control (“CNC”) lathe with DEL capabilities.

[0066] The exemplary valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 630 described herein can substantially reduce the effects of cavitation on control valves, thereby extending the service life of valve components in control valves or regulators. The valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 630 described herein mitigate the effects of cavitation in several different ways. In one example, the valve cage design mitigates damage from cavitation by directing fluid jets into each other to dissipate energy. Therefore, any damage caused by cavitation will occur on the outer walls 170, 270, 370, 470, 570, and 670 of the valve cage bodies 134, 234, 334, 434, 534, and 634, rather than on more critical areas of the control valve (e.g., the inner walls of the valve body). In another example, the valve cage design avoids or reduces the effects of cavitation by providing multi-stage pressure reduction by differentiating the inlet and outlet passages (and intermediate passages, if applicable). Furthermore, since the protrusions 158, 258, 358, 458, 558, and 658 increase the surface area of ​​the valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 630, the valve cage designs of the valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 630 illustrated and described herein advantageously maximize the flow rate through the valve cages 130, 230, 330, 430, 530, and 630.

[0067] Finally, while certain valve cages based on the teachings of this disclosure have been described herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Instead, although the disclosed valve cages have been shown and described in conjunction with various examples, it will be apparent that specific changes and modifications beyond those mentioned above are possible. This patent application covers all examples of the teachings of this disclosure that clearly fall within the scope of permissible equivalents. Therefore, it is intended to protect all variations and modifications that are conceivable to those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A flow control valve, comprising: a valve body having an inlet, an outlet, and a flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet; an inner assembly disposed in the flow path and including a valve seat and a valve cage, the valve cage including a body having a central cavity, a projection extending radially outward from the central cavity, and a peripheral cavity extending within the projection; and a control member movable in the central cavity of the valve cage between an open position in which the control member is spaced apart from the valve seat and a closed position in which the control member is engaged with the valve seat; wherein the body of the valve cage is a unitary structure and has a non-circular longitudinal cross-section.

2. The flow control valve of claim 1, wherein, The body of the valve cage includes a plurality of projections extending radially outward from the central cavity.

3. The flow control valve of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of flow paths formed in the projections of the body of the valve cage, the plurality of flow paths extending between an inner wall and an outer wall of the body of the valve cage.

4. The flow control valve of claim 3, wherein, One or more of the plurality of flow paths are oriented substantially tangentially to the central cavity of the valve cage.

5. The flow control valve of claim 1, wherein, The projection has a U-shaped cross-section having a first arm and a second arm, and an elbow connecting the first arm and the second arm.

6. The flow control valve of claim 5, further comprising a plurality of flow paths formed in one or more of the first arm and the second arm of the projection.

7. The flow control valve of claim 1, wherein, The peripheral cavity is in fluid communication with the central cavity.

8. The flow control valve of claim 7, further comprising a baffle disposed in the peripheral cavity.

9. The flow control valve of claim 7, wherein, The control member includes a rib extending into the peripheral cavity.

10. A valve cage assembly, comprising: a control member; and a valve cage having a central cavity and a body defining the central cavity, the body having a non-circular longitudinal cross-section and a plurality of protrusions adjacent the central cavity; wherein the central cavity of the valve cage slidably receives the control member; and wherein the plurality of protrusions extend from an upper surface to a lower surface of the body.

11. The valve cage assembly of claim 10, wherein, Further comprising a plurality of flow paths extending through one or more of the plurality of protrusions.

12. The valve cage assembly of claim 11, wherein, The plurality of flow paths are oriented tangentially relative to the central cavity.

13. The valve cage assembly of claim 10, further comprising a plurality of peripheral cavities in fluid communication with the central cavity, wherein, Each of the plurality of peripheral cavities is defined by one of the plurality of protrusions.

14. The valve cage assembly of claim 13, wherein, The control member includes a plurality of ribs, each of the plurality of ribs extending into one of the plurality of peripheral cavities.

15. The valve cage assembly of claim 13, further comprising a baffle disposed in at least one of the plurality of peripheral cavities.

16. The valve cage assembly of claim 10, wherein, Each of the plurality of protrusions has a U-shaped longitudinal cross-section including a first arm, a second arm, and an elbow connecting the first arm and the second arm, and wherein a plurality of flow paths are disposed in at least one of the first arm and the second arm of each of the plurality of protrusions.

17. A valve cage for a fluid control device, the valve cage comprising: a body having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a projection; a central lumen defined by the inner wall of the body; a plurality of flow paths connecting the inner wall and the outer wall, the plurality of flow paths disposed tangentially relative to the central lumen; wherein the body has a non-circular longitudinal cross-section; wherein the protrusion includes a U-shaped longitudinal cross-section including a first arm, a second arm, and an elbow connecting the first arm and the second arm, and the plurality of flow paths are formed in the first arm and the second arm of the protrusion.

18. The valve cage of claim 17, wherein, the body includes a plurality of protrusions extending outward from the central lumen, at least one of the plurality of protrusions defining a peripheral lumen fluidically connected to the central lumen.

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