Pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle

Abstract

A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve nozzle assembly and associated systems and methods are provided. In an example embodiment, the nozzle assembly includes a body having an elongated shaft with an internal cavity extending therein and a flange at one end of the elongated shaft and having an annular recess formed therein. The annular recess is configured to seat an annular ring, and the annular recess includes an annular groove formed therein such that communication is enabled between a first aperture extending through the flange from the internal cavity to the annular groove and a second aperture extending through the annular ring, thereby allowing the first aperture and the second aperture to be radially offset from one another.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to pilot operated pressure relief valve nozzles and corresponding systems and methods for use in oil and gas production environments. BACKGROUND

[0002] Pressure relief valves are mechanical devices commonly used in power generation, refining, oil and gas production environments as overpressure protection devices to prevent the pressure of a pressurized fluid from increasing beyond a safe limit of the production environment. Pressure relief valves are also commonly coupled to pressurized storage vessels and pressurized fluid systems within these production environments. Pressure relief valves prevent such vessels and the piping connecting them from exceeding a pressure threshold beyond which the vessel or piping can fail, resulting in potentially catastrophic damage.

[0003] There are two main forms of pressure relief valves: direct spring operated and pilot operated. Direct spring operated pressure relief valves use a spring to transmit the force required to keep the valve closed. Release of the pressurized fluid system pressure occurs when the force generated by the system pressure overcomes the force generated by the spring in the valve. In contrast, pilot operated pressure relief valves use the pressurized system pressure to generate the force required to keep the main pressure relief valve closed. Pilot operated pressure relief valves have a main valve and a pilot valve in fluid communication. The main valve in a pilot operated pressure relief valve provides overpressure protection by opening and releasing system pressure, and the pilot valve controls the opening and closing of the main valve in response to changes in the pressurized system pressure. Similar to direct spring operated pressure relief valves, the pressurized system pressure in fluid communication with the pilot and main valves overcomes the spring force imparted by a spring within the pilot valve that isolates the pressurized system pressure from providing the opposing force in the main pressure relief valve. The stored pressure that keeps the main valve closed is then released to the lower pressure system to allow the main pressure relief valve to open and begin releasing the pressurized system pressure.

[0004] For economic or functional reasons, customers can choose to convert the type of pressure reducing valve at a particular installation location, for example, by converting from a direct spring operated pressure reducing valve to a pilot operated pressure reducing valve. Due to the aforementioned operational differences between the two types of pressure reducing valves, to successfully convert a direct spring operated pressure reducing valve to a pilot operated pressure reducing valve, the entire valve assembly can be exchanged, or alternatively, similar components between the two types of pressure reducing valves can be re-used and combined with components for the pilot operated valve type, such as the tubing required to establish a fluid connection between the system pressure at the inlet of the main pressure reducing valve and the pilot valve. Traditionally, this requires the use of a feeler ring that is installed between the mating tube of the inlet main valve and the raised face of the straight through nozzle positioned in the main valve. This is not ideal for customers who wish to maintain their current tubing configuration as the feeler ring adds additional height to the valve and makes the valve no longer mate with the downstream tubing. Alternatively, customers can choose to deliver system pressure upstream of the installation location of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve, but doing so can result in additional costs.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for improved valve components that allow for the replacement of direct spring operated pressure reducing valves with reduced cost and reduced rework / re-tubing of the pressurized fluid system. SUMMARY

[0006] Generally, a pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle and associated systems and methods are provided.

[0007] In one aspect, a pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle assembly is provided and can include a body having an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end of the body to a second end of the body. The elongated shaft can include an internal cavity extending therethrough and a flange at the second end. In some embodiments, the internal cavity can extend between a first opening formed at the first end and a second opening formed at the second end. The flange can include an annular recess formed therein, where an annular groove is formed in the annular recess. In some embodiments, the annular recess can include a first surface and a second surface oriented orthogonal to the first surface. In such embodiments, the first surface can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the annular groove can be formed in the first surface. The flange can also include a first aperture extending therethrough from the internal cavity to the annular groove. In some embodiments, the first aperture can be configured to receive a sensing tube having a sensing aperture oriented perpendicular to a centerline axis of the sensing tube and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated shaft, and the sensing aperture can face the second opening. In such embodiments, the sensing tube can extend into the internal cavity such that an inlet pressure is sensed. The pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle assembly can further include an annular ring positioned in the annular recess. In some embodiments, the annular ring can be independently orientable relative to the body. The annular ring can include an inner annular ring surface, an outer annular ring surface radially outward from the inner annular ring surface, and a second aperture extending through the annular ring between the inner annular ring surface and the outer annular ring surface. In some embodiments, the annular groove can define a fluid passageway between the annular groove and the inner annular ring surface. The second aperture can be in fluid communication with the first aperture via the annular recess. In some embodiments, the second aperture can be radially offset from the first aperture. In some embodiments, the second aperture can include a port proximate the outer annular ring surface, which can be configured to accommodate a first end connection of a pilot valve sensing tube line.

[0008] In another aspect, a system is provided and includes a pilot operated pressure reducing valve configured to regulate a system pressure of a pressurized fluid system. The pilot operated pressure reducing valve can include a main valve having an inlet in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid system, a pilot valve in fluid communication with the main valve, and a sense line configured to measure an inlet pressure of the pressurized fluid system. The system can also include a pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle having a body with an elongated shaft disposed in the inlet and a flange disposed proximate the inlet. The elongated shaft can have an internal cavity extending therethrough and in fluid communication with the inlet of the main valve. The flange can have an annular recess in which an annular ring is seated, and the flange can have an annular groove formed in the annular recess such that a first bore extending through the flange from the internal cavity to the annular recess is in fluid communication with a second bore extending through the annular ring via the annular groove, thereby allowing fluid communication between the internal cavity and the sense line. In some embodiments, the groove can be axially aligned with the first bore and the second bore. In other embodiments, the first bore can receive a sense tube extending into the internal cavity such that the inlet pressure is sensed. In yet other embodiments, the second bore can receive a sense tube coupled to the sense line. In some embodiments, the second bore can include a port proximate an outer annular ring surface that accommodates a first end of the sense line to be connected, which is in fluid communication with the pilot valve. In other embodiments, the first bore and the second bore can be radially offset from one another.

[0009] In another aspect, a method for regulating a system pressure of a pressurized fluid system is provided and includes receiving, at a pilot valve, a first inlet pressure of a fluid at an inlet of a main valve. The first inlet pressure can be received from a sense line coupling the pilot valve to a nozzle disposed in the inlet. The fluid can flow through a sense tube in a first bore and a second bore in an annular ring of the nozzle disposed in a flange of the nozzle, the first bore and the second bore being in communication with one another via an annular groove formed in the flange. The pilot valve can open when the first inlet pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure. The main valve can reduce the first inlet pressure to a second inlet pressure that is below the predetermined threshold pressure in response to the opening of the pilot valve. In some embodiments, the first bore and the second bore can be non-axially aligned relative to one another such that the fluid flows through the annular groove. In other embodiments, the annular ring can be seated in an annular recess formed in the flange of the nozzle. In yet other embodiments, the second bore can receive a sense tube coupled to the sense line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle;

[0012] Figure 2 is a side view of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 1

[0013] Figure 3 is a top view of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 1

[0014] Figure 4 is a bottom view of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 1

[0015] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 4 Figure 1

[0016] Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 1

[0017] Figure 7 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of a pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle;

[0018] Figure 8 is an enlarged perspective view of the inlet of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 7

[0019] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 7 Figure 7

[0020] Figure 10 is a bottom view of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 7

[0021] Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 10 Figure 7

[0022] Figure 12A is a perspective view of one exemplary embodiment of a system including a pilot operated pressure reducing valve, Figure 1 a pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of a sensing line inserted into the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle;

[0023] Figure 12B is an enlarged perspective view of the inlet of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle of Figure 12A Figure 1

[0024] Figure 13 is as​​​​​​​​​​​​​Figure 12A a cross-sectional view showing a sensing line inserted into Figure 1 a cross-sectional view showing a sensing line inserted into

[0025] Figure 14 is a flow diagram showing one example embodiment of a method for regulating system pressure of a pressurized fluid system.

[0026] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve nozzle and associated systems and methods are provided. Generally, the nozzle can include a body having an elongated shaft with an internal cavity extending therethrough and a flange at one end of the elongated shaft. The flange can have an annular recess configured to seat an annular ring. The annular recess has an annular groove formed therein that allows a first bore extending from the internal cavity of the body to the annular recess to communicate with a second bore extending through the annular ring and configured to be coupled to a fluid sensing line connected to a pilot valve. The groove eliminates the need for the first bore and the second bore to be coaxially aligned with one another, thereby allowing improved flexibility in the arrangement of the fluid sensing line and the pilot valve relative to the main valve.

[0028] The systems, devices, and methods herein produce a number of additional advantages and / or technical effects. For example, such advantages can include the re-fitting of a direct spring operated pressure reducing valve system to a pilot operated pressure reducing valve system without incurring the need for substantial re-piping or re- machining of the pressurized fluid system in the vicinity of the pressure reducing valve system. The pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle described herein can allow for various mounting or coupling configurations such that a pressure reducing valve operator has improved design flexibility when considering a pressure reducing valve assembly replacement or when adding a pilot operated pressure reducing valve as an existing direct spring operated pressure reducing valve requirement of their particular application or use.

[0029] Embodiments of a pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle and corresponding systems and methods for use in oil and gas production environments are discussed herein. However, embodiments of the present disclosure can be used without limitation in other types of environments.

[0030] Figures 1-6 Several views of one example embodiment of a pilot operated pressure reducing valve nozzle assembly 100 including a nozzle body 102 and an annular ring 132 are shown. As Figures 1-6As shown, the nozzle body 102 includes an elongated shaft 104, the length of which extends from a first end 106 of the nozzle body 102 along a longitudinal axis A to a second end 108 of the nozzle body 102. The elongated shaft 104 may have an inner cavity 110 extending through it, the inner cavity being configured to allow fluid to pass through and enter the main chamber of the main valve of a pilot-operated pressure reducing valve (not shown). In some embodiments, the fluid may be a liquid, gas, and / or vapor, but other types of fluids are possible.

[0031] The diameter of the inner cavity 110 may vary along the entire length of the elongated shaft 104, or may remain substantially constant along the entire length of the elongated shaft 104. The inner cavity 110 may extend between a first opening 112 located at a first end 106 of the nozzle body 102 and a second opening 114 located at a second end 108 of the nozzle body 102.

[0032] The elongated shaft 104 can be configured to be inserted into the inlet of the main valve of a pilot-operated pressure-reducing valve. The elongated shaft 104 may have an outer surface 104o with mating features, such as threads (not shown), configured to engage with corresponding mating features (such as threads) on the inner surface of the main valve inlet when the elongated shaft is inserted into the main valve, thereby securing the nozzle assembly 100 within the main valve. However, various mating techniques capable of engaging with the inlet of the main valve for securing the nozzle within the inlet of the main valve can be used.

[0033] like Figures 1-6 As further shown, the nozzle body 102 has a flange 116 located at a second end 108 of the nozzle body 102. In some embodiments, the flange 116 may be integrally formed with the nozzle body 102. In other embodiments, the flange 116 may be disposed on or attached to the nozzle body 102. Figure 5 As shown, the flange has an annular recess 118 formed in the radially outermost surface 120 of the flange 116 and near the second end 108 of the nozzle body 102. The outermost surface 120 may be cylindrical, such as... Figures 1-6As shown, however, in some embodiments, the outermost surface 120 can have a flat formed therein for assembly. In other embodiments, the outermost surface 120 can be hexagonal, or have other shapes that facilitate easy assembly. The outermost surface 120 can also have a hole formed perpendicular thereto to facilitate assembly using a spanner, such as a wing spanner. As shown, the annular recess 118 has a first surface 122 and a second surface 124 oriented orthogonal to the first surface 122. The first surface 122 and the second surface 124 are configured to engage with an annular ring 132 of the nozzle assembly 100, which is discussed in further detail below. The first surface 122 and the second surface 124 can be oriented at various angles relative to one another, depending on the configuration of the annular ring 132. For example, the surface 122, surface 124 can be at 90 degrees relative to one another, less than 90 degrees relative to one another, or greater than 90 degrees relative to one another. The annular recess 118 can have various other configurations, and can have any shape that enables the annular recess 118 to seat the annular ring 132. In some embodiments, the first surface 122 can extend parallel to the longitudinal axis A.

[0034] As Figures 1-6 Further shown, the annular recess 118 can include an annular channel or groove 126 formed in the first surface 122 and extending circumferentially thereabout. The groove 126 can include an inner surface 128 disposed radially inward of the first surface 122. The annular recess 118 can also include a first aperture 130 that extends radially outward from the inner cavity 110 through the nozzle body 102 to the inner surface 128 of the groove 126.

[0035] As noted above, and as Figures 1-6 shown, the nozzle assembly 100 can include an annular ring 132 seated at least partially in the annular recess 118. As Figure 5 shown, the annular ring 132 has an inner annular ring surface 134 in contact with the first surface 122 of the flange 116. The annular ring 132 has an outer annular ring surface 136 oriented radially outward from the inner annular ring surface 134. The annular ring 132 can also include a front surface 138 having a gasket slot 140 configured to receive a gasket 142 for providing an air-tight seal between the flange 116 and the annular ring 132. In some embodiments, as Figures 1-4 and Figure 6As shown, the annular ring 132 may include a plurality of annular ring fastening holes 144a to 144d, each configured to receive hardware (e.g., fasteners, not shown) for securing and orienting the annular ring 132 in place and fixing it to the inlet of the main valve. In some embodiments, securing the inlet provided by the hardware and the annular ring fastening holes 144a to 144d can provide sufficient pressure on the gasket 142 to maintain an airtight seal between the flange 116 and the annular ring 132. As shown, the annular ring includes four annular ring fastening holes; however, the number and position of the fastening holes can be modified so that they can be aligned with corresponding holes on the main valve inlet.

[0036] like Figures 1-6 As shown, a second hole 146 can be formed in the annular ring 132 and can extend radially between the inner annular ring surface 134 and the outer annular ring surface 136. The second hole 146 can be configured to connect to a first end connection of a fluid sensing line (such as...). Figure 12A and Figure 13 The fluid sensing line 210 shown below (further described below) has its first end connected to a pilot valve (such as a pilot valve of a pilot-operated pressure reducing valve) that is pilot-operated. Figure 12A The pilot valve 204 shown (as further described below) is in fluid communication and is located at the second end connection of the fluid sensing line. The second orifice 146 may have a port 148 near the outer annular surface 136. In some embodiments, the port 148 is configured to receive part of the first end connection of the fluid sensing line. In such embodiments, the port 148 may have a larger diameter than the second orifice 146.

[0037] like Figure 5 As shown, the groove 126 of the first surface 122 of the annular notch 118 can also define a fluid passage 150 enclosed by the groove 126 and the inner annular surface 134. Since the fluid passage 150 is in fluid communication with each of the first orifice 130 and the second orifice 146, fluid communication between the first end connection of the fluid sensing line and the cavity 110 can be maintained, which can be determined by the pilot valve, such as the pressure level of the pressurized system measured at the cavity 110.

[0038] like Figures 1-6 As shown, the second hole 146 is axially aligned with the first hole 130. However, in some embodiments, such as Figures 7-11 The nozzle 100' shown has an annular ring that can be rotatably adjusted relative to the nozzle body, allowing the first and second orifices to be axially offset but still configured to maintain fluid communication between the center of the nozzle body's inner cavity and the first end connection of the fluid sensing line, thereby allowing increased flexibility in arranging the fluid sensing line relative to the nozzle. Figures 7-9 As shown, nozzle 100' and Figures 1-6The nozzle 100' is identical to the nozzle 100' and has the same components; therefore, the same reference numerals are used to indicate the corresponding components. In the illustrated embodiment, the nozzle 100' further includes a nozzle sensing tube 152' having a distal end 152d' extending into the cavity 110' of the nozzle body 102' of the nozzle 100', and a proximal end 152p' disposed in the first hole 130'. As shown, the nozzle sensing tube 152' is cylindrical; however, the nozzle sensing tube 152' can have various shapes and / or geometries.

[0039] The nozzle sensing tube 152' may also include an inner cavity 154' extending along the central axis CL of the nozzle sensing tube 152' from the proximal end 152p' to a region just near the distal end 152d'. Therefore, the distal end 152d' of the nozzle sensing tube 152' is closed, and the proximal end 152p' of the nozzle sensing tube 152' is open. However, in some embodiments, the inner cavity 154' may extend to the distal end 152d', causing the distal end 152d' to be open.

[0040] The nozzle sensing tube 152' may include a nozzle sensing orifice 156' near its distal end 152d', which is formed in the sidewall of the nozzle sensing tube 152' and oriented perpendicular to the centerline axis CL of the nozzle sensing tube 152' and parallel to the longitudinal axis A' of the nozzle body 102'. Therefore, the nozzle sensing orifice 156' can be oriented toward the pressurization system and toward the second opening 114' to facilitate the determination of the pressure level of the pressurization system, as measured at the cavity 110. In some embodiments, the nozzle sensing tube 152' may extend to the center of the cavity 110', allowing the detection of the pressure level of the pressurization system at the center of the cavity 110', thereby avoiding any inaccurate measurements due to any boundary layer effects that may exist in the fluid flow of the pressurization system.

[0041] Similar to Figures 1-6 The groove 126' of the first surface 122' of the annular notch 118' can partially define a fluid passage 150' enclosed by the groove 126' and the inner annular surface 134'. The nozzle sensing orifice 156' allows fluid communication to be established between the cavity 154' and the pressurization system. When the proximal end 152p' is open, fluid communication is established between the cavity 154' and the fluid passage 150', which is in fluid communication with the second orifice 146'. Therefore, fluid communication between the first end connection of the fluid sensing line and the cavity 110' can be maintained. Thus, the fluid passage 150' formed by the groove 126' and the inner annular surface 134' allows a pilot valve coupled to the opposite end of the fluid sensing line to sense the pressure of the fluid entering the main valve inlet via the nozzle body 102', as measured in the cavity 110'.

[0042] As discussed above, the nozzle assembly 100, comprised of the nozzle body 102 and the annular ring 132, can be provided as part of a system further including a pilot operated pressure reducing valve. Figures 12A-13 One exemplary embodiment of a system 200 incorporating the nozzle assembly 100 is shown. As shown, the system 200 includes a pilot operated pressure reducing valve 202 having a pilot valve 204 and a main valve 206 in fluid communication with the pilot valve 204. Additionally, as shown, the system 200 includes a fluid sensing line 210 having a first end connection 212 coupled to the port of the nozzle assembly 100 and a second end connection 214 coupled to the pilot valve 204. The fluid sensing line 210 can be assembled to the first bore 130 by threading or by press fit or other method. As shown, the fluid sensing line 210 can have a sensing tube 216 disposed therein with a distal end of the sensing tube extending through the second bore 146 and into the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle body 102. The sensing tube 216 can have a sensing hole 218 disposed proximate the distal end of the sensing tube perpendicular to the centerline axis of the sensing tube as shown. The sensing hole 218 can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and in the direction of the pressurized system facing the second opening 114. In some embodiments, the sensing tube 216 can extend to the center of the internal cavity 110 such that the sensing hole 218 is disposed proximate the center of the internal cavity 110. Due to this configuration and the configuration of the nozzle assembly 100 discussed above, the pilot valve 204 is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle assembly 100 and the pilot valve 204 can sense the pressure level of the pressurized fluid system. Figure 12A and Figure 13 As shown, the system 200 includes a fluid sensing line 210 having a first end connection 212 coupled to the port of the nozzle assembly 100 and a second end connection 214 coupled to the pilot valve 204. The fluid sensing line 210 can be assembled to the first bore 130 by threading or by press fit or other method. As shown, the fluid sensing line 210 can have a sensing tube 216 disposed therein with a distal end of the sensing tube extending through the second bore 146 and into the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle body 102. The sensing tube 216 can have a sensing hole 218 disposed proximate the distal end of the sensing tube perpendicular to the centerline axis of the sensing tube as shown. The sensing hole 218 can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and in the direction of the pressurized system facing the second opening 114. In some embodiments, the sensing tube 216 can extend to the center of the internal cavity 110 such that the sensing hole 218 is disposed proximate the center of the internal cavity 110. Due to this configuration and the configuration of the nozzle assembly 100 discussed above, the pilot valve 204 is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle assembly 100 and the pilot valve 204 can sense the pressure level of the pressurized fluid system. Figure 13 As shown, the system 200 includes a fluid sensing line 210 having a first end connection 212 coupled to the port of the nozzle assembly 100 and a second end connection 214 coupled to the pilot valve 204. The fluid sensing line 210 can be assembled to the first bore 130 by threading or by press fit or other method. As shown, the fluid sensing line 210 can have a sensing tube 216 disposed therein with a distal end of the sensing tube extending through the second bore 146 and into the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle body 102. The sensing tube 216 can have a sensing hole 218 disposed proximate the distal end of the sensing tube perpendicular to the centerline axis of the sensing tube as shown. The sensing hole 218 can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and in the direction of the pressurized system facing the second opening 114. In some embodiments, the sensing tube 216 can extend to the center of the internal cavity 110 such that the sensing hole 218 is disposed proximate the center of the internal cavity 110. Due to this configuration and the configuration of the nozzle assembly 100 discussed above, the pilot valve 204 is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle assembly 100 and the pilot valve 204 can sense the pressure level of the pressurized fluid system. Figure 12B As shown, the system 200 includes a fluid sensing line 210 having a first end connection 212 coupled to the port of the nozzle assembly 100 and a second end connection 214 coupled to the pilot valve 204. The fluid sensing line 210 can be assembled to the first bore 130 by threading or by press fit or other method. As shown, the fluid sensing line 210 can have a sensing tube 216 disposed therein with a distal end of the sensing tube extending through the second bore 146 and into the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle body 102. The sensing tube 216 can have a sensing hole 218 disposed proximate the distal end of the sensing tube perpendicular to the centerline axis of the sensing tube as shown. The sensing hole 218 can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the body and in the direction of the pressurized system facing the second opening 114. In some embodiments, the sensing tube 216 can extend to the center of the internal cavity 110 such that the sensing hole 218 is disposed proximate the center of the internal cavity 110. Due to this configuration and the configuration of the nozzle assembly 100 discussed above, the pilot valve 204 is in fluid communication with the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle assembly 100 and the pilot valve 204 can sense the pressure level of the pressurized fluid system.

[0043] To assemble the system 200, the elongated shaft 104 of the nozzle body 102 can be inserted into the inlet 208 of the main valve 206 of the pilot operated pressure reducing valve 202. The elongated shaft 104 can be secured in the inlet 208 in the manner described above. The annular ring 132 can be secured on the nozzle body 102 in the desired orientation independent of the insertion of the elongated shaft 104 into the inlet. The first end connection 212 of the fluid sensing line 210 can be inserted into the port of the annular ring 132 of the nozzle assembly 100 and the second end connection 214 of the fluid sensing line 210 can be coupled with the pilot valve 204 to establish fluid communication between the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle assembly 100 and the pilot valve 204. The fluid sensing line 210 can further include a sensing probe disposed therein that can be received by the second bore 146. The sensing probe can be configured to measure the pressure of the fluid in the internal cavity 110 of the nozzle body 102 of the nozzle assembly 100.

[0044] Figure 14One exemplary embodiment of a method 1000 for regulating system pressure of a pressurized fluid system is shown. While the method 1000 is described in the context of the nozzle assembly 100 and the system 200 Figures 1-6 of the system 200, the method 1000 is not limited to such components and can be performed to regulate other systems using a pilot operated pressure reducing valve as described herein. Figures 12A-13

[0045] In step 1010, a first inlet pressure of fluid at an inlet 208 of a main valve 206 can be received at a pilot valve 204 from a fluid sensing line 210 coupling the pilot valve 204 to a nozzle assembly 100 disposed in the inlet 208. Because the first bore and the second bore are in fluid communication with each other via the annular groove formed in the flange, fluid can flow through the first bore of the flange of the nozzle and the second bore of the annular ring of the nozzle. When the first inlet pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold pressure, the pilot valve opens. The main valve opens in response to the opening of the pilot valve to release system pressure until the inlet pressure reaches a second inlet pressure that is lower than the predetermined threshold pressure. The pilot valve, still in communication with the system pressure, will close, thereby closing the main valve.

[0046] Certain exemplary embodiments are described to provide a thorough description of the principles of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments and that the scope of the present application is defined solely by the claims. The features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment can be combined with the features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present application. Further, in the present disclosure, like-named components of the embodiments generally have similar features, and thus not every instance of a feature nomenclature need be repeated herein.

[0047] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximate language can be used to modify the quantitative representations that can vary somewhat but not result in a change of the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by one or more terms such as “about,” “approximately,” and “substantially” should not be limited to the exact value so designated. In at least some instances, the approximate language can correspond to the precision of an instrument used to measure the value. In this and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations can be combined and / or interchanged, such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise.

[0048] ​Other features and advantages of the present application will be apparent from the above embodiments. Thus, the present application is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein. By their nature, the disclosures herein, including the claims, are to be construed as illustrative only and not as limiting the scope of the invention. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A guide-operated pressure reducing valve nozzle assembly, comprising: A body configured to be fixed to a main valve, the body having an elongated shaft extending along a longitudinal axis from a first end of the body to a second end of the body, the elongated shaft having an inner cavity extending through the elongated shaft and a flange at the second end, the flange having an annular notch formed in the flange, the annular notch having an annular groove formed in the annular notch, and the flange having a first hole extending through the inner cavity to the groove; and An annular ring disposed in the annular recess, the annular ring having an inner annular ring surface, an outer annular ring surface radially outward from the inner annular ring surface, and a second hole extending through the annular ring between the inner annular ring surface and the outer annular ring surface, the second hole being in fluid communication with the first hole via the annular recess to deliver fluid from the inlet of the main valve, the annular ring being a component distinct from the main valve, the annular recess being configured to be located on the side of the flange opposite to the main valve.

2. The guide-operated pressure-reducing valve nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the groove defines a fluid passage between the groove and the surface of the inner annular ring.

3. The pressure-reducing valve nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the annular notch has a first surface and a second surface orthogonal to the first surface.

4. The pressure-reducing valve nozzle assembly of claim 3, wherein the first surface extends parallel to the longitudinal axis, and the groove is formed in the first surface.

5. The pressure-reducing valve nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the second orifice is radially offset from the first orifice.

6. The guide-operated pressure-reducing valve nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the inner cavity extends between a first opening formed at the first end and a second opening formed at the second end.

7. The guide-operated pressure reducing valve nozzle assembly of claim 1, wherein the second orifice includes a port adjacent to the surface of the outer annular ring and configured to receive a first end connection of the guide valve sensing line.

8. The pressure-reducing valve nozzle assembly with guided operation according to claim 1, wherein the annular ring is oriented independently relative to the body.

9. The guided pressure relief valve nozzle assembly of claim 6, wherein the first orifice is configured to receive a sensing tube having a sensing aperture oriented perpendicular to the centerline axis of the sensing tube and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated axis, the sensing aperture facing the second opening.

10. The guided pressure relief valve nozzle assembly of claim 9, wherein the sensing tube extends into the inner cavity such that the inlet pressure is sensed.

11. A guided pressure reducing valve system, comprising: A pilot-operated pressure reducing valve configured to regulate the system pressure of a pressurized fluid system, the pilot-operated pressure reducing valve comprising a main valve having an inlet in fluid communication with the pressurized fluid system, a pilot valve in fluid communication with the main valve, and a sensing line configured to measure the inlet pressure of the pressurized fluid system. and The pressure-reducing valve nozzle assembly with guided operation as described in any one of claims 1-10.

12. The guided-operated pressure-reducing valve system of claim 11, wherein the first orifice receives a sensing tube extending into the inner cavity such that inlet pressure is sensed.

13. The guided pressure relief valve system of claim 11, wherein the second port receives a sensing tube connected to the sensing line.

14. The guided pressure reducing valve system of claim 11, wherein the second port includes a port near the surface of the outer annular ring, the port receiving a first end connection of the sensing line, the sensing line being in fluid communication with the pilot valve.

15. The guided pressure reducing valve system of claim 11, wherein the first orifice and the second orifice are radially offset from each other.

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