Low-noise and anti-cavitation rotary control valve

Abstract

In a segmented ball valve designed for low-noise and anti-cavitation applications, a replaceable low-noise and anti-cavitation valve cartridge is secured within a valve segment secured by a valve stem and a post. The valve section has a machined cylindrical bore with a sliding-fit valve cartridge. This enables easy on-site replacement of the valve cartridge without the need for any welding or fasteners. The replaceable valve cartridge can also use a fully cylindrical valve cartridge with a greater number of pressure drop levels compared to a design in which acoustic panels are welded on the valve segments. The valve section has a flat front face to achieve a lower Fd through dual flow channels in low opening values to achieve higher noise attenuation without the need for a valve cartridge. The low-noise and anti-cavitation valve cylinder is provided with an arc-shaped plate which can achieve expanded circulation, non-impact jet flow is achieved, and therefore higher noise attenuation is achieved. The valve cylinder can achieve shrinkage in the opposite direction of circulation, so that circulation energy is reduced, and potential energy of cavitation is reduced under the condition that liquid and other flowing media circulate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Segmented ball valves are designed to control gases, steam, liquids and fiber slurries. A common problem associated with control valves is that they generate a lot of noise as they reduce pressure from upstream to downstream as required by process conditions. Cavitation is also a problem. Prior art segmented ball valves have features that reduce noise and cavitation during operation. Background Art

[0002] The segmented ball valve is a common control valve for a variety of liquids and gases that generate high noise in the process. Noise reduction is achieved by incorporating noise attenuators on the valve segment, which distribute the pressure drop over multiple sound pressure levels and absorb energy, thereby reducing noise. The valve is operated by positioning the valve segment at the desired opening to achieve specific process conditions. At high pressure drops, the noise attenuator on the valve segment provides the greatest reduction at a lower opening, while at low pressure drops, the noise attenuator on the valve segment provides the least reduction at a higher opening.

[0003] Cavitation is a liquid phenomenon in which bubbles form when the liquid pressure drops below its vapor pressure and these bubbles collapse in an area of ​​higher pressure. Cavitation also typically produces high noise and vibration.

[0004] The segmented ball valve has a single-piece valve body construction. During assembly, the valve segment, which is larger than the valve body bore, needs to be aligned in a specific orientation to be inserted through the downstream hole of the valve body and rotated to the correct position within the spherical cavity of the valve body. The noise attenuator welded to the valve segment also increases the overall size of the valve segment, making it difficult to assemble into the valve body. This limits the number and size of plates used for the noise attenuator, resulting in low performance of the attenuator. Furthermore, any changes required in the design of the noise attenuator in the field due to changes in process conditions require replacement of the entire valve segment, which requires re-hydrostatic testing.

[0005] Typical noise attenuators use a straight plate welded to the valve section, which does not produce an expanded flow or non-impact jet in its flow distribution. This results in poor noise attenuation.

[0006] According to IEC-60534-8-3, segmented ball valves have the highest valve style correction value (F (d) ) and thus contribute to the calculated noise to a higher degree. This is because the segmented ball valve has only a single opening flow path compared to the two or more flow paths of other valve types, making it the least popular valve type for high noise applications. It is desirable to reduce or minimize F d value.

[0007] The industry needs a solution that takes advantage of lower F dand a greater number of pressure drop stages with non-impinging jets effectively reduce noise and provide the flexibility to easily replace noise attenuators in the field.

[0008] Additionally, improvements to reduce cavitation within the valve body and within the segmented balls of segmented ball valves may also be desired. Summary of the invention

[0009] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein relate to various features in a segmented ball valve to more effectively reduce noise and cavitation and provide the flexibility to replace noise reduction features within the valve in the field with minimal effort.

[0010] This solution utilizes a flat segmented front profile with a precision machined cylindrical bore on the back side of the segmented ball to fit a replaceable low noise and anti-cavitation valve cartridge. The valve cartridge is made of a curved plate with the concave side facing the fluid in low noise applications. In anti-cavitation applications, the convex side of the valve cartridge curved plate faces the fluid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] By referring to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art may better understand the embodiments, and many of the tasks, features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art. These drawings are only used to illustrate typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are not to be considered as limiting the scope, as the present disclosure may allow other equally effective embodiments. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale, and certain features and certain views in the drawings may be exaggerated in proportion or schematically for clarity and conciseness.

[0012] Figure 1 Depicted is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a segmented rotary control valve shown in an exemplary embodiment for low noise purposes when flowing in a first direction and for anti-cavitation purposes when flowing in a second direction, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

[0013] Figure 2A Depicted is a schematic cross-sectional view of a range-type rotary control valve in an adjustable position in an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] Figure 2B Depicted is another schematic cross-sectional view of a range-type rotary control valve in an adjustable position in an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 3A Depicted is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a segmented rotary control valve shown in one exemplary embodiment during assembly, disassembly, or replacement of an exemplary embodiment of a low noise valve cartridge.

[0016] Figure 3B A schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a valve cartridge engaging a valve body of a segmented rotary control valve through a relatively larger diameter downstream opening is depicted.

[0017] Figure 3C Depicted is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a segmented rotary control valve shown in one exemplary embodiment during assembly, disassembly, or replacement of an exemplary embodiment of a valve cartridge for cavitation prevention.

[0018] Figure 4 and Figure 2A An exemplary embodiment is similar but is shown without a replaceable valve cartridge to facilitate illustrating two flow paths or passages.

[0019] Figure 5A Depicted is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a replaceable valve cartridge within a segmented ball.

[0020] Figure 5B Depicted is a schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of a replaceable valve cartridge within a segmented ball.

[0021] Figure 6 Depicted is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a segmented rotary control valve shown in one exemplary embodiment during assembly, disassembly, or replacement of a valve cartridge of one exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 7 Depicted is another partial schematic cross-sectional view of a segmented rotary control valve shown in an exemplary embodiment in a fully open position.

[0023] Figure 8 Depicted is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a segmented rotary control valve shown in one exemplary embodiment during assembly, disassembly, or replacement of a valve cartridge in one exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 9 Depicted is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a segmented rotary control valve shown in one exemplary embodiment during assembly, disassembly, or replacement of a valve cartridge in one exemplary embodiment.

[0025] Fig.10 Depicted is another partial schematic cross-sectional view of a segmented rotary control valve shown in an exemplary embodiment in a fully open position.

[0026] Fig.11 Depicted is a schematic cross-section of a segmented rotary control valve in a fully open position in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0027] Fig. 12A and Figure 2A Similarly, but also shown is an exemplary flow of a non-impingement jet through or ejected through the entire set of plates of the replaceable valve cartridge.

[0028] Fig. 12B and Figure 2ASimilarly, but also shown is an exemplary flow of a non-impingement jet through or ejected through the entire set of plates of the replaceable valve cartridge.

[0029] Fig.13 and Figure 2A Similar, but also showing an exemplary flow of a contracting jet through or ejecting through the entire set of plates of a replaceable valve cartridge.

[0030] Fig.14 An end perspective view of an alternative exemplary embodiment of a replaceable low noise and anti-cavitation valve cartridge is depicted.

[0031] Fig.15 Depicted Fig.14 A perspective view of another alternative exemplary embodiment of a replaceable low noise and anti-cavitation valve cartridge. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The following description includes exemplary devices, methods, techniques, and instruction sequences that embody the subject technology of the present invention. However, it is to be understood that the described embodiments can be practiced without these specific details.

[0033] Figure 1 -2 depicts a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a rotary control valve 10 shown in an exemplary embodiment of a segmented ball valve 10a. The rotary control valve 10 is Figure 1 1 is shown as a closed position, wherein the upstream flow passage 12a through the segmented ball valve 10a is closed, and therefore, for the purpose of low noise, the flow of fluid through the segmented ball valve 10a to the downstream flow passage 16a is blocked. When the rotary control valve 10 is used for the purpose of anti-cavitation, the upstream flow passage 12b and the downstream flow passage 16b flow in the opposite direction to the flow passages 12a and 16a. It is worth noting that the segmented rotary control valve 1, such as Figure 2A and Figure 2B Shown in a partially open position, generally not fully closed, nor fully open, wherein the flow direction is one direction (eg Figure 2A and Figure 2B In contrast, the range-type rotary control valve 10 is typically modulated between various positions between a fully closed position and a fully open position.

[0034] The segmented rotary control valve 10 may have a valve body 18, a segmented ball 20, a valve seat 22, upper and lower valve stems 24a, 24b, and two connection ends 26a, 26b. The connection end 26a defines a relatively smaller diameter opening 26c to the valve body 18, and thus the flow passage 30 defines a relatively larger diameter opening 26d to flow to the valve body 18 and thus to the flow passage 30.

[0035] As mentioned earlier, in Figure 1The middle segmented ball 20 is shown in the closed position. In the closed position, the segmented ball 20 has been rotated, so that the solid part of the segmented ball 20 abuts against the valve seat 22 to seal (multiple) flow paths 14a, 14b. In the open position achieved by the rotation of the segmented ball 20, the hole 30 defined by the valve body 18 allows the fluid to flow through (multiple) flow paths 14a, 14b and flow through the segmented ball valve 10a. The upper valve stem 24a and the lower valve stem 24b can penetrate the valve body 18 via the passage 32 in the valve body 18. An actuator (not shown) can be engaged to the upper valve stem 24a to actuate the segmented ball 20 between various open positions and closed positions. As shown, the connection end 26 is configured to be connected to a pipeline (not shown). The connection end 26 can be any suitable connection, including but not limited to welding, butt welding, plug welding, flange bolts, etc.

[0036] The segmented ball 20 includes a flat segmented front profile 40 that faces or confronts the upstream flow passage 12a when the segmented ball 20 is in the closed position for low noise purposes. When the segmented ball 20 is used for cavitation purposes, the flat segmented front profile 40 faces or confronts the downstream flow passage 16b. The segmented ball 20 defines an internal hollow, chamber or cavity, such as a precision machined cylindrical hole 42 on the back side 44 of the segmented ball 20. The internal chamber 42 is adapted to receive or fit a replaceable low noise and anti-cavitation valve cartridge 50 within the segmented ball 20. The cavity 42 extends completely through the segmented ball 20.

[0037] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the low noise and anti-cavitation valve cartridge 50 is composed of arc plates 52, 54 and 56 placed on or interconnected in the valve cartridge body 62. The valve cartridge body 62 can be single, integral, or one-piece with the arc plates 52, 54 and 56. In certain exemplary embodiments, the valve cartridge body 62 can be manufactured together or synchronously with the arc plates 52, 54 and 56. The arc plates 52, 54 and 56 mounted on or interconnected with the concave surface face the flow paths 12a, 16a in low noise use. For anti-cavitation purposes, the convex surfaces 52b, 54b, 56b mounted on or interconnected with the arc plates 52, 54 and 56, respectively, will face the flow paths 12b, 16b. The low noise and anti-cavitation valve cartridge 50 can be replaced in the internal passage 42.

[0038] like Figure 2AAs shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of end bands 80 and 82 orthogonal to the arcuate plates 52, 54 and 56 are connected at or between the ends of the arcuate plates 52, 54 and 56 and define openings 90. When the segmented rotary control valve 10 is in a lower open position (i.e., not a fully closed position, but somewhat close to a fully closed position, depending on the variables discussed below in this paragraph), the end bands 80 and 82 are features and structures that force a certain volume of fluid to flow primarily through the multiple levels of arcuate plates 52, 54 and 56, rather than using the most convenient flow path (i.e., flow paths 14a and / or 14b). The area defined by the openings 90 is selected to provide the least resistance to flow when the valve 10 is fully open, but also to provide sufficient resistance (through the end bands 80, 82) during regulation to force a certain volume of fluid to flow through the plates 52, 54, 56. The openings 90 can include any of a variety of shapes, but are not limited to oval, circular and rectangular. In various exemplary embodiments, one or both of the end plates 52, 54 and 56 may be selectively blocked depending on flow process conditions. Thus, the number of band segments 80 and 82 and the area defined by the opening 90 are both variables. Figure 14 to Figure 15 In an alternative exemplary embodiment depicted in , the valve cartridge 50 may be mounted on a screen. Figure 14 to Figure 15 In another exemplary embodiment shown, the valve cartridge 50 may include additional curved plates 58 and 60 having corresponding concave surfaces 58a, 60a, convex surfaces 58b, 60b, and having ports or bores 78, 79 and additional band segments 84. Additional curved plates (having corresponding concave surfaces, convex surfaces and bores) and band segments are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0039] Reference Figures 3A-3C and Figure 6-10 In the exemplary embodiment of the sectional rotary control valve 10, during assembly or disassembly, the upper valve stem 24a and the lower valve stem 24b are pushed or pulled through the sectional rotary control valve 10 and the sectional ball 20, and are completely pushed out or pulled out of the valve cartridge 50, so that the valve cartridge 50 can be assembled, disassembled and replaced, respectively (in contrast, in the prior art, it is very difficult to assemble a fully welded / integrated noise attenuator into a valve without a valve cartridge 50 due to interference). It is worth noting that the upper valve stem 24a and the lower valve stem 24b will remain in the sectional ball 20 during assembly or disassembly of the valve cartridge 50, and therefore the sectional ball 20 should remain in place within the sectional rotary control valve 10 during assembly, disassembly and / or replacement of the valve cartridge 50. Figure 3A , Figure 3B and Figure 6-10The valve cartridge 50 is inserted through the downstream hole 26d of the valve 10 into the close fitting internal passage or cylindrical bore 42 of the segmented ball 20 which is maintained in the fully open position. In an exemplary embodiment, the close fit may be defined as a clearance or fit of H7 / g6. The valve cartridge 50 may be locked into the segmented ball 20 as follows: the upper valve stem 24a and the lower valve stem 24b are then inserted into the final position through the openings 64 and 68 through the valve cartridge body 62 to pass through and secure the valve cartridge 50 in place within the segmented ball 20 and the valve body 18. The upper valve stem 24a and the lower valve stem 24b do not pass through the valve cartridge 50, but preferably terminate at one end within the wall of the valve cartridge body 62 (i.e., adjacent, connected to, or close to one or more of the arcuate plates 52, 54, 56, 58, and / or 60). Figure 3C For low noise purposes (such as Figure 3B Compared to the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , when used for anti-cavitation purposes, the downstream opening of the valve body 18 adjacent to the segmented ball 20 may optionally include a liner 92 for protecting the valve body 18 at the downstream end. The liner 92 may function to protect residual cavitation (if any).

[0040] See also Figure 4 , the flat segmented front profile 40 forms two independent flow passages or channels 14a, 14b at the lower adjustment position opening of the segmented ball 20 in the valve body 18, and takes into account the valve seat 22. The flat segmented front profile 40 allows or facilitates flow through the two independent flow passages or channels 14a, 14b. The depth d of the flat segmented front profile 40 in the segmented ball 20 can affect and improve the noise reduction effect. The depth d can be defined so that when the valve 10 is in a twenty to eighty percent open state, which is the recommended operating range for control valves, the flow through the independent flow passages or channels 14b. The depth d of the flat segment front profile 40 also helps to achieve a higher Cv in addition to attenuation. Therefore, this helps to obtain a lower valve style correction value (F (d) ), and thus obtain better flow distribution. From the formula in IEC60534-8-3 (International Electrotechnical Commission standard for the prediction of internal noise in control valves, reflecting the acoustic efficiency of the valve interior), it is obvious that when there are a large number of independent flow channels or passages in the valve trim, F d This is shown by the significantly lower F of a representative working example of an eccentric rotary plug valve given in the following table of IEC60534-8-3: d value, further proved.

[0041]

[0042] See also Figure 5A . Figure 5AIn the embodiment of the present invention, the exemplary curved plates indicated as 52, 54 and 56 used in the valve cartridge 50 facilitate the expansion of the flow with multiple non-impact jets 70 through the multiple channels or orifices 72, 74 and 76 through each plate 52, 54 and 56, thereby achieving better noise attenuation, which is similar to the linear ball control valve with attenuator, however, the Cv value of the rotary control valve with attenuator implemented in the present disclosure will be higher than that of the linear ball control valve with attenuator (the area increased when the valve cartridge moves in the linear ball valve is smaller than that of the rotary valve with attenuator of the present disclosure; for more information on this aspect, see Fig.11 The plurality of apertures or orifices 72, 74 and 76 are non-aligned or staggered between each or any consecutively adjacent (i.e., next to) plates 52, 54 and 56 to produce a stepped pressure drop effect of multiple non-impinging jets 70 passing or spraying through the entire set of curved plates 52, 54 and 56 used in the valve cartridge 50 (see Fig. 12A and 12B The exemplary embodiment shown in is only an example of non-impact at each level). This explains why Figure 5A-5B The plurality of apertures or orifices 74 in each plate 54 are not visible in the cross-section of the replaceable valve cartridge 50 shown. In other words, the apertures or orifices from each successive adjacent plate between the plates 52, 54 and 56 are offset (i.e., are not overlapping projections of the apertures through the entire set of plates of the valve cartridge 50). It is worth noting that the exemplarily illustrated curved plates 52, 54 and 56 are more effective than flat plates because the multiple jets 70 do not collide at each stage and provide a larger area for the expansion of a single jet, although flat plates (multiple) may also be joined.

[0043] Figure 5B Depicted are a converging jet 94 that reduces the energy of the fluid, and a plurality of plates 52, 54 and 56 with holes and orifices 72, 74, 76 that provide a graded pressure drop, thereby reducing the potential for cavitation. Figure 5A The same valve cartridge 50 used for noise reduction in Figure 5B The reduction of cavitation in the process is premised on the flow medium being in reverse flow. Fig.13 An example flow of a converging jet 94 passing or projecting through the entire set of plates 52, 54, 56 of the replaceable valve cartridge 50 and reducing cavitation therein is depicted. The curvature of the convex surfaces 52b, 54b and 56b (and corresponding openings 72, 74, 76) directs, angles and effectively constricts the jet 94 and reduces cavitation, whereas flat plates would not be able to effectively constrict the jet.

[0044] The dual flow paths or passages 14a, 14b created by the flat front profile 40 and the multiple apertures or orifices 72, 74, 76, 78 and 79 defined through the plates 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 create better flow distribution (i.e., a more gradual pressure drop). As shown, in certain exemplary embodiments, the valve cartridge 50 may have plates 52, 54, 56 (with corresponding concave and convex surfaces and apertures); in further exemplary embodiments, the valve cartridge 50 may have a large number of additional curved plates (e.g., curved plates 58, 60) as desired.

[0045] Although a segmented ball valve 10a has been described as an exemplary embodiment, any type of rotary control valve 10 may achieve the improvements and functionality discussed.

[0046] Although the exemplary embodiments are described with reference to various implementations and modes of use, it is worth noting that these exemplary embodiments are illustrative and the scope of the inventive subject matter is not limited to these exemplary embodiments. Many variations, modifications, additions and improvements are possible.

[0047] The components, operations or structures described herein may provide multiple embodiments as a single embodiment. In general, the structures and functions presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, the structures and functions presented as separate components may also be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions and improvements are within the scope of the subject matter of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rotary control valve device, comprising A valve body defining a flow passage; Segmented ball mounted in valve body; an upper stem connected to a segmented ball; a lower stem connected to the segmented ball; in, The segmented ball has a flat segmented front profile; wherein the segmented sphere has an internal chamber; and a valve cartridge that fits within the interior chamber and is connected to the upper and lower valve stems; Wherein, the valve cartridge comprises a plurality of arc-shaped plates and / or flat plates, each of which has a plurality of orifices; Wherein, when a certain volume of fluid medium flows through the valve body along a first direction, the multiple orifices passing through each of the multiple curved plates and / or flat plates are configured to produce multiple non-impact jets, and wherein, when a certain volume of fluid medium passes through the valve body along a second direction, the multiple orifices passing through each of the multiple curved plates and / or flat plates are configured to produce multiple contraction jets, wherein the second direction is opposite to the first direction.

2. The rotary control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the plurality of orifices are misaligned between each of the plurality of curved plates and / or flat plates that are successively adjacent.

3. The rotary control valve assembly of claim 1, wherein the segmented ball further comprises a mechanism for securing and replacing the valve cartridge.

4. The rotary control valve device according to claim 3, wherein the mechanism for fixing and replacing the valve cartridge comprises: An upper valve stem and a lower valve stem are mounted in the valve body, wherein the valve cylinder further comprises a valve cylinder body defining two openings therethrough, and wherein the upper valve stem and the lower valve stem are respectively inserted into one of the two openings through the valve cylinder body.

5. A method for modifying the flow distribution characteristics of a rotary control valve, comprising the following steps: Pull the upper valve stem and the lower valve stem out of the existing valve cylinder through the segmented ball containing the existing valve cylinder in the valve body; After the upper valve stem and the lower valve stem are pulled out from the existing valve cartridge, the existing valve cartridge is removed through the downstream hole defined by the valve body; inserting a new valve cartridge through a downstream aperture defined by the valve body into a close fitting internal chamber defined within the segmented ball while retaining the segmented ball in an open position; as well as Insert the upper and lower stems into the new valve cartridge through the segmented ball to secure the new valve cartridge within the segmented ball in the valve body.

6. The method of claim 5, during the step of pulling the upper and lower valve stems out of the existing valve barrel through the segmented ball, wherein the upper and lower valve stems are retained within the segmented ball, and wherein the segmented ball is retained within the valve body.

7. The method according to claim 5, further comprising the steps of: The new valve cartridge is removed and the medium flow of the rotary control valve is controlled without the existing valve cartridge and with the new valve cartridge.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of reinserting a new valve cartridge into a downstream bore defined through the valve body and into a close fitting internal chamber defined within the segmented ball while maintaining the segmented ball in an open position.

9. A method for obtaining improved flow distribution in a rotary control valve, comprising the steps of: A flat segmented front profile is provided which is defined by the segmented sphere; inserting the valve cartridge into a close fitting interior chamber defined within the segmented ball; and The segmented ball is rotated within the valve body to position the flat segmented front profile of the segmented ball to form two independent flow paths within and through the valve body.

10. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: When a certain volume of fluid medium flows through the valve body via a plurality of curved plates and / or flat plates arranged in series in the segmented sphere, a plurality of non-impact jets are generated, wherein each of the plurality of curved plates and / or flat plates has a plurality of orifices.

11. The method according to claim 10, further comprising the steps of: By staggering a plurality of openings between each of the plurality of curved plates and / or flat plates that are continuously adjacent to each other, the pressure drop of the plurality of non-impact jets flowing through the valve cylinder is staged.

12. The method according to claim 9, further comprising the steps of: When a certain volume of fluid medium flows through the valve body via a plurality of arc-shaped plates disposed successively in a segmented sphere, a plurality of contracting jets are generated, wherein each arc-shaped plate has a plurality of orifices.

13. The method according to claim 12, further comprising the steps of: By staggering a plurality of orifices between consecutively adjacent plates in a plurality of arcuate plates, the pressure drop of a plurality of contracting jets flowing through a valve cartridge is staged.

14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of reducing the energy of the flowing medium.

15. A segmented ball for reducing noise and cavitation of a flowing medium in a rotary control valve, comprising: The valve cartridge is inserted into the segmented ball; A first arc-shaped plate interconnected with the valve cylinder; a second arc-shaped plate interconnected with the valve cylinder, wherein the second arc-shaped plate is adjacent to the first arc-shaped plate; a plurality of first channels defined in the first curved plate; and A second plurality of apertures are defined in the second curved plate, wherein the second plurality of apertures are not aligned with the first plurality of apertures.

16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a band segment orthogonal to the first and second curved plates and connected to the first and second curved plates at the first end of the valve cartridge.

17. The device of claim 16, wherein the belt segment defines a plurality of openings.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, further comprising a first direction of the flowing medium, wherein the first curved plate and the second curved plate each include a concave surface facing the first direction of the flowing medium.

19. The device of claim 18, further comprising a second direction of the flowing medium, wherein the first curved plate and the second curved plate respectively comprise convex surfaces facing the second direction of the flowing medium.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a liner adjacent to the segmented sphere.

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