Assembly for maintaining interior of fluid control valve while fluid control valve is operating

Abstract

A nozzle assembly for maintaining the interior of a valve while the valve is operating. The assembly includes a main body adapted to engage a top side of a bonnet of a valve. The assembly includes a spray nozzle removably coupleable to a main body and including a nozzle body removably disposed in a central bore of the main body, and a flow channel extending through a portion of the nozzle body, the flow passage is adapted to be coupled to a source of maintenance fluid for the fluid control valve. The assembly includes a tip coupled to an end of the nozzle body and in fluid communication with the flow passage such that when the nozzle body is removably disposed in the central bore of the main body, the tip is positioned to dispense maintenance fluid from the source into the interior of the valve cover.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to fluid control valves, and more particularly, to components for maintaining the interior of a fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is in operation. Background Art

[0002] Process control systems typically include various components for controlling various process parameters. For example, a fluid process control system may include a plurality of fluid control valves for controlling the flow rate, temperature, and / or pressure of fluid flowing through the system. The final product depends on the control accuracy of these parameters, which in turn depends on the geometry and characteristics of the control valves. For example, fluid control valves are specifically designed and selected to achieve specific flow and pressure variations. When these characteristics are compromised, it may affect the quality of the final product.

[0003] Fluid control valves typically include components such as a valve body, an internal valve component assembly disposed in the valve body (e.g., a flow control member, a valve stem, a valve seat), a valve bonnet coupled to the valve body and holding the valve stem in place, and various sealing elements (e.g., gaskets, seals) disposed between the respective sealing surfaces in the valve body and the components of the internal valve component assembly to prevent fluid leakage therebetween. However, during operation of the fluid control valve, particles may deposit on the components of the fluid control valve, affecting the normal function of the fluid control valve. For example, in some applications, viscous hydrocarbon substances may accumulate on the internal valve component assembly, interfering with the normal operation of the flow control member.

[0004] To ensure that the quality of the final product is not affected and to ensure that the components of the fluid control valve function properly, the components of the fluid control valve should be cleaned frequently. In some cases, conventional cleaning processes involve closing the fluid control valve and completely disassembling the fluid control valve. More specifically, the cleaning process typically involves closing the fluid control valve, removing the valve bonnet, removing the internal valve component assembly from the valve body, removing the sealing elements, and then soaking or spraying the valve body, the internal valve component assembly, the valve bonnet, or the sealing elements. In some cases, the components of the fluid control valve are cleaned by having the fluid control valve operator manually scrub some or all of the parts of the components. However, such a cleaning process does not effectively and consistently clean the sealing surfaces in the valve body that may be difficult to access and observe. And even when the cleaning process is effective, the process exposes the operator to potentially hazardous chemicals, materials, or sharp features that may be present in the valve body. In addition, the process can be time-consuming. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a nozzle assembly for maintaining the interior of a fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is in operation. The nozzle assembly is configured to be coupled to the top side of a valve cover of the fluid control valve. The nozzle assembly includes a main body that is adapted to engage the top side of the valve cover when the nozzle assembly is coupled to the top side of the valve cover. The main body includes a central bore. The nozzle assembly also includes a spray nozzle and a flange, the spray nozzle being removably couplable to the main body, the flange being removably couplable to the main body to secure the spray nozzle within the main body. The spray nozzle includes a nozzle body that is removably disposed within the central bore of the main body when the spray nozzle is coupled to the main body. The spray nozzle also includes a flow passage that extends through a portion of the nozzle body. The flow passage is adapted to be coupled to a source of maintenance fluid for the fluid control valve. The spray nozzle further includes a nozzle tip that is coupled to an end of the nozzle body and is in fluid communication with the flow passage such that when the main body engages the top side of the valve cover and the nozzle body is removably disposed within the central bore of the main body, the nozzle tip is positioned within the interior of the valve cover so that the nozzle tip distributes maintenance fluid from the source of maintenance fluid into the interior of the valve cover.

[0006] According to a second exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an assembly for maintaining the interior of a fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is in operation. The assembly includes a valve cover that is adapted to be coupled to a valve body of the fluid control valve. The assembly also includes a nozzle assembly that is configured to be coupled to the top side of the valve cover of the fluid control valve. The nozzle assembly includes a main body that is configured to engage the top side of the valve cover when the nozzle assembly is coupled to the top side of the valve cover. The main body includes a central bore. The nozzle assembly also includes a spray nozzle and a flange, the spray nozzle being removably couplable to the main body, the flange being removably couplable to the main body to secure the spray nozzle within the main body. The spray nozzle includes a nozzle body that is removably disposed within the central bore of the main body when the spray nozzle is coupled to the main body. The spray nozzle also includes a flow passage that extends through a portion of the nozzle body. The flow passage is adapted to be coupled to a source of maintenance fluid for the fluid control valve. The spray nozzle further includes a nozzle tip that is coupled to an end of the nozzle body and is in fluid communication with the flow passage such that when the main body engages the top side of the valve cover and the nozzle body is removably disposed within the central bore of the main body, the nozzle tip is positioned within the interior of the valve cover and adjacent to the interior of the valve body of the fluid control valve so that the nozzle tip distributes maintenance fluid from the source of maintenance fluid into the interior of the body of the fluid control valve.

[0007] According to a third exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of maintaining the interior of a fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is operating is provided. The fluid control valve includes a body and a valve cover coupled to the body. The method includes obtaining a spray nozzle that includes a nozzle body, a flow passage extending through a portion of the nozzle body, and a nozzle tip coupled to an end of the nozzle body and in fluid communication with the flow passage. The method includes coupling the spray nozzle to a main body that engages the top side of the valve cover such that the nozzle body is removably disposed in a central bore of the main body and the nozzle tip is positioned within the interior of the valve cover and adjacent to the interior of the valve body of the fluid control valve. The method includes fixedly holding the nozzle body in the central bore of the main body by coupling a flange to the main body. The method includes fluidly coupling the flow passage of the spray nozzle to a source of maintenance fluid for the fluid control valve. The method further includes dispensing maintenance fluid from the source of maintenance fluid into the interior of the valve cover and the interior of the body of the fluid control valve via the nozzle tip.

[0008] Further in accordance with any one or more of the foregoing first exemplary aspect, second exemplary aspect, or third exemplary aspect, the nozzle assembly, assembly, and / or method for maintaining the interior of a fluid control valve may include any one or more of the following additional preferred forms.

[0009] In a preferred form, a retaining element is removably disposed between the flange and the spray nozzle, the retaining element being configured to hold the nozzle body in the central bore of the main body.

[0010] In another preferred form, a sealing element is carried by the nozzle body, the sealing element being configured to form a seal between the main body and the spray nozzle.

[0011] In another preferred form, the nozzle tip is removably coupled to the end of the nozzle body such that the nozzle tip is removable and replaceable with a second nozzle tip that provides different flow characteristics than the nozzle tip.

[0012] In another preferred form, a spray plug is removably disposable in the central bore of the main body when the spray nozzle is disengaged from the main body, the spray plug being configured to seal the central bore of the main body.

[0013] In another preferred form, the nozzle body has a first portion disposed within the main body and a second portion disposed outside the main body.

[0014] In another preferred form, a controller is communicatively coupled to the spray nozzle, the controller being configured to cause the nozzle tip to dispense maintenance fluid at a predetermined time.

[0015] In another preferred form, the retaining element is removably disposed between the flange and the spray nozzle, and the retaining element is configured to hold the nozzle body in the central hole of the main body and hold the nozzle tip inside the valve cap.

[0016] In another preferred form, the spray plug can be removably disposed in the central hole of the main body when the spray nozzle is detached from the main body. When the spray plug is removably disposed in the central hole of the main body, the flange can be removably coupled to the main body to fixedly hold the spray plug in the central hole of the main body, such that the spray plug is configured to seal the central hole of the main body.

[0017] In another preferred form, the main body and the valve cap are integrally formed.

[0018] In another preferred form, the assembly includes an inner component assembly that is adapted to be disposed in the body of a fluid control valve. When the main body engages the top side of the valve cap and the nozzle body is removably disposed in the central hole of the main body, the nozzle tip is positioned adjacent to a portion of the inner component assembly, such that the nozzle tip distributes maintenance fluid from a source of maintenance fluid onto the inner component assembly.

[0019] In another preferred form, the valve cap includes a central hole that is adapted to receive a rod for a fluid control valve. The central hole of the valve cap extends along a first axis, and the central hole of the main body extends along a second axis that is angled relative to the first axis.

[0020] In another preferred form, a gasket is disposed between the main body and the flange when the flange is coupled to the main body.

[0021] In another preferred form, the method includes removing the flange from the main body, detaching the spray nozzle from the main body by removing the nozzle body from the central hole of the main body, obtaining a spray plug, removably disposing the spray plug in the central hole of the main body, and fixedly holding the spray plug in the central hole of the main body by re-coupling the flange to the main body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an example of an assembly for maintaining the interior of a fluid control valve in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0023] Figure 2 is Figure 1 a top view of the assembly.

[0024] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 3-3 in Figure 2 showing the spray nozzle installed in the valve cap.

[0025] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a close-up view of a part of

[0026] Figure 5 Similar to Figure 4 but with a spray plug installed in place of the spray nozzle.

[0027] Figure 6 is a perspective view of another example of a component for servicing the interior of a fluid control valve in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 7 is Figure 6 a top view of the component of

[0029] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 in Figure 7 of

[0030] Figure 9 is Figure 8 a close-up view of a part of

[0031] Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of another example of a component for servicing the interior of a fluid control valve in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure, the component including a valve cover and a spray nozzle mounted in the valve cover.

[0032] Figure 11 is Figure 10 a close-up view of a part of

[0033] Figure 12 Similar to Figure 10 but showing a spray plug installed in place of the spray nozzle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The present disclosure aims to solve the problems discussed above by providing a component for servicing the interior of a fluid control valve with one or more maintenance fluids while the fluid control valve is in operation. Thus, the component enables the cleaning of the components within the interior of the fluid control valve (e.g., the valve internals assembly) without having to shut down the fluid control valve (or, even more, without having to shut down the fluid control valve and then completely disassemble it). The component also obviates the need for an operator of the fluid control valve to manually wipe parts or all of the parts of the fluid control valve.

[0035] Figures 1 to 5An example of a component 100 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure is illustrated. Accordingly, the component 100 is constructed to maintain the interior of a fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is in operation. The component 100 generally includes a valve cover 104 and three nozzle assemblies 108 that are coupled to each other and to the valve cover 104. The valve cover 104, which is generally considered to be part of the fluid control valve, is constructed to be coupled to the valve body of the fluid control valve to encapsulate the other components of the fluid control valve within the valve body. For example, in Figure 3 the valve cover 104 is shown coupled to the valve body 109 to encapsulate the valve internals assembly 110 (which includes a flow control member 111A, a valve seat 111B, and a valve stem 115) and one or more seal elements disposed within the valve body 109. The valve cover 104 also has a central bore that extends along a central axis 114 and houses the valve stem 115, which extends through the central bore and in turn controls the position of the flow member 111A relative to the valve seat 111B.

[0036] As Figure 1 and Figure 2 best illustrated, the three nozzle assemblies 108 are coupled to each other and to a source of maintenance fluid (not shown) for the fluid control valve via conventional tubing and fittings (e.g., Swagelok tubing and fittings). Each nozzle assembly 108 is coupled to the top side 112 of the valve cover 104 such that the nozzle assemblies 108 are circumferentially arranged about the central axis 114. In this example, each nozzle assembly 108 is welded to the top side 112 of the valve cover 104. However, in other examples, the nozzle assemblies 108 may be removably coupled to the top side 112 of the valve cover 104 or fixedly coupled to the top side 112 of the valve cover 104 in a different manner. In any case, when the valve cover 104 is coupled to the valve body of the fluid control valve, each nozzle assembly 108 is at least partially exposed to the external environment. In this example, each nozzle assembly 108 is coupled to the top side 112 of the valve cover 104 at an angle relative to the central axis 114 of the valve cover 104. More specifically, each nozzle assembly 108 extends along an axis 118 that is not parallel to the central axis 114 of the valve cover 104 (see Figure 3 ). However, in other examples, each nozzle assembly 108 may be coupled to the top side 112 of the valve cover 104 such that the axis 118 is parallel to the central axis 114 of the valve cover 104.

[0037] As Figure 3 and Figure 4Illustratively, each nozzle assembly 108 generally includes a main body 116, a spray nozzle 120, and a flange 124. When each nozzle assembly 108 is coupled to the top side 112 of the valve cover 104, the main body 116 of the nozzle assembly 108 directly engages (and at least in this example, is welded to) the top side 112 of the valve cover 104. The spray nozzle 120 is removably coupled to the main body 116, and the flange 124 is removably coupled to the main body 116 to secure the spray nozzle 120 within the main body 116.

[0038] Still referring Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the main body 116 of each spray nozzle assembly 108 is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a central bore 128 extending along an axis 118. The spray nozzle 120 generally includes a nozzle body 132, a flow passage 136, and a nozzle tip 140 that is in fluid communication with the flow passage 136. The nozzle body 132 is also generally cylindrical in shape, which is defined by a first portion 144 and a second portion 148. The outer surface of the first portion has a first diameter at a first end 142 of the nozzle body 132, and the outer surface of the second portion has a second diameter at a second end 168 of the nozzle body 132, and the second diameter is less than the first diameter. When the spray nozzle 120 is coupled to the main body 116, the first portion 144 is removably disposed within the central bore 128 of the main body 116, while the second portion 148 is partially disposed within the central bore 128, extends through a hole 152 formed in the valve cover 104, and is partially disposed within the interior 156 of the valve cover 104. In other words, the second portion 148 of the nozzle body 132 is at least partially disposed outside the main body 116.

[0039] The flow passage 136 extends through a portion of the nozzle body 132. In this example, the flow passage 136 extends along the axis 118 and through a substantial portion of the nozzle body 132, where the flow passage 136 extends from an inlet 160 located in the first portion 144 to an outlet 164 located in the second portion 148 adjacent the second end 168. The inlet 160 is configured to be coupled to a source of maintenance fluid, and the outlet 164 is located within the interior 156 of the valve cover 104.

[0040] The nozzle tip 140 is coupled to the second end 168 of the nozzle body 132 such that the nozzle tip 140 is in fluid communication with the outlet 148 of the flow passage 136. Subsequently, when the main body 116 engages the top side 112 of the valve cover 104 and the nozzle body 132 is disposed in the central bore 128 of the main body 116, the nozzle tip 140 is positioned within the interior 156 of the valve cover 104. Thus, when the valve cover 104 is coupled to the valve body of the fluid control valve, the nozzle tip 140 is positioned within the interior of the fluid control valve. Accordingly, the nozzle tip 140 is positioned to distribute maintenance fluid that flows in and through the flow passage 136 from the source of the maintenance fluid into the interior of the valve cover 104 (and into the interior of the fluid control valve).

[0041] The nozzle tip 140 is configured to output maintenance fluid into the interior of a fluid control valve having predetermined flow characteristics. More specifically, the predetermined flow characteristics are defined by the size, shape, flow rate, and / or one or more flow paths of the nozzle tip 140. In this example, the nozzle tip 140 is threadedly engaged into the second end 168 of the nozzle body 132 such that the nozzle tip 140 can be removed and replaced with a second nozzle tip that outputs maintenance fluid into the interior of the fluid control valve, the flow characteristics of which are different from the flow characteristics achieved by the nozzle tip 140. In other words, the nozzle tip 140 can be removed and replaced with a second nozzle tip that has a different size, shape, flow rate, and / or one or more flow paths than the nozzle tip 140. However, in other examples, the nozzle tip 140 can be removably coupled to the nozzle body 132 in a different manner (or the nozzle tip 140 can be fixedly coupled to the nozzle body 132).

[0042] The flange 124 is a blind flange, the generally cylindrical shape and size of which respectively match the shape and size of the main body 116. The flange 124 can be removably coupled to the main body 116 via a plurality of fasteners 170. In this example, the flange 124 can be removably coupled to the main body 116 via four fasteners 170. However, in other examples, the flange 124 can be removably coupled to the main body 116 by using more or fewer fasteners 170. In any case, when the flange 124 is coupled to the main body 116 via a plurality of fasteners 170, the flange 124 helps to hold the other components of the spray nozzle assembly 108 within the spray nozzle assembly 108.

[0043] As Figure 4As a best example, each nozzle assembly 108 also includes a retaining element 172 configured to hold the nozzle body 132 within the central bore 128 of the main body 116. To this end, the retaining element 172 is removably disposed between the flange 124 and the spray nozzle 120 when the flange 124 is coupled to the main body 116. Preferably, the retaining element 172 is in the form of a Belleville washer disposed between the underside of the flange 124 and the second portion 148 of the nozzle body 132.

[0044] Also as Figure 4 an example, each nozzle assembly 108 also preferably includes a first sealing element 176 and a second sealing element 180. The first sealing element 176 is configured to form a seal between the main body 116 and the spray nozzle 120. To this end, at least in this example, the first sealing element 176 is disposed within an aperture formed in the outer surface of the second portion 148 of the nozzle body 132. Thus, when the spray nozzle 120 is coupled to the main body 116, the first sealing element 176 is disposed within the central bore 128 and engages the inner wall of the main body 116, as Figure 4 illustrated. Meanwhile, the second sealing element 180 is configured to seal the nozzle assembly 108 from the external environment surrounding the nozzle assembly 108. In this example, the second sealing element 180 is in the form of a sealing washer (and more specifically, an O-ring) disposed between the underside of the flange 124 and the main body 116. Although difficult to observe, the second sealing element 180 has a central aperture sized to receive or accommodate the retaining element 172 such that the second sealing element 180 surrounds the retaining element 172.

[0045] As discussed above, the assembly 100 is configured to service the interior of the fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is operating. More specifically, when the main bodies 116 of one or more nozzle assemblies 108 are coupled to the valve cover 104 and the spray nozzles 120 are coupled to the main bodies 116, the nozzle tips 140 are positioned to dispense a service fluid into the interior of the fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is operating. The service fluid, preferably in the form of a cleaning solvent, gas, or liquid, is sprayed into the interior of the valve cover 104 and into the fluid control valve and directly onto the internal components of the fluid control valve, e.g., the valve internals assembly 110, the inner surface of the valve body, and the sealing elements. The service fluid flushes, cleans, or otherwise prepares the internal components of the fluid control valve, all while the fluid control valve is still operating.

[0046] Meanwhile, after the interior of the fluid control valve has been serviced, the spray nozzle 120 can be disengaged from the valve cap 104, all while the fluid control valve remains in an operating state. The spray nozzle 120 can be disengaged from the valve cap 104 by removing the flange 124 from the main body 116, removing the retaining element 172 to allow access to the central bore 128, and then removing the spray nozzle 120 from the central bore 128. The spray nozzle 120 can then be replaced with a spray plug 200 that is removably disposed within the central bore 128. With the spray plug 200 disposed within the central bore 128, the retaining element 172 can be positioned over the spray plug 200 and the flange 124 can be re-coupled to the main body 116 via a plurality of fasteners 170 to fixedly retain the spray plug 200 within the central bore 128.

[0047] As Figure 5 an example, the plug body 202 of the spray plug 200 is substantially similar to the nozzle body 132. However, unlike the spray nozzle 120, the injection plug 200 does not include a flow passage (e.g., flow passage 136) and does not include a nozzle tip (e.g., nozzle tip 140). Thus, when the plug body 202 is disposed within the central bore 128, the spray plug 200 breaks fluid communication between the interior of the valve cap 104 and the central bore 128 of the main body 116. Accordingly, the spray plug 200 seals the central bore 128 from the interior 156 of the valve cap 104 (and the interior of the fluid control valve) and seals the external environment from the interior 156 of the valve cap 104 (and the interior of the fluid control valve), thereby maintaining the pressure within the interior 156 of the valve cap 104 (and the interior of the fluid control valve).

[0048] It should be understood that when it is necessary to service the fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is operating, the spray plug 200 can be removed and replaced with the spray nozzle 120 (or a different spray nozzle) in a similar manner. Optionally, the assembly 100 can be communicatively coupled (via a wired connection and / or a wireless connection) to a controller (e.g., controller 204) that can monitor and control the spray nozzle 120. For example, when the spray nozzle 120 is installed within the valve cap 104, the controller can cause the spray nozzle 120 to dispense a maintenance fluid at a predetermined time or at predetermined intervals as a preventive measure to ensure that the fluid control valve continues to operate as expected. Alternatively or in addition, the controller can cause the spray nozzle 120 to dispense a maintenance fluid when it is determined that the fluid control valve needs to be serviced (e.g., because the controller has determined that a viscous hydrocarbon substance has accumulated on the valve internals assembly 110, thereby affecting the normal operation of the flow control member).

[0049] Figures 6 to 9Illustrates another example of a component 600 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Thus, the component 600 is also constructed to maintain the interior of the fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is operating. The component 600 is structurally and functionally similar to the component 100, but differs in several respects. First, although the component 600 includes a valve cover 604 that is the same as the valve cover 104, the component 600 includes four nozzle assemblies 608 that are coupled to each other and to the valve cover 604. Second, although each nozzle assembly 608 is coupled to the top side 612 of the valve cover 604 in the same manner as the nozzle assembly 608 is coupled to the top side 112 of the valve cover 104, the orientation of the nozzle assembly 608 relative to the central axis 614 of the valve cover 604 is different. More specifically, unlike the nozzle assembly 108 that extends along an axis 118 that is not parallel to the central axis 114 of the valve cover 104, each nozzle assembly 608 extends along an axis 618 that is substantially parallel to (if not exactly parallel to) the central axis 614 of the valve cover 604. However, according to Figures 6 to 8 , it should be understood that each nozzle assembly 608 is otherwise structurally and functionally the same as the nozzle assembly 108 described above. For example, each nozzle assembly 608 has a spray nozzle that can be installed in the valve cover 604 to maintain the interior of the valve cover 604 (and the fluid control valve) while the fluid control valve is operating, but can be removed and replaced with a spray plug (such as the spray plug 200) when needed. For the sake of brevity, other details regarding the nozzle assembly 608 will be omitted.

[0050] Figures 10 to 12 Illustrates another example of a component 1000 constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Thus, the component 1000 is also constructed to maintain the interior of the fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is operating. The component 1000 is structurally and functionally similar to the component 100, but differs in one respect. Unlike the component 100, the component 1000 includes a valve cover 1004, three nozzle assemblies 1008, and three spray plugs 1100 (only one of which is visible), which are coupled to each other and to the valve cover 1004, and which can be used to replace the three spray nozzles of the nozzle assemblies 1008 and maintain the pressure within the fluid control valve when needed. Although the valve cover 1004 is the same as the valve cover 104, the main body 1016 of each of the three nozzle assemblies 1008 is integrally formed with the valve cover 1004 (rather than being separately formed and then welded to the valve cover 1004 as the main body 116 of each of the three nozzle assemblies 108 described above). However, according to Figures 10 to 12 , it should be understood that each nozzle assembly 1008 is otherwise structurally and functionally the same as the nozzle assembly 108 described above. Thus, for the sake of brevity, additional details regarding the nozzle assembly 1008 will be omitted.

[0051] Finally, it should be understood that any nozzle assembly described herein can be used in combination with a valve cap different from the valve cap described herein. In a first alternative example, nozzle assembly 108 can be used in combination with a valve cap different from valve cap 104. In a second alternative example, one or more nozzle assemblies 108 can be installed within the valve cap via the underside of the valve cap and then coupled to a source of maintenance fluid via one or more cavities formed in the valve cap. In this second alternative example, one or more nozzle assemblies 108 may not necessarily be removable or accessible from the exterior of the valve cap but may still be operable to perform the same cleaning function as the other nozzle assemblies described herein. Additionally, in a third alternative example, the second alternative example can be modified such that one or more nozzle assemblies 108 are secured within the valve cap via one or more components other than the respective main body 116 and respective flange 124 (e.g., via one or more flanges integrally formed with the valve cap), in which case one or more nozzle assemblies 108 do not necessarily need to include the respective main body 116 and / or the respective flange 124.

[0052] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described herein, including the best mode(s) known to the inventor(s) for practicing the invention. Although many examples are shown and described herein, it will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the details of the various embodiments need not be mutually exclusive. On the contrary, those skilled in the art should be able to combine one or more features of one embodiment with one or more features of the remaining embodiments upon reading the teachings herein. Additionally, it should be understood that the illustrated embodiments are merely exemplary embodiments and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is merely intended to better illustrate aspects of one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in this specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to practicing the invention.

Claims

1. A nozzle assembly for maintaining the interior of a fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is operating, the nozzle assembly being configured to be coupled to the top side of a valve cover of the fluid control valve, the nozzle assembly comprising: A main body adapted to engage the top side of the valve cover when the nozzle assembly is coupled to the top side of the valve cover, the main body including a central bore; A spray nozzle removably coupled to the main body, the spray nozzle including: A nozzle body removably disposed in the central bore of the main body when the spray nozzle is coupled to the main body; A flow passage extending through a portion of the nozzle body, the flow passage being adapted to be coupled to a source of maintenance fluid for the fluid control valve; and A nozzle tip coupled to an end of the nozzle body and in fluid communication with the flow passage such that when the main body engages the top side of the valve cover and the nozzle body is removably disposed in the central bore of the main body, the nozzle tip is positioned within the interior of the valve cover so that the nozzle tip distributes the maintenance fluid from the source of maintenance fluid into the interior of the valve cover; and A flange removably coupled to the main body to secure the spray nozzle within the main body.

2. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a retaining element removably disposed between the flange and the spray nozzle, the retaining element configured to hold the nozzle body within the central bore of the main body.

3. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a sealing element carried by the nozzle body, the sealing element configured to form a seal between the main body and the spray nozzle.

4. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle tip is removably coupled to the end of the nozzle body such that the nozzle tip is removable and replaceable with a second nozzle tip that provides different flow characteristics than the nozzle tip.

5. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a spray plug removably disposed in the central bore of the main body when the spray nozzle is disengaged from the main body, the spray plug configured to seal the central bore of the main body.

6. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle body has a first portion disposed within the main body and a second portion disposed outside the main body.

7. The nozzle assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the spray nozzle, the controller configured to cause the nozzle tip to dispense the maintenance fluid at a predetermined time.

8. An assembly for maintaining the interior of a fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is operating, the assembly comprising: A valve cover adapted to be coupled to a valve body of the fluid control valve; A nozzle assembly configured to be coupled to the top side of the valve cover, the nozzle assembly comprising: A main body configured to engage the top side of the valve cover when the nozzle assembly is coupled to the top side of the valve cover, the main body including a central bore; A spray nozzle removably coupled to the main body, the spray nozzle including a nozzle body, a flow passage, and a nozzle tip, the nozzle body removably disposed in the central bore of the main body when the spray nozzle is coupled to the main body, the flow passage extending through a portion of the nozzle body and adapted to be coupled to a source of maintenance fluid for the fluid control valve, the nozzle tip coupled to an end of the nozzle body and in fluid communication with the flow passage such that when the main body engages the top side of the valve cover and the nozzle body is removably disposed in the central bore of the main body, the nozzle tip is positioned within the interior of the valve cover and adjacent the interior of the body of the fluid control valve, whereby the nozzle tip distributes the maintenance fluid from the source of the maintenance fluid into the interior of the body of the fluid control valve; And A flange removably coupled to the main body to couple the spray nozzle to the main body.

9. The component according to claim 8, wherein, The nozzle assembly further includes a retaining element removably disposed between the flange and the spray nozzle, the retaining element configured to hold the nozzle body in the central bore of the main body and hold the nozzle tip in the interior of the valve cover.

10. The assembly according to claim 8, the assembly further including a sealing element carried by the nozzle body, the sealing element configured to form a seal between the main body and the spray nozzle.

11. The component according to claim 8, wherein, The nozzle tip is removably coupled to the end of the nozzle body such that the nozzle tip is removable and replaceable with a second nozzle tip that provides different flow characteristics than the nozzle tip.

12. The component according to claim 8, wherein the component further comprises a spray plug, the spray plug being removably disposed in the central hole of the main body when the spray nozzle is disengaged from the main body, wherein, When the spray plug is removably disposed in the central bore of the main body, the flange is removably coupled to the main body to fixedly hold the spray plug in the central bore of the main body such that the spray plug is configured to seal the central bore of the main body.

13. The component according to claim 8, wherein, The nozzle body has a first portion disposed within the main body and a second portion disposed outside the main body.

14. The component according to claim 8, wherein, The main body is integrally formed with the valve cover.

15. The component according to claim 8, the component further comprising an inner component, the inner component being adapted to be disposed in the body of the fluid control valve, wherein, When the main body engages the top side of the valve cover and the nozzle body is removably disposed in the central bore of the main body, the nozzle tip is positioned adjacent a portion of the inner component assembly such that the nozzle tip distributes the maintenance fluid from the source of the maintenance fluid onto the inner component assembly.

16. The component according to claim 8, wherein, The valve cap includes a central hole that is adapted to receive a stem for the fluid control valve, wherein the central hole of the valve cap extends along a first axis, and wherein the central hole of the main body extends along a second axis that is angled relative to the first axis.

17. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a gasket disposed between the main body and the flange when the flange is coupled to the main body.

18. The assembly of claim 8, further comprising a controller communicatively coupled to the spray nozzle, the controller being configured to cause the nozzle tip to dispense the maintenance fluid at a predetermined time.

19. A method of servicing an interior of a fluid control valve while the fluid control valve is in operation, the fluid control valve including a body and a valve cap coupled to the body, the method comprising: obtaining a spray nozzle including a nozzle body, a flow passage extending through a portion of the nozzle body, and a nozzle tip coupled to an end of the nozzle body and in fluid communication with the flow passage; coupling the spray nozzle to a main body that engages a top side of the valve cap such that the nozzle body is removably disposed in a central hole of the main body and the nozzle tip is positioned within the interior of the valve cap and adjacent to the interior of the valve body of the fluid control valve; fixingly holding the nozzle body in the central hole of the main body by coupling a flange to the main body; fluidly coupling the flow passage of the spray nozzle to a source of maintenance fluid for the fluid control valve; and dispensing the maintenance fluid from the source of maintenance fluid into the interior of the valve cap and the interior of the body of the fluid control valve via the nozzle tip.

20. The method of claim 19, the method further comprising: removing the flange from the main body; detaching the spray nozzle from the main body by removing the nozzle body from the central hole of the main body; obtaining a spray plug; removably disposing the spray plug in the central hole of the main body; and fixingly holding the spray plug in the central hole of the main body by re-coupling the flange to the main body.

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