Valve plug

Abstract

Systems and apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid through a valve are provided. The valve plug may include a hub. The hub may include a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending through the hub body and a bore extending along the longitudinal axis extending through the hub body. The hub may also include at least one elliptical protrusion integrally formed within the hub body. The valve plug may also include a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface about a circumference of the dome. The valve plug may also include at least one arm extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome. The valve plug may be coupled to a drive shaft and a controller in various non-limiting valve types.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A valve is a mechanical device typically used on process piping or pressure vessels, such as in power generation, refining, or oil and gas production environments, to control the flow of a medium or fluid through the valve. A valve may include a valve plug configured to engage with an inlet or outlet of the valve to control the flow of the fluid through the valve. Summary of the Invention

[0002] Generally speaking, devices and systems are provided that include a valve plug for controlling fluid flow through a valve.

[0003] In one aspect, a valve plug is provided. In one embodiment, the valve plug may include a hub. The hub may include a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending through the hub body and a hole extending along the longitudinal axis extending through the hub body. The hub may also include at least one elliptical protrusion integrally formed within the hub body. The valve plug may also include a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface around the circumference of the dome. The valve plug may also include at least one arm extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome.

[0004] In some embodiments, the hub may include two arms extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome. In some embodiments, the hole may include a plurality of grooves configured to receive a splined drive shaft. In some embodiments, the at least one elliptical protrusion may extend radially away from the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the at least one elliptical protrusion may be positioned at a certain angle relative to a horizontal plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the hub body. In some embodiments, the hub body may include a substantially flat portion at a circumferential position of the hub body that is bisected by the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the hub may include a first elliptical protrusion and a second elliptical protrusion opposite the first elliptical protrusion.

[0005] In some embodiments, the at least one sidewall may include a first sidewall having a first height, a second sidewall having a second height different from the first height of the first sidewall, and a tapered sidewall between the first sidewall and the second sidewall. In some embodiments, the at least one sidewall may include a third sidewall having a third height and a fourth sidewall extending at an angle from the second surface of the dome. In some embodiments, the dome may include a material atop the first surface configured to provide wear resistance. In some embodiments, the material may include a cobalt alloy.

[0006] In some embodiments, the valve plug can be included in a rotary valve. In some embodiments, the rotary valve can be operable to control the flow of a fluid through the rotary valve in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional shape of the hub can be configured to increase the flow coefficient of the rotary valve and maintain the pressure of the fluid adjacent to the hub body. In some embodiments, the first surface can have a substantially convex shape, and the second surface can be substantially flat. In some embodiments, the at least one arm has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

[0007] In another aspect, a system is provided. The system may include a controller comprising an actuator coupled to a drive shaft. The system may also include a valve coupled to the drive shaft. The valve may include a first opening, a second opening opposite the first opening, and a valve plug positioned between the first opening and the second opening. The valve plug may include a hub coupled to the drive shaft. The hub may include a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending through the hub body and a hole extending along the longitudinal axis through the hub body. The hub may also include at least one elliptical protrusion integrally formed with the hub body. The valve plug may also include a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one sidewall extending around the circumference of the dome between the first and second surfaces. The valve plug may also include at least one arm extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome.

[0008] In some embodiments, the valve is operable to control the flow of a fluid through the valve in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the first opening or the second opening comprises a valve seat configured to engage the at least one sidewall of the dome and fluid-tighten the valve. In some embodiments, the valve seat comprises a wear-resistant material. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features will be more readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system including a valve plug according to the subject matter described herein;

[0011] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the system;

[0012] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 a cross-sectional side view of a valve including a valve plug of a system;

[0013] Figure 4 Based on the subject described in this article Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a valve plug;

[0014] Figure 5A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve plug according to the subject matter described herein;

[0015] Figure 5B Based on the subject described in this article Figure 5A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of

[0016] Figure 6A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve plug according to the subject matter described herein;

[0017] Figure 6B Based on the subject described in this article Figure 6A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of

[0018] Figure 7A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve plug according to the subject matter described herein;

[0019] Figure 7B Based on the subject described in this article Figure 7A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of

[0020] Figure 8A is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve plug according to the subject matter described herein;

[0021] Figure 8B Based on the subject described in this article Figure 8A A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of

[0022] Figure 9 is a graph illustrating improved flow coefficients for valves including embodiments of valve plugs configured with an elliptical hub body as described herein; and

[0023] Figure 10 is a graph illustrating the improved flow coefficient for a valve including an embodiment of a valve plug configured with an elliptical hub body and an expanded dome as described herein.

[0024] 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

[0025] A valve may include a valve plug configured to move between an open position and a closed position to control the flow of a fluid passing from an inlet of the valve to an outlet of the valve. The shape of the valve plug may affect the flow of the fluid as well as the operating characteristics of the valve. Existing valve plugs may include components having angular or flat shapes or surfaces that may adversely affect the flow coefficient (Cv) and capacity of the valve. Therefore, accurately controlling the valve by making opening or closing adjustments may be limited because the inherent shape of the existing valve plug may hinder the accuracy required to improve valve control. The inability to accurately control valve operation can significantly impact industrial operations that require specific valve settings and can result in increased operating expenses due to downtime and / or specialized equipment required to modify the valve and additional or modified control systems required to provide the desired valve control.

[0026] The valve plug and valve system described herein are improved to provide greater valve control, increased valve capacity, and improved flow coefficient in both open and closed configurations. The oval valve plug hub and convex dome shape distribute fluid flow more evenly through the valve cavity, reducing fluid turbulence and improving valve control when the valve is opened or closed. Consequently, the valve and valve plug can be used in a greater number of applications requiring precise valve control than existing valve plug designs.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, the improved valve system 100 described herein may include a controller 105 coupled to a valve 110. The controller 105 may be, for example, an electromechanical device, a computer, or a programmable logic controller (PLC), which may function autonomously or be remotely controlled and is configured to actuate an actuator in response to a control signal. The controller 105 may be mechanically coupled to the valve 110 and may cause the valve 110 to open or close in response to the control signal. In some embodiments, the valve 110 may be a rotary valve. Figure 2 As shown in more detail in a cross-sectional view of FIG, system 100 may include a controller 105 including an actuator 225 coupled to a shaft 215, which may be further coupled to a valve plug 200 disposed in valve 110. Valve plug 200 may include a dome 205 and a hub 210. Hub 210 may be coupled to a drive shaft 215, which may include a plurality of splines 220 disposed at one or both ends of drive shaft 215. Hub 210 may include a corresponding set of grooves disposed within a body of hub 210 that may receive the splines 220 of the drive shaft. Actuator 225 may act on splines 230 to rotate drive shaft 215 in a first direction or a second direction, thereby rotating valve plug 200 in the corresponding first direction (e.g., a direction to open valve 110) or second direction (e.g., a direction to close valve 110).

[0028] like Figure 3As shown, valve 110 can be configured for bidirectional flow. For example, in one embodiment, flow 300 can flow between opening 310 and opening 305 (e.g., opening 310 is the inlet and opening 305 is the outlet). In another embodiment, the valve can be configured such that flow 300' can flow between opening 305 and opening 310 (e.g., opening 305 is the inlet and opening 310 is the outlet). Valve plug 200 can be configured to operate in valve 110 configured for flow 300 or 300'. Figure 3 As shown, the valve 110 is configured so that fluid enters the opening 305 and flows into the cavity 315, and then exits the valve 110 via the opening 310 (e.g., along the stream 300 ′). The valve plug 200 can be arranged in the cavity 315 so that when the valve plug 200 is translated to close the valve 110, the dome 205 can engage with the valve seat 320 located in the opening 305. In some embodiments, the valve seat 320 can include a wear-resistant coating to maintain a sealable connection with the dome 205 during repeated opening and closing of the valve 110. In some embodiments, the wear-resistant coating can include. For example, the wear-resistant coating can include a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the wear-resistant coating can be a cobalt-chromium alloy. In some embodiments, the wear-resistant material can include nickel or molybdenum as well as cobalt and / or chromium.

[0029] The valve plug 200 may include a plurality of grooves 325 disposed in a bore extending through the hub 210. The grooves 325 may interface with the splines 220 of the drive shaft 215 to create a mechanical coupling between the drive shaft 215 and the valve plug 200. Actuation of the drive shaft 215 may cause the valve plug 200 to travel along a path A defined by a range 330 to open or close the valve 110 (e.g., to open or close the opening 305 and the flow 300'). The range 330 may be referred to as the opening angle or rotation angle of the valve 110 (and, therefore, the valve plug 200). In some embodiments, the range 330 of travel along the path A may be between 0-1 degrees, 0-5 degrees, 0-10 degrees, 0-20 degrees, 0-30 degrees, 0-40 degrees, 0-50 degrees, 0-60 degrees, 0-70 degrees, 0-80 degrees, or 0-90 degrees relative to a horizontal plane bisecting the central axis of the drive shaft 215. Smaller travel increments within any of the aforementioned travel ranges are also contemplated without limitation, such as 0.1 degrees, 0.25 degrees, 0.5 degrees, 0.75 degrees, 1.0 degrees, 2.5 degrees, 5.0 degrees, etc. The profiles of the dome 205 and hub 210 can advantageously provide improved flow capacity (e.g., improved flow coefficient Cv) and reduced turbulence of the flow through the valve 110 at one or more opening angles. In this manner, the valve plug 200 can allow for more precise control during opening and closing operations.

[0030] The valve plug 200 may include several flow regulating features not found in existing valve plugs. For example, Figure 4As shown, the valve plug 200 can include a hub 210 formed by a hub body 405. The hub body 405 can include a bore 410 extending longitudinally through the hub body 405. A plurality of grooves 325 can be arranged around the periphery of the inner surface of the hub body 405 and can define an outer diameter of the bore 410. The hub body 405 can include a longitudinal axis 415 extending through the bore 410 and, therefore, through the hub body 405.

[0031] The hub 210 may also include at least one elliptical protrusion 420. The protrusion 420 may be airfoil-shaped to increase flow across the surface of the hub body 405 while minimizing pressure loss around the hub 210. The protrusion 420 may be integrally formed within and part of the hub body 405. The protrusion 420 may be disposed on the outer surface of the hub body 405 at a location that is angled relative to a horizontal plane that intersects the longitudinal axis 415. In some embodiments, the protrusion 420 may be positioned at a 60-degree angle relative to the horizontal plane that intersects the longitudinal axis 415, although various other angles are contemplated without limitation. For example, the protrusion 420 can be angled relative to a horizontal plane intersecting the longitudinal axis 115 at an angle between 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-45, 45-50, 50-55, 55-60, 60-65, 65-70, 70-75, 75-80, 80-85, or 85-90 degrees relative to the horizontal plane intersecting the longitudinal axis 115. In some embodiments, the hub body 405 can include a single protrusion 420. In some embodiments, the hub body 405 can include two protrusions 420. The protrusions 420 can be configured on the hub body 405 to reduce fluid flow disturbances of the fluid stream 300 / 300' and reduce friction of the fluid stream 300 / 300' across the surface of the hub body 405.

[0032] Dome 205 may be coupled to hub body 405 via at least one arm 425, such as arms 425A and 425B. Arms 425 may extend radially away from hub body 405 and may couple dome 210 to hub body 405. In some embodiments, arms 425 may include arms such as Figure 4 205 and the hub body 405. The arm 425 is shown as having a rectangular cross-section, but various other cross-sectional shapes are contemplated. For example, the arm 425 can include a circular, oval, square, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or other polygonal cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the arm 425 can vary in cross-sectional shape and / or size along its length, as measured between the dome 205 and the hub body 405. The arm 425 can include faceted surfaces along the length of the arm 425 and at the location where the arm 425 is attached to the dome 205 and / or the hub body 405. The faceted surfaces can reduce friction and improve the flow of fluid across the valve plug 200.

[0033] Dome 205 may include a first surface 430 and a second opposing surface 435. First surface 430 and second surface 435 may be coupled by a sidewall 440 extending around the circumference of dome 205. First surface 430 of dome 205 may include a convex shape configured to distribute fluid flow evenly across surface 430. In some embodiments, surface 430 may include a coating or layer of material atop first surface 430. The coating or layer of material may be selected to provide wear resistance. In some embodiments, the coating or layer of material may include a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the coating may be a cobalt-chromium alloy. In some embodiments, the coating may include nickel or molybdenum as well as cobalt and / or chromium. Second surface 435 may be substantially flat. Sidewall 440 may include a uniform height or may include portions having different heights, such as Figure 4 430 and the second surface 435. In some embodiments, the sidewall 440 may include adjacent concentric sidewall portions of the same height or different heights extending around the circumference of the dome 205. In some embodiments, the sidewall 440 may include a first portion having a first height at a first location, a second portion having a second height at a second location, and a tapered or angled portion at a third location having a height that varies along the circumference of the sidewall corresponding to the third location. In some embodiments, the sidewall 440 may include two or more concentric sidewalls positioned adjacent to each other and between the first surface 430 and the second surface 435. Various non-limiting configurations of the sidewall 440 are contemplated.

[0034] In one embodiment, the valve plug 500 may include a sidewall 440 having a consistent, uniform height around the circumference of the dome 205, such as Figure 5A and Figure 5B As shown. Figure 5A As shown, the valve plug 500 may include a side wall 440 formed by a plurality of side wall portions 505 (such as 505A and 505B). The side wall portions 505 may include tapered portions and non-tapered portions. For example, as shown in FIG. Figure 5A As shown, first sidewall portion 505A can be substantially flat in cross-section, while second sidewall 505B can be tapered or angled relative to second surface 435 and / or first sidewall portion 505A. In some embodiments, none of sidewall portions 505 can be tapered. In some embodiments, one or more sidewall portions 505 can be tapered relative to second surface 435.

[0035] like Figure 5BAs shown, in one embodiment, the valve plug 500 can include a single elliptical protrusion 420 and a flat planar surface 520 integrally formed within the hub body 405. The single elliptical protrusion 420 can be directly opposite the cylindrical surface of the hub body 405. The elliptical protrusion 420 can be formed within the surface of the hub body 405 at an angle 515 relative to the horizontal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Y) of the central axis 510 of the hole 410 extending through the hub body 405. In some embodiments, the angle 515 can be 60 degrees from the X axis. In some embodiments, the angle 515 can be any angle between 0 and 90 degrees from the X axis. For example, the angle 515 can be 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-45, 45-50, 50-55, 55-60, 60-65, 65-70, 70-75, 75-80, 80-85, or 85-90 degrees from the X-axis. The flat surface 520 can be located on the surface of the hub body 405 adjacent to the arm 425. The flat surface 520 can be bisected or intersected by a horizontal plane X extending through the central axis 510 of the bore 410.

[0036] In another embodiment, the valve plug 600 may include two oval protrusions 420, such as Figure 6A and Figure 6B The protrusions 420A and 420B are shown. Figure 6A and Figure 6B As shown, protrusions 420A and 420B can be located on opposite sides of the hub body 405. The first elliptical protrusion 420A can be formed in the surface of the hub body 405 at an angle 515 relative to the horizontal axis (X) and the vertical axis (Y) of the central axis 510 of the hole 410 extending through the hub body 405. In some embodiments, the angle 515 can be 60 degrees from the X axis. In some embodiments, the angle 515 can be any angle between 0 and 90 degrees from the X axis. For example, the angle 515 can be 0-5, 5-10, 10-15, 15-20, 20-25, 25-30, 30-35, 35-40, 40-45, 45-50, 50-55, 55-60, 60-65, 65-70, 70-75, 75-80, 80-85, or 85-90 degrees from the X axis. The second elliptical protrusion 420B may be located at a position 180 degrees from the first elliptical protrusion 420A. Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the embodiment shown, the valve plug 600 may include a dome 205 having a Figure 5A and Figure 5B The sidewalls shown in the embodiment are similar to the sidewalls 440.

[0037] In another embodiment, the valve plug 700 may include a single oval-shaped protrusion 420, a flat surface 520, and a sidewall 440 having multiple sidewall heights and a tapered sidewall portion. Figure 7A and Figure 7B The hub body 405 of the illustrated embodiment of the valve plug 700 may correspond to Figure 5A and Figure 5B The configuration of the hub body 405 is shown and described. The sidewall 440 can include multiple sidewall portions, such as sidewall portions 705A, 705B, and 705C. In some embodiments, the sidewall portion 705 can have different heights and profiles or the same height and profile measured relative to the first surface 430 or the second surface 435. For example, the sidewall portions 705A and 705C can be tapered relative to the first surface 430 and the second surface 435, respectively. The sidewall portion 705B can be substantially flat and can be non-tapered.

[0038] like Figure 7B As further shown, the height of the sidewall 440 may vary at one or more regions 710 around the circumference of the dome 205. For example, Figure 7B As shown in the dashed box in FIG, the valve plug 700 may include three regions 710, each of which has a different height and / or slope measured relative to the second surface 435. The first region 710A may include sidewall portions 705A-705C, each of which has a uniform height within the first region 710A. The second region 710B may include sidewall portions 705A and 705C having a uniform height, and may also include sidewall portion 710B having an inclined or variable height within the second region 710B. The third region 710C may include sidewall portions 705A-705C, each of which has a uniform height within the third region 710C. Various configurations of the height of the sidewall 440 (e.g., including sidewall portions 505 or 705) and the number, location, or arrangement of the sidewall regions 710 (e.g., sidewall regions 710A-710C) are contemplated without limitation. The configuration of the height of the sidewall 440 and the length or number or location of the sidewall regions 710 on the circumference of the dome 205 may be provided to enhance the flow coefficient (Cv) of the valve 110 during opening and closing operations by providing a streamlined, low-friction interface with the fluid flow through the valve 110.

[0039] In another embodiment, the valve plug 800 may include two oval protrusions 420 formed in the hub body 405 and corresponding to the protrusions 420 of the hub body 405. Figure 6A and Figure 6B The configuration described. Figure 8A and Figure 8BThe valve plug 800 shown may also include a sidewall 440 comprised of a single sidewall portion 805 that may extend through three sidewall regions 810 around the circumference of the dome 205. The height of the sidewall 440 may vary within each sidewall region 810, as shown. Figure 8B 810C. For example, in the first sidewall region 810A, the sidewall 440 may have a first height, and in the third sidewall region 810C, the sidewall 440 may have a second height that is less than the first height of the sidewall 440 in the first region 810A. The sidewall 440 may also include a sloped or varying height within the second sidewall region 810B. Various configurations of the sidewall 440 height (e.g., including the sidewall portion 805) and the number, location, or arrangement of the sidewall regions 810 (e.g., sidewall regions 810A-810C) are contemplated without limitation. The configurations of the sidewall 440 height and the length or number or location of the sidewall regions 810 on the circumference of the dome 205 may be provided to enhance the flow coefficient (Cv) of the valve 110 during opening and closing operations by providing a streamlined, low-friction interface with the fluid flow through the valve 110.

[0040] like Figure 9 As shown, graph 900 illustrates the flow coefficient (Cv) of a valve 110 configured with a valve plug 200 as described herein over a range of rotation angles associated with a flow path 300. Graph 900 illustrates the Cv values ​​of a valve 110 configured with an embodiment including an elliptical hub body 405 (denoted in the legend as "CFD CV Hub Shape") relative to the Cv values ​​of a conventional valve plug (denoted in the legend as "CV CFD std"). The embodiment of the valve plug 200 including an elliptical hub body 405 corresponds to Figure 4 As shown in graph 900, the valve plug 200 configured with an elliptical hub body 405 exhibits improved Cv at rotational angles above 50 degrees compared to the conventional valve plug. The Cv improvement is significant because the Cv of the conventional valve plug is relatively flat at approximately 50 degrees of rotation and remains approximately constant as the conventional valve plug rotates through rotational angles between 50 and 70 degrees, with only minimal Cv gain in this range. In contrast, the improved valve plug 200 including the elliptical hub body 405 exhibits a greater, more linear Cv improvement as the valve plug having the elliptical hub body 405 rotates through rotational angles above 50 degrees, as shown by the curve corresponding to the Cv values ​​associated with the embodiment of the elliptical hub body 405 (denoted as "CFD CV Hub Shape" in the legend).

[0041] like Figure 10As shown, graph 1000 illustrates the flow coefficient (Cv) of a valve 110 configured with a valve plug 200 as described herein over a range of rotation angles associated with a flow path 300. Graph 1000 illustrates the Cv values ​​of a valve 110 configured with an embodiment of a valve plug 200 including an elliptical hub body 405 and an extended dome 205 (denoted in the legend as "CFDCV Hub Shape + Extended Dome") relative to the Cv values ​​of a conventional valve plug (denoted in the legend as "CV CFD std"). The embodiment of the valve plug 200 including an elliptical hub body 405 and an extended dome 205 corresponds to Figure 4 As shown in graph 1000, the valve plug 200 configured with an elliptical hub body 405 and an extended dome 205 exhibits improved Cv at rotation angles above 55 degrees compared to the conventional valve plug. The Cv improvement is significant because the Cv of the conventional valve plug levels off at approximately 50 degrees of rotation and remains relatively constant as the conventional valve plug rotates through rotation angles between 50 and 70 degrees, with minimal Cv gain within this range. In contrast, the improved valve plug 200 including an elliptical hub body 405 and an extended dome 205 exhibits a linear Cv improvement for rotation angles above 55 degrees, as shown by the curve corresponding to the Cv values ​​associated with the embodiment of the elliptical hub body 405 and extended dome 205 (denoted in the legend as "CFD CV Hub Shape + Extended Dome").

[0042] As non-limiting examples, exemplary technical benefits of devices and systems incorporating the valve plug described herein include improved flow coefficients and improved flow capacity of the valve during both opening and closing. The oval protrusions integrated into the body of the valve plug reduce turbulence in the fluid flowing through the valve. The dome of the valve plug improves flow control at low openings compared to existing valve plugs. Consequently, the valve can be more precisely controlled during both opening and closing operations.

[0043] Certain exemplary embodiments are described to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles of structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments have been illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the systems, apparatus, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the invention is limited solely by the claims. Features shown or described in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. In addition, in this disclosure, similarly named components of an embodiment generally have similar features, and therefore, within a specific embodiment, it is not necessary to fully set forth every feature of every similarly named component.

[0044] As used herein throughout the specification and claims, approximating language may be used to modify any quantitative representation that may vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Thus, a value modified by one or more terms such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially" should not be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some cases, approximate language may correspond to the precision of the instrument used to measure the value. Here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, and unless context or language indicates otherwise, such ranges are identified and include all subranges contained therein.

[0045] Based on the above embodiments, those skilled in the art will appreciate other features and advantages of the present invention. Therefore, except as indicated by the appended claims, this application is not limited by the contents specifically shown and described. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A valve plug, comprising: A wheel hub comprising a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a bore extending along the longitudinal axis extending therethrough, and at least one elliptical protrusion, the at least one elliptical protrusion being integrally formed with the hub body; a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one sidewall extending between the first and second surfaces around a circumference of the dome; as well as At least one arm extends between the hub body and the second surface of the dome. 2 . The valve plug of claim 1 , wherein the hub includes two arms extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome. 3 . The valve plug of claim 1 , wherein the bore includes a plurality of grooves configured to receive a splined drive shaft. The valve plug of claim 1 , wherein the at least one elliptical protrusion extends radially away from the longitudinal axis.

5. The valve plug of claim 1, wherein the at least one elliptical protrusion is positioned at an angle relative to a horizontal plane intersecting the longitudinal axis of the hub body.

6. The valve plug of claim 5, wherein the hub body further comprises a substantially flat portion at a circumferential position of the hub body bisected by the horizontal plane. 7 . The valve plug according to claim 1 , wherein the hub further comprises a first elliptical protrusion and a second elliptical protrusion opposite the first elliptical protrusion.

8. The valve plug of claim 1, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises a first sidewall having a first height, a second sidewall having a second height different from the first height of the first sidewall, and a tapered sidewall between the first sidewall and the second sidewall.

9. The valve plug of claim 1, wherein the at least one sidewall comprises a third sidewall having a third height and a fourth sidewall extending at an angle from the second surface of the dome.

10. The valve plug of claim 1, wherein the dome further comprises a material atop the first surface configured to provide wear resistance.

11. The valve plug of claim 10, wherein the overlying material is a cobalt alloy.

12. The valve plug according to claim 1, wherein The valve plug is included in a rotary valve.

13. The valve plug of claim 12, wherein the rotary valve is operable to control the flow of fluid through the rotary valve in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.

14. The valve plug of claim 12, wherein the cross-sectional shape of the hub is configured to increase a flow coefficient of the rotary valve and maintain pressure of the fluid adjacent the hub body.

15. The valve plug of claim 1, wherein the first surface has a substantially convex shape and the second surface is substantially flat.

16. The valve plug of claim 1, wherein the at least one arm has a substantially rectangular cross-section.

17. A system comprising: a controller comprising an actuator coupled to the drive shaft; as well as A valve coupled to the drive shaft and comprising a first opening, a second opening opposite the first opening, and a valve plug positioned between the first opening and the second opening, the valve plug comprising A wheel hub coupled to the drive shaft, the wheel hub comprising a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a bore extending along the longitudinal axis through the hub body, and at least one elliptical protrusion, the at least one elliptical protrusion being integrally formed with the hub body; a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one sidewall extending between the first and second surfaces around a circumference of the dome; as well as At least one arm extends between the hub body and the second surface of the dome.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the valve is operable to control the flow of fluid through the valve in a first direction and in a second direction opposite the first direction.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein the first opening or the second opening comprises a valve seat configured to engage the at least one sidewall of the dome and fluidly seal the valve.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the valve seat comprises a wear resistant material.

Images