Valve assembly with integrated temperature control

Abstract

The valve control assembly includes a valve body having an inlet adapted to be coupled to a source of a process fluid having a first temperature, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, and a bonnet coupled to the valve body. The inlet port, the outlet port, the annular chamber, the inlet passage, and the outlet passage are integrally formed in the valve body or the bonnet. The inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of medium, and an annular chamber is disposed between the inlet port and the outlet port proximate a portion of the fluid flow path. The inlet passage directs a medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber that changes a temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from a first temperature to a second temperature different than the first temperature.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of patent application number 202010012968.1, filed on January 7, 2020, having the title “Valve Assembly with Integrated Temperature Control”. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to fluid pressure reduction devices, and in particular to a method of manufacturing a valve assembly with integrated temperature control that is more efficient and effective in reducing, if not preventing, cavitation and freezing of process fluid flowing through the valve assembly during fluid pressure reduction. BACKGROUND

[0003] In process control systems, such as distributed or scalable process control systems commonly found in chemical, petroleum, power generation, or other industrial processes, it is often necessary to reduce the pressure of a fluid. However, when the fluid is a viscous fluid, pressure reduction can cause cavitation or freezing in the fluid. Therefore, process control systems often employ flow reduction devices that are intended to reduce fluid pressure in a manner that does not cause cavitation or freezing.

[0004] However, known flow reduction devices that attempt to prevent cavitation or freezing are manufactured using time-consuming and expensive manufacturing processes. For example, FIG. 1 illustrates a known flow reduction device in the form of a valve used to reduce or eliminate freezing in applications using high viscosity polymers. The valve of FIG. 1 is manufactured by block forging a body, drilling a plurality of passages in a side of the body, and then plugging certain of the drilled passages to create a single inlet and outlet. FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate a device commonly referred to as a “puck” that can be manufactured on the outer surface of a valve to reduce or eliminate freezing. The puck has “dimples” pressed into a piece of metal that create a passageway for the media to pass through and cool or heat the process fluid flowing through the valve. The puck has “dimples” pressed into a piece of metal that create a passageway for the media to pass through and cool or heat the process fluid flowing through the valve. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a valve control assembly for use in a fluid flow control device is disclosed. The valve control assembly includes a valve body, a bonnet coupled to the valve body, an inlet port, an outlet port, an annular chamber, an inlet passage, and an outlet passage. The valve body defines an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is adapted to be coupled to a source of process fluid having a first temperature. The inlet port and the outlet port are integrally formed in the valve body or the bonnet, and the inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium. The medium has a control temperature that is different than the first temperature of the process fluid. The annular chamber is integrally formed in the valve body or the bonnet between the inlet port and the outlet port and is positioned proximate a portion of the fluid flow path. The inlet passage is integrally formed in the valve body or the bonnet and directs the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber such that the annular chamber changes a temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature that is different than the first temperature. The outlet passage is also integrally formed in the valve body or the bonnet and directs the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

[0006] According to a second exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a valve control assembly for use in a fluid flow control device is disclosed. The valve control assembly includes a valve body and a bonnet coupled to the valve body, the valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is adapted to be coupled to a source of process fluid having a first temperature. The valve control assembly further includes means for changing a temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature that is different than the first temperature. The means for changing the temperature includes an annular chamber integrally formed in the valve body or the bonnet proximate a portion of the fluid flow path.

[0007] According to a third exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, a method of manufacture is disclosed. The method includes generating a valve control assembly using an additive manufacturing technique. The operation of generating includes forming a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet. The inlet is adapted to be coupled to a source of process fluid having a first temperature. The operation of generating further includes forming means for changing a temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to a second temperature that is different than the first temperature. The operation of forming the means for changing the temperature of the process fluid includes forming an annular chamber in the valve body or the bonnet proximate a portion of the fluid flow path. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] The features of the application believed to be novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The application can best be understood by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conventional high viscosity polymer ("HVP") flow control valve.

[0010] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a conventional plate.

[0011] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cross-section of the conventional plate of Figure 2.

[0012] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of one example of a process or method for manufacturing a valve control assembly in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary valve control assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0014] Figure 6 is a table providing the vapor pressure of water at various temperatures.

[0015] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a bonnet of the valve control assembly of Figure 5

[0016] Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary valve control assembly constructed in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0017] Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of the exemplary valve control assembly of Figure 8

[0018] Figure 10 Figure 8 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present disclosure relates generally to a method of manufacturing an apparatus that reduces fluid pressure more efficiently than conventional fluid pressure reduction apparatuses, and at the same time, is easier and less costly to manufacture than such conventional fluid pressure reduction apparatuses. The methods described herein leverage cutting-edge manufacturing techniques, e.g., additive manufacturing, to facilitate the custom manufacture of fluid pressure reduction apparatuses that include any number of integrally formed channels to cool or heat process fluids. Thus, the fluid pressure reduction apparatuses can, for example, include complex flow paths that substantially utilize the entire profile of the apparatus, thereby maximizing (or at least increasing) the length of the flow paths and, in turn, the cooling and heating capabilities of the apparatus.

[0020] Figure 4 is a diagram of an example of a method or process 100 in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. Figure 4 ​​​​The method or process 100 is schematically illustrated as a method or process of custom manufacturing a fluid pressure reduction device. Similar to the conventional fluid pressure reduction devices described above (e.g., a valve or plate used to reduce or eliminate freezing in applications using high viscosity polymers), the fluid pressure reduction device manufactured according to the method or process 100 is configured to reduce the pressure of a fluid flowing therethrough, but as described above, more effectively reduces the fluid pressure compared to conventional fluid pressure reduction devices, and at the same time, is easier to manufacture and less costly to manufacture compared to conventional fluid pressure reduction devices.

[0021] More specifically, the method 100 includes an operation 104 of generating a valve control assembly based on a given application using an additive manufacturing technique. The additive manufacturing technique can be any additive manufacturing technique or process that builds a three-dimensional object by adding successive layers of material on a material. The additive manufacturing technique can be performed by any suitable machine or combination of machines. The additive manufacturing technique can generally involve or use a computer, three-dimensional modeling software (e.g., computer-aided design (“CAD”) software), a machine apparatus, and a layering material. Once a CAD model is generated, the machine apparatus can read data from the CAD file and layer-accumulate or add successive layers of a liquid, powder, sheet material (e.g.), in a layer-by-layer manner to manufacture the three-dimensional object. The additive manufacturing technique can include any of a variety of techniques or processes, such as, for example, a stereolithography (“SLA”) process, a fused deposition modeling (“FDM”) process, a multi-jet modeling (“MJM”) process, a selective laser sintering (“SLS”) process, an electron beam additive manufacturing process, and an electric arc welding additive manufacturing process. In some embodiments, the additive manufacturing process can include a directed energy laser deposition process. Such a directed energy laser deposition process can be performed by a multi-axis computer numerical control (“CNC”) lathe having directed energy laser deposition capabilities.

[0022] Operation 104 to produce the valve control assembly includes forming a valve body (operation 108) and forming a valve cover (operation 112). The valve body and valve cover can be made of one or more suitable materials, such as, for example, stainless steel, aluminum, various alloys, and can have any number of different shapes and / or sizes as can be customized. Operation 104 also includes forming a cell (collectively referred to as "the cell") for changing the temperature of a process fluid that flows through a fluid flow path of the valve body (operation 116). Operation 116 includes forming a plenum in the valve body or valve cover (operation 120). As noted above, the use of additive manufacturing techniques to custom manufacture the fluid pressure reduction device allows the cell to be formed based on a desired application. That is, the cell is customizable. Because it is customizable, the cell can be unique and complex (as opposed to simple), have any number of different sizes and / or shapes of cross-sections, and / or be arranged in any number of patterns. As a result, one or more plenums can be formed to include or define a plurality of different temperature zones (e.g., a first temperature zone and a second temperature zone in which the temperature is less than the temperature in the first temperature zone).

[0023] Although not shown, operation 104 can further include forming an inlet port in the valve body or valve cover, where the inlet port is adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium having a control temperature different than the first temperature. Operation 104 can also include forming an inlet channel in the valve body or valve cover to direct the medium from the inlet port to the plenum, forming an outlet port in the valve body or valve cover, and forming an outlet channel in the valve body or valve cover to direct the medium from the plenum to the outlet port.

[0024] It will be appreciated that operation 104 (and operations 108, 112, 116, 120) can be performed any number of different times. Operation 104 can be performed, for example, multiple times to produce a plurality of valve control assemblies (or components thereof) or other fluid pressure reduction devices, where each valve control assembly (or component thereof) is produced for a particular application. Operation 104 can alternatively or additionally be performed multiple times to produce valve control assemblies for use in a plurality of similar or different process control systems.

[0025] Figure 5 and Figure 6A first example of a valve control assembly 200 manufactured using process or method 100 is shown. The valve control assembly 200 typically includes a valve body 204 and a valve cover 208 coupled to the valve body 204. The valve body 204 includes an inlet 212 and an outlet 216 adapted for coupling to a source of process fluid having a first temperature, and a fluid flow path 220 extending between the inlet 212 and the outlet 216. The valve control assembly 200 further includes a unit 224a for changing the temperature of the process fluid from the first temperature to a second temperature, wherein the second temperature is different from the first temperature. In this example, the unit 224a is integrally formed within the valve cover 208, but in other examples, the unit 224a may be integrally formed within the valve body 204 or another component of the valve control assembly 200. In some examples, the unit 224a can heat the process fluid (e.g., to reduce (if not prevent) condensation) by increasing the temperature of the process fluid, thereby changing the temperature of the process fluid from the first temperature to the second temperature. In other examples, module 224a can cool the process fluid (e.g., to reduce (if not prevent) cavitation) by changing the temperature of the process fluid from a first temperature to a second temperature by lowering the temperature of the process fluid.

[0026] The valve control assembly 200 further includes a valve seat 264 arranged along the fluid flow path 220 in the valve body 208 and a valve cage 268 coupled to the valve seat 248. In this example, as Figure 6 As shown, the valve cage 268 is integrally formed with the valve cover 208, and the valve cage 268 extends outward from the flange portion 270 of the valve cover 208. Figure 5 (Downward). However, in other examples, valve cage 268 and valve cover 208 may be two separate elements, such that valve cage 268 is disposed between valve cover 208 and valve seat 264. In any case, valve cage 268 includes one or more fluid passages 272 formed to allow process fluid to flow through valve cage 268 (more generally valve cover 208) as process fluid flows from inlet 212 to outlet 216. Each of the one or more fluid passages 272 is defined by an inlet orifice 276, an outlet orifice 280, and an intermediate portion 284 extending between inlet orifice 276 and outlet orifice 280. Inlet orifice 276 is formed in and through an outer surface 252 of valve cover 208, and outlet orifice 280 is formed in and through an inner surface 248 of valve cover 208. Intermediate portion 284 extends from inlet orifice 276 to outlet orifice 280 through valve cap 208.

[0027] In this example, unit 224a typically includes an inlet port 228, an outlet port 232, an annular chamber 236, an inlet passage 240, and an outlet passage 244, each of which is integrally formed within the valve cover 208 by using process or method 100. Specifically, the inlet port 228 is integrally formed in the flange portion 270 of the valve cover 208 such that the inlet port 228 is arranged to couple to a source of a medium at a temperature different from that of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 220. In this example, the inlet port 228 is a circular threaded hole extending radially inward from the periphery of the valve cover 208 and is therefore configured to receive the threaded end of a fluid line that fluidly couples the inlet port 228 to the source of the medium. In other examples, the inlet port 228 may be a fixedly received... The outlet port 232 is also integrally formed in the flange portion 270 of the valve cover 208, but in a position opposite to the inlet port 228, such that the outlet port 232 is arranged to discharge the medium from the valve assembly 200. The outlet port 232 (in this example, a circular threaded hole similar to the inlet port 228) is configured to discharge the medium after it has passed through and exited the annular chamber 236.

[0028] An annular chamber 236 is disposed between inlet port 228 and outlet port 232 and is positioned immediately adjacent to a portion of the fluid flow path 220, such that the annular chamber 236 is positioned to change the temperature of the process fluid from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, the annular chamber 236 is positioned within the valve cage 268 of the valve cover 208, more specifically, immediately adjacent to one of the fluid channels 272 formed in the valve cage 268. As shown, in this example, the annular chamber 236 extends 360° around and within the valve cover 208 at a location between the inner surface 248 and the outer surface 252 of the valve cover 208; however, in other examples, the annular chamber 236 may extend only partially around the valve cover 208. In other examples, a non-annular chamber 236 may be used instead of the annular chamber 236. In those such examples, the non-annular chamber may have a rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular shape, or other cross-sectional shape. Additionally, although not shown herein, it should be understood that the annular chamber 236 may be coated with a different material than that used to construct the valve cover 208.

[0029] An inlet channel 240 is disposed between an inlet port 228 and an annular chamber 236 and is used to guide the medium received at the inlet port 228 into the annular chamber 236. The inlet channel 240 can have any number of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shapes) depending on the application and the shape of the valve cover 208. Figure 5As shown, in this example, the inlet passage 240 follows a curved path from the inlet port 228 to the annular chamber 236. Alternatively, the inlet passage 240 can follow a linear path, an "L" shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path.

[0030] An outlet passage 244, similar to the inlet passage 240, is disposed between the annular chamber 236 and the outlet port 232 for directing media that has been directed into and into the annular chamber 236 from the annular chamber 236 to the outlet 232. That is, the outlet passage 244 functions to expel media from the annular chamber 236 and out of the valve assembly 200. The outlet passage 244 can have any number of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape), including the same or different sizes and / or shapes as the inlet passage 240, depending on the application and the shape of the bonnet 208. As Figure 5 As shown, in this example, the outlet passage 244 follows a curved path from the outlet port 232 to the annular chamber 236. Alternatively, the outlet passage 244 can follow a linear path, an "L" shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path.

[0031] In operation, media flows into the inlet passage 240 through the inlet port 228 and through the inlet passage 240 from the inlet port 228 to the annular chamber 236, and once the annular chamber 236 is filled with media, the media flows from the annular chamber 236 through the outlet passage 244 to the outlet 232 and then out of the valve control assembly 200 via the outlet port 232. In turn, the unit 224a, and in particular the annular chamber 236, utilizes the media flowing therethrough to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path 220 proximate the annular chamber 236 from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, the unit 224a utilizes the media to cool the process fluid as the process fluid flows through the portion of the fluid flow path 220 proximate the annular chamber 236 such that the first temperature is greater than the second temperature. In this example (where the media cools the process fluid), the media can be, for example, water, a mixture of ethylene glycol and water, or liquid nitrogen. However, in other examples, the unit 224a utilizes the media to heat the process fluid as the process fluid flows through the portion of the fluid flow path 220 proximate the annular chamber 236. In these examples (where the media heats the process fluid), the media can be, for example, saturated steam, superheated water, or oil.

[0032] Heating or cooling the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 220 in this manner eliminates or reduces problems associated with pressure reduction. Specifically, lowering the temperature of the process fluid as it flows through the valve assembly 200 reduces its vapor pressure, which in turn reduces the likelihood of cavitation in the process fluid while simultaneously lowering its pressure within the valve assembly 200. For example, as... Figure 6 As shown, the vapor pressure of water flowing through valve assembly 200 at a temperature of 212°F is 14.70 pounds per square inch (“psi”). Therefore, if the pressure of the water entering or flowing through valve assembly 200 is equal to 100 psi and needs to be reduced to 10 psi, cavitation will occur because the desired operating pressure of 10 psi is lower than the vapor pressure of water at 212°F (14.70 psi). However, reducing the water temperature to 185°F will reduce the water vapor pressure to 8.38 psi, which is lower than the desired operating pressure of 10 psi. Therefore, cavitation of the water flowing through valve assembly 200 can be prevented by reducing the water temperature from 212°F to 185°F before reducing the operating pressure from 100 psi to 10 psi.

[0033] Although not shown herein, outlet port 232 may also be coupled to a recirculation line (not shown) that fluidly couples outlet port 232 to inlet port 228 outside valve assembly 200. Specifically, in some examples, the recirculation line may extend from outlet port 232 to the source of the medium. In such examples, the temperature of the medium can return to the control temperature as it returns to the source via the recirculation line. In other examples, the recirculation line may couple outlet port 232 to a heat exchanger (not shown). In such examples, the heat exchanger can change the temperature of the medium from the temperature at outlet port 232 (after the medium has passed through annular chamber 236) to the control temperature. In some cases, the heat exchanger can heat the medium back to the control temperature, while in other examples, the heat exchanger can cool the medium to return its temperature to the control temperature. Straight coupling of the heat exchanger to the recirculation line allows the recirculation line to be directly coupled to inlet port 228 because the medium will be at the control temperature necessary to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through fluid flow path 220.

[0034] Figure 7 Another example of a unit 224b for changing the temperature of a portion of the fluid flow path 220 through the valve control assembly 200 is shown. Figure 7 The exemplary unit 224b shown is similar to Figure 5The unit 224a shown, like the unit 224b, includes an inlet port 228, an outlet port 232, an annular chamber 236, an inlet passage 240, and an outlet passage 244, but differs in that the unit 224b includes an additional annular chamber 236a integrally formed in the bonnet 208 and at least one internal passage 260 integrally formed in the bonnet 208 that fluidly couples the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a. In this example, the unit 224b includes multiple internal passages 260, but it should be understood that the unit 224b can instead include only a single internal passage 260.

[0035] Like the annular chamber 236, the additional annular chamber 236a is disposed between the inlet port 228 and the outlet port 232 and is positioned proximate another portion of the fluid flow path 220 such that the additional annular chamber 236a is likewise positioned to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 220 from a first temperature to a second temperature, but does so more efficiently due to the at least one internal passage 260. In some examples, the additional annular chamber 236a can be positioned to be closer to the inner surface 248 or the outer surface 252 of the bonnet 208 than the annular chamber 236, or, in other examples, the additional annular chamber 236a can be equidistant from the inner surface 248 and the outer surface 252 of the bonnet 208. The additional annular chamber 236a can also extend three hundred sixty degrees (360°) around and within the bonnet 208, like the annular chamber 236, or can extend only partially around the bonnet 208. In other examples, a non-annular chamber can be used in place of the additional annular chamber 236a. In those examples, the additional annular chamber 236a can have a rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. The additional annular chamber 236a can have the same cross-sectional shape as the annular chamber 236. However, in other examples, the additional annular chamber 236a can have a different cross-sectional shape than the annular chamber 236. Figure 5 In the orientation shown in FIG. 2, the annular chamber 236 can be disposed above the fluid passages 272 and the additional annular chamber 236a can be disposed below the fluid passages 272. In some examples, the additional annular chamber 236a can be positioned to be closer to the inner surface 248 or the outer surface 252 of the bonnet 208 than the annular chamber 236, or, in other examples, the additional annular chamber 236a can be equidistant from the inner surface 248 and the outer surface 252 of the bonnet 208. The additional annular chamber 236a can also extend three hundred sixty degrees (360°) around and within the bonnet 208, like the annular chamber 236, or can extend only partially around the bonnet 208. In other examples, a non-annular chamber can be used in place of the additional annular chamber 236a. In those examples, the additional annular chamber 236a can have a rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. The additional annular chamber 236a can have the same cross-sectional shape as the annular chamber 236. However, in other examples, the additional annular chamber 236a can have a different cross-sectional shape than the annular chamber 236.

[0036] Each of the at least one internal passage 260 extends between the annular chamber 236 and the additional annular chamber 236a in the bonnet 208 between the inner surface 248 and the outer surface 252 of the bonnet 208. The at least one internal passage 260 can follow any path from the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a. In some cases, each of the at least one internal passage 260 can encircle one or more of the fluid passages 272 in the valve cage 268. In other examples, the at least one internal passage 260 can not encircle any of the fluid passages 272 in the valve cage 268. Figure 6In the example shown, each of at least one of the internal channels 260 follows a curved path from the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a. However, in other examples, one or more of the at least one internal channel 260 may follow a linear path from the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a, such as a diagonal path, or a path of other shapes. Each of the at least one internal channel 260 may take any cross-sectional shape depending on the shape of the valve cover 208. For example, each of the at least one internal channel 260 may have a circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape.

[0037] also, Figure 7 The unit 224b shown is Figure 5 The difference in the illustrated unit 224a is that the outlet channel 244 extends from the outlet port 232 to the additional annular chamber 236a, instead of the annular chamber 236. In such an example, the medium is guided from the inlet port 228 to the annular chamber 236 via the inlet channel 240, and flows from the annular chamber 236 to the additional annular chamber 236a through at least one internal channel 260. The medium in the additional annular chamber 236a then flows from the additional annular chamber 236a to the outlet port 232 via the outlet channel 244.

[0038] Figures 8-10 Another example of a valve control assembly 300 custom-manufactured using method or process 100 is shown. Figures 8-10 The valve control assembly 300 shown is similar to Figure 5 The valve control assembly 200 shown differs from the valve control assembly 300 in that it includes a valve body 304 and a valve cover (not shown) coupled to the valve body 304, but the valve control assembly 300 includes different units 324 for changing the temperature of a portion of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 320 of the valve control assembly 300, and the units 324 are integrally formed within the valve body 304 (instead of the valve cap).

[0039] Similar to units 224a and 224b, unit 324 changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through a portion of the fluid flow path 320 from a first temperature to a second temperature. Figures 8-10The unit 324 shown in the middle includes an inlet port 328, an outlet port 332, an annular chamber 336, an additional annular chamber 336a, an inlet passage 340, an outlet passage 344, and at least one internal passage 360, each of which is integrally formed within the valve body 304. In particular, the inlet port 328 is integrally formed within the valve body and disposed along the perimeter of the valve body 304 such that the inlet port 328 is arranged to be coupled to a source of a medium that is different in temperature from the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 320. Disposing the inlet port 328 along the perimeter of the valve body 304 allows for unobstructed access to the inlet port 328 when the source of the medium is coupled to the inlet port 328. The inlet port 328 can take the form of any mechanism for coupling the source of the medium to the inlet port 328. In some cases, the inlet port 328 takes the form of a mechanism for releasably coupling the source of the medium to the inlet port 328. In this example, the inlet port 328 takes the form of a circular threaded hole that extends radially inward from the perimeter of the valve body 304 and is thus configured to receive a threaded end of a fluid line that couples the inlet port 328 to the source of the medium. In other examples, the inlet port 328 can take the form of a fixedly receiving The outlet port 332 is also integrally formed in the perimeter of the valve body 304, but at an opposite location from the inlet port 328, such that the outlet port 332 is arranged to discharge the medium from the valve assembly 300. Similar to the inlet 328, the outlet port 332, which in this example is a circular threaded hole, is configured to discharge the medium after it passes through and is discharged from the additional annular chamber 336a.

[0040] An annular chamber 336 is disposed within the valve body 304 between the inlet port 328 and the at least one internal passage 360 and is positioned proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path 320 such that the annular chamber 336 is positioned to change the temperature of the process fluid from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, the annular chamber 336 is located within the valve body 304 proximate to the inlet 312 and proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path 320. As shown, in this example, the annular chamber 336 extends three hundred sixty degrees (360°) around and within the valve body 304 at a location between the inner surface 348 and the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304, although in other examples, the annular chamber 336 can extend only partially around the valve body 304. In other examples, a non-annular chamber can be used in place of the annular chamber 336. In those examples, the non-annular chamber can have a rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. The annular chamber 336 can be disposed equidistant from the inner surface 348 and the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304. However, in other examples, the annular chamber 336 can be disposed toward the inner surface 348 of the valve body 304, or in other examples, can be disposed toward the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304. Additionally, although not shown herein, it should be appreciated that the annular chamber 336 can be coated with a different material than the material used to construct the valve body 304.

[0041] An inlet passage 340 is disposed between the inlet port 328 and the annular chamber 336 and is used to direct the media received at the inlet port 328 to the annular chamber 336. The inlet passage 340 can take any number of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape), depending on the application and the shape of the valve body 304. As shown, in this example, the inlet passage 340 follows a linear path from the inlet port 328 to the annular chamber 336. Alternatively, the inlet passage 340 can follow a curved path, an “L” shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path. Figure 8 As shown, in this example, the inlet passage 340 follows a linear path from the inlet port 328 to the annular chamber 336. Alternatively, the inlet passage 340 can follow a curved path, an “L” shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path.

[0042] An outlet passage 344, similar to the inlet passage 340, is disposed between the additional annular chamber 336a and the outlet port 332 for directing the media that has been directed to and into the additional annular chamber 336a from the additional annular chamber 336a to the outlet port 332. That is, the outlet passage 344 is used to expel the media from the additional annular chamber 336a and out of the valve assembly 300 (via the outlet 332). The outlet passage 344 can take any number of different sizes and / or shapes (e.g., circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape), including the same or different sizes and / or shapes as the inlet passage 340, depending on the application and the shape of the valve body 304. As shown, in this example, the outlet passage 344 follows a linear path from the additional annular chamber 336a to the outlet port 332. Alternatively, the outlet passage 344 can follow a curved path, an “L” shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path. Figure 8As shown, in this example, the outlet passage 344 follows a curved path from the outlet port 332 to the additional annular chamber 336a. Alternatively, the outlet passage 344 can follow a linear path, an “L” shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path.

[0043] The additional annular chamber 336a is disposed between the outlet port 332 and the at least one internal passage 360 and is positioned proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path 320 such that the additional annular chamber 336a is positioned to change the temperature of the process fluid from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, the additional annular chamber 336a is positioned within the valve body 304, proximate to the outlet 316, and proximate to a portion of the fluid flow path 320 such that the additional annular chamber 336a is opposite the annular chamber 336. As shown, in this example, the additional annular chamber 336a extends three hundred sixty degrees (360°) around and within the valve body 304 at a location between the inner and outer surfaces 348, 352 of the valve body 304, but in other examples, the annular chamber 336 can extend only partially around the valve body 304. In other examples, an additional non-annular chamber can be used in place of the additional annular chamber 336a. In those examples, the additional non-annular chamber can have a rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. The additional annular chamber 336a can be disposed equidistant from the inner and outer surfaces 348, 352 of the valve body 304. However, in other examples, the additional annular chamber 336a can be disposed toward the inner surface 348 of the valve body 304, or, in other examples, can be disposed toward the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304. Additionally, while not shown herein, it should be appreciated that the additional annular chamber 336a can be coated with a different material than the material used to construct the valve body 304.

[0044] Each of the at least one internal passage 360 is integrally formed in the valve body 304 and extends between the annular chamber 336 and the additional annular chamber 336a. Specifically, each of the at least one internal passage 360 is integrally formed in the valve body 304 between the inner and outer surfaces 348, 352 of the valve body 304 such that the internal passage 360 is disposed proximate to the flow path 320. The at least one internal passage 360 can follow any path from the annular chamber 336 to the additional annular chamber 336a. In this example, the at least one internal passage 360 follows a linear path from the annular chamber 336 to the additional annular chamber 336a, but in other examples, the at least one internal passage 360 can follow a curved path, an “L” shaped path, a diagonal path, or any other suitably shaped path. Figure 8In the illustrated example, each of the at least one internal passages 360 follows a curvilinear path from the annular chamber 336 to the additional annular chamber 336a. However, in other examples, one or more of the at least one internal passages 360 can follow a linear path, e.g., a diagonal path, or other shaped path, from the annular chamber 336 to the additional annular chamber 336a (not shown). Each of the at least one internal passages 360 can take any cross-sectional shape depending on the shape of the valve body 304. For example, each of the at least one internal passages 360 can have a circular, rectangular, triangular, elliptical, irregular, or other cross-sectional shape. As Figure 9 As illustrated, each of the at least one passages 360 can be disposed adjacent to the outer surface 352 of the valve body 304. In other examples, each of the at least one passages 360 can be disposed adjacent to the inner surface 348 of the valve body 304. In other examples, each of the at least one passages 360 can be disposed equidistant from the inner surface 348 and the outer surface 352.

[0045] In operation, media flows into the inlet passage 340 through the inlet port 328 and from the inlet port 328 through the inlet passage 340 to the annular chamber 336, and once the media fills the annular chamber 336, the media flows from the annular chamber 336 through each of the at least one passages 360 integrally formed in the valve body 304 and into the additional annular chamber 336a. The media then flows from the additional annular chamber 336a through the outlet passage 344 to the outlet port 332 and then out of the valve control assembly 300 via the outlet port 332. In turn, the cell 324 utilizes the media flowing therethrough to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path 320 immediately adjacent to the annular chamber 336, the additional annular chamber 336a, and each of the at least one passages 360 from a first temperature to a second temperature. In this example, the cell 324 utilizes the media to cool the process fluid as it flows through the fluid flow path 320 such that the first temperature is greater than the second temperature. In this example (where the media cools the process fluid), the media can be, for example, water, a mixture of ethylene glycol and water, or liquid nitrogen. However, in other examples, the cell 324 can utilize the media to heat the process fluid as it flows through the fluid flow path 320. In these examples (where the media heats the process fluid), the media can be, for example, saturated steam, superheated water, or oil. Regardless, as with the valve assembly 200 described above, heating or cooling the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 320 in this manner eliminates or reduces problems associated with pressure reduction.

[0046] Although not shown herein, the outlet port 332 can also be coupled to a recirculation line (not shown) that fluidly couples the outlet port 332 to the inlet port 328 outside of the valve assembly 300. In particular, in some examples, the recirculation line can extend from the outlet port 332 to a source of the media. In such examples, as the media is returned to the source of the media via the recirculation line, the temperature of the media can return to the control temperature. In other examples, the recirculation line can couple the outlet port 332 to a heat exchanger (not shown). In such examples, the heat exchanger can change the temperature of the media from the temperature at the outlet port 332 (after the media has passed through the annular chamber 236) to the control temperature. In some cases, the heat exchanger can heat the media back to the control temperature, while in other examples, the heat exchanger can cool the media to return the temperature of the media to the control temperature. Coupling the heat exchanger in-line with the recirculation line allows the recirculation line to be directly coupled to the inlet port 328, as the media will be at the control temperature necessary to change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path 320.

Claims

1. A valve control assembly for use in a fluid flow control device, the valve control assembly comprising: A valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, the inlet being adapted to be coupled to a source of a process fluid having a first temperature; An inlet port, integrally formed in the valve body, is adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium having a control temperature different from the first temperature; An outlet port is integrally formed in the valve body; An annular chamber, which is integrally formed in the valve body between the inlet port and the outlet port, and is adjacent to the portion of the fluid flow path; An inlet channel, integrally formed in the valve body, guides the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber, such that the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from a first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature; as well as An outlet channel, integrally formed in the valve body, guides the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

2. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet channel is integrally formed in the valve body to guide a hot medium at a temperature higher than the first temperature from the inlet port to the annular chamber, such that the annular chamber includes a hot medium chamber configured to increase the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path.

3. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet channel is integrally formed in the valve body to guide a cold medium at a temperature lower than the first temperature from the inlet port to the annular chamber, such that the annular chamber includes a cold medium chamber configured to reduce the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path.

4. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, further comprising: A valve seat, which is disposed in the valve body along the fluid flow path; A valve cover, the valve cover being coupled to the valve body; as well as A valve cage, disposed between the valve cover and the valve seat, the valve cage including one or more fluid passages arranged in the fluid flow path. The annular chamber is arranged adjacent to the one or more fluid channels.

5. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet port, the inlet channel, the annular chamber, the outlet channel, and the outlet port are integrally formed in the valve body.

6. The valve control assembly according to claim 5, further comprising: An additional annular chamber is integrally formed in the valve body between the inlet port and the outlet port; as well as One or more internal channels are integrally formed in the valve body and extend along the fluid flow path between the annular chamber and the additional annular chamber, such that the annular chamber, the one or more internal channels, and the additional annular chamber change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to the second temperature.

7. The valve control assembly of claim 1 further includes a recirculation loop, one end of which is connected to the outlet port and the other end of which is connected to the inlet port, the recirculation loop including a heat exchanger configured to increase or decrease the outlet temperature of the medium at the outlet port such that the outlet temperature is substantially equal to the control temperature.

8. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet port and the outlet port are arranged along the periphery of the valve body.

9. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The annular chamber is disposed within the valve body between the inner and outer surfaces of the valve body.

10. The valve control assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet channel connects the inlet port directly to the annular chamber, and the outlet channel connects the annular chamber directly to the outlet port.

11. A valve control assembly for use in a fluid flow control device, the valve control assembly comprising: A valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, the inlet being adapted to couple to a source of process fluid having a first temperature; as well as A unit for changing the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from a first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature, the unit for changing the temperature including an annular chamber integrally formed in the valve body in a portion adjacent to the fluid flow path.

12. The valve control assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The unit for changing the temperature includes a unit for lowering the temperature, the unit for lowering the temperature including: An inlet port, integrally formed in the valve body, is adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium having a control temperature different from the first temperature; An outlet port is integrally formed in the valve body at a position opposite to the inlet port; The annular chamber is integrally formed in the valve body between the inlet port and the outlet port, and is located adjacent to the portion of the fluid flow path; An inlet channel, integrally formed in the valve body, guides the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber, such that the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from a first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature; and An outlet channel, integrally formed in the valve body, guides the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

13. The valve control assembly according to claim 12, further comprising: An additional annular chamber is integrally formed in the valve body between the inlet port and the outlet port; as well as One or more internal channels are integrally formed in the valve body and extend along the fluid flow path between the annular chamber and the additional annular chamber, such that the annular chamber, the one or more internal channels, and the additional annular chamber change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to the second temperature.

14. The valve control assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The unit for changing the temperature includes a unit for increasing the temperature, the unit for increasing the temperature including: An inlet port, integrally formed in the valve body, is adapted to be coupled to a source of a medium having a control temperature different from the first temperature; An outlet port is integrally formed in the valve body; An annular chamber, which is integrally formed in the valve body between the inlet port and the outlet port, and is adjacent to the portion of the fluid flow path; An inlet channel, integrally formed in the valve body, guides the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber, such that the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from a first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature; and An outlet channel, integrally formed in the valve body, guides the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

15. The valve control assembly of claim 14, further comprising: An additional annular chamber is integrally formed in the valve body between the inlet port and the outlet port; as well as One or more internal channels are integrally formed in the valve body and extend along the fluid flow path between the annular chamber and the additional annular chamber, such that the annular chamber, the one or more internal channels, and the additional annular chamber change the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path from the first temperature to the second temperature.

16. The valve control assembly of claim 11, further comprising: A valve seat, which is disposed in the valve body along the fluid flow path; as well as A valve cage, disposed between the valve cover and the valve seat, the valve cage including one or more fluid passages arranged in the fluid flow path. The annular chamber is arranged adjacent to the one or more fluid channels.

17. The valve control assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The inlet port and the outlet port are arranged along the periphery of the valve body.

18. The valve control assembly according to claim 11, wherein, The annular chamber is disposed within the valve body between the inner and outer surfaces of the valve body.

19. A manufacturing method, comprising: The valve control assembly is produced using additive manufacturing technology, the production comprising: A valve body is formed, the valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path extending between the inlet and the outlet, the inlet being adapted to couple to a source of process fluid having a first temperature; A unit for forming a process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path to change the temperature of the process fluid from a first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature, wherein the unit for forming the process fluid flowing through the fluid flow path includes: The portion immediately adjacent to the fluid flow path forms an annular chamber in the valve body.

20. The valve control assembly of claim 19, wherein, The unit for changing temperature comprises: An inlet port is formed in the valve body, the inlet port being adapted to be coupled to a source of medium having a control temperature different from the first temperature; An outlet port is formed in the valve body; The annular chamber is formed in the valve body in the portion between the inlet port and the outlet port and immediately adjacent to the fluid flow path; An inlet channel is formed in the valve body to guide the medium from the inlet port to the annular chamber, such that the annular chamber changes the temperature of the process fluid flowing through the portion of the fluid flow path from a first temperature to a second temperature different from the first temperature; and An outlet channel is formed in the valve body to guide the medium from the annular chamber to the outlet port.

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