Cage arrangement for fluid valve

Abstract

A cage apparatus for a fluid valve is disclosed. A cage device includes a lip tapering toward a central axis of a cage, a mounting flange spaced from the lip, and a body between the lip and the mounting flange, the body including a plurality of first openings radially spaced about a circumference of the body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to process control equipment, and more specifically to cage devices for fluid valves. Background Technology

[0002] Pressure relief valves are used in a variety of applications to maintain the pressure within a system below a predetermined maximum pressure (e.g., maximum fluid pressure). Specifically, if the pressure within the system exceeds the predetermined maximum pressure, the pressure relief valve discharges fluid or vapor to the atmosphere and / or other outlets until the pressure within the system drops below the predetermined maximum pressure. The amount and rate of fluid or vapor discharged to the atmosphere are related to the magnitude of the pressure within the vessel. The pressure relief valve can be selected for use with the system based on the system's design specifications, such as the maximum pressure to which the pressure vessel within the system can be safely exposed. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The cage device disclosed herein includes a lip tapering toward the central axis of the cage, a mounting flange spaced apart from the lip, and a body between the lip and the mounting flange, the body including a plurality of first openings radially spaced around the circumference of the body.

[0004] An exemplary relief valve includes a valve body defining a fluid passage between an inlet and an outlet, and a nozzle coupled to the valve body. The nozzle defines an inlet to the valve body. The nozzle has a sealing surface with an orifice defining the fluid passage. A disc retainer is movably coupled to the valve body. The disc retainer moves relative to the sealing surface to control fluid flow through the fluid passage. A cage is coupled to the nozzle. The cage has a lip that tapers toward the central axis of the cage.

[0005] An exemplary valve internals assembly includes: a disc; a disc retainer for receiving the disc; a nozzle, wherein the disc is movable relative to the nozzle to control fluid flow through a fluid valve; and a cage having a central bore for slidably receiving the disc. The cage has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a side surface between the first and second ends. The side surface has a plurality of cage channels radially spaced relative to a longitudinal axis of the central bore. The cage includes a boss that projects into the central bore and extends from the second end toward the first end. Attached Figure Description

[0006] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary fluid valve in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0007] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid valve, wherein the exemplary valve internals assembly disclosed herein is in an exemplary closed position.

[0008] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of the exemplary cage disclosed herein.

[0009] Figure 3B yes Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of an exemplary cage.

[0010] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid valve, wherein an exemplary valve internals assembly is shown in an exemplary open position.

[0011] Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An enlarged partial cross-sectional view of an exemplary relief valve.

[0012] Figure 4C This is shown from the angle of the outlet of an exemplary fluid valve. Figure 4A and Figure 4B A side view of an exemplary fluid valve.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of another exemplary cage disclosed herein.

[0014] Figure 6 It is a nozzle ring with the exemplary nozzle ring disclosed herein. Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid valve.

[0015] Figure 7A This is a perspective view of another exemplary valve internal assembly disclosed herein, shown in the first example position.

[0016] Figure 7B It is shown in the second position of the example. Figure 7A A perspective view of an example valve internals assembly.

[0017] Figure 7C It is shown in the third position of the example. Figure 7A A perspective view of an example valve internals assembly.

[0018] Figure 8 It has Figure 7A Exemplary valve internal components Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid valve.

[0019] Generally, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the accompanying drawings and written description to refer to the same or similar parts. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. Although the drawings show layers and regions with clean lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, mixed, and / or irregular. Detailed Implementation

[0020] Spring-operated pressure relief valves are widely used in overpressure protection systems and containers. Operation of a spring-operated pressure relief valve involves compressing the spring by a predetermined amount to control the opening point or set pressure of the flow control member via a closing force. When the force exerted by the fluid on the flow control member is equal to and / or exceeds the closing force of the spring, the valve moves to the open position to allow fluid flow through the valve. An additional increase in fluid pressure can cause the valve to open further. Conversely, a decrease in fluid pressure below the set pressure provided by the spring will cause the valve to close, preventing or restricting fluid flow through the valve.

[0021] During the opening of a relief valve, as the flow control component moves between a fully closed position and a fully open position (e.g., a fully lifted position) based on fluid pressure and / or the relief valve's set pressure, the flow control component can experience different effects. For example, the relief valve may not open at the relief valve's set pressure (e.g., fully open). As used herein, "set pressure" means the pressure at which the valve opens to provide a significant release of system pressure. For example, some relief valves may pre-leak during the first portion of the fully lifted stroke before springing open to the fully lifted position. As used herein, "pre-leakage or pre-leakage pressure" refers to the audible or visible escape of fluid between the disc and seat that occurs when the relief valve is slightly open. Therefore, typically, a relief valve may pre-leak during the first portion of the fully lifted stroke (e.g., between 1% and 50% lift) before springing open to the fully lifted position.

[0022] To increase pressure and reduce pre-leakage, some relief valves employ nozzle rings adjacent to the valve seat. The nozzle ring provides a converging effect to improve the opening of flow control components (e.g., discs and disc retainers). In operation, the nozzle ring causes fluid stagnation across the valve seat, resulting in an increase in the force or pressure applied to the flow control component. This causes the flow control component to bounce (e.g., bounce action) at a pressure closer to (e.g., within 4%) the valve's opening pressure (e.g., the pressure at which the valve begins to lift or move relative to the nozzle seat). As used herein, a valve's "bounce or bounce action" means rapidly opening the valve to a desired lift (e.g., a fully lifted position). As used herein, "bounce set pressure" refers to the set pressure at which the valve's first bounce is observed. In addition to improving the opening of the relief valve, the nozzle ring can also enhance the valve's venting characteristics. As used herein, "venting" means a pressure below the set pressure, where the valve recloses after opening. Therefore, the nozzle ring effectively generates venting pressure during the first or lower portion of the full venting stroke length.

[0023] However, nozzle rings can have disadvantages relative to valve bounce. For example, nozzle rings provide a sudden increase in fluid force by halting flow at low lifts. However, at higher lifts, nozzle rings do not provide pressurization. For instance, after the valve opens with an initial bounce or pressurization provided by the nozzle ring, the pooling effect decreases as the valve opens further. Therefore, a relief valve may bounce, for example, at 40% to 70% of its lift, and may then require further overpressure to achieve full lift. As used herein, “overpressure” means the required pressure increase above the set pressure to achieve the valve’s rated release capacity. In other words, a valve may have a bounce action followed by a regulating action, and in some cases, may have another bounce depending on the design or type of flow control element. Additionally, in some applications, regulating action is desired throughout the valve, while in others, a bounce action to move the valve to its full rated lift is desired. In some cases, considering inlet pipe dynamics, the transition between the rapid opening and regulating action of the relief valve can cause undesirable chatter and / or jitter during the upper lift portion or stroke (i.e., after the increase in pressure due to the pooling effect has decreased as the flow control member continues to move further away from the valve seat and / or nozzle ring). Therefore, in contrast to the higher lift portion (e.g., between 50% and 100%), the nozzle ring effectively provides the pooling effect at the lower lift portion (e.g., between 1% and 50%).

[0024] The examples disclosed herein improve the performance of fluid valves (e.g., pressure relief valves). Specifically, the exemplary fluid valves disclosed herein employ a cage device to provide a pooling effect. The exemplary cage devices disclosed herein stagnate fluid flow within a flow control member or disc retainer, thereby increasing pressure and / or force to provide boost to influence the valve's behavior at the upper or top section of the valve lift (e.g., between 50% and 100% lift). The cage device can be positioned at different distances relative to the valve's flow control member and / or disc retainer to alter the pooling effect provided by the cage. For example, the greater the distance between the exemplary cage device and the flow control member, the greater the amount of boost that can be generated by the pooling effect. Additionally, in some cases, the exemplary cage devices disclosed herein do not require the use of a nozzle ring. In some examples, the exemplary cage devices disclosed herein can be used in combination with a nozzle ring. Some exemplary cage devices disclosed herein include a flow regulator ring that can adjust or change the flow area of ​​the cage device.

[0025] Figure 1An exemplary fluid valve 100 (e.g., a pressure relief valve, safety relief valve, etc.) according to the teachings of this disclosure is shown. The fluid valve 100 of the illustrated example includes a valve body 102 (e.g., a valve liner), a valve cover 104, and a cap 106. In this example, the valve body 102 defines an inlet 108 (e.g., an inlet port or opening) and an outlet 110 (e.g., an outlet port or opening). The fluid valve 100 is fluidly coupled to a system upstream of the fluid valve 100. The upstream system may be, for example, a tank and / or other pressurized process fluid. In this particular example, the fluid valve 100 is implemented as a pressure relief valve for use with a fluid (e.g., a liquid, gas, steam, or two-phase fluid). In such an example, the fluid valve 100 operates to reduce pressure (e.g., fluid pressure) and / or prevent pressure from exceeding a predetermined maximum pressure (e.g., maximum fluid pressure). For example, when the pressure within a pressure vessel increases, the fluid valve 100 allows fluid to flow between inlet 108 and outlet 110. In some examples, outlet 110 is fluidly coupled to the atmosphere, discharging fluid to the atmosphere when the pressure in fluid valve 100 exceeds the maximum pressure. Although the fluid valve 100 shown in the example is a pressure relief valve, the exemplary valve seat assembly disclosed herein can be used with safety valves, gate valves, rotary valves, and / or any other type of fluid valve with a lift-type flow control member.

[0026] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The illustrated cross-sectional view of the exemplary fluid valve 100 is shown in an exemplary closed position 200 (e.g., fully closed position). The illustrated example fluid valve 100 includes an exemplary valve internals assembly 202 according to the teachings of this disclosure. Figure 2 In the example shown, valve body 102 defines a fluid flow passage 204 between inlet 108 and outlet 110. In the closed position 200, fluid flow between inlet 108 and outlet 110 is blocked. To control fluid flow through the fluid flow passage 204, fluid valve 100 includes a valve internals assembly 202 inserted in the fluid flow passage 204 between inlet 108 and outlet 110.

[0027] The fluid valve 100 illustrated includes a nozzle 206 coupled to a valve body 102. Specifically, the nozzle 206 of the illustrated example is coupled to an inlet 108 of the valve body 102. Thus, the nozzle 206 defines the inlet 108 of the valve body 102. The nozzle 206 of the illustrated example is held within the valve body 102. For example, the nozzle 206 of the illustrated example is (e.g., threaded) coupled to the valve body 102. In other examples, the nozzle 206 may be clamped to the valve body 102, fastened to a flange 208 of the valve body 102, and / or coupled to the valve body 102 via any other means. The nozzle 206 includes a passage or orifice 210 (e.g., a central orifice) defining an orifice 212 and a portion of a fluid flow passage 204 upstream of the orifice 212. Additionally, the nozzle 206 includes a sealing surface or nozzle seat 214 (e.g., a valve seat) defining the orifice 212 at a first end of the nozzle 206 opposite a second end of the nozzle 206. Therefore, the nozzle 206 in the example shown is an elongated cylindrical body extending between the flange 208 of the valve body 102 and the valve internals assembly 202.

[0028] The valve internals assembly 202 of the illustrated example interacts with nozzle 206 to control fluid flow through fluid flow passage 204. The valve internals assembly 202 of the illustrated example includes a flow control member 216 and a cage 218. In the illustrated example, the flow control member 216 includes a disc 220 coupled to a disc retainer 222. The disc retainer 222 includes a body defining a cavity 224 to receive the disc 220 and includes a rod 226 extending from the body. Thus, the disc retainer 222 retains the disc 220. However, in some examples, the disc 220 may be omitted, and the disc retainer 222 interacts with nozzle 206 to control fluid flow through valve body 102. In some examples, the flow control member 216 may be a valve plug, a lift valve, and / or any other fluid control member movable relative to nozzle 206. The flow control member 216 is movably coupled relative to the valve body 102 and interacts with (e.g., moves relative to) the nozzle seat 214 to control fluid flow through the fluid flow passage 204. The cage 218 of the illustrated example is coupled to the nozzle 206. Specifically, the cage 218 of the illustrated example is coupled to a first end of the nozzle 206. For example, the cage 218 of the illustrated example is threadedly coupled to the outer surface 228 of the nozzle 206. The cage 218 includes an inner surface 230 having threads for threaded coupling to the nozzle 206. The cage 218 of the illustrated example includes a central bore 232 (e.g., an opening or cavity) to receive (e.g., slidably receive) the flow control member 216 (e.g., a disc 220 and a disc retainer 222). In other words, the disc retainer 222 is received at least partially by the central hole 232 of the cage 218, such that the cage 218 surrounds or encloses at least a portion of the side surface or outer surface 234 of the disc retainer 222 and / or the disc 220. To retain or lock the position of the cage 218 relative to the nozzle 206, the fluid valve 100 of the illustrated example includes a locking or venting screw 264. However, in other examples, the venting valve 100 may include a pin, locking nut, screw, and / or any other fasteners for locking the position of the cage 218 relative to the nozzle 206.

[0029] Additionally, to hold and / or align (e.g., centered with longitudinal axis 256) the valve internals assembly 202 in the fluid flow passage 204, the fluid valve 100 of the illustrated example includes a guide 236. The guide 236 of the illustrated example includes a flange 238 and an elongated or cylindrical body 240. The guide 236 is captured or held (e.g., suspended) in the fluid flow passage 204. Specifically, the flange 238 is captured between the valve body 102 and the valve cover 104. The cylindrical body 240 of the guide 236 has a central bore 242 that slidably receives the rod 226 of the disc retainer 222. The guide 236 guides the movement of the disc 220 during operation of the fluid valve 100. For example, the guide 236 can only achieve linear movement of the disc 220 and / or the disc retainer 222 (e.g., in…). Figure 1 (The orientation is vertical, either upward or downward).

[0030] To control the movement of the valve internal assembly 202 relative to the orifice 212 based on a preset pressure, the fluid valve 100 of the illustrated example includes a regulator assembly 244. The regulator assembly 244 of the illustrated example is coupled to a valve cover 104. The valve cover 104 of the illustrated example defines a spring chamber 246 separated from the fluid flow passage 204 to receive the regulator assembly 244. The regulator assembly 244 of the illustrated example includes a biasing element 248 (e.g., a spring, a coil spring, etc.) and an adjusting screw 250. A cap 106 (e.g., a cover) covers (e.g., protects) the adjusting screw 250. The adjusting screw 250 (e.g., threadedly) is coupled to a hole 253 at the upper surface of the valve cover 104. The biasing element 248 of the illustrated example is positioned within the spring chamber 246. Specifically, the biasing element 248 of the illustrated example is trapped between a first spring seat 252 (e.g., an upper spring washer) and a second spring seat 254 (e.g., a lower spring washer) opposite the first spring seat 252. The adjusting screw 250 in the example shown is positioned relative to the valve cover 104 along the longitudinal axis 256 of the fluid valve 100 in a straight direction 255 (e.g., Figure 2 The bias element 248 is moved in the upward and downward directions to adjust the force output of the bias element 248 (e.g., compress or decompress the bias element 248), and thus adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the set pressure of the fluid valve 100. For example, the bias element 248 has a known spring constant and is compressed by a predetermined amount to generate a predetermined force applied to the disc 220. The force applied by the bias element 248 holds the disc 220 in position (e.g., positioned on the nozzle seat 214) to prevent fluid flow through the fluid valve 100 until the pressure at the inlet 108 generates a force on the disc 220 that overcomes the predetermined force or preset pressure provided by the bias element 248. In the illustrated example, the adjusting screw 250 engages the first spring seat 252 to adjust (e.g., compress or decompress) the position of the bias element 248 relative to the second spring seat 254. The second spring seat 254 is operatively coupled to the valve internals assembly 202. Specifically, the second spring seat 254 is coupled (e.g., fixed to or directly engaged with) the spindle 258. Furthermore, the spindle 258 is coupled to the rod 226 of the disc retainer 222 (e.g., a portion of the receiving rod 226). The spindle 258 includes a rod 260 extending through the second spring seat 254, the first spring seat 252, and the adjusting screw 250, and slidably coupled to the second spring seat 254, the first spring seat 252, and the adjusting screw 250. In some examples, the cap 106 can be removed, and a lever can be coupled to the end 262 of the rod 260 to manually lift and / or move the valve internals assembly 202 relative to the nozzle 206.

[0031] Figure 3A This is a perspective view of cage 218. Figure 3B It is similar to Figure 2 A sectional view of cage 218. (Reference) Figure 3A and 3B The cage 218 shown in the example defines a body 302 that defines a central aperture 232 to slidably receive a flow control member 216. For example, the cage 218 shown in the example is a cylindrical structure or body. The central aperture 232 extends between a first end 304 of the cage 218 and a second end 306 of the cage 218 opposite to the first end 304. The cage 218 shown in the example includes a lip 308, a base 310 (e.g., a mounting flange, flange, etc.), and side surfaces 312. The lip 308 is opposite to the base 310, and the side surfaces 312 are between the lip 308 and the base 310. Thus, the lip 308 and the base 310 are spaced apart by the distance defined by the side surfaces 312. The lip 308 of the example shown in the example is located at or near the first end 304 of the cage 218, and the base 310 is located at or near the second end 306. The lip 308 in the example shown is an annular lip that tapers toward the longitudinal axis 314 (e.g., the central axis) of the cage 218 and / or the central hole 232. For example, the lip 308 (e.g., the inner surface of the lip 308 oriented toward the disc 220) has an angle 316 relative to the vertical member 318 (e.g., the side 312 (e.g., the outer surface) of the cage 218). In some examples, the angle 316 may be between approximately 40 and 60 degrees. In some examples, the angle 316 may be any angle between zero and ninety degrees. For example, the lip 308 may be a vertical wall projecting parallel to the longitudinal axis 314, a horizontal wall projecting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 314, and / or a wall positioned at any angle between vertical and horizontal. The lip 308 in the example shown can influence and / or regulate the amount of boost pressure and / or aggregation effect at higher elevations. For example, the smaller the angle 316 (e.g., 40 degrees, closer to zero), the greater the convergence effect, which in turn provides increased boost pressure. The larger the angle 316 (e.g., 60 degrees, closer to 90 degrees), the smaller the convergence effect, which in turn provides reduced boost pressure.

[0032] The base 310 of the illustrated example includes a boss 320 that projects within a central bore 232 and extends along a longitudinal axis 314 from the second end 306 of the cage 218 toward the first end 304 of the cage 218. The base 310 defines an inner surface 230 of the cage 218, which includes threads 310a for threaded coupling to the nozzle 206. Therefore, when the cage 218 and nozzle 206 are fastened, the cage 218 can be adjusted relative to the nozzle 206 in a linear direction 255 (e.g., vertically) based on the number of rotations of the cage 218 relative to the nozzle 206. In this way, the distance between the disc 220 and / or disc retainer 222 and the cage 218 can be varied for different process applications and / or the desired opening characteristics of the fluid valve 100. For example, the cage 218 can be positioned at different distances (e.g., vertical distance) relative to the flow control member 216 and / or disc retainer 222 to alter the aggregation effect. For example, the greater the distance between cage 218 and flow control member 216 and / or disc retainer 222, the greater the amount of pressurization that can be generated by the aggregation effect. Additionally, the cage 218 in the illustrated example is directly coupled to nozzle 206 without a nozzle ring. In some examples, cage 218 can be retrofitted to an existing fluid valve in the field. In some examples, cage 218 can be coupled to a nozzle ring (e.g., Figure 6 Used together with the nozzle ring 600.

[0033] The side 312 of the cage 218 in the illustrated example includes a plurality of cage passages 322 (e.g., windows, openings, flow channels, etc.) passing through the side 312 of the cage 218. The cage passages 322 are radially spaced relative to the longitudinal axis 314 of the central opening 232 of the cage (e.g., around the circumference of the cage 218). Specifically, the cage passages 322 extend through the side 312. The cage passages 322 extend through the side 312 of the cage 218 so that fluid flow from the inlet 108 can pass towards the outlet 110. A wall or beam 324 (e.g., a support beam) separates the plurality of cage passages 322 (e.g., positioned between the plurality of cage passages 322). Specifically, the beam 324 in the illustrated example is radially spaced relative to the longitudinal axis 314. In other words, the beam 324 is spaced around the circumference of the cage 218. In the illustrated example, the beam 324 has a rectangular shape. The beam 324 extends vertically between a first end 304 and a second end 306 of the cage 218. In the illustrated example, a corresponding cage passage 322 extends between a corresponding pair of beams 324, a first end 304, and a second end 306 of the cage 218. Therefore, the cage passage 322 in the illustrated example has a rectangular opening and collectively provides a flow area for the cage 218. Additionally, the base 310 and / or the second end 306 of the cage 218 include a plurality of positioning slots 326. A corresponding slot 326 receives a discharge screw 270. Figure 2 ( ) to lock or maintain the position of cage 218 relative to nozzle 206.

[0034] Figures 4A-4C The example open position 400 (e.g., fully open position) is shown. Figure 1 -3 fluid valve 100. Figure 4A It is shown as being in the open position 400. Figure 1 and Figure 2 A cross-sectional view of the fluid valve 100. Figure 4B yes Figure 4A An enlarged view of the relief valve. Figure 4C This is a side view of the fluid valve 100 from outlet 110, showing the cage 218 and the fluid flow passage 204.

[0035] During operation, refer to Figure 2 and Figures 4A-4C The pressure of the fluid 402 (e.g., liquid, gas, two-phase fluid, etc.) at inlet 108 is applied to disk 220, thereby generating a force and thus a pressure against disk 220 (e.g., based on the area of ​​disk 220). Regulator assembly 244 provides a preset or threshold pressure that must be overcome by the fluid 402 at inlet 108 to open fluid valve 100 from... Figure 2 Move the closing position 200 to Figure 4A The open position 400. For example, when the pressure of the fluid 402 at inlet 108 does not exceed the preset pressure provided by the biasing element 248, the force provided by the regulator assembly 244 maintains the fluid valve 100 in the open position 400. Figure 2 The closed position 200. Therefore, the pressure of the fluid 402 at the inlet 108 exceeds the threshold pressure (e.g., set via regulator assembly 244) to cause the fluid valve 100 to open to allow fluid to flow from the inlet 108 through the cage passage 322 of the cage 218 and to the outlet 110 (e.g., to release the pressure of the process fluid upstream of the system and / or fluid valve 100).

[0036] For example, when the pressure of the fluid 402 at inlet 108 is substantially equal to the preset pressure provided by the regulator assembly 244, the disc 220 moves slightly away from the nozzle seat 214, and the fluid 402 begins to leak or flow through the nozzle seat 214. As used herein, “opening pressure” refers to the pressure at which the total downward force exerted by the biasing element 248 and the weight of the valve internals assembly 202 (i.e., the moving part) of the fluid valve 100 is equal to the upward force exerted by the fluid 402 on the disc 220. The opening pressure of the fluid valve 100 is typically less than the pressure that causes pre-leakage. The opening pressure is typically less than the pre-leakage pressure, causing an inaudible, minute leak to begin flowing. As the pressure at inlet 108 increases during pre-leakage, the disc 220 moves further away from the nozzle seat 214, thereby allowing increased fluid flow through the fluid valve 100.

[0037] refer to Figure 4BThe disc 220 and / or disc retainer 222 are positioned within the central opening 232 of the cage 218, and the lip 308 surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface 234 of the disc retainer 222. Additionally, a small gap exists between the lip 308 and the disc retainer 222, preventing fluid 402 from flowing between the disc retainer 222 and the lip 308. For example, the diameter of the cage 218 (e.g., the lip 308) is approximately 1% to 10% larger than the diameter of the disc retainer 222 received by the central opening 232 of the cage 218. Therefore, when fluid 402 flows against the disc 220 and / or disc retainer 222, the disc retainer 222 redirects the fluid 402 (e.g., downwards) toward the cage passage 322 of the cage 218. This redirection of fluid 402 causes a pooling effect. As described above, the pooling effect causes fluid flow to stagnate near the nozzle seat 214 and / or disc retainer 222, resulting in a localized increase in pressure. The increased pressure provided by the pooling effect causes disc 220 and disc retainer 222 to spring to the open position 400. Unlike the nozzle ring, cage 218 provides adjustability of fluid valve 100 actuation at higher lifting strokes or positions. For example, cage 218 can cause disc 220 to spring or adjust open by, for example, 50 percent lifting, 60 percent lifting, etc. For example, without cage 218 or nozzle ring, the fluid valve would initially leak forward (e.g., between 0.1% opening or lifting and 10% opening or lifting), then the fluid valve would spring open, followed by adjustment (e.g., during the second lifting portion (e.g., greater than 50 percent lifting)). The cage 218 in the illustrated example restricts or prevents adjustment during the second portion of lifting (e.g., between 50% opening or lifting and 100% opening or lifting). For example, by enabling the disc 220 to spring open after the initial leakage, the cage 218 of the example shown can reduce and / or eliminate the adjustment effect that might otherwise occur between the fully closed position 200 and the fully open position 400 (e.g., between a 40 percent lift and a 100 percent lift).

[0038] refer to Figure 4B To adjust the aggregation effect, the cage 218 in the illustrated example can be positioned at different locations between the nozzle seat 214 and the flared portion of the nozzle 206 along the end of the nozzle 206 (e.g., the cage 218 can be adjusted along the outer surface 228 or the straight portion of the nozzle end). For example, the cage 218 can be positioned in the first direction 404 (e.g., Figure 4B (the upward direction in orientation) or a second direction 406 opposite to the first direction 404 (e.g., Figure 4B Adjusting linearly in the downward direction of orientation (e.g., Figure 4BThe cage 218 is positioned vertically (to adjust the pooling effect of the fluid valve 100). Therefore, the cage 218 can be positioned closer to or further away from the disc 220. The lower the cage 218 is positioned on the nozzle 206 (e.g., closer to the flare), the greater the pooling effect and / or the boost pressure. The higher the cage 218 is positioned on the nozzle 206 (e.g., closer to the nozzle seat 214), the lower the pooling effect and / or the boost pressure. In other words, the greater the distance between the disc retainer 222 and the cage base 310, the greater the amount of pooling effect. As the distance between the disc retainer 222 and the cage base 310 decreases, the pooling effect also decreases, which reduces the boost pressure. Additionally, refer to... Figure 4A The lip 308 surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface 234 of the disc retainer 222. The angle 316 of the lip 308 is... Figure 3B The angle 316 of the lip 308 can be varied during manufacturing to alter the pooling effect and / or valve performance. For example, the angle 316 of the lip 308 can be increased or decreased to adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the amount of pooling effect and / or boost pressure. In some examples, the angle 316 of the lip 308 can be smaller, allowing for a larger clearance between the lip 308 and the disc retainer 222. This larger clearance affects the pooling effect and / or other performance characteristics of the relief valve 100. Because the pooling effect is altered via the position of the cage 218 and / or the angle 316 of the lip 308, the fluid valve 100 can be configured to provide different valve performance characteristics (e.g., different pre-leakage effects during different stroke positions of the fluid valve 100 between fully open and fully closed, different pressures at which the relief valve springs open, etc.).

[0039] refer to Figure 4B As the pressure at inlet 108 decreases, disc 220 is pushed toward nozzle seat 214 by biasing element 248 until disc 220 engages nozzle seat 214 to prevent fluid flow in fluid valve 100. The cage 218 in the example shown can reduce or increase venting by lowering or raising the position of cage 218.

[0040] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of another exemplary cage 500 disclosed herein. Figure 5 Many components of the exemplary cage 500 are substantially similar to or equivalent to those described above. Figure 1 The components of cage 218 described in -3 and 4A-4C are not described in detail below. Instead, interested readers should refer to the corresponding descriptions above for a complete written description of the structure and operation of such components. To facilitate this process, similar or identical reference numerals will be used. Figure 5 Similar structures in, such as in Figure 1 Used in -3. Figure 5 The 500 cage can be used to achieve Figure 1Fluid valves 100 of types -3 and 4A-4C (e.g., replacing cage 218). For example, cage 500 includes a lip 308, a base 310 (e.g., a mounting flange), a boss 320, and a locating groove 326.

[0041] Cage 500 and Figure 1 Cage 218 of type -3 is substantially similar to or identical to that of cage 218, except that cage 500 includes cage passage 502, which differs from the cage passage 322 of cage 218. Each cage passage 502 has a varying geometry (e.g., a tapered geometry along the longitudinal axis 314). For example, a first portion 504 of cage passage 502 has a first dimensional width, and a second portion 506 of cage passage 502 has a second dimensional width that is different from (e.g., smaller than) the first dimensional width. For example, each cage passage 502 in the illustrated example has an inverted trapezoidal shape. Cage passages 502 are radially spaced around the circumference of cage 500 relative to the longitudinal axis 314. The cage 500 of the illustrated example includes a plurality of walls or beams 508 extending between a lip 308 and a base 310. Specifically, beams 508 are radially spaced relative to the longitudinal axis 314 and / or the circumference of cage 500. A corresponding one of the cage passages 502 is positioned between corresponding beams of beams 508. In some examples, the cage passage 502 and / or beam 508 may have a T-shaped cross-section. In some examples, the cage passage 502 and / or beam 508 may have any other shape, such as square, circular, rectangular or elliptical, triangular, etc. The cage passage 502 defines a cage orifice that controls the fluid flow characteristics and / or the amount of fluid flowing between inlet 108 and outlet 110.

[0042] Figure 6 It has an example nozzle ring 600. Figure 1-3 and 4A-4C are perspective views of example fluid valve 100. Specifically, nozzle ring 600 is coupled to nozzle 206. Furthermore, cage 218 is coupled to nozzle ring 600. Thus, nozzle ring 600 is positioned between nozzle 206 and cage 218. The inner surface 230 of cage 218 (e.g., having thread 310a) is threadedly coupled to nozzle ring 600. For example, nozzle ring 600 includes an internal thread 602 formed along at least a portion of the inner surface 604 of nozzle ring 600 and an external thread 606 formed along at least a portion of the outer surface 608 of nozzle ring 600. Thus, nozzle ring 600 is coupled to nozzle 206 via internal thread 602 and to cage 218 via external thread 606. Nozzle ring 600 is movable relative to nozzle seat 214 along nozzle 206 in a linear direction 255 (e.g., along longitudinal axis 256). Additionally, the cage 218 is adjustable in the linear direction 255 relative to the nozzle ring 600 and / or the nozzle seat 214. For example, the nozzle ring 600 can be adjusted in the linear direction 255 independently of the cage 218. The nozzle ring 600 includes a locating groove (e.g., a locating groove 326 similar to that of the cage 218) to receive a vent screw 264. The vent screw 264 retains or locks the rotational position of the nozzle ring 600 to prevent the nozzle ring 600 from rotating about the longitudinal axis 256 during operation of the fluid valve 100.

[0043] In addition to cage 218, nozzle ring 600 can also be used to modify the pooling effect, pre-leakage effect, regulation effect, and / or any other performance characteristics of fluid valve 100. For example, nozzle ring 600 can be adjusted in the first direction 404 to adjust nozzle ring 600 (e.g., in...) Figure 6 (oriented upwards) toward the nozzle seat 214 and in the second direction 406, the nozzle ring 600 is adjusted to move the nozzle ring 600 (e.g., in...). Figure 6 (oriented upwards and downwards) to move the nozzle ring 600 away from the nozzle seat 214.

[0044] During operation, the nozzle ring 600, in conjunction with the cage 218, can reduce and / or eliminate the pre-leakage effect of the disc 220, allowing the valve to spring open and reach a full lift close to the set pressure (e.g., within 1% of the pre-leakage lift). Additionally, the cage 218, in conjunction with the nozzle ring 600, can reduce or eliminate instances of adjustment that may be caused by the nozzle ring 600 during operation. For example, the nozzle ring 600 can provide a first convergence effect and / or a first pressure boost to open the fluid valve 100 along a first stroke or lift portion (e.g., a lower lift range between 0% and 50%), and the cage 218 can provide a second convergence effect and / or a second pressure boost to continue opening (e.g., springing open) the fluid valve 100 along a second stroke or lift portion (e.g., an upper lift range between 50% and fully open or fully lifted positions). Furthermore, the amount of convergence effect provided by the nozzle ring 600 can be adjusted by moving the nozzle ring 600 along the nozzle 206 relative to the nozzle seat 214. For example, the aggregation effect provided by the nozzle ring 600 decreases when the nozzle ring is lowered away from the disk 220, and increases when the nozzle ring 600 is raised closer to the disk 220. Therefore, the nozzle ring 600 can be adjusted (e.g., vertically) relative to the nozzle 206 to control the flow characteristics and / or performance of the fluid valve 100 in the first lifting portion (e.g., the lower half of the lifting section). Additionally, as described above, the cage 218 can be adjusted (e.g., vertically) relative to the nozzle 206 and / or the nozzle ring 600 to control the flow characteristics and / or performance of the fluid valve 100 in the second lifting portion (e.g., the upper half of the lifting section). In the example shown, the nozzle ring 600 can be adjusted independently of the cage 218, and the cage 218 can be adjusted independently of the nozzle ring 600.

[0045] Additionally, the nozzle ring 600 improves and / or regulates venting. This, in turn, affects the venting characteristics of the valve. As used herein, “venting” is the difference between the set pressure (pressure when the valve is open) and the reseating pressure (pressure when the valve is closed). A raised nozzle ring 600 has a longer venting (more product loss), and a lowered nozzle ring 600 has a shorter venting (less product loss). Furthermore, the cage 218 provides adjustability of the disc 220 relative to the nozzle seat 214 for venting and / or regulation. Both the nozzle ring 600 and the cage 218 are closedly coupled to control valve actuation and venting. Therefore, the nozzle ring 600 and the cage 218 can be adjusted to provide complete control over the shaping of the fluid valve 100's design. For example, the nozzle ring 600 and the cage 218 can be used to improve, regulate, and / or modify the opening characteristics or performance of the fluid valve 100 as well as its closing characteristics or performance. In some examples, the nozzle ring 600 and the cage 218 can be used to retrofit existing fluid valves in the field.

[0046] Figure 7AThis is a partial perspective view of another exemplary valve internal assembly 700 disclosed herein. Figure 7A The valve internals assembly 700 is shown in a first position 702. The valve internals assembly 700 shown in the example can be used to implement... Figure 1 -3, 4A-4C and / or 6 relief valves. Specifically, the valve internals assembly 700 of the example shown includes Figure 1 -3 cage 218 and flow control ring 704 (e.g., flow regulating ring). In some examples, valve internals assembly 700 may include Figure 6 The nozzle ring 600. A flow control ring 704 is coupled (e.g., movably or rotatably) to the cage 18. The flow control ring 704 includes a plurality of second openings 706 radially spaced along the sidewall 708 of the flow control ring 704. In other words, the second openings 706 are radially spaced around the circumference of the flow control ring 704. The second openings 706 of the flow control ring 704 are aligned with corresponding cage passages in the cage passages 322 of the cage 218. The flow control ring 704 is moved or rotated relative to the cage passages 322 of the cage 218 to adjust (e.g., increase or decrease) the flow area of ​​the cage passages 322, thereby affecting the fluid flow characteristics of the fluid flowing through the cage passages 322 of the cage 218. For example, the flow control ring 704 is movably adjustable relative to the cage 218. For example, the flow control ring 704 of the example shown is in Figure 7A The image shows the flow control ring 704 in a first position 702. In the first position 702, the second opening 706 is aligned with the cage passage 322 such that the flow control ring 704 does not obstruct or impede flow through the cage passage 322. In other words, the flow control ring 704 in the first position 702 does not reduce the flow area (e.g., common flow area) of the cage passage 322 and allows full flow (e.g., 100% flow) through the cage passage 322. The flow control ring 704 rotates relative to the cage 218 between the first position 702 and a second position such that in the first position 702, the flow control ring 704 (e.g., sidewall 708) does not obstruct the cage passage 322, while in the second position, the sidewall 708 obstructs or impedes flow through at least a portion of the cage passage 322. The flow control ring 704 in the illustrated example includes a plurality of positioning slots 710 for receiving... Figure 2 The vent screw 264. A locating groove 710 is radially spaced around the circumference of the flow control ring 704. The locating groove 710 aligns with the locating groove 326 of the cage 218 and / or the locating groove of the nozzle ring 600. The flow control ring 704 can be slidably or rotatably coupled to the cage 218 via a track and pin, tongue and groove connection, thread, slider, and / or any other rotary technique to rotatably couple the flow control ring 704 relative to the cage 218. For example, the flow control ring 704 may include one of a groove or a pin, and the cage 218 may include the other of a groove or a pin to rotatably couple the flow control ring 704 and the cage 218.

[0047] Figure 7B yes Figure 7B A partial perspective view of an exemplary valve internal assembly 700, but shown in a second exemplary position 712 relative to the cage 218. In the second position 712, the flow control ring 704 is positioned to partially block or impede fluid flow through the cage passage 322. Specifically, in the second position 712, the cage passage 322 is partially blocked by the sidewall 708 of the flow control ring 704 to prevent, limit, or impede fluid flow through the cage passage 322 (e.g., the blocked area of ​​the cage passage 322). Thus, in Figure 7B In the case of cage 218, cage passage 322 is partially blocked (e.g., blocked between 30% and 50%), resulting in a reduction in the flow area (e.g., common flow area) provided by cage passage 322 compared to the flow area provided by cage passage 322 when flow control ring 704 is in the first position 702.

[0048] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A A partial perspective view of an exemplary valve internals assembly 700, but shown in a third exemplary position 714 relative to the cage 218. In the third position 714, the flow control ring 704 further obstructs or blocks the cage passage 322. For example, the cage passage 322 is partially obstructed (e.g., between approximately 70% and 90%) by the sidewall 708 of the flow control ring 704. Therefore, in Figure 7C In the middle, the cage passage 322 is partially blocked by the side wall 708, such that the flow area (e.g., common flow area) provided by the cage passage 322 is greater than that in the flow control ring 704. Figure 7B The flow area of ​​the cage passage 322 provided at the second position 712 shown is reduced by a greater amount.

[0049] Additionally, the flow control ring 704 illustrated can be used to limit flow through fluid valve 100 at unlimited intervals. For example, some valves employ spacers or gaskets between disc retainer 222 and valve cover 104 and / or guide 236 to limit the full stroke length or lift of fluid valve 100, thereby controlling maximum flow through fluid valve 100. Installing such a spacer requires disassembling fluid valve 100. However, the exemplary flow control ring 704 can be positioned, for example, in a third position 714 and / or any other position that partially blocks or impedes fluid flow through cage passage 322 to provide the desired flow through the valve.

[0050] Figure 8 yes Figure 1 -3 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fluid valve 100, but using Figures 7A-7CAn exemplary valve internals assembly 700 is used to implement this. Additionally, the valve internals assembly 700 includes a nozzle ring 600. In the illustrated example, a flow control ring 704 is rotatably or slidably coupled to a cage 218. Furthermore, the cage 218 is coupled to the nozzle ring 600. Therefore, in this example, it is possible to be positioned relative to the nozzle seat 214 in a linear direction 255 (e.g., ...). Figure 8 The nozzle ring 600 is adjusted in the vertical direction of its orientation. The cage 218 can be adjusted relative to the nozzle ring 600 and / or the nozzle seat 214 in the straight direction 255 (e.g., vertical direction). Figure 8 The adjustment is made in the vertical direction of the orientation. Additionally, the flow control ring 704 can be adjusted and / or rotated relative to the cage 218 in the rotational direction 800 about the longitudinal axis 256 of the fluid valve 100. The vent screw 264 engages corresponding positioning slots in the positioning slots 326, 710 of the cage 218, nozzle ring 600, and flow control ring 704 to lock the positions of the cage 218, nozzle ring 600, and flow control ring 704. In this way, the vent screw 264 prevents the cage 218 and nozzle ring 600 from moving in the linear direction 255 and prevents the flow control ring 704 from rotating relative to the cage 218 in the rotational direction 800.

[0051] The nozzle ring 600 can be adjusted independently of the cage 218 and / or the flow control ring 704, and the flow control ring 704 can be adjusted independently of the nozzle ring 600 and / or the cage 218. Therefore, the nozzle ring 600 and the cage 218 can be adjusted linearly (e.g., vertically) to a fully closed position (e.g., ...). Figure 2 The flow control ring 704 regulates the pooling effect, pre-leakage effect, spring pressure, regulation effect, and / or any other effect between the closed position 200 and the fully raised open position (e.g., open position 400 in Figure 4). Additionally, as fluid flows between inlet 108 and outlet 110, the flow control ring 704 can be rotatably adjusted relative to cage 218 to influence the flow characteristics and / or fluid flow through cage passage 344. In some examples, the nozzle ring 600 shown in the example can be omitted, and cage 218 can be directly coupled to nozzle 206, and flow control ring 704 can be directly coupled to cage 218.

[0052] While each exemplary valve seat assembly disclosed above has certain features, it should be understood that a particular feature of one example is not necessarily specific to that example. Rather, any feature depicted in the above description and / or figures, in addition to or replacing any other feature of those examples, can be combined with any example. Features of one example are not mutually exclusive with features of another example. Rather, the scope of this disclosure covers any combination of any features. For example, cage 218 and flow control ring 704 can be used without nozzle ring 600.

[0053] "Comprising" and "including" (and all their forms and tenses) are used herein as open-ended terms. Therefore, whenever a claim uses any form of "comprising" or "including" (e.g., including, comprising, having, etc.) as a preamble or within any kind of claim statement, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without exceeding the scope of the corresponding claim or statement. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term in, for example, the preamble of a claim, it is open-ended in the same way that the terms "comprising" and "including" are open-ended. When used, for example, in forms such as A, B, and / or C, the term "and / or" refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) only A, (2) only B, (3) only C, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, projects, objects, and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, projects, objects, and / or things, the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the performance or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A and B” is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0054] As used herein, singular references (e.g., "a," "an," "first," "second," etc.) do not exclude plural. As used herein, the term "a" or "an" refers to one or more of that object. The terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although listed separately, multiple means, elements, or actions may be implemented by, for example, the same entity or object. Additionally, although individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that the combination of features is impractical and / or advantageous.

[0055] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "above" describes the relationship of two parts relative to the Earth. The first part is above the second part if the second part has at least one portion between the Earth and the first part. Similarly, as used herein, the first part is "below" the second part when the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As stated above, the first part may be above or below the second part, having one or more of the following: other portions between them, no other portions between them, where the first and second parts are in contact, or where the first and second parts are not in direct contact with each other.

[0056] As used in this patent, a statement that any part is in any way (e.g., positioned on, located, set on, or formed on, etc.) another part indicates that the referenced part is in contact with the other part, or that the referenced part is above the other part, wherein one or more intermediate parts are located therebetween.

[0057] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, a connection reference (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, and engagement) may include intermediate components between elements referenced by the connection reference and / or relative movement between these elements. Therefore, a connection reference does not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and / or fixed to each other. As used herein, a statement that any part is “in contact” with another part is defined as meaning that there is no intermediate portion between the two parts.

[0058] Unless otherwise specifically stated, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” “third,” etc., are used herein without imposing or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or sorting, but merely as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for ease of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in a detailed description, while the same element may be referred to in the claims by different descriptors such as “second” or “third.” In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are used only to clearly identify those elements within the context of the discussion (e.g., within the claims), where elements may otherwise share the same name, for example.

[0059] As used herein, “about” and “approximately” modify their subject matter / value to identify the potential presence of variations that occur in real-world applications. For example, “about” and “approximately” may modify dimensions that may be inaccurate due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world defects, as will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, “about” and “approximately” may indicate that such dimensions are within tolerances of + / - 10%, unless otherwise stated herein.

[0060] This document discloses example methods, apparatus, systems, and articles of manufacture for improving the performance, fabrication, and / or assembly of relief valves. Further examples and combinations thereof include the following:

[0061] Example 1 includes an internal component assembly for a pressure relief valve, the internal component assembly including a cage, a mounting flange and a body, the cage having a lip tapering toward a central axis of the cage, the mounting flange being spaced apart from the lip, the body being between the lip and the mounting flange, the body including a plurality of first openings radially spaced apart around the circumference of the body.

[0062] Example 2 includes the internal components of Example 1, and further includes a disc and a disc retainer for holding the disc, the disc retainer being received by the central opening of the cage.

[0063] Example 3 includes an inner component of any of Examples 1-2, wherein the lip surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the disc retainer.

[0064] Example 4 includes an inner component of any of Examples 1-3, wherein the lip has an angle between approximately 40 and 60 degrees with the outer surface of the body.

[0065] Example 5 includes the internal components of any of Examples 1-4, and also includes a nozzle for coupling to the valve body of the pressure relief valve.

[0066] Example 6 includes an internal component of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the cage is coupled to the end of the nozzle.

[0067] Example 7 includes the internal components of any of Examples 1-6, and also includes a nozzle ring coupled to the nozzle.

[0068] Example 8 includes an internal component of any one of Examples 1-7, wherein the nozzle ring includes an internal thread and an external thread, the internal thread being formed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the nozzle ring, and the external thread being formed along at least a portion of the outer surface of the nozzle ring.

[0069] Example 9 includes an internal component of any of Examples 1-8, wherein the nozzle ring is coupled to the nozzle via an internal thread and to the cage via an external thread.

[0070] Example 10 includes the internal components of any of Examples 1-9, and also includes a flow control loop coupled to the cage.

[0071] Example 11 includes an internal component of any of Examples 1-10, wherein the flow control ring includes a plurality of second openings radially spaced along the sidewall of the flow control ring.

[0072] Example 12 includes an internal component of any of Examples 1-11, wherein the flow control ring is movable relative to the cage.

[0073] Example 13 includes an internal component of any of Examples 1-12, wherein a second opening of a flow control ring is aligned with a corresponding first opening in a first opening of a cage to define a portion of a flow path for fluid flow through the cage.

[0074] Example 14 includes a pressure relief valve comprising: a valve body defining a fluid passage between an inlet and an outlet; a nozzle coupled to the valve body defining the inlet of the valve body, the nozzle having a sealing surface defining an orifice of the fluid passage; a disc retainer movably coupled to the valve body, the disc retainer being movable relative to the sealing surface to control fluid flow through the fluid passage; and a cage coupled to the nozzle, the cage having a lip tapering toward a central axis of the cage.

[0075] Example 15 includes the pressure relief valve of Example 14, wherein the cage includes an inner surface having threads for threaded coupling to a nozzle.

[0076] Example 16 includes a pressure relief valve of any of Examples 14-15, and further includes a nozzle ring coupled to a nozzle, the cage having an inner surface including threads for threaded coupling to the nozzle ring.

[0077] Example 17 includes a pressure relief valve of any of Examples 14-16, and further includes a flow control ring movably coupled relative to the cage, the flow control ring being used to adjust the size of the opening of the cage to affect the fluid flow characteristics of fluid flowing through the opening of the cage.

[0078] Example 18 includes an internal component assembly for a pressure relief valve, the internal component assembly comprising: a disc; a disc retainer for retaining the disc; a nozzle relative to which the disc is movable to control fluid flow through a fluid valve; and a cage having a central bore to slidably receive the disc, the cage having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, and a side surface between the first end and the second end, the side surface having a plurality of channels radially spaced relative to a longitudinal axis of the central bore, the cage including a boss projecting within the central bore and extending from the second end toward the first end.

[0079] Example 19 includes the internal components of Example 18, and further includes a nozzle ring coupled to the nozzle, wherein the cage is coupled to the nozzle ring.

[0080] Example 20 includes the internal components of any of Examples 18-19, and further includes a flow regulating ring coupled to the cage, the flow regulating ring being rotatable relative to the cage to adjust the flow area of ​​the channel.

[0081] The appended claims are hereby incorporated by reference into this specific embodiment. Although certain example systems, apparatuses, articles, and methods have been disclosed herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all systems, apparatuses, articles, and methods that fall fully within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. An internal component assembly for a pressure relief valve, the internal component assembly comprising: The cage has the following characteristics: The lip tapers toward the central axis of the cage; The mounting flange is spaced apart from the lip. as well as The body is located between the lip and the mounting flange, and the body includes a plurality of first openings that are radially spaced around the circumference of the body.

2. The internal component assembly of claim 1, further comprising a disc and a disc retainer for holding the disc, the disc retainer being received by a central opening of the cage.

3. The inner component assembly of claim 2, wherein, The lip surrounds at least a portion of the outer surface of the disc retainer.

4. The inner component assembly of claim 1, wherein, The lip has an angle between approximately 40 and 60 degrees with the outer surface of the body.

5. The internal component assembly of claim 1 further includes a nozzle coupled to the valve body of the pressure relief valve.

6. The inner component assembly of claim 5, wherein, The cage is coupled to the end of the nozzle.

7. The internal component assembly of claim 5, further comprising a nozzle ring coupled to the nozzle.

8. The inner component assembly of claim 7, wherein, The nozzle ring includes an internal thread and an external thread, the internal thread being formed along at least a portion of the inner surface of the nozzle ring, and the external thread being formed along at least a portion of the outer surface of the nozzle ring.

9. The inner component assembly of claim 8, wherein, The nozzle ring is coupled to the nozzle via the internal thread, and the nozzle ring is coupled to the cage via the external thread.

10. The internal component assembly of claim 6, further comprising a flow control ring coupled to the cage.

11. The inner component assembly of claim 10, wherein, The flow control ring includes a plurality of second openings radially spaced along the sidewall of the flow control ring.

12. The inner component assembly of claim 11, wherein, The flow control loop is movable relative to the cage.

13. The inner component assembly of claim 12, wherein, The second opening of the flow control ring is aligned with a corresponding first opening in the first opening of the cage to define a portion of the flow path for fluid flow through the cage.

14. A pressure relief valve, comprising: Valve body, which defines a fluid passage between an inlet and an outlet; A nozzle coupled to the valve body, the nozzle defining the inlet of the valve body, the nozzle having a sealing surface of an orifice defining the fluid passage; A disc retainer, movably coupled to the valve body, the disc retainer being movable relative to a sealing surface to control fluid flow through the fluid passage; as well as A cage coupled to the nozzle, the cage having a lip that tapers toward the central axis of the cage.

15. The pressure relief valve of claim 14, wherein, The cage includes an inner surface having threads for threaded coupling to the nozzle.

16. The pressure relief valve of claim 14, further comprising a nozzle ring coupled to the nozzle, the cage having an inner surface including threads for threaded coupling to the nozzle ring.

17. The pressure relief valve of claim 16 further includes a flow control ring movably coupled relative to the cage, the flow control ring being used to adjust the size of the opening of the cage to affect the fluid flow characteristics of fluid flowing through the opening of the cage.

18. An internal component assembly for a pressure relief valve, comprising: plate; A disk retainer for holding the disk; Nozzle, the disc moves relative to the nozzle to control fluid flow through a fluid valve; as well as A cage having a central hole capable of slidably receiving the disc, the cage having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end and a side surface between the first end and the second end, the side surface having a plurality of channels radially spaced apart relative to the longitudinal axis of the central hole, the cage including a boss protruding within the central hole and extending from the second end toward the first end.

19. The inner component assembly of claim 18, further comprising a nozzle ring coupled to the nozzle, wherein, The cage is coupled to the nozzle ring.

20. The internal assembly of claim 18, further comprising a flow regulating ring coupled to the cage, the flow regulating ring being rotatable relative to the cage to adjust the flow area of ​​the channel.

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