Pressure reducing valve for high-temperature fluid

Abstract

Pressure reducing valves are described herein. An example pressure relief valve includes a valve body defining a fluid passage between an inlet and an outlet. The valve body includes a first body portion having a first side with a first opening and a second side with a second opening. The second opening forms an outlet of the fluid passage. The first body portion is composed of a first material. The valve body also includes a second body portion coupled to a first side of the first portion. The second body portion has a channel aligned with the first opening. The second body portion forms an inlet to the fluid passage. The second body portion is formed of a second material having a higher temperature level than the first material. The relief valve also includes a nozzle and a movable flow control member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates primarily to valves, and more particularly to pressure reducing valves for high-temperature fluids. Background Technology

[0002] Valves are commonly used in process control systems to control the flow of fluids (such as liquids, gases, etc.) between two locations. Some types of valves are configured as pressure reducing valves. Pressure reducing valves are designed to protect the system from high temperature / high pressure conditions that could potentially damage other components of the system. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The example pressure-reducing valve disclosed herein includes a valve body defining a fluid passage between an inlet and an outlet. The valve body includes a first body portion having a first side with a first opening and a second side with a second opening. The second opening forms an outlet of the fluid passage. The first body portion is made of a first material. The valve body also includes a second body portion coupled to the first side of the first body portion. The second body portion has a channel aligned with the first opening. The second body portion forms an inlet of the fluid passage. The second body portion is made of a second material having a higher temperature rating than the first material. The pressure-reducing valve also includes a nozzle disposed in the fluid passage. The nozzle has an end forming a valve seat. The pressure-reducing valve also includes a flow control member movable relative to the valve seat between a closed position and an open position. Attached Figure Description

[0004] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an example pressure reducing valve with an example valve body, which includes an example first body portion and an example second body portion made of different materials.

[0005] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged cross-sectional view of an example valve body, showing an example first body portion, an example second body portion, and an example nozzle.

[0006] Figure 3 Is Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of an example second body portion engaged with an example first body portion during an example assembly method of an example valve body.

[0007] Figure 4 It is an example of the first and second body parts being welded together, similar to Figure 3 Cross-sectional view.

[0008] Figure 5 It is similar to the first and second body parts after machining. Figure 4 Cross-sectional view.

[0009] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 The example shows a cross-sectional view of the second body part after it has been machined at the bottom and is ready to be welded to another component.

[0010] Generally, the same reference numerals are used throughout the accompanying drawings and written description to denote 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 layers and regions with clearly defined lines and boundaries are shown in the figures, 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

[0011] Pressure reducing valves, sometimes called safety valves or safety relief valves, are commonly used in process control systems with relatively high-pressure and / or high-temperature fluids to prevent the system from being subjected to overpressure and / or overheating. For example, many power plants and other power stations generate high-pressure / high-temperature steam to drive turbines to generate electricity. This steam is contained and / or transported through various pipelines. One or more pressure reducing valves may be connected to the steam lines. A pressure reducing valve is a self-actuating device configured to open when the pressure in the system exceeds a preset pressure or level. Therefore, if the pressure in the pipeline (directly based on temperature) exceeds the preset pressure level, the pressure reducing valve opens, venting the high-pressure / high-temperature steam to the atmosphere or into the collection system. In this way, the pressure reducing valve protects the system from damage that could result from overpressure and / or overheating.

[0012] Currently, the highest steam temperature in coal-fired power plants worldwide is approximately 600 degrees Celsius (°C). This is primarily because the steel used for pipelines is made of P92 martensitic heat-resistant steel with a temperature rating up to 622°C. Recently, there has been a desire to increase the steam temperature of these power plants, for example, to 630°C, which would significantly increase output power. This necessitates thicker-walled pipes made of martensitic heat-resistant steel capable of operating at metal wall temperatures up to 650°C. In conventional pressure-reducing valves, the inlet portion of the valve body is always exposed to the high-temperature fluid in the system. However, these conventional pressure-reducing valves have valve bodies made of C12A steel, which has a temperature rating similar to (but not higher than) that of conventional P92 steel pipes. Therefore, current pressure-reducing valves are not designed for high-temperature / high-pressure applications up to the desired 650°C.

[0013] This document discloses an example pressure-reducing valve, comprising a sleeve or valve body portion made of a higher temperature-rated material (such as G115) connected to the inlet portion of the valve body. This sleeve is the only part of the valve body exposed to the high-temperature fluid. In this way, the remainder of the valve body can be constructed of conventional, less expensive materials with a lower temperature rating, such as C12A. Therefore, the example pressure-reducing valve can be used in high-temperature applications / conditions without significantly increasing the manufacturing costs associated with the valve. While high-pressure steam systems are one example application of the pressure-reducing valve, the example pressure-reducing valve disclosed herein can also be similarly used in conjunction with other process control systems.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an example pressure-reducing valve 100 constructed according to the teachings of this disclosure. The example pressure-reducing valve 100 can be used in conjunction with any fluid distribution system and is configured to discharge fluid when the inlet pressure reaches a threshold level, thereby preventing overpressure and / or overheating of components in the fluid distribution system. For example, in... Figure 1 In the diagram, pressure reducing valve 100 is shown connected to pipe 102. Pipe 102 can be a conduit for a fluid distribution system containing fluids such as steam, but can also be used with any other type of fluid, such as natural gas, oil, etc. Pressure reducing valve 100 is normally closed. However, if the pressure in pipe 102 reaches a certain level (referred to as the set or trigger pressure), pressure reducing valve 100 opens, thereby releasing the high-pressure fluid to the atmosphere. Therefore, pressure reducing valve 100 helps prevent or limit overpressure and / or overheating of the fluid distribution system that could cause damage to pipe 102 and / or other downstream components.

[0015] exist Figure 1 In the example shown, the pressure reducing valve 100 includes a valve body 104. The valve body 104 defines a fluid passage 106 between an inlet 108 and an outlet 110. The pressure reducing valve 100 is configured to control the fluid flow between the inlet 108 and the outlet 110. The valve body 104 is coupled to a conduit 102 such that the inlet 108 is in fluid communication with and receives fluid from the conduit 102. Specifically, in this example, the inlet conduit 111 is welded to the conduit 102, and the valve body 104 is welded to the inlet conduit 111. However, in other examples, the valve body 104 may be coupled to the inlet conduit 111 via other mechanical and / or chemical techniques (e.g., bolted flanges).

[0016] To control the flow of fluid through fluid passage 106, pressure reducing valve 100 includes a nozzle 112 and a flow control member 114 (e.g., piston, plug, disc, etc.). The nozzle 112 is a cylindrical or tubular member. The nozzle 112 is disposed in fluid passage 106 and coupled to an inner surface of valve body 104 near inlet 108. The nozzle 112 has a first end 116 and a second end 118 opposite to the first end 116. The first end 116 forms a valve seat 120, which defines a flow control opening 122 (sometimes also referred to as an orifice). The valve seat 120 divides fluid passage 106 into an upstream portion 124 (located upstream of the valve seat 120 or flow control opening 122) and a downstream portion 126 (located downstream of the valve seat 120 or flow control opening 122). The upstream portion 124 and the downstream portion 126 may also be referred to as an inlet portion and an outlet portion, respectively.

[0017] The flow control member 114 may be composed of multiple parts or components connected together. For example, in this example, the flow control member 114 includes a disc 128, a disc support 130, a disc retainer 131, and a spindle point 132. The disc 128, disc support 130, disc retainer 131, and spindle point 132 are connected together and move together as a unit. The pressure reducing valve 100 includes a guide 134 (also referred to as a cage). The flow control member 114 is slidably disposed in the guide 134. In the illustrated example, the pressure reducing valve 100 includes a nozzle ring screw 135 and a guide ring screw 137 for adjusting the positions of the nozzle ring 139 and guide ring 141, respectively, thereby adjusting the valve seat sealing and venting. The flow control member 114 is movable relative to the valve seat 120 to control fluid flow through the flow control opening 122 and further between the inlet 108 and the outlet 110. In particular, the flow control member 114 is movable relative to the valve seat 120 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, that is Figure 1 In the position shown, the disc 128 of the flow control member 114 is sealed to the valve seat 120, thereby blocking or preventing fluid flow through the flow control opening 122, and consequently preventing fluid flow between the inlet 108 and the outlet 110. In the open position, the flow control member 114 is away from the valve seat 120 (in... Figure 1 The fluid moves upwards, allowing it to flow from inlet 108 to outlet 110 through flow control opening 122.

[0018] In the illustrated example, the pressure reducing valve 100 includes a valve cover 136 coupled to a valve body 104. In this example, the valve cover 136 is coupled to the valve body 104 via bolts 138. A guide 134 is sandwiched between the valve cover 136 and the valve body 104. In other examples, the valve cover 136 and / or the guide 134 may be coupled to the valve body 104 via other mechanisms.

[0019] In the example shown, the pressure reducing valve 100 includes a valve stem 140 (also referred to as a spindle or spindle rod). The valve stem 140 is connected to a flow control member 114. For example, the valve stem 140 can be threaded to a spindle point 132, and then threaded to a disc 128. Thus, the valve stem 140 and the flow control member 114 are fixedly connected together and move together as a unit. A valve stem nut 142 is connected to the top of the valve stem 140.

[0020] In the illustrated example, the pressure reducing valve 100 includes a spring 144. The spring 144 controls or sets the pressure when the pressure reducing valve 100 is open and closed. The spring 144 is disposed about or coaxially with the valve stem 140. The spring 144 is disposed and compressed between an upper spring plate 146 and a lower spring plate 148. The lower spring plate 148 engages with a flow control member 114. In this manner, the spring 144 provides a downward bias or force on the flow control member 114 to hold the flow control member 114 in the closed position. In some examples, the lower spring plate 148 is physically coupled to the valve stem 140 and / or the flow control member 114 (e.g., coupled to a pivot point 132). The upper spring plate 146 and the lower spring plate 148 are slidable along the valve stem 140. The pressure reducing valve 100 includes an adjusting bolt 150 screwed into a valve cover 136. The valve stem 140 extends through the central opening of the adjusting bolt 150, allowing the valve stem 140 and the adjusting bolt 150 to move independently. The adjusting bolt 150 engages with a bushing 151 on the upper spring plate 146. To increase the downward spring force provided by the spring 144, the adjusting bolt 150 can be tightened (e.g., screwed into the valve cover 136), causing the upper spring plate 146 to move toward the lower spring plate 148, thereby compressing the spring 144 between the upper spring plate 146 and the lower spring plate 148. This increases the spring compression and thus increases the downward spring force on the flow control member 114. Conversely, to decrease or reduce the downward spring force, the adjusting bolt 150 can be loosened (e.g., unscrewed from the valve cover 136), allowing the upper spring plate 146 to move upward, thereby allowing the spring 144 to extend. In the illustrated example, the pressure reducing valve 100 includes a cap 152 that is coupled to the valve cover 136 and covers the valve stem nut 142 and the adjusting bolt 150. Cap 152 can be removed to access adjusting bolt 150.

[0021] During normal operation, the flow control component 114 is in Figure 1In the closed position shown, fluid (e.g., steam) from conduit 102 fills the upstream portion 124 of the pressure reducing valve 100. The high-pressure fluid exerts an upward force on the flow control member 114. This upward force is counteracted by a downward force provided by spring 144, thus holding the flow control member 114 in the closed position. However, if the pressure in conduit 102 exceeds a certain set pressure, the upward force on the flow control member 114 overcomes the downward spring force, and the flow control member 114 is pushed upward away from the valve seat 120. In this way, high-pressure fluid in conduit 102 is allowed to flow through nozzle 112 and out of the outlet 110 of the pressure reducing valve 100. In some examples, outlet 110 opens to the atmosphere, but in other examples, outlet 110 may also be fluidly connected to a fluid collection system (e.g., a reservoir, tank, etc.). Once the pressure drops below the set pressure, the spring force causes the flow control member 114 to move downward back and return to the closed position. Therefore, the set pressure at which the pressure reducing valve 100 is configured to open is based on the spring force provided by spring 144. As described above, the adjusting bolt 150 can be used to increase or decrease the spring force, thereby increasing or decreasing the set pressure at which the pressure reducing valve 100 is configured to open.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the pressure reducing valve 100 includes a manual lever 154 for manually opening the valve. The manual lever 154 is pivotally connected to a valve cover 136. The manual lever 154 engages with a fork lever 156, which engages with a valve stem nut 142 at the top of a valve stem 140. If the manual lever 154 is lifted upwards, the fork lever 156 moves the valve stem nut 142 upwards, thereby moving the valve stem 140 upwards and consequently moving the flow control member 114 to the open position. Conversely, if the manual lever 154 is moved downwards, the valve stem 140 and the flow control member are allowed to return to the closed position by force from a spring 144. Therefore, the manual lever 154 can be used to manually open or close the pressure reducing valve 100.

[0023] In the illustrated example, the valve body 104 includes, or is composed of, a first body portion 158 and a second body portion 160. The first and second body portions 158 and 160 are coupled together and define a fluid passage 106. The first body portion 158 may also be referred to as a body or cast body, and the second body portion 160 may be referred to as a sleeve.

[0024] Figure 2 This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve body 104 (including the first and second body portions 158, 160) and the nozzle 112. For clarity, other components of the pressure reducing valve 100 have been removed. Figure 2As shown, the first body portion 158 defines a first opening 200 in a first side 202 of the first body portion 158, a second opening 204 in a second side 206 of the first body portion 158, and a third opening 205 in a third side 207 of the first body portion 158. The first opening 200 is connected to the second body portion 160 to form an inlet 108, as disclosed in further detail herein. The second opening 204 forms an outlet 110 of the fluid passage 106. When the pressure reducing valve 100 is assembled, the guide 134 ( Figure 1 The nozzle 112 is provided in the third opening 205 to prevent fluid leakage from the third opening 205. The third opening 205 can be used to install the nozzle 112, the flow control member 114, the guide 134 and other internal components.

[0025] The second body portion 160 is cylindrical or tubular. The second body portion 160 has a first end 208, a second end 210 opposite to the first end 208, an outer surface 212, and a channel or passage 214 defined by an inner surface 216 extending between the first end 208 and the second end 210. The second body portion 160 is coupled to the first body portion 158. Specifically, in this example, the first end 208 of the second body portion 160 is coupled to a first side 202 of the first body portion 158 such that the channel 214 is aligned with the first opening 200. For example, the first opening 200 in the first body portion 158 has a central axis 219, and the second body portion 160 has a central axis 221 coaxial with or aligned with the central axis 219. The second body portion 160 forms the inlet 108 of the fluid passage 106. Specifically, once the second body portion 160 is connected to the first body portion 158, the opening at the second end 210 of the second body portion 160 of the channel 214 corresponds to the inlet 108 of the fluid passage 106.

[0026] As described above, the second body portion 160 is coupled to the first body portion 158 at the first opening 200. Furthermore, the nozzle 112 extends through the first opening 200 and is coupled to the inner surface 216 of the second body portion 160. In this manner, the upstream portion 124 of the fluid passage 106 is formed by the inner surface 216 of the second body portion 160 and the inner surface 218 of the nozzle 112. As a result, when the pressure reducing valve 100 is closed, the first body portion 158 is completely not exposed to the high-pressure / high-temperature fluid in the upstream portion 124 of the fluid passage 106. Instead, only the second body portion 160 is exposed to the high-pressure / high-temperature fluid in the upstream portion 124.

[0027] The first and second body portions 158 and 160 are constructed of different materials. Specifically, the first body portion 158 is constructed of a first material, and the second body portion 160 is constructed of a second material different from the first material. The second material of the second body portion 160 has a higher temperature rating (i.e., can withstand higher temperatures) than the first material of the first body portion 158. For example, the first body portion 158 may be constructed of C12A, and the second body portion 160 may be constructed of G115. C12A is a chromium-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel, also known in ASME BPVC SEC II part A-2023. C12A is a cheaper material, but its temperature rating is lower than that of G115. G115 (08Cr9W3Co3VNbCuBN), also known as T / CSTM00017-2021, is a heat-resistant martensitic steel. G115 is a more expensive material than C12A, but its temperature rating is higher than that of C12A. In particular, the temperature rating of G115 is above 650°C. Therefore, the first body portion 158, which constitutes the main part of the valve body 104, can still be made of a less expensive material (e.g., C12A), while the second body portion 160, which forms part of the upstream portion 124 of the fluid passage 106 exposed to the high-temperature fluid, is made of a more heat-resistant material (e.g., G115) to withstand higher temperatures. This allows the pressure reducing valve 100 to be used in higher-temperature applications because the inlet portion of the valve body 104 is made of a more heat-resistant material without significantly increasing cost. In other examples, the second body portion 160 can be made of other heat-resistant materials, such as SA-182F92 from standard ASME BPVC SECII part A-2023. The nozzle 112 and disc 128 are also made of heat-resistant materials. In some examples, the nozzle 112 is made of nickel alloy 625 (e.g., G115). It is composed of nickel alloy 617 (e.g., 625), and the disk 128 is made of nickel alloy 617 (e.g., 625). 617) constitutes this. Thus, the entire upstream portion 124 of the fluid passage 106 is made of a more heat-resistant material.

[0028] In this example, the first and second body portions 158 and 160 of the valve body 104 are welded together. Specifically, as... Figure 2 As shown, a first side 202 of the first body portion 158 is welded to a first end 208 of the second body portion 160. This welding is called butt welding. The welding process deposits welding material 220 (sometimes also called filler material) between the first body portion 158 and the second body portion 160. Figure 2As shown, the first side 202 of the first body portion 158 and the first end 208 of the second body portion 160 are tapered or angled (e.g., not parallel) away from each other in the radially outward direction. This creates an increased gap or space in the radially outward direction. This shape is advantageous for butt welding. In some examples, the first and second body portions 158, 160 are welded using an arc welding process (e.g., shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or electrode welding). In other examples, other types of welding, such as TIG welding, MiG welding, etc., may also be used. In some examples, the welding material 220 is E9015-B91 (e.g., 9% Cr-1% Mo covered electrode), which is advantageous for welding C12A and G115 together. In other examples, other filler materials may also be used.

[0029] In the illustrated example, nozzle 112 is welded to a second body portion 160, forming a fluid-impermeable seal between nozzle 112 and the second body portion 160. Specifically, a second end 118 of nozzle 112 is welded to the inner surface 216 of the second body portion 160. This type of weld is referred to as a fillet weld. The welding process deposits weld material 222 between the second end 118 of nozzle 112 and the inner surface 216 of the second body portion 160. In some examples, an arc welding process (e.g., shielded metal arc welding (SMAW) or electrode welding) is used to weld nozzle 112 to the first body portion 158. In some examples, the weld material 222 used for welding nozzle 112 (nickel alloy 625) and the second body portion 160 (G115) is SFA5.11 (ENiCoMo-3).

[0030] In the illustrated example, the inner surface 216 of the second body portion 160 has a first shoulder 224, and the outer surface 226 of the nozzle 112 has a second shoulder 228 that engages with the first shoulder 224. This ensures that when the nozzle 112 is installed in the valve body 104, the second end 118 of the nozzle 112 is inserted into the channel 214 of the second body portion 160 to a specific desired depth or position.

[0031] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, nozzle 112 is threaded to the first body portion 158. Specifically, the outer surface 226 of the nozzle has a first thread 230, and the inner surface 231 of the first body portion 158 has a second thread 232. The first thread 230 is screwed into or engages with the second thread 232. Thus, in this example, nozzle 112 is threaded to the first body portion 158, and nozzle 112 is welded to the second body portion 160.

[0032] An example assembly method for the valve body 104 and the nozzle 112 is disclosed herein and Figures 3 to 6As shown in the diagram. In some examples, the first and second body portions 158, 160 are first welded together, then the inner surfaces of the first and second body portions 158, 160 are machined to form the inlet opening diameter, and then the nozzle 112 is mounted and welded to the second body portion 160. In some examples, it is advantageous to machine the parts after welding because the welding process may cause deformation of the parts.

[0033] For example, Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the second body portion 160 is shown before it is welded to the first body portion 158 and machined. During assembly, the first end portion 208 of the second body portion 160 is brought into contact with the first side 202 of the first body portion 158. In the example shown, the first end portion 208 of the second body portion 160 has a lug or boss 300 received within a socket 302 on the first body portion 158. The lug 300 and the socket 302 are aligned with the first and second body portions 158, 160, thereby aligning the central axes 219, 221. Then, as... Figure 4 As shown, the first and second body portions 158 and 160 are welded together. In some examples, arc welding is used to weld the second body portion 160 to the first body portion 158. The welding process forms or deposits weld material 220 between the first body portion 158 and the second body portion 160. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the original openings or channels in the first and second body portions 158 and 160 are relatively smooth or have a constant diameter.

[0034] Then, as Figure 5 As shown, the inner surface 231 of the first body portion 158 is machined (e.g., drilled) to enlarge the opening and form a shape for receiving the nozzle 112. Figure 2 The second thread 232 is formed. Similarly, the inner surface 216 of the second body portion 160 is machined to form a shoulder 224. In addition, the outer surface of the welding material 220 and the outer surface 212 of the second body portion 160 are machined.

[0035] Then, through the third opening 205 ( Figure 2 ) to nozzle 112 ( Figure 2 ) Insert fluid pathway 106 ( Figure 2 In the process of welding, the nozzle 112 is screwed into the second thread 232 until the shoulders 224 and 228 engage. Then, the second end 118 of the nozzle 112 is welded to the inner surface 216 of the second body portion 160. The welding process forms or deposits welding material 222. Figure 2 Then, the flow control component 114 and other components can be installed in the valve body 104 through the third opening 205.

[0036] In some examples, such as Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the outer surface 212 of the second body portion 160 has a radially outwardly extending craft flange 234. In some examples, the craft flange 234 can be used to clamp the valve body 104 onto a test fixture when testing the pressure reducing valve 100. In other examples, the second body portion 160 may not include the craft flange 234. Instead, the outer surface 212 may be completely smooth, or have a constant diameter between the first end 208 and the second end 210.

[0037] In some examples, such as Figure 5 As shown, the second end 210 of the second body portion 160 is flat. In some examples, the second end 210 can be welded to the inlet pipe 111. Figure 1 The second end 210 was previously machined. For example, Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the second end 210 of the second body portion 160 after machining. Thus, the second end 210 is angled or opened upwards in the radially outward direction. When the second end 210 is brought to the inlet pipe 111 ( Figure 1 When near the end of the inlet pipe 111, a butt weld gap is formed between the second end 210 and the end of the inlet pipe 111.

[0038] While in some examples the second body portion 160 is welded to the inlet pipe 111, in other examples the second body portion 160 may be coupled to the inlet pipe 111 in other ways. For example, the second body portion 160 may include a flange that can be bolted to a corresponding flange on the inlet pipe 111. In another example, the second body portion 160 may be coupled to the inlet pipe 111 via a double-clamp connector.

[0039] Although an example valve body 104 with two body parts of different materials is described in conjunction with a pressure reducing valve, the example valve body disclosed herein can also be similarly implemented in conjunction with other types of valves or process fluid control devices, such as pressure regulators, ball valves, butterfly valves, etc.

[0040] "Comprising" and "including" (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein as open-ended terms. Therefore, whenever a claim uses any form of "comprising" or "including" (e.g., including, comprising, having, etc.) in a preamble or in any type of claim statement, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without exceeding the scope of the corresponding claim or reference. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term in the preamble of a claim (e.g.), it ends in the same open-ended manner as the terms "comprising" and "including". The term "and / or" when used in the form of, for example, A, B, and / or C, refers to any combination or subset of A, B, C, such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (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, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any of the following: (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, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A or B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any of the following: (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 execution or operation 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 of the following: (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 execution or operation of processes, instructions, actions, activities, etc., the phrase “at least one of A or B” is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of the following: (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0041] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a,” “an,” “first,” “second,” etc.) do not exclude plurals. 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. Moreover, while individual features may be included in different examples or claims, they may be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that the combination of features is infeasible and / or disadvantageous.

[0042] As used in this patent, a statement that any component (e.g., layer, film, region, area, or plate) is located on (e.g., positioned on, located on, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another component in any manner indicates that the mentioned component is either in contact with the other component or is on top of the other component, with one or more intermediate components between them.

[0043] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, a connection reference (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, and joining) may include intermediate components between the elements referred to in the connection reference and / or relative movement between these elements. Therefore, a connection reference does not necessarily indicate that two elements are directly connected and / or fixed to each other. As used herein, a statement that any component is "in contact" with another component is defined as meaning that there is no intermediate component between the two components.

[0044] Unless otherwise specifically stated, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” and “third” are used herein without assigning or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or any kind of sorting, but merely as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements and facilitate understanding of the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the 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 these descriptors are used only to distinguish these elements in the context of a discussion in which elements might otherwise have, for example, had the same name (e.g., in the claims).

[0045] As can be understood from the above, example safety pressure reducing valves have been disclosed, including sleeves or valve bodies made of highly heat-resistant materials. This allows the valve to operate in applications with higher temperatures, such as steam at 650°C in steam power plants. This enables the use of higher-temperature steam to increase the power output of power plants.

[0046] The examples and example combinations disclosed in this article are as follows:

[0047] Example 1 is a pressure reducing valve including a valve body defining a fluid passage between an inlet and an outlet. The valve body includes a first body portion having a first side with a first opening and a second side with a second opening. The second opening forms an outlet of the fluid passage. The first body portion is made of a first material. The valve body also includes a second body portion coupled to the first side of the first body portion. The second body portion has a channel aligned with the first opening. The second body portion forms an inlet of the fluid passage. The second body portion is made of a second material with a temperature rating higher than the first material. The pressure reducing valve also includes a nozzle disposed in the fluid passage, the nozzle having an end forming a valve seat, and a flow control member movable relative to the valve seat between a closed position and an open position.

[0048] Example 2 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 1, wherein the first material of the first body portion is C12A, and the second material of the second body portion is G115.

[0049] Example 3 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 2, wherein a first end of the second body portion is welded to a first side of the first body portion.

[0050] Example 4 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 3, wherein welding material is deposited between the second body portion and the first body portion.

[0051] Example 5 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 4, wherein the welding material is E9015-B91.

[0052] Example 6 includes a pressure reducing valve as described in any one of Examples 3 to 5, wherein a first end of the second body portion is welded to a first side of the first body portion by butt welding.

[0053] Example 7 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 6, wherein a first side of the first body portion and a first end of the second body portion are angled away from each other in a radially outward direction.

[0054] Example 8 includes a pressure reducing valve as described in any one of Examples 1 to 7, wherein the second body portion has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a channel between the first end and the second end, and wherein the first end is coupled to a first side of the first body portion, and wherein the channel at the second end of the second body portion forms the inlet.

[0055] Example 9 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 8, wherein the second end is flat.

[0056] Example 10 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 8, wherein the second end is tapered.

[0057] Example 11 includes a pressure reducing valve as described in any one of Examples 1 to 10, wherein the end of the nozzle is a first end, the nozzle includes a second end opposite to the first end, and wherein the first end is disposed in the second body portion.

[0058] Example 12 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 11, wherein the second end is welded to the inner surface of the second body portion.

[0059] Example 13 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 12, wherein the first material of the first body portion is C12A, the second material of the second body portion is G115, and the nozzle is made of nickel alloy 625.

[0060] Example 14 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 12 or 13, wherein the inner surface of the second body portion has a first shoulder, and the outer surface of the nozzle has a second shoulder that engages with the first shoulder.

[0061] Example 15 includes the pressure reducing valve of any one of Examples 1 to 14, wherein the valve seat divides the fluid passage into an upstream portion and a downstream portion, wherein the upstream portion is defined by the inner surface of the second body portion and by the inner surface of the nozzle.

[0062] Example 16 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 15, wherein the first body portion of the valve body does not form or define the upstream portion of the fluid passage.

[0063] Example 17 includes the pressure reducing valve of any one of Examples 1 to 16, wherein the second body portion is not directly connected to the first body portion.

[0064] Example 18 includes the pressure reducing valve of any one of Examples 1 to 17, and further includes a spring for biasing the flow control member toward the valve seat.

[0065] Example 19 includes the pressure reducing valve described in Example 18, and further includes a manual lever for moving the flow control member away from the valve seat.

[0066] Example 20 includes the pressure reducing valve of any one of Examples 1 to 19, wherein a process flange is provided on the outer surface of the second body portion.

[0067] The following claims are hereby incorporated by reference in this detailed description. While 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. A pressure reducing valve, comprising: A valve body defining a fluid passage between an inlet and an outlet, the valve body comprising: A first body portion having a first side with a first opening and a second side with a second opening, the second opening forming the outlet of the fluid passage, the first body portion being made of a first material; and A second body portion is connected to the first side of the first body portion, the second body portion has a channel aligned with the first opening, the second body portion forms the inlet of the fluid passage, and the second body portion is made of a second material having a higher temperature rating than the first material. A nozzle disposed in the fluid passage, the nozzle having an end forming a valve seat; and A flow control component that is movable relative to the valve seat between a closed position and an open position.

2. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein, The first material of the first body portion is C12A, and the second material of the second body portion is G115.

3. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 2, wherein, The first end of the second body portion is welded to the first side of the first body portion.

4. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 3, wherein, Welding material is deposited between the second body portion and the first body portion.

5. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 4, wherein, The welding material is E9015-B91.

6. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 3, wherein, The first end of the second body portion is welded to the first side of the first body portion by butt welding.

7. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 6, wherein, The first side of the first body portion and the first end of the second body portion are at an angle to each other in a radially outward direction.

8. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein, The second body portion has a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, and a channel between the first end and the second end, wherein the first end is connected to a first side of the first body portion, and wherein the channel at the second end of the second body portion forms the inlet.

9. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 8, wherein, The second end is flat.

10. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 8, wherein, The second end is tapered.

11. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein, The nozzle has a first end portion, and the nozzle includes a second end portion opposite to the first end portion, wherein the first end portion is disposed in the second body portion.

12. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 11, wherein, The second end is welded to the inner surface of the second body portion.

13. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 12, wherein, The first material of the first body part is C12A, the second material of the second body part is G115, and the nozzle is made of nickel alloy 625.

14. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 12, wherein, The inner surface of the second body portion has a first shoulder, and the outer surface of the nozzle has a second shoulder that engages with the first shoulder.

15. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein, The valve seat divides the fluid passage into an upstream portion and a downstream portion, wherein the upstream portion is defined by the inner surface of the second body portion and by the inner surface of the nozzle.

16. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 15, wherein, The first body portion of the valve body does not form or define the upstream portion of the fluid passage.

17. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein, The second body part is not directly connected to the first body part.

18. The pressure reducing valve of claim 1, further comprising a spring for biasing the flow control member toward the valve seat.

19. The pressure reducing valve of claim 18, further comprising a manual lever for moving the flow control member away from the valve seat.

20. The pressure reducing valve according to claim 1, wherein, The outer surface of the second body part has a process flange.

Images