Valve plug

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

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

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

[0003] In one aspect, a valve plug is provided. In one embodiment, the valve plug can include a hub. The hub can include a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a bore extending along the longitudinal axis through the hub body. The hub can also include at least one oval-shaped protrusion integrally formed within the hub body. The valve plug can also include a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one sidewall extending between the first and second surfaces around a periphery of the dome. The valve plug can also include at least one arm extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome.

[0004] In some embodiments, the hub can include two arms extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome. In some embodiments, the bore can include a plurality of grooves configured to receive a splined drive shaft. In some embodiments, the at least one elliptically shaped protrusion can extend radially away from the longitudinal axis. In some embodiments, the at least one elliptically shaped protrusion can be positioned at an angle relative to a horizontal plane that intersects the longitudinal axis of the hub body. In some embodiments, the hub body can include a substantially flat portion at a circumferential location of the hub body bisected by the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the hub can include a first elliptically shaped protrusion and a second elliptically shaped protrusion opposite the first elliptically shaped protrusion.

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

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

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

[0008] In some embodiments, the valve is operable to control fluid flow through the valve in a first direction and a second direction opposite the first direction. In some embodiments, the first opening or the second opening includes a valve seat, the valve seat configured to engage at least one sidewall of the dome to fluidly seal the valve. In some embodiments, the valve seat comprises a wear-resistant material. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] These and other features will be readily understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a system including a valve plug in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a valve including a valve plug of the system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 3 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the valve plug of FIG. 2 in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve plug in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 6A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve plug in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 6A in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 7A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve plug in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 7A in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 8A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a valve plug in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 8B] 8B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 8A in accordance with the subject matter described herein. [Figure 9] 10 is a plot illustrating improved flow coefficients for valves including embodiments of valve plugs configured with elliptical hub bodies as described herein. [Figure 10] 10 is a plot illustrating improved flow coefficients for valves including embodiments of valve plugs configured with an elliptical hub body and an extended dome as described herein.

[0010] It should be noted that the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The drawings are intended to depict only typical aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein, and therefore should not be considered as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] A valve may include a valve plug configured to move between an open position and a closed position to control the flow of fluid passing from a valve inlet to a valve outlet. The shape of the valve plug can affect the fluid flow and operational characteristics of the valve. Existing valve plugs may include components with angular or flat shapes or surfaces that can adversely affect the valve's flow coefficient (Cv) and capacity. As a result, the ability to precisely control the valve by making open / close adjustments may be limited because the inherent shape of existing valve plugs may prevent the precision necessary for improved valve control. The inability to precisely control valve operation can significantly impact industrial processes that require specific valve settings and can increase operating costs due to downtime and / or specialized equipment required to retrofit the valve, as well as additional or modified control systems required to provide the desired valve control.

[0012] The valve plugs and valve systems described herein are improved to provide better valve control, increased valve capacity, and improved flow coefficients in open and closed configurations. The elliptical valve plug hub and convex dome shape can more evenly distribute fluid flow through the valve cavity, reducing fluid turbulence and improving valve control during opening and closing. As a result, the valves and valve plugs can be used in more applications requiring precise valve control that cannot be met with existing valve plug designs.

[0013] The improved valve system 100 described herein may include a controller 105 coupled to a valve 110, as shown in FIG. 1 . The controller 105 may be, for example, an electromechanical device, a computer, or a programmable logic controller (PLC), which may function autonomously or be remotely controlled, and is configured to operate an actuator in response to a control signal. The controller 105 is mechanically coupled to the valve 110 and may open or close the valve 110 in response to the control signal. In some embodiments, the valve 110 may be a rotary valve. As shown in more detail in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2 , the system 100 may include the controller 105 including an actuator 225 coupled to a shaft 215, which may be further coupled to a valve plug 200 configured within the valve 110. The valve plug 200 may include a dome 205 and a hub 210. The hub 210 may be coupled to a drive shaft 215, which may include a plurality of splines 220 disposed on one or both ends thereof. The hub 210 may include a set of corresponding grooves disposed within the body of the hub 210 that may receive the drive shaft splines 220. An actuator 225 may act on the splines 230 to rotate the drive shaft 215 in a first direction or a second direction, thereby rotating the valve plug 200 in a corresponding first direction (e.g., to open the valve 110) or second direction (e.g., to close the valve 110).

[0014] As shown in FIG. 3 , the valve 110 can be configured for bidirectional flow. For example, in one embodiment, flow 300 can flow between opening 310 and opening 305 (e.g., opening 310 is an inlet and opening 305 is an outlet). In another embodiment, the valve can be configured to allow flow 300′ to flow between opening 305 and opening 310 (e.g., opening 305 is an inlet and opening 310 is an outlet). The valve plug 200 can be configured to operate within a valve 110 configured for flow 300 or 300′. As shown in FIG. 3 , the valve 110 is configured such that fluid enters opening 305, flows into cavity 315, and then exits the valve 110 through opening 310 (e.g., along flow 300′). The valve plug 200 can be positioned within cavity 315 such that the dome 205 can engage a valve seat 320 positioned within opening 305 when the valve plug 200 translates to close the valve 110. In some embodiments, the valve seat 320 can include a wear-resistant coating to maintain a sealable connection with the dome 205 over repeated opening and closing of the valve 110. In some embodiments, the wear-resistant coating can include. For example, the wear-resistant coating can include a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the wear-resistant coating can be a cobalt-chromium alloy. In some embodiments, the wear-resistant material can include nickel or molybdenum, and cobalt and / or chromium.

[0015] The valve plug 200 may include a plurality of grooves 325 disposed within a bore extending through the hub 210. The grooves 325 may interface with splines 220 on the drive shaft 215 to mechanically couple the drive shaft 215 and the valve plug 200. Actuation of the drive shaft 215 may move the valve plug 200 along a path A defined by an extent 330, opening or closing the valve 110 (e.g., opening or closing the opening 305 and flow 300′). The extent 330 may be referred to as the opening angle or rotation angle of the valve 110 (and thus the valve plug 200). In some embodiments, the extent 330 of movement along path A may be between 0 and 1 degree, between 0 and 5 degrees, between 0 and 10 degrees, between 0 and 20 degrees, between 0 and 30 degrees, between 0 and 40 degrees, between 0 and 50 degrees, between 0 and 60 degrees, between 0 and 70 degrees, between 0 and 80 degrees, or between 0 and 90 degrees relative to a horizontal plane bisecting the central axis of the drive shaft 215. Smaller increments of movement within any of the aforementioned ranges of movement may also be envisioned, such as, without limitation, 0.1 degrees, 0.25 degrees, 0.5 degrees, 0.75 degrees, 1.0 degrees, 2.5 degrees, 5.0 degrees, etc. The profile of the dome 205 and hub 210 may advantageously provide improved flow capacity (e.g., improved flow coefficient Cv) and reduced turbulence of flow through the valve 110 at one or more opening angles. In this manner, the valve plug 200 may enable more precise control during opening and closing operations.

[0016] The valve plug 200 can include a number of flow adjustment features not found in existing valve plugs. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the valve plug 200 can include a hub 210 formed from a hub body 405. The hub body 405 can include a bore 410 extending longitudinally therethrough. The plurality of grooves 325 can be disposed around the periphery of the inner surface of the hub body 405 and can define the outer diameter of the bore 410. The hub body 405 can include a longitudinal axis 415 extending through the bore 410 and, therefore, the hub body 405.

[0017] The hub 210 may also include at least one elliptical-shaped protrusion 420. The protrusion 420 may be wing-shaped to increase flow across the surface of the hub body 405 while minimizing reduction in pressure loss around the hub 210. The protrusion 420 may be integrally formed within and part of the hub body 405. The protrusion 420 may be configured at a location on the exterior surface of the hub body 405 that is angled relative to a horizontal plane that intersects the longitudinal axis 415. In some embodiments, the protrusion 420 may be positioned at a 60-degree angle relative to a horizontal plane that intersects the longitudinal axis 415, although various other angles may be envisioned without limitation. For example, the protrusions 420 can be angled relative to a horizontal plane intersecting the longitudinal axis 115 at an angle of 0 to 5, 5 to 10, 10 to 15, 15 to 20, 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 35, 35 to 40, 40 to 45, 45 to 50, 50 to 55, 55 to 60, 60 to 65, 65 to 70, 70 to 75, 75 to 80, 80 to 85, or 85 to 90 degrees relative to a horizontal plane intersecting the longitudinal axis 115. In some embodiments, the hub body 405 can include a single protrusion 420. In some embodiments, the hub body 405 can include two protrusions 420. The protrusions 420 can be configured on the hub body 405 to reduce fluid flow turbulence of the fluid stream 300 / 300′ and to reduce friction of the fluid stream 300 / 300′ across the surface of the hub body 405.

[0018] The dome 205 can be coupled to the hub body 405 by at least one arm 425, such as arms 425A and 425B. The arms 425 can extend radially away from the hub body 405 and can couple the dome 210 to the hub body 405. In some embodiments, the arms 425 can include a rectangular cross-section, as shown in FIG. 4 , although various other cross-sectional shapes can be assumed. For example, the arms 425 can include a circular, oval, square, triangular, rectangular, trapezoidal, or other polygonal cross-sectional shape. In some embodiments, the arms 425 can vary in cross-sectional shape and / or dimension along their length measured between the dome 205 and the hub body 405. The arms 425 can include facets along the length of the arms 425 and at locations where the arms 425 attach to the dome 205 and / or hub body 405. The facets can reduce friction and improve fluid flow across the valve plug 200.

[0019] The dome 205 may include a first surface 430 and a second, opposing surface 435. The first surface 430 and the second surface 435 may be joined by a sidewall 440 extending around the periphery of the dome 205. The first surface 430 of the dome 205 may include a convex shape configured to evenly distribute fluid flow across the surface 430. In some embodiments, the surface 430 may include a coating or material layer on the first surface 430. The coating or material layer may be selected to provide wear resistance. In some embodiments, the coating or material layer may include a metal alloy. In some embodiments, the coating may be a cobalt-chromium alloy. In some embodiments, the coating may include nickel or molybdenum, as well as cobalt and / or chromium. The second surface 435 may be substantially flat. The sidewall 440 may include a uniform height or may include portions having different heights, as shown in FIG. 4 . The height of the sidewall 440 may be measured as the distance between the first surface 430 and the second surface 435. In some embodiments, sidewall 440 can include adjacent concentric sidewall portions that extend around the periphery of dome 205 and are the same height or different heights. In some embodiments, sidewall 440 can include a first portion having a first height at a first position, a second portion having a second height at a second position, and a tapered or sloped portion at a third position having a height that varies along the periphery of the sidewall corresponding to the third position. In some embodiments, sidewall 440 can include two or more concentric sidewalls positioned adjacent to one another and between first surface 430 and second surface 435. Various non-limiting configurations of sidewall 440 can be envisioned.

[0020] In one embodiment, the valve plug 500 can include a sidewall 440 having a consistent, uniform height around the circumference of the dome 205, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. As shown in FIG. 5A, the valve plug 500 can include a sidewall 440 formed from multiple sidewall portions 505, such as 505A and 505B. The sidewall portions 505 can include tapered and non-tapered portions. For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, the first sidewall portion 505A can be substantially flat in cross section, while the second sidewall 505B can be tapered or at an angle relative to the second surface 435 and / or the first sidewall portion 505A. In some embodiments, none of the sidewall portions 505 can be tapered. In some embodiments, one or more sidewall portions 505 can be tapered relative to the second surface 435.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 5B, in one embodiment, the valve plug 500 can include a single elliptical projection 420 and a flat, planar surface 520 integrally formed within the hub body 405. The single elliptical projection 420 can be diametrically opposed to a cylindrical surface of the hub body 405. The elliptical projection 420 can be formed within the surface of the hub body 405 at an angle 515 relative to a horizontal (X) axis and a vertical (Y) axis extending through the central axis 510 of the bore 410 of the hub body 405. In some embodiments, the angle 515 can be 60 degrees from the X axis. In some embodiments, the angle 515 can be any angle between 0 and 90 degrees from the X axis. For example, angle 515 can be 0 to 5, 5 to 10, 10 to 15, 15 to 20, 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 35, 35 to 40, 40 to 45, 45 to 50, 50 to 55, 55 to 60, 60 to 65, 65 to 70, 70 to 75, 75 to 80, 80 to 85, or 85 to 90 degrees from the X-axis. Flat surface 520 can be positioned adjacent to arm 425 on the surface of hub body 405. Flat surface 520 can be bisected by or intersect with horizontal plane X, which extends through central axis 510 of bore 410.

[0022] In another embodiment, the valve plug 600 may include two oval-shaped protrusions 420, such as protrusions 420A and 420B shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. As shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, protrusions 420A and 420B may be located on opposite sides of the hub body 405. The first oval-shaped protrusion 420A may be formed in the surface of the hub body 405 at an angle 515 relative to a horizontal (X) axis and a vertical (Y) axis extending through the central axis 510 of the bore 410 of the hub body 405. In some embodiments, the angle 515 may be 60 degrees from the X axis. In some embodiments, the angle 515 may be any angle between 0 and 90 degrees from the X axis. For example, the angle 515 can be 0 to 5, 5 to 10, 10 to 15, 15 to 20, 20 to 25, 25 to 30, 30 to 35, 35 to 40, 40 to 45, 45 to 50, 50 to 55, 55 to 60, 60 to 65, 65 to 70, 70 to 75, 75 to 80, 80 to 85, or 85 to 90 degrees from the X-axis. The second oval-shaped protrusion 420B can be located 180 degrees from the first oval-shaped protrusion 420A. In the embodiment shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the valve plug 600 can include a dome 205 having a sidewall 440 similar to that shown in the embodiment of Figures 5A and 5B.

[0023] In another embodiment, the valve plug 700 can include a single oval-shaped protrusion 420, a flat surface 520, and a sidewall 440 having multiple sidewall heights and tapered sidewall portions. The hub body 405 of the embodiment of the valve plug 700 shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B can correspond to the configuration of the hub body 405 shown and described in connection with FIGS. 5A and 5B. The sidewall 440 can include multiple sidewall portions, such as sidewall portions 705A, 705B, and 705C. In some embodiments, the sidewall portions 705 can have different heights and profiles or the same height and profile when measured relative to the first surface 430 or the second surface 435. For example, the sidewall portions 705A and 705C can be tapered relative to the first surface 430 and the second surface 435, respectively. The sidewall portion 705B can be substantially flat and not tapered.

[0024] As further shown in FIG. 7B , the sidewall 440 may vary in height in one or more regions 710 around the perimeter of the dome 205. For example, as shown by the dashed boxes in FIG. 7B , the valve plug 700 may include three regions 710, each of which has a different height and / or slope as measured relative to the second surface 435. The first region 710A may include sidewall portions 705A-705C, each of which has a consistent height within the first region 710A. The second region 710B may include sidewall portions 705A and 705C having a consistent height and may further include sidewall portion 710B to have a sloped or variable height within the second region 710B. The third region 710C may include sidewall portions 705A-705C, each of which has a consistent height within the third region 710C. Various configurations of the height of sidewall 440 (e.g., including sidewall portion 505 or 705) and the number, location, or arrangement of sidewall regions 710 (e.g., sidewall regions 710A-710C) are contemplated without limitation. The configuration of the height of sidewall 440 and the length or number or location of sidewall regions 710 around dome 205 may be provided to improve the flow coefficient (Cv) of valve 110 during opening and closing operations by providing a streamlined, low-friction interface with the fluid flow passing through valve 110.

[0025] In another embodiment, the valve plug 800 may include two oval-shaped protrusions 420 formed in the hub body 405 and corresponding to the configuration described in connection with FIGS. 6A and 6B. The valve plug 800 as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B may also include a sidewall 440 comprised of a single sidewall portion 805 that may extend around the circumference of the dome 205 through three sidewall regions 810. The height of the sidewall 440 may vary in each of the sidewall regions 810, as indicated by the dashed boxes in FIG. 8B. For example, in the first sidewall region 810A, the sidewall 440 may have a first height, and in the third sidewall region 810C, the sidewall 440 may have a second height that is lower than the first height of the sidewall 440 in the first region 810A. The sidewall 440 may further include a sloped or varying height in the second sidewall region 810B. Various configurations of the height of sidewall 440 (e.g., including sidewall portion 805) and the number, location, or arrangement of sidewall regions 810 (e.g., sidewall regions 810A-810C) may be envisioned without limitation. The configuration of the height of sidewall 440 and the length or number or location of sidewall regions 810 around dome 205 may be provided to improve the flow coefficient (Cv) of valve 110 during opening and closing operations by providing a streamlined, low-friction interface with the fluid flow passing through valve 110.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 9 , plot 900 shows the fluid coefficient (Cv) of a valve 110 configured with a valve plug 200 described herein for a range of rotation angles associated with the flow path 300. Plot 900 shows the Cv values ​​of a valve 110 configured with an embodiment including an elliptical hub body 405 (represented in the legend as "CFD CV Hub Shape") relative to the Cv of a conventional valve plug (represented in the legend as "CV CFD std"). The embodiment of the valve plug 200 including the elliptical hub body 405 corresponds to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4 . As shown in plot 900, the valve plug 200 configured with the elliptical hub body 405 exhibits improved Cv at rotation angles greater than 50 degrees compared to the conventional valve plug. The Cv improvement is significant in that the Cv of the conventional valve plug is relatively stable at approximately 50 degrees of rotation and remains nearly constant, with only minimal Cv gain within that range, as the conventional valve plug is rotated over rotation angles of 50 to 70 degrees. In contrast, the improved valve plug 200 including the elliptical hub body 405 exhibits a greater and more linear improvement in Cv when the valve plug with the elliptical hub body 405 is rotated at a rotation angle greater than 50 degrees, as shown by the plot line corresponding to the Cv value associated with the elliptical hub body 405 embodiment (labeled "CFD CV Hub Shape" in the legend).

[0027] As shown in FIG. 10 , plot 1000 illustrates the fluid coefficient (Cv) of a valve 110 configured with a valve plug 200 described herein for a range of rotation angles associated with the flow path 300. Plot 1000 illustrates the Cv values ​​of a valve 110 configured with an embodiment of a valve plug 200 including an elliptical-shaped hub body 405 and an extended dome 205 (represented in the legend as “CFD CV Hub Shape + Extended Dome”) relative to the Cv value of a conventional valve plug (represented in the legend as “CV CFD Std”). The embodiment of the valve plug 200 including an elliptical-shaped hub body 405 and an extended dome 205 corresponds to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 4 . As shown in plot 1000, the valve plug 200 configured with an elliptical-shaped hub body 405 and an extended dome 205 exhibits improved Cv at rotation angles greater than 55 degrees compared to the conventional valve plug. The improvement in Cv is significant in that the Cv of the conventional valve plug stabilizes at approximately 50 degrees of rotation and remains relatively constant as the conventional valve plug rotates through rotation angles of 50 to 70 degrees, with minimal Cv gain within that range. In contrast, the improved valve plug 200, including the elliptical hub body 405 and extended dome 205, shows a linear improvement in Cv for rotation angles greater than 55 degrees, as shown by the plot line (labeled "CFD CV Hub Shape + Extended Dome" in the legend) corresponding to the Cv values ​​associated with the elliptical hub body 405 and extended dome 205 embodiment.

[0028] Exemplary technical effects of devices and systems including valve plugs as described herein include, by way of non-limiting example, an improved flow coefficient and improved flow capacity of the valve during opening and closing of the valve. Turbulence of fluid flowing through the valve can be reduced by elliptical protrusions integrated into the body of the valve plug. The dome of the valve plug can improve flow control at low openings compared to existing valve plugs. As a result, the valve can be more precisely controlled during opening and closing operations.

[0029] Certain exemplary embodiments have been described to provide a general understanding of the principles of the structure, function, manufacture, and use of the systems, devices, and methods disclosed herein. One or more examples of these embodiments are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Those skilled in the art will understand that the systems, devices, and methods specifically described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings are non-limiting exemplary embodiments, and that the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims. Features illustrated or described in connection with one exemplary embodiment may be combined with features of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in this disclosure, like-named components of embodiments generally have similar features, and therefore, every feature of each like-named component within a particular embodiment has not necessarily been fully described in detail.

[0030] As used herein throughout the present specification and claims, approximation may be applied to modify any quantitative expression that may be permissibly varied without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it pertains. Thus, a value modified by one or more terms, such as "about," "approximately," and "substantially," is not limited to the exact value specified. In at least some instances, approximation may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value. Herein, throughout the present specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged, but such ranges are identified and include all subranges contained therein unless the context or language dictates otherwise.

[0031] Those skilled in the art will appreciate further features and advantages of the present invention based on the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the present application is not to be limited by what has been particularly shown and described, except as indicated by the appended claims. All publications and references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Claims

1. A valve plug comprising: It is a hub, a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending through the hub body and a bore extending through the hub body along the longitudinal axis; and a hub including at least one oval-shaped protrusion integrally formed with the hub body; a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface around a perimeter of the dome; at least one arm extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome.

2. The valve plug of claim 1 , wherein the hub includes two arms extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome.

3. The valve plug of claim 1 , wherein the bore includes a plurality of grooves configured to receive a splined drive shaft.

4. The valve plug of claim 1 , wherein the at least one oval-shaped protrusion extends radially away from the longitudinal axis.

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

6. The valve plug of claim 5 , wherein the hub body further comprises a substantially flat portion at a circumferential location of the hub body bisected by the horizontal plane.

7. 10. The valve plug of claim 1, wherein the hub further comprises a first oval shaped protrusion and a second oval shaped protrusion opposite the first oval shaped protrusion.

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

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

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

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

12. The valve plug of claim 1 , wherein the valve plug is included in a rotary valve.

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

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

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

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

17. 1. A system comprising: a controller including an actuator coupled to a drive shaft; a valve coupled to the drive shaft, the valve including a first opening, a second opening opposite the first opening, and a valve plug positioned between the first opening and the second opening, the valve plug comprising: a hub coupled to the drive shaft, a hub body having a longitudinal axis extending therethrough and a bore extending through the hub body along the longitudinal axis; and a hub including at least one oval-shaped protrusion integrally formed with the hub body; a dome having a first surface, a second surface opposite the first surface, and at least one sidewall extending between the first surface and the second surface around a perimeter of the dome; at least one arm extending between the hub body and the second surface of the dome.

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

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

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

Images