Self-cleaning flow restrictor for fluid distribution systems

Abstract

In one example, the fluid flow restrictor has a housing outlet offset from the housing inlet along a fluid flow direction to define a channel between the housing outlet and the housing inlet. A rotatable body disposed within the channel defines a bore extending therethrough, such that the bore defines the bore inlet and the bore outlet. The flow restrictor has an inner surface disposed within the bore that defines an orifice having a cross-sectional dimension smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the channel, such that the orifice can restrict fluid flow as fluid flows between the housing inlet and the outlet. The rotatable body is rotatable between 1) a first orientation in which the bore outlet is offset from the bore inlet along the fluid flow direction, and 2) a second orientation in which the bore inlet is offset from the bore outlet along the fluid flow direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 001,826, filed March 30, 2020, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein for all purposes. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to fluid material distribution systems, and more particularly to flow restrictors for fluid distribution systems and methods of use thereof. [Background technology]

[0002] In some fluid distribution systems, flow restrictors are used to reduce the pressure of fluid from one part of the system to another. For example, in a spray coating system that sprays a coating on a product, a pump can supply fluid to a spray gun at a first pressure, and a spray pressure control manifold with a flow restrictor can reduce the pressure of unused fluid not sprayed by the spray gun to a second pressure lower than the first pressure before returning the fluid to the pump. To reduce the pressure, the flow restrictor can use an orifice in the flow path that has a smaller dimension than other passages in the flow path. The smaller orifice can limit the flow of fluid back to the pump. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In one example, a fluid flow restrictor for a spray pressure control system includes a housing including a housing inlet, a housing outlet offset from the housing inlet along a fluid flow direction, and a channel extending between the housing inlet and the housing outlet. The fluid flow restrictor includes a rotatable body disposed in the channel between the housing inlet and the housing outlet. The rotatable body has an outer surface curved about an axis of rotation. The rotatable body defines a bore extending completely through the rotatable body, the bore defining a bore inlet on the outer surface and a bore outlet on the outer surface offset from the bore inlet. The fluid flow restrictor includes an inner surface disposed within the bore. The rotatable body is rotatable between 1) a first orientation in which the bore outlet is offset from the bore inlet along the fluid flow direction, and 2) a second orientation in which the bore inlet is offset from the bore outlet along the fluid flow direction.

[0004] The following description of illustrative examples may be better understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: It is understood that potential examples of the disclosed systems and methods are not limited to those shown. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0005] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of an atomization pressure control manifold according to one example. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the atomizing pressure control manifold of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the atomizing pressure control manifold of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a flow restrictor of the atomization pressure control manifold of FIG. 1 showing an inlet to the flow restrictor according to an example. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the flow restrictor of FIG. 4 showing the outlet of the flow restrictor. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 shows a top view of the flow restrictor of FIG. 4 showing the inlet of the flow restrictor. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 shows a side view of the flow restrictor of FIG. [Figure 8]FIG. 8 shows a top view of the flow restrictor of FIG. 4 showing the outlet of the flow restrictor. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view of the flow restrictor of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the orifice holder of the flow restrictor of FIG. 9, which defines the orifice of the flow restrictor. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow restrictor of FIG. 4 with the rotatable body in a first orientation where the outlet of the rotatable body is downstream of the inlet of the rotatable body. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow restrictor of FIG. 4 with the rotatable body in a second orientation where the inlet of the rotatable body is downstream of the outlet of the rotatable body. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a cross-sectional view of the fluid flow restrictor of FIG. 4 within the rotatable body in a third orientation in which the orifice of the fluid flow restrictor is bypassed. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another example atomization pressure control manifold. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the atomizing pressure control manifold of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 shows a cross-sectional view of the atomizing pressure control manifold of FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 shows another cross-sectional view of the atomizing pressure control manifold of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 shows a simplified schematic diagram of an example atomization system including an atomization pressure control manifold. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of yet another example atomization pressure control manifold. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows a partially exploded perspective view of the atomizing pressure control manifold of FIG. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of the atomizing pressure control manifold of FIG. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 illustrates a perspective view of a flow restrictor component of the atomization pressure control manifold of FIG. 19 with the flow restrictor housing removed, according to one example. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the flow restrictor components of the atomization pressure control manifold of FIG. 19 with the flow restrictor housing removed, according to one example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0006] Conventional fluid flow restrictors, such as those described in the Background section, can become clogged over time, thereby adversely affecting the performance of a fluid distribution system. As such, conventional fluid flow restrictors must be cleaned from time to time to remove the clog. However, cleaning a conventional fluid flow restrictor typically requires disassembly of the fluid flow restrictor to access the restrictive orifice and flushing the lines to remove the clog. Such cleaning operations are time-consuming and require taking the fluid distribution system offline, which can cause manufacturing delays. Therefore, there is a need for a fluid flow restrictor that can be cleaned without disassembly and without time-consuming manufacturing delays.

[0007] 1-3 , an example atomization pressure control manifold 100 is shown. The atomization pressure control manifold 100 includes a flow restrictor 102 that reduces pressure fluctuations within a fluid system. As described in further detail below, the flow restrictor 102 can be selectively operated between a first orientation in which a restrictive orifice (e.g., 130 in FIG. 10 ) of the flow restrictor 102 is oriented to restrict fluid flow through the pressure control manifold 100 and a second orientation in which the restrictive orifice is oriented to flush out to remove clogs that occur when the flow restrictor 102 is in the first orientation. The flow restrictor 102 can be transitioned between the first and second orientations without disassembling the manifold 100.

[0008] The atomization pressure control manifold 100 can have a manifold inlet 104 and a manifold outlet 106 downstream of the manifold inlet 104 relative to a fluid flow path, which may also be referred to as a fluid flow direction or downstream direction of the fluid through the manifold 100. The flow path or flow direction is indicated by arrows in FIG. 3. The manifold inlet 104 can be defined by a conduit, such as a pipe, a pipe stub, a pipe fitting, or any other suitable conduit for an inlet. The manifold outlet 106 can be defined by a conduit, such as a pipe, a pipe stub, a pipe fitting, or any other suitable conduit for an outlet.

[0009] The manifold 100 can have a manifold housing 108 configured to support at least a portion of the flow restrictor 102 therein. In this example, the fluid flow restrictor 102 can be considered a cartridge configured to be received within the manifold housing 108. The housing 108 can be disposed along a flow path between the manifold inlet 104 and the manifold outlet 106. The housing 108 can define a passageway 110 therethrough that defines at least a portion of the flow path of the manifold 100. The passageway 110 can thus be in fluid communication with the manifold inlet 104 and the manifold outlet 106. The housing 108 can support the flow restrictor 102 such that a restricting orifice of the flow restrictor 102 is disposed within the flow path. For example, the housing 108 can define a recess 112 therein configured to receive at least a portion of the flow restrictor 102. The recess 112 can be open to and in fluid communication with the passageway 110 of the housing 108. The recess 112 can be configured to receive the flow restrictor 102 such that the restricting orifice of the flow restrictor 102 is aligned with the passage 110. The manifold 100 is configured such that the flow restrictor 102 receives a fluid flow from the housing 108 along the fluid flow path at a first pressure and discharges the fluid flow along the fluid flow path to the housing 108 at a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure. Thus, the flow restrictor 102 is configured to reduce the pressure of the fluid as it flows through the flow restrictor along the fluid flow path. The first pressure can be referred to as a higher pressure, and the second pressure can be referred to as a lower pressure.

[0010] The manifold 100 may include a filter 114 disposed along the flow path. The filter 114 may be disposed between the manifold inlet 104 and the flow restrictor 102. Thus, the flow restrictor 102 may be downstream of the filter 114. The filter 114 may be configured to filter the fluid before it passes along the flow path to the flow restrictor 102. The filter 114 may filter the fluid to prevent debris from clogging the restrictive orifice of the flow restrictor 102. In one example, the housing 108 may be configured to support the filter 114. For example, the housing 108 may define a recess 116 therein configured to receive at least a portion of the filter 114. The housing 108 may support the filter 114 such that a filter element of the filter 114 is disposed within the flow path. For example, the housing 108 may define a recess 116 therein configured to receive at least a portion of the filter 114. The recess 116 may be open to and in fluid communication with the passage 110 of the housing 108. The recess 116 may be configured to receive the filter 114 such that the filter element of the filter 114 is aligned with the passage 110. Alternatively, the filter may be supported upstream of the housing 108.

[0011] The manifold 100 can include a three-way ball valve 118 disposed along the fluid flow path. The three-way ball valve 118 can be disposed along the fluid flow path between the housing 108 and the manifold outlet 106. Thus, the three-way ball valve 118 can be downstream of the housing 108 and / or the flow restrictor 102. The three-way ball valve 118 can be selectively operated between a first configuration (as shown in FIG. 3 ) in which the three-way ball valve 118 communicates fluid along the fluid flow path toward the manifold outlet 106 and a second configuration (not shown) in which the three-way ball valve 118 diverts fluid flow from the fluid flow path to a second manifold outlet 120. In one example, the second manifold outlet 120 can lead to a drain and can be used to flush the manifold 100.

[0012] 4-13, and in particular, FIGS. 9-11, an example fluid flow restrictor 102 is shown. Generally, the flow restrictor 102 comprises a housing 122. The housing 122 has a housing inlet 122a, a housing outlet 122b offset from the housing inlet 122a along the fluid flow direction (indicated by the arrow in FIGS. 11-13), and a housing channel 122c extending between the housing inlet 122a and the housing outlet 122b. In one example, the housing inlet 122a and the housing outlet 122b are aligned along a central axis A. C can be offset from each other along the central axis A. C is the rotation axis A R For example, the central axis A C is the rotation axis A R may be substantially perpendicular to

[0013] The flow restrictor 102 includes a rotatable body 124 disposed within a housing channel 122c between a housing inlet 122a and a housing outlet 122b. The rotatable body 124 is oriented about an axis of rotation A. R The rotatable body 124 has an outer surface 124a that is curved about a central bore axis A. The rotatable body 124 defines a bore 126 that extends through the rotatable body 124, the bore 126 defining a bore entrance 126a at the outer surface 124a and a bore exit 126b at the outer surface 124a that is offset from the bore entrance 126a. In one example, the bore entrance 126a and the exit 126b are aligned about a central bore axis A such that the bore entrance and the exit are aligned with one another. B In such an example, the central hole axis A B indicates the central axis A of the housing 122 when the rotatable body is in each of the first and second orientations. C11 ) in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 2) a second orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 3) a third orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 4) a fourth orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 5) a fifth orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 6) a sixth orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 7) a sixth orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 8) a sixth orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 9) a sixth orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 10) a sixth orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 11) a fourth orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction, and 12 ...3) a fourth orientation in which the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction.

[0014] The flow restrictor 102 defines a restrictive orifice 130 within the bore 126. The orifice 130 can have a cross-sectional dimension smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the housing channel 122c such that the orifice 130 is configured to restrict the flow of fluid when the fluid flows between the housing inlet 122a and the housing outlet 122b. In some examples, the flow restrictor 102 can include an inner surface 128 (shown in FIG. 10 ) disposed within the bore 126 that defines the restrictive orifice 130. In such examples, the restrictive orifice 130 can have a cross-sectional dimension smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the bore 126 such that the orifice 130 is configured to restrict the flow of fluid when the fluid flows between the bore inlet 126a and the hole outlet 126b. In alternative examples, the bore 126 itself can define the restrictive orifice 130.

[0015] 4 and 5, the housing 122 of the flow restrictor 102 can have a housing body 122d. The housing body 122d is oriented about an axis of rotation A, as shown. R Therefore, the housing body 122d may have a cylindrical shape extending along the rotation axis A. R and an outer surface 122e curved about a rotation axis A. R1-3 , the housing 122 and / or the housing body 122d may have any other suitable shape. In yet another example, the housing 122 may be equipped with the housing 108 of FIGS. 1-3 , such that the housing 122 and the housing 108 are integral with one another.

[0016] The outer surface 122e can define at least one recess 122j, 122k (labeled in FIG. 9) configured to receive a seal 132, 134 therein. Each seal 132, 134 is configured to form a seal between the housing 122 and the inner surface of the housing 108 of FIGS. 1-3 that defines the recess 112. Each seal 132, 134 can be an O-ring, a gasket, or any other suitable seal. Each recess 122j, 122k can extend around the outer surface 122e of the housing body 122d. The at least one recess can be positioned about the axis of rotation A. R The inclined recess 122j may include an inclined recess 122j that is located in a plane that is non-perpendicular to the central axis A of the housing channel 122c such that a portion of the recess 122j is located between the housing inlet 122a and the second end 122g of the housing body 122d (as seen in FIG. 4) and a portion of the recess 122j is located between the housing outlet 122b and the first end 122f of the housing body 122d (as seen in FIG. 5). C Thus, when disposed within recess 122j, seal 134 can be configured to separate high pressure fluid flow at housing inlet 122a from low pressure fluid flow at housing outlet 122b. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one recess can be angled relative to axis of rotation A. RThe recess 122k may include a recess 122k that lies in a plane that forms a right angle with the second end 122g. The recess 122k may be disposed between the housing channel 122c and the first end 122f of the housing body 122d. For example, the recess 122k may be disposed between the recess 122j and the first end 122f of the housing body 122d. When disposed within the recess 122k, the seal 132 may be configured to seal the first end 122f of the housing body 122d to prevent leakage of fluid passing through the first end 122f along a direction extending from the second end 122g toward the first end 122f.

[0017] 9 and 11, the housing 122 is arranged around the rotation axis A R The flow restrictor 102 may define a crossover channel 122m extending into the housing 122 along the housing channel 122c. The crossover channel 122m may be open to the housing channel 122c. The flow restrictor 102 may include a handle 142 configured to transition the rotatable body 124 between 1) a first orientation in which the hole outlets 126b are offset from the hole inlets 126a along the fluid flow direction (shown in FIG. 11 ) and 2) a second orientation in which the hole inlets 126a are offset from the hole outlets 126b along the fluid flow direction (shown in FIG. 12 ). The crossover channel 122m may be configured to receive at least a portion of the handle 142 such that the handle 142 is coupled to the rotatable body 124 when the rotatable body 124 is received within the housing channel 122c.

[0018] The housing channel 122c may include an upstream portion, a downstream portion, and an intermediate portion between the upstream and downstream portions. The upstream portion may extend from the housing inlet 122a toward the intermediate portion. The downstream portion may extend from the housing outlet 122b toward the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion may be sized to receive the rotatable body 124 therein. At least one of the upstream and downstream portions of the housing channel 122c may have a cross-sectional dimension smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the rotatable body 124. Additionally, or alternatively, at least one of the upstream and downstream portions of the housing channel 122c may have a cross-sectional dimension larger than the cross-sectional dimension of the rotatable body 124 such that the rotatable body 124 can be received within the intermediate portion of the housing channel 122c through at least one of the upstream and downstream portions. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the downstream portion has a larger cross-sectional dimension. However, it will be understood that the upstream portion may additionally or alternatively have a larger cross-sectional dimension.

[0019] At least one of the upstream and downstream portions can be configured to receive a plug 140 configured to retain the rotatable body 124 within the housing channel 122c. In one example, the plug 140 can define external threads configured to engage with the internal threads of the housing channel 122c. In other examples, the plug 140 can be secured to the housing body 122 using another suitable fastener other than threading. The plug 140 can define a plug channel 140a having a cross-sectional dimension smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the rotatable body 124. Optionally, at least a portion of the plug channel 140a can be defined by a drive surface configured to be engaged by a drive instrument, such as a screwdriver, to rotate the plug 140 and engage or disengage the plug 140 from the housing body 122. The drive surface can have a non-circular cross-sectional shape, such as, but not limited to, a hexagonal, star-shaped, plus-slash-shaped, or other suitable shape.

[0020] The flow restrictor 102 can include at least one seat 136, 138 configured to receive the rotatable body 124, such that the rotatable body 124 can be configured to rotate within the seat 136, 138. Each seat can have a ring shape. Each seat 136, 138 can have an inner engagement surface configured to engage with the rotatable body 124. The inner engagement surface can conform to the outer surface 124a of the rotatable body 124 to form a seal with the rotatable body 124. In one example, the inner engagement surface can have a partially spherical shape, as shown. In another example, the inner engagement surface can have a partially cylindrical shape. The at least one seat can include seat 136 adjacent an upstream portion of the housing channel 122c. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one seat can include seat 138 adjacent a downstream portion of the housing channel 122c.

[0021] The housing 122 may include a flange 122h attached to a first end 122f of the housing body 122d. The flange 122h may be oriented along the axis of rotation A. R The flange 122h may extend outward from the housing body 122d along a radial direction perpendicular to the housing 108. Thus, the flange 122h may have a cross-sectional dimension along the radial direction that is greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the housing body 122 along the radial direction. The cross-sectional dimension of the flange 122h may similarly be greater than the cross-sectional dimension of the recess 112 of the housing 108 of FIGS. 1-3 along the radial direction. Thus, the flange 122h may define a stop that limits the insertion depth of the housing 122 into the recess 112. The flange 122h may define one or more fasteners 131 configured to support coupling of the flange 122h to the housing 108. For example, one or more of the fasteners 131 may define an aperture configured to receive a screw or bolt to couple the flange 122h, and thus the housing 122, to the housing 108. In other examples, each fastener 131 may be a fastener other than an aperture, such as (but not limited to) a protrusion received in a recess of the housing 108.

[0022] 9 and 10, the rotatable body 124 may have a substantially spherical shape as shown, or may have a rotation axis A R The rotatable body 124 has an outer surface 124a, which can have another suitable shape, such as a cylindrical shape having a central axis extending along the rotatable body 124. As described above, the rotatable body 124 defines a bore 126 extending completely through the rotatable body 124, such that the bore 126 defines a bore inlet 126a in the outer surface 124a and a bore outlet 126b in the outer surface 124a that is offset from the bore inlet 126a. The flow restrictor 102 includes an inner surface 128 (shown in FIG. 10 ) disposed within the bore 126. The inner surface 128 defines an orifice 130 having a cross-sectional dimension smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the housing channel 122c, the orifice 130 being configured to restrict the flow of fluid as the fluid flows between the housing inlet 122a and the housing outlet 122b. In one example, orifice 130 can have a cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of hole 126, as shown, such that orifice 130 is configured to restrict fluid flow as the fluid flows between hole inlet 126a and hole outlet 126b. In another example, orifice 130 can have a cross-sectional dimension that is equal to the cross-sectional dimension of hole 126. In one embodiment, orifice 130 can have a cross-sectional dimension between approximately 0.005 inches and 0.05 inches, including 0.001 increments therebetween.

[0023] 9 and 10 , the flow restrictor 102 can include a holder 144 having an inner surface 128 that defines the orifice 130. The holder 144 can have a tubular shape or another suitable shape. The holder 144 can be configured to be supported within the bore 126 of the rotatable body 124. The holder 144 can be configured to be removably coupled to the rotatable body 124. For example, the holder 144 can include a fastener 144a configured to fasten the holder 144 to the rotatable body 124. In one example, the fastener 144a can include threads configured to engage with threads on the rotatable body 124. The threads can be external threads configured to engage with internal threads defined in the bore 126 of the rotatable body. In other examples, the fastener 144a can be another suitable fastener other than a thread. In yet another example, the flow restrictor 102 may not have a removable holder 144, and the inner surface 128 may be fixedly mounted within the bore 126 of the rotatable body 124 such that the inner surface 128 is not removable from the rotatable body 124.

[0024] The holder 144 can have a drive surface 144b configured to be engaged by a driving instrument, such as a screwdriver, that rotates the holder 144 to engage or disengage the holder 144 from the rotatable body 124. The drive surface 144b can have a non-circular cross-sectional shape, such as, but not limited to, a hexagonal, star, plus sign, or other suitable shape, configured to be engaged by a driver. The holder 144 can be configured to be removably coupled to the rotatable body 124 through the housing inlet 122a of the housing 122 without disassembling the rotatable body 124 from the flow restrictor 102. For example, the holder 144 can have an outer cross-sectional dimension that is smaller than the cross-sectional dimension of the housing inlet 122a, thereby allowing the holder 144 to be inserted into and removed through the housing inlet 122a. The holder 144 can be configured to be supported within the bore 126 of the rotatable body adjacent the inlet 126a.

[0025] The orifice 130 is configured to receive a fluid flow from the housing inlet 122a along the fluid flow path at a first pressure and to discharge the fluid flow along the fluid flow path to the housing outlet 122b at a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure. Thus, the orifice 130 is configured to reduce the pressure of the fluid as it flows along the fluid flow path through the flow restrictor 102. The amount by which the pressure is reduced depends at least in part on the size of the orifice 130. Generally, a smaller orifice 130 causes a greater pressure drop than a larger orifice 130. In other words, a smaller orifice 130 generally reduces the pressure at the housing outlet 122b less than the pressure caused by a larger orifice 123. Removably mounting the holder 144 allows a desired reduced pressure to be selected by selecting from multiple holders 144, each having a different sized orifice 130. Thus, in one example, the present invention can include a kit or system that includes a flow restrictor 102 and a plurality of holders 144, each having a different sized orifice 130.

[0026] 9, 11, and 12, the flow restrictor 102 is configured such that the handle 142 and the rotatable body 124 are aligned along an axis of rotation A. RThe rotatable body 124 may include a handle 142 attached to the rotatable body 124 such that the handles 142 are rotatably fixed to one another for rotation about the axis of rotation. The handle 142 may include a shaft 142a configured to be received within the intersecting channel 122m extending within the housing 122. The handle 142 may include a coupler 142b configured to engage with the coupler 124b of the rotatable body 124. The coupler 142b may be any suitable coupler that rotatably secures to the coupler 124b of the rotatable body 124. In one example, the coupler 142b may include an outer surface having a non-circular cross-section, and the coupler 124b may be a recess having a non-circular cross-section that matches the outer surface of the coupler 142b such that rotation of the handle 142 causes a corresponding rotation of the rotatable body 124. It will be understood that the couplers 142b and 124b may be configured in another suitable manner. In other examples, the handle 142 may be fixedly attached to the rotatable body 124.

[0027] The rotatable body 124 can transition between a first orientation (shown in FIG. 11 ) and a second orientation (shown in FIG. 12 ). In the first orientation, the orifice 130 is oriented to restrict fluid flow through the flow restrictor 102. Furthermore, in the first orientation, the hole outlet 126b is offset from the hole inlet 126a along the fluid flow direction. In the second orientation, the orifice 130 is oriented to flush out clogs that occur when the flow restrictor 102 is in the first orientation. In the second orientation, the hole inlet 126a is offset from the hole outlet 126b along the fluid flow direction. For example, in the second orientation, the orifice 130 is oriented relative to the rotation axis A relative to the position of the orifice 130 in the first orientation. R The rotatable body 124 can be rotated 180 degrees about a rotation axis A. The rotatable body 124 can be transitioned between the first and second orientations by rotating the handle 142, which causes a corresponding rotation of the rotatable body 124. In one example, the rotatable body 124 can be transitioned between the first and second orientations by rotating the handle 142, which causes the rotatable body 124 to rotate 180 degrees about a rotation axis A. RIn other examples (not shown), the rotatable body 124 can be transitioned between the first and second orientations by rotating the handle 142, and therefore the rotatable body 124, by an angle other than 180 degrees. In some examples, such as the example shown, the flow restrictor 102 can restrict fluid flow when the rotatable body 124 is in both the first and second orientations. The flow restrictor 102 can operate in one of the first and second orientations to restrict fluid flow, and then transition to the other of the first and second orientations to flush the orifice 130.

[0028] 9 and 13, the rotatable body 124 may optionally define at least one bypass hole 127, such as a plurality of bypass holes 127, extending through the rotatable body 124. Each bypass hole 127 may be angularly offset from the hole 126. In one example, each bypass hole 127 may extend along a central axis that extends along a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the hole 126. Each bypass hole 127 may be offset from the hole 126 so as not to be in fluid communication with the hole 126. As shown in FIG. 13, the rotatable body 124, and therefore the flow restrictor 102, may be configured to operate in a third orientation in which the flow restrictor 102 is configured to allow fluid to flow through the at least one bypass hole 127 without flowing through the hole 126. Thus, in the third orientation, the at least one bypass hole 127 is positioned in series with the fluid flow from the housing inlet 122a to the housing outlet 122b such that the at least one bypass hole 127 is in fluid communication with the housing inlet 122a and the housing outlet 122b. The rotatable body 124 can transition between (1) the first or second orientation and (2) the third orientation by rotating the handle 142, which causes a corresponding rotation of the rotatable body 124. In one example, the rotatable body 124 rotates the handle 142, and thus the rotatable body 124, about a rotation axis A. RThe rotatable body 124 can be transitioned between (1) the first or second orientation and (2) the third orientation by rotating the handle 142 90 degrees about the orifice 130. In other examples (not shown), the rotatable body 124 can be transitioned between (1) the first or second orientation and (2) the third orientation by rotating the handle 142, and therefore the rotatable body 124, by an angle other than 90 degrees. The third orientation may be employed, for example, when it is desired to clean the housing 108 or the flow restrictor 102 without cleaning the orifice 130.

[0029] Although not shown, the rotatable body 124, and therefore the flow restrictor 102, can be configured to operate in a fourth orientation in which the flow restrictor 102 is configured to allow fluid to flow through at least one bypass hole 127 without flowing through hole 126. In the fourth orientation, the at least one bypass hole 127 is positioned in series with the fluid flow from the housing inlet 122a to the housing outlet 122b such that the at least one bypass hole 127 is in fluid communication with the housing inlet 122a and the housing outlet 122b. The rotatable body 124 can be transitioned between (1) the first, second, or third orientation and (2) the fourth orientation by rotating the handle 142, which causes a corresponding rotation of the rotatable body 124. In the fourth orientation, the rotatable body 124 is rotated about the axis of rotation A relative to the third orientation. R The fourth orientation may be used, for example, when it is desired to clean the housing 108 or flow restrictor 102 without cleaning the orifice 130.

[0030] 1-3 , the housing 108 may have any suitable shape. For example, the housing 108 may have a first end 108a and a second end 108b offset from each other along a first direction D1. The housing 108 may have a first side 108c and a second side 108d offset from each other along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first side 108c and the second side 108d may extend between the first end 108a and the second end 108b. A flow path may be defined from the first end 108a to the second end 108b. A recess 112 configured to receive the flow restrictor 102 may extend within the first side 108c toward the second side 108d. Additionally or alternatively, a recess 116 configured to receive a filter 114 can extend into the first side 108c toward the second side 108d.

[0031] 14-17 illustrate another example of an atomizing pressure control manifold 200 in which the manifold housing 208 is alternatively configured so that the flow path therethrough differs from the flow path through the manifold housing 108 of FIGS. 1-3. In FIGS. 14-17, features identical to those described above with reference to FIGS. 1-13 are identified with like reference numerals. The atomizing pressure control manifold 200 may optionally include a regulator 202 and a bracket 204. The regulator 202 and the housing 208 may be mounted to the bracket 204. The housing 208 may have a first end 208a and a second end 208b offset from one another along a first direction D1. The housing 208 may have a first side 208c and a second side 208d offset from one another along a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The first side 208c and the second side 208d may extend between the first end 208a and the second end 208b. The housing 208 may have a third side 208e and a fourth side 208f offset from one another along a third direction D3 perpendicular to the first and second directions D1 and D2. The third and fourth sides 208e and 208f may extend between the first and second ends 208a and 208b. A flow path may be defined from the second end 208b to the fourth side 208f. A recess 212 configured to receive the flow restrictor 102 may extend into the first side 208c toward the second side 208d. Additionally or alternatively, a recess 216 configured to receive the filter 114 may extend into the third side 208e toward the fourth side 208f.

[0032] Referring to FIG. 18 , a simplified schematic diagram of a spray system 300 according to one example is shown. The spray system 300 includes a supply line 302 configured to provide fluid to at least one spray gun 304 configured to emit the fluid as a spray. The fluid may be supplied to the supply line 302 by a pump (not shown). The spray system 300 includes at least one spray pressure control manifold 306 configured to receive fluid from the spray gun 304 that is not emitted by the spray gun 304. The at least one spray pressure control manifold 306 may be provided as described above with respect to manifolds 100 and 200. The fluid is received by the at least one spray pressure control manifold 306 at a first pressure. In one example, the first pressure may be approximately 800-1100 psi, although other pressures are contemplated. In one example, the at least one spray gun 304 may be configured to emit the spray at a pressure of approximately 400-800 psi, although other pressures are contemplated. The spray system 300 includes a return line 308 configured to return fluid received from the at least one manifold 306 to the pump at a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure. In one example, the second pressure may be less than about 50 psi, although other pressures are contemplated.

[0033] 18 shows a supply line 302 supplying fluid to a pair of spray guns 304, with each spray gun supplying excess fluid to a corresponding manifold 306. However, it will be understood that the supply line 302 may supply fluid to only a single spray gun 304, or may supply fluid to additional spray guns (not shown) downstream of the pair of spray guns 304, as indicated by the right-most supply arrow and the right-most return arrow. In examples using a pair of spray guns 304, the pair may be mounted on a common panel 308.

[0034] The system 300 may optionally include a filter 310 configured to filter the fluid provided to the at least one spray gun 304. The filter 310 may be disposed upstream of the at least one spray gun 304. For example, the filter may be disposed in a fluid path between the supply line 302 and the at least one spray gun 304. The system 300 may optionally include a pressure regulator 312 configured to adjust the pressure of the fluid provided to the at least one spray gun 304. The pressure regulator 312 may be disposed upstream of the at least one spray gun 304. For example, the pressure regulator 312 may be disposed in a fluid path between the supply line 302 and the at least one spray gun 304. The system 300 may optionally include at least one drain 314 disposed adjacent to the second manifold outlet 120 of each manifold 306. Each drain 314 may be configured to receive fluid from the corresponding manifold 306 when the manifold 306 is being cleaned. The system 300 may optionally include at least one valve 316 configured to isolate the at least one spray gun 304 from the supply line 302. Additionally or alternatively, the system 300 may include at least one valve 318 configured to isolate the at least one spray gun 304 from the return line 308.

[0035] 19-21, another example atomizing pressure control manifold 400 is shown. Similar to the previous embodiment, the atomizing pressure control manifold 400 includes a flow restrictor 402 that reduces pressure fluctuations within the fluid system. However, in this example, the manifold housing 408 also houses the flow restrictor 402 (unlike FIG. 2, where the housing 122 is separate from the manifold housing 108). Similar to the flow restrictor 102, the flow restrictor 402 can be selectively operated between a first orientation in which a restrictive orifice (e.g., 130 in FIG. 10) of the flow restrictor 402 is oriented to restrict fluid flow through the pressure control manifold 400 and a second orientation in which the restrictive orifice is oriented to flush out any clogs that may occur when the flow restrictor 402 is in the first orientation. The flow restrictor 402 can be transitioned between the first and second orientations without disassembling the manifold 400.

[0036] The atomization pressure control manifold 400 can have a manifold inlet 104 and a manifold outlet 106 downstream of the manifold inlet 104 relative to a fluid flow path, which may also be referred to as a fluid flow direction or downstream direction of the fluid through the manifold 400. The flow path or flow direction is indicated by arrows in Figure 21. The manifold inlet 104 and manifold outlet 106 can be configured as described above.

[0037] The flow restrictor 402 of the manifold 400 may have a housing 408. The housing 408 may be disposed along a flow path between the manifold inlet 104 and the manifold outlet 106. The housing 408 may have an inlet 408a and an outlet 408b. The housing 408 may define a passage or channel 410 that defines at least a portion of the flow path of the manifold 400. The channel 410 may extend from the inlet 408a to the outlet 408b. Thus, the channel 410 may be in fluid communication with the manifold inlet 104 and the manifold outlet 106. The housing 408 may support a rotatable body 124 therein such that the restricting orifice of the flow restrictor 102 is disposed within the flow path. The rotatable body 124 may be configured similarly to that described above. For example, the housing 408 may define a recess 412 therein configured to receive the rotatable body 124. The recess 412 can be disposed within the channel 410 of the housing 408. The recess 412 can be configured to receive the rotatable body 124 such that the restricting orifice of the rotatable body 124 is aligned with the channel 410. The manifold 400 is configured such that the flow restrictor 402 receives a fluid flow from the inlet 104 along the fluid flow path at a first pressure and discharges the fluid flow along the fluid flow path toward the outlet 106 at a second pressure, the second pressure being lower than the first pressure. Thus, the flow restrictor 402 is configured to reduce the pressure of the fluid as it flows through the flow restrictor along the fluid flow path. The first pressure can be referred to as a higher pressure, and the second pressure can be referred to as a lower pressure.

[0038] The manifold 400 may include a filter 114 disposed along the flow path. The filter 114 may be disposed between the manifold inlet 104 and the rotatable body 124. Thus, the rotatable body 124 may be downstream of the filter 114. The filter 114 may be configured to filter the fluid before it passes along the flow path to the rotatable body 124. The filter 114 may filter the fluid to prevent debris from clogging the restrictor orifice of the flow restrictor 102. In one example, a housing 408 may be configured to support the filter 114. For example, the housing 408 may define a recess 116 therein configured to receive at least a portion of the filter 114. The housing 408 may support the filter 114 such that a filter element of the filter 114 is disposed within the flow path. The recess 116 may be open to and in fluid communication with a channel 410 of the housing 408. Recess 116 may be configured to receive filter 114 such that the filter element of filter 114 is aligned with channel 410. Alternatively, filter 114 may be supported upstream of housing 408.

[0039] The manifold 400 can include a three-way ball valve 118 disposed along the fluid flow path. The three-way ball valve 118 can be disposed along the fluid flow path between the housing 408 and the manifold outlet 106. Thus, the three-way ball valve 118 can be downstream of the housing 408 and / or the flow restrictor 402. The three-way ball valve 118 can be selectively operable between a first configuration (as shown in FIG. 21 ) in which the three-way ball valve 118 communicates fluid along the fluid flow path toward the manifold outlet 106 and a second orientation (not shown) in which the three-way ball valve 118 diverts fluid flow from the fluid flow path to the second manifold outlet 120. In one example, the second manifold outlet 120 can lead to a drain and can be used to flush the manifold 400.

[0040] 22 and 23 , the fluid flow restrictor 402 may include a plug 422. The plug 422 may be configured to retain the rotatable body 124 within the recess 412 of the housing 408. The plug 422 may have a first end 422 a and a second end 422 b offset from the first end 422 a. The first and second ends 422 a and 422 b are aligned along a central axis A. P The first end 422a of the plug 422 may be offset from one another along the axis of rotation A. R The first end 422a may be configured to support the rotatable body 124 such that the rotatable body 124 can rotate about the seat 138. In one example, the first end 422a may be configured as described above and may support a seat 138 configured to receive a portion of the rotatable body 124 such that the rotatable body 124 rotates within the seat 138. The flow restrictor 402 may additionally or alternatively include a seat 136 configured to support the rotatable body 124 opposite the seat 138. The seat 136 may be located upstream of the rotatable body 124, and the seat 138 may be located downstream of the rotatable body 124.

[0041] The plug 422 can have an outer curved surface 422c between the first end 422a and the second end 422b. The outer surface 422c is oriented along the central axis A. P The plug 422 may be curved about a center. The plug 422 may have a generally cylindrical shape, although other shapes are contemplated. The outer surface 422c may have threads 422d defined thereon configured to engage with the threads of the recess 412 of the housing 408. The second end 422b may have a drive surface configured to be engaged by a driver instrument (not shown) to drive the plug 422 into the recess 412 of the housing 408. The drive surface may have a non-circular cross-sectional shape, such as, but not limited to, a hexagonal, star-shaped, plus-shaped, or other suitable shape.

[0042] The plug 422 can have a channel 424 therethrough. The channel 424 can extend into the first end 422a. The channel 424 can extend toward and terminate before the second end 422b. The channel 424 can extend through the outer surface 422c. In other words, the channel 424 can have an inlet 424a at the first end 422a and an outlet 424b at the outer surface 422c between the first end 422a and the second end 422b. When the plug 422 is received in the recess 412, the channel 424 is in fluid communication with the channel 410 of the housing 408. The plug 422 can support at least one seal 426, such as at least one O-ring, configured to provide a seal between the outer surface 422c and the recess 412. For example, the plug 422 may support a pair of seals 426 positioned on either side of the outlet 424b of the channel 424 to prevent leakage from the outlet 424b.

[0043] Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the housing 408 is arranged around the rotation axis A R The crossover channel 428 may define a crossover channel 428 extending into the housing 408 along the housing channel 410. The crossover channel 428 may be open to the housing channel 410. The flow restrictor 402 may include a handle 142 configured to transition the rotatable body 124 between 1) a first orientation (shown in FIG. 11 ) in which the hole outlets 126b are offset from the hole inlets 126a along the fluid flow direction, and 2) a second orientation (shown in FIG. 12 ) in which the hole inlets 126a are offset from the hole outlets 126b along the fluid flow direction. The crossover channel 428 may be configured to receive at least a portion of the handle 142 such that the handle 142 is coupled to the rotatable body 124 when the rotatable body 124 is received within the housing channel 122c. The handle 142 may be configured in a manner similar to that described above in connection with FIGS. 1-17.

[0044] The rotatable body 124 can transition between a first orientation (shown in FIG. 21) and a second orientation in a manner similar to that described above in connection with FIGURES 1-17. Additionally, the rotatable body 124, and thus the flow restrictor 402, can optionally be configured to operate in a third orientation and / or a fourth orientation, as described above in connection with FIGURES 1-17.

[0045] Various aspects of the present disclosure can be understood in light of the following examples:

[0046] Example 1: A fluid flow restrictor for a spray pressure control system comprising: a housing including a housing inlet, a housing outlet offset from the housing inlet along a fluid flow direction, and a housing channel extending between the housing inlet and the housing outlet; a rotatable body disposed within the housing channel between the housing inlet and the housing outlet, the rotatable body having an outer surface curved about an axis of rotation, the rotatable body defining a bore extending entirely through the rotatable body, whereby the bore defines a bore inlet at the outer surface and a bore outlet at the outer surface offset from the bore inlet; The fluid flow restrictor of the spray pressure control system, characterized in that the rotatable body is rotatable between 1) a first orientation in which the hole outlet is offset from the hole inlet along the fluid flow direction, and 2) a second orientation in which the hole inlet is offset from the hole outlet along the fluid flow direction.

[0047] Example 2: The fluid flow restrictor of example 1, wherein the housing inlet and the housing outlet are offset from one another along a housing axis that is angularly offset from the axis of rotation.

[0048] Example 3: The fluid flow restrictor of any of Examples 1 and 2, wherein the housing axis is substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis.

[0049] Example 4: A fluid flow restrictor described in any of Examples 1 to 3, wherein the hole inlet and the hole outlet are offset from each other along an axis substantially parallel to the housing axis when the rotatable body is in each of the first and second orientations.

[0050] Example 5: A fluid flow restrictor described in any of Examples 1 to 4, wherein the housing has a housing body having a first end and a second end offset from each other along the rotation axis and an outer surface curved around the rotation axis.

[0051] Example 6: The fluid flow restrictor of Example 5, wherein the outer surface defines at least one recess configured to receive a seal therein to form a seal between the housing and an inner surface of a manifold housing of a spray pressure control system.

[0052] Example 7: A fluid flow restrictor as described in Example 6, wherein at least one recess includes an inclined recess located in a plane non-perpendicular to the rotation axis, the inclined recess being inclined with respect to the central axis of the housing channel such that a portion of the inclined recess is positioned between the housing inlet and the second end of the housing body, and a portion of the recess is positioned between the housing outlet and the first end of the housing body.

[0053] Example 8: A fluid flow restrictor described in any of Examples 1 to 7, comprising a handle configured to be rotated to transition the rotatable body between the first orientation and the second orientation.

[0054] Example 9: The fluid flow restrictor of any one of Examples 1 to 8, wherein the rotatable body has an outer surface having a substantially spherical shape.

[0055] Example 10: A fluid flow restrictor described in any of Examples 1 to 9, comprising an inner surface disposed within the hole, the inner surface defining an orifice having a cross-sectional dimension smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the hole, whereby the orifice is configured to restrict the flow of fluid when the fluid flows between the hole inlet and the hole outlet.

[0056] Example 11: A fluid flow restrictor as described in Example 10, comprising a holder having an inner surface that defines the orifice, the holder configured to be removably supported within the hole of the rotatable body.

[0057] Example 12: A fluid flow restrictor described in any of Examples 1 to 11, wherein the rotatable body is transitioned between the first orientation and the second orientation by rotating it approximately 180 degrees about the axis of rotation.

[0058] Example 13: A fluid flow restrictor described in any one of Examples 1 to 12, wherein the rotatable body defines at least one bypass hole extending through the rotatable body, each bypass hole being angularly offset from the hole.

[0059] Example 14: The fluid flow restrictor of example 13, wherein each bypass hole extends along a central axis that extends along a direction perpendicular to the central axis of said hole.

[0060] Example 15: A fluid flow restrictor as described in Example 13, wherein the rotatable body is configured to operate in a third orientation in which the at least one bypass hole is arranged in series with the fluid flow from the housing inlet to the housing outlet so that the at least one bypass hole is fluidly connected to the housing inlet and the housing outlet.

[0061] Example 16: A fluid flow restrictor as described in Example 15, wherein the rotatable body can transition between 1) at least one of the first orientation or the second orientation, and 2) the third orientation, by rotating the rotatable body approximately 90 degrees about the rotation axis.

[0062] Example 17: A fluid flow restrictor according to any one of Examples 1 to 16, a manifold defining a passage therethrough and a recess extending into the manifold housing so as to be open to the passage, the recess configured to support the fluid flow restrictor therein such that the aperture in the fluid flow restrictor is in fluid communication with the passage.

[0063] Example 18: A fluid flow restrictor described in any of Examples 1 and 8 to 16, characterized in that the fluid flow restrictor comprises a plug configured to retain the rotatable body within the recess of the housing.

[0064] Example 19: A fluid flow restrictor as described in Example 18, characterized in that the plug has a first end and a second end offset from the first end along a central axis, and the first end of the plug is configured to support the rotatable body so that the rotatable body can rotate about a rotation axis.

[0065] Example 20: A fluid flow restrictor as described in Example 19, characterized in that the plug has an outer surface between the first end and the second end of the plug, and the plug defines a channel extending into the interior of the first end of the plug and out of the outer surface.

[0066] Example 21: A method of cleaning a fluid flow restrictor of a spray pressure control system, the fluid flow restrictor comprising: a housing having a housing inlet, a housing outlet offset from the housing inlet along a fluid flow direction, and a housing channel extending between the housing inlet and the housing outlet; rotating a rotatable body about an axis of rotation within the housing channel, the rotatable body defining a hole extending entirely through the rotatable body, the hole defining a hole inlet at an outer surface of the rotatable body and a hole outlet at the outer surface offset from the hole inlet, the rotating step comprising rotating the rotatable body about the axis of rotation from a first orientation in which the hole outlet is offset from the hole inlet along the fluid flow direction to a second orientation in which the hole inlet is offset from the hole outlet along the fluid flow direction; 10. A method for cleaning a fluid flow restrictor in a spray pressure control system, comprising: flowing a fluid through the fluid flow restrictor such that the fluid flows from the hole outlet to the hole inlet.

[0067] Example 22: The method of Example 21, further comprising, prior to the rotating step, flowing the fluid through the fluid flow restrictor such that the fluid flows into the hole inlet at the first pressure, flows from the hole inlet to the hole outlet, and exits the hole outlet at a second pressure lower than the first pressure.

[0068] Example 23: The method of any of Examples 21 and 22, wherein the rotating step includes rotating the rotatable body approximately 180 degrees.

[0069] It should be noted that the illustration and description of the examples shown in the drawings are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present disclosure contemplates a variety of embodiments. Additionally, it should be understood that the concepts described above in conjunction with the above-described embodiments can be used alone or in combination with any of the other embodiments described above. It should be further understood that the various alternative examples described above with respect to one illustrated example can be applied to all examples described herein unless otherwise indicated.

[0070] Unless expressly stated otherwise, each numerical value and range should be construed as approximate, as if the terms "about," "approximately," or "substantially" preceded the value or range.

[0071] Conditional language used herein, particularly "can," "could," "might," "may," "for example," and the like, unless otherwise stated or understood within the context in which it is used, is generally intended to convey that certain examples include certain features, elements, and / or steps, while other examples do not. Thus, such conditional language is generally not intended to imply that features, elements, and / or steps are somehow required for one or more examples, or that one or more examples necessarily include those features, elements, and / or steps. Terms such as "comprising," "including," and "having" are synonymous and are used inclusively and without limit, and do not exclude additional elements, features, acts, operations, etc.

[0072] While specific examples have been described, these examples are presented by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention disclosed herein. Thus, nothing in the above description should be construed as implying that any particular feature, characteristic, step, module, or block is necessary or essential. These novel embodiments may be embodied in a variety of other forms, and indeed, various omissions, substitutions, and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. The appended claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as fall within the specific scope and spirit of the invention disclosed herein.

[0073] It should be understood that the steps of the exemplary methods described herein do not necessarily have to be performed in the order described, and the ordering of the steps of such methods should be understood to be merely exemplary. Similarly, additional steps may be included in such methods, and certain steps may be omitted or combined, in methods consistent with various examples of the present invention.

[0074] Although the elements in the following method claims are recited in a particular order with corresponding labeling, if any, the elements are not necessarily intended to be limited to being implemented in that particular order, unless the claim recitation otherwise suggests a particular order for implementing some or all of the elements.

[0075] It will be understood that references herein to "a" or "one" to describe a feature, such as a description or step, do not exclude additional features or features. For example, reference to a device having or defining "one" of a feature does not exclude the device from having or defining two or more features, so long as the device has or defines at least one feature. Similarly, references herein to "one" of multiple features do not exclude the invention from including two or more, up to all, of the features. For example, reference to a device having or defining "one of X and Y" does not exclude the device from having both X and Y.

Claims

1. a housing including a housing inlet, a housing outlet spaced apart from the housing inlet along a fluid flow direction, and a housing channel extending between the housing inlet and the housing outlet; a rotatable body disposed within the housing channel between the housing inlet and the housing outlet, the rotatable body having an outer surface curved about an axis of rotation; the rotatable body defines a bore extending entirely through the rotatable body, whereby the bore defines a bore entrance at the outer surface and a bore exit at the outer surface spaced from the bore entrance; the rotatable body defines at least one bypass hole extending through the rotatable body along an axis angled relative to the axis of the hole, the bypass hole being in fluid communication with the housing inlet and the housing outlet; a rotatable body; a fluid flow restrictor for an associated spray pressure control system, wherein the rotatable body is rotatable between: 1) a first orientation in which the hole outlet is away from the hole inlet along the fluid flow direction, and fluid flows through the fluid flow restrictor to enter the hole inlet at a first pressure, flow from the hole inlet to the hole outlet, and exit the hole outlet at a second pressure lower than the first pressure; 2) a second orientation in which the hole inlet is away from the hole outlet along the fluid flow direction; and 3) a third orientation in which the at least one bypass hole is positioned in series with the fluid flow from the housing inlet to the housing outlet, the at least one bypass hole being in fluid communication with the housing inlet and the housing outlet such that the fluid flows through the at least one bypass hole without flowing through the hole.

2. 2. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 1, wherein the hole inlet and the hole outlet are spaced apart from one another along the axis of the hole that is angled relative to the axis of rotation.

3. 10. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 1, wherein the fluid flow restrictor comprises a plug configured to retain the rotatable body within a recess in the housing.

4. 4. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 3, wherein the plug has a first end and a second end spaced apart from the first end along a central axis, the first end of the plug configured to support the rotatable body such that the rotatable body can rotate about the axis of rotation.

5. 2. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a housing body having (a) a first end and a second end spaced apart from one another along the axis of rotation, and (b) an outer surface extending around the axis of rotation.

6. 6. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 5, wherein the outer surface of the housing body defines at least one recess configured to receive a seal, thereby forming a seal between the housing and an inner surface of an associated manifold housing of the associated atomization pressure control system.

7. 7. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 6, wherein the at least one recess includes an inclined recess that lies in a plane that forms a non-perpendicular angle with the axis of rotation, the inclined recess being inclined with respect to a central axis of the housing channel such that a portion of the inclined recess is located between the housing inlet and the second end of the housing body and a portion of the recess is located between the housing outlet and the first end of the housing body.

8. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 1 , further comprising a handle configured to be rotated to transition the rotatable body between the first orientation and the second orientation.

9. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 1 , wherein the outer surface of the rotatable body has a spherical shape.

10. 10. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 1, further comprising an inner surface defining an orifice disposed within the bore and having a cross-sectional dimension smaller than a cross-sectional dimension of the bore, the orifice configured to restrict the flow of the fluid as it flows between the bore inlet and the bore outlet.

11. 11. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 10, further comprising a holder having the inner surface defining the orifice, the holder configured to be removably supported within the bore of the rotatable body.

12. 2. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 1, wherein the rotatable body is rotatable between the first orientation and the second orientation by rotating the rotatable body approximately 180 degrees about the axis of rotation.

13. 2. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 1, wherein the at least one bypass hole extends along a central axis that extends along a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the hole.

14. 2. The fluid flow restrictor of claim 1, wherein the rotatable body is rotatable between 1) at least one of the first orientation or the second orientation, and 2) the third orientation by rotating the rotatable body approximately 90 degrees about the axis of rotation.

15. A fluid flow restrictor as described in claim 1, characterized in that in the third orientation, the rotatable body is configured to discharge the fluid flow to the housing outlet at a flow rate greater than the flow rate in the first orientation or the second orientation.

16. A fluid flow restrictor according to claim 1; a manifold housing defining a passage therethrough and a recess extending into the manifold housing to open to the passage, the recess configured to support the fluid flow restrictor therein such that the aperture in the fluid flow restrictor is in fluid communication with the passage.

17. 10. A method for cleaning a fluid flow restrictor according to claim 1, comprising: flowing the fluid through the fluid flow restrictor so as to enter the hole inlet at a first pressure, flow from the hole inlet to the hole outlet, and exit the hole outlet at a second pressure lower than the first pressure; rotating the rotatable body within the housing channel from the first orientation to the second orientation about the axis of rotation; a fluid flow restrictor configured to flow from the hole outlet to the hole inlet;

18. Rotating the rotatable body from the second orientation to the third orientation around the rotation axis within the housing channel; 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising flowing the fluid through the fluid flow restrictor such that the fluid flows from the housing inlet to the housing outlet through the at least one bypass hole rather than through the hole.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising the step of directing the fluid flow to the housing outlet in the third orientation at a flow rate greater than the flow rate in the first orientation or the second orientation.

20. 20. The method of claim 17, wherein the rotating the rotatable body comprises rotating the rotatable body approximately 180 degrees.

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