High Pressure Priming Valve

Abstract

A new and innovative high-pressure priming valve is provided for use in high-pressure fluid systems requiring high levels of fluid purity. The priming valve includes at least three ports, some of which are angled. The priming valve also includes a needle that variably blocks and unblocks a path to one of the ports between normal operation and priming operation, respectively. The priming valve includes a sealing insert positioned below a stack of washers that maintains needle alignment in response to high fluid pressures exerted on the needle. The sealing insert helps prevent fluid from contacting the stack of washers, thereby helping to prevent biological growth within the valve. The angled ports facilitate draining of the priming valve, further helping to prevent biological growth. By helping to prevent biological growth, the sealing insert helps to prevent fluid contamination, enabling the priming valve to be utilized in high-purity fluid applications.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 028745, filed May 22, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

[0002] This application relates generally to high-pressure fluid systems. More specifically, this application provides a high-pressure priming valve having a sealing insert that adapts the priming valve to applications requiring high purity. [Background technology]

[0003] High-pressure fluid systems, such as high-pressure fluid mixers, high-pressure / high-shear fluid processors, high-pressure impinger jet reactors, and high-pressure homogenizers, may utilize high-pressure priming valves to prime the system for production mode. These machines include various systems manufactured by Microfluidics International Corporation, a unit of IDEX Corporation located in Westwood, Massachusetts, such as lab / benchtop machines, pilot-scale machines, and production-scale machines. For example, lab / benchtop machines may include the LM10, LM20, M110P, LV1 Low Volume, M110Y, and HC5000 / 8000 products from Microfluidics International Corporation. Pilot-scale machines may include the pilot-scale M110EH and pilot-scale M815 products from Microfluidics International Corporation. Production-scale machines may include the M700 and M710 series products from Microfluidics International Corporation.

[0004] A high-pressure fluid system may be primed using a priming valve to remove air from the fluid within the system. Priming a system typically involves setting the fluid system to a low pressure so that air in the system's piping can escape through the priming valve. For example, priming a system helps reduce the possibility of air burning within the fluid when fluid pressure in the system increases during production mode. Air combustion can burn system components, such as seals, and cause fluid contamination. Therefore, during a priming operation, the priming valve may be open to allow air from the fluid to escape. However, during normal operation of the high-pressure fluid system, the priming valve may be closed.

[0005] One type of high-pressure priming valve is the diaphragm valve. Diaphragm valves use a cone to seal against an inclined surface, preventing fluid from flowing through another port. When the cone is lifted off the surface, allowing fluid to flow through the additional port, the diaphragm seals the fluid between the valve blocks, preventing leakage and possible biological growth.

[0006] However, diaphragm valves can present several drawbacks. Diaphragm valves can be complex and difficult to install, thus increasing manufacturing time and costs. The complex design of many diaphragm valves can also make it difficult to replace individual components when performing maintenance work. Additionally, diaphragm valves can be prone to leaks.

[0007] Another type of high-pressure priming valve is a needle-type valve configuration. Examples of such needle valves include various high-pressure valves from (1) Haskel, a unit of Ingersoll Rand; (2) High Pressure Equipment Co., located in Erie, Pennsylvania; and (3) Autoclave Engineers, a unit of Parker, located in Erie, Pennsylvania. A needle-type valve may include two or more ports and a needle that variably blocks one or more ports. For example, the needle may block the path to the first port when the valve is closed, allowing fluid to flow from the second port to the third port. The needle may translate to open the valve so that the path to the first port is no longer blocked. For example, air may escape through the first port when the valve is open. Furthermore, in high-pressure fluid systems, the needle must remain in a closed position against high pressure from the fluid. Therefore, a needle-type valve may include a washer stack to help maintain needle alignment. Needle-type valves also typically include a sealing means located above the washer stack to help prevent fluid leakage outside of the priming valve.

[0008] Needle valves are more robust in preventing leaks than diaphragm valves because they do not have an elastomeric diaphragm to deform during use. Needle valves also align better on the sealing surface with the aid of a washer, but the cone in a diaphragm valve can move more to one side, causing faster failure and leakage. Additionally, needle valve designs generally utilize fewer parts than diaphragm valves, reducing the number of components that can fail.

[0009] However, needle-type valves with such a washer stack configuration may allow fluid to pass between the washers in the stack. For example, the sealing means is typically located above the washer stack. Fluid may therefore be trapped between the washers, potentially increasing the risk of biological growth within the valve and potentially contaminating the fluid flowing through the valve. Furthermore, typical needle-type valves do not facilitate drainage of the valve, thus increasing the risk of biological growth within the valve. The increased risk of biological growth may make such needle valve configurations less suitable for applications requiring fluid sterility, such as pharmaceutical applications. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present disclosure provides a new and innovative high-pressure priming valve for use in high-purity fluid priming applications. The priming valve includes a sealing insert located beneath a stack of washers that maintains needle alignment in response to high fluid pressures exerted on the needle. The sealing insert helps prevent fluid from contacting the stack of washers, helping to prevent biological growth within the valve. Angled ports facilitate draining of the priming valve and further help prevent biological growth. By helping to prevent biological growth, the sealing insert helps prevent fluid contamination, enabling the priming valve to be utilized in high-purity fluid applications. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] In light of the technical features described herein, but not limited to, a first aspect of the present disclosure, which can be combined with any other aspect unless otherwise specified, provides a priming valve including a first port, a second port, and a third port that are fluidly connected to each other. The second port and the third port are inclined toward the first port. Fluid enters the priming valve through the first port and exits through the second port. The priming valve also includes a needle, a stack of washers, and a sealing insert. The needle blocks a fluid path to the third port in a closed configuration and facilitates the fluid path in an open configuration. The priming valve is configured such that air contained in the fluid flows along the fluid path to the third port when the needle is in the open configuration. The stack of washers surrounds a portion of the needle. The sealing insert is disposed at the bottom of the stack of washers and is configured to prevent fluid from contacting the stack of washers.

[0012] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first, tenth, or thirteenth aspects) unless otherwise specified, the fluid enters the priming valve at a fluid pressure of 5,000 psi or greater.

[0013] In the third aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first, tenth, or thirteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the sealing insert is an O-ring.

[0014] In the fourth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first, tenth, or thirteenth aspects) unless otherwise specified, the sealing insert is comprised of an elastomer or plastic.

[0015] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (eg, the first, tenth, or thirteenth aspects) unless otherwise specified, the sealing insert is constructed of metal.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with other aspects (e.g., the first, tenth, or thirteenth aspects) unless otherwise specified, each of the internal components of the priming valve is electropolished or passivated.

[0017] In a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first, tenth, or thirteenth aspects) unless otherwise specified, the stack of washers is configured to maintain needle alignment.

[0018] In an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first or thirteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the second port is inclined at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 5 degrees.

[0019] In a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the first or thirteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the second port and the third port are inclined at equal angles.

[0020] In a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect unless otherwise specified, a priming valve includes at least three ports in fluid communication. Fluid enters the priming valve through a first port of the at least three ports, and the ports other than the first port are inclined toward the first port. The priming valve also includes a needle, a stack of washers, and a sealing insert. The needle blocks a fluid path to at least one of the at least three ports in a closed configuration and facilitates the fluid path in an open configuration. The priming valve is configured such that air contained in the fluid flows along the fluid path to the at least one port when the needle is in an open configuration. The stack of washers surrounds a portion of the needle. The sealing insert is disposed at a bottom of the stack of washers and configured to prevent fluid from contacting the stack of washers.

[0021] In an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, a second port of the at least three ports of the priming valve of the tenth aspect is inclined at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 5 degrees.

[0022] In a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the second port and the third port of the at least three ports of the priming valve of the tenth aspect are inclined at an equal angle.

[0023] In a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect unless otherwise specified, a high-pressure fluid processor includes a high-pressure intensifier pump, a reaction chamber, a main discharge line, and a priming valve. The high-pressure intensifier pump has an inlet and an outlet. The reaction chamber includes a microchannel and is adapted to apply at least one of a high shear field or an impinging jet reaction to the fluid. The priming valve includes a first port, a second port, and a third port in fluid communication. The second port and the third port are inclined toward the first port. The fluid enters the priming valve through the first port and exits through the second port. The priming valve also includes a needle, a stack of washers, and a sealing insert. The needle blocks a fluid path to the third port in a closed configuration and facilitates the fluid path in an open configuration. The priming valve is configured so that air contained in the fluid flows along the fluid path to the third port and the main discharge line when the needle is in the open configuration. The stack of washers surrounds a portion of the needle. A sealing insert is disposed at a bottom of the stack of washers and configured to prevent fluid from contacting the stack of washers. Fluid flows along a first fluid path from the high-pressure boost pump to the first port, along a second fluid path from the first port to the second port, and along a third fluid path from the second port to the reaction chamber.

[0024] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (eg, the thirteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the microchannel has a minimum channel dimension of 150 microns or less.

[0025] In a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the thirteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the high-pressure boost pump is adapted to pressurize a fluid to a high pressure of at least 5,000 psi.

[0026] In a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, which may be combined with any other aspect (e.g., the thirteenth aspect) unless otherwise specified, the reaction chamber is configured to subject the fluid to a temperature of 80,000 sec. -1 ~10,000,000sec -1 is adapted to provide a shear field of

[0027] Additional features and advantages of the disclosed method and apparatus will be described in, and will be apparent from, the following detailed description and drawings. The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive, and in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the drawings and description. Furthermore, it should be noted that the language used herein has been chosen primarily for readability and descriptive purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary valve assembly according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0029] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary valve according to one aspect of the present disclosure.

[0030] [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a close-up view of an exemplary tilt port according to one aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] The present disclosure provides a new and innovative high-pressure priming valve for use in high-purity fluid priming applications. For example, the provided priming valve may be a component within a high-pressure fluid system such as a high-pressure fluid mixer, a high-pressure / high-shear fluid processor, a high-pressure impinger jet reactor, or a high-pressure homogenizer. These exemplary high-pressure fluid systems may be used in applications with low tolerance for fluid contamination, such as pharmaceutical applications.

[0032] The priming valve of the present disclosure may include three ports in fluid communication with each other. In some examples, the priming valve may include more than three ports. The priming valve may also include a needle that can be positioned in a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the needle blocks a path to at least one of the ports. For example, fluid can flow into a first port and out a second port, and the needle blocks a path to a third port in the closed configuration. In the open configuration, the needle can translate to unblock the path to the third port. The priming valve may be configured such that air contained in the fluid entering the first port escapes through the third port when the needle is in the open configuration. In this manner, the provided priming valve facilitates fluid priming of the system.

[0033] The priming valve may also include a stack of washers, which can help maintain needle alignment. When the needle is in the open configuration during fluid priming, the fluid system is typically at low pressure. However, during normal operation, the needle must remain in the closed configuration against high pressure (e.g., 30,000 to 40,000 psi). Therefore, the washer stack maintains the needle in proper alignment and prevents it from shifting in response to the force from the high pressure. A typical needle-type priming valve also includes a sealing means to prevent fluid from leaking outside the priming valve. However, this sealing means is typically located above the washer stack, so fluid can flow to the washer stack before reaching the sealing means. Fluid can become trapped between the washers, potentially promoting biological growth in the priming valve. Biological growth within the priming valve can contaminate fluid flowing through the ports.

[0034] The disclosed priming valves are instead particularly suited for applications requiring a high degree of purity and therefore a low tolerance for fluid contamination. For example, conventional needle-type priming valves typically utilize a pressure drop across a washer stack to aid in sealing against the needle. Instead, the provided priming valves include a sealing insert located at the bottom of the washer stack. The sealing insert helps prevent fluid from contacting the washer stack. By helping to prevent fluid from contacting the washer stack, the sealing insert helps prevent biological growth and fluid contamination. Additionally, the provided priming valves include angled ports. The angled ports can help facilitate easier draining of the priming valve, which can also help prevent biological growth and resulting fluid contamination. The disclosed priming valves also have a simpler design and are more cost-effective than typical diaphragm-type priming valves used in high-purity applications. Further advantages of the provided priming valves will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the discussion of the following figures.

[0035] As used herein, "about," "approximately," and "substantially" are understood to refer to numbers within a numerical range, for example, a range of -10% to +10% of the referenced number, preferably -5% to +5% of the referenced number, more preferably -1% to +1% of the referenced number, and most preferably -0.1% to +0.1% of the referenced number.

[0036] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary valve assembly 100 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The exemplary valve assembly 100 includes a priming valve 106. Only the outer casing of the priming valve 106 is visible. In at least one example, the outer casing may be constructed of a stainless steel alloy (e.g., 316 stainless steel). The valve assembly 100 may also include a handle 102. In at least one example, the handle 102 may be constructed of aluminum. The handle 102 may be used to adjust the needle of the priming valve 106, for example, to adjust the needle between an open and a closed configuration during a fluid priming mode and a normal operating mode, respectively. The valve assembly 100 may also include an extension 104 between the handle 102 and the priming valve 106.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an exemplary priming valve 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. In various embodiments, the exemplary priming valve 200 may include a body 218, a port 202, a port 204, and a port 206. Each of the ports 202, 204, and 206 may include tubing 222, 224, and 226, respectively. The ports 202, 204, and 206 may be constructed of metal (e.g., steel or steel alloy) or plastic (e.g., Nylatron®, Teflon®, glass) in various cases. In other examples, the ports 202, 204, and 206 may be constructed of other suitable corrosion-resistant materials. Fluid may enter the priming valve 200 through the port 206. In some examples, each of the internal components of the priming valve 200 may be electropolished and / or passivated.

[0038] The exemplary priming valve 200 also includes a needle 208. The needle 208, in various instances, may be constructed of metal (e.g., steel or steel alloy) or plastic (e.g., Nylatron®, Teflon® glass). In other examples, the needle 208 may be constructed of other suitable corrosion-resistant materials. The needle 208, in various instances, may be treated with a surface coating, heat treatment, ion enrichment, or other material treatment. The needle 208 may be adjusted between an open configuration and a closed configuration. In some instances, the needle 208 may be manually adjusted (e.g., with the handle 102). In other instances, the needle 208 may be actuated using a pneumatic, electric, or hydraulic actuator to provide rotational or linear movement.

[0039] Priming valve 200 may, in various cases, be a component of a high-pressure fluid processor, such as a high-pressure fluid mixer, a high-pressure / high-shear fluid processor, a high-pressure impinger jet reactor, or a high-pressure homogenizer. In such cases, the high-pressure fluid processor may include, in addition to priming valve 200, a high-pressure intensifier pump, a reaction chamber including a microchannel, a main exhaust line, and a fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir may be fluidly connected to priming valve 200, e.g., port 206, via a high-pressure intensifier pump such that fluid flows from the fluid reservoir to the high-pressure intensifier pump and priming valve 200. Priming valve 200 may be fluidly connected to the reaction chamber at port 204. Port 202 may be fluidly connected to the main exhaust line.

[0040] The high pressure intensifier pump is adapted to pressurize the fluid flowing through the pump to a high pressure, for example, at least 5,000 psi. In other examples, the high-pressure intensifier pump may be adapted to pressurize the fluid to a pressure in the range of 5,000 to 50,000 psi, 10,000 to 40,000 psi, 10,000 to 50,000 psi, 5,000 to 40,000 psi, 5,000 to 30,000 psi, 10,000 to 30,000 psi, 5,000 to 25,000 psi, 10,000 to 25,000 psi, 5,000 to 20,000 psi, 10,000 to 20,000 psi, 30,000 to 50,000 psi, 20,000 to 40,000 psi, 20,000 to 50,000 psi, 15,000 to 40,000 psi, 15,000 to 50,000 psi, and other suitable pressure ranges.

[0041] The reaction chamber includes microchannels adapted to create a high shear field on the fluid as it flows through the microchannels. For example, the microchannels may be configured with a small distance for high velocity fluid to flow through, thereby creating a high shear field. The geometry of the microchannels may also change the direction of the fluid, thereby increasing the shear rate. The microchannels, in various cases, each have a diameter of 150 microns or less. Additionally, the microchannels may create a high shear field on the fluid, with a shear rate of approximately 80,000 sec -1 ~About 10,000,000sec -1 The shear field may be configured to provide a shear field between

[0042] During the priming operation of the fluid system described above, the needle 208 of the priming valve 200 may be in an open configuration to facilitate the passage of the needle 208 to the port 202. For example, the needle 208 may be translated (e.g., away from the port 206) until it no longer blocks the opening to the port 202. The fluid flowing through the valve is pressurized at a lower pressure during the priming operation than during normal operation of the fluid system. For example, in various examples, the fluid pressure may be between 0 and 1000 psi during the priming operation. As the fluid flows from the port 206 to the port 204 during the priming operation, the fluid is purged of any pre-existing air as it escapes through the port 202. For example, the main exhaust line connected to the port 202 may have a larger diameter than the reaction chamber line connected to the port 204 so that the path to the main exhaust line is the path of least resistance for the air.

[0043] During normal operation of the fluid system, needle 208 may be in a closed configuration to block the fluid path to port 202. For example, needle 208 may block the opening of port 202 to tubing 222. Thus, fluid entering priming valve 200 at port 206 exits priming valve 200 through port 204. Fluid flowing through the valve is pressurized at a high pressure during normal operation of the fluid system. For example, in various examples, the fluid pressure can be 5,000 to 50,000 psi, 10,000 to 40,000 psi, 10,000 to 50,000 psi, 5,000 to 40,000 psi, 5,000 to 30,000 psi, 10,000 to 30,000 psi, 5,000 to 25,000 psi, 10,000 to 25,000 psi, 5,000 to 20,000 psi, 10,000 to 20,000 psi, 30,000 to 50,000 psi, 20,000 to 40,000 psi, 20,000 to 50,000 psi, 15,000 to 40,000 psi, 15,000 to 50,000, and other suitable pressure ranges. Thus, the exemplary priming valve 200 is configured to withstand the fluid pressures described above.

[0044] The high fluid pressures applied to the needle 208 during normal operation place significant stresses on the needle 208. Therefore, the exemplary priming valve 200 may include a stack of washers 212 that act as a bearing to maintain the alignment of the needle 208. In at least one example, the stack of washers 212 includes four individual washers. In other examples, the stack of washers 212 may include another suitable amount of washers (e.g., three, five, six, seven, etc.). The priming valve 200 may also include a washer 210 on top of the stack of washers 212. The washer 210 may help maintain the alignment of the needle 208. For example, without the washers 212 and / or the stack of washers 210, the high fluid pressures applied to the needle 208 could cause the needle to shift. Needle shifting could increase the likelihood of fluid leakage and / or fatigue failure of the needle.

[0045] The priming operation described herein may occur with fluids that have a higher potential for biological growth. High fluid pressure during normal operation of a fluid system can cause fluid to leak or flow through gaps (e.g., between the needle 208 and the wall of the priming valve 200) and reach the stack of washers 212 of a typical needle-type valve. For example, fluid leakage can occur if the needle contains a crack along the needle or if the needle is not properly tightened or seated against the sealing surface. Fluid may then become trapped between the individual washers or may otherwise remain between the washers for a sufficient time to promote biological growth. Biological growth within the valve can contaminate the fluid flowing through the valve. In some cases, the priming fluid may also be used in manufacturing operations, so such contamination can affect both the priming fluid and the manufacturing fluid. To prevent fluid from reaching the stack of washers 212, the priming valve 200 includes a sealing insert 214 at the bottom of the stack of washers 212. The washer 210 can help compress the sealing insert 214 when the gland 216 is tightened within the body 218 of the priming valve 200. Thus, the configuration of the priming valve 200 helps ensure that the fluid flowing through the priming valve 200 is not contaminated.

[0046] In one example, the sealing insert 214 may be a washer constructed of Nylatron®. In another example, the sealing insert 214 may be an O-ring (e.g., a USP Class IV O-ring with pharmaceutical-grade certification). In other examples, the sealing insert 214 may have another suitable configuration that prevents highly pressurized fluid from flowing through the sealing insert 214. In various examples, the sealing insert 214 may be made of rubber, elastomer, or plastic, such as nitrile, EPDM, fluoroelastomer FKM (e.g., Viton®), neoprene, UHMWPE, PEEK, polytetrafluoroethylene-PTFE (e.g., Teflon®), perfluoroelastomer FFKM (e.g., Kalrez®), silicone, or other suitable elastomer or plastic. In other examples, the sealing insert 214 may be made of metal, such as steel, stainless steel, a metal alloy, or other suitable metal. In still other examples, the sealing insert 214 may be made from other materials suitable for high pressure applications.

[0047] Additionally, priming valve 200 includes angled ports to facilitate draining of priming valve 200. For example, port 202 and port 204 may each be angled toward port 206. FIG. 3 shows a close-up view 300 of exemplary angled port 302 relative to valve body 310, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. While exemplary angled port 300 may be a close-up view of port 202, it should be understood that the description also applies to port 204. Port 302 may be angled at angle Q relative to a horizontal plane 306 that is perpendicular to the valve needle. An axis 308 passing through the center of port 302 and tube 304 is shown to illustrate angle Q.

[0048] In various instances, angle Q can be greater than 0 and less than or equal to 5 degrees. Angle Q of port 302 helps facilitate drainage of the valve because angle Q of port 302 creates a gravitational force that influences fluid within the valve to flow out of port 302 rather than remaining within the valve. Remaining fluid within the valve increases the risk of biological growth that could contaminate the fluid. Therefore, angle Q of port 302 helps prevent fluid contamination. Angle Q also does not affect the valve's ability to prime fluid flowing through the valve because angle Q is very small.

[0049] Thus, the disclosed valve configuration allows needle-type valves to be used in applications requiring high levels of fluid purity, such as pharmaceutical applications. For example, the disclosed valves help prevent biological growth within the valve, thus helping to prevent fluid contamination that would be unacceptable in high-purity fluid applications. By enabling needle-type valves for high-purity fluid applications, the provided valves reduce design complexity and manufacturing costs for high-pressure fluid systems utilized in high-purity fluid applications. Furthermore, the provided valves help reduce maintenance costs for such high-pressure fluid systems because individual components of the provided valves are easier to maintain and / or replace.

[0050] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art can use the preceding description to make full use of the claimed invention. The examples and embodiments disclosed herein should be construed as merely illustrative and in no way limit the scope of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes can be made to the details of the above-described examples without departing from the basic principles described. In other words, various modifications and improvements of the examples specifically disclosed in the above description are within the scope of the appended claims. For example, any suitable combination of features of the various examples described is contemplated.

Claims

1. A priming valve, a first port, a second port, and a third port in fluid communication, wherein fluid enters the priming valve through the first port and exits through the second port, and the second and third ports are angled toward the first port; a needle that blocks a fluid path to the third port in a closed configuration and facilitates the fluid path in an open configuration, the priming valve is configured such that, when the needle is in the open configuration, air entrained in the fluid flows along the fluid path to the third port and to the main exhaust line; a needle, wherein the first port and the second port remain in fluid communication when the needle is in both the open configuration and the closed configuration; a stack of washers surrounding a portion of the needle; a sealing insert disposed at a bottom of the stack of washers, the sealing insert configured to prevent the fluid from contacting the stack of washers; A priming valve comprising:

2. 10. The priming valve of claim 1, wherein the fluid enters the priming valve at a fluid pressure of 5,000 psi or greater.

3. The priming valve of claim 1 , wherein the sealing insert is an O-ring.

4. The priming valve of claim 1 , wherein the sealing insert is constructed from an elastomer or plastic.

5. The priming valve of claim 1 , wherein the sealing insert is constructed of metal.

6. A priming valve as described in claim 1, wherein each of the internal components of the priming valve is electropolished or passivated.

7. The priming valve of claim 1 , wherein the stack of washers is configured to maintain alignment of the needle.

8. 2. The priming valve of claim 1, wherein the second port is angled at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 5 degrees.

9. 2. The priming valve of claim 1, wherein the second port and the third port are inclined at equal angles.

10. A priming valve, at least three ports in fluid communication, wherein fluid enters the priming valve through a first port of the at least three ports, the ports other than the first port being angled toward the first port; a needle that blocks a fluid path to at least one of the at least three ports in a closed configuration and facilitates the fluid path in an open configuration, the priming valve is configured such that, when the needle is in the open configuration, air entrained in the fluid flows along the fluid path to the at least one port and to a main exhaust line; a needle, wherein the first port and the second port of the at least three ports remain in fluid communication when the needle is in both the open configuration and the closed configuration; a stack of washers surrounding a portion of the needle; a sealing insert disposed at a bottom of the stack of washers, the sealing insert configured to prevent the fluid from contacting the stack of washers; A priming valve comprising:

11. 11. The priming valve of claim 10, wherein the fluid enters the priming valve at a fluid pressure of 5,000 psi or greater.

12. The priming valve of claim 10, wherein the sealing insert is an O-ring.

13. The priming valve of claim 10, wherein the sealing insert is constructed from an elastomer or plastic.

14. The priming valve of claim 10 , wherein the sealing insert is constructed from metal.

15. 11. The priming valve of claim 10, wherein a second port of the at least three ports is angled at an angle greater than 0 degrees and less than 5 degrees.

16. 16. The priming valve of claim 15, wherein the second and third ports of the at least three ports are inclined at equal angles.

17. a high pressure boost pump having an inlet and an outlet; a reaction chamber including a microchannel adapted to provide at least one of a high shear field or a jet reaction impinging on the fluid; a main discharge line; A priming valve; 1. A high-pressure fluid processor comprising: The priming valve a first port, a second port, and a third port in fluid communication, wherein the fluid enters the priming valve through the first port and exits through the second port, the third port is connected to a main discharge line, and the second port and the third port are angled toward the first port; a needle that blocks a fluid pathway to the third port in a closed configuration and facilitates the fluid pathway in an open configuration, the priming valve being configured to allow air entrained in the fluid to flow along the fluid pathway to the third port and to the main exhaust line when the needle is in the open configuration; a stack of washers surrounding a portion of the needle; a sealing insert disposed at a bottom of the stack of washers, the sealing insert configured to prevent the fluid from contacting the stack of washers; Including, the fluid flows along a first fluid path from the high-pressure boost pump to the first port, along a second fluid path from the first port to the second port, and along a third fluid path from the second port to the reaction chamber; High-pressure fluid processor.

18. 20. The high-pressure fluid processor of claim 17, wherein the microchannels have a minimum channel dimension of 150 microns or less.

19. 18. The high-pressure fluid processor of claim 17, wherein the high-pressure intensifier pump is adapted to pressurize the fluid to a high pressure of at least 5,000 psi.

20. The reaction chamber is exposed to the fluid for 80,000 seconds. －１ From 10,000,000 seconds －１ 20. The high-pressure fluid processor of claim 17 adapted to provide a shear field between

Images