Flowserve Management Company

Kenneth Alden Thurston

Alan Holton Glenn

A process for manufacturing a valve trim assembly. The process comprises providing a flow disk having an outer diameter, an inner diameter, and an outer disposable flow disk portion, providing a separation disk having an outer diameter and an inner diameter, wherein the flow disk outer diameter is greater than the separation disk outer diameter, stacking the flow disk on the separation disk, and removing the outer disposable flow disk portion creating a reduced flow disk outer diameter. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 C.F.R. &sect;1.72(b).

Process for manufacturing valve trim assemblies

The present invention provides a cost effective means by which pressure reduction in a fluid flow control device is optimized. The pressure reduction achieved according to the present invention also minimizes valve wear and presents new solutions in reducing, attenuating, eliminating, damping, redirecting, or otherwise defeating valve noise. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a flow control device is provided including a valve trim assembly comprising a plurality of valve trim disks defining a plurality of flow paths along a fluid passage between a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet of the flow control device. Respective flow paths defined by the valve trim disks comprise an expansion/contraction mechanism, a velocity control mechanism, an acoustic chamber, and frequency shifting passages. The expansion/contraction mechanism has a cross section including rapid increases and decreases in cross-sectional flow area. The velocity control mechanism defines a cross-sectional flow profile defining a relatively low cross-sectional flow area proximate the fluid inlet and a relatively high cross-sectional flow area proximate the fluid outlet. The acoustic chamber is configured to defeat acoustic disturbances generated in the expansion/contraction mechanism and the velocity control mechanism. The frequency shifting passages are configured to direct fluid flow from the acoustic chamber to the fluid outlet and increase the sonic frequency of acoustic disturbances associated with the directed fluid.

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Salem, UT, United States of America

Kenneth Alden Thurston