WO2010117361A1

WO2010117361A1 - Fluid control valve

Info

Publication number: WO2010117361A1
Application number: PCT/US2009/039822
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Gene Majka; James C. Casey; Ken Paradis
Original assignee: Flowserve Management Company
Priority date: 2009-04-07
Filing date: 2009-04-07
Publication date: 2010-10-14

Abstract

Fluid control valves include a valve body and a valve member rotatably secured within the valve body. The valve member may comprise a first fluid passage portion and a second fluid passage portion for controlling the flow of a fluid from a first opening in the valve body, into a cavity and from the cavity into a second opening in the valve body. Fluid control systems employing such valves are disclosed. Methods for controlling flow volume through a fluid conduit system using such valves are also disclosed.

Description

FLUID CONTROL VALVE

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to fluid control valves, and more particularly, to valves capable of controlling low flow rates.

BACKGROUND Industrial fluid delivery systems routinely include one or more fluid valves configured to control the rate of, or completely terminate, fluid flow through the system.

One type of valve commonly employed to control the flow of fluids in a fluid delivery system is the ball valve. A conventional ball valve generally includes a valve body having a fluid passageway therethrough. A ball or ball element is positioned within the valve body so as to be placed in the fluid passageway. The ball in a conventional ball valve has its own fluid conduit extending therethrough and defining a flow path through the ball. When the conduit in the ball is aligned with the fluid passageway through the valve body, fluid may flow through the valve generally unimpeded. If the ball is rotated such that the ball conduit is out of alignment with the valve body passageway, then the flow is restricted. The "off position usually corresponds to a position of the ball wherein the conduit is at right angles to the valve body passageway. However, lesser angular displacements may result in an "off or partially "off condition, depending upon the geometry of the valve components. The full "on" position is typified by the ball conduit being coaxially aligned with the fluid passageway of the valve body. A conventional ball valve provides varying degrees of flow restriction based upon the degree of alignment of the ball conduit with the valve body passageway. Thus, for a given pressure, flow is controlled by varying the degree of alignment of the ball conduit with the valve body passageway.

A ball valve is usually actuated or rotated through a stem which passes through the valve body and attaches to the ball. A handle or some other means, such as a gear, may be attached to the opposite end of the stem in order to turn the stem. The amount of fluid passing through the ball valve changes as the ball rotates. A particular angular orientation of the ball corresponds to a particular degree of alignment between the conduit and the passageway, which in turn corresponds to the flow rate.

Conventional plug valves work in a manner similar to conventional ball valves. The conventional plug typically includes a fluid conduit extending therethrough and defining a flow path through the plug. When the conduit in the plug is aligned with the fluid passageway through the valve body, fluid may flow through the valve generally unimpeded. If the plug is rotated such that the plug's conduit is out of alignment with the valve body passageway, then the flow is restricted.

In certain fluid control applications, a valve must be configured to control a low flow-rate of fluid. When a ball valve is employed for such low- flow applications, the conduit through the ball is typically modified and/or a specially designed port is cut into a seat. Such modifications are both costly and limited in their ability to control the fluid. In particular, these conventional valves typically are unable to control the flow capacity of the valve over a significant range. Conventional valves historically have been unable to control the flow capacity of the valve at rates that are significantly less than the maximum or full "on" position. In other words, as the flow capacity is gradually reduced from the maximum, the conventional valves quickly lose their ability to control that flow capacity. Often, in order to control low-flow systems, and especially ultra-low-flow systems, alternate and more expensive valves are employed, such as a rising-stem valve.

It would, thus, be desirable to provide a valve that is capable of use in a variety of applications, including ultra-low-flow applications, that is cost efficient and capable of controlling the flow capacity over a significant range.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Various embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a cost- efficient valve that may be used in a variety of applications, including low-flow and ultra-low-flow applications, the valve being capable of controlling the flow capacity over a substantial range. In some embodiments, the present invention includes a valve body and a valve member secured within the valve body. The valve member may comprise a first fluid passage portion and a second fluid passage portion. The first fluid passage portion may be configured to allow fluid to communicate between a first opening in the valve body and a cavity formed between the valve body and the valve member. The second fluid passage portion may be configured to allow fluid to communicate between the cavity and a second opening in the valve body. At least one of the first fluid passage portion and the second fluid passage portion may comprise a recessed portion on the surface of the valve member.

In further embodiments, the present invention includes methods of controlling flow volume through a fluid conduit system. A valve may be installed in a conduit system. The valve may comprise a valve body and a valve member comprising a first fluid passage feature and a second fluid passage feature. The valve member may be rotated so the first fluid passage feature is in communication with a first opening in the valve body and a cavity formed between the valve body and the valve member. The second fluid passage feature may be in communication with both the cavity and the second opening in a valve body. A fluid may be flowed from the first opening into the cavity through the first fluid passage feature and from the cavity into the second opening through the second fluid passage feature.

In other embodiments, the present invention may include a fluid control system comprising a valve and an actuator. The valve may comprise a valve body and a valve member rotatably secured within the valve body. The valve member may comprise a first fluid passage portion and a second fluid passage portion. The first fluid passage portion maybe configured to allow fluid to communicate between a first opening in the valve body and a cavity formed between the valve body and the valve member. The second fluid passage portion maybe configured to allow fluid to communicate between the cavity and a second opening in the valve body. At least one of the first fluid passage portion and the second fluid passage portion may comprise a recessed portion on the surface of the valve member. An actuator maybe controllably coupled to an actuation shaft connected to the valve member. In some embodiments, a positioner may be coupled to the actuator. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric and partially sectioned view of one embodiment of a ball valve.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a ball valve according to one embodiment. FIGS. 3A-3D are side views of various non-limiting embodiments of balls illustrating various configurations of the different recessed portions of the balls.

FIG. 3E is a cross-sectioned view of a ball according to one embodiment showing a recessed portion comprising a groove including a varying depth.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 2 illustrating fluid flow through a ball valve according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a ball valve according to one embodiment of the invention illustrating the first fluid passage feature positioned partially within the first opening.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ball taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 4. FIG. 7 A is a side view of a ball according to one embodiment comprising a bore formed through the central portion of the ball.

FIG. 7B is a top view of the ball in FIG. 7 A.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a ball similar to FIG. 6 according to one embodiment comprising a bore formed through the central portion of the ball. FIG. 9 is a sectional view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating fluid flow through a ball valve according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ball taken along lines 10-10 in FIG. 9. FIG. 11 is a system diagram of a fluid control system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The illustrations presented herein are, in some instances, not actual views of any particular valve or valve member, but are merely idealized representations that are employed to describe the present invention. Additionally, elements common between figures may retain the same numerical designation. One embodiment of the present invention comprises a valve. FIG. 1 illustrates a partially-sectioned isometric view of an embodiment of a valve configured as a ball valve 100. The ball valve 100 includes a valve body 110 having a fluid passageway 120 extending from an inlet or first opening 130 to an outlet or second opening 140. The valve body 110 of the embodiment in FIG. 1 is depicted as a single piece flanged body. However, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that various body configurations are possible. By way of example and not limitation, various embodiments of the valve body 110 may also comprise a single piece body, a two-piece body, a three-piece body, a top entry body, a floating ball body, a trunion ball body, or any other suitable configuration. The fluid passageway 120 may include a generally cylindrical hole.

A valve member 150 is secured within the valve body 110 and positioned in a chamber or cavity 160 (see FIG. 2) in the fluid passageway 120. As each of the embodiments described herein comprise a ball valve, valve member 150 will be referred to as ball 150 hereinafter for clarity to the reader and should not be interpreted as limiting the disclosure. The ball 150 is positioned so as to allow rotation within the cavity 160. Supporting the ball 150 within the valve body 110 are seats or seals 170. Each seal 170 comprises a generally cylindrical-shaped structure with a cylindrical aperture extending therethrough and positioned to contact the ball 150 along a continuous circumferential contact region 180. The interference between the seals 170 and the outer surface of the ball 150 at the contact region 180 prevents fluid present in the fluid passageway 120 from leaking into the cavity 160 when the valve is in the closed position, as will be discussed in more detail below.

The ball 150 may further comprise a coupling mechanism 190 configured for attachment of one end of an actuation shaft 200 to the ball 150. In other embodiments, the actuation shaft 200 and the ball 150 may comprise an integral piece. The actuation shaft 200 may be coupled to a conventional lever, handle or other mechanism (not shown) as is known to those of ordinary skill in the art to provide for manual and/or automated rotation of the actuation shaft 200. In other embodiments, the actuation shaft 200 may be coupled to any conventional automated mechanism (not shown) commonly known to those of ordinary skill in the art for automatically controlling the rotation of actuation shaft 200. By way of example and not limitation, the actuation shaft 200 may be coupled to a conventional actuator and/or a conventional positioner. Rotation of the actuation shaft 200 causes the ball 150 to rotate within the cavity 160 and may adjust the flow rate of a fluid through the ball valve 100. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the ball valve 100 according to one embodiment. The ball 150 comprises two fluid passage features to allow fluid to communicate between the cavity 160 and the fluid passageway 120. A first fluid passage feature 210 may be configured to allow fluid to communicate between the first opening 130 and the cavity 160. A second fluid passage feature 220 may be configured to allow fluid to communicate between the cavity 160 and the second opening 140. The first and second fluid passage features 210, 220 may be positioned on approximately opposite sides of the ball 150. By way of example and not limitation, the first and second fluid passage features 210, 220 may be positioned at approximately 180° from one another in substantially the same plane of the ball 150. The first and second fluid passage features 210, 220 may be configured to control the progression of the flow coefficient in relation to the degree of angular rotation of the actuation shaft 200 from the closed position to a full open position.

In some embodiments, the first fluid passage feature 210 may comprise a recess or recessed portion 230 in the surface of the ball 150. The recessed portion 230 may comprise a groove formed in the outer surface of the ball 150 and configured to allow fluid from the first opening 130 to pass into the cavity 160 between the seal 170 and the ball 150. The recessed portion 230 may be configured to customize the flow coefficient and/or the capacity of the valve in relation to the degree of angular rotation of the ball 150. In some embodiments, for example, the recessed portion 230 may comprise a groove configured generally in the shape of a triangle. The triangular shape may provide a generally linear increase in the flow coefficient in relation to the degree of angular rotation of the ball 150.

Some embodiments of the invention comprise a second fluid passage feature 220 configured as a second recessed portion 240. Similar to the recessed portion 230, the second recessed portion 240 may comprise a groove formed in the outer surface of the ball 150 and configured to allow fluid to pass from the cavity 160 into the second opening 140. As illustrated in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the second recessed portion 240 may comprise a groove having a constant width and depth, so as to provide a constant flow coefficient and/or capacity in relation to the degree of angular rotation of the ball 150. For example, the second recessed portion 240 may comprise a groove configured generally in the shape of a rectangle. In some of these embodiments, the constant width and depth may be dimensioned to provide an upper limit to the flow coefficient. In other embodiments, however, the second recessed portion 240 may be configured to customize the flow coefficient and/or capacity in relation to the degree of angular rotation of the ball 150. The use of a recessed portion for at least one of the first fluid passage feature

210 and the second fluid passage feature 220 may provide for improved rangeability over conventional balls. As used herein, rangeability refers to the capacity of the valve in the "wide-open" configuration or maximum flow capacity divided by the valve's minimum controllable flow capacity. In other words, the ball valve of the present invention may be capable of controlling flow capacities which are significantly lower than the valve's maximum flow capacity.

FIGS. 3 A-3D illustrate various configurations of the recessed portion 230 and/or the second recessed portion 240, provided by way of example and not limitation. For each of the following examples, only one side of the ball 150 is shown. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the ball 150 may be configured such that either one or both of the recessed portion 230 and the second recessed portion 240 maybe configured according to any of the following examples.

FIG. 3 A illustrates one embodiment of a ball 150 in which at least one of the recessed portion 230 and the second recessed portion 240 comprises a groove configured in a generally triangular shape comprising a vertex 250A positioned at a rotationally forward most point on the ball 150 with relation to the rest of the recessed portion. A first side 260A and a second side 270A extend in a direction D rotationally away from the vertex 250A in substantially straight lines. Therefore, as the ball 150 is rotated by turning actuation shaft 200 in the direction of the arrow, the vertex 250A provides an initial gap beneath the seal through which fluid may flow. As the ball 150 progresses through the rotation (i.e., as the degree of angular rotation increases), the distance between the first side 260A and the second side 270A gets larger. Therefore, the gap beneath the seal also gets larger. Such a configuration may provide a linear progression of flow rate as the ball 150 is rotated. In other words, the change in flow rate starting from the minimum flow rate (e.g., when the size of the gap beneath the seal is at its smallest) and growing to the maximum flow rate (e.g., when the size of the gap beneath the seal is at its greatest) is substantially linear in relation to the rotation of the ball 150.

In one embodiment, the recessed portion 230 may include a groove having a depth that varies. By way of example and not limitation, FIG. 3E illustrates such a groove having a varying depth, with respect to a generally triangular shaped groove. In one embodiment, the depth of the groove may be more shallow at the vertex 250A and may increase in a linear fashion with respect to the distance from the vertex 250A in direction D, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3 E. hi other embodiments, the depth of the groove may start relatively shallow at or near the vertex 250A and may increase in a non-linear fashion with respect to the distance from the vertex 250A in direction D. In still other embodiments, the depth of the groove may start at a depth at or near the vertex 250A and may decrease or grow shallower in either a linear or non-linear fashion with respect to the distance from the vertex 250A in direction D. Although the groove is described as generally triangular shaped, those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that such a groove having varying depth may be employed in a variety of shapes and configurations, including, but not limited to, rectangular, square, triangular, as well as other suitable shapes.

FIG. 3B shows another configuration in which, similar to FIG. 3 A, the groove comprises a generally triangular shape comprising a vertex 250B with a first side 260B and a second side 270B extending rotationally away from the vertex 250B. However, in this configuration, the first side 260B and second side 270B extend generally arcuately outward as they extend away from a common vertex 250B. hi other words, the first side 260B and the second side 270B flare outward from each other as they extend away from the vertex 250B. Such a configuration may provide a non-linear progression of flow rate in relation to the rotation of the ball 150. However, by varying the depth of the groove, such a configuration may be formed to provide a substantially linear progression of flow rate.

FIG. 3 C shows another configuration in which the groove comprises a generally triangular shape comprising a vertex 250C with a first side 260C and a second side 270C extending rotationally away from the vertex 250C. In these embodiments, the first side 260C and the second side 270C may extend generally arcuately inward as they extend away from the common vertex 250C. Such an embodiment may also be described as being generally bullet-shaped. Similar to the embodiment described in FIG. 3B, this configuration may provide a non-linear progression of flow rate in relation to the rotation of the ball 150.

FIG. 3D shows still another embodiment in having a dual-gain configuration. The groove may comprise a generally triangular shape comprising a vertex 250D with a first side and a second side. In this configuration the first side may comprise a rotationaily forward first side 260D' and a rotationally rearward first side 260D". Similarly, the second side may comprise a rotationally forward second side 270D' and a rotationally rearward second side 270D". In such an embodiment, the forward first side 260D' and the forward second side 270D' may have a shallower angle as they extend away from the vertex 250D. This portion of the groove may provide a linear progression of flow rate in relation to the rotation of the ball 150. The rearward first side 260D" and the rearward second side 270D" may intersect with the relative forward first or second side and extend away from that intersection at a steeper angle. This second portion of the groove defined between the rearward first and second sides 260D" and 270D" may also provide a linear progression of flow rate in relation to the rotation of the ball 150. However, this second portion may comprise a greater progression of flow rate than the portion defined by the forward first and second sides 260D' and 270D'.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that many variations in shape and size and alternative configurations are possible to provide varying flow characteristics. By way of example and not limitation, some other suitable groove shapes may include generally rectangular, circular, diamond, ovate, etc. In addition to or as an alternative to varying the shapes and sizes of the groove, various configurations may customize the flow characteristics by varying the depth of the groove in the outer surface of the ball 150. As maybe clear to one of ordinary skill in the art, a shallower groove will provide for a smaller flow coefficient and/or capacity while a deeper groove will provide an increased flow coefficient and/or capacity. Thus, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that there exist a number of suitable configurations for customizing the flow characteristics of the ball valve for both linear and non-linear flow characteristics according to the principles exemplified herein.

The ball 150 may comprise any kind of material known to those of ordinary skill in the art and may be selected according to the specific application. By way of example and not limitation, the ball 150 may comprise metal, metal alloy, ceramic, or plastic. A non-limiting example of a suitable metal includes carbon steel or stainless steel. The recessed portion 230 may be formed in the body of the ball 150 by any means known to those of ordinary skill in the art. By way of example and not limitation, a recessed portion 230 may be formed by machining or casting. Referring to FIG. 4, the first opening 130 of the fluid passageway 120 may be filled with a process media or fluid flowing in the direction of arrows 280. When the ball 150 is rotated so that a portion of the first fluid passage feature 210 is positioned in the first opening 130 and another portion is positioned in the cavity 160, the fluid may pass from the first opening 130, below the seal 170 and into the cavity 160. FIG. 5 shows a side view of the ball valve 100 illustrating the first fluid passage feature 210 positioned partially within the first opening 130. When the first fluid passage feature 210 is positioned to extend between the first opening 130 and cavity 160, the second fluid passage feature 220 is configured to extend between the cavity 160 and the second opening 140. As the fluid flows into the cavity 160, the cavity 160 is at least partially filled with the fluid and the fluid may then flow from the cavity 160, below the seals 170, and into the second opening 140.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the ball 150 taken along lines 6-6 in FIG. 4. When a fluid flows through the ball valve 100, the fluid may flow under the seal 170 and into the cavity 160 by passing through the first fluid passage feature 210. The fluid may flow in the cavity 160 around the ball 150 and may exit the cavity 160 as it flows under the seal 170 by passing through the second fluid passage feature 220. In some embodiments, the second fluid passage feature 220 may comprise a bore formed in the ball 150. FIGS. 7A-7B show a ball 150 according to one embodiment in which the second fluid passage feature 220 comprises a bore formed in the ball. The bore 290 may comprise a hole extending through a portion of the ball 150 such that when the ball 150 is rotated, a first entry 300 may communicate with the cavity 160 and a second entry 310 may communicate with the second opening 140 in the valve body 110. With the second fluid passage feature 220 comprising a bore 290, the first fluid passage feature 210 may comprise a recessed portion 230 as described above. In some embodiments, the bore 290 may form a right angle in the central portion of the ball 150. In other embodiments, the first entry 300 may be positioned about a quarter-turn from the rotationally forward edge of the recessed portion 230 and the second entry 310 may be positioned about one-half turn from the recessed portion 230.

In other embodiments, the first fluid passage feature 210 and the second fluid passage feature 220 may be switched from that illustrated in FIGS. 7A-7B. In these embodiments, the first fluid passage feature 210 may comprise a bore 290 configured so that as the ball 150 is rotated, the first entry 300 may communicate with the cavity 160 and the second entry 310 may communicate with the first opening 130. Furthermore, the second fluid passage feature 220 may comprise a recessed portion 230 as described above. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectioned view of a ball 150 similar to that shown in FIG.6 and having a bore 290 according to one embodiment. A fluid may flow under the seal 170 and into the cavity 160 by passing through the first fluid passage feature 210. The fluid may flow in the cavity 160 around the ball 150. The fluid may exit the cavity 160 by flowing through the bore 290. More particularly, the fluid may flow into the first entry 300, through the bore 290 and out the second entry 310.

In those embodiments in which the first fluid passage feature 210 comprises a bore 290 and the second fluid passage feature 220 comprises a recessed portion 230, the fluid may flow into the second entry 310, through the bore 290, and into the cavity 160 through first entry 300. The fluid may exit the cavity 160 by flowing under the seal 170 and into the second opening 140 of the valve body 110. In additional embodiments, the ball valve 100 may comprise only a single seal 170 associated with the portion of the ball having the recessed portion 230, the opposing portion of the ball having no seal 170 associated therewith. Referring to FIG. 9, the first opening 130 of the fluid passageway 120 maybe filled with a process media or fluid flowing in the direction of arrows 280. When the ball 150 is rotated so that a portion of the first fluid passage feature 210 is positioned in the first opening 130 and another portion is positioned in the cavity 160, the fluid may pass from the first opening 130, below the seal 170 and into the cavity 160. With no seal 170 between the ball 150 and the second opening 140, the fluid may pass from the cavity 160 to the second opening 140 without any seal impediment. As the fluid flows into the cavity 160, the cavity 160 is at least partially filled with the fluid and the fluid may then flow from the cavity 160 into the second opening 140.

In other embodiments, the first fluid passage feature 210 and the seal 170 may be modified from the embodiment illustrated in FlG. 9. In these embodiments, no seal 170 may be positioned between the ball 150 and the first opening 130 so that fluid may flow substantially uninhibited into the cavity 160. Furthermore, the second fluid passage feature 220 may comprise a recessed portion 230, as described above, that may operate in conjunction with the seals 170 positioned between the ball and the second opening 140. In particular embodiments comprising only a single seal 170, the ball 150 may either comprise a second fluid passage feature 220 (shown by broken lines) or no substantial second fluid passage feature 220. FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate another configuration for a second fluid passage feature 220, which may be implemented in any of the embodiments described in the present disclosure, including those embodiments with only a single seal 170 as well as with two seals 170. According to such embodiments, the second fluid passage feature 220 may be formed by a ball 150 comprising only a semispherical body, as opposed to a fully spherical body. By way of example and not limitation, the ball 150 may have a semispherical body comprising about 3/4 of a sphere, with the remaining portion of approximately 1/4 of a sphere being substantially open and comprising the second fluid passage feature 220. hi another non- limiting example, the semispherical body of ball 150 may comprise about 2/3 of a sphere, with the remaining 1/3 comprising the second fluid passage feature 220.

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the ball 150 taken along lines 10-10 in FIG. 9 illustrating the optional second fluid passage feature 220. When a fluid flows through the ball valve 100, the fluid may flow under the seal 170 and into the cavity 160 by passing through the first fluid passage feature 210. The fluid may flow in the cavity 160 and may exit the cavity 160 as at least some of the fluid flows at least partially through the second fluid passage feature 220 into the second opening 140. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the embodiment of the ball 150 shown in FIG. 10 may be employed for use with two seals 170, as described herein above. In such embodiments, the fluid may flow from the cavity 160 by flowing through second fluid passage feature 220 and passing under the seal 170 to the second opening 140.

FIG. 11 is a system diagram of a fluid control system according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a ball valve 100. The ball valve 100 may comprise a ball valve 100 of the present invention as described herein above. More particularly, the ball valve may comprise a valve body and a ball rotatably secured within the valve body. The ball may be configured according to an embodiment as described above. An actuator 320 may be controllably coupled to the actuation shaft 200 and configured to control the rotation of the ball 150. Actuator 320 may comprise any conventional actuator known in the art. By way of example and not limitation, the actuator 320 may comprise one of the Worcester Controls brand actuators manufactured by Flowserve Management Company of Irving, TX. A positioner 330 maybe operably coupled to the actuator 320. The positioner 330 may comprise any conventional positioner as is known in the art. By way of example and not limitation, the positioner 330 may comprise one of the Worcester® Controls brand positioners manufactured by Flowserve Management Company of Irving, TX.

Although embodiments have been described including ball valves and valves having a valve member comprising a ball, such embodiments are not intended to be limiting in any way. Indeed, in other embodiments, the valve member may comprise, for example, a plug positioned in a cavity of a valve and comprising at least a first fluid passage feature 210 configured to allow fluid to communicate between the first opening of a valve and the cavity. The first fluid passage feature 210 may be positioned on an outer surface of the plug and may comprise a recess or recessed portion in the outer surface. Similar to the embodiments comprising a ball valve, the recess in the plug may be configured to allow fluid from the first opening to pass into the cavity between the plug and a wall of the valve body or a seat, depending on the embodiment. The plug may further comprise a second fluid passage feature 220, and the first and second fluid passage features 210, 220 may be configured according to any of the configurations described herein above.

Therefore, while certain embodiments have been described and shown in the accompanying drawings, such embodiments are merely illustrative and not restrictive of the scope of the invention. The present invention is not limited to the specific constructions and arrangements shown and described, since various other additions and modifications to, and deletions from, the described embodiments will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, the scope of the invention is only limited by the literal language, and equivalents, of the claims which follow.

Claims

What is claimed is:

L A valve comprising: a valve body; and a valve member rotatably secured within the valve body, the valve member comprising at least a first fluid passage portion comprising a recessed portion on a surface of the valve member configured to allow fluid to communicate between a first opening in the valve body and a cavity formed between the valve body and the valve member.

2. The valve of claim 1, wherein the valve member comprises one of a ball and a plug.

3. The valve of claim 2, wherein the valve member comprises a ball and wherein the ball is a solid ball.

4. The valve of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion is configured to provide a non-linear progression of flow rate between the first opening in the valve body and the cavity.

5. The valve of claim 1 , wherein the recessed portion comprises a generally triangular shape.

6. The valve of claim 5, wherein two of the sides of the generally triangular shaped recessed portion extend at least one of generally arcuately outward and generally arcuately inward as they extend away from a common vertex.

7. The valve of claim 1, wherein the first recessed portion comprises a varying depth.

8. The valve of claim 1 , further comprising a second fluid passage portion configured to allow fluid to communicate between a second opening in the valve body and the cavity.

9. The valve of claim 8, wherein both the first fluid passage portion and the second fluid passage portion comprise a recessed portion in the surface of the valve member.

10. The valve of claim 8, wherein the second fluid passage portion comprises a bore comprising a first entry and a second entry, the first entry being in communication with the cavity and the second entry being in communication with the second opening when the first fluid passage portion is in communication with the first opening.

11. The valve of claim 10, wherein the first entry of the bore is positioned about a quarter-turn from the first fluid passage portion and the second entry of the bore is positioned about one-half turn from the first fluid passage portion.

12. The valve of claim 8, wherein the second fluid passage portion comprises a second recessed portion configured to provide one of a non-linear progression of flow rate and a linear progression of flow rate between the second opening in the valve body and the cavity.

13. The valve of claim 8, wherein the valve member comprises an at least substantially semispherical body, and the second fluid passage portion comprises an open, remaining portion of the semisphere.

14. The valve of claim 1 , further comprising only a single seat positioned between the first opening in the valve body and the cavity.

15. A valve comprising: a valve body; and a valve member rotatably secured within the valve body, the valve member comprising: a recessed portion on the surface of the valve member and configured to allow fluid to communicate between a first opening in the valve body and a cavity formed between the valve body and the valve member; and a bore comprising a first entry and a second entry, the first entry being configured to communicate with the cavity when the second entry is in communication with a second opening in the valve body.

16. The valve of claim 15, wherein the first entry is positioned about a quarter-turn from the recessed portion and the second entry is positioned about one- half turn from the recessed portion.

17. The valve of claim 15, wherein the recessed portion is configured to provide a non-linear progression of flow rate between the first opening in the valve body and the cavity.

18. The valve of claim 15, wherein the first opening in the valve body is positioned upstream from the cavity.

19. A method for controlling flow volume through a fluid conduit system, comprising: providing a valve in a conduit system, the valve comprising a valve member rotatably secured within a valve body, the valve member comprising at least a first fluid passage feature comprising a recessed portion on the surface of the valve member; rotating the valve member so the first fluid passage feature is in communication with both an opening in the valve body and a cavity formed between the valve body and the valve member; and flowing a fluid between the opening in the valve body and the cavity through the first fluid passage feature.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the valve in the conduit system, the valve comprising the valve member rotatably secured within the valve body comprises providing the valve in the conduit system, the valve comprising one of a ball and a plug rotatably secured within the valve body.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein providing the valve in the conduit system, the valve comprising the valve member rotatably secured within the valve body comprises providing the valve in the conduit system, the valve comprising a solid ball rotatably secured within the valve body.

22. The method of claim 19, wherein providing the valve in the conduit system comprises providing the valve in the conduit system wherein the first fluid passage feature comprises a recessed portion configured to provide a non-linear progression of flow rate between the opening in the valve body and the cavity.

23. The method of claim 19, wherein rotating the valve member comprises rotating the valve member with an actuator controllably coupled to the valve member.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein rotating the valve member with an actuator comprises rotating the valve member with the actuator controllably coupled to a positioner.

25. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing the valve comprising a valve member further including a second fluid passage feature.

26. The method of claim 19, further comprising providing the valve comprising only a single seal positioned between a portion of the valve member and the opening in the valve body.

27. A fluid control system, comprising: a valve comprising: a valve body; a valve member rotatably secured within the valve body, the valve member comprising a first fluid passage portion comprising a recessed portion on the surface of the valve member configured to allow fluid to communicate between a first opening in the valve body and a cavity formed between the valve body and the valve member; and an actuator controllably coupled to an actuation shaft connected to the valve member.

28. The fluid control system of claim 27, further comprising a positioner controllably coupled to the actuator.

29. The fluid control system of claim 27, wherein the first fluid passage portion comprises a first recessed portion configured as a groove.

30. The fluid control system of claim 27, wherein the recessed portion is configured to provide a non-linear progression of flow rate between the first opening in the valve body and the cavity.

31. The fluid control system of claim 27, wherein the recessed portion comprises a generally triangular shape.

32. The fluid control system of claim 29, wherein the recessed portion comprises a varying depth.

33. The fluid control system of claim 27, further comprising a second fluid passage portion configured to allow fluid to communicate between a second opening in the valve body and the cavity.