METHOD, SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATIC CALIBRATION OF A NEEDLE VALVE DEVICE IN A PRESSURIZED FLOW SYSTEM

摘要

Exemplary embodiments are directed to apparatus, systems and methods used in connection with a needle valve device operating in a pressurized flow system. The apparatus, systems and methods provide for automatic positioning of a needle relative to a seat in the needle valve device to provide consistent calibration with minimal user interaction after a maintenance event or upon a start-up of the pressurized flow system. The apparatus, systems and methods utilize a calibration collar secured to a shaft of an actuator within the needle valve device. The calibration collar includes one or more locking mechanism and a spring.

主权项

1. A calibration collar for automatically setting a position of a needle to a seat in a pressurized flow system including an actuator positioned to drive the needle relative to the seat, the actuator comprising a shaft including an exterior liner and an interior extendable section, the calibration collar comprising:
a housing including a first end and a second end, the housing defining a channel sized to accept at least a portion of the shaft of the actuator; a first securing mechanism positioned at the second end of the housing and surrounding the channel, the first securing mechanism, when in a locked position, holds the housing to the exterior liner of the shaft; a second securing mechanism, independent of the first securing mechanism, the second securing mechanism when in a closed position, grips at least a portion of an external perimeter surface of the interior extendable section of the shaft to clamp the housing to the shaft; and a spring disposed at least partially in the first end of the housing and extending into the channel to apply a known load on the shaft when the shaft is seated in the housing.