Pressure Regulator Having an Integral Pilot and Self-Relieving Machanism

Abstract

A high flow pressure regulator valve is disclosed having an integral pilot valve. The disclosed valve includes a pressure regulating portion including inlet and outlet ports, a valve seat, valve disc and a spring for biasing the valve disc into engagement with the valve seat. The valve also includes a pilot valve portion positioned on the flow regulating portion. The pilot valve portion includes a pilot spring, a diaphragm and a pusher post. One end of the pusher post is positioned toward the diaphragm and a second end is disposed within an annulus region. The valve further includes a pressure path that enables selective fluid communication between the outlet port, the annulus, an inner chamber region disposed beneath the diaphragm, and an intermediate chamber disposed above the valve disc. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed

1 . A pressure regulating valve, comprising:
 a pressure regulating portion including inlet and outlet ports, a valve seat, a valve disc, and a top chamber enclosing a first spring for biasing the valve disc into engagement with the valve seat;   a pilot control portion positioned on the pressure regulating portion, the pilot control portion comprising a pilot spring, a diaphragm and a pusher post;   a first end of the pusher post positioned toward the diaphragm and a second end of the pusher post disposed within an annulus in the top chamber; and   a pressure path enabling selective fluid communication between the outlet port, the annulus, an inner chamber region disposed beneath the diaphragm, and an intermediate chamber disposed above the valve disc.   
     
     
         2 . The regulator valve of  claim 1 , wherein a first end of the pressure path is associated with a sense port that is in fluid communication with the outlet port, and a second end of the pressure path terminates in the annulus. 
     
     
         3 . The pressure regulating valve of  claim 1 , wherein a portion of the pressure path is formed in a body portion of the valve. 
     
     
         4 . The pressure regulating valve of  claim 3 , further comprising a bleed screw assembly comprising a plug having external threads for threading into a port in the body portion, the plug further including internal threads for receiving a threaded bleed screw therein. 
     
     
         5 . The pressure regulating valve of  claim 4 , wherein the bleed screw includes an internal passage for allowing selective fluid communication between the outlet port and the outside environment. 
     
     
         6 . The pressure regulating valve of  claim 1 , wherein the sense port extends into the outlet port. 
     
     
         7 . The pressure regulating valve of  claim 1 , wherein the valve disc includes an orifice enabling controlled fluid flow between the inlet port and the intermediate chamber. 
     
     
         8 . The pressure regulating valve of  claim 1 , wherein in a first position the pusher post enables flow between the outlet port, the annulus and the intermediate chamber, and in a second position the pusher post prevents flow between the outlet port and the intermediate chamber. 
     
     
         9 . The pressure regulating valve of  claim 1 , comprising an o-ring disposed about a shoulder region of the pusher post for selective sealing of the annulus and the intermediate chamber. 
     
     
         10 . The pressure regulating valve of  claim 1 , comprising a pressure plate disposed between the pilot spring and the diaphragm.