MXPA06011048A - Fluid pressure reduction devices - Google Patents

Abstract

Fluid pressure reduction devices for use in gas and liquid handling systems are disclosed. An example fluid pressure reduction device includes a plurality of cylinders, each having an inner diameter surface and an outer diameter surface and a plurality of apertures that extend from the inner diameter surface to the outer diameter surface. The cylinders are arranged in a nested configuration so that a substantial portion of the inner diameter surface of one of the plurality of cylinders is in contact with a substantial portion of the outer diameter surface of another one of the cylinders. Portions of the apertures of one of the cylinders overlap at least portions of the apertures of another one of the cylinders to form a process fluid flow path.

Description

RFID DEVICES? F PRESSION? F FI NIDO Cam pn rift the Invention The present description generally relates to fluid pressure reducing devices and, more particularly, to fluid pressure reducing devices for use in process fluid handling systems. ? nt r. Rient R Process fluid handling systems typically use tubes and valves to transport process fluids. Fluid pressures associated with process fluid handling systems often generate forces that affect the flow of process fluids. The forces generated in a stage of a process fluid management system can affect gases or liquids throughout the system. The effects of forces generated by pressurized process fluids in process fluid handling systems are often undesirable. For example, pressurized gases and liquids can accumulate large amounts of potential energy that can dissipate as heat and noise. The conversion of accumulated potential energy to heat typically raises the temperature of the process fluid as well as the tubes, valves, etc., through which the process fluid flows, and can lead to undesirable and unpredictable behavior such as system interruptions. . The accumulated power energy is typically released by opening valves (which release fluid pressure) in the process fluid handling system. The release or dissipation of the potential energy stored in the process fluids can also result in audible noise. Audible noise typically results when the turbulence of process fluid causes the process fluid to rumble or resonate against the tube walls, valve structures, etc. Many developments have been aimed at reducing noise and other undesirable effects associated with the reduction of pressure and potential energy stored in the process fluid handling systems. For example, one method to reduce the generation of audible noise includes isolating the tubes with noise attenuation. However, the isolation of the tube and other methods to hide the undesirable effects of pressure and potential energy stored in process fluids do not direct the cause of the undesirable effects. None of these methods reduces or eliminates the potentially destructive effects that pressure and / or stored potential energy can have. Other developments include the in-line apparatus which, when placed in the tubes and / or valves of a process fluid handling system, reduces or controls the pressures of the process fluid and stored potential energy, as well as the associated undesirable effects with them. An example of a device used to reduce or control the formation of process fluid pressure is a multi-stage cylindrical device described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,915 issued to Bates et al., The multi-stage cylindrical device described by Bates et al., Includes a plurality of cylinders, each of which is adjusted by pressure within another cylinder and each of which has a plurality of perforated holes extending through the cylinder from an outer cylinder surface to an inner cylinder surface. Each of the cylinders of the multi-stage device described by Bates ef al., Also has a circumferential projection on each cylinder end. When the cylinders are pressed together, the projections separate the cylinders so that a cavity or space is maintained between the walls of the cylinder. In this way, gases or liquids flowing through the drilled holes of a cylinder can enter an open cavity between cylinders, flow through the drilled holes of a next cylinder, and then either enter another cavity between the cylinders or flow out of the multi-stage cylindrical device. The multi-stage device described by Bates et al., has several disadvantages. In particular, the device described by Bates et al., Is manufactured using a plurality of pre-formed cylinders. A plurality of holes are drilled in each pre-formed cylinder to allow liquids and gases and other process fluids to flow through the device. However, because the holes are drilled, the geometry of the. The holes are typically limited to substantially circular openings, thus limiting the types of mechanical resistances, pressure abatement, and attenuation of noise that may be provided. Additionally, the drilling process can be an expensive and time-consuming process that is prone to errors and defective finished products. An additional disadvantage of the multi-stage device described by Bates et al. Is associated with the cavity or space formed between the cylinders. Specifically, little if not nothing, control can be imposed on the process fluid flowing in the cavities or spaces between each cylinder stage because the cavities or spaces allow relatively free (ie, not limited) flow, which It can result in turbulent flow patterns that generate fluctuations in process fluid pressure causing audible noise, heat, etc. An example of a multi-stage device based on a stack of planar or substantially flat rings is described in US Pat. No. 5,769, 122 issued to Baumann et al., The stacked ring device described by Baumann et al., Utilizes planar or substantially flat rings having pre-cut grooves. The shaved flat rings are stacked to form a cylinder having a plurality of flow paths extending from an inner surface of the cylinder to an outer surface of the cylinder. The flow paths are formed through a plurality of complementary slots or holes formed in the flat rings. The flow paths can slide in several paths and be configured to include directional changes and obstructions. In general, the configuration of the flow paths causes a process fluid to dissipate a substantial amount of potential energy, and in this way, the pressure as it passes through the flow paths. However, the stacked ring fluid pressure reducing device described by Baumann ef al., Is expensive and time consuming to manufacture. Flat rings are typically laser cut from a large flat piece of material (ie flat stock). The manufacture of the flat rings often results in a relatively large amount of fragments that increases the cost.Additionally, the cutting of each flat ring also increases the amount of time it takes to manufacture a stacked ring fluid pressure reducing device, which can have a significant number of flat rings (for example, fifty stacked flat rings). Stacked ring fluid pressure reduction described by Baumman et al., can also be difficult to assemble For example, several difficulties are typically encountered when flat rings are stacked and joined together.In particular, flat rings are stacked one above the other. another in a predetermined orientation and then welded in. This process is often associated with dimensional control problems such as maintaining the height and strength of the stacked rings within a predetermined tolerance.In addition, the performance of the joints produced by welding frequently is not acceptable and leads to the production of defective parts. the orientations of stacked rings are often difficult to control and the quality issues associated with flat ring orientation often lead to time-consuming or wasted material corrections. In addition to the cost, time and manufacturing problems, some materials are often not available in sheet form to manufacture the flat rings needed to produce a stacked ring fluid pressure reducing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An exemplary fluid pressure reducing device described herein can be used to reduce the potential energy, pressure and / or noise that accumulates in a process fluid such as, for example, a gas or liquid in a process fluid management system. According to an example, a fluid pressure reducing device can include a first cylinder and a second cylinder. The first cylinder may include a first interior surface, a first exterior surface, and a first plurality of openings extending from the first interior surface to the first exterior surface. The second cylinder may include a second interior surface, a second exterior surface, and a second plurality of openings extending from the second interior surface to the second exterior surface. Additionally, the second cylinder can be placed within the first cylinder so that a substantial portion of the first inner surface is in contact with a substantial portion of the second outer surface. The portions of the first plurality of openings can coat the portions of the second plurality of openings to form flow paths through which a process fluid can flow. According to another example, a fluid pressure reducing device can include a plurality of cylinders. Each of the cylinders may include an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a plurality of openings extending from the interior surface to the exterior surface. The cylinders may be installed in a nest configuration such that a substantial portion of the inner surface of one of the plurality of cylinders engages a substantial portion of the outer surface of another of the plurality of cylinders. The portions of the openings of one of the plurality of cylinders can cover the portions of the openings of the other of the plurality of cylinders to form at least one flow path. The flow path can be configured to reduce the potential energy, pressure and / or noise in a process fluid when the process fluid traverses the flow path.

Brief Description of the Drawings FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary fluid pressure reducing device. FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded isometric views of the exemplary fluid pressure reducing device of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3A is a plan view and FIG. 3B is an isometric cross-sectional view of another exemplary fluid pressure reducing device that is substantially similar or identical to the exemplary fluid pressure reducing device of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary process fluid handling system that may use the exemplary fluid pressure reducing devices described herein.

Detailed Description FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an exemplary fluid pressure reducing device 100 (i.e., pressure reducing device) for use in process fluid handling applications. The exemplary pressure reducing device 100 can be implemented as a valve box or a diffuser for reducing the pressure and noise in a process fluid handling system such as, for example, a liquid gas production system, a fluid transportation or distribution of process fluid, etc. More specifically, the exemplary pressure reducing device (PRD) 100 can be used in an in-line configuration within a tube and / or flow valve to cause the fluid process to flow through a plurality of flow paths within the flow. Exemplary PRD 100. In this manner, exemplary PRD 100 can be used to reduce the pressure and potential stored energy of process fluids (eg, gases or liquids). Exemplary PRD 1 00 can also be used to reduce noise, heat formation, and other undesirable effects that often result from releasing potential energy stored within a process fluid in an uncontrolled manner. Now going back in detail to FIG. 1, exemplary PRD 100 includes a first ring or cylinder 102, a second ring or cylinder 104, and a third ring or cylinder 106. The first cylinder 102 is placed or nested within the second cylinder 104 and the second cylinder 104 is placed or nested inside the third cylinder 106. Exemplary PRD 100 also includes an inner diameter (ID) surface 108, an outer diameter (OD) surface 1 10 opposite the surface ID 108, an upper surface 1 12, and a lower surface ( not shown) opposite the upper surface 1 12. The surface ID 108 is formed by the surface ID of the first cylinder 102 and the surface OD 1 10 is formed by the surface OD of the third cylinder 106. The upper surface 12 and the surface The lower ones are formed by the respective upper and lower surfaces of the cylinders 102, 104 and 106. Each of the cylinders 102, 104 and 106 includes a plurality of holes, passages, or openings that are configured to allow the r that the exemplary PRD 100 is used as a pressure reducing device and / or noise in process fluid applications. In particular, the first cylinder 102 includes a first plurality of openings 1 16, the second cylinder 104 includes a second plurality of openings (ie, the second plurality of openings 212 is described in connection with FIGS 2A and 2B), and the third cylinder 106 includes a third plurality of openings 1 1 8. In the exemplary PRD 100, the first plurality of openings 1 16 can function as input stages, the second plurality of openings can 212 can function as full, and the third plurality of openings 1 18 may function as output stages that are configured to form pre-determined flow paths through the exemplary PRD 100. Pre-determined flow paths can be formed by covering at least the portions of the input stages 16 with at least portions of the plenum 212 and / or covering at least portions of the plenum 212 with at least portions of the output stages 1. In this manner, the process fluids can flow in a controlled manner through the predetermined flow paths between the surface ID 108 and the surface OD 1 10. Additionally, the pre-determined flow paths formed through the openings of coating can be tortuous flow paths. Tortuous flow paths can be implemented by mixing the flow paths and subdividing the luxury paths into smaller flow trajectories. The mixing and subdivision of flow paths provides a contraction / expansion of flow path and / or a change in direction for a process fluid. For example, after a process fluid flows through the inlet stages 1 16, the second cylinder 104 causes the process fluid to change directions by cutting the flow paths in two axial directions towards adjacent plenums, upper and lower 212 (FIG 2) Each of the divided flow paths flows radially and is distributed circumferentially in the respective plenum 212. The flow paths cause the process fluid to mix in the plenums 212 and flow through the second cylinder 104. The process fluid is subdivides then or distributes through the exit stages 1 18 as it flows towards the surface OD 1 10. FIGS. 2A and 2B are exploded isometric views of the exemplary PRD 100 of FIG. 1 . The exemplary exploded isometric views clearly illustrate the first cylinder 102, the second cylinder 104, and the third cylinder 106. Additionally, FIGS 2A and 2B illustrate the mechanical relationship between the first cylinder 102, the second cylinder 104, and the third cylinder 106. and, in particular, illustrate the positions of the cylinders 102, 104 and 106 relative to each other before assembly. Returning now in detail to the exploded view of FIG. 2A, the first cylinder 102 includes the first cylinder ID surface 108 and the first cylinder OD surface 204. The second cylinder 104 includes a second cylinder ID surface 206 and a second cylinder OD surface 208. The third cylinder 106 includes the third surface ID of cylinder 210 and a third surface OD of cylinder 1 10. As more clearly shown in FIG. 2B, each of the exemplary cylinders 102, 104 and 106 includes a plurality of openings. The first cylinder 102 includes the inlet stages 1 16, each of which extends from the first cylinder ID surface 108 to the first cylinder surface OD 204. The second cylinder 104 includes the second plurality of openings 212, which they illustrate as being full, slots or elongated openings that are distributed along the circumference of the second cylinder 104 and extend from the second cylinder ID surface 206 through the second cylinder 104 to the second cylinder surface OD 208. The third cylinder 106 includes the exit stages 1 18, each of which extends from the third cylinder ID surface 210 through the third cylinder 106 to the third cylinder surface OD 1 10. The exemplary cylinders 102, 104, and 106 they can be made of any type of material or combination of materials, including metallic and / or non-metallic materials. Additionally, one or more manufacturing processes can be used to manufacture the exemplary cylinders 102, 104 and 106 to have any desired diameter and length. Manufacturing processes may include, for example, melting lost wax, laser cutting, water jet cutting, electrical discharge machining (EDM), powder metallurgy (PM), metal injection molding (MIM), etching. acid, an extraction tubing process, and / or any other suitable manufacturing or processing process. The aforementioned manufacturing processes are well known to those of experience in the art and, thus, are not described in detail herein. The aforementioned manufacturing processes provide various methods for manufacturing cylinders such as exemplary cylinders 102, 104 and 106. An exemplary method includes laser cutting a rectangular part of the flat stock, bending the flat stock, and welding the ends of the stock flat rectangular to form a cylinder. Another exemplary method includes melting lost wax, which includes pouring a molten metal into a ceramic mold. The fusion to the lost wax allows the production of multiple cylinders simultaneously in a mass production process at high volume without requiring substantial quantities of production equipment, thus keeping manufacturing costs relatively low. In contrast to the manufacturing or processing processes used to create known devices (e.g., the stacked ring fluid pressure reducing device discussed above in connection with U.S. Patent No. 5,769, 122), several the aforementioned manufacturing processes such as, for example, PM and MIM allow the use of materials that are not readily available in flat stock to make the exemplary cylinders 102, 1 04 and 106. In particular, materials such as, for example , metals, plastics, moldable fluoropolymers, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), etc. , may be used with some or all of the aforementioned manufacturing processes or similar processes to form the exemplary cylinders 102, 104 and 106. In some examples, each cylinder of the exemplary PRD 100 may be formed of a different material to provide, for example, reliability and improved performance in a particular application. For example, during operation, the first cylinder ID surface 108 can function as a wear surface that is consistently exposed to the flow of a process fluid and, thus, is subjected to coarser flow conditions than any other surface of the exemplary PRD 100. When subjected to such coarser flow conditions, the first cylinder 102 can be made of a more durable material (i.e., a material more resistant to wear) than the second cylinder 104 and the third cylinder 106. The use of less expensive and less durable materials for the cylinders, second and third 104 and 106 allows the total cost of the exemplary PRD 100 to be reduced and / or optimized for a particular application. The shapes or geometries, sizes and locations of the openings 1 16, 212 and 1 18 are not limited by the manufacturing processes mentioned above (for example, only round or circular openings). For example, processes for melting lost wax and MIM include creating a mold of a cylinder and injecting, pouring or otherwise filling the mold with a desired material such as, for example, a metal powder for MIM or a molten metal. for fusion to the lost wax. After the material is formed or solidified, the cylinder is removed from the mold. The mold can be configured to produce cylinders having any number of openings of any shape or geometry and at any location in the cylinders. The exemplary cylinders 102, 104 and 106 are configured to fit together in a nested configuration as shown in FIG. 1 . For example, the first cylinder surface OD 204 and the second cylinder surface ID 206 are configured such that the first cylinder surface OD 204 fits inside the second cylinder surface ID 206. Likewise, the second surface OD cylinder 208 and third cylinder surface ID 210 are configured so that the second cylinder OD surface 208 fits within the third cylinder ID surface 210. In addition, exemplary cylinders 102, 104 and 106 may have alignment characteristics which allows the openings 1 16, 212 and 18 to align with each other and form a desired flow path when the cylinders 102, 1 04 and 106 are assembled to form the exemplary PRD 100. An exemplary alignment feature may include key ways in which outer diameter surfaces and lifts the grooves or keys in corresponding inner diameter surfaces of adjacent cylinders. In this way, the cylinders 102, 104 and 106 can be assembled so that the openings of the cylinders 102, 104 and 106 are aligned (eg, coated) with each other as desired. The diameters of the cylinders 102, 104 and 106 can be configured so that the cylinders 102, 104 and 106 can be assembled using, for example, a method of press adjustment and / or shrinkage adjustment. A press adjustment method includes setting the diameter of the first surface OD of cylinder 204 to be equal to or in some way greater than the diameter of the second surface ID of cylinder 206. In this way, the first cylinder 102 is stacked in the upper part of the second cylinder 104 and a compressive force is applied to the upper surface of the first cylinder 102 and the lower surface of the second cylinder 104. The compressive force causes the first cylinder 102 to clutch frictionally with a slide inside the second cylinder 104. A shrink fit method is similar to the press fit method described above. However, in the shrink fit method, heat is applied to expand the second cylinder 104 before pressing the first cylinder 102 into the second cylinder 104. In any case, the press adjustment method and / or the adjustment method by shrinkage they can be used to fix the positions of the cylinders 102, 104 and 106 relative to each other to form exemplary PRD 100. However, any other method can also be used to fix the positions of the cylinders 102, 104 and 106, such as, for example, welding, welding, etc. The exemplary cylinders 102, 104 and 106 are assembled so that at least the portions of the input stages 1 16 of the first cylinder 102 align with at least portions of the plenum 212 of the second cylinder 104 and so that at least portions of the plenum 212 are aligned with at least portions of the output stages 1 18 of the third cylinder 106. In this way, the well-defined, predetermined flow paths are formed between the input stages 1 16, the full 212, and the output stages 1 18. Although the openings 16, 212 and 18 may dictate a type of flow path, the openings may be configured to form any desired type of flow path. In the exemplary PRD 100, the flow paths formed by the openings 16, 212, and 18 may include slot-shaped openings (eg, full 212) that cause a convergence of at least some flow paths within the second cylinder. 104, while maintaining the separation of the flow paths through the cylinders, first and second, 102 and 106. However, the openings can be made of any size, any shape or geometry, and be located in any position to provide any desired type of flow trajectories. The flow paths can be configured to suit any application. For example, the non-elongated openings can be formed in the second cylinder 104 so that the separated flow paths are maintained through the exemplary PRD 100. The openings can be made in any shape including, for example, circular shapes, polygonal shapes, etc. . Although the openings 16, 212 and 18 have relatively straight or sharp edges, openings can be formed with conical or round edges. Additionally, the positions of the openings 1 16, 212 and 1 18 can be configured so that less restrictive or more restrictive flow paths are formed. FIG. 3A is a plan view and FIG. 3B is an isometric cross-sectional view of another exemplary PRD 300 that is substantially similar to or identical to the exemplary PRD 100 of FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B. As described in more detail below, FIGS. 3A and 3B can be used to illustrate exemplary relationships between the flow of a process fluid and the exemplary PRD structures described herein. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, exemplary PRD 300 includes a first cylinder 302 positioned or nested with a second cylinder 304, which is disposed or nested within a third cylinder 306. As clearly shown in FIG. 3B, exemplary PRD 300 includes a first plurality of openings 312 (e.g., entry stages), a second plurality of openings 314 (e.g., full) and a third plurality of openings 316 (e.g., exit stages). The first cylinder 302 includes a first cylinder ID surface 318, a first cylinder OD surface 320, and the inlet stages 312 extending from the first cylinder ID surface 318 through the first cylinder 302 to the first cylinder surface OD 320. The second cylinder 304 includes a second cylinder ID surface 322, a second OD surface. of cylinder 324, and plenum 314 extending from second cylinder surface ID 322 through second cylinder 304 to second cylinder surface OD 324. Third cylinder 306 includes a third cylinder ID surface 326, a third surface Cylinder OD 328, and output stages 316 extending from the third cylinder ID surface 326 through third cylinder 306 to third cylinder surface OD 328. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the exemplary cylinders 302, 304 and 306 are assembled with the first cylinder surface OD 320 adjacent the second cylinder surface ID 322 so that the substantial portion of the first cylinder surface OD 320 abuts, is in contact with, mechanically engages with, and / or engages with a substantial portion of the second cylinder ID surface 322. Additionally, the second cylinder OD surface 324 is adjacent to the third cylinder ID surface 326 so that a portion of the second cylinder surface OD 324 abuts, is in contact with, is mechanically coupled to, and / or engages with a substantial portion of the third cylinder ID surface 326. The exemplary cylinders 302, 304 and 306 are assembled so that pre-determined flow paths can be formed by the plurality of openings 312, 314 and 316. Additionally, because the first cylinder surface OD 320 is adjacent to the second cylinder ID surface 322, a process fluid is forced to remain within one or more pre-determined flow paths. As shown in FIG. 3B, the openings 312, 314 and 316 align at least partially with each other to form the flow paths between the first cylinder 302 and the third cylinder 306. A process fluid may initially flow in one direction and along generally indicated paths. by the flow arrows 330. The process fluid can then flow in the inlet stages 312 and follow the flow paths generally indicated by the arrows 332 to 342 as described below. Although, the arrows / flow paths 330 to 342 are generally associated with applications in which a fluid flows from the first cylinder surface ID 318 to the third cylinder surface OD 328, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that exemplary PRD 300 can also be used in applications where a fluid flows from the third cylinder surface OD 328 to the first cylinder surface ID 318, in which case the direction of the arrows / flow paths 330 to 342 are opposite those shown in FIG. . 3B. The flow paths 332, 334, 336, 338, 340 and 342 form exemplary tortuous flow paths through the plurality of openings 312, 314 and 316. When a processed fluid is divided, redirected and / or mixed by a path of tortuous flow, turbulence in the process fluid is interrupted or reduced. In this way, a tortuous flow path causes a reduction in pressure and potential energy stored in the process fluid. More specifically, in the example of FIG. 3B, as a process fluid flows in a direction indicated by the flow arrows 330, the process fluid is piped through (ie, enters in) the input stages 312, which forms a first stage of reduction of pressure. The process fluid flows along the plurality of flow paths 332 toward the boundary of the first cylinder OD surface 320 and the second cylinder ID surface. 322. The process fluid is then divided into two axial directions and redirected or channeled into the flow paths 334 and 336 into adjacent, upper and lower plenums, 314. The process fluid then flows easily and is distributed circumferentially in the plenums. 314, which form a second stage of pressure reduction. At the boundary of the second cylinder surface OD 324 and the third cylinder surface ID 326, the flow path 334 may be joined or mixed with other flow paths (not shown) within it of the plenums 314 to form the path of flow 338. In addition, the flow path 336 can be joined or mixed with other flow paths (not shown) within it of the plenums 314 to form the flow path 340. In this way, the process fluid flows through the flow path. the plenums and is subdivided or distributed through the exit stages 316 as the flow paths 338 and 340 join or blend axi-ally to form the flow path 342 to exit the third cylinder 306. Although, the openings 312, 314 and 316 are configured to form a tortuous flow path, the manufacturing methods described in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B can be used to form openings that are configured to form any other type of flow path. Further, although the exemplary PRDs described herein are represented as having three cylinders (eg, exemplary cylinders 102, 104 and 106 of FIG.1 and exemplary cylinders 302, 304 and 306 of FIG.3), such PRDs they may instead be configured to include any other number of cylinders and any number of openings of any desired position and geometry to form any desired flow path.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of an exemplary process fluid handling system 400 that can use the exemplary PRDs 100 and 300 described herein. The exemplary system 400 illustrates the use of PRDs in combination with tubes and valves and can be used in process fiuid management systems to transport the process fluid from one location to another. The exemplary system 400 includes a control valve 402, an inlet tube 404, an outlet tube 406, and an outlet structure 408. The control valve 402 includes a PRD 410 that functions as a valve housing, a plug 412 with an OD surface (not shown) abutting an ID surface (not shown) of the valve case 410 and a rod 414. The output structure 408 includes a PRD 416 and functions as a diffuser. The valve case 410 and the diffuser 416 may be substantially similar or identical to the exemplary PRDs herein. The control valve 402 is configured to control the amount of process fluid flowing from the inlet tube 404 to the outlet tube 406. The valve case 410 includes a plurality of openings substantially similar or identical to the plurality of openings 1 16, 212 and 1 18 described in connection with FIGS. 2A and 2B above. The plug 412 is configured to cover the plurality of openings in the valve case 410 to control the amount of gas or liquid flowing from the inlet tube 404 to the outlet tube 406. The rod 414 can be used to move the plug 412 in, for example, a vertical direction to cover or uncover at least some of the openings in the valve case 410. The formation of pressure and turbulence in the inlet tube can be reduced by the valve case 410 when the process fluid flows from the tube inlet 404 to the outlet tube 406. The process fluid then flows through the outlet tube 406 and into the outlet structure 408. The diffuser 416 is configured to relieve the pressure in the process fluid leaving the outlet tube 406 More specifically, the diffuser 416 can be used as a pressure relief step for the process fluid by allowing at least a portion of the process fluid to escape through the plurality of openings (not shown) of the 416 diffuser. Although certain methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture have been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus and articles of manufacture that fall within the scope of the appended claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

Claims (10)

1. CLAIMS 1. A fluid pressure reducing device comprising: a first cylinder having a first inner surface, a first outer surface, and a first plurality of openings extending from the first inner surface to the first outer surface; and a second cylinder disposed within the first cylinder and having a second interior surface, a second exterior surface, and a second plurality of openings extending from the second interior surface to the second exterior surface, wherein a substantial portion of the first interior surface is in contact with a substantial portion of the second outer surface, and wherein at least portions of the first plurality of openings cover at least portions of the second plurality of openings. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the first plurality of openings and at least some of the second plurality of openings are configured to form flow paths. 3. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the flow paths are tortuous flow paths. 4. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylinders, first and second, have different material compositions. 5. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first cylinder and the second cylinder is associated with a pressure reduction stage. 6. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cylinder and the second cylinder frictionally engage each other. 7. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cylinder is in a fixed position relative to the second cylinder. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylinders, first and second, are configured to provide axial flow and radial flow. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the cylinders, first and second, are configured to be used in at least one of a gas handling system and a liquid handling system. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the first plurality of openings function as at least one of plenums, input stages and output stages. eleven . A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the plenums are associated with at least one of an axial flow and a radial flow. 12. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least some of the second plurality of openings function as at least one of plenums, input stages and output stages. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 12, characterized in that the plenums are associated with at least one of an axial flow and a radial flow. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the first plurality of openings forms a first portion of a plenum and wherein at least one of the second plurality of openings forms a second portion of the open end. full. 15. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 14, characterized in that the first portion of the plenum and the second portion of the plenum are formed using an acid-etch manufacturing process. 16. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cylinder and the second cylinder are manufactured using at least one of a lost wax melting process., a laser cutting process, a water jet cutting process, an electric discharge machining process, a powder metallurgy process, a metal injection molding process, an acid etching process, and a process Tubed by extraction. 17. A device. fluid pressure reduction comprising: a plurality of cylinders, each of the cylinders having an inner surface and an outer surface and a plurality of openings extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, wherein the cylinders are arranged in a configuration in nested so that a substantial portion of the inner surface of one of the plurality of cylinders engages with a substantial portion of the outer surface of another of the plurality of cylinders, wherein at least portions of the openings of one of the plurality of cylinders cover at least portions of the openings of another of the plurality of cylinders to form at least one flow path. 18. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 17, characterized in that at least some of the plurality of openings are at least one of a groove shape and a non-circular shape. 19. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 17, characterized in that at least some of the plurality of openings function as at least one of plenums, input stages and output stages. 20. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 19, characterized in that the plenums are associated with at least one of an axial flow and a radial flow. twenty-one . A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the plurality of cylinders is configured to allow at least one of an axial flow and a radial flow of a process fluid. 22. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 17, characterized in that the at least one flow path is a tortuous flow path. 23. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of cylinders is associated with a pressure reduction stage. 24. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 17, characterized in that at least two of the plurality of cylinders are pressed together. 25. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 17, characterized in that at least two of the plurality of cylinders are assembled in a fixed position relative to each other. 26. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 17, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of cylinders includes a composition of material different from at least one second of the plurality of cylinders. 27. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one of the openings of one of the plurality of cylinders forms a first portion of a plenum and at least one of the openings of another of the plurality of cylinders forms a second portion of the plenum. 28. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 27, characterized in that the first portion of the plenum and the second portion of the plenum are formed using an acid-etch manufacturing process. 29. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of cylinders are manufactured using at least one of a lost wax melting process, a laser cutting process, a jet cutting process. of water, an electrical discharge machining process, a powder metallurgy process, a metal injection molding process, an acid etching process, and an extraction tubing process. 30. A fluid pressure reducing device comprising: a plurality of cylinders configured to form a relatively large cylinder, each of the cylinders having an inner surface and an outer surface, and a plurality of openings extending from the inner surface to the outer surface, wherein at least some of the outer surfaces are configured to be placed within at least some of the inner surfaces so that a substantial portion of at least some of the outer surfaces is in contact with a substantial portion of at least some of the interior surfaces, and wherein at least some of the plurality of openings are configured to be covered to form a flow path of the inner surface of one of the plurality of cylinders to the outer surface of another of the plurality of cylinders. 31 A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that at least some of the plurality of openings are at least one of a groove shape and a non-circular shape. 32. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that at least some of the plurality of openings function as at least one of plenums, inlet stages and exit stages. 33. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 32, characterized in that the plenums are associated with at least one of an axial flow and a radial flow. 34. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that the fluid path is associated with at least one of an axial flow and a radial flow. 35. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that the flow path is a tortuous flow path. 36. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of cylinders is associated with a pressure reduction stage. 37. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that at least some of the plurality of cylinders are pressure adjusted together. 38. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that at least some of the plurality of cylinders are assembled in a fixed position relative to each other. 39. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that at least one of the plurality of cylinders includes a composition of material different from at least one second of the plurality of cylinders. 40. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that at least one first of the plurality of openings forms a first portion of a plenum and wherein at least one second of the plurality of openings forms a second portion of the open end. full. 41 A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 40, characterized in that the first portion of the plenum and the second portion of the plenum are formed using an acid etching process. 42. A fluid pressure reducing device according to claim 30, characterized in that the plurality of cylinders are manufactured using at least one of a lost wax melting process, a laser cutting process, a jet cutting process, and water, an electric discharge machining process, a powder metallurgy process, a metal injection molding process, an acid etching process, and an extraction tubing process.