Patent ID: 9213339
Filing Date: 2015-12-15
Classification: G05D,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A dual stage fluid regulator comprising: a regulator body having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet connected by a fluid flow path, a portion of the regulator body forming a first chamber and a second chamber; a first stage orifice carried by a first stage orifice fitting and disposed in the fluid flow path and leading to a first stage seat; a second stage orifice disposed in the fluid flow path and leading to a second stage seat; a first stage control element disposed within the fluid flow path and shiftable between an open position spaced away from the first stage seat and a closed position seated against the first stage seat, the first stage control element arranged to respond to fluid pressure changes to control flow of a process fluid through the first stage orifice; a second stage control element disposed within the fluid flow path and shiftable between an open position spaced away from the second stage seat and a closed position seated against the second stage seat; an actuator attached to the regulator body, the actuator operatively coupled to the second stage control element and arranged to respond to fluid pressure changes in the fluid outlet to move the second stage control element between the open position and the closed position to control flow of the process fluid through the second stage orifice; and wherein the first stage control element is operatively coupled to a first diaphragm and a second diaphragm, the first and second diaphragms disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber; an inlet fitting coupled to the regulator body, the inlet fitting forming at least a portion of the first chamber; wherein the first diaphragm includes a radially inner portion, the radially inner portion of the first diaphragm secured between the inlet fitting and the first stage orifice fitting.