Patent Publication Number: US-2022221066-A1

Title: Valve Assemblies

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present specification generally relates to valve assemblies and, more specifically, rotary globe valve assemblies. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Rotary globe valves may be used to regulate fluid flow in various civil and/or industrial environments. While some valves may be manually actuated, it may be desirable to provide automated actuation of a valve through use of an actuator. However, various actuators may be used to operate a valve, each of which may include their own mounts and/or tools necessary to mechanically couple the actuator and the valve. This may make retooling valves for different actuators time consuming and expensive. 
     Accordingly, a need exists for alternative rotary globe valves that may include modular multiple connectors to connect different actuators as needed. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one embodiment, a valve assembly includes a housing, a segmented stem, a ball segment, a biasing element, and an adjustment bolt. The housing includes a first flow opening, a second flow opening, a flow duct connecting the first flow opening to the second flow opening, and a neck defining an elongated chamber extending from the flow duct. The segmented stem includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is positioned within the elongated chamber of the neck and the lower portion is coupled to the housing opposite the elongated chamber. The ball segment includes a first attachment portion coupled to the upper portion of the segmented stem and a second attachment portion coupled to the lower portion of the segmented stem, and a curved portion extending between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The biasing element is positioned between the first attachment portion and the upper portion of the segmented stem. The adjustment bolt is coupled to the lower portion of the segmented stem, wherein the biasing element and the adjustment bolt adjusts the ball segment toward a seated position when the ball segment is rotated to a closed position. 
     In another embodiment, a valve assembly includes a housing, a segmented stem, a ball segment, and an adaptor. The housing includes a first flow opening, a second flow opening, a flow duct connecting the first flow opening to the second flow opening, and a neck defining an elongated chamber extending from the flow duct. The segmented stem includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is positioned within the elongated chamber of the neck and the lower portion is coupled to the housing opposite the elongated chamber. The ball segment includes a first attachment portion coupled to the upper portion of the segmented stem and a second attachment portion coupled to the lower portion of the segmented stem, and a curved portion extending between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The adaptor is replaceably coupled to the upper portion of the segmented stem and is configured to couple an actuator to the upper portion of the segmented stem. 
     In yet another embodiment, a valve assembly includes a housing, a segmented stem, a ball segment, a bonnet, and an actuator. The housing includes a first flow opening, a second flow opening, a flow duct connecting the first flow opening to the second flow opening, and a neck defining an elongated chamber extending from the flow duct. The segmented stem includes an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is positioned within the elongated chamber of the neck and the lower portion is coupled to the housing opposite the elongated chamber. The ball segment includes a first attachment portion coupled to the upper portion of the segmented stem and a second attachment portion coupled to the lower portion of the segmented stem, and a curved portion extending between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion. The bonnet is coupled to the neck and includes a modular multiple connector platform with a plurality of mounting openings, wherein the plurality of mounting openings include a first set and a second set. The actuator is interchangeably coupled to the modular multiple connector platform via one of the first set or the second set of the plurality of mounting openings. 
     These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in view of the following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The embodiments set forth in the drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and not intended to limit the subject matter defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments can be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, where like structure is indicated with like reference numerals and in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is a perspective view of a valve assembly, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 1A , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 1C  is a top view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; 
         FIG. 2A  is a sectional view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 1  in a closed position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein; and 
         FIG. 2B  is a sectional view of the valve assembly of  FIG. 1  in an open position, according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The figures generally depict an embodiment of a valve assembly for regulating fluid flow. The valve assemblies according to the present disclosure are directed to rotary globe valves and may also be referred to as eccentric plug valves, including flange or wafer style valves. Such valves include a rotating plug or ball segment that is rotated into and out of a flow path of the valve. Such rotation determines flow characteristics through the valve including a flow coefficient (Cv) of the valve, which is a function of flow rate and pressure loss through the valve. Accordingly, movement of the ball segment may be used to control either the flow rate or differential pressure within the fluid flow path, as desired. As will be described in greater detail herein, the ball segment may be coupled to a segmented stem. A face of the ball segment and a vertical centerline along the segmented stem may be laterally offset from one another, and the vertical centerline and a horizontal centerline (e.g., in a flow direction) may be laterally offset giving the valve a double eccentric design that allows the plug to lift smoothly from a closed position (e.g., off a seat of the valve) with minimal friction and eliminating potential breakaway torque. The smooth opening can also provide stable control, even at small opening angles and angle adjustments. 
     In some embodiments, as will be described in greater detail herein, the valve may be modularly adaptable to various actuator types and manufacturers to enable automated control. For example, in embodiments according to the present disclosure the valve may include an integral modular multiple connector platform defining a plurality of mounting openings. The plurality of mounting openings may include a first plurality of mounting openings corresponding to a first actuator type, a second plurality of mounting openings corresponding to a second actuator type, etc. In some embodiments, adaptors for coupling the segmented stem of the valve to the actuator may also be included, or may be separately available. Accordingly, the valves according to the present disclosure may be easily and quickly retooled for different types of actuators as desired. 
     In some embodiments, to provide for improved seating of the ball segment into the valve seat, one or more biasing elements may be included at the ball segment. The biasing elements may bias the ball segment into contact with the valve seat to provide for some adjustment of the ball segment and to provide a fluid-tight seal, thereby increasing reliability of the valve and valve life. These and additional features will be described in greater detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1C , a valve assembly  100  is generally depicted. As noted herein above, valve assemblies according to the present disclosure include rotary globe valves (also referred to as eccentric plug valves). The valve assembly  100  may generally include a housing  10 , a plug  11  (depicted in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ), and a bonnet  52 . As will be described below, additional components may be included without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the housing  10  may generally include a main housing body  12  defining a first flow opening  22 , a second flow opening  24 , and a flow duct  26  extending between and fluidically coupling the first flow opening  22  and the second flow opening  24 . The flow duct  26  may be generally cylindrical though other cross-sections are contemplated and possible. The flow duct  26  defines a first inner surface  14  of the housing  10 , extending between the first flow opening  22  and the second flow opening  24 , thereby defining a flow path through the housing  10 . As depicted, a horizontal centerline  16  extends horizontally through a geometric center of the flow duct  26  from the first flow opening  22  to the second flow opening  24 . 
     The housing  10  further includes a neck  13  extending vertically (e.g., along the Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes) from the main housing body  12 . The neck  13  generally includes a first end  13   a  and a second end  13   b  opposite the first end  13   a . The neck  13  and the main housing body  12  may be integral with one another such that they are integrally manufactured (via machining, casting, or the like) or may be separate components fixedly coupled to one another such as via welding. The neck  13  may further include a bonnet mounting flange  33  extending from the first end  13   a . For example, the bonnet mounting flange  33  may extend parallel to the X direction of the depicted coordinate axes and/or the Y direction of the depicted coordinate axes and define a bonnet engagement surface  33   a . As will be described in more detail below with respect to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , a portion (e.g., the upper portion  38 ) of a segmented stem  43  of the plug  11  extends through the neck  13  to be positioned outside of the neck  13  in the Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes. 
     In some embodiments, the housing  10 , including the main housing body  12  and the neck  13 , may be made from a variety of metals or metal alloys, such as but not limited to austenitic steel, cast iron, ductile iron, cast carbon steel, gun metal, stainless steel, alloy steels, or the like, and may be machined, cast, 3D printed, or the like. 
     As further illustrated in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , coupled to the neck  13  may be the bonnet  52 . The bonnet  52  generally includes a mating flange  57  configured to mate to the bonnet mounting flange  33  of the housing  10 . For example, the mating flange  57  may have a mating surface  57   a  that is contacted to the bonnet engagement surface  33   a  of the bonnet mounting flange  33 . The mating flange  57  and the bonnet mounting flange  33  may then be fixed relative to one another via one or more fasteners  70  (e.g., two or more fasteners, three or more fasteners, four or more fasteners, etc.). As will be described in greater detail below, the bonnet  52  may include an extension portion  56  (shown in  FIGS. 2A and 2B ) extending from the mating flange  57  that is sized and shaped to be received within the neck  13 . 
     Referring collectively to  FIGS. 1A-1C , the bonnet  52  may further include a modular multiple connector platform  54  configured to mount one or more actuators to the valve assembly  100 , such as interchangeably to a plurality of different actuators. The modular multiple connector platform  54  may be stepped or spaced from the mating flange  57  in the +Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes. One or more pillars  51  (e.g., such as two more, three or more, four or more, etc.) may extend between and couple the mating flange  57  and the modular multiple connector platform  54  to provide additional structural support to the modular multiple connector platform  54 . The modular multiple connector platform  54  may include a plurality of mounting openings  49  for coupling to a variety of different actuator types (e.g., such as a first actuator, a second actuator, etc.) having different mounting configurations without a need for removing and replacing the modular multiple connector platform  54  with another connector type. For example, the plurality of mounting openings  49  may provide openings through which fasteners (not shown) may be positioned to mount an actuator to the modular multiple connector platform  54 . In embodiments, and with reference to  FIG. 1C , the plurality of mounting openings  49  may be divided into at least a first set  49   a  and a second set  49   b . The first set  49   a  of the plurality of mounting openings  49  may be configured to interchangeably mount a first actuator (not shown) to the valve assembly  100  and the second set  49   b  of the plurality of mounting openings  49  are configured to interchangeably mount a second actuator (not shown) to the valve assembly  100 . In yet further embodiments, additional sets of the mounting openings may be provided to mount yet further actuators (for example a third set  49   c , as depicted in  FIG. 1 , a fourth set, a fifth set, etc.). In embodiments, each set of mounting openings  49  includes four mounting openings. However, each set may include one mounting opening, two mounting openings, three mounting openings, etc. 
     In embodiments, the first set  49   a  of mounting openings  49  may include openings each having a first diameter, while the second set  49   b  of mounting openings  49  may include openings each having a second diameter, which is different from the first diameter. For example, the second diameter may be smaller than the first diameter. In the indicated embodiment, the third set  49   c  of mounting openings  49  may each have a third diameter, which may be smaller than the second diameter, though other embodiments are contemplated and possible. While circular openings are illustrated, the openings may be any suitable shape for mounting to a type of actuator. Further, the arrangements of the sets of openings may be spaced from segmented stem  43  different distances depending on the type of actuator. In this way, the valve assembly  100  may be adapted for use with a variety of different actuators. In conventional practice, each actuator typically requires a designated mounting bracket or bonnet which must be individually mounted to a valve assembly for use. By providing a bonnet  52  having the modular multiple connector platform  54  having different mounting openings corresponding to different type actuators, the valve assembly  100  may be more easily mounted to a different actuator as desired without need for replacement of a mounting bracket or the bonnet  52 . 
     In some embodiments, the bonnet  52  is made of austenitic steel. However, the bonnet  52  may be made of any suitable material, including cast iron, ductile iron, cast carbon steel, gun metal, stainless steel, alloy steels, and forged steels. In some embodiments, the bonnet  52  may be the same or a different material from the housing  10 . 
     As illustrated in  FIGS. 1A-1C , the plug  11  may include a stem such as the segmented stem  43 , which will be described in greater detail below. The segmented stem  43  may extend to a position external the neck  13  and the bonnet  52 , which may allow the segmented stem  43  to be mounted to an actuator. In some embodiments, it is contemplated that a manual actuator, e.g., a crank, lever, or the like, may be mounted to the end to the segmented stem  43 , above the bonnet  52 , to allow for manual rotation of the plug  11 . In yet further embodiments, and as will be described in greater detail with respect to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an adaptor  62  may be interchangeably mounted to the segmented stem  43  which allows the actuator to mechanically engage and rotate the segmented stem  43 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 2A and 2B  a cross-sectional view of the valve assembly  100  with an adaptor  62  and an actuator  66  (shown in dashed lines) are schematically depicted. From this perspective, additional details of the plug  11  and other contours of the neck  13 , main housing body  12 , and bonnet  52  are illustrated. 
     As depicted, the neck  13  defines an elongated chamber  30  extending vertically therethrough from the flow duct  26  through the first end  13   a  of the neck  13 . The elongated chamber  30  defines a vertical centerline  20  through a geometric center of the elongated chamber  30 . The elongated chamber  30  may include a first diameter portion  53   a  and a second diameter portion  53   b  arranged above the first diameter portion  53   a  in the +Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes. In embodiments, the first diameter portion  53   a  comprises a smaller diameter than the second diameter portion  53   b.    
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the bonnet  52  may be positioned within the second diameter portion  53   b . For example, the bonnet  52  may include an extension portion  56  sized to fit within the first diameter portion  53   a  of the neck  13 . A bonnet passage  68  may extend through the bonnet  52  and be aligned within the elongated chamber  30  to allow for the segmented stem  43  of the plug  11  to extend therethrough. In some embodiments, a gasket  55  may be positioned between the bonnet  52  and the neck  13  to provide a fluid seal. As noted above, and as illustrated in  FIG. 1A , the bonnet  52  may be fixed to the neck  13  via fasteners  70  which couple the mating flange  57  of the bonnet  52  with the bonnet mounting flange  33  of the neck  13 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the plug  11  is generally depicted. In particular, the plug  11  generally includes the segmented stem  43 , as noted above, and a ball segment  42  coupled to the segmented stem  43 . In the depicted embodiment, the segmented stem  43  includes an upper portion  38  and a lower portion  40  separated from the upper portion  38  via a separation distance. That is the upper portion  38  and lower portion  40  are separated from one another such that the segmented stem  43  is discontinuous along its length in the Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes. 
     As depicted, the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43  may be an elongated member extending between an upper end  38   a  and a lower end  38   b . The upper portion  38  may sit within the elongated chamber  30  and the bonnet passage  68  such that the upper end  38   a  of the upper portion  38  extends vertically out of the bonnet  52  and the lower end  38   b  extends into the flow duct  26 . Extending radially from the upper portion  38  between the upper end  38   a  and the lower end  38   b  may be a limit flange  76 , which has a diameter larger than the first diameter portion  53   a , such that the limit flange  76  may sit within the second diameter portion  53   b  and limit movement of the upper portion  38  into the elongated chamber  30  in the −Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes and into the first diameter portion  53   a.    
     In embodiments, formed within the lower end  38   b  of the segmented stem  43  may be a spring recess  72 , which extends upward in the +Z direction of the depicted coordinate axes into the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43 . A biasing element  71  (e.g., a spring) may be positioned within the spring recess  72 . The biasing element  71  may act as a biasing member, and may provide a biasing force to bias the ball segment  42 , as will be described in greater detail herein. 
     The upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43  may be rotated to move the plug  11  from an open position allowing fluid to flow through the valve assembly  100  to a closed position, preventing fluid from flowing through the valve assembly  100 . In various embodiments, one or more bearings  75  may be positioned between the stem and a wall of the neck  13  and/or the bonnet  52  to support rotational movement of the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43 . For example, a first bearing may be positioned adjacent the lower end  38   b  of the upper portion  38  within the first diameter portion  53   a  and a second bearing may be positioned within the second diameter portion  53   b  beneath the extension portion  56  of the bonnet  52 . For example, the second bearing may sit upon the limit flange  76 . 
     The lower portion  40  of the segmented stem  43  may also be an elongated, member and is arranged in vertical alignment (e.g., along the vertical centerline  20 ) with the upper portion  38 . As depicted the main housing body  12  may have a stem mounting bore  34  for receiving the lower portion  40  of the segmented stem  43  therethrough. A second limit flange  82  may extend radially from the lower portion  40 . In embodiments, while the upper portion  38  is rotatable relative to the housing  10 , the lower portion  40  may not rotate relative to the housing  10 . In some embodiments, the positioning of the lower portion  40  may be adjustable in the vertical direction, as will be described in greater detail below. 
     In some embodiments, the segmented stem  43  including the upper portion  38  and lower portion  40  may be made of any suitable material, including cast iron, ductile iron, cast carbon steel, gun metal, stainless steel, alloy steels, and forged steels. In some embodiments, the various portions of the segmented stem  43  may have a chrome plating, though other coatings are contemplated and possible. 
     The ball segment  42  generally provides a flow blocking structure coupled to both the upper portion  38  and the lower portion  40  of the segmented stem  43 . Accordingly, the ball segment  42  may include a first attachment portion  46   a  coupled to the upper portion of the segmented stem  43  and a second attachment portion  46   b  coupled to the lower portion  40  of the stem opposite from the upper portion  38 . Each of the first attachment portion  46   a  and the second attachment portion  46   b  includes a stem opening  73 ,  74  for receiving and coupling to the segmented stem  43 . In embodiments, the ball segment  42  may be rigidly coupled to the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43  and rotatively coupled to the lower portion  40  of the segmented stem  43 . Accordingly when the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43  is rotated (e.g., via an actuator) the ball segment rotates with the upper portion  38 , relative to the lower portion  40 . For example, one or more bearings  50  may support rotational movement of the ball segment  42  relative to the lower portion  40 . In embodiments, the second limit flange  82  may engage the one or more bearings  50 , which may limit a distance which the lower portion  40  may extend into stem opening  74 . 
     A curved portion  48  extends between the first attachment portion  46   a  and the second attachment portion  46   b . For example, the curved portion  48  curves away from the vertical centerline  20  so as to be as to be laterally offset from the vertical centerline  20 . Further, the vertical centerline  20  is also offset from the center of the attachment portions  46   a  and  46   b . In embodiments, an apex of the curved portion  48  is positionable so as to pass into and be aligned with the horizontal centerline  16  when positioned in the closed position, illustrated in  FIG. 2A . When rotated to the open position (e.g., via rotating the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43 ), as illustrated in  FIG. 2B , the ball segment  42  is positioned away from the horizontal centerline so as to provide a substantially open flow path from first flow opening  22  to the second flow opening  24 . For example, the curved shape of the ball segment  42  allows the ball segment  42  to be arranged out of the way of the flow path when moved to an open position. It is noted that in some embodiments, the ball segment  42  may be only partially rotated out of the flow path to allow for control of pressure and/or flow rate through the valve assembly  100 . 
     The ball segment  42  may be made of a metal, specifically, one with a high tensile strength. For example, the ball segment  42  may be made of any suitable material, including cast iron, ductile iron, cast carbon steel, gun metal, stainless steel, alloy steels, and forged steels. In some embodiments, the ball segment  42  is include a hardened chrome plating. 
     To provide a reliable seal, coupled to the main housing body  12  may be a valve seat  44  annularly disposed about the horizontal centerline  16  of the main housing body adjacent the second flow opening  24 . As depicted, the valve seat  44  may be coupled to the first inner surface  14  and create a seal when in contact with the ball segment  42  to fluidly seal the flow duct  26 . Accordingly, the valve seat  44  may be shaped to compliment the shape of the ball segment  42  to form the seal. Positioned adjacent the valve seat  44  may be an insert cap  45 , which may act to hold the valve seat  44  in place. For example, the insert cap  45  may threadingly or otherwise couple to the main housing body  12  and cause the valve seat  44  to be sandwiched between a projecting ring  77  of the main housing body  12  and the insert cap  45 . The valve seat  44  and the insert cap  45  may both be formed from stainless steel, or any suitable material, including cast iron, ductile iron, cast carbon steel, gun metal, alloy steels, and forged steels. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , an end cap  36  may be mounted to an external surface  12   a  of the main housing body  12  at the stem mounting bore  34  so as to cover the stem mounting bore  34  and the lower portion  40  of the segmented stem  43 . The end cap  36  may be mounted to the main housing body  12  via one or more fasteners  78 . However, the end cap  36  may be mounted to the mounting area of the housing  10  using other suitable methods, such as using other fixtures, brazing, welding, or the like. The end cap  36  further includes an adjustment hole  80 , which may be internally threaded. 
     An adjustment bolt  41  may be positioned within the adjustment hole  80  and maybe be adjustably positioned to contact and move the lower portion  40  of the segmented stem as desired. Adjusting the position of the lower portion  40  of the segmented stem may apply a bending force to the ball segment  42 . Similarly, the biasing element  71 , as illustrated, may be positioned between the first attachment portion  46   a  and the upper portion of the segmented stem  43 . Accordingly, as the adjustment bolt  41  pushes the lower portion  40  of the segmented stem  43  and the second attachment portion  46   b  of the ball segment  42  in the +Z direction, the biasing element  71  pushes the first attachment portion  46   a  in the −Z direction, which may introduce a bending moment in the ball segment  42 . The bending moment may increase (or decrease) a curvature of the curved portion  48 , which may improve a seal of the ball segment  42  with the valve seat  44  when in the closed or seated position. Adjustment may be made throughout the life of the valve via the adjustment bolt to ensure the desired level of sealing is achieved, thereby increasing the life of the valve assembly  100 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , various other components may be included within the valve assembly  100 . For example, a thrust back  37  may circumscribe the lower portion  40  of the stem within the stem mounting bore  34 . Additionally, stem packing  39  may be positioned at a plurality of locations between the segmented stem  43  and the housing  10 , the bonnet  52 , and/or the end cap  36 . The stem packing  39  may include material that provides a seal (e.g., such as graphite) to prevent fluid leakage from the valve assembly  100 . For example, stem packing  39  may be placed around the lower portion  40  of the segmented stem  43  between the thrust back  37  and the end cap  36 . The stem packing  39  acts to seal the end cap  36  from a fluid in the flow duct  26 . Stem packing  39  may also be positioned between the bonnet  52  and the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43 , though other locations are contemplated and possible. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , further included may be a live loading assembly  90  sleeved over the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43  within the bonnet  52 . The live loading assembly  90  may provide an axial spring load to the valve assembly to maintain a desired level of stress within the stem packing  39 , thereby inhibiting fluid leakage from the valve assembly  100 . For example, the live loading assembly  90  may include a nut stop  92 , one or more spring washers  94  (e.g., Belleville washers), and a gland  96 . The gland  96  is generally a cylindrical bushing which is sized and shaped to engage the stem packing  39 . The nut stop  92  (e.g., gland follower) is mounted to the segmented stem  43  (e.g., threaded onto the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43 ). Tightening of the nut stop  92  causes the gland  96  to engage and compress the stem packing  39 , thereby increasing fluid-tightness. The one or more spring washers  94  (e.g., two or more, three or more, etc.) may be positioned between the gland  96  and the nut stop  92  thereby providing a spring bias between the gland  96  and the nut stop  92 . The one or more spring washers  94  may circumscribe the segmented stem  43 . The preloading from the spring washer  94  allows the valve assembly to absorb a change in pressure within the valve assembly  100  over time. Accordingly, the spring bias provided via the spring washers  94  may ensure and maintain compression within the stem packing  39  thereby providing improved fluid seals and providing the valve assembly  100  a longer life. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the valve assembly  100  may further include an adaptor  62  (such as a plurality of adapters) configured to mechanically couple the plug  11  via the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43  to an actuator (e.g., a rotational actuator such as a servomotor). Accordingly, the adaptor  62  may be sized and shaped to be mounted to the upper end  38   a  of the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43 . For example, the adaptor  62  may include a stem receiving recess  63  sized and shaped to receive and mount to an exposed portion of the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43  above the bonnet  52 . Rotation of the adaptor  62  via the actuator  66  may cause rotation of the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43 , thereby opening and/or closing the valve assembly  100 . In some embodiments, the adaptor  62  may be rigidly coupled to the upper portion  38  of the segmented stem  43  by the set screw  64 . In embodiments, the adaptor  62  may be received by the actuator  66 , which may be mounted to the bonnet mounting flange  33  of the bonnet  52  as noted hereinabove. As also noted above, the actuator  66  and/or the adaptor  62  may be interchanged with other actuators and adaptors as needed to allow for easy and quick retooling of the valve assembly  100 . 
     In some embodiments, the adaptor  62  is made of a stainless steel. However, the adaptor  62  may be made of any suitable material, including cast iron, ductile iron, cast carbon steel, gun metal, alloy steels, and forged steels. 
     Referring still to  FIGS. 2A and 2B , the adaptor  62  allows the valve assembly  100  to selectively open by rotating the ball segment  42  through operation of the actuator  66 . When opening the valve, the actuator  66  rotates the adaptor  62 , thereby rotating the upper portion  38  and the ball segment  42 . The actuator  66  maintains a force to keep the valve open, and can apply a predetermined force to rotate the ball segment  42  to any position between fully opened and closed. 
     Further aspects of the present disclosure are provided by the subject matter of the following clauses: 
     What is claimed is: 
     1. A valve assembly, comprising: a housing comprising: a first flow opening; a second flow opening; a flow duct connecting the first flow opening to the second flow opening; and a neck defining an elongated chamber extending from the flow duct; a segmented stem comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is positioned within the elongated chamber of the neck and the lower portion is coupled to the housing opposite the elongated chamber; a ball segment comprising a first attachment portion coupled to the upper portion of the segmented stem and a second attachment portion coupled to the lower portion of the segmented stem, and a curved portion extending between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion; a biasing element positioned between the first attachment portion and the upper portion of the segmented stem; and an adjustment bolt coupled to the lower portion of the segmented stem, wherein the biasing element and the adjustment bolt adjusts the ball segment toward a seated position when the ball segment is rotated to a closed position. 
     2. The valve assembly of clause 1, further comprising a bonnet coupled to the neck, the bonnet comprising a modular multiple connector platform with a plurality of mounting openings, wherein a first set of the plurality of mounting openings are configured to interchangeably mount a first actuator to the valve assembly and a second set of the plurality of mounting openings are configured to interchangeably mount a second, different actuator to the valve assembly. 
     3. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising: a gland coupled to the bonnet; and a spring washer circumscribing the segmented stem and positioned within the bonnet, wherein the spring washer is compressed against the bonnet by the gland. 
     4. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising: a horizontal centerline passing through a center of the first flow opening and the second flow opening; and a vertical centerline passing through a center of the elongated chamber, the vertical centerline being laterally offset from the horizontal centerline. 
     5. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a valve seat coupled to the housing adjacent the second flow opening, wherein the ball segment and the valve seat create a seal when the ball segment is rotated to the closed position, and the biasing element biases the ball segment toward the seated position. 
     6. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising an adaptor replaceably coupled to the segmented stem and shaped to be received by an actuator when mounted to the valve assembly. 
     7. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the biasing element is located in a recess within the first attachment portion. 
     8. A valve assembly, comprising: a housing comprising: a first flow opening; a second flow opening; a flow duct connecting the first flow opening to the second flow opening; and a neck defining an elongated chamber extending from the flow duct; a segmented stem comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is positioned within the elongated chamber of the neck and the lower portion is coupled to the housing opposite the elongated chamber; a ball segment comprising a first attachment portion coupled to the upper portion of the segmented stem and a second attachment portion coupled to the lower portion of the segmented stem, and a curved portion extending between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion; and an adaptor replaceably coupled to the upper portion of the segmented stem and configured to couple an actuator to the upper portion of the segmented stem. 
     9. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising: a bonnet coupled to the neck, the bonnet comprising modular multiple connector platform with a plurality of mounting openings, wherein a first set of the plurality of mounting openings are configured to interchangeably mount a first actuator to the valve assembly and a second set of the plurality of mounting openings are configured to interchangeably mount a second different actuator to the valve assembly. 
     10. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising: a gland coupled to the bonnet; and a spring washer circumscribing the segmented stem and positioned within the bonnet, wherein the spring washer is compressed against the bonnet by the gland. 
     11. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising: a horizontal centerline passing through a center of the first flow opening and the second flow opening; and a vertical centerline passing through a center of the elongated chamber, the vertical centerline being laterally offset from the horizontal centerline. 
     12. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a valve seat coupled to the housing adjacent the second flow opening, wherein the ball segment and the valve seat create a seal when the ball segment is rotated to a closed position. 
     13. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the first set of the plurality of mounting openings have a first diameter, the second set of the plurality of mounting openings have a second diameter, where the first diameter is less than the second diameter. 
     14. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a set screw coupling the adaptor to the upper portion of the segmented stem. 
     15. A valve assembly, comprising: a housing comprising: a first flow opening; a second flow opening; a flow duct connecting the first flow opening to the second flow opening; and a neck defining an elongated chamber extending from the flow duct; a segmented stem comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion is positioned within the elongated chamber of the neck and the lower portion is coupled to the housing opposite the elongated chamber; a ball segment comprising a first attachment portion coupled to the upper portion of the segmented stem and a second attachment portion coupled to the lower portion of the segmented stem, and a curved portion extending between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion; a bonnet coupled to the neck, the bonnet comprising a modular multiple connector platform with a plurality of mounting openings, wherein the plurality of mounting openings include a first set and a second set; and an actuator interchangeably coupled to the modular multiple connector platform via one of the first set or the second set of the plurality of mounting openings. 
     16. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising: a gland coupled to the bonnet; and a spring washer circumscribing the segmented stem and positioned within the bonnet, wherein the spring washer is compressed against the bonnet by the gland. 
     17. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising: a horizontal centerline passing through a center of the first flow opening and the second flow opening; and a vertical centerline passing through a center of the elongated chamber, the vertical centerline being offset from the horizontal centerline. 
     18. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising a valve seat coupled to the housing adjacent the second flow opening, wherein the ball segment and the valve seat create a seal when the ball segment is rotated to a closed position. 
     19. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, further comprising an adaptor replaceably coupled to the segmented stem and shaped to be received by the actuator when mounted to the valve assembly. 
     20. The valve assembly of any preceding clause, wherein the first set of the plurality of mounting openings comprise a first diameter, the second set of the plurality of mounting openings have a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is less than the second diameter. 
     It should now be understood that embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to valve assemblies that may be modularly adaptable to various actuators to enable automated control. For example, in embodiments according to the present disclosure the valve may have an integral platform defining a plurality of mounting openings. The plurality of mounting openings may include a first plurality of mounting openings corresponding to a first actuator type, a second plurality of mounting openings corresponding to a second actuator type, etc. In some embodiments, adaptors for coupling the segmented stem of the valve to the actuator may also be included, or may be separately available. Accordingly, the valves according to the present disclosure may be easily and quickly retooled for different types of actuators as desired. In some embodiments, to provide for improved seating of the ball segment into the valve seat, one or more biasing elements may be included which bias the ball segment into contact with the valve seat to ensure a fluid-tight seal, thereby increasing reliability of the valve and valve life. 
     It is noted that the terms “substantially” and “about” may be utilized herein to represent the inherent degree of uncertainty that may be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other representation. These terms are also utilized herein to represent the degree by which a quantitative representation may vary from a stated reference without resulting in a change in the basic function of the subject matter at issue. 
     While particular embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, although various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, such aspects need not be utilized in combination. It is therefore intended that the appended claims cover all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of the claimed subject matter.