Patent Abstract:
A relief valve including a body defining an inlet. A valve closure element is disposed at least partially within the body and arranged to allow selective flow through the relief valve in response to a predetermined pressure. An outlet housing that is separate from and coupled to the inlet housing is rotatable with respect to the inlet housing. The outlet housing defines an outlet that is in selective communication with the inlet.

Full Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/873,199, filed Sep. 3, 2013, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    The present invention is directed to pressure relief valves. More particularly the invention is directed to pressure relief valves with a moveable outlet. Pressure relief valves may be used with compressors, engines, or other systems where pressure needs to be managed. 
         [0003]    Pressure relief valves are used to relieve pressure in a pressure vessel or associated component. A relief valve includes an inlet for receiving a fluid (e.g., air, water, petrol, etc.) and an outlet through which the fluid is discharged. The outlet is typically connected to a piping system. When relief valves are installed in pressure vessel systems, the outlet may not be aligned as desired with the piping system. Typically, relief valves are installed by threadably engaging the inlet with the pressure vessel system. The inlet may have threads that conform to a National Pipe Thread Taper standard for a tapered thread (hereinafter “NPT threads”), a Society of Automotive Engineers standard for a straight thread (hereinafter “SAE threads”), or another thread standard, as desired. Relief valves also may be connected via other means to the pressure vessel system (e.g., quick connections, soldering, snap connections, etc.). 
         [0004]    In the case of a relief valve whose inlet has NPT threads, the outlet is aligned with the piping system by adjusting one or more fitting joints to orient the outlet in a desired direction. However, such adjustments require frequent loosening and retightening of the fitting joints which is labor intensive and time consuming. Additional labor and time is also needed to ensure that joint seal integrity is maintained. In the case of a relief valve whose inlet has SAE threads, the relief valve is installed by rotatably engaging the inlet into the threaded hole of the pressure vessel system until contact is made between the inlet and a bottom of the threaded hole (i.e., the inlet “bottoms out”) in order to form a seal. However, adjustment of the orientation of the outlet after the inlet bottoms would compromise the seal and thus is not desirable. This requires that the piping system be specifically configured to adapt to the orientation of the outlet which increases costs. In other words, conventional relief valves prohibit or mitigate the use of SAE connections on relief valve inlets where outlet direction is important. 
         [0005]    Currently, if a directional outlet is desirable, the convention is to use NPT threads on inlet connections of relief valves and deal with the labor associated with adjusting multiple joints or potentially over tightening or under tightening joints. In cases where SAE inlet connections are required, the plumbing installation out of the relief valve becomes more cumbersome. In response to these problems, many simply avoid applications where directing outlet discharge is required or they are forced spend a lot of time adjusting installation joints (loosening and retightening or over tightening to achieve pointing discharge of valve in desired direction). 
         [0006]    In view of the above noted and other deficiencies, a better directional outlet for relief valves is desirable. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The present embodiments overcome the aforementioned problems by providing a relief valve with a rotatable outlet housing sealed to a body of the relief valve. 
         [0008]    In one construction, the invention provides a relief valve that includes a body that defines an inlet. A valve closure element is disposed at least partially within the body and arranged to allow selective flow through the relief valve in response to a predetermined pressure. An outlet housing that is separate from and coupled to the body is rotatable with respect to the body. The outlet housing defines an outlet aperture that is in selective communication with the inlet. 
         [0009]    In another construction, the invention provides a relief valve for directionally relieving pressure from an inlet stub that provides fluid pressure substantially along an axial direction. The relief valve includes a body that defines an inlet and a body cavity. The body includes an annular body wall defining an exit hole. A valve closure element is disposed at least partially within the body. The valve closure element inhibits fluid communication between the inlet and the body cavity when the valve closure element is in a closed position. The valve closure element is biased toward the closed position by a valve closing force. An outlet housing that is separate from and coupled to the body is rotatable with respect the body. The outlet housing defines an outlet. An annular space is defined between the body and the outlet housing. The annular space and the body cavity are separated by and contact opposing surface of the annular body wall. The exit hole provides fluid communication between the body cavity and the annular space. The valve closure element moves from the closed position to an open position when the fluid pressure exceeds an opening pressure. The opening pressure is a pressure that provides an opening force on the valve closure element that is greater than the valve closure force. The annular space and the outlet directly contact one another. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS 
         [0010]    The invention will be better understood and features, aspects and advantages other than those set forth above will become apparent when consideration is given to the following detailed description thereof. Such detailed description makes reference to the following drawings. 
           [0011]      FIG. 1  is a section view of a relief valve according to one construction of the invention. 
           [0012]      FIG. 2  is a section view of a relief valve according to another construction of the invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 3  is a detail view of a portion of the relief valve of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 4  is a section view of a relief valve according to another construction of the invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a relief valve according to another construction of the invention. 
           [0016]      FIG. 6  is a section view of the relief valve of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0017]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the relief valve of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 8  is a section view of the relief valve of  FIG. 5  taken along line A-A of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 9  is a section view of a relief valve according to another construction of the invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 10  is a section view of a relief valve according to another construction of the invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 11  is a section view of a relief valve according to another construction of the invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 12  is a section view of a relief valve according to another construction of the invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 13  is a section view of a relief valve according to another construction of the invention. 
       
    
    
       [0024]    While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the description herein of specific embodiments is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0025]    The present invention will be described in terms of one or more embodiments, and it should be appreciated that many equivalents, alternatives, variations, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the invention. 
         [0026]    In the disclosed invention, to achieve the desired outlet position the outlet function is separated from an inlet housing or body assembly (body) and inlet function. The inlet connection is integral to the body. The outlet is part of a separate housing that slips over a cylindrical body so that the outlet housing can rotate about the centerline of the body. The body contains all necessary components to a pressure relief valve and the valve closure element is fully functional without the outlet housing. The body has multiple discharge holes that are arranged about the circumference of its outer diameter. Therefore, the discharge by the assembly without the outlet housing is multidirectional radially about the relief valve. The relief valve absent the outlet housing is fully functional and can be used as such in applications not requiring discharge in one direction. In applications requiring discharge directionality, the outlet housing can be assembled with the rest of the relief valve (i.e., the outlet assembly). It is held in position on the body with, for example, two retaining rings (or one retaining ring and a shoulder machined into the body). The discharge holes in the body are aligned with an internal annular cavity designed into the outlet housing which allows for a smooth, uniform, and ample flow space to flow the discharge. The outlet housing has one outlet hole which is connected to the annular flow cavity in the interior of the housing. This outlet housing can pivot about the body while riding on two o-rings (alternately the smooth rotation can be achieved with two rows of ball bearings) which also provide a seal between the body and the outlet housing in two places on either side of the flow cavity. During installation, the body inlet is screwed into the piping installation snuggly. After the inlet is installed, the floating/pivoting outlet housing is rotated to its desired direction then held in position with a locking mechanism (e.g., a set screw). Alternatively, an annular space may be arranged on the outside of the body and the outlet housing simply has a hole in communication with the annular space. When the outlet housing is slipped over the body a cavity is achieved by combining both the outlet housing and the body. 
         [0027]      FIG. 1  shows a relief valve  6  that includes an inlet housing in the form of a body  10  that defines an inlet  14 , a body cavity  16 , a shoulder  18 , exit holes  22 , an annular body wall  23 , an annular space  26 , and two or more o-ring channels  45 . The body  10  is monolithic. The exit holes  22  are disposed within the annular body wall  23 . A valve closure element in the form of a piston  30  and spring  34  are arranged within the body  10 . The piston  30  and spring  34  are arranged along an axial direction  100 . The spring  34  is retained at an end opposite the piston  30  by a spring adjustment mechanism  36  (for example, an adjustable screw). In other constructions, the valve closure element may include a seat disk, a ball, a cone seal, or another closure element, as desired. Further, the valve closure element may ride in a track or guide between open and closed positions. The construction of the valve closure element is not limiting within the scope of the present invention. The relief valve  6  is shown in a closed position. 
         [0028]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , an outlet housing  38  is coupled to the body  10  and arranged to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) thereabout. The outlet housing  38  defines an annular outlet housing wall  42  that is sealed relative to the body  10  by o-rings  46  and includes an outlet  50  (for example, an outlet aperture). In certain embodiments, the outlet  50  or outlet aperture is threaded. The annular outlet housing wall  42  has a substantially cylindrical inner annular outlet housing wall surface  43 . The annular outlet housing wall  42  or inner annular outlet housing wall surface  43  can abut the annular space  26 . It should be appreciated that defining the annular space  26  or the o-ring channels  45  within the body  10  and abutting the annular space  26  with the annular outlet housing wall  42  or inner annular outlet housing wall surface  43  enables machining of the annular space  26  or o-ring channels  45  from a substantially cylindrical part to form the body  10  or annular body wall  23  without the need to machine spaces or channels into the substantially cylindrical inner annular outlet housing wall surface  43 . The outlet housing  38  is retained to the body  10  by a retainer clip  54 . 
         [0029]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the valve closure element can respond to a force applied by a fluid that enters the body  10  at the inlet  14  and displaces the piston  30  along the axial direction  100 . The valve closure element prevents fluid communication between the inlet  14  and the body cavity  16  when the valve closure element is in the closed position. The valve closure element is biased toward the closed position by a valve closing force provided by the spring  34 . The valve closure element moves from the closed position toward an open position when the fluid pressure exceeds an opening pressure. The opening pressure is a pressure that provides an opening force on the valve closure element that is greater than the valve closure force. This description of the function of the valve closure element of the relief valve  6  is applicable to other embodiments described herein. 
         [0030]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , the inlet  14  is the space that the fluid occupies when the relief valve  6  is in the closed position, so the inlet  14  is the space within the body  10  prior to the seal formed by the valve closure element. When the valve closure element is in the closed position, the fluid is in contact with the body  10  and the piston  30 . When the fluid displaces the valve closure element to the open position, fluid communication is established between the inlet  14  and the body cavity  16 . The body cavity  16  is the space between the inlet  14  and the exit holes  22  and is bounded by the annular body wall  23 . Fluid communication is provided between the body cavity  16  and the annular space  26  by the exit holes  22 . The body cavity  16  and the annular space  26  are separated by the annular body wall  23 . The annular body wall  23  includes an inner annular body wall surface  24  and an outer annular body wall surface  25 . The body cavity  16  and the annular space  26  contact opposing surfaces of the annular body wall  23 . A flow path from the inlet  14  to the outlet  50  or outlet aperture may be such that a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact substantially only with the body  10 , the piston  30 , and the outlet housing  38 . This description of the layout of spaces, walls, and surfaces within the relief valve  6  is applicable to other embodiments described herein. 
         [0031]    The relief valve  6  may include a manual release mechanism which may be in the form of a pull rod  64  and pull ring  68 . The manual release mechanism functions by application of a manual force to overcome the valve closing force of the valve closure element. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 2 and 3  show a relief valve  58  that includes a body  10 ′ that defines an inlet  14 ′, a body cavity  16 ′, exit holes  22 ′, and an annular body wall  23 ′. The body  10 ′ does not define a shoulder or an annular space. The body  10 ′ is monolithic. The exit holes  22 ′ are disposed within the annular body wall  23 ′. The annular body wall  23 ′ has an inner annular body wall surface  24 ′ and an outer annular body wall surface  25 ′. The outer annular body wall surface  25  is substantially cylindrical. A valve closure element in the form of a piston  30 ′ and spring  34 ′ is arranged within the body  10 ′. The piston  30 ′ and spring  34 ′ are arranged along an axial direction  100 . The spring  34 ′ may be retained at an end opposite the piston  30 ′ by a spring adjustment mechanism  36 ′ (e.g., an adjustable screw). The relief valve  58  is shown in an open position. 
         [0033]    An outlet housing  38 ′ is coupled to the body  10 ′ and arranged to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) thereabout. The outlet housing  38 ′ defines an annular outlet housing wall  42 ′ that defines two or more o-ring channels  47  and an annular space  26 ′ that is sealed relative to the body  10 ′ by o-rings  46 ′ disposed in the o-ring channels  47  and includes an outlet  50 ′ (for example, an outlet aperture). In certain embodiments, the outlet  50 ′ or outlet aperture may be threaded. The outer annular body wall surface  25 ′ can abut the annular space  26 ′. It should be appreciated that defining the two or more o-ring channels  47  and the annular space  26 ′ within the outlet housing  38 ′ and abutting the o-ring channels  47  and the annular space  26 ′ with the outer annular body wall surface  25 ′ enables machining of the annular space from a substantially cylindrical part to form the outlet housing  38 ′ without the need to machine the substantially cylindrical outer annular body wall surface  25 ′. The outlet housing  38 ′ is retained to the body  10 ′ by two retainer clips  54 ′. 
         [0034]    The relief valve  58  may include a manual release mechanism which may be in the form of a pull rod and pull pin. The manual release mechanism functions by application of a manual force to overcome the sealing force of the valve closure element. The construction of the manual release mechanism is not limiting within the scope of the present invention. 
         [0035]    The function of the relief valve  58  is the same as that described in reference to  FIG. 1 . A flow path from the inlet  14 ′ to the outlet  50 ′ or outlet aperture may be such that a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact substantially only with the body  10 ′, the piston,  30 ′, and the outlet housing  38 ′. 
         [0036]      FIG. 4  shows a relief valve  66  that includes a body  10 ″ that defines an inlet  14 ″, a shoulder  18 ″, exit holes  22 ″, and annular body wall  23 ″ and an annular space  26 ″, The body  10 ″ is monolithic. The exit holes  22 ″ are disposed within the annular body wall  23 ″. A threaded bonnet  70  is threadingly coupled to the body  10 ″ and defines a bonnet shoulder  72 . A valve closure element in the form of a piston  30 ″ and a spring  34 ″ is arranged within the body  10 ″ and the bonnet  70  and a bonnet insert  74  is arranged to adjust the relief valve  66 . The piston  30 ″ and spring  34 ″ are arranged along an axial direction  100 . The spring  34 ″ may be retained at an end opposite the piston  30 ″ by a spring adjustment mechanism  36 ″ (e.g., an adjustable bonnet insert). The relief valve  66  is shown in a closed position. 
         [0037]    An outlet housing  38 ″ is coupled to the body  10 ″ and arranged to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) thereabout. The outlet housing  38 ″ defines an annular outlet housing wall  42 ″ that is sealed relative to the body  10 ″ by o-rings  46 ″ and includes an outlet  50 ″ (for example, an outlet aperture). In certain embodiments, the outlet  50 ″ or outlet aperture may be threaded. The outlet housing  38 ″ is retained to the body  10 ″ by the shoulder  18 ″ and the bonnet shoulder  72 . A lock screw  78  is arranged through the annular outlet housing wall  42 ″ to maintain the outlet housing  38 ″ is a consistent position relative to the body  10 ″, as desired. 
         [0038]    The function of the relief valve  66  is the same as that described in reference to  FIG. 1 , A flow path from the inlet  14 ″ to the outlet  50 ″ or outlet aperture may be such that a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact substantially only with the body  10 ″, the piston  30 ″, and the outlet housing  38 ″. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 5-8  show a relief valve  82  that includes a body  10 ″′ that defines an inlet  14 ″′, a shoulder  18 ″′, exit holes  22 ″, and an annular body wall  23 ″″. The body  10 ″′ is monolithic. The exit holes  22 ″′ are disposed within the annular body wall  23 ″′ A valve closure element in the form of a piston  30 ″′ and a spring  34 ″′ is arranged within the body  10 ′″. The piston  30 ″′ and spring  34 ″′ are arranged along an axial direction  100 . The spring is retained at an end opposite the piston by a spring adjustment mechanism  36 ′ (for example, an adjustable screw). An outlet housing  38 ″′ is coupled to the body  10 ″′ and arranged to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) thereabout. The outlet housing  38 ″′ defines an annular outlet housing wall  42 ″′ that defines an annular space  62 ″′ that is sealed relative to the body  10 ″′ by o-rings  46 ″′ and includes an outlet  50 ″′ (for example, an outlet aperture). In certain embodiments, the outlet  50 ″′ or outlet aperture may be threaded. The outlet housing  38 ″′ is retained to the body  10 ″′ by a threaded lock nut  86 . In  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the relief valve  82  is shown in a closed position.  FIG. 8  is a section view of the valve of  FIG. 7  taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
         [0040]    The function of the relief valve  82  is the same as that described in reference to  FIG. 1 . A flow path from the inlet  14 ″ to the outlet  50 ″′ or outlet aperture may be such that a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact substantially only with the body  10 ″′, the piston  30 ″′, and the outlet housing  38 ″′. 
         [0041]      FIG. 9  shows a relief valve  90  that includes a body that is not monolithic and comprises a first body element  92  and a second body element  94 . The first body element  92  defines an inlet  114 . The second body element  94  is threadingly coupled to the first body element  92  and defines a shoulder  118 , exit holes  122 , an annular body wall  123 , and an annular space  126 . The exit holes  122  are disposed within the annular body wall  123 . A valve closure element in the form of a piston  130 , a stabilizing element  133 , and a spring  134  is arranged within the first body element  92  and the second body element  94 . The piston  130 , stabilizing element  133 , and spring  134  are arranged along an axial direction  100 . The relief valve  90  is shown in a closed position. An outlet housing  138  is coupled to the body  110  and arranged to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) thereabout. The outlet housing  138  defines an annular outlet housing wall  142  that is sealed relative to the body  110  by o-rings  146  and includes an outlet  150 ′ (for example, an outlet aperture). In certain embodiments, the outlet  150  or outlet aperture may be threaded. The outlet housing  138  is retained to the body  110  by the shoulder  118  and a retainer clip  154 . 
         [0042]    The function of the relief valve  90  is the same as that described in reference to  FIG. 1 . A flow path from the inlet  114  to the outlet  150  or outlet aperture may be such that a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact substantially only with the first body element  92 , the second body element  94 , the piston,  130 , and the outlet housing  138 . In certain embodiments, a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact with the stabilizing element  133  and the spring  134 . 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  shows a relief valve  200  that includes a body that is not monolithic and comprises a first body element  92 ′ and a second body element  94 ′. The first body element  92 ′ defines an inlet  114 ′ and a shoulder  118 ′. The second body element  94 ′ is threadingly coupled to the first body element  92 ′ and defines exit holes  122 ′, an annular body wall  123 ′, and an annular space  126 ′. The exit holes  122  are disposed within the annular body wall  123 ′. A valve closure element in the form of a piston  130 ′, a stabilizing element  133 ′, and a spring  134 ′ is arranged within the first body element  92 ′ and the second body element  94 ′. The piston  130 ′, stabilizing element  133 ′, and spring  134 ′ are arranged along an axial direction  100 . The relief valve  200  is shown in a closed position. An outlet housing  138 ′ is coupled to the body  110 ′ and arranged to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) thereabout. The outlet housing  138 ′ defines an annular outlet housing wall  142 ′ that is sealed relative to the body  110 ′ by o-rings  146 ′ and includes an outlet  150 ′ (for example, an outlet aperture). In certain embodiments, the outlet  150 ′ or outlet aperture may be threaded. The outlet housing  138 ′ is retained to the body  110 ′ by the shoulder  118 ′ and a lock nut  186 ′. 
         [0044]    The function of the relief valve  200  is the same as that described in reference to  FIG. 1 . A flow path from the inlet  114 ′ to the outlet  150 ′ or outlet aperture may be such that a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact substantially only with the first body element  92 ′, the second body element  94 ′, the piston,  130 ′, and the outlet housing  138 ′. In certain embodiments, a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact with the stabilizing element  133 ′ and the spring  134 ′. 
         [0045]      FIG. 11  shows a relief valve  204  that includes a body that is not monolithic and comprises a first body element  92 ″ and a second body element  94 ″. The first body element  92 ″ defines an inlet  114 ″. The second body element  94 ″ is threadingly coupled to the first body element  92 ″ and defines a shoulder  118 ″, exit holes  122 ″, an annular body wall  123 ″, and an annular space  126 ″. The exit holes  122 ″ are disposed within the annular body wall  123 ″. A valve closure element in the form of a piston  130 ″, a stabilizing element  133 ′, and a spring  134 ″ are arranged within the first body element  92 ″ and the second body element  94 ′. The piston  130 ″, stabilizing element  133 ″, and spring  134 ″ are arranged along an axial direction  100 . The relief valve  204  is shown in a closed position. An outlet housing  138 ″ is coupled to the upper body  94 ″ and arranged to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) thereabout. The outlet housing  138 ″ defines an annular outlet housing wall  142 ″ that is sealed relative to the body  110 ″ by o-rings  146 ″ and includes an outlet  150 ″ (for example, an outlet aperture). In certain embodiments, the outlet  150 ″ or outlet aperture may be threaded. The outlet housing  138 ″ is retained to the body  110 ″ by the shoulder  118 ″ and a lock nut  186 ″. 
         [0046]    The function of the relief valve  200  is the same as that described in reference to  FIG. 1 . A flow path from the inlet  114 ″ to the outlet  150 ″ or outlet aperture may be such that a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact substantially only with the first body element  92 ″, the second body element  94 ″, the piston,  130 ″, and the outlet housing  138 ″. In certain embodiments, a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact with the stabilizing element  133 ″ and the spring  134 ″. 
         [0047]      FIG. 12  shows a relief valve  208  that includes a body that is not monolithic and comprises a first body element  292  and a second body element  294 , The first body element  292  defines an inlet  214  and a shoulder  218 . The second body element  294  is threadingly coupled to the first body element  292  and defines exit holes  222 , an annular body wall  223 , and an annular space  226 . The exit holes  222  are disposed within the annular body wall  223 . A valve closure element in the form of a piston  230 , a stabilizing element  233 , and a spring  234  are arranged within the first body element  292  and the second body element  294 . The piston  230 , stabilizing element  233 , and spring  234  are arranged along an axial direction  100 . The relief valve  208  is shown in a closed position. An outlet housing  238  is coupled to the body and arranged to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) thereabout. The outlet housing  238  defines an annular outlet housing wall  242  that is sealed relative to the body  210  by o-rings  246  and includes an outlet  250  (for example, an outlet aperture). In certain embodiments, the outlet  250  or outlet aperture may be threaded. The outlet housing  238  is retained to the body  210  by the shoulder  218  and a lock nut  286 . 
         [0048]    The function of the relief valve  200  is the same as that described in reference to  FIG. 1 . A flow path from the inlet  214  to the outlet  250  or outlet aperture may be such that a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact substantially only with the first body element  92 ′, the second body element  294 , the piston,  230 , and the outlet housing  238 , In certain embodiments, a fluid traveling along the flow path comes into contact with the stabilizing element  233  and the spring  234 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 13  shows a relief valve  209  that includes a body that is not monolithic and comprises a first body element  292 ′ and a second body element  294 ′. The first body element  292 ′ defines an inlet  214 ′. The second body element  294 ′ is threadingly coupled to the first body element  292 ′ and defines a shoulder  218 ′, exit holes  222 ′, an annular body wall  223 ′, and an annular space  226 ′. The exit holes  222 ′ are disposed within the annular body wall  223 ′. A valve closure element in the form of a piston  230 ′, a stabilizing element  233 , and spring  234 ′ is arranged within the first body element  292 ′ and the second body element  294 ′. The piston  230 ′, stabilizing element  233 ′, and spring  234 ′ are arranged along an axial direction  100 . The relief valve  209  is shown in a closed position. An outlet housing  238 ′ is coupled to the upper body  294 ′ and arranged to rotate three-hundred-sixty degrees (360°) thereabout. The outlet housing  238 ′ defines an annular outlet housing wall  242 ′ that is sealed relative to the body  210 ′ by o-rings  246 ′ and includes an outlet  250 ′ (for example, an outlet aperture). In certain embodiments, the outlet  250 ′ or outlet aperture may be threaded. The outlet housing  238 ′ is retained to the body  210 ′ by the shoulder  218 ′ and a retainer clip  254 ′. A lock screw  278 ′ is arranged through the annular outlet housing wall  242 ′ to maintain the outlet housing  238 ′ is a consistent position relative to the body  210 ′, as desired. 
         [0050]    The body  10 ,  10 ′,  10 ″,  10 ″′ or first body element  92 ,  92 ′,  92 ″,  292  can include a coupling mechanism for coupling to an inlet stub that provides fluid pressure. In certain embodiments, referring to  FIG. 9 , but not limiting to that embodiment, the coupling mechanism can include one or more coupling mechanism threaded sections  27  for threadingly coupling the body  10  to an inlet stub. In certain embodiments, referring to  FIG. 9 , but not limiting to that embodiment, the coupling mechanism can include one or more coupling mechanism o-rings  28  for sealing the body  10  to an inlet stub. A person having ordinary skill in the art will recognize that there are alternative coupling mechanisms to those shown in the figures. In certain embodiments, the coupling mechanism requires a corresponding part on the inlet stub in order to establish a proper seal. In certain embodiments, the coupling mechanism provides a fluid-tight seal between the inlet stub and the body. The certain embodiments, the fluid-tight seal has a fail pressure of at least about the opening pressure. 
         [0051]    The inlet connection of the illustrated relief valves is integral to the body. The outlet is part of a separate housing that slips over the body so that the outlet housing can rotate about the centerline of the body. The body contains all necessary components essential to a pressure relief valve and is fully functional without the outlet housing. The body has multiple discharge holes that are about the circumference of its outer diameter. Therefore, the discharge by the assembly without the outlet housing is multidirectional radially about the relief valve. This relief valve, arranged with no outlet housing, is fully functional and can be used as such in applications not requiring discharge in one direction. In embodiments shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  2 , and  5 - 13  the outlet housing may be removed or replaced without releasing pressure on the valve closure element. 
         [0052]    The discharge holes in the body are aligned with an internal annular cavity designed into the outlet housing which allows for a smooth, uniform, and ample flow space to flow the discharge. The outlet housing may have only one outlet hole which is connected to the annular flow cavity in the interior of housing (or on the outside of the body), as desired. 
         [0053]    The outlet housing pivots about the body while riding on two o-rings (alternately the smooth rotation can be achieved with two rows of ball bearings) which also provide a seal between the body and the housing in two places on either side of the flow cavity. When installing, the body&#39;s inlet is screwed into the piping installation snuggly. After valve inlet installation, the floating/pivoting housing can be rotated to its desired direction then held in position with a locking mechanism (e.g., a set screw or a lock nut). 
         [0054]    This invention allows a decoupling of positions of inlet versus outlet when installed. An installer can rotate the valve relief exhaust in any direction around the centerline of the relief valve after installation without tampering with the inlet installation. In some installations, the seals may be changed for another type as is known in the art. For example, cryogenic applications may require a different sealing arrangement as o-rings are often not suitable. 
         [0055]    Other constructions are possible in view of the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8