Process control valve and plug

A process control valve comprising:

• a valve body having an inlet and an outlet, with a process flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet;
• a guide sleeve extending into the process flow path between the inlet and the outlet, the guide sleeve being closed opposite the process flow path to define a gap;
• and
• a plug that is configured to move within the guide sleeve to selectively restrict fluid communication between the inlet and the outlet, the plug comprising a plug body and a plurality of fins extending radially outward from the plug body between a first end of the plug and a second end of the plug, each one of the plurality of fins having a tapered section proximate the second end of the plug, the tapered section tapering radially inward toward the second end of the plug, the plug being disposed at least partly within the guide sleeve with the plurality of fins disposed to guide movement of the plug within the guide sleeve and the tapered section extending into the gap, and a cylindrical section configured to be received in the guide sleeve, the cylindrical section having a circumference that forms a tight clearance fit within the guide sleeve to restrict flow through the guide sleeve.

A plug assembly adapted for use in a push-down-to-close valve that includes an inlet, an outlet, a process flow path that extends between the inlet and the outlet, the plug assembly comprising:

• a guide sleeve extending into the process flow path between the inlet and the outlet, the guide sleeve being closed opposite the process flow path to define a gap;
• a plug body having a longitudinal axis, the plug body being configured to move within the guide sleeve to selectively block the outlet;
• a first end;
• a second end spaced apart from the first end along the longitudinal axis;
• and
• a cylindrical section configured to be received in the guide sleeve,
• the first end comprising a plugging section tapering outward from the first end toward the second end,
• the second end having a plurality of fins extending radially outward from the plug body, each one of the plurality of fins being formed about the longitudinal axis and extending from the second end toward the first end,
• each one of the plurality of fins comprising a tapered section and a guiding surface, the tapered section extending radially outward from the second end toward the guiding surface and into the gap, and the guiding surface being configured to move along an interior of the guide sleeve to guide movement of the plug body within the guide sleeve,
• the cylindrical section having a circumference that forms a tight clearance fit within the guide sleeve to restrict flow through the guide sleeve.