Axial multi-stage, multi-path control valve element design for external plugs

A flow control assembly for use in a valve body, the flow control assembly comprising:

• a flow control device configured to be disposable within the valve body, the flow control device having:
• a wall extending around a central axis, the wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being disposed radially inward relative to the outer surface;
• and
• a plurality of flow control channels formed in the wall, each flow control channel extending in a first direction substantially parallel to the central axis and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis toward the inner surface and terminating between the outer surface and the inner surface at an inner channel surface;
• and
• a valve plug moveable relative to the flow control device in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis between a closed position and an open position such that in the closed position the valve plug covers the plurality of flow control channels, and as the valve plug transitions from the closed position toward the open position, the plurality of flow control channels become exposed to receive fluid flow,
• wherein the inner surface of the wall defines a central passage, and the flow control device further includes a plurality of outlet openings which are disposed within respective ones of the flow control channels and extend between the inner channel surface and the inner surface to facilitate fluid communication between the flow control channels and the central passage.

A flow control assembly for use in a valve body, the flow control assembly comprising:

• a flow control device configured to be disposable within the valve body, the flow control device having:
• a wall extending around a central axis, the wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface being disposed radially inward relative to the outer surface;
• and
• a plurality of flow control channels formed in the wall, each flow control channel extending in a first direction substantially parallel to the central axis and a second direction substantially perpendicular to the central axis toward the inner surface and terminating between the outer surface and the inner surface at an inner channel surface;
• and
• a valve plug moveable relative to the flow control device in a direction substantially parallel to the central axis between a closed position and an open position such that in the closed position the valve plug covers the plurality of flow control channels, and as the valve plug transitions from the closed position toward the open position, the plurality of flow control channels become exposed to receive fluid flow, the valve plug including an inner surface sized such that when the valve plug is between the closed position and the open position, the inner surface and the plurality of flow control channels collectively define a plurality of flow control passageways.