Device and method for conditioning flow through a valve assembly

A flow conditioner of a valve assembly, the flow conditioner comprising:

• a body including a longitudinal axis, a first end, a second end, and a flow path connecting the first end and the second end;
• a non-planar surface formed in the first end of the body;
• a plurality of channels defining the flow path and extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, at least one channel of the plurality of channels having a length different from a length of an adjacent channel of the plurality of channels;
• and
• a cylindrical housing surrounding the plurality of channels and including a first end and a second end, the first end proximally located to the first end of the body;
• wherein the non-planar surface of the first end is defined in part by an end of the at least one channel of the plurality of channels.

A method of conditioning flow through a valve assembly, the method comprising:

• providing a valve assembly including:
• providing a valve body defining an inlet, an outlet, and a fluid flow path connecting the inlet and the outlet
• providing a valve stem disposed in the valve body;
• providing a control element operatively connected to the valve stem and disposed in the fluid flow path,
• providing a flow conditioner including a first end, a second end, and defining a second flow path, the first end of the flow conditioner having a non-planar surface;
• coupling the first end of the flow conditioner to the valve body, the first end positioned to permit rotation of the control element about the pivot axis between a closed position, in which the control element seals the inlet from the outlet and an open position, in which the control element permits fluid flow between the inlet and the outlet;
• and
• connecting the fluid flow path of the valve body with the second flow path of the flow conditioner.