GB2189006A

GB2189006A - Unidirectional flow of liquids

Info

Publication number: GB2189006A
Application number: GB08607567A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Edward Cecil; Rachel Kay Cecil
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1986-03-26
Filing date: 1986-03-26
Publication date: 1987-10-14
Also published as: GB8607567D0

Abstract

A unidirectional flow valve comprises an element 21 which has a portion 25 for engaging a housing 1, and control means for enabling unidirectional flow from an inlet 22 to an outlet 23 in response to a pressure differential. The control means may comprise eg. a sleeve 29 or an axially-reciprocatable member (40, Fig. 3 or 50, Fig. 4) controlling respectively a corresponding radial or axial outlet from element 21. An abutment 27 may limit entry of the element 21 into the housing 1. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Unidirectional flow of fluids Applications of fluids (e.g. gases) may require valves for enabling unidirectional flow of fluids.

Such valves are called herein "unidirectional flow valves". The various circumstances of enabling unidirectional flow of fluids give a continuing interest in novel unidirectional flow valves.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a unidirectional flow valve (preferably a unidirectional gas flow valve), comprising: a valve member having at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port, and at least one passage means enabling communication between said inlet and outlet ports, the exterior of said valve member having a first portion, an optional second portion, and an optional third portion, disposed successively relative to each other, said first portion being for engaging in substantially rigid reception means for receiving said first portion so that said at least one outlet port will be received in said reception means, there being clearance between the exterior of said at least one outlet port and the interior of said reception means so as to allow fluid from said at least one outlet port to enter said reception means and be able to exit from said reception means, said engaging being able to restrict flow (preferably to a minimum) of fluid in a direction from said at least one outlet port to said at least one inlet port, said second portion being for predetermining the maximum extent to which said at least one outlet port will be received in said reception means, said third portion being for engaging means for supplying fluid to said at least one inlet port, said valve member having control means for enabling unidirectional flow of fluid via said at least one inlet port, said at least one passage means, and said at least one outlet port, so that unidirectional flow of fluid from said at least one outlet port will enter said reception means, said control means being responsive to a fluid pressure differential between said inlet and outlet ports so as to control said unidirectional flow of fluid via said valve member, said differential having its higher pressure value at said at least one inlet port.

A second aspect of the present invention provides a flow assembly, comprising: said unidirectional flow valve according to the first aspect of the present invention; and said reception means according to the first aspect of the present invention.

A third aspect of the present invention provides a method of enabling unidirectional flow of fluid, comprising utilising said unidirectional flow valve according to the first aspect of the present invention, or said flow assembly according to the second aspect of the present invention.

The unidirectional flow valve and flow assembly of the present invention can be embodied in any suitable manner. Components of said valve or said assembly can be disposed in any suitable manner. The method of the present invention can be carried out in any suitable manner for any suitable application.

Some applications of the present invention are in creating reduced pressures for: lifting liquids, e.g. water and/or oil from bilges and/or sumps, water from aquifers, liquids from containers or reservoirs (for instance drums or tanks); priming pumps or syphons; separating liquids from particulate solids, e.g.

in filtratration; extracting aqueous liquid and/or oil (in conjunction with a press if desired), or withdrawing water from wet mud and/or wet sand; testing the integrity of airtight systems or vacuum packaging; general laboratory use; and bleeding gaseous or liquid systems.

One particular example of the method of the present invention is in conjunction with a fine filter (i.e. having pores less than 10-6 metre) to purify water for drinking. Another example of the method is for reducing pressure between surfaces (e.g. front and back panels) in a solar heat collector, so as to improve the collector's efficiency.

A unidirectional flow valve of the present invention can be embodied for use with an atmospheric press according to our U.K. patent application no. 8600143.

Said valve member can have any suitable configuration or shape, e.g. comprise a probe shape. Said first portion of said valve member is preferably a male thread or any other suitable conformation, e.g. a plain surface. Said optional second portion of said valve member preferably comprises abutment means, e.g.

collar means, for instance a collar integral with the general exterior of said valve member. The circumferential edge and/or surface of said collar can be plain or profiled (e.g. to aid or enable keying of that edge and/or surface into the optional counterbore mentioned below for a housing inlet). Said optional third portion of said valve member is preferably a male thread or any other suitable conformation. Said control means can be in and/or on said valve member. Said control means can comprise at least one valve movable within and/or on said valve member so as to open or close said valve member's passage means. Said valve can move in any suitable relationship with said valve member, in response to said fluid pressure differential. Said valve member can be made of any suitable material(s).Said valve member can be bonded to said reception means, e.g. by adhesive (for instance an epoxy resin), soldering, thermal shrinkage, or welding.

Said fluid pressure differential can have any suitable maximum value. Preferably, that value is at most substantially 0.2 to 0.35 Kg/cm2 (3 to 5 psi), but any value not above substantially 1.05 Kg/cm2 (15 psi) may be convenient depending on any particular application of the present invention.

Said reception means can comprise a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and passage means enabling communication between those inlet and outlet ports. The reception of said valve member in said reception means can be via said housing inlet port and said housing passage means. The interior of said housing can have a female thread for engaging said valve member first portion. Said housing can have any suitable configuration or shape, e.g. a generally cylindrical shape. The mouth of said housing inlet port can have a counterbore for seating at least a portion of said valve member second portion. Said housing passage means can be generally cylindrical.Said housing outlet port can comprise an internal passage of narrower width than said housing passage means, e.g. there can be a differential bore constituting said housing passage means and said passage in said housing outlet port. The exterior of said housing can be adapted to connect said housing outlet port to means (e.g. tubing) for receiving flow of fluid from said housing outlet port, e.g. the exterior of said housing port can comprise a male thread or other conformation for that purpose, or for aiding and/or enabling that connection. Said reception means can be made of any suitable material(s).

In the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of example of the present invention: Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a housing suitable for the valve member of any one of Figs. 2 to 4.

Figure 2 shows one embodiment of a valve member for the housing of Fig. 1 or another suitable housing.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of a valve member for the housing of Fig. 1 or another suitable housing.

Figure 4 shows another embodiment of a valve member for the housing of Fig. 1 or another suitable housing.

Figure 5 shows a further embodiment of a housing suitable for the valve member of any of Figs. 2 to 4.

In Fig. 1, a housing 1 for a unidirectional flow valve is of a generally cylindrical rigid shape. Housing 1 has an inlet port 2, an outlet port 3, and a differential passage 4 enabling communication between those ports.

The inlet mouth of inlet port 2 has a counterbore 5 for seating at least a portion of an abutment collar 27 (Fig. 2) or 37 (Fig. 3) or 47 (Fig. 4) described later below. The passage 4 has a female thread 6 for receiving a male thread 25 (Fig. 2) or 35 (Fig. 3) or 45 (Fig. 4) described later below. The exterior of outlet port 3 has a male thread 7 for coupling housing 1 to means not part of the flow valve, e.g. a pump, for instance a hand actuated pump as mentioned in our copending U.K. patent application no. 8600143.

In Fig. 2, a valve member 21 is of a generally probelike rigid shape. Valve member 21 has an inlet port 22, an outlet port 23, and a differential passage 24 enabling communication between those ports. The exterior of valve member 21 has a first male thread 25, a second male thread 26, and an abutment collar 27 separating those threads. The collar 27 predetermines the maximum extent to which the outlet port 23 can be received in housing passage 4. Passage 24 has a transverse portion 24a terminating in aperture 24b. The transverse passage portion 24a is in a nose or probe portion 28 extending from the region of first male thread 25. Seated on probe portion 28 is resilient elastomeric tubing 29 constituting a valve for governing flow of fluid from aperture 24b towards the outlet port 23 defined by the terminal end of tubing 29.Tubing 29 is responsive to a fluid pressure differential between valve inlet port 22 and valve outlet port 23. When valve member 21 is suitable screwed into housing 1 a unidirectional flow valve assembly is provided. The second male thread 26 can be used for coupling valve member 21 to a source of gas.

In Fig. 3, a valve member 31 is of a generally probelike rigid shape. Valve member 31 has an inlet port 32, diametrically opposed outlet ports 33, and a differential passage 34 enabling communication between said ports.

The exterior of valve member 31 has a first male thread 35, a second male thread 36, and an abutment collar 37 separating those threads. The collar 37 predetermines the maximum extent to which outlet ports 33 can be received in housing passage 4. Outlet ports 33 are contained in a probe portion 38 having a crimped end 39 and extending from the region of first male thread 35. Passage 34 in valve member 31 has a concave portion 34a and a terminal portion 34b in probe portion 38, and laterally communicates with outlet ports 33. In passage portion 34b is a freely movable or floating valve 40 recipratable to open or close the portion 34a, respective motion of valve 40 being in response to a fluid pressure differential between inlet port 32 and outlet ports 33. Passage 34 is closed when valve 40 plugs concave passage portion 34a.

When valve member 31 is suitably screwed into housing 1 a unidirectional flow valve assembly is provided. The second male thread 36 can be used for coupling valve member 31 to a source of gas.

In Fig. 4, a valve member 41 is of a generally probelike rigid shape. Valve member 41 has an inlet port 42, a concave outlet port 43, and a differential passage 44 enabling communication between said ports. The exte rior of valve member 41 has a first male thread 45, a second male thread 46, and an abutment collar 47 separating those threads.

The collar 47 predetermines the maximum ex tent to which outlet port 43 can be received in housing passage 4. Outlet port 43 is con tained in a probe portion 48 extending from the region of first male thread 45. Passage 44 in valve member 41 has a terminal portion 44a comprising outlet port 43. In passage 44 is a laterally movable push rod 49 on which is fixedly mounted a resilient valve 50 held cap tive by a terminal end 51 of push rod 49. The opposite terminal end 52 of push rod 49 is an abutment for abutting the shoulder 53 consti tuting the region of the beginning of passage portion 44a, thereby capturing push rod 49 in passage 44. Valve 50 and push rod 49 are reciprocable to open or close outlet port 43, respective motion of valve 50 being in re sponse to a fluid pressure differental between inlet port 42 and outlet port 43. When valve member 41 is suitably screwed into housing 1 a unidirectional flow valve assembly is pro vided. The second male thread 46 can be used for coupling valve member 41 to a source of gas.

Fig. 5 shows an alternative to housing 1.

The alternative housing 61 is constituted by the barrel of a hand pump 62 having female threaded end 63 for engaging a said valve member. Inside the pump, the hand operated plunger or piston 64 has a washer 65 such that withdrawal of piston 64 enables washer 65 to apply a reduced pressure to said valve member and hence enable a said pressure dif ferential.

The apparatus in the accompanying draw ings can be modified according to the descrip tion given above before the first reference to the drawings. The present invention includes equivalents and modifications arising from all the disclosures herein of the present invention.

Claims

1. A unidirectional flow valve, comprising: a valve member having at least one inlet port, at least one outlet port, and at least one pas sage means enabling communication between said inlet and outlet ports, the exterior of said valve member having a first portion, that por tion being adapted for engaging substantially rigid reception means for receiving said first portion so that said at least one outlet port will be received in said reception means, there being clearance between the exterior of said at least one outlet port and the interior of said at least one outlet port and the interior of said reception means so as to allow fluid from said at least one outlet port to enter said reception means and be able to exit from said reception means, said engaging being able to restrict -flow (optionally to a minimum) of fluid in a direction from said at least one outlet port to said at least one inlet port, said valve member having control means for enabling unidirectional flow of fluid via said at least one inlet port, said at least one passage means, and said at least one outlet port, so that unidirectional flow of fluid from said at least one outlet port will enter said reception means, said control means being responsive to a fluid pressure differential between said inlet and outlet ports so as to control said unidirectional flow of fluid via said valve member, said differential having its higher pressure value at said at least one inlet port.

2. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 1, when a unidirectional gas flow valve.

3. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 1 or 2, when adapted to correspond to a said fluid pressure differential that is not above substantially 1.05 Kg/cm2.

4. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 3, when adapted to correspond to a said fluid pressure differential that is at most substantially 0.2 to substantially 0.35 Kg/cm2.

5. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said valve member comprises a probe shape.

6. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first portion of said valve member is a male thread.

7. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said first portion of said valve member is a plain surface.

8. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the exterior of said valve member has a second portion, that portion being for predetermining the maximum extent to which said at least one outlet port will be received in said reception means.

9. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 8, wherein said second portion of said valve member comprises abutment means.

10. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 9, wherein said abutment means comprises collar means integral with the general exterior of said valve member.

11. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 10, wherein the circumferential edge and/or surface of said collar means is plain or profiled, so as to aid or enable keying of that edge and/or surface into an optional counterbore comprised by said reception means.

12. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the exterior of said valve member has a third portion, that portion being for engaging means for supplying fluid to said at least one inlet port.

13. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 12, wherein said second and third portions are disposed successively relative to each other.

14. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 12 or 13, wherein said third portion of said valve member is a male thread.

15. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein said control means is in and/or on said valve member.

16. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein said control means comprises at least one valve movable in and/or on said valve member so as to open or close said valve member's passage means.

17. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 16, wherein said valve comprised by said control means is movable in any suitable relationship with said valve member, in response to said fluid pressure differential.

18. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising said reception means.

19. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 18, wherein said reception means is bonded to said valve member.

20. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein said reception means comprises a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and passage means enabling communication between those inlet and outlet ports, said valve member being received in said reception means via said housing inlet port and said housing passage means.

21. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 20, wherein the interior of said housing has a female thread for engaging said valve member's first portion.

22. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 20 or 21, wherein said housing inlet port's mouth has a counterbore for seating at least a portion of said valve member's second portion.

23. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein said housing passage means is generally cylindrical.

24. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23, wherein said housing outlet port comprises an internal passage of narrower width than said housing passage means.

25. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 24, wherein the exterior of said housing is adapted to connect said housing outlet port to means for receiving flow of fluid from said housing outlet port.

26. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in claim 25, wherein the exterior of said housing outlet port comprises a male thread.

27. A unidirectional flow valve, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

28. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, when utilised in creating reduced pressures for: lifting liquids; priming pumps or syphons; separating liquids from particulate solids; extracting aqueous liquid and/or oil, or withdrawing water from wet mud and/or wet sand; testing the integrity of airtight systems or vacuum packaging; general laboratory use; or bleeding gaseous or liquid systems.

29. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, when utilised in conjunction with a filter to purify water for drinking.

30. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, when utilised in reducing pressure between surfaces in a solar heat collector.

31. A unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 27, when utilised with an atmospheric press according to U.K.

patent application no. 8600143.

32. A flow assembly, comprising at least one unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31.

33. A method of enabling unidirectional flow of fluid, comprising utilising at least one unidirectional flow valve as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 31, or utilising a flow assembly as claimed in claim 32.