GB2235036A

GB2235036A - Valve in or for a fluid flow system

Info

Publication number: GB2235036A
Application number: GB8918065A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Dennis Watkins
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-08-08
Filing date: 1989-08-08
Publication date: 1991-02-20
Anticipated expiration: 2009-08-08
Also published as: GB2235036B; GB8918065D0

Abstract

A valve in or for a fluid flow system comprises a rotary closure member 20' which in one position connects a first port 18' with a second port 19' in the flow system while in a second position it connects the first port 18' to a drainage port 28'. A projection 65 on the closure member 20' engages a groove 66 in the valve body, the ends of the groove acting as stops to limit movement of the closure member. An operating member 27' may be pivoted about an axis 59 and padlocked to prevent valve actuation. <IMAGE>

Description

Title: "Valve in or for a fluid flow system" Description of Invention This invention relates to a valve in or for a fluid flow system. The system may comprise, for example, an appliance, vessel, or a system or network of pipes.

It is frequently desirable in a fluid flow system that individual appliances, components, vessels or inter-connected pipework can be isolated either wholly or individually from a fluid supply and be drained, for example, for the purposes of maintenance or, particularly when the fluid is water, prevention of damage from sub-zero temperatures.

Moreover, it is desirable to provide a water consumpton meter with a drainage facility which will allow isolation and drainage of the meter and/or the whole installation downstream of the meter. It has been proposed hitherto to provide such a drainage facility by fitting separate isolation stop valves and a drain point that need individual operation. Moreover, such currently known means make possible fraudulent access to water if installed before the meter whilst, if such drainage facility is provided after the meter, the meter is then winererable to frost damage because of the inability to drain the meter completely during periods of sub-zero temperature.

An object of the present invention is to provide a valve in or for a fluid flow system whereby the above mentioned disadvantages are overcome or are reduced.

According to the present invention we provide a valve in or for a fluid flow system comprising a first part, a second part, a drainage port for the first part, the valve being disposable between the first part and the second part and being selectively operable between first and second operative conditions only, wherein when the valve is in the first condition, the first and second parts are connected in fluid flow communication and the first part is disconnected from the drainage port and when the valve is in the second condition, the first and second parts are disconnected from fluid flow communication and the first part is connected in fluid flow communication with the drainage port.

The second part may comprise a pipe part extending towards a fluid supply.

The first part may comprise a water consumption meter.

The valve may comprise a body having a first chamber adapted to be connected to the first part, a second chamber adapted to be connected to the second part, a third chamber adapted to be connected to the drainage port, a valve member movable in said body, the valve member having three intersecting passageways, the first and second passageways connecting the first and second chambers in communication and the third passageway being obturated by a part of the body when the valve is in the first condition with the valve member in a first position, and the first passageway and the third passageway connecting the first and third chambers in communication and the second passageway being obturated by a part of the body when the valve is in the second condition with the valve member in a second position.

The valve member may be rotatable about an axis and the passageways may be radial or substantially radial to the axis.

The body and the valve member may have co-operating formations which prevent the valve member being rotated beyond the first and second positions.

The valve member may have a surface of revolution which is in sealing engagement with a seat part of the body.

The valve member may be spherical or cylindrical or frusto-conical.

The fluid flow system may be disposed so that the valve is positioned within a chamber provided below ground level and of a size to permit of access to the contents of the chamber for repair and/or maintenance.

The valve member may have an operating member disposed externally of the body.

The operating member may be lockable to lock the valve in at least one of said conditions and preferably in said second condition.

The operating member may be pivotable about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation of the valve member from a first orientation when the valve member is rotatable, to a second orientation when the valve member is not rotatable. A locking device may be provided to lock the operating member in the second orientation.

According to a second aspect of the invention, I provide a valve for use in a fluid system according to the first aspect of the invention.

The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein: FIGURE I is a diagrammatic illustration of a fluid flow system embodying the invention, with a valve shown illustratively, FIGURE 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view through one embodiment of a valve for use in the system of Figure I, FIGURE 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Figure 2, and FIGURES 4 and 5 are views similar to that of Figures 2 and 3 but showing the valve in a different condition.

FIGURE 6 isafragmentrar yi I lustrativesideviewofafurtherembodimentofava Ivef or use in the system of Figure 1, FIGURE 7 is a front view partly in cross section through the valve of Figure 6, FIGURE 8 is a side view partly in cross-section through the valve of Figures 6 and 7, FIGURE 9 is a plan view partly in cross section taken on the line A-A of Figure 7, FIGURE 10 is a plan illustrative view of the valve of Figures 6 to 9 in one condition, FIGURE II is a view similar to that of Figure 10, but showing the valve in another condition.

Referring to figures I to 5 of the drawings, Figure I shows a fluid flow system which in the present example is a conventional domestic water supply system.

Figure I illustrates only part of the fluid flow system and the majority of the system disposed within a house 10 is not illustrated but it will be understood to comprise of the usual components including a hot water supply system including a hot water cylinder and pipework leading from the hot water cylinder to sinks.

baths, showers and the like with appropriate taps or the like, as well as a cold water system also extending to such sinks, baths, showers and the like and again provided with associated taps or the like, as well as cold water to supply to W.C.'s.

All these components, together with a water consumpton meter II of conventional construction, comprise a first part 12 of the water flow system. A service pipe provides a second part 13 of the water flow system and extends towards a water supply such as a water mains (not shown). Disposed between the first and second parts 12, 13 is a valve 14 and, if desired, a permanent drain pipe 15 may extend from a drainage port 16 of the valve 14, through the wall W of the house so as to discharge in or adjacent a drain 17 of conventional form.

Referring to figures 2 to 5, the valve 14 comprises a hollow bode 15 comprising two elements 16a, 16b threadedly connected together as indicated at 17.

The element 16a provides a first or outlet chamber 18, whilst the element 16b provides a second or inlet chamber 19. Mounted for rotation within the body 15 is a valve member 20 of spherical configuration and in sealing engaqement with a seating 21 of the body 15. It will be seen that the seating 21 of the body 15 is of part spherical configuration and to permit of the valve member 20 being engaged within the body 15, the valve member 20 is introduced into the body element 16b before threadedly engaging the body element 16a therewith.

The valve member 20 has a first passage 22 therein which extends generally radially from an axis of rotation X of the valve member 20, a second passage 23 which constitutes a continuation of the passage 22 and a third passage 24 which also extends generally radially from the axis X and generally perpendicular to the passages 22, 23. The passages 22, 23 thus extend diametrically through the valve member 20, whilst the passage 24 extends only to one side of the valve member 20.

The valve member 20 has a projecting connecting rod 25 keyed thereto which passes through an opening 26 in the wall of the element 15. The rod 25 is provided with an operating member 27 whereby the valve member 20 can be rotated from the position shown in Figures 2 and 3 through 900 to the position shown in Figures 4 and 5.

A third chamber 28 is provided in the body 15 by virtue of a radially extending passageway and a boss 29 in which a nozzle of a dtainpipe 30 is threadedly received, although a drainpipe 30 can be connected to the body 15 of the valve in any other suitable manner. In the example illustrated the element 16a is connected to the first part 12 of the flow system by a conventional compression joint 31 whilst the element 16b is connected to the second part 13 by a similar compression joint 32. Of course, if desired, other forms of connection may be used, such as solder connections.

The operating member 27 may be formed so as to be not easily manually rotated but formed with a recess such as a screwdriver slot 33 as indicated in Figure 5 to deter unauthorised operation. The operating member 27 may be provided with an indicating pointer 34 to indicate the direction of fluid flow.

Alternatively the member 27 may be adapted to be conveniently operated by a hand of a user.

In use, when the valve member 20 is in a first position shown in Figures 2 and 3, the first and second chambers 18, 19 are connected in fluid flow communication, whilst the third chamber 28 is disconnected from fluid flow connection with either chamber. In this condition fluid can flow through the valve from the second part 13 to the first part 12 of the fluid flow system which are thereby connected in fluid flow communication.

By rotating the valve member 20 through 90 using the operating member 27, the valve member 20 is moved to the position shown in Figures 4 and 5 in which fluid flow communication between the chambers 18, 19 is prevented and hence fluid flow communication between the first 12 and second 13 parts of the fluid flow system is prevented, whilst the first chamber 18, and hence the first part 12 of the fluid flow system, is connected in fluid flow communication with the third chamber 28 and hence with the drainpipe 30 connected to the drainage port 35 at the end of the boss 29.

If desired, the valve member 20 may be of another configuration to that described hereinbefore, for example, it may be of cylindrical shape, as in the example to be described below with reference to figures 6 to II.

Further alternatively, the valve member may be frusto-conical.

If desired, the operating member 27 may be provided with means whereby it can be locked to the body 15 to prevent unauthorised rotation. For example, as shown in dotted line in Figure 5, by providing a pivoted lever 36 engageable with a hasp 37 through which the staple of a padlock 38 may be passed, at least when the valve member is in the second position shown in Figures 4 and 5. With the valve member disposed in the position shown in Figures 4 and 5 water from the supply i.e.

from second part 13 is cut off from the interior of the house, whilst the first part 12 of the fluid flow system within the house and meter II are connected to drain so that the meter II and the remainder of the first part 12 of the fluid flow system can be drained for maintenance and/or frost protection. The changeover from normal operation to drainage operation is simple and convenient, being carried out by manipulation of a single member. By providing means to lock the operating member 27 a facility is provided whereby the water supply to the first part of the fluid flow system can be prevented in the event, for example, of an occupier not paying his water bill.

A water meter and valve embodying the present invention may be disposed in a chamber in the ground of sufficient size to permit of access to the meter and/or valve for maintenance or repair and thus of sufficient size to provide access to unauthorised persons, whilst the above mentioned locking means prevents unauthorised re-connection of the water supply or above ground as shown in figure 1.

Referring now to figures 6 to 11, a valve similar to valve 1'1 is shown but of an alternative configuration, corresponding parts of the valve being indicated with the same reference numerals as the valve of figures 1 to 5, but with a prime sign added. The valve 14' comprises a body 15' which has a first chamber 18' and a second chamber 19' as well as a third chamber 28'.

Within the body, a cylindrical valve member 20' is provided (not sectioned in figures 7 and 8) the valve member 20' being sealed with respect to the interior of the body 15' by 0 rings 50,51,52 and 53.

The valve member 20' is fixed with respect to the body 15 by means of a threaded spigot 54 of the valve member 20', on which is received a nut 55 which bears on an insert 56 which co-operates with the body 15' such that as the nut 55 is tightened, the insert 56 is pulled into tight engagement with the body 15'.

The valve member 20' and insert 56 and nut 55 are inserted into the body 15' through an open end 57 of the body 15' and when the valve member 20' is secured as described, a capping 58 is secured to the body 15' for example by soldering.

The valve member 20' has a first passage 22' which extends radially from an axis of rotation X' of the cylindrical valve member 20', a second passage 23' which also extends radially from axis X' in a opposite direction to passage 22', and a third passage 24' which again extends radially from axis X' and is transverse to the passages 22' and 23'.

Integral with the valve member 20 is a boss B to which is pivoted for rotation about an axis 59, an operating member 27' which comprises a lever. The operating member 27' has an opening 60 which when the member 27' is in the position shown in figures 6 and 7, receives therein a hasp 37' which is secured to the body 15' so that a staple of a padlock 38' can be passed through the hasp 37' so as to retain the operating member 27' in the position shown in figures 6 and 7.

When in this position (figure 10), the passageway 23' is blocked, but fluid flow communication is permitted between passageways 24' and 22' so that water from the first part 12 of the fluid system in figure 1, can pass to the drainpipe 30' which is secured to the third chamber 28' for example by a compression fitting as indicated at 62.

When the padlock 38' is removed, the operating member 27' can be pivoted upwardly about pivot 59 and can be used as a lever to rotate the valve member 20' about axis X to an alternative position as shown in figure 11. When in this position, the passageways 22' and 23' will communicate with their respective chambers 18' and 19', but the third passage 24' will be blocked. Thus fluid flow communication between the first and second parts 12,13, of the fluid flow system will be permitted, whilst the drain outlet 28' will be closed.

It will be appreciated therefore that the valve will operate similarly to the valve 14 described with reference to figures I to 6.

It can be seen from figure 9 that the valve member 20' has an outwardly extending formation 65 which is received in a recess formation 66 of the inside wall of the body 15'. Thus it will be appreciated that it will only be possible to rotate the valve member 20' about axis X' to a limited extent i.e. from the position shown in figure 10, to the position shown in figure II, so that the valve only hos two operating conditions. It is not possible for example to rotate the valve member 20' until fluid flow between the water supply pipe 13' and the drainpipe 30' is permitted because otherwise this would enable a user to obtain water from the water supply pipe 13 for use, without the water passing through the water meter II. Any other means to restrict the movement of the valve member to the two operating conditions of the valve as described, may be provided.

In the arrangement of figures I to 5, similar such formations may be provided or any other means to restrict the rotatation of the valve member 20 so that the valve can only be operated in two operating conditions i.e. either to allow water flow from the water supply pipe 13 to the pipework system 12 of the house, or to enable the water supply 12 of the house to be drained through the drainpipe 30.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, or a class or group of substances or compositions, as appropriate, may, separately or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fluid flow system comprising a first part, and a second part, a drainage port from the first part, a valve being disposed between the first part and the second part and being selectively operable between first and second operative conditions only, wherein when the valve is in the first condition, the first and second parts are connected in fluid flow communication and the first part is disconnected from the drainage port and when the valve is in the second condition, the first and second parts are disconnected from fluid flow communication and the first part is connected in fluid flow communication with the drainage port.

2. A system according to Claim I wherein the second part comprises a pipe part extending towards a fluid supply.

3. A system according to Claim I or Claim 2 wherein the first part comprises a water consumption meter.

4. A system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the valve comprises a body having a first chamber adapted to be connected to the first part, a second chamber adapted to be connected to the second part, a third chamber adapted to be connected to the drainage port, a valve member movable in said body, the valve member having three ihtersecting passageways, the first and second passageways connecting the first and second chambers in communication and the third passageway being obturated by a part of the body when the valve is in the first condition with the valve member in a first position, and the first passageway and the third passageway connecting the first and third chambers in communication and the second passageway being obturated by a part of the body when the valve is in the second condition with the valve member in a second position.

5. A system according to Claim 4 wherein the valve member is rotatable about an axis and the passageways are radial or substantially radial to the axis.

6. A system according to claim 5 wherein the body and the valve member have co-operating formations which prevent the valve member being rotated beyond the first and second positions.

7. A system according to Claim 4 or Claim 5 or Claim 6 wherein the valve member has a surface of revolution which is in sealing engagement with the body.

8. A system according to any one of Claims 4 to 7 wherein the valve member Is spherical or cylindrical or frusto-conical.

9. A system according to any one of Claims 4 to 9 wherein the valve member has an operating member disposed externally of the body.

10. A system according to Claim 9 wherein the operating member is lockable to lock the valve in at least one of said conditions.

A I. A system according to Claim 10 wherein the operating member is pivotable about an axis transverse to the axis of rotation of the valve member from a first orientation when the valve member is rotatable, to a second orientation when the valve member is not rotatable.

12. A system according to claim II wherein there is provided a locking device to lock the operating member in the second orientation.

13. A fluid flow system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

14. A valve for a fluid flow system according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. A valve substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.

16. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein or shown in the accompanying drawings.