GB2420398A

GB2420398A - Remote controlled fluid distribution valve

Info

Publication number: GB2420398A
Application number: GB0425367A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Charles Michael Corbett Ross; John Selwyn Fry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-18
Filing date: 2004-11-18
Publication date: 2006-05-24
Anticipated expiration: 2024-11-18
Also published as: GB0425367D0; GB2420398B

Abstract

A rotary fluid distribution valve with one inlet 4, several open outlets 12, optional blocked outlets 16 and fitted with a piston 6 having a fluid connection to the inlet 4 and a mechanical connection to the rotating element of the valve 9 together with a control valve 3 and flow switch 2 in the fluid feed pipe at the remote control location. The piston mechanism 6 is so arranged that each cycle of pressure caused by operation of the control valve 3 causes the output of the distribution valve to move to the next outlet in turn. If the outlet should be the plugged outlet there will be no flow and this condition will be sensed by the flow switch at the control location.

Description

A Remotely Controlled Fluid Distribution Valve This invention relates to a

remotely controlled fluid distribution valve.

Remotely controlled fluid distribution valves are used in large area sludge mixing systems and large area irrigation systems where the output from a pump is required to be directed to different outlets, each for a time, in turn.

This is normally achieved using electrical solenoid valves or multi-port mechanical valves with electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic actuation. Remote monitoring of continued correct operation is usually achieved by electrical signals fed back from the distribution valves to the control centre.

Such systems suffer from one or more of the following shortcomings - 1. Difficulty or expense in rendering electrical systems explosion proof 2. Long electrical power supply and signal return cables 3. Long pneumatic or hydraulic control pipes 4. The need to generate pneumatic or hydraulic power According to the present invention there is provided a rotary distribution valve with one inlet, several open outlets, one or more optional plugged outlets and fitted with a piston having a fluid connection to the inlet and a mechanical connection to the rotating element of the valve together with a control valve and flow switch in the fluid feed pipe at the remote control location. The piston mechanism is so arranged that each cycle of pressure caused by the opening, closing and re-opening of the control valve causes the output of the distribution valve to move to the next outlet position in turn. If the outlet should be a plugged outlet there will be no flow and this condition will be sensed by the flow switch at the control location A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing in which - Figure 1 shows a cut-away view of the valve with the remote control valve open Figure 2 shows a cut-away view of the valve with the remote control valve closed Figure 3 shows a cut-away view of the valve with the remote control valve open for a second time Referring to the drawing the distribution valve comprises a body cavity 17.

supplied by a single inlet 4.. The body cavity is connected to the outlet ports 13, 14, 15. by a rotating element 10. which, as it rotates, connects the inlet to each one of the outlet ports in turn. Rotation of ihe element 10. is c.aused by fluctuation of the inlet pressure from high to low as the control valve 3. is operated at its remote control location. Presence or absence of flow is sensed by the flow switch 2. at the remote location.

In all Figures the pump or other pressure source 1. is running.

In Figure 1. the control valve 3. is open, pressure at the distribution valve inlet 4. is high and the piston/cylinder assembly 6. is expanded. The distribution valve is shown issuing fluid from port 14.

In Figure 2, the control valve 3. is closed, the spring 7. has caused the piston 6. to be driven back into the cylinder and the piston rod 8. has engaged a new detent in the ratchet wheel 9.. No fluid flows through the valve.

Figure 3 shows the position of the piston 6 when the control valve 2. is opened again. The piston 6. is forced down the cylinder, the rachet wheel 9.

is turned by one step and fluid issues from the next port in sequence 15.

In all the above conditions there is flow when the control valve 3. is open.

When the distribution valve is rotated to outlet position 16. there is no flow even though the control valve 3. is open. This condition occurs once per revolution and by counting the number of times the control valve 3. is operated between such conditions the continued correct operation of the distribution valve may be monitored.

The optional fitment of a pressure control valve 5. enables the pressure on the piston to be controlled to some extent independently of the rate of fluid flow. This valve may be manually or automatically controlled.

Claims

1. A fluid distribution valve with one inlet, several open outlets and fitted with a piston having a fluid connection to the inlet and a mechanical connection to the rotating element of the valve together with a control valve in the fluid feed pipe at a remote control location. The piston mechanism is so arranged that each cycle of pressure caused by operation of the control valve causes the output of the distribution valve to move to the next outlet position in turn.

2. A fluid distribution valve as described in claim 1. fitted additionally with a blocked or partially blocked outlet and a flow switch in the fluid feed pipe.

3. A fluid distribution valve as described in claim 1. or claim 2. having a pressure control valve at the inlet such that the pressure on the operating piston may be controlled.