GB447519A - Pressure regulator - Google Patents

Abstract

447,519. Fluid-pressure regulators. GROVE, M. H., 1431, Spruce Street, Berkeley, California, U.S.A. April 27, 1935, No. 12698. Convention date, Dec. 10, 1934. [Class 135] In apparatus for regulating fluid pressure, e.g. in a gas main, comprising a casing having passages for the inflow and outflow of gas respectively, and a valve controlling the flow operated by a diaphragm subjected to fluid pressure, a substantially imperforate rigid wall extends over one side of the diaphragm and parallel thereto tc form a confined fluid space, and a restricted orifice in the wall connects the space with a closed chamber containing fluid under pressure, the orifice impeding fluid-flow between the space and the chamber so as to prevent abrupt movement of the diaphragm when it is operating to open the valve. In one form, the main valve 69 is attached to a diaphragm 77 by a hollow spindle 71 having a large opening 87 to the inlet passage 67 and constricted openings 89, 91 to the chambers 84, 86 below and above the diaphragm which is loaded by a spring 85. A rigid plate 135 spaced slightly from the diaphragm and forming a confined space 136 communicating with the chamber 84 through an opening 136a prevents undue movement of the diaphragm. In the upper part of the casing is mounted another diaphragm 104 separating two chambers 107, 108. Against the underside of the diaphragm 104 bears the stem 102 of a valve 99 closed by a spring 101 to prevent communication between the chamber 86 and a passageway 132 connected at 133 to the outlet side of the regulator. The chamber 107 is connected at 128 to the outlet side of the regulator and the chamber 108 is filled with a quantity of high-pressure gas by means of a pipe connection 114 controlled by needle valves 113, 134, the valve 113 also serving as a vent valve when desired. A plate 118 fixed above the diaphragm 104 forms, with the diaphragm, a confined space 121 which can communicate with the chamber 108 through a restricted orifice 124 therein and also through openings 127 normally closed by a spring- pressed plate 122 fixed centrally to the plate 118. When a demand is placed on the outlet side of the regulator the pressure falls in the chamber 107, thus causing downward movement of the diaphragm 104 to open the valve 99. As the chamber 86 is now open to the outlet side, the diaphragm 77 rises and opens the main valve 69. The movements of the diaphragms 77, 104 cause pressure changes in the spaces 136, 108 which tend to prevent excessive movements of the diaphragms. In the reverse action when the demand ceases, the valve 99 can close rapidly due to the openings 127 and plate 122 allowing gas in the space 136 to escape rapidly into the chamber 108. The main valve then closes under the action of the spring 85. A screen 88 on the valve 69 prevents foreign material entering the diaphragm chambers. The spindle 71 is lubricated by lubricant in a space 137 adjacent to a guiding bushing 73 formed with radial ducts 138. The gas flowing through the passageways 132, 133 serves to keep the gas in the chamber 108 at the temperature of the gas in the mains. In a modification, the valve 99 is dispensed with, and the main valve is attached to a diaphragm actuated similarly to the diaphragm 104 except that the openings 127 are omitted so that movement in both directions is damped.