GB510257A - Improvements in or relating to water-softeners and other liquid-treating plant - Google Patents

Abstract

510,257. Valves. SCOWEN, J. J. E., and BOBY & CO., Ltd., W. Jan: 29, 1938, No. 2904. [Class 135] [Also in Groups I and XXXVII] Water-softening apparatus or other liquid-treating apparatus in which a plurality of valves are operated automatically in a predetermined cycle and then reset for normal flow conditions, by means of an electric motor, is characterized in that the cycle of operations is initiated at intervals by a measuring device which controls the motor circuit, the cycle being effected by a rotatable selector-plate driven by the motor and formed with axially-projecting cams arranged to engage members controlling the valves. The apparatus shown in Fig. 1 includes a tank 10 containing zeolite, two tanks 11, 12 containing salt solution, a supply pipe 13 for hard water, a delivery pipe 14 for soft water and a drain pipe 25. The connecting piping contains valves 1 - - -6 each adapted to be operated hydraulically by pressure applied through a pipe 106 to a movable diaphragm against the action of a spring. Normally while hard water is being softened no pressure is applied to operate the valves. but for washing and regeneration of zeolite the valves are operated as required through the medium of relay valves 100, Fig. 2. Each valve comprises a rod 114 provided with members 105, 205 for engagement with valve seats formed at the end of a channel 101. The channel is adapted to communicate with an outlet 106 to a main valve, a pressure fluid inlet 102, and a drain 103. The relay valves are selectively controlled and operated by means of a selectorplate 60 which is provided with part--circular flanges such as 108, 208, each adapted to operate a valve rod through a pivoted tappet lever 110 provided with a roller 112. The plate 60 is driven through reduction gearing from an electric motor 52. The operations to be performed are initiated by means of a water-meter 53, Fig. 4, which controls a switch 50 in the circuit of the motor. The switch 50 is operated electromagnetically in a low-voltage circuit controlled by a contact arm 54 and a contact strip 55. When a predetermined quantity of water has been softened the arm 54 driven by the meter engages the strip 55 and the motor is energized, to drive the selector-plate 60. This operates the valves to effect in turn reverse flushing of the zeolite, admission of the salt solution to the softening tank, and washing out of the salt solution. When the selector-plate has almost completed a revolution, a pin 151 thereupon closes a switch 150 to energize an electro-magnet of a switch 51. thereby opening the circuit of the motor 52. Shortly afterwards the contact arm 54 of the water meter moves off the strio 55 to de-energise the magnet of switch 50, and the motor circuit is again closed. The plate 60 then moves to release switch 150 and cause the opening of the switch 51 whereby the motor circuit is again opened. The switches are now restored to their normal initial position, ready for a new cycle of operations when the meter again makes contact with its co-operating strip. To guard against the effect of the arm 54 moving off the strip 55 before the selector-plate 60 has completed its cycle, an alternative circuit is provided having a controlling switch 155 which is operated by a valve 156 in the drain 25. The motor circuit is thereby maintained closed after the arm 54 has moved off the strip 55, until the selector-plate has reset all the valves to normal softening position and no more water passes to the drain 25. The cycle of the selector-plate is completed by means of a hand-controlled switch 160. This switch may be used to permit regeneration of the zeolite to be effected at any time irrespective of the position of the contact arm 54. The apparatus may be operated manually by means of a hand-wheel 170. Fig. 2, the motor being disengaged from the plate 60 by means of a slidable pinion 172.