NZ720536B2 - Integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly - Google Patents
Integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- NZ720536B2 NZ720536B2 NZ720536A NZ72053614A NZ720536B2 NZ 720536 B2 NZ720536 B2 NZ 720536B2 NZ 720536 A NZ720536 A NZ 720536A NZ 72053614 A NZ72053614 A NZ 72053614A NZ 720536 B2 NZ720536 B2 NZ 720536B2
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- New Zealand
- Prior art keywords
- port
- valve
- actuator
- fluid
- control valve
- Prior art date
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- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 285
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 103
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 230000001264 neutralization Effects 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000001419 dependent Effects 0.000 claims 2
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 17
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 15
- 230000001808 coupling Effects 0.000 description 12
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 12
- 238000001514 detection method Methods 0.000 description 10
- 239000000779 smoke Substances 0.000 description 7
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 2
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 102220215119 rs1060503548 Human genes 0.000 description 2
- 239000011800 void material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 241000668709 Dipterocarpus costatus Species 0.000 description 1
- 108060008443 TPPP Proteins 0.000 description 1
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000994 depressed Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007710 freezing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006011 modification reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- -1 such as Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000153 supplemental Effects 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
- A62C35/58—Pipe-line systems
- A62C35/64—Pipe-line systems pressurised
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
- A62C35/58—Pipe-line systems
- A62C35/64—Pipe-line systems pressurised
- A62C35/645—Pipe-line systems pressurised with compressed gas in pipework
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A62—LIFE-SAVING; FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C—FIRE-FIGHTING
- A62C35/00—Permanently-installed equipment
- A62C35/58—Pipe-line systems
- A62C35/68—Details, e.g. of pipes or valve systems
Abstract
Systems and methods of an integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly are provided. The assembly includes a pressure operated fluid control valve for controlling the flow of liquid from a liquid supply piping system into a sprinkler piping system of a fire protection system when transitioning the fire protection system from a stand-by state to an actuated state. The control valve defines a valve chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent the flow of fluid through the control valve. A valve actuator is coupled to the fluid control valve housing for setting of the fluid control valve in an unactuated ready state and for operating the fluid control valve automatically and/or manually. Automatic control devices can be placed in fluid communication with the valve actuator to maintain and control operation of the valve actuator for controlled operation of the fluid control valve. The assembly also includes a first port, a second port, a third port being in fluid communication with the first port and second ports when the sealing member is in the open position; and a fourth port, where the fourth port is isolated from the third port when the sealing member is in the sealed position, the fourth port being in fluid communication with the third port when the sealing member is in the open position. itioning the fire protection system from a stand-by state to an actuated state. The control valve defines a valve chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent the flow of fluid through the control valve. A valve actuator is coupled to the fluid control valve housing for setting of the fluid control valve in an unactuated ready state and for operating the fluid control valve automatically and/or manually. Automatic control devices can be placed in fluid communication with the valve actuator to maintain and control operation of the valve actuator for controlled operation of the fluid control valve. The assembly also includes a first port, a second port, a third port being in fluid communication with the first port and second ports when the sealing member is in the open position; and a fourth port, where the fourth port is isolated from the third port when the sealing member is in the sealed position, the fourth port being in fluid communication with the third port when the sealing member is in the open position.
Description
(12) Granted patent specificaon (19) NZ (11) 720536 (13) B2
(47) Publicaon date: 2021.12.24
(54) INTEGRATED FLUID CONTROL VALVE AND VALVE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
(51) Internaonal Patent Classificaon(s):
A62C 35/64 A62C 35/68
(22) Filing date: (73) Owner(s):
2014.11.04 TYCO FIRE PRODUCTS LP
(23) Complete specificaon filing date: (74) Contact:
2014.11.04 AJ PARK
(30) Internaonal Priority Data: (72) Inventor(s):
US 61/899,855 2013.11.04 RINGER, Yoram
YANG, Su
(86) Internaonal Applicaon No.:
(87) Internaonal Publicaon number:
WO/2015/066710
(57) Abstract:
Systems and methods of an integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly are
provided. The assembly includes a pressure operated fluid control valve for controlling the flow of
liquid from a liquid supply piping system into a sprinkler piping system of a fire protecon system
when transioning the fire protecon system from a stand-by state to an actuated state. The
control valve defines a valve chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent the flow of fluid
through the control valve. A valve actuator is coupled to the fluid control valve housing for seng
of the fluid control valve in an unactuated ready state and for operang the fluid control valve
automacally and/or manually. Automac control devices can be placed in fluid communicaon
with the valve actuator to maintain and control operaon of the valve actuator for controlled
operaon of the fluid control valve. The assembly also includes a first port, a second port, a third
port being in fluid communicaon with the first port and second ports when the sealing member is
in the open posion; and a fourth port, where the fourth port is isolated from the third port when
the sealing member is in the sealed posion, the fourth port being in fluid communicaon with the
third port when the sealing member is in the open posion.
NZ 720536 B2
Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
INTEGRATED FLUID CONTROL VALVE
AND VALVE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY
Inventors: Yoram Ringer and Su Yang
Priority Claim
This application is an international application claiming the benefit of priority to
U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/962,427, filed on November 7, 2013, and U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/899,855, filed on November 4, 2013, each of which application is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Technical Field
This invention relates generally to a differential fluid control valve, and more
specifically relates to a valve actuator for actuating a fluid control valve of a fire protection
system.
Background Art
An automatic sprinkler system is one of the most widely used devices for fire
protection. These systems have sprinklers that are activated once the ambient temperature in an
environment, such as a room or a building, exceeds a predetermined value. Once activated, the
sprinklers distribute fire-extinguishing fluid, preferably water, in the room or building. A fire
sprinkler system, depending on its specified configuration, is considered effective if it controls
or suppresses a fire.
The sprinkler system can be provided with a water supply (e.g., a reservoir or a
municipal water supply). Such supply may be separate from that used by a fire department.
Regardless of the type of supply, the sprinkler system is provided with a main that enters the
building to supply a riser. Connected at the riser are valves, meters, and, preferably, an alarm to
sound when the system activates. Downstream of the riser, a usually horizontally disposed array
of pipes extends throughout the fire compartment in the building. Other risers may feed
distribution networks to systems in adjacent fire compartments. The sprinkler system can be
provided in various configurations. In a wet-pipe system, used for example, in buildings having
heated spaces for piping branch lines, all the system pipes contain a fire-fighting liquid, such as,
water for immediate release through any sprinkler that is activated. In a dry-pipe system, used
for example, in unheated areas, areas exposed to freezing, or areas where water leakage or
unintended water discharge is normally undesirable or unacceptable such as, for example a
residential occupancy, the pipes, risers, and feed mains, branch lines and other distribution pipes
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Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
of the fire protection system may contain a dry gas (air or nitrogen or mixtures thereof) under
pressure when the system is in a stand-by or unactuated condition. A valve is used to separate
the pipes that contain the water. When heat from a fire activates a sprinkler, the gas escapes
from the branch lines and the dry-pipe valve trips or actuates; water enters branch lines; and
firefighting begins as the sprinkler distributes the water.
One type of fluid control valve used to separate the gas filled pipes and liquid filled
pipes is a diaphragm-type or diaphragm style valve, such as that shown in U.S. Patent No.
8,616,234, entitled "Fluid Control Valve Systems and Methods," or as shown in Tyco Fire
Products published Data Sheet, TFP 1315 entitled, "Model DV-5 Deluge Valve, Diaphragm
Style, 1-1.2 through 8 Inch (DN40 through DN 200) Deluge Systems – Dry Pilot Actuation."
(Mar. 2004) (hereinafter "TFP1315"), Tyco Fire Products published Data Sheet, TFP 1310
entitled "Model DV-5 Deluge Valve, Diaphragm Style, 1-1.2 through 8 Inch (DN40 through DN
200) Deluge Systems – Wet Pilot Actuation." (Mar. 2004) (hereinafter "TFP1310"), Tyco Fire
Products published Data Sheet, TFP 1320 entitled "Model DV-5 Deluge Valve, Diaphragm
Style, 1-1.2 through 8 Inch (DN40 through DN 200) Deluge Systems – Electric Pilot Actuation."
(Mar. 2004) (hereinafter "TFP1320"), each of which is incorporated by reference in their
entireties. To control the flow of fluid between the inlet and the outlet and the respective wet
and dry portions of the system, the control valve uses an internal diaphragm member having a
sealed position and an open position to control the flow of fluid through the valve so as to
respectively prevent and permit the flow of fluid from the wet portion of the system to the dry
portion of the system. The position of the diaphragm is controlled by fluid pressure acting on
the internal diaphragm member. The fluid pressure is controlled by various components
arranged to respond to system conditions.
In this specification where reference has been made to patent specifications, other
external documents, or other sources of information, this is generally for the purpose of
providing a context for discussing the features of the invention. Unless specifically stated
otherwise, reference to such external documents or such sources of information is not to be
construed as an admission that such documents or such sources of information, in any
jurisdiction, are prior art or form part of the common general knowledge in the art.
Disclosure of Invention
Systems and methods of a preferred integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator
assembly are disclosed. The preferred integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator includes
an assembly that allows for a valve and trim assembly that is standardized for multiple system
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Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
configurations. In particular, this integrated assembly allows for the same fluid control valve
and valve actuator assembly to be used for systems that utilize wet pilot actuation, dry pilot
actuation, electric actuation, and pneumatic/electric actuation. In order to utilize the integrated
fluid control valve and valve actuator for the various systems, various actuation components are
added to the integrated assembly.
In a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an assembly of a fluid control
valve and valve actuator comprising: a pressure operated fluid control valve having an inlet and
an outlet disposed along a flow axis for controlling a flow of liquid from a liquid supply piping
system into a sprinkler piping system upon transition of a fire protection system from a stand-by
state to an actuated state, the control valve having a valve housing defining a valve chamber for
holding a pressurized fluid to prevent a flow of fluid through the control valve; a valve actuator
including a housing having an interior surface defining an internal chamber with a central axis;
a first actuator seat disposed along the interior surface of the housing circumscribed about the
central axis; a second actuator seat disposed along the interior surface disposed and
circumscribed about the first actuator seat; a seal member defining a sealed position engaged
with the first actuator seat and the second actuator seat, the seal member further defining an
open position axially spaced from the first and second actuator seats; a first port proximate the
first actuator seat in communication with the internal chamber and the valve chamber of the
control valve; a second port in communication with the internal chamber for providing fluid
communication with an automatic control device; a third port for fluid communication with a
drain line, the third port being in communication with the internal chamber, the third port being
isolated from the first and second ports when the sealing member is in the sealed position; the
third port being in fluid communication with the first port and second ports when the sealing
member is in the open position; and a fourth port for providing fluid communication with a fluid
supply, the fourth port being in communication with the first port and in communication with
the internal chamber, the fourth port being isolated from the third port when the sealing member
is in the sealed position, the fourth port being in fluid communication with the third port when
the sealing member is in the open position.
As used herein, unless otherwise expressly provided, a “port” includes a spatial
volume defined by a channel, conduit or other passageway that provides for fluid
communication between two or more areas, chambers or regions about or within a device or
assembly. “Fluid communication” or “communication” as used herein, unless otherwise
expressly provided, the passage of a liquid or gas between two or more areas, chambers, or
regions of a device or assembly.
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124038316.1
Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
The ports or portions thereof preferably define a direction of fluid communication or
additionally or alternatively defines a direction or orientation in which the port or a portion
thereof extends relative to line, point, axis, surface or other area of a device and/or assembly. To
provide fluid communication, the preferred ports of the actuator and/or control valve assembly
include, define and or integrate one or more connections. As used herein, “connection” is a
portion and more preferably an end portion of a port, device or assembly to couple, secure, or
join the port, device or assembly to another device, or assembly or ports, connections and/or
chambers thereof. Preferred embodiments of a connection include known mechanical
connections, such as for example include threaded connections, quick-connect connections,
fitted connections, soldered connections or welded connections. In a preferred embodiment of
the assembly, the first port of the actuator preferably includes a first connection located in a first
direction toward the axis, and the second, third, and fourth connections are preferably located in
a second direction transverse to the first direction. The first connection preferably secures the
actuator to the fluid control valve housing. In the preferred embodiment, the second and third
connections are located at an opposed location on the housing from the fourth connection.
The disclosure further provides an actuator housing that preferably includes an
interior surface defining an internal chamber that controls the volume of pressurized fluid within
the valve chamber of the control valve. The actuator further includes a housing having a first
connection providing fluid communication between the valve chamber and the internal chamber.
A second connection provides fluid communication with an automatic control device and a third
connection provides fluid communication with a drain line. The fourth connection provides
fluid communication with a fluid supply. The first connection is preferably located in a first
direction toward the longitudinal axis of the fluid control valve and the second, third, and fourth
connections are located in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second and
third connections are located at an opposed location on the housing from the fourth connection.
A manual reset actuator is preferably aligned with the first connection. The fifth connection
provides fluid communication with the pressure gauge and the sixth connection provides fluid
communication with a manual release device connected to a drain line. In a preferred
embodiment, the fifth and sixth connections are disposed along the control valve axis and are
located in a third direction transverse to the first direction and the second direction. The second
and third connections are located adjacent each other and are located in the first direction, and
the third connection being located between the second connection and the housing.
The preferred assembly further includes a housing that supports a drip funnel and an
end of the drain line and disposed in the drip funnel are the ends of the drain lines from the third
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Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
connection and the manual release device. The control valve preferably includes a neutral
chamber that is defined by a diaphragm. The assembly preferably includes an alarm system
coupled to a connection.
The preferred assembly further includes a fluid control valve having an inlet and an
outlet disposed along a valve axis for controlling the flow of liquid from a liquid supply piping
system into a sprinkler piping system when transitioning the fire protection system from a stand-
by state to an actuated state. The control valve includes a valve housing that includes a valve
chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent the flow of fluid through the control valve.
The preferred assembly includes a valve actuator including an actuator housing secured to the
valve housing.
In a second aspect of the invention, a method of operating a valve actuator is
provided, the valve actuator having a stand-by state defined by a sealing member engaged with
a first valve seat and a second valve seat formed along an internal surface of a housing of the
valve actuator and an actuated state defined by the sealing member spaced from the valve seats,
the valve actuator comprising a first port proximate the first valve seat in communication with a
chamber defined by the internal surface, a second port in communication with the chamber, a
third port in communication with the internal chamber, the third port being isolated from the
first and second ports when the sealing member is in a sealed position, the third port being in
fluid communication with the first port and second port when the sealing member is in an open
position, and a fourth port in communication with the first port and in communication with the
internal chamber, the fourth port isolated from the third port when the sealing member is in the
sealed position, the fourth port being in fluid communication with the third port when the
sealing member is in the open position, the method comprising: establishing the stand-by state,
which includes: locating the sealing member against the valve seats to define the sealed position;
providing fluid pressure from a common port to the chamber, the chamber on a first side of the
sealing member, and to a medial port on the second side of the sealing member; establishing a
trip state which includes exposing the chamber to an actuated automatic control device; and
placing the medial port on the second side in fluid communication with the chamber.
The method preferably further includes placing the port in fluid communication with
a drain. The preferred method further includes providing from a common port, fluid pressure to
a chamber on a first side of the sealing member and a port on the second side of the sealing
member further includes providing a pressurized fluid to a chamber of a control valve. The
method preferably further includes providing a pressurized fluid from a chamber of a control
valve to the chamber of the valve actuator when the port is placed in fluid communication with
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Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
the chamber. The pressurized fluid from a chamber of the control valve to the chamber of the
valve actuator further includes providing the pressurized fluid to a drain at a rate greater than the
common port provides pressurized fluid to the chamber.
The preferred assembly provides an actuator housing that preferably includes an
interior surface defining an internal chamber that controls the volume of pressurized fluid within
the valve chamber of the control valve. The actuator further includes a housing having a first
connection providing fluid communication between the valve chamber and the internal chamber.
A second connection provides fluid communication preferably with devices that could include
an electric actuation device, a pneumatic actuation device or a combination of an electric
actuation and pneumatic actuation device. The third connection provides fluid communication
with a drain line, and the fourth connection provides fluid communication with a fluid supply.
The first connection is located in a first direction toward the valve axis and the second, third, and
fourth connections are located in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second
and third connections are located at an opposed location on the housing from the fourth
connection.
One preferred embodiment provides a preferred actuator for actuation of a control
valve. The preferred actuator includes a housing having an interior surface defining an internal
chamber with a central axis. A first actuator seat is disposed along the interior surface of the
housing preferably circumscribed about the central axis, and a second actuator seat is disposed
along the interior surface preferably circumscribed about the first actuator seat. A seal member
defines a preferred sealed position engaged with the first actuator seat and the second actuator
seat. The seal member further defines an open position axially spaced from the first and second
actuator seats. The preferred valve actuator further includes a first port proximate the first valve
seat in communication with the internal chamber; a second port in communication with the
internal chamber, a third port in communication with the internal chamber, and a fourth port in
communication with the first port and in communication with the internal chamber. For the
preferred actuator, the third port is isolated from the first and second port when the sealing
member is in the sealed position; and when the sealing member is in the open position, the third
port is in fluid communication with the first port and the second port. The fourth port is isolated
from the third port when the sealing member is in the sealed position; and when the sealing
member is in the open position, the fourth port is in fluid communication with the third port.
The preferred valve actuator alone or in the system may include one or more of the
following features additionally or in the alternative. For example, one embodiment is at least
one spring member is disposed between the interior surface of the housing and the seal member
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124038316.1
Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
to bias the seal member toward the open position with the at least one spring member located
between the first and second actuator seats. The at least one spring member comprises at least
one coil spring having a first end engaged with a portion of the interior surface of the actuator
that includes the first actuator seat and is preferably between the first and second actuator seats.
The second end of the coil spring is preferably engaged with a portion of the seal member that
faces the first actuator seat. In one embodiment, the at least one spring member defines a first
length with the sealing member in the open position that is greater than a second length when the
seal member is in the sealed position. Alternatively, the first length in the open position of the
sealing member can be less than the second length when the sealing member is in the sealed
position. In a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second actuator seats are preferably
substantially circular, the first valve seat having a first diameter and a second valve seat having a
second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second diameter.
Preferably, the seal member is centered about the central axis in the open position
and the closed position. Moreover, the seal member is preferably supported in the open position
within the housing only by a frictional engagement with the at least one spring member such that
seal member is not supported by any other valve structure. In one embodiment of the valve
actuator the fourth port defines a passage with a first portion and a second portion. The first
portion has a first inlet with a first cross-sectional area, the second portion has a second inlet
with a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area. The seal member,
when in a sealed position with the first and second actuator seats, preferably defines an annular
void, which is even more preferably in communication with the third or drain port of the
preferred actuator. The seal member preferably comprises a cylindrical member or assembly,
having a distal side opposed to the first and second valve seats and a proximal side opposite the
distal side. The distal side of the seal member preferably includes a seal that engages the first
actuator seat and the second actuator seat in the sealed position. Preferably, the first port is a
valve chamber port, the second port is a pilot port and the third port defines a drain port. The
actuator in another embodiment, preferably includes a plunger member to engage the sealing
member to locate the sealing surface against the first actuator seat and gas valve seat.
In another embodiment, a method of operating an valve actuator is provided where
the preferred valve actuator has a stand-by state defined by the sealing member engaged with
first valve seat and a second valve seat formed along an internal surface of a housing of the
valve and an actuated state defined by the sealing member spaced from the first valve seat and
the second valve seat. The method preferably includes establishing the stand-by state, which
more particularly includes locating the sealing member against the valve seats. The preferred
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124038316.1
Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
method further includes providing fluid pressure from a common port to a chamber on a first
side of the sealing member and a port on the second side of the sealing member. The preferred
method further preferably includes establishing a trip state, which particularly includes exposing
the chamber to an actuated automatic control device and placing the port in fluid communication
with the chamber. The method preferably further includes placing the port in fluid
communication with the chamber and placing the chamber in fluid communication with a drain.
The preferred method further includes providing from a common port, fluid pressure to a
chamber on a first side of the sealing member and a port on the second side of the sealing
member further includes providing a pressurized fluid to a chamber of a control valve. The
method preferably further includes providing a pressurized fluid from a chamber of a control
valve to the chamber of the valve actuator when the port is placed in fluid communication with
the chamber. The pressurized fluid from a chamber of the control valve to the chamber of the
valve actuator further includes providing the pressurized fluid to a drain at a rate greater than the
common port provides pressurized fluid to the chamber.
The preferred assembly provides an actuator housing that preferably includes an
interior surface defining an internal chamber that controls the volume of pressurized fluid within
the valve chamber of the control valve. The actuator further includes a housing having a first
connection providing fluid communication between the valve chamber and the internal chamber.
A second connection provides fluid communication preferably with devices that could include
an electric actuation device, a pneumatic actuation device or a combination of an electric
actuation and pneumatic actuation device. The third connection provides fluid communication
with a drain line, and the fourth connection provides fluid communication with a fluid supply.
The first connection is located in a first direction toward the valve axis and the second, third, and
fourth connections are located in a second direction transverse to the first direction. The second
and third connections are located at an opposed location on the housing from the fourth
connection.
The preferred system valve actuator further includes a first port proximate the first
actuator seat and coupled to the chamber of the control valve to provide fluid communication
between the chamber of the control valve and the internal chamber of the actuator. A second
port is preferably coupled to an automatic control device that monitors the status of the fire
protection system, with a third port and fourth port in communication with the internal chamber.
The third port is preferably isolated from the first and second port when the sealing member is in
the sealed position. The third port is preferably in fluid communication with the first port and
second port when the sealing member is in the open position. The fourth port is preferably
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124038316.1
Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
isolated from the third port when the sealing member is in the sealed position. The fourth port is
preferably in fluid communication with the third port when the sealing member is in the open
position. The fourth port provides fluid to the chamber of the valve and the internal chamber of
the valve actuator to maintain the sealing member in the sealed position and the chamber is filled
with pressurized fluid. The automatic control device can be a wet pilot actuator, a dry pilot
actuator, an electrical actuator, and combinations thereof and the sealing member is manually
actuated to the sealed position. The preferred system valve actuator further includes a fifth and
sixth port in communication with the internal chamber and the fifth port is coupled to a manual
release valve and the sixth port is coupled to a pressure gauge. Preferably, the first port is a
valve chamber port, the second port is a control port and the third port defines a drain port and is
coupled to a drain.
A third aspect of the invention provides for a fire protection system having a stand-
by state and an actuated state, the system comprising: a liquid supply piping system for
supplying a liquid under a liquid pressure; a sprinkler piping system being filled with a gas
under a gas pressure in the stand-by state; a pressure operated fluid control valve for controlling
a flow of liquid from the liquid supply piping system into the sprinkler piping system upon
transition of a fire protection system from the stand-by state to the actuated state, the pressure
operated fluid control valve including a chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent a
flow of fluid through the control valve; and a valve actuator including: a housing having an
interior surface defining an internal chamber with a central axis; a first actuator seat disposed
along the interior surface of the housing circumscribed about the central axis; a second actuator
seat disposed along the interior surface disposed and circumscribed about the first actuator seat;
a sealing member defining a sealed position with the sealing member engaged with the first
actuator seat and the second actuator seat,. the sealing member further defining an open position
axially spaced from the first and second actuator seats; a first port proximate the first actuator
seat providing fluid communication between the chamber of the control valve and the internal
chamber of the actuator; a second port coupled to an automatic control device that monitors a
status of the fire protection system; a third port in communication with the internal chamber, the
third port being isolated from the first and second ports when the sealing member is in the sealed
position; the third port being in fluid communication with the first and second ports when the
sealing member is in the open position; and a fourth port in communication with the first port
and in communication with the internal chamber, the fourth port being isolated from the third
port when the sealing member is in the sealed position, the fourth port being in fluid
communication with the third port when the sealing member is in the open position.
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Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
A preferred embodiment of a fluid control valve is provided that includes a housing
defining a central valve axis an inlet and an outlet disposed along a flow axis. the control valve
housing defining a central valve axis perpendicular and intersecting the flow axis to define a first
plane. The flow axis defines a second plane perpendicular to the first plane with the flow axis
defining the intersection of the first and second plane. At least one port of the fluid control
valve is disposed to one side of the second plane with the at least one port having a connection
defining a central axis extending parallel to the second plane and perpendicular to the first plane.
In one embodiment, the fluid control valve defines a valve chamber disposed to one side of the
second plane opposite the at least one port.
The term “comprising” as used in this specification and claims means “consisting at
least in part of”. When interpreting statements in this specification and claims which include the
term “comprising”, other features besides the features prefaced by this term in each statement
can also be present. Related terms such as “comprise” and “comprised” are to be interpreted in a
similar manner.
Reference may be made in the description to subject matter which is not in the scope of
the appended claims. That subject matter should be readily identifiable by a person skilled in
the art and may assist putting into practice the invention as defined in the appended claims.
Brief Descriptions of the Drawings
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and constitute part of
this specification, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the invention, and, together with the
description given above, serve to explain the features of the invention.
a front perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of a fluid control
valve and valve actuator assembly.
is a rear perspective view of the fluid control valve and valve actuator
assembly of .
is a side perspective view of the fluid control valve and valve actuator
assembly of .
is a cross-sectional view of a preferred fluid control valve and valve
actuator used in the assembly of .
is a cross-sectional view of the assembly of along line IIB—IIB.
is another cross-sectional view of the preferred valve actuator along line
IIIA--IIIA in .
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is an exploded view of a preferred pneumatic and electric automatic control
device module for use with the assembly of .
is a perspective view of the automatic control device module of in
the assembly of .
is an exploded view of a preferred pneumatic control device module for use
with the assembly of .
is a perspective view of the automatic control device module of in
the assembly of .
is an exploded view of a preferred electric automatic control device module
for use with the assembly of .
is a perspective view of the automatic control device module of in
the assembly of .
is a schematic system diagram of a preferred fire protection system in an
unactuated ready state with the assembly of .
is a schematic system diagram of the fire protection system of in
an actuated open state.
Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention
FIGS. 1A-1C show a preferred embodiment of an integrated base fluid control valve
and valve actuator assembly 10 with a preferred fluid control valve 20 and a valve actuator 30
for preferably controlling the flow of liquid in a fire protection system. The valve actuator 30
preferably provides for manual setting or resetting of the control valve 20 in an unactuated ready
state and for preferably tripping the control valve 20 automatically and/or manually to an
actuated or operated state. Either one of or both of the preferred fluid control valve and valve
actuator 30 are preferably pressure operated. Accordingly, the base assembly 10 further
preferably includes a pressurizing line 15, a pressure gauge 40, and manual release device 50
preferably coupled to the valve actuator 30. The preferred base assembly 10 further preferably
includes a drip funnel or cup 60 for connecting fluid control components including the valve
actuator 30 to a drain line. With reference to FIGS. 4A- 4B, 5A-5B and 6A-6B are respective
alternative embodiments of a preferred fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly 10a, 10b,
10c that includes the base fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly with a preferred a
respective automatic control trim device or module 80a, 80b, 80c coupled to the valve actuator
for automatic operation of the assembly 10a, 10b, 10c. More particularly shown in FIGS.
4A-4B, is a preferred integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly 10a with a
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preferably double interlock trim module 80a. Shown in FIGS. 5A-5B is a preferred integrated
fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly 10a with a pneumatic trim control module 80b.
Shown in FIGS. 5A-5B is a preferred integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly
10a with an electric trim control module 80c.
Referring now to -2B, show in cross-section is the integrated assembly 10
with a fluid control valve 20 for controlling the flow of liquid; and in particular, from a liquid
supply piping system into a sprinkler piping system when transitioning the fire protection system
from a stand-by state to an actuated state. Generally, a preferred fluid control valve 20 defines
an internal fluid flow passageway or port 22 having an inlet 22a and an outlet 22b. The inlet and
outlet 22a, 22b are preferably disposed along spaced apart and centered along a longitudinal axis
A--A and more preferably along longitudinal flow axis A-A. Moreover, each of the inlet and
outlet 22a, 22b can include an appropriate connection for respectively coupling to a liquid
supply pipe and sprinkler piping main or riser. Exemplary connections include flange ends as
shown, but the control valve 20 can include alternative connections. The internal flow port 22 is
appropriately opened and closed for controlling the flow of liquid from the liquid supply piping
system into the sprinkler piping system.
In a preferred embodiment of the base assembly 10, the fluid control valve is a
pressure operated valve 20 to open and close its internal port 22. More preferably, the fluid
control valve 20 is a diaphragm pressure operated fluid control valve. In a preferred
embodiment of the fluid control valve 20, the fluid control valve 20 includes a valve housing 21
that defines a valve chamber 24 housing an internally disposed valve diaphragm 26. The valve
diaphragm preferably has a sealed position and an open position to control the flow of fluid
through the internal port 22. The position of the valve diaphragm 26 is preferably controlled by
fluid pressure acting on the internal diaphragm member 26. To prevent the flow of fluid through
the control valve 20, the valve chamber 24 preferably holds a pressurized fluid to maintain the
valve diaphragm 26 in the seated position. More specifically, when the valve chamber 24 is
filled with fluid, the valve diaphragm 26 is sealed against an internal surface of the valve
housing 21.
In one preferred aspect of the housing 23 the housing 23 defines a second central
valve axis Y--Y that extends perpendicular to and preferably intersects the first flow axis A---A
to define a first plane P1. The flow axis A--A further preferably defines a second plane P2
perpendicular to the first plane P1 with the flow axis A--A defining the intersection of the first
and second plane P1, P2. For preferred embodiments the fluid control valve 20, components
and features of the valve 20 and/or assembly 10 and its components are directed, located,
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disposed and/or oriented relative to the first and second planes P1, P2. For example, a preferred
embodiment of the fluid control valve 20 and its housing 23 includes one or more ports 28a,
28b, 28c, 28d located medially between or relative to the inlet 22a and outlet 22b for fluid
communication with the preferably internal port 22. A medial ports 28 further preferably
include a connection 29a defining a central axis 29b. In one preferred aspect, the preferred
medial port 28 is disposed on one side of the second plane P2 with the central axis 29b
extending parallel to the second plane P2 and perpendicular to the first plane P1. Moreover, in a
preferred embodiment of the fluid control valve, the valve chamber is disposed to a first side of
the second plane P2 opposite the medial port 28 disposed to the second side of the second plane
For the embodiment of fluid control valve 20 shown in and 2B, the fluid
control valve 20 preferably includes a first medially disposed port 28a which is preferably in
fluid communication with a neutral chamber 27 that is in preferred fluid communication with the
internal port 22 and flow path of the valve 20. The first medial port 28a preferably places the
neutral chamber 27 in fluid communication with the system alarm 70 to detect and indicate flow
through the valve 20. The system alarm 70 can include a fluid flow switch coupled to an alarm
panel. The first medial port 28 and its preferred threaded connection 29a and central axis are
shown in axial alignment or parallel with the central valve axis Y--Y. Alternatively and more
preferably, the connection 29a of the neutral chamber port 28a is preferably oriented and located
such that its central axis extends parallel to the second plane P2 and perpendicular to the first
plane P1. Preferably disposed about the first medial port 28a and neutral chamber 27 are a first
and second drain port 28b and 28c which are preferably oriented and located with their
respective connections 29b, 29c parallel to the second plane P2 and perpendicular to the first
plane P1 as shown. Accordingly, drain piping coupled to the drain ports 28b, 28c can be
preferably oriented parallel to the second plane P2 and perpendicular to the first plane P1.
The preferred orientations of the medial ports and connections 28, 29 can present the
preferred fluid control valve 20 and assembly 10 with a compact profile for mounting and
installation. More specifically, the preferred orientation of the medial ports and connections 28,
29 can preferably orient and locate associated alarm system and drain piping to one side of and
parallel to the second plane P2. For the preferred valve and actuator assemblies 10 described
herein, this permits the drain and alarm piping to be mounted close and parallel to walls or other
environmental structures. With the valve actuator 30 and its associated components preferably
disposed on the opposite side of the second plane P2 from the alarm and drain piping, the
installation render the valve actuator 30 and its associated components accessible to a user or
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operator for set up or maintenance. Moreover, the preferred embodiment disclosed herein
utilizing the control valve 20 configuration allows for orientation of the system alarm 70 and its
respective components at a minimal distance located from the longitudinal axis A--A of the
control valve 20. The preferred distance from the longitudinal axis of the valve A-A, the center
line of the system alarm 70 is preferably less than five inches.
The preferred embodiments of the integrated assembly 10 provide a valve actuator
proximate to, preferably coupled to, and even more preferably secured to the valve housing
21 of the fluid control valve 20, for example, as seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Moreover the
actuator 30 is preferably coupled to the preferred fluid control valve 20 so as to be disposed to a
side of the second plane P2 opposite, for example, the alarm port 28a or neutral chamber 27. As
shown in FIGS.2A and 2B, the actuator 30 has a housing 32 that includes an interior surface 32a
defining an internal chamber 34 that controls the volume of pressurized fluid within the valve
chamber 24 of the control valve 20 and the pressure acting on the preferred valve diaphragm 26
to control the flow of liquid through the control valve 20. Generally, the preferred valve
actuator 30 includes a group of ports 36 including at least one port 36 that places the internal
chamber 34 of the actuator 30 in fluid communication with the valve chamber 24 and one or
more ports 36 in fluid communication with the internal chamber 34 and valve chamber 24 to
increase or decrease the fluid pressure within the valve chamber 24 acting on the preferred
diaphragm member to close or open the internal fluid port 22 of the fluid control valve 20.
In a preferred embodiment of the valve actuator 30, the actuator housing 32
preferably includes or defines six ports 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e, 36f in communication with the
internal chamber 34. In addition, each of the ports preferably include a respective connection
37a, 37b, 37c, 37d, 37e, 37f for coupling the respective port and placing the internal chamber 34
in fluid communication with another area, region, chamber, or ports of the actuator or assembly
. The connection can be embodied as threaded connection, a fitted connection, quick-
connection, or any other mechanical connection for coupling the port. In one preferred aspect,
the first preferred connection 37a allows port 36a to provides fluid communication between the
valve chamber 24 of the fluid control valve 20 and the internal chamber 34 of the valve actuator
. In another preferred aspect, the second connection 37b provides fluid communication
through port 36b between the internal chamber 24 and the automatic control device or module
80, e.g. a device that preferably detects and/or indicates that a fire protection sprinkler system
coupled to the assembly 10 has transitioned from a stand-by state to an actuated state. A third
connection 37c provides fluid communication via third port 36c between the internal chamber
24 and a first drain line or port 39a, as seen for example in . The fourth port 36d and its
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connection 37d preferably provides fluid communication to the internal chamber 34 from a fluid
supply via fluid supply connection 36fs. A preferred fifth connection 37e provides fluid
communication between the internal chamber 24 and the pressure gauge 40, seen for example in
, via the fourth port 36e, while a preferred sixth connection 37f provides fluid
communication via fourth port 36f between the internal chamber 24 and the manual release
device 50, seen for example in , which is further preferably connected to a second drain
line or port 39b. As shown herein, the ends of the first drain line 39a from the third connection
37c and the end of the second drain line 39b from the manual release device 50 are preferably
disposed in the drip funnel 60. In the preferred embodiments, the control valve 20 via valve
housing 21 supports a drip funnel 60. Moreover, the drip funnel can be supported relative to one
or more reference planes or axes, such as for example, the drip funnel can be supported to one
side of the second plane P2 opposite the valve actuator 30 or alternatively be supported on the
same side of the second plane P2 as the valve actuator 30.
Referring again to , the preferred valve actuator housing 32 and internal
chamber 34 preferably define a central axis C-C. A first actuator seat 33a is disposed along the
interior surface 32a of the housing 32, preferably, circumscribed about the central axis C-C, and
a second actuator seat 33b is disposed along the interior surface 32a, preferably, circumscribed
about the first actuator seat 33a. A seal or sealing member 35 disposed within the internal
chamber 34 defines a preferred sealed position engaged with the first actuator seat 33a and the
second actuator seat 33b. The seal member 35 further defines an open position axially spaced
from the first and second actuator seats 33a, 33b. In the preferred valve actuator 30, the first
port 36a is preferably located proximate the first valve seat 33a in communication with the
internal chamber 34. For the preferred actuator, the third port 36c is isolated from the first and
second port 36a, 36b when the sealing member 35 is in the sealed position. When the sealing
member 35 is in the open position, the third port 36c is in fluid communication with the first port
36a and the second port 36b. The fourth port 36d is isolated from the third port 36c when the
sealing member 35 is in the sealed position; and when the sealing member 35 is in the open
position, the fourth port 36d is in fluid communication with the third port 36c. In the preferred
embodiment, the fourth port 36d defines a passage with a first portion 36d1 and a second portion
36d2. The first portion has a first inlet with a first cross-sectional area, the second portion has a
second inlet with a second cross-sectional area less than the first cross-sectional area. The
second portion 36d2 defines a first bore 36d2a between the first portion 36d1 and the first port
36a, and a second bore 36d2b between the first bore 36d2a and the internal chamber 34. The
configuration of the first bore 36d2a and second bore 36d2b ensures that when the sealing
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member 35 is in the open position that fluid in the internal chamber 34 flows out of the third port
36c and to the drain 39a at a rate greater than fluid flows into internal chamber 34 from port 36d,
which is connected to the system fluid supply. In a preferred embodiment, the first and second
bores are 1/8 inch in diameter, and the third port 36c and fourth port 36d are 1/2 inch in
diameter.
The preferred valve actuator 30 can utilize at least one spring member 45 disposed
between the interior surface 32a of the housing 32 and the sealing member 35 to bias the sealing
member 35 toward the open position and at least one spring member 45 is located between the
first and second actuator seats 33a, 33b. The at least one spring member 45, is preferably, at
least one coil spring having a first end engaged with a portion of the interior surface 32a of the
actuator 30 preferably, between the first and second actuator seats 33a, 33b. The second end
45b of the coil spring is preferably engaged with a portion of the sealing member 35 that faces
the first actuator seat 33a. In one embodiment, the at least one spring member 45 defines a first
length with the sealing member in the open position that is greater than second length when the
seal member is in the sealed position. Alternatively, the first length in the open position of the
sealing member 45 can be less than the second length when the sealing member is in the sealed
position. In a preferred embodiment, each of the first and second actuator seats 33a, 33b are
preferably substantially circular, the first actuator seat 33a having a first diameter and a second
actuator seat 33b having a second diameter, the first diameter being greater than the second
diameter.
Preferably, the sealing member 35 is centered about the central axis C-C in the open
position and the closed position. Moreover, the sealing member 35 is preferably supported in
the open position within the housing only by a frictional engagement with the at least one spring
member 45 such that sealing member 38b is not supported by any other valve structure. The
sealing member 35, when in a sealed position with the first and second actuator seats, preferably
defines an annular void, which is even more preferably in communication with the third port 36c
of the preferred actuator, which is preferably connected to drain line 39a. The sealing member
preferably comprises a cylindrical member or assembly, having a first distal side opposed to
the first and second valve seats 33a, 33b and a second proximal side opposite the distal side.
The distal side of the seal member 35 preferably includes a seal that engages the first actuator
seat and the second actuator seat in the sealed position.
Preferred embodiments of the control valve and valve actuator assembly 10 further
include the manual reset actuator 38 to preferably reset assembly to its ready-state. The manual
reset actuator 38 has a button 38a for operation by a user. The button 38a is operatively
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connected to the sealing member 35 by a locating structure or shaft 38b. The preferred
orientation of the manual reset actuator 38 with respect to the valve housing 21 of the fluid
control valve allows for the integrated assembly 10 to be a compact configuration and
orientation of the components associated with each of the connections 37a-f. The manual reset
actuator 38 is operated by displacing the button 38a toward the fluid control valve 20 so as to
preferably locate the seal member 35 in or toward its sealed position. In particular, the manual
reset actuator 38 is actuated toward the longitudinal axis A-A of the fluid control valve 20.
The ports 36 and/or their connections 37 are preferably oriented, directed and/or
located in a preferred configuration relative to one or more reference axes, planes, surfaces
and/or components of the assembly 10 to provide the arrangement of the integrated assembly.
For example, referring to FIGS. 2A, 2B and 3A, the first connection 37a and preferably its axial
center is preferably located in a first direction parallel to the preferred valve axis Y--Y toward
the longitudinal axis A-A of the fluid control valve 20 and more preferably perpendicular to the
second plane P2. The second connection 37b, third connection 37c, and the fourth connection
37d and their axial centers are preferably located in a second direction transverse to the first
connection 37a and more particularly in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis A--A and
parallel to second plane P2. Alternatively, the second connection 37b, the third connection 37c,
and the fourth connection 37d can be located in a direction of the longitudinal axis A-A of the
control valve 20. The second connection 37b and a third connections 37c are preferably located
at an opposed location on the actuator housing 32 from the fourth connection 37d. With this
orientation of the first, second, third and fourth connections 37a, 37b, 37c, the manual reset
actuator 38 is preferably axially aligned with the first connection 37a. Preferably, the fifth
connection 37e and the sixth connection 37f are preferably axially spaced located from one
another at opposed locations about the actuator housing 32 in a direction preferably parallel to
longitudinal axis A-A of the control valve 20. The fifth connection 37e and the sixth connection
37f and preferably their axial centers are located in a third direction transverse to the respective
directions of the first, second, third and fourth connections 37a, 37b, 37c and more preferably
perpendicular to a third plane P3 which is perpendicular to each of the first and second planes
P1, P2. Accordingly, the orientation of the center line of the first connection 37a is preferably at
a right angle with the center line of each of the second to sixth connections 37b-37f, and the
center line of the second connection 37b is at a right angle with the center lines of the fifth and
sixth connections 37e, 37f, and the center lines of the second, third and fourth connections 37b,
37c, and 37d are substantially parallel. In a preferred embodiment, the center lines of the
second, third and fourth connections 37b, 37c, and 37d are disposed in a common plane
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preferably perpendicular to the first and second planes P1, P2 and parallel to the third plane P3,
and the center lines of the fifth and sixth connections are disposed in another common plane
parallel to first plane P1 and preferably perpendicular to second and third planes P2, P3. It
should be understood that, although in the preferred embodiments, the orientation of the
connections 37a-f are configured such that their respective centerlines are at right angles, the
central lines can be skewed as long as the respective connections are transverse with each other
in a manner as described.
In the preferred embodiments, the second connection 37b and the third connection
37c are located adjacent each other on the actuator housing 32 and are located in the first
direction parallel to the second plane P2 and preferably perpendicular to the first plane P1, and
the third connection 37c is located between the second connection 37b and the actuator housing
32. The second and third connections 37b and 37c are preferably located next to each other on
the actuator housing 32 so that they are located on the actuator housing 32 between the fifth and
sixth connections 37e, 37f. In the preferred embodiment, the center lines of the second
connection 37b and the third connection 37c are parallel; however, the second connection 37b
and the third connection 37c can be disposed on the actuator housing so that the center lines of
the second connection 37b and the third connection 37c are skewed. The distance between the
second connection 37b and the third connection 37c can be set to an appropriate amount to allow
for components to be secured to the connections.
The operation of the valve actuator 30 provides a stand-by state defined by the
sealing member 35 engaged with first valve seat 33a and the second valve seat 33b and an
actuated state defined by the sealing member 35 spaced from the first valve seat 33a and the
second valve seat 33b. The method preferably includes establishing the stand-by state, which
more particularly includes locating the sealing member 35 against the valve seats 33a, 33b. The
preferred method further includes providing fluid pressure from a common port, preferably the
fourth port 36d, to a chamber, preferably the internal chamber 34, on a first side of the sealing
member 35 and a port, preferably the first port 36a, on the second side of the sealing member.
The preferred method further, preferably, includes establishing a trip state of the valve actuator
, which particularly includes exposing the internal chamber 34 to an actuated automatic
control device, preferably, via second port 36b, and placing the first port 36a in fluid
communication with the chamber. The method preferably further includes placing the first port
36a in fluid communication with the chamber 34, and placing the internal chamber 34 in fluid
communication with a drain via the third port 36c valve. In one preferred aspect of operating the
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valve actuator 30, pressurized fluid is provided from the internal chamber 34 to a drain 39a at a
greater rate than rate provided to the internal chamber from the common port 36d.
In , the first embodiment of a preferred integrated fluid control valve and
valve actuator assembly 10, the second port 36b is shown with a plug disposed there that can be
removed for connection to piping of an automatic control device, such as, a wet pilot control
arrangement or an embodiment of an automatic trim module 80. The automatic control device
80 preferably provides for an automatic trip response of the valve actuator 30 by preferably
automatically draining fluid pressure from the internal chamber 34 in response to detection of a
fire or other condition to so as to place the valve actuator in an actuated state. In one
embodiment of the valve actuator assembly 10, the second port 36b of the valve actuator 30 can
be coupled to a wet pilot sprinkler system (not show). The fluid pressure in the wet pilot
sprinkler system would maintains the valve actuator in a ready-state. When the wet pilot
sprinklers operate in response to a fire and fluid pressure in the wet pilot sprinkler system is
released, the reduced fluid pressure permits the valve actuator 30 to trip and operate to its
actuated state.
Shown in is a preferred double interlock trim module 80a, which preferably
includes a dry pilot actuator 82, a low pressure switch 84, a pressure gauge 86 and a preferably
normally closed electronically operated solenoid valve 88 interconnected by appropriate piping
and fittings for connection to the base valve and valve actuator assembly 10. In particular, the
preferred double interlock trim module 80a can include a first connection 89 for coupling the
electronically operated solenoid valve 88 to the second port 36b, a second connection 83 for
coupling the low pressure switch to preferably a compressed gas supply (not shown), a third
connection 85 for coupling to a dry sprinkler system piping and a drain line or port 87 for
placing the dry pilot actuator in fluid communication with the drip funnel 60 and associated
drain line. The electronic solenoid valve 88 is preferably configured for interconnection with an
electronic detection system, such as for example, a heat or smoke detector and/or an associated
releasing panel. shows the preferred integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator
assembly 10a with the preferred double interlock trim module 80a connected to the second
actuator port 36b.
Shown in is a preferred pneumatic trim module 80b, which preferably
includes a dry pilot actuator 82, and a low pressure switch 84, interconnected by appropriate
piping and fittings for connection to the base valve and valve actuator assembly 10. In
particular, the preferred pneumatic trim module 80b can include a first connection 89 for
coupling the dry pilot actuator 82 to the second port 36b, a second connection 83 for coupling
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the dry pilot actuator 82 and low pressure switch 84 to preferably a compressed gas supply (not
shown), and either the dry sprinkler system and/or a dry pilot sprinkler system, a third
connection 85 for coupling to a dry sprinkler system piping and a drain line or port 87 for
placing the dry pilot actuator in fluid communication with the drip funnel 60 and associated
drain line. shows the preferred integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator
assembly 10b with the preferred pneumatic trim module 80b connected to the second actuator
port 36b.
Shown in is a preferred electric trim module 80c, which preferably includes
a preferably normally closed electronically operated solenoid valve 88 interconnected by
appropriate piping and fittings for connection to the base valve and valve actuator assembly 10.
In particular, the preferred electric trim module 80c can include a connection 89 for coupling the
electronically operated solenoid valve 88 to the second port 36b and a drain line or port 87 for
placing the solenoid valve 88 in fluid communication with the drip funnel 60 and associated
drain line. The electronic solenoid valve 88 is preferably configured for interconnection with an
electronic detection system, such as for example, a heat or smoke detector and/or an associated
releasing panel. shows the preferred integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator
assembly 10c with the preferred electric trim module 80c connected to the second actuator port
36b.
The preferred valve actuator 30 preferably provides for automatic and manual
actuation of a control valve 20 and for resetting the control valve 20 to a stand-by state.
Moreover, preferred operation of the valve actuator 30 sets, operates and controls the control
valve 20 for placing a fire protection system in an unactuated ready-state and operating the fire
protection system to address a fire. With reference to 7A-7B, shown are respective schematic
views of the fire protection system 100 in an unactuated ready-state and an actuated operated
state. As shown the fire protection system 100 includes a liquid supply piping system 100a for
supplying a liquid, such as for example water to a sprinkler piping system 100b coupled together
by a preferred embodiment of a preferably integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator
assembly 10 described herein. The fire protection sprinkler piping system 100 shown in FIGS.
7A and 7B is an illustrative embodiment of a double-interlock preaction sprinkler system in
which the sprinkler system employs automatic sprinklers 104 attached to a piping system 100b
that contains air or other compressed gas under pressure with a supplemental detection system.
The illustrated detection system includes one or more detectors 106 for detecting a fire, such as a
smoke or heat detector 106 installed in the same area as the sprinklers 104. The detectors 106
are preferably interconnected with the electronic solenoid valve 88 of the preferred automatic
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control device 80a by the releasing panel 108 to operate the normally closed electronic solenoid
valve 88 in response to a detection by the detectors 106. A second detection system includes a
low air detection system which can detect an open or actuated sprinkler 104. The dry pilot
actuator 82 of the preferred automatic control device 80a can act as the low air detector by
operation upon detection of a low air threshold. For the double-interlock preaction system
shown, the preferred valve actuator and valve assembly 10a operates from its ready or stand-by
state to admit water to the sprinkler protection system 100b upon operation of both detectors
106, 82, the preferred automatic control device 80a and the preferred valve actuator 30.
Again, the preferred valve actuator 30 preferably provides for automatic and manual
actuation of a control valve 20 and for resetting the control valve 20 to a stand-by state. More
specifically, with reference to FIGS. 2A-2B, 3A in combination with FIGS. 7A-7B, a preferred
method of operating the valve actuator 30 preferably includes establishing the stand-by state of
the valve actuator 30 by locating the sealing member 35 against the preferred valve seats 33a,
33b and providing fluid pressure from the preferred common or fourth port 36d to the chamber
34 on a first side of the sealing member 35 and to a port on the second side of the sealing
member. In one preferred embodiment of the method, the sprinkler system piping 100b is
drained of water or otherwise dry with the preferably automatic fire protection sprinklers 104 in
an unactuated state. A compressed gas, such as for example compressed air is preferably
delivered through the preferred double interlock trim 80a via the connection 83. The trim 80a is
preferably connected at least one of a medial port 28b, 28d of the fluid control valve for filling
the sprinkler piping 100b with the compressed gas. The compressed gas pressure is permitted to
close the dry pilot actuator 82 and the electronically operated solenoid valve 88 is returned to its
normally closed position.
To reset the preferred valve and valve actuator assembly 10, water from the liquid
supply piping system 100a is delivered to the first port 36a and the internal chamber 34 of the
preferred actuator 30 and to the valve chamber 24 of the fluid control valve 20 via the common
or fourth port 36d. To reset the valve diaphragm 26 of the preferred fluid control valve 20 in its
sealed position, the preferred manual reset 38 is preferably depressed or operated to seat the seal
member 35 in its sealed position against the first and second actuator seats 33a. 33b. The
increase in the fluid pressure in the valve chamber 24 acts on the valve diaphragm 26 to its
sealed position thereby closing the fluid port 22 and the fluid communication between the fluid
system piping 100a and the sprinkler system piping 100b to permit the compressed air to come
up to its stand-by pressure in the sprinkler piping system 100b. The preferred main water
control valve 102 is opened to deliver water the inlet 22a of the fluid control valve and the main
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drain valve is closed and the liquid piping system 100a is brought up to its stand-by pressure to
place the system 100 and the preferred valve and valve actuator assembly 10a in ready or stand-
by-state.
With the preferred system in its ready-state, the system is ready to address a fire.
For the preferred double-interlock system, the preferred heat or smoke detectors 106 are coupled
to a releasing panel 108, which is coupled to the preferred electronic solenoid valve 88. In the
presence of a sufficient level or heat or smoke, the normally open solenoid valve 88 opens to
release the fluid pressure from the seal member 35 in the valve actuator 30 permitting it to move,
trip or operate from its sealed position to its open position thereby placing the valve chamber 24
in fluid communication with the internal valve chamber 34. In the presence of a sufficient level
of heat, one or more of the sprinklers 104 actuates to release compressed gas pressure from the
sprinkler piping system 100b. The reduction in compressed gas pressure in the piping system
100b preferably trips or opens the dry pilot actuator and permits the fluid to discharge and drain
from the internal chamber 34 at a greater rate than is supplied to the internal chamber 34 via the
common port 36d. Accordingly, the seal member 35 of the actuator 30 moves to its open
position and the fluid pressure in the valve chamber 24 is reduced as fluid is discharged from the
valve chamber 24 and out a drain of the preferred trim 80a and the drain 39a from third port 36c
of the actuator 30. With the reduced fluid pressure in the valve chamber 24, the valve
diaphragm 26 moves from its sealed position to its open position to open the internal flow port
22 and place the liquid supply piping system 100a in fluid communication with the sprinkler
piping system 100b. Water is permitted to fill the sprinkler piping system 100b and discharge
from the actuated sprinklers 100a to address a fire. Water flowing through the open internal port
22 of the fluid control valve 20 preferably also discharges out of the medial port 28a and the
neutral chamber 27 to sound the alarm system coupled thereto.
Control and operation of the preferred valve and actuator assembly 10 can be
alternatively configured by changing the automatic control device coupled to the second port
36b of the valve actuator 30. In particular trim components can be reduced by coupling any one
of the pneumatic or electric trim assembly 80b, 80c previously described. The pneumatic or
electric trim assemblies 80b, 80c provide for a single interlock to operate or trip the valve
actuator 30 and open the fluid control valve 20 in a manner as described. For the pneumatic trim
module 80b, the dry pilot actuator detects low pressure in the pressurized sprinkler piping,
indicative of a sprinkler 104 actuation, and in response operates to operate the valve actuator 30.
The electric trim module 80c, upon receipt of a detection signal from the heat/smoke detectors
- 22 –
124038316.1
Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
106 preferably via the releasing panel 108, opens from its normally closed position to operate
the valve actuator 30.
The system 100 can be further altered by altering the sprinkler piping system to be
either a sprinkler piping system in which the sprinklers 104 are always open. For such a system,
the automatic control device coupled to the second port 36b of the valve actuator 30 can be
anyone of a wet pilot or dry pilot sprinkler system. In such system, the actuation of the pilot
sprinklers relieves fluid pressure on the seal member 35 of the valve actuator permitting it to trip
and operate in a manner as previously described. In the case of the wet pilot system, the pilot
system is preferably directly coupled to the second port 36b of the valve actuator 30. For a dry
pilot actuator sprinkler system, the system is preferably coupled to the second port of the valve
actuator 30 by the pneumatic trim module 80b. In another alternate embodiment in which the
sprinklers 104 of the sprinkler piping system are always open, operation of the fluid control
valve and valve actuator assembly 10c can be interlocked by preferably coupling the electronic
trim module 80c to the second port 36b of the valve actuator 30, with an interconnection to
appropriate fire heat/smoke detectors 106, to control the automatic operation of the valve
actuator 30 in a manner as previously described.
While the present invention has been disclosed with reference to certain
embodiments, numerous modifications, alterations, and changes to the described embodiments
are possible without departing from the sphere and scope of the present invention, as defined in
the appended claims. Accordingly, it is intended that the present invention not be limited to the
described embodiments, but that it has the full scope defined by the language of the following
claims, and equivalents thereof.
- 23 –
124038316.1
Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
Claims (31)
1. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator, comprising: a pressure operated fluid control valve having an inlet and an outlet disposed along a flow axis for controlling a flow of liquid from a liquid supply piping system into a sprinkler piping system upon transition of a fire protection system from a stand-by state to an actuated state, the control valve having a valve housing defining a valve chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent a flow of fluid through the control valve; a valve actuator including a housing having an interior surface defining an internal chamber with a central axis; a first actuator seat disposed along the interior surface of the housing circumscribed about the central axis; a second actuator seat disposed along the interior surface disposed and circumscribed about the first actuator seat; a seal member defining a sealed position engaged with the first actuator seat and the second actuator seat, the seal member further defining an open position axially spaced from the first and second actuator seats; a first port proximate the first actuator seat in communication with the internal chamber and the valve chamber of the control valve; a second port in communication with the internal chamber for providing fluid communication with an automatic control device; a third port for fluid communication with a drain line, the third port being in communication with the internal chamber, the third port being isolated from the first and second ports when the sealing member is in the sealed position; the third port being in fluid communication with the first port and second ports when the sealing member is in the open position; and a fourth port for providing fluid communication with a fluid supply, the fourth port being in communication with the first port and in communication with the internal chamber, the fourth port being isolated from the third port when the sealing member is in the sealed position, the fourth port being in fluid communication with the third port when the sealing member is in the open position.
2. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 1, wherein the valve actuator is secured to the fluid control valve. - 24 – 124038316.1 Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
3. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of any one of claims 1 and 2, wherein the first port includes a first connection located in a first direction toward the fluid control valve flow axis, the second port includes a second connection, the third port includes a third connection and the fourth port includes a fourth connection, the second, third, and fourth connections being located in a second direction transverse to the first direction, and the second and third connections being located at an opposed location on the actuator housing from the fourth connection.
4. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 1, wherein the valve actuator further comprises a manual reset actuator aligned with the first port.
5. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the valve actuator comprises a fifth port providing fluid communication with a pressure gauge.
6. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 5, wherein the valve actuator comprises a sixth port providing fluid communication with a manual release device connected to a drain line.
7. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 6 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the fifth port defines a fifth connection and the sixth port defines a sixth connection on the valve actuator, the fifth and sixth connections are disposed along a control valve axis and are located in a third direction transverse to the first direction and the second direction.
8. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of any one of claims 5-7 when dependent on claim 3, wherein the second and third ports are located adjacent each other and located in the first direction, the third connection being located between the second port and the valve housing.
9. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 8, wherein the valve housing supports a drip funnel and an end of the drain line from the third port and an end of the drain line from the manual release device are disposed in the drip funnel.
10. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of any one of claims 1-9, wherein the pressure operated control valve includes a diaphragm that defines a neutral chamber.
11. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 10, wherein the pressure operated fluid control valve further comprises an alarm system coupled to an alarm port in fluid communication with the neutral chamber. - 25 – 124038316.1 Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
12. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 11, wherein the valve chamber defines a central valve chamber axis perpendicular to and intersecting the flow axis to define a plane, the port of the fluid control valve including a connection extending perpendicular to the plane.
13. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 1, wherein the valve chamber defines a central valve chamber axis perpendicular to and intersecting the flow axis to define a first plane, the flow axis defining a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the flow axis defining an intersection of the first and second plane, the second plane dividing the assembly with the valve actuator disposed on a first side of the second plane and at least one port disposed on a second side of the second plane with the at least one port having a central axis parallel to the plane.
14. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 13, wherein the valve actuator comprises a fifth port providing fluid communication with a pressure gauge and a sixth port in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the valve actuator and a manual release device, the third port and the manual release device being in fluid communication with a drip funnel, the drip funnel being disposed on the second side of the second plane and the manual release and valve actuator being disposed on the first side of the second plane.
15. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of claim 13, wherein the valve actuator comprises a fifth port providing fluid communication with a pressure gauge and a sixth port in fluid communication with the internal chamber of the valve actuator and a manual release device, the third port and the manual release device being in fluid communication with a drip funnel, the drip funnel, the manual release and the valve actuator being disposed on the same side of the second plane.
16. An assembly of a fluid control valve and valve actuator of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the automatic control device includes any one of a wet pilot actuator, a dry pilot actuator, an electrical actuator, and combinations thereof.
17. A method of operating a valve actuator having a stand-by state defined by a sealing member engaged with a first valve seat and a second valve seat formed along an internal surface of a housing of the valve actuator and an actuated state defined by the sealing member spaced from the valve seats, the valve actuator comprising a first port proximate the first valve seat in communication with a chamber defined by the internal surface, a second port in communication with the chamber, a third port in communication with the internal chamber, the third port being - 26 – 124038316.1 Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00) isolated from the first and second ports when the sealing member is in a sealed position, the third port being in fluid communication with the first port and second port when the sealing member is in an open position, and a fourth port in communication with the first port and in communication with the internal chamber, the fourth port isolated from the third port when the sealing member is in the sealed position, the fourth port being in fluid communication with the third port when the sealing member is in the open position, the method comprising: establishing the stand-by state which includes: locating the sealing member against the valve seats to define the sealed position; providing fluid pressure from a common port to the chamber, the chamber on a first side of the sealing member, and to a medial port on the second side of the sealing member; establishing a trip state which includes exposing the chamber to an actuated automatic control device; and placing the medial port on the second side in fluid communication with the chamber.
18. The method of claim 17, wherein placing the medial port on the second side in fluid communication with the chamber further comprises placing the chamber in fluid communication with a drain.
19. The method of claim 17, wherein providing from the common port fluid pressure to the chamber on the first side of the sealing member and the medial port on the second side of the sealing member further comprises providing a pressurized fluid to a valve chamber of a control valve.
20. A fire protection system having a stand-by state and an actuated state, the system comprising: a liquid supply piping system for supplying a liquid under a liquid pressure; a sprinkler piping system being filled with a gas under a gas pressure in the stand-by state; a pressure operated fluid control valve for controlling a flow of liquid from the liquid supply piping system into the sprinkler piping system upon transition of a fire protection system from the stand-by state to the actuated state, the pressure operated fluid control valve including a chamber for holding a pressurized fluid to prevent a flow of fluid through the control valve; and a valve actuator including: a housing having an interior surface defining an internal chamber with a central axis; - 27 – 124038316.1 Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00) a first actuator seat disposed along the interior surface of the housing circumscribed about the central axis; a second actuator seat disposed along the interior surface disposed and circumscribed about the first actuator seat; a sealing member defining a sealed position with the sealing member engaged with the first actuator seat and the second actuator seat, the sealing member further defining an open position axially spaced from the first and second actuator seats; a first port proximate the first actuator seat providing fluid communication between the chamber of the control valve and the internal chamber of the actuator; a second port coupled to an automatic control device that monitors a status of the fire protection system; a third port in communication with the internal chamber, the third port being isolated from the first and second ports when the sealing member is in the sealed position; the third port being in fluid communication with the first and second ports when the sealing member is in the open position; and a fourth port in communication with the first port and in communication with the internal chamber, the fourth port being isolated from the third port when the sealing member is in the sealed position, the fourth port being in fluid communication with the third port when the sealing member is in the open position.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein the fourth port provides fluid to the chamber of a valve and the internal chamber of the valve actuator to maintain the sealing member in the sealed position and the chamber filled with pressurized fluid.
22. The system of any one of claims 20 and 21, wherein the automatic control device comprises a wet pilot actuator, a pneumatic actuator, an electrical actuator, or combinations thereof.
23. The system of any one of claims 20-22, wherein the sealing member is manually actuated to the sealed position.
24. The system of any one of claims 20-23, wherein the valve actuator further comprises a fifth port in communication with the internal chamber, the fifth port being coupled to a manual release valve.
25. The system of claim 24, wherein the valve actuator further comprises a sixth port in communication with the internal chamber, the sixth port being coupled to a pressure gauge. - 28 – 124038316.1 Atty Docket No. F-WR-00001 (-8125.WO00)
26. The system of claim 25, wherein the first port is a valve chamber port, the second port is a control port and the third port defines a drain port.
27. The system of claim 20, wherein the third port is coupled to a drain.
28. The system of claim 20, wherein the fluid control flow axis and an axis intersect one another to define a first plane, the flow axis defining a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the flow axis defining an intersection between the first plane and the second plane, the first axis being the intersection between the first and second plane with the chamber of the control valve being disposed to a first side of the second plane, the fluid control valve having at least one port disposed to a second side of the second plane opposite the first plane, the at least one port having a connection located in a direction perpendicular to the first plane.
29. The assembly of claim 1, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.
30. The method of claim 17, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed.
31. The system of claim 20, substantially as herein described with reference to any embodiment disclosed. - 29 – 124038316.1
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US201361899855P | 2013-11-04 | 2013-11-04 | |
US61/899,855 | 2013-11-04 | ||
PCT/US2014/063925 WO2015066710A2 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2014-11-04 | Integrated fluid control valve and valve actuator assembly |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
NZ720536A NZ720536A (en) | 2021-08-27 |
NZ720536B2 true NZ720536B2 (en) | 2021-11-30 |
Family
ID=
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