US20050205146A1 - Coupling - Google Patents
Coupling Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20050205146A1 US20050205146A1 US10/505,946 US50594605A US2005205146A1 US 20050205146 A1 US20050205146 A1 US 20050205146A1 US 50594605 A US50594605 A US 50594605A US 2005205146 A1 US2005205146 A1 US 2005205146A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- ring
- coupling
- vortex valve
- ramp
- vortex
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L—PIPES; JOINTS OR FITTINGS FOR PIPES; SUPPORTS FOR PIPES, CABLES OR PROTECTIVE TUBING; MEANS FOR THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16L37/00—Couplings of the quick-acting type
- F16L37/08—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members
- F16L37/12—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls or other movable or insertable locking members
- F16L37/133—Couplings of the quick-acting type in which the connection between abutting or axially overlapping ends is maintained by locking members using hooks, pawls or other movable or insertable locking members using flexible hooks
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03F—SEWERS; CESSPOOLS
- E03F5/00—Sewerage structures
- E03F5/10—Collecting-tanks; Equalising-tanks for regulating the run-off; Laying-up basins
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15C—FLUID-CIRCUIT ELEMENTS PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR COMPUTING OR CONTROL PURPOSES
- F15C1/00—Circuit elements having no moving parts
- F15C1/16—Vortex devices, i.e. devices in which use is made of the pressure drop associated with vortex motion in a fluid
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F15—FLUID-PRESSURE ACTUATORS; HYDRAULICS OR PNEUMATICS IN GENERAL
- F15D—FLUID DYNAMICS, i.e. METHODS OR MEANS FOR INFLUENCING THE FLOW OF GASES OR LIQUIDS
- F15D1/00—Influencing flow of fluids
- F15D1/0015—Whirl chambers
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/206—Flow affected by fluid contact, energy field or coanda effect [e.g., pure fluid device or system]
- Y10T137/2087—Means to cause rotational flow of fluid [e.g., vortex generator]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/206—Flow affected by fluid contact, energy field or coanda effect [e.g., pure fluid device or system]
- Y10T137/2087—Means to cause rotational flow of fluid [e.g., vortex generator]
- Y10T137/2109—By tangential input to axial output [e.g., vortex amplifier]
- Y10T137/2115—With means to vary input or output of device
Definitions
- This invention relates to a coupling, and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a coupling suitable for connecting a vortex valve to an outlet pipe in a sewerage system.
- the present invention is also concerned with a vortex valve having a variable inlet.
- a vortex valve is disclosed in WO-A-99/43899.
- Such valves are used, for example in sewerage systems, for controlling fluid flow by a hydraulic effect without requiring moving parts.
- Such devices have a vortex chamber provided with an outlet at one axial end and an inlet arranged to cause swirl in the chamber when a certain critical flow has been attained.
- WO-A-99/43899 discloses a vortex valve in which the vortex chamber is defined by a circular cylindrical wall and two axial end walls.
- Vortex valves can be used, for example, to control the flow of stormwater in sewers, to ensure that equipment downstream of the valve is not overloaded during periods of heavy rainfall.
- Vortex valves are commonly installed in a collection chamber in which rain water, drained from road surfaces and other paved areas, collects.
- An outlet pipe extends from a wall of the collection chamber to a sewer, and the vortex valve is mounted so that its outlet makes a water-tight connection with the end of the outlet pipe.
- WO-A-99/43899 discloses mounting means for this purpose which comprises a first element fitted to the end wall of the vortex valve about its cutlet opening, and a second element which is fitted to the outlet pipe. The vortex valve can then be fitted to the outlet pipe by connecting the two elements together.
- the mounting means disclosed in wO-A-99/43999 requires the fitting of the second element to the outlet pipe. This is not always easy to achieve in a manner which will provide a water-tight connection between the vortex valve and the outlet pipe and is, in any case, a time consuming operation requiring fasteners and power tools.
- a coupling for engagement with a bore comprising an outer component having an expandable ring, and an inner component which is longitudinally displaceable within the ring, ramp means being provided between the inner component and the ring whereby longitudinal displacement of the inner component within the ring causes radial expansion of the ring to engage the bore, the ramp means comprising a ramp surface on one of the components and a circumferential projection on the other component, the ramp surface having first and second portions of differing inclination to the direction of longitudinal displacement, whereby the circumferential projection engages the ramp surface portions successively as the inner component is displaced longitudinally relative in the ring.
- a coupling in accordance with the present invention is used to mount a vortex valve on an outlet pipe which defines the bore.
- the inner component is preferably fixed to an end wall of the vortex valve, and may be integral with the housing of the vortex valve.
- the inner component may comprise a spigot projecting axially from the vortex valve and surrounding the outlet of the vortex valve.
- the ramp surface is preferably provided on the inner component, and the circumferential projection is provided on the ring of the outer component, for engagement with the ramp surface.
- the first portion of the ramp surface is inclined by a smaller angle than the second portion to the direction of longitudinal displacement, and is situated ahead of the second portion with respect to the direction of longitudinal displacement of the inner component corresponding to expansion of the ring.
- the coupling may include rotational ramp means between the inner and outer components whereby rotation of the inner component relatively to the outer component longitudinally displaces the two components in relation to each other.
- the rotational ramp means remains disengaged as the first portion of the ramp surface is operative, whereby the circumferential projection engages the first portion of the ramp surface during longitudinal displacement of the components relatively to each other, without requiring rotation.
- the rotational ramp means is engaged, and subsequently rotation of the components relatively to each other longitudinally displaces the two components in relation to each other, causing the circumferential projection to move over the second portion of the ramp surface.
- the rotational ramp means may comprise at least one peg on one of the components which engages a helical groove in the other component.
- a seal may be provided on the outer surface of the ring to provide sealing between the coupling and the bore.
- the ring may be provided with at least one longitudinal slot, preferably extending from a free axial end of the ring, to provide for radial expansion of the ring.
- a plurality of the slots may be provided to divide the ring circumferentially into a plurality of resilient fingers.
- the circumferential projection may then be made up of a plurality of segments at the free ends of the fingers.
- the first portion of the ramp surface may be inclined to the longitudinal direction by an angle of 2° to 10°, for example 5°, and the second portion of the ramp surface may be inclined to the longitudinal direction by an angle of 30° to 50°, for example 40°.
- a vortex valve installed on a pipe by means of a coupling as defined above, the method comprising the steps of:
- the inner component is displaced longitudinally into the outer component to engage the rotational ramp means, and subsequently rotation of the vortex valve causes operation of the rotational ramp means to displace the inner component longitudinally to cause the second expansion of the ring.
- a vortex valve comprising a vortex chamber having a circular cylindrical outer wall and a tangential inlet passage, the inlet passage opening into the vortex chamber at a circumferential aperture which is adjustable.
- adjustment of the area of the circumferential aperture is effected by means of a sliding plate which is movable across the circumferential inlet.
- the sliding plate may be arcuate so that it lies over the outer wall of the vortex valve and is slidable about the axis of the outer wall.
- Means may be provided for retaining the sliding plate in an adjusted position.
- the inlet passage of the vortex valve is defined by a tangential extension of the cylindrical outer wall of the vortex valve, and by extensions of the axial end walls of the vortex valve, whereby the inlet passage is of rectangular form.
- FIG. 1 is an end view of a vortex valve
- FIG. 2 is a side view taken in the direction of the arrow II in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is an end view of a coupling member for use with the vortex valve of FIGS. 1 and 2 ;
- FIG. 4 is a side view taken in the direction of the arrow IV in FIG. 3 ;
- FIG. 5 shows a first stage in the fitting of the vortex valve of FIGS. 1 and 2 to a pipe, by means of the coupling member of FIGS. 3 and 4 ;
- FIG. 6 shows a second stage during the fitting of the vortex valve
- FIG. 7 shows a final stage in the fitting of the vortex valve
- FIG. 8 is an enlarged view corresponding to FIG. 1 showing adjustment of an inlet of the vortex valve.
- the vortex valve shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a vortex chamber 2 defined by a circumferential outer wall 4 and axial end walls 6 , 8 .
- the vortex valve has an inlet passage 10 and an outlet 12 .
- the inlet passage 10 is rectangular, as seen in FIG. 2 , and is defined by a tangential extension 14 of the outer wall 4 , and by lateral extensions 16 , 18 of the axial end walls 6 , 8 .
- the inlet passage 10 communicates with the vortex chamber 2 via a circumferential inlet 11 .
- the edges of the lateral extensions 16 , 18 extend vertically, and they are tangential to the outer wall 4 .
- the outer wall 4 itself extends beyond its junction with the lateral extensions 16 , 18 , as shown by the part 4 ′.
- An adjustment plate 20 which is rectangular as shown in FIG. 2 but arcuate as shown in FIG. 1 , lies over the outer wall 4 and is slidable between the lateral extensions 16 , 18 over an arcuate path (see FIG. 8 ) to reduce the area of the circumferential inlet 11 .
- the plate 20 has a slot 22 which allows the plate to slide relatively to a fixing bolt 24 which can be tightened to retain the plate 20 in an adjusted position.
- the outlet 12 is disposed centrally in the axial end wall 8 .
- a spigot 26 is fixed to the end wall 8 and projects axially from it.
- the spigot 26 has an outer surface which, extending from its free end, has three portions, namely a first ramp surface 28 , a second ramp surface 30 and a cylindrical surface 32 .
- a pair of diametrically oppositely disposed pegs 34 project from the cylindrical surface 32 close to the end wall 8 .
- the first ramp surface 28 is inclined to the axis of the spigot 26 by a smaller angle than the second ramp surface 30 .
- the angle of inclination of the first ramp surface 28 is 5°, and that of the second ramp surface 40°.
- the vortex valve of FIGS. 1 and 2 may be made of any suitable material, for example steel or plastics material. In the preferred embodiment, it is made from a plastics material, and the spigot 26 is formed integrally with, or welded or otherwise bonded to, the end wall 8 .
- the spigot 26 may be removably attached to the wall 8 to allow for replacement of the spigot 26 or to allow use of the vortex valve with spigots of different diameter, in order to change the characteristics of the vortex valve.
- the coupling shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 may also be made from plastics material and formed as an integral component. It comprises a flange 36 from which projects an expandable ring 38 .
- the flange 36 is non-circular, and includes a straight edge 40 (shown as the upper edge in FIG. 3 ), which is connected to an arcuate edge portion 42 by two lateral straight edges 44 .
- a circumferential series of axially extending slots 46 extend from the end of the ring 38 away from the flange 36 , stopping short of the flange 36 .
- These slots 46 divide the free end region of the ring 38 into separate resilient fingers 48 .
- the flange 36 has a central aperture 54 which coincides with the inner surface of the ring 38 .
- the internal surface of the flange 36 around the aperture 54 is provided with a pair of helical grooves 56 which are offset from each other by 180° around the axis of the flange 36 .
- sealing rings 58 and 60 are fitted over the ring 38 .
- FIG. 5 shows an outlet pipe 62 which terminates at an end 64 in a stormwater collecting chamber.
- the vortex valve of FIGS. 1 and 2 is fitted to the outlet pipe 62 as will now be described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 7 .
- the ring 38 of the coupling member of FIGS. 3 and 4 is inserted into the outlet pipe 62 until the flange 36 abuts the end 64 of the pipe 62 .
- the spigot 26 of the vortex valve is inserted into the coupling member.
- the first ramp surface 28 engages the projection 50 made up of the segments 52 , the inclination of the ramp surface will cause the fingers 48 to be pushed radially outwardly as insertion of the spigot 26 continues. Since the slope of the first ramp portion 28 is of a relatively small angle of inclination, it is relatively easy to push the vortex valve manually towards the pipe 62 against the resistance provided by the resilient action of the fingers 48 .
- the pegs 34 can thus enter the helical grooves 56 , whereupon rotation of the vortex valve relative to the coupling member will cause a rotational camming effect which draws the spigot 26 further into the ring 38 , causing the projection segments 52 to ride over the second ramp surface 30 , forcing the ends of the fingers 48 further apart to compress the seal 58 firmly against the inner bore of the pipe 62 (as shown in FIG. 7 ).
- the engagement between the pegs 34 and the helical grooves 56 lock the vortex valve securely to the coupling member.
- the vortex valve is firmly secured to the outlet pipe 62 in a sealing-tight manner without requiring any special tools or fasteners.
- no specialised preparation of the pipe end 62 is required, and there is no need for the pipe 62 to project freely into the stormwater collecting chamber.
- a sealing ring 66 is provided to prevent leakage between the end wall 8 of the vortex valve and the flange 36 of the coupling member.
- the non-circular shape of the flange 36 assists in the proper positioning of the coupling member so that the pegs 34 can be engaged with the helical grooves 56 . Also, proper positioning of the coupling member when inserted into the pipe 62 (for example with the flat edge 40 uppermost and horizontal) will ensure that, in the final position of the vortex valve, the vortex valve itself is properly positioned in the collecting chamber, with the inlet passage 10 at the bottom.
- the plate 20 can be displaced arcuately over the outer wall 4 , as shown in dashed outline, in order to reduce the area of the circumferential inlet 11 .
- a reduction in this area alters the characteristics of the vortex valve, and in particular alters the pressure head at the inlet at which a vortex will be initiated within the vortex chamber 2 to cause a braking action, and also varies the relationship between the pressure head and flow rate through the vortex valve once the vortex is established.
- Adjustment of the area of the circumferential inlet 11 may be made in conjunction with selection of a spigot 26 of appropriate diameter to provide the desired flow characteristics.
- the adjustment plate 20 extends generally along an arc which is substantially coincident with the circle on which lies the cylindrical outer wall 4 .
- the plate 20 when moved across the inlet to reduce the inlet area, thus contributes to the swirling movement within the chamber 2 when a vortex is established.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
- Public Health (AREA)
- Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
- Pipe Accessories (AREA)
- Valve Housings (AREA)
- Cyclones (AREA)
- Quick-Acting Or Multi-Walled Pipe Joints (AREA)
Abstract
A coupling is provided preferably for a vortex valve for use on an outlet pipe in a sewerage system. The coupling comprises an outer component for insertion into a bore of a pipe (62), and an inner component (26) which is inserted into the outer component, ramp means being provided between the two components, whereby the outer component is expanded to seal against the bore when the inner component (26) is inserted into the outer component so as to engage the second ramp portion. The ramp means comprise first and second portions (28, 30) of different inclinations. The vortex valve has a circumferential inlet (11) which is adjustable.
Description
- This invention relates to a coupling, and is particularly, although not exclusively, concerned with a coupling suitable for connecting a vortex valve to an outlet pipe in a sewerage system. The present invention is also concerned with a vortex valve having a variable inlet.
- A vortex valve is disclosed in WO-A-99/43899. Such valves are used, for example in sewerage systems, for controlling fluid flow by a hydraulic effect without requiring moving parts. Such devices have a vortex chamber provided with an outlet at one axial end and an inlet arranged to cause swirl in the chamber when a certain critical flow has been attained. WO-A-99/43899 discloses a vortex valve in which the vortex chamber is defined by a circular cylindrical wall and two axial end walls.
- At low flow rates, water entering through the inlet of a vortex valve passes through the vortex chamber to the outlet with substantially no pressure drop, and the valve can be considered to be open. At high flow rates, water enters through the inlet with enough energy to create a vortex in the vortex chamber which results in a significant pressure drop between the inlet and the outlet, which may greatly restrict flow through the outlet, or even substantially cut it off altogether. Thus the valve serves to limit the rate of flow automatically. Vortex valves can be used, for example, to control the flow of stormwater in sewers, to ensure that equipment downstream of the valve is not overloaded during periods of heavy rainfall.
- Vortex valves are commonly installed in a collection chamber in which rain water, drained from road surfaces and other paved areas, collects. An outlet pipe extends from a wall of the collection chamber to a sewer, and the vortex valve is mounted so that its outlet makes a water-tight connection with the end of the outlet pipe. WO-A-99/43899 discloses mounting means for this purpose which comprises a first element fitted to the end wall of the vortex valve about its cutlet opening, and a second element which is fitted to the outlet pipe. The vortex valve can then be fitted to the outlet pipe by connecting the two elements together.
- The mounting means disclosed in wO-A-99/43999 requires the fitting of the second element to the outlet pipe. This is not always easy to achieve in a manner which will provide a water-tight connection between the vortex valve and the outlet pipe and is, in any case, a time consuming operation requiring fasteners and power tools.
- According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a coupling for engagement with a bore, the coupling comprising an outer component having an expandable ring, and an inner component which is longitudinally displaceable within the ring, ramp means being provided between the inner component and the ring whereby longitudinal displacement of the inner component within the ring causes radial expansion of the ring to engage the bore, the ramp means comprising a ramp surface on one of the components and a circumferential projection on the other component, the ramp surface having first and second portions of differing inclination to the direction of longitudinal displacement, whereby the circumferential projection engages the ramp surface portions successively as the inner component is displaced longitudinally relative in the ring.
- In a preferred embodiment, a coupling in accordance with the present invention is used to mount a vortex valve on an outlet pipe which defines the bore. The inner component is preferably fixed to an end wall of the vortex valve, and may be integral with the housing of the vortex valve. Thus, the inner component may comprise a spigot projecting axially from the vortex valve and surrounding the outlet of the vortex valve.
- The ramp surface is preferably provided on the inner component, and the circumferential projection is provided on the ring of the outer component, for engagement with the ramp surface.
- In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the ramp surface is inclined by a smaller angle than the second portion to the direction of longitudinal displacement, and is situated ahead of the second portion with respect to the direction of longitudinal displacement of the inner component corresponding to expansion of the ring.
- The coupling may include rotational ramp means between the inner and outer components whereby rotation of the inner component relatively to the outer component longitudinally displaces the two components in relation to each other. Preferably, the rotational ramp means remains disengaged as the first portion of the ramp surface is operative, whereby the circumferential projection engages the first portion of the ramp surface during longitudinal displacement of the components relatively to each other, without requiring rotation. When the circumferential projection contacts the second portion of the ramp surface, the rotational ramp means is engaged, and subsequently rotation of the components relatively to each other longitudinally displaces the two components in relation to each other, causing the circumferential projection to move over the second portion of the ramp surface.
- The rotational ramp means may comprise at least one peg on one of the components which engages a helical groove in the other component.
- A seal may be provided on the outer surface of the ring to provide sealing between the coupling and the bore.
- The ring may be provided with at least one longitudinal slot, preferably extending from a free axial end of the ring, to provide for radial expansion of the ring. A plurality of the slots may be provided to divide the ring circumferentially into a plurality of resilient fingers. The circumferential projection may then be made up of a plurality of segments at the free ends of the fingers.
- In a preferred embodiment, the first portion of the ramp surface may be inclined to the longitudinal direction by an angle of 2° to 10°, for example 5°, and the second portion of the ramp surface may be inclined to the longitudinal direction by an angle of 30° to 50°, for example 40°.
- According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a vortex valve on a pipe by means of a coupling as defined above, the method comprising the steps of:
-
- fitting the ring of the outer component within the bore of the pipe,
- longitudinally displacing the inner component into the ring, such that the first portion of the ramp means provides a first expansion of the ring and subsequently the second portion of the ramp means provides a second expansion of the ring into sealing engagement with the bore.
- Preferably, in a method of installing a vortex valve provided with rotational ramp means, the inner component is displaced longitudinally into the outer component to engage the rotational ramp means, and subsequently rotation of the vortex valve causes operation of the rotational ramp means to displace the inner component longitudinally to cause the second expansion of the ring.
- According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vortex valve comprising a vortex chamber having a circular cylindrical outer wall and a tangential inlet passage, the inlet passage opening into the vortex chamber at a circumferential aperture which is adjustable.
- Preferably, adjustment of the area of the circumferential aperture is effected by means of a sliding plate which is movable across the circumferential inlet. The sliding plate may be arcuate so that it lies over the outer wall of the vortex valve and is slidable about the axis of the outer wall. Means may be provided for retaining the sliding plate in an adjusted position.
- Preferably, the inlet passage of the vortex valve is defined by a tangential extension of the cylindrical outer wall of the vortex valve, and by extensions of the axial end walls of the vortex valve, whereby the inlet passage is of rectangular form.
- For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which:—
-
FIG. 1 is an end view of a vortex valve; -
FIG. 2 is a side view taken in the direction of the arrow II inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is an end view of a coupling member for use with the vortex valve ofFIGS. 1 and 2 ; -
FIG. 4 is a side view taken in the direction of the arrow IV inFIG. 3 ; -
FIG. 5 shows a first stage in the fitting of the vortex valve ofFIGS. 1 and 2 to a pipe, by means of the coupling member ofFIGS. 3 and 4 ; -
FIG. 6 shows a second stage during the fitting of the vortex valve; -
FIG. 7 shows a final stage in the fitting of the vortex valve; and -
FIG. 8 is an enlarged view corresponding toFIG. 1 showing adjustment of an inlet of the vortex valve. - The vortex valve shown in
FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises avortex chamber 2 defined by a circumferentialouter wall 4 andaxial end walls inlet passage 10 and anoutlet 12. Theinlet passage 10 is rectangular, as seen inFIG. 2 , and is defined by atangential extension 14 of theouter wall 4, and bylateral extensions axial end walls inlet passage 10 communicates with thevortex chamber 2 via acircumferential inlet 11. In the orientation shown inFIG. 1 , the edges of thelateral extensions outer wall 4. Theouter wall 4 itself extends beyond its junction with thelateral extensions part 4′. - An
adjustment plate 20, which is rectangular as shown inFIG. 2 but arcuate as shown inFIG. 1 , lies over theouter wall 4 and is slidable between thelateral extensions FIG. 8 ) to reduce the area of thecircumferential inlet 11. Theplate 20 has aslot 22 which allows the plate to slide relatively to afixing bolt 24 which can be tightened to retain theplate 20 in an adjusted position. - The
outlet 12 is disposed centrally in theaxial end wall 8. Aspigot 26 is fixed to theend wall 8 and projects axially from it. Thespigot 26 has an outer surface which, extending from its free end, has three portions, namely afirst ramp surface 28, asecond ramp surface 30 and acylindrical surface 32. A pair of diametrically oppositely disposedpegs 34 project from thecylindrical surface 32 close to theend wall 8. - The
first ramp surface 28 is inclined to the axis of thespigot 26 by a smaller angle than thesecond ramp surface 30. In the embodiment shown in the drawings, the angle of inclination of thefirst ramp surface 28 is 5°, and that of thesecond ramp surface 40°. - The vortex valve of
FIGS. 1 and 2 may be made of any suitable material, for example steel or plastics material. In the preferred embodiment, it is made from a plastics material, and thespigot 26 is formed integrally with, or welded or otherwise bonded to, theend wall 8. - Alternatively, the
spigot 26 may be removably attached to thewall 8 to allow for replacement of thespigot 26 or to allow use of the vortex valve with spigots of different diameter, in order to change the characteristics of the vortex valve. - The coupling shown in
FIGS. 3 and 4 may also be made from plastics material and formed as an integral component. It comprises aflange 36 from which projects anexpandable ring 38. Theflange 36 is non-circular, and includes a straight edge 40 (shown as the upper edge inFIG. 3 ), which is connected to anarcuate edge portion 42 by two lateralstraight edges 44. - As best seen in
FIG. 5 , a circumferential series of axially extendingslots 46 extend from the end of thering 38 away from theflange 36, stopping short of theflange 36. Theseslots 46 divide the free end region of thering 38 into separateresilient fingers 48. At the free end of thering 38 there is an inwardly extendingcircumferential projection 50 which is divided by theslots 46 intoseparate segments 52 at the ends of therespective fingers 48. - The
flange 36 has acentral aperture 54 which coincides with the inner surface of thering 38. The internal surface of theflange 36 around theaperture 54 is provided with a pair ofhelical grooves 56 which are offset from each other by 180° around the axis of theflange 36. - As shown in
FIG. 5 , sealing rings 58 and 60 are fitted over thering 38. -
FIG. 5 shows anoutlet pipe 62 which terminates at anend 64 in a stormwater collecting chamber. The vortex valve ofFIGS. 1 and 2 is fitted to theoutlet pipe 62 as will now be described with reference toFIGS. 5 and 7 . - Initially, the
ring 38 of the coupling member ofFIGS. 3 and 4 is inserted into theoutlet pipe 62 until theflange 36 abuts theend 64 of thepipe 62. Subsequently, thespigot 26 of the vortex valve is inserted into the coupling member. When thefirst ramp surface 28 engages theprojection 50 made up of thesegments 52, the inclination of the ramp surface will cause thefingers 48 to be pushed radially outwardly as insertion of thespigot 26 continues. Since the slope of thefirst ramp portion 28 is of a relatively small angle of inclination, it is relatively easy to push the vortex valve manually towards thepipe 62 against the resistance provided by the resilient action of thefingers 48. However, when thesecond ramp surface 30 reaches theprojection segments 52, shortly after the position shown inFIG. 6 , the resistance to further longitudinal movement increases owing to the increased angle of inclination of thesecond ramp surface 30. At this position, provided the rotational position of the vortex valve with respect to the coupling member is correct, thepegs 34 will be aligned with thehelical grooves 56 where they emerge at the right-hand end face of the flange 36 (as viewed in FIGS. 5 to 7). Thepegs 34 can thus enter thehelical grooves 56, whereupon rotation of the vortex valve relative to the coupling member will cause a rotational camming effect which draws thespigot 26 further into thering 38, causing theprojection segments 52 to ride over thesecond ramp surface 30, forcing the ends of thefingers 48 further apart to compress theseal 58 firmly against the inner bore of the pipe 62 (as shown inFIG. 7 ). - It will be appreciated that the engagement between the
pegs 34 and thehelical grooves 56 lock the vortex valve securely to the coupling member. Thus, the vortex valve is firmly secured to theoutlet pipe 62 in a sealing-tight manner without requiring any special tools or fasteners. Furthermore, no specialised preparation of thepipe end 62 is required, and there is no need for thepipe 62 to project freely into the stormwater collecting chamber. For additional sealing purposes, a sealingring 66 is provided to prevent leakage between theend wall 8 of the vortex valve and theflange 36 of the coupling member. - The non-circular shape of the
flange 36 assists in the proper positioning of the coupling member so that thepegs 34 can be engaged with thehelical grooves 56. Also, proper positioning of the coupling member when inserted into the pipe 62 (for example with theflat edge 40 uppermost and horizontal) will ensure that, in the final position of the vortex valve, the vortex valve itself is properly positioned in the collecting chamber, with theinlet passage 10 at the bottom. - As shown in
FIG. 8 , theplate 20 can be displaced arcuately over theouter wall 4, as shown in dashed outline, in order to reduce the area of thecircumferential inlet 11. A reduction in this area alters the characteristics of the vortex valve, and in particular alters the pressure head at the inlet at which a vortex will be initiated within thevortex chamber 2 to cause a braking action, and also varies the relationship between the pressure head and flow rate through the vortex valve once the vortex is established. Adjustment of the area of thecircumferential inlet 11 may be made in conjunction with selection of aspigot 26 of appropriate diameter to provide the desired flow characteristics. - It has been found that adjustment of the inlet area in this manner, in conjunction with a vortex chamber having a circular cylindrical outer wall surprisingly enhances the versatility of the vortex valve. This is because, by appropriate adjustment of the inlet area, the characteristics of the vortex valve can be varied to suit a significant range of required flow characteristics. This in turn means that the same size of vortex valve can be used in different circumstances, with only the inlet area being adjusted by means of the plate 20 (possibly in conjunction with selection of an appropriate spigot diameter) in order to suit the vortex valve to the particular circumstances of its installation. This leads to manufacturing efficiencies, since vortex valves no longer need to be designed specifically for each installation. Instead, a relatively small range of vortex valves of different dimensions is required, with each vortex valve being fine-tuned by way of the
adjustment plate 20 to suit individual circumstances. For example, it is believed that a range of only four vortex valves of different dimensions is required to fulfil most needs of the market. - An important aspect of the adjustment means of
FIG. 8 is that theadjustment plate 20 extends generally along an arc which is substantially coincident with the circle on which lies the cylindricalouter wall 4. Theplate 20, when moved across the inlet to reduce the inlet area, thus contributes to the swirling movement within thechamber 2 when a vortex is established.
Claims (22)
1. A coupling for engagement with a bore, the coupling comprising an outer component having an expandable ring, and an inner component which is longitudinally displaceable within the ring, ramp means being provided between the inner component and the ring whereby longitudinal displacement of the inner component within the ring causes radial expansion of the ring to engage the bore, the ramp means comprising a ramp surface on one of the components and a circumferential projection on the other component, the ramp surface having first and second portions of differing inclination to the is direction of longitudinal displacement, whereby the circumferential projection engages the ramp surface portions successively as the inner component is displaced longitudinally relative in the ring.
2. A coupling as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the ramp means is inclined by a smaller angle than the second portion to the direction of longitudinal displacement, and is situated ahead of the second portion with respect to the direction of longitudinal displacement of the inner component corresponding to expansion of the ring.
3. A coupling as claimed in claim z, wherein the ramp surface is provided on the inner component, and the circumferential projection is provided on the outer component for engagement with the ramp surface.
4. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the ramp surface is inclined to the longitudinal direction by an angle of 2° to 10°.
5. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first portion of the ramp surface is inclined to the longitudinal direction by an angle of 5°.
6. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion of the ramp surface is inclined to the longitudinal direction by an angle of 30° to 50°.
7. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the second portion of the ramp surface is inclined to the longitudinal direction by an angle of 40°.
8. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ring is provided with at least one longitudinal slot to provide for the radial expansion of the ring.
9. A coupling as claimed in claim 8 , wherein a plurality of the longitudinal slots are provided in the ring, which divide the ring circumferentially into a plurality of resilient fingers.
10. A coupling as claimed in claim 9 , wherein the circumferential projection comprises a plurality of segments at the free ends of the fingers.
11. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising rotational ramp means wherein rotation of the inner component relatively to the outer component longitudinally displaces the two components in relation to each other.
12. A coupling as claimed in claim 11 when appendant to claim 3 , wherein the rotational ramp means is engaged when the circumferential projection contacts the second portion of the ramp surface.
13. A coupling as claimed in claim 11 or 12 , wherein the rotational ramp means further comprises at least one peg provided on one of the components which engages a helical groove on the other component.
14. A coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein a seal is provided on the outer surface of the ring.
15. A vortex valve having a coupling as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
16. A vortex valve as claimed in claim 15 , wherein the inner component is releasably mounted on an end wall of the vortex valve.
17. A vortex valve as claimed in claim 15 or 16 , wherein the inner component comprises a spigot projecting axially from the vortex valve.
18. A method of installing a vortex valve in accordance with any one of claims 15 to 17 on a pipe, the method comprising the steps of:
fitting the ring of the outer component within the bore of the pipe,
longitudinally displacing the inner component into the ring, such that the first portion of the ramp surface provides a first expansion of the ring and subsequently the second portion of the ramp surface provides a second expansion of the ring into sealing engagement with the bore.
19. A method as claimed in claim 18 , the vortex valve having a coupling in accordance with any one of claims 11 to 14 , in which method the inner component is displaced longitudinally into the outer component to engage the rotational ramp means, and subsequently rotation of the vortex valve causes operation of the rotational ramp means to displace the inner component longitudinally to cause the second expansion of the ring.
20. A vortex valve comprising a vortex chamber having a circular cylindrical outer wall and a tangential inlet passage, the inlet passage opening into the vortex chamber at a circumferential aperture which is adjustable by means of arcuate sliding plate which is displaceable over the external surface of the outer wall.
21. A vortex valve as claimed in claim 20 , wherein retaining means is provided to retain the sliding plate in an adjusted position.
22. A vortex valve as claimed in claim 20 or 21 , wherein the inlet passage of the vortex valve is defined by a tangential extension of the cylindrical outer wall of the vortex valve and by extensions of the axial end walls of the vortex valve whereby the inlet passage is of rectangular form.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/782,842 US7814935B2 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2007-07-25 | Vortex valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0204644A GB2385896B (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2002-02-27 | A coupling arrangement including an expandable ring |
GB0204644.9 | 2002-02-27 | ||
PCT/GB2003/000565 WO2003072987A1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2003-02-07 | A couplig |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/782,842 Division US7814935B2 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2007-07-25 | Vortex valve |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20050205146A1 true US20050205146A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
Family
ID=9931921
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/505,946 Abandoned US20050205146A1 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2003-02-07 | Coupling |
US11/782,842 Expired - Fee Related US7814935B2 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2007-07-25 | Vortex valve |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/782,842 Expired - Fee Related US7814935B2 (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2007-07-25 | Vortex valve |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20050205146A1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP1975497B1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2003208404A1 (en) |
GB (2) | GB2409537B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2003072987A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060163147A1 (en) * | 2005-01-26 | 2006-07-27 | Royal Environmental Systems, Inc. | Filter element for water loaded with solid particles and dissolved toxic substances and purification system equipped with said filter element |
US20140251442A1 (en) * | 2011-11-21 | 2014-09-11 | Automatik Plastics Machinery Gmbh | Device and method for reducing the pressure of a fluid containing granules |
Families Citing this family (12)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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GB2409537B (en) | 2002-02-27 | 2006-02-08 | Hydro Int Plc | A vortex valve |
AU2013201813B2 (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2015-08-13 | Hydro International Plc | A vortex flow control device |
GB2451285B (en) * | 2007-07-26 | 2012-07-11 | Hydro Int Plc | A vortex flow control device |
US8534323B2 (en) * | 2009-04-10 | 2013-09-17 | Flowserve Corporation | Control valves and methods of flowing a material through a control valve |
US8757667B2 (en) * | 2010-07-16 | 2014-06-24 | Ipex Technologies Inc. | Adapters and connector assemblies for flow managing apparatuses |
DE102012004590A1 (en) * | 2012-03-07 | 2013-09-12 | Thyssenkrupp Uhde Gmbh | centrifugal |
GB2504528B (en) * | 2012-08-02 | 2016-09-07 | Hydro Int Plc | Method of configuring a vortex flow control device and a vortex flow control device |
CN103615442B (en) * | 2013-12-01 | 2016-01-13 | 中国海洋大学 | A kind of method utilizing swirl valve to carry out liquid transfer |
CN103629526B (en) * | 2013-12-01 | 2016-01-06 | 中国海洋大学 | The freedom from repairs transporting system that high-pressure liquid drives |
GB2515135B (en) * | 2014-02-05 | 2018-03-21 | Hydro Int Plc | A flow control assembly |
CN106049649B (en) * | 2016-07-27 | 2018-01-12 | 水利部产品质量标准研究所 | Volute viscous flow device with deflector |
US11135601B2 (en) | 2019-03-05 | 2021-10-05 | Leonardo S.P.A. | Centrifugal separator of gas—liquid for electrochemical battery |
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- 2002-02-27 GB GB0204644A patent/GB2385896B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2003
- 2003-02-07 WO PCT/GB2003/000565 patent/WO2003072987A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
- 2003-02-07 AU AU2003208404A patent/AU2003208404A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-02-07 EP EP08010487.0A patent/EP1975497B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2003-02-07 US US10/505,946 patent/US20050205146A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2003-02-07 EP EP03706692A patent/EP1481188A1/en not_active Withdrawn
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2007
- 2007-07-25 US US11/782,842 patent/US7814935B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US4131134A (en) * | 1977-05-04 | 1978-12-26 | Owen, Wickersham & Erickson | Fluid flow regulator |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US7814935B2 (en) | 2010-10-19 |
GB2409537A (en) | 2005-06-29 |
EP1975497A1 (en) | 2008-10-01 |
US20080017819A1 (en) | 2008-01-24 |
GB0204644D0 (en) | 2002-04-10 |
GB2385896B (en) | 2005-06-08 |
GB2409537B (en) | 2006-02-08 |
WO2003072987A1 (en) | 2003-09-04 |
WO2003072987B1 (en) | 2003-11-27 |
GB2385896A (en) | 2003-09-03 |
GB0505785D0 (en) | 2005-04-27 |
EP1975497B1 (en) | 2013-09-25 |
EP1481188A1 (en) | 2004-12-01 |
AU2003208404A1 (en) | 2003-09-09 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HYDRO INTERNATIONAL PLC, GREAT BRITAIN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ANDOH, ROBERT;LE-CORNU, JEREMY P.;FARAM, MICHAEL G.;REEL/FRAME:016596/0563 Effective date: 20041019 |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |