WO2009061166A1 - Unidirectional flow control valve - Google Patents

Unidirectional flow control valve Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009061166A1
WO2009061166A1 PCT/MY2007/000071 MY2007000071W WO2009061166A1 WO 2009061166 A1 WO2009061166 A1 WO 2009061166A1 MY 2007000071 W MY2007000071 W MY 2007000071W WO 2009061166 A1 WO2009061166 A1 WO 2009061166A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
main
outlet
actuation
inlet
valve
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/MY2007/000071
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Christian Reijmer
Original Assignee
Christian Reijmer
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Christian Reijmer filed Critical Christian Reijmer
Priority to PCT/MY2007/000071 priority Critical patent/WO2009061166A1/en
Publication of WO2009061166A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009061166A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/36—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor
    • F16K31/38—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor in which the fluid works directly on both sides of the fluid motor, one side being connected by means of a restricted passage and the motor being actuated by operating a discharge from that side
    • F16K31/383—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor in which the fluid works directly on both sides of the fluid motor, one side being connected by means of a restricted passage and the motor being actuated by operating a discharge from that side the fluid acting on a piston
    • F16K31/3835—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor in which the fluid works directly on both sides of the fluid motor, one side being connected by means of a restricted passage and the motor being actuated by operating a discharge from that side the fluid acting on a piston the discharge being effected through the piston and being blockable by a mechanically-actuated member making contact with the piston
    • 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
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/36—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor
    • F16K31/38—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor in which the fluid works directly on both sides of the fluid motor, one side being connected by means of a restricted passage and the motor being actuated by operating a discharge from that side
    • F16K31/385—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor in which the fluid works directly on both sides of the fluid motor, one side being connected by means of a restricted passage and the motor being actuated by operating a discharge from that side the fluid acting on a diaphragm
    • F16K31/3855—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor in which the fluid works directly on both sides of the fluid motor, one side being connected by means of a restricted passage and the motor being actuated by operating a discharge from that side the fluid acting on a diaphragm the discharge being effected through the diaphragm and being blockable by a mechanically-actuated member making contact with the diaphragm
    • 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
    • F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
    • F16K31/00—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices
    • F16K31/12—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid
    • F16K31/36—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor
    • F16K31/40—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor
    • F16K31/406—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor acting on a piston
    • F16K31/408—Actuating devices; Operating means; Releasing devices actuated by fluid in which fluid from the circuit is constantly supplied to the fluid motor with electrically-actuated member in the discharge of the motor acting on a piston the discharge being effected through the piston and being blockable by an electrically-actuated member making contact with the piston

Definitions

  • This invention relates to flow control valves for compressible and incompressible fluids in general, and more specifically to pressure differential flow control valves.
  • Diaphragm valves introduce a large pressure drop across the valve even when open to capacity, as they allow a relatively small opening stroke of the diaphragm.
  • Increasing the stroke length of the diaphragm introduces fluid hammer problems upstream of the valve when closing, because the large pressure differentials across the diaphragm in combination with a long stroke allows the diaphragm to build too much momentum and the valve closes too fast resulting in fluid hammer and possible diaphragm tears.
  • Pilot operated valves in general with internal bleed passages required for pressure equalisation between the upstream, actuation and downstream sections of the valve, are sensitive to contamination of the fluid under control with small particulate matter.
  • the internal bleed passages are made as small as possible in order to minimise the required actuation force, and in combination with particles in the fluid these small bleed passages tend to clog.
  • the outlet bleed passage typically has a diameter of 0.8 mm, and the inlet bleed passage has by design an even smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet bleed passage, with a diameter of about 0.7 mm.
  • a unidirectional flow control valve that uses fluid pressure assisted valve opening and closing by using a main seal as a moveable boundary of an actuation chamber of which the pressure is controlled.
  • pressure equalisation between main outlet and actuation chamber is controlled by the opening and closing of an outlet bleed passage.
  • pressure equalisation between main flow passage and actuation chamber is controlled by the opening and closing of an inlet bleed passage.
  • Timing and sequence of the opening and closing of outlet bleed passage, and opening and closing of inlet bleed passage are controlled by the movement of a single actuation valve.
  • valve inlet bleed passage To close the valve inlet bleed passage is opened, whereby the clearance of actuation valve shaft in actuation chamber inlet functions as the inlet bleed passage, which reduces the size of particles that can enter the actuation chamber while inlet bleed passage is open.
  • the anti contamination method reduces inlet bleed passage clogging and outlet bleed passage clogging.
  • An anti fluid hammer method is disclosed with which during closing of the valve the flow rate from main flow passage through inlet bleed passage to actuation chamber depends on the position of actuation valve shaft relative to actuation chamber inlet, thus controlling the pressure in actuation chamber and the force on main seal, preventing the valve to close too quickly.
  • FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of a unidirectional flow control valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 2 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of a possible main seal and main seal seat configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 3 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of another main seal and main seal seat configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 4 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of another main seal and main seal seat configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 5 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of a detail of a unidirectional flow control valve with an anti contamination design in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 6 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of a detail of a unidirectional flow control valve with an anti fluid hammer design, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention
  • FIG. 7 shows the main seal in a closed position, outlet bleed passage in a closed position and inlet bleed passage in an open position;
  • FIG. 8 shows the main seal in a closed position, outlet bleed passage in an open position and inlet bleed passage in a closed position
  • FIG. 9 shows the main seal in an open position, outlet bleed passage in an open position and inlet bleed passage in a closed position
  • FIG. 10 shows the main seal in an open position, outlet bleed passage in a closed position and inlet bleed passage in an open position
  • FIG. 11 shows the main seal in an closing position, outlet bleed passage in a closed position and inlet bleed passage in an open position
  • FIG. 12 shows a schematic view in longitudinal section of a unidirectional flow control valve with a solenoid as actuation mechanism and a radial main inlet in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIG. 1 shows a unidirectional flow control valve (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
  • the unidirectional flow control valve (10) includes a valve body (1), an actuation body (2), a main seal (3), an actuation valve (4) and an actuation mechanism (7).
  • the valve body (1) defines a main inlet (8), a main outlet (9), and a main valve chamber (11) in communication with main inlet (8) and main outlet (9), and a main seal seat (5) between main inlet (8) and main outlet (9).
  • the actuation body (2) defines an actuation chamber inlet (21), an actuation chamber outlet (23) and an actuation chamber (6) in communication with actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23).
  • Actuation chamber inlet (21) has an inlet seal seat (212) and an inlet bleed passage seal (213).
  • the main seal (3) defines an outlet bleed passage (31), an outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and a pressure shoulder (32).
  • the actuation valve (4) defines an actuation valve seal (41) and an actuation valve shaft (42) with a variable actuation valve shaft cross section (421).
  • the actuation body (2) is configured within main valve chamber (11) with a clearance that defines a main flow passage (111) through which main inlet (8), main outlet (9), actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23) are in communication.
  • the main seal (3) is configured as a reciprocating piston in actuation chamber outlet (23) as a moveable boundary of actuation chamber (6), thereby defining a piston clearance (231) which is sealed by a piston seal (232), with main seal (3) moveable to a position away from or contacting main seal seat (5) for permitting or preventing flow from main flow passage (111) to main outlet (9).
  • the main seal seat (5) can either be a smooth machined surface or an insert of an appropriate sealing means, and provides a fluid tight seal when in contact with main seal (3).
  • the actuation valve (4) is configured through actuation chamber inlet (21) and inlet bleed passage seal (213), with a clearance that defines an inlet bleed passage (211).
  • the actuation valve shaft cross section (421) is varied in such a way that the clearance between actuation valve shaft (42) and inlet bleed passage seal (213) depends on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21).
  • Actuation chamber (6) is in communication with main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211), and with main outlet (9) through outlet bleed passage (31).
  • the actuation valve (4) is moveable to a position away from or contacting outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) for permitting or preventing flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9).
  • the outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) can either be a smooth machined surface or an insert of an appropriate sealing means, and provides a fluid tight seal when in contact with actuation valve seal (41).
  • the actuation valve (4) is moveable to a position away from or contacting inlet seal seat (212) for permitting or preventing flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) to actuation chamber (6).
  • the inlet seal seat (212) can either be a smooth machined surface or an insert of an appropriate sealing means, and provides a fluid tight seal when in contact with actuation valve seal (41).
  • (21) is controlled by an actuation mechanism (7) of mechanical or electromagnetic means.
  • FIG. 2 shows a piston as the main seal (3) with a pressure shoulder (32) defined by the main seal radius (34) in the actuation chamber outlet (23) and the main seal seat contact radius (35).
  • main seal main seal seat (5) protrudes from valve body (1), and the main flow passage (111) includes the area between the valve body (1) and the pressure shoulder (32).
  • FIG. 3 shows a piston as the main seal (3) with another pressure shoulder (32) configuration.
  • the area of pressure shoulder (32) is defined by the main seal radius (34) in the actuation chamber outlet (23) and the main seal seat contact radius (35).
  • the main flow passage (111) includes the area between the valve body (1) and the pressure shoulder (32).
  • FIG. 4 shows a diaphragm as the main seal (3).
  • the area of pressure shoulder (32) is defined by the main seal radius (34) in the actuation chamber outlet (23) and the main seal seat contact radius (35).
  • the main flow passage (111) includes the area between the valve body (1) and the pressure shoulder (32).
  • FIG. 5 shows a detail of a unidirectional flow control valve (10) with an anti contamination design in accordance with the present invention.
  • the figure shows actuation body (2) configured with an inlet seal seat (212), and actuation valve (4) configured through actuation chamber inlet (21) with a clearance that defines inlet bleed passage (211), and a piston as main seal (3) with outlet bleed passage (31) and outlet bleed passage seal seat (33), configured in actuation chamber outlet (23) with a piston clearance (231) wich is sealed by a piston seal (232). Opening and closing of outlet bleed passage (31) and inlet bleed passage (211) are controlled by the movement of a single actuation valve (4).
  • actuation valve seal (41) is moved away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) thus opening outlet bleed passage (31), and pressure equalisation between actuation chamber (6) and main outlet (9) occurs through flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9).
  • pressure in actuation chamber (6) drops below static pressure in main flow passage (111) at actuation chamber inlet (21)
  • flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) occur, with the risk of particles disposed in the fluid in main flow passage (111) being sucked into actuation chamber (6).
  • actuation valve seal (41) simulaneously away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and in contact with inlet seal seat (212), flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) is blocked and clogging of inlet bleed passage (211) and outlet bleed passage (31) with contaminants is prevented.
  • actuation valve seal (41) is moved away from inlet seal seat (212) and in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) closing outlet bleed passage (31) and, pressure equalisation between main flow passage (111) and actuation chamber (6) occurs by flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) to actuation chamber (6).
  • inlet bleed passage (211) is the radial clearance between actuation valve shaft (42) and actuation chamber inlet (21), the size of particulates that can enter actuation chamber (6) through inlet bleed passage (211) is significantly smaller than the radial cross section of outlet bleed passage (31).
  • unidirectional flow control valve (10) in FIG. 5 The detail of unidirectional flow control valve (10) in FIG. 5 is without anti fluid hammer options. Fluid hammer occurs when the valve closes too quickly, and a fluid shock wave travels upstream with the speed of sound in the fluid under control, resulting in damage to or failure of upstream components.
  • inlet bleed passage (211) opens and flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) builds the pressure in actuation chamber (6) to the flow's static pressure in main flow passage (111) at actuation chamber inlet (21).
  • FIG. 6 shows a detail of a unidirectional flow control valve (10) with an anti fluid hammer design in which the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) depends on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21).
  • the figure shows actuation valve (4) configured through actuation chamber inlet (21) which is configured with a inlet bleed passage seal (213).
  • the inlet bleed passage (211) is defined by the clearance between inlet bleed passage seal (213) and actuation valve shaft cross section (421), where by the actuation valve shaft cross section (421) is varied in such a way that the area of inlet bleed passage (211) depends on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21) and varies between zero and a value smaller than the radial cross sectional area of inlet bleed passage seal (213).
  • Varying the actuation valve shaft cross section (421) is typically done by tapering or grooving actuation valve shaft (42) or grooving actuation valve shaft (42) with one or more coaxial grooves, but any method that varies the clearance between actuation valve shaft cross section (421) and inlet bleed passage seal (213) is appropriate.
  • inlet bleed passage (211) opens, and the pressure development in actuation chamber (6) depends on the velocity with which main seal (3) moves towards main seal seat (5) expanding the volume of actuation chamber (6), and the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6).
  • the flow rate depends on the varying cross sectional area of inlet bleed passage (211).
  • the variation of the area of inlet bleed passage (211) is designed in such a way that the pressure development in actuation chamber (6) is in balance with the development of the static pressure of the flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5), which decreases at an increasing rate as main seal (3) moves towards main seal seat (5).
  • the design allows inlet bleed passage (211) to be fully closed at intervals, and whenever inlet bleed passage (211) is closed, further movement of main seal (3) towards main seal seat (5) will lower the pressure in actuation chamber (6) depending on the type of fluid under control. If the fluid of which the flow is controlled is a gas, the pressure of actuation chamber (6) will decrease in proportion to the increase of the volume of actuation chamber (6). If the fluid of which the flow is controlled is a liquid, the pressure of actuation chamber (6) will decrease to the vapor pressure of the fluid at the fluid's temperature.
  • Controlling the pressure in actuation chamber (6) by controlling the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) to actuation chamber (6) based on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21) enables control of the momentum buildup of main seal (3), and main seal (3) is moved towards main seal seat (5) in a controlled fashion, reducing fluid hammer, valve noise and valve vibration.
  • FIG. 7 shows a unidirectional flow control valve (10) with anti contamination and anti fluid hammer options in a closed position, with main seal (3) in contact with main seal seat (5) closing main outlet (9), actuation valve seal (41) in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) closing outlet bleed passage (31), and actuation valve seal (41) away from inlet seal seat (212) opening inlet bleed passage (211).
  • the unidirectional flow control valve (10) is configured in such a way that the flow rate from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) into main outlet (9) is larger than the flow rate from main flow passage (111) into actuation chamber (6) through inlet bleed passage (211).
  • the area of pressure shoulder (32) of main seal (3) is the area between main seal radius (34) in actuation chamber outlet (23), and main seal seat contact radius (35), and as such main seal radius (34) in actuation chamber outlet (23) is larger than main seal seat contact radius (35).
  • actuation valve (4) is moved away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) opening outlet bleed passage (31), and in contact with inlet seal seat (212) closing inlet bleed passage (211), as shown in FIG. 8.
  • the speed with which main seal (3) moves away from main seal seat (5) and opens main outlet (9) depends on the fluid's stagnation pressure, the back pressure and the effective cross sectional area of pressure shoulder (32), which is the radial cross sectional area of main seal (3) between main seal radius (34) in actuation chamber outlet (23) and main seal seat contact radius (35).
  • actuation valve (4) is moved away from inlet seal seat (212) and in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33), as shown in FIG. 10.
  • inlet bleed passage (211) opens, fluid flows from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) to actuation chamber (6) and the pressure in actuation chamber (6) builds to the flow's static pressure in main flow passage (111) at actuation chamber inlet (21), as outlet bleed passage (31) is closed.
  • main seal (3) moves towards main seal seat (5) the available flow area between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5) decreases, and the fluid flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5) increases its velocity and decreases its static pressure even further.
  • inlet bleed passage (211) and thereby the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) is varied in such a way that the pressure in actuation chamber (6) develops in balance with the development of the static pressure of the flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5), as shown in FIG. 11, and the main seal (3) moves towards main seal seat (5) in a controlled fashion, reducing fluid hammer, valve noise and valve vibration.
  • Flow volume through unidirectional flow control valve (10) is throttled by control of the length of the opening stroke made by actuation valve (4), as flow volume through unidirectional flow control valve (10) depends on the shape of distance between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5).
  • outlet bleed passage (31) opens, main seal (3) moves into actuation body (2) and as soon as outlet bleed passage (31) closes against actuation valve (4) the pressure in actuation chamber (6) builds to the flow's static pressure in main flow passage (111) at actuation chamber inlet (21) through inlet bleed passage (211), and main seal (3) moves away from actuation valve (4) opening outlet bleed passage (31).
  • main seal (3) oscillates between main seal seat (5) and actuation valve seal (41) and flow is throttled.
  • main seal (3) As the surge's stagnation pressure is higher than the static pressure of the reverse flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5), the pressure differential across main seal (3) moves main seal (3) towards main seal seat (5) in a closing direction, thus preventing backflow.
  • FIG. 12 shows a unidirectional flow control valve (10) with a solenoid as actuation mechanism (7) and a radial main inlet (8) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the actuation valve shaft (42) as the plunger and made of a low reluctance steel, a low reluctance magnetic core (71), a copper wire coil (72), an air gap (73) and a loaded spring (74).
  • spring (74) keeps actuation valve seal (41) in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and the unidirectional flow control valve (10) is closed.
  • Actuating coil (72) with an electrical current induces actuation valve shaft (42) to move towards the air gap (73) and away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33), opening outlet bleed passage (31) and thereby opening unidirectional flow control valve (10).
  • the present invention offers specific advantages over other types of flow control valves.
  • One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a simple, robust and cost effective construction. When used with a piston as main seal (3), most parts can be made out of ChromeCore or a similar valve steel allowing the valve to be safely used to control high pressure flow and allowing large pressure differences between main inlet (8) and main outlet (9), for both compressible and incompressible fluids, whether they are aggressive in nature or not.
  • the present invention requires a low actuation force for controlling fluid flow through the unidirectional flow control valve (10).
  • Another advantage of the present invention is it allows the unidirectional flow control valve (10) to be designed with a rated pressure drop across the valve when open to capacity, by design of the area and flow path of main inlet (8), main valve chamber (11), main flow passage (111), main seal (3), main seal seat (5) and main outlet (9).
  • the present invention allows a large main seal (3) stroke without the risk of the valve self destructing on closing, and a large main seal (3) stroke allows the rated pressure drop across unidirectional flow control valve (10) to be low.
  • the anti fluid hammer feature of the present invention also reduces valve noise and fluid hammer significantly, and the anti contamination feature prevents valve malfunctioning due to small particles in the flow.
  • the present invention delivers a combined flow control and check valve which is an advantage in case both functionalities are required in a flow design, and the speed with which the unidirectional flow control valve (10) opens and closes can be customised by design by varying the main seal radius (34) in actuation chamber outlet (23), the main seal seat contact radius (35) and the interval timing defined by the variation of actuation valve shaft cross section (421) with which actuation valve shaft (42) closes inlet bleed passage (211).

Abstract

A unidirectional flow control valve (10) controls the flow of fluids by controlling the position of a main seal (3) through control of the pressure of an actuating chamber (6), by opening and closing of an inlet bleed passage (211) and an outlet bleed passage (31) through control of the position of a single actuation valve (4). Closing the inlet bleed passage (211) when the outlet bleed passage (31) and the main seal (3) are open prevents contamination interfering with proper valve operation. When closing the valve, the flow rate from the main flow passage (111) through the inlet bleed passage (211) into the actuation chamber (6) depends on the position of the actuation valve shaft (42) relative to the actuation chamber inlet (21), and the pressure in the actuation chamber (6) develops in balance with the decreasing static pressure of the fluid flow in the main outlet (9), and fluid hammer is reduced. In case of a downstream pressure surge, the surge's stagnation pressure builds in the actuation chamber (6) through the outlet bleed passage (31) and the main seal (3) closes the valve, preventing backflow.

Description

i
UNIDIRECTIONAL FLOW CONTROL VALVE
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to flow control valves for compressible and incompressible fluids in general, and more specifically to pressure differential flow control valves.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Pressure differential valves are well known in the art. US patents 3,872,878 and 5,363,873 disclose diaphragm operated water valves for household appliances, and US patent 4,699,521 discloses a pressure responsive pilot actuated modulating piston valve. These valves have a number of characteristics that make them more or less suitable for application in specific flow control domains.
High pressure flow control is problematic with diaphragm valves, as they can suffer from diaphragm tears due to large pressure differentials across the diaphragm upon opening and closing, leading to catastrophic valve failure. Diaphragm valves introduce a large pressure drop across the valve even when open to capacity, as they allow a relatively small opening stroke of the diaphragm. Increasing the stroke length of the diaphragm introduces fluid hammer problems upstream of the valve when closing, because the large pressure differentials across the diaphragm in combination with a long stroke allows the diaphragm to build too much momentum and the valve closes too fast resulting in fluid hammer and possible diaphragm tears.
Pilot operated valves in general, with internal bleed passages required for pressure equalisation between the upstream, actuation and downstream sections of the valve, are sensitive to contamination of the fluid under control with small particulate matter. The internal bleed passages are made as small as possible in order to minimise the required actuation force, and in combination with particles in the fluid these small bleed passages tend to clog. For instance, in a household appliance valve the outlet bleed passage typically has a diameter of 0.8 mm, and the inlet bleed passage has by design an even smaller cross-sectional area than the outlet bleed passage, with a diameter of about 0.7 mm.
There is a need to reduce pressure drop across the open valve, to restrict bleed passage clogging and to reduce fluid hammer effects in pressure differential flow control valves. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a unidirectional flow control valve that operates with a low pressure drop across the inlet and outlet with the valve open to capacity.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a unidirectional flow control valve that prevents contaminants in the fluid to interfere with proper valve operation.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a unidirectional flow control valve that prevents the valve closing too quickly in order to minimise valve noise, vibration and fluid hammer.
It is another object of the present invention to provide a unidirectional flow control valve with a strong and durable construction that allows for safe flow control with low actuation force despite a large pressure difference between the fluid source and destination.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
Disclosed is a unidirectional flow control valve that uses fluid pressure assisted valve opening and closing by using a main seal as a moveable boundary of an actuation chamber of which the pressure is controlled. When opening the valve, pressure equalisation between main outlet and actuation chamber is controlled by the opening and closing of an outlet bleed passage. When closing the valve, pressure equalisation between main flow passage and actuation chamber is controlled by the opening and closing of an inlet bleed passage. Timing and sequence of the opening and closing of outlet bleed passage, and opening and closing of inlet bleed passage are controlled by the movement of a single actuation valve. An anti contamination method is disclosed, wherein during valve opening the inlet bleed passage is closed, and inlet bleed passage is kept closed as long as the valve is open. To close the valve inlet bleed passage is opened, whereby the clearance of actuation valve shaft in actuation chamber inlet functions as the inlet bleed passage, which reduces the size of particles that can enter the actuation chamber while inlet bleed passage is open. The anti contamination method reduces inlet bleed passage clogging and outlet bleed passage clogging.
An anti fluid hammer method is disclosed with which during closing of the valve the flow rate from main flow passage through inlet bleed passage to actuation chamber depends on the position of actuation valve shaft relative to actuation chamber inlet, thus controlling the pressure in actuation chamber and the force on main seal, preventing the valve to close too quickly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The drawings constitute part of this specification and include an exemplary or preferred embodiment of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. It should be understood, however, the disclosed preferred embodiment is merely exemplary of the invention. Therefore, the figures (not to scale) disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art of the invention.
FIG. 1 shows a longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of a unidirectional flow control valve in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of a possible main seal and main seal seat configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of another main seal and main seal seat configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of another main seal and main seal seat configuration in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of a detail of a unidirectional flow control valve with an anti contamination design in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 shows an enlarged longitudinal cross sectional schematic view of a detail of a unidirectional flow control valve with an anti fluid hammer design, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 7 shows the main seal in a closed position, outlet bleed passage in a closed position and inlet bleed passage in an open position;
FIG. 8 shows the main seal in a closed position, outlet bleed passage in an open position and inlet bleed passage in a closed position;
FIG. 9 shows the main seal in an open position, outlet bleed passage in an open position and inlet bleed passage in a closed position;
FIG. 10 shows the main seal in an open position, outlet bleed passage in a closed position and inlet bleed passage in an open position;
FIG. 11 shows the main seal in an closing position, outlet bleed passage in a closed position and inlet bleed passage in an open position; FIG. 12 shows a schematic view in longitudinal section of a unidirectional flow control valve with a solenoid as actuation mechanism and a radial main inlet in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A detailed description of various embodiments of the invention is disclosed herein. It should be understood, however, the embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various other forms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and for teaching one skilled in the art of the invention. The numerals in the diagrams refer to feature of the same description in different embodiments, although the features may vary in configuration. FIG. 1 shows a unidirectional flow control valve (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The unidirectional flow control valve (10) includes a valve body (1), an actuation body (2), a main seal (3), an actuation valve (4) and an actuation mechanism (7).
The valve body (1) defines a main inlet (8), a main outlet (9), and a main valve chamber (11) in communication with main inlet (8) and main outlet (9), and a main seal seat (5) between main inlet (8) and main outlet (9). The actuation body (2) defines an actuation chamber inlet (21), an actuation chamber outlet (23) and an actuation chamber (6) in communication with actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23). Actuation chamber inlet (21) has an inlet seal seat (212) and an inlet bleed passage seal (213). The main seal (3) defines an outlet bleed passage (31), an outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and a pressure shoulder (32). The actuation valve (4) defines an actuation valve seal (41) and an actuation valve shaft (42) with a variable actuation valve shaft cross section (421).
The actuation body (2) is configured within main valve chamber (11) with a clearance that defines a main flow passage (111) through which main inlet (8), main outlet (9), actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23) are in communication.
The main seal (3) is configured as a reciprocating piston in actuation chamber outlet (23) as a moveable boundary of actuation chamber (6), thereby defining a piston clearance (231) which is sealed by a piston seal (232), with main seal (3) moveable to a position away from or contacting main seal seat (5) for permitting or preventing flow from main flow passage (111) to main outlet (9). The main seal seat (5) can either be a smooth machined surface or an insert of an appropriate sealing means, and provides a fluid tight seal when in contact with main seal (3).
The actuation valve (4) is configured through actuation chamber inlet (21) and inlet bleed passage seal (213), with a clearance that defines an inlet bleed passage (211). The actuation valve shaft cross section (421) is varied in such a way that the clearance between actuation valve shaft (42) and inlet bleed passage seal (213) depends on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21). Actuation chamber (6) is in communication with main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211), and with main outlet (9) through outlet bleed passage (31).
The actuation valve (4) is moveable to a position away from or contacting outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) for permitting or preventing flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9). The outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) can either be a smooth machined surface or an insert of an appropriate sealing means, and provides a fluid tight seal when in contact with actuation valve seal (41).
The actuation valve (4) is moveable to a position away from or contacting inlet seal seat (212) for permitting or preventing flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) to actuation chamber (6). The inlet seal seat (212) can either be a smooth machined surface or an insert of an appropriate sealing means, and provides a fluid tight seal when in contact with actuation valve seal (41).
The position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet
(21) is controlled by an actuation mechanism (7) of mechanical or electromagnetic means.
FIG. 2 shows a piston as the main seal (3) with a pressure shoulder (32) defined by the main seal radius (34) in the actuation chamber outlet (23) and the main seal seat contact radius (35). In this configuration main seal main seal seat (5) protrudes from valve body (1), and the main flow passage (111) includes the area between the valve body (1) and the pressure shoulder (32).
FIG. 3 shows a piston as the main seal (3) with another pressure shoulder (32) configuration. The area of pressure shoulder (32) is defined by the main seal radius (34) in the actuation chamber outlet (23) and the main seal seat contact radius (35). The main flow passage (111) includes the area between the valve body (1) and the pressure shoulder (32).
FIG. 4 shows a diaphragm as the main seal (3). The area of pressure shoulder (32) is defined by the main seal radius (34) in the actuation chamber outlet (23) and the main seal seat contact radius (35). The main flow passage (111) includes the area between the valve body (1) and the pressure shoulder (32).
FIG. 5 shows a detail of a unidirectional flow control valve (10) with an anti contamination design in accordance with the present invention. The figure shows actuation body (2) configured with an inlet seal seat (212), and actuation valve (4) configured through actuation chamber inlet (21) with a clearance that defines inlet bleed passage (211), and a piston as main seal (3) with outlet bleed passage (31) and outlet bleed passage seal seat (33), configured in actuation chamber outlet (23) with a piston clearance (231) wich is sealed by a piston seal (232). Opening and closing of outlet bleed passage (31) and inlet bleed passage (211) are controlled by the movement of a single actuation valve (4).
Referring to FIG. 5, to open unidirectional flow control valve (10), actuation valve seal (41) is moved away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) thus opening outlet bleed passage (31), and pressure equalisation between actuation chamber (6) and main outlet (9) occurs through flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9). As the pressure in actuation chamber (6) drops below static pressure in main flow passage (111) at actuation chamber inlet (21), flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) occur, with the risk of particles disposed in the fluid in main flow passage (111) being sucked into actuation chamber (6). By positioning actuation valve seal (41) simulaneously away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and in contact with inlet seal seat (212), flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) is blocked and clogging of inlet bleed passage (211) and outlet bleed passage (31) with contaminants is prevented. To close unidirectional flow control valve (10), actuation valve seal (41) is moved away from inlet seal seat (212) and in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) closing outlet bleed passage (31) and, pressure equalisation between main flow passage (111) and actuation chamber (6) occurs by flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) to actuation chamber (6). As inlet bleed passage (211) is the radial clearance between actuation valve shaft (42) and actuation chamber inlet (21), the size of particulates that can enter actuation chamber (6) through inlet bleed passage (211) is significantly smaller than the radial cross section of outlet bleed passage (31).
The detail of unidirectional flow control valve (10) in FIG. 5 is without anti fluid hammer options. Fluid hammer occurs when the valve closes too quickly, and a fluid shock wave travels upstream with the speed of sound in the fluid under control, resulting in damage to or failure of upstream components.
When actuation valve (4) is moved away from inlet seal seat (212) and in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) in order to close unidirectional flow control valve (10), inlet bleed passage (211) opens and flow from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) builds the pressure in actuation chamber (6) to the flow's static pressure in main flow passage (111) at actuation chamber inlet (21). As this pressure is by design larger than the static pressure of the fluid flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5), main seal (3) moves towards main seal seat (5) and the available flow area between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5) decreases, and as a result the fluid flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5) increases its velocity and decreases its static pressure even further. Thus the pressure differential across the main seal (3) increases exponentially, and main seal (3) builds too much momentum and slams into main seal seat (5), closing the valve too quickly and a fluid hammer shock wave travels upstream of the valve. FIG. 6 shows a detail of a unidirectional flow control valve (10) with an anti fluid hammer design in which the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) depends on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21). The figure shows actuation valve (4) configured through actuation chamber inlet (21) which is configured with a inlet bleed passage seal (213).
The inlet bleed passage (211) is defined by the clearance between inlet bleed passage seal (213) and actuation valve shaft cross section (421), where by the actuation valve shaft cross section (421) is varied in such a way that the area of inlet bleed passage (211) depends on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21) and varies between zero and a value smaller than the radial cross sectional area of inlet bleed passage seal (213). Varying the actuation valve shaft cross section (421) is typically done by tapering or grooving actuation valve shaft (42) or grooving actuation valve shaft (42) with one or more coaxial grooves, but any method that varies the clearance between actuation valve shaft cross section (421) and inlet bleed passage seal (213) is appropriate.
When actuation valve (4) is moved away from inlet seal seat (212) and in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) in order to close unidirectional flow control valve (10), inlet bleed passage (211) opens, and the pressure development in actuation chamber (6) depends on the velocity with which main seal (3) moves towards main seal seat (5) expanding the volume of actuation chamber (6), and the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6). The flow rate depends on the varying cross sectional area of inlet bleed passage (211).
The variation of the area of inlet bleed passage (211) is designed in such a way that the pressure development in actuation chamber (6) is in balance with the development of the static pressure of the flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5), which decreases at an increasing rate as main seal (3) moves towards main seal seat (5). The design allows inlet bleed passage (211) to be fully closed at intervals, and whenever inlet bleed passage (211) is closed, further movement of main seal (3) towards main seal seat (5) will lower the pressure in actuation chamber (6) depending on the type of fluid under control. If the fluid of which the flow is controlled is a gas, the pressure of actuation chamber (6) will decrease in proportion to the increase of the volume of actuation chamber (6). If the fluid of which the flow is controlled is a liquid, the pressure of actuation chamber (6) will decrease to the vapor pressure of the fluid at the fluid's temperature.
Controlling the pressure in actuation chamber (6) by controlling the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) to actuation chamber (6) based on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21) enables control of the momentum buildup of main seal (3), and main seal (3) is moved towards main seal seat (5) in a controlled fashion, reducing fluid hammer, valve noise and valve vibration.
Operation of unidirectional flow control valve (10) is now described. FIG. 7 shows a unidirectional flow control valve (10) with anti contamination and anti fluid hammer options in a closed position, with main seal (3) in contact with main seal seat (5) closing main outlet (9), actuation valve seal (41) in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) closing outlet bleed passage (31), and actuation valve seal (41) away from inlet seal seat (212) opening inlet bleed passage (211).
The unidirectional flow control valve (10) is configured in such a way that the flow rate from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) into main outlet (9) is larger than the flow rate from main flow passage (111) into actuation chamber (6) through inlet bleed passage (211). The area of pressure shoulder (32) of main seal (3) is the area between main seal radius (34) in actuation chamber outlet (23), and main seal seat contact radius (35), and as such main seal radius (34) in actuation chamber outlet (23) is larger than main seal seat contact radius (35). In order to open unidirectional flow control valve (10), actuation valve (4) is moved away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) opening outlet bleed passage (31), and in contact with inlet seal seat (212) closing inlet bleed passage (211), as shown in FIG. 8.
As the flow rate from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) into main outlet (9) is larger than the flow rate from main flow passage (111) into actuation chamber (6) through inlet bleed passage (211), the pressure in actuation chamber (6) becomes less than the pressure in main flow passage (111) on pressure shoulder (32). This produces a net force on pressure shoulder (32) that accelerates main seal (3) away from main seal seat (5) opening main outlet (9), as shown in FIG.9. As inlet bleed passage (211) closes, flow from main flow passage (111) to actuation chamber (6) is prevented and contaminants can not enter actuation chamber (6). The speed with which main seal (3) moves away from main seal seat (5) and opens main outlet (9) depends on the fluid's stagnation pressure, the back pressure and the effective cross sectional area of pressure shoulder (32), which is the radial cross sectional area of main seal (3) between main seal radius (34) in actuation chamber outlet (23) and main seal seat contact radius (35).
In order to close unidirectional flow control valve (10), actuation valve (4) is moved away from inlet seal seat (212) and in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33), as shown in FIG. 10. As inlet bleed passage (211) opens, fluid flows from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) to actuation chamber (6) and the pressure in actuation chamber (6) builds to the flow's static pressure in main flow passage (111) at actuation chamber inlet (21), as outlet bleed passage (31) is closed. As main seal (3) moves towards main seal seat (5) the available flow area between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5) decreases, and the fluid flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5) increases its velocity and decreases its static pressure even further.
The area of inlet bleed passage (211) and thereby the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) is varied in such a way that the pressure in actuation chamber (6) develops in balance with the development of the static pressure of the flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5), as shown in FIG. 11, and the main seal (3) moves towards main seal seat (5) in a controlled fashion, reducing fluid hammer, valve noise and valve vibration.
Flow volume through unidirectional flow control valve (10) is throttled by control of the length of the opening stroke made by actuation valve (4), as flow volume through unidirectional flow control valve (10) depends on the shape of distance between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5). When outlet bleed passage (31) opens, main seal (3) moves into actuation body (2) and as soon as outlet bleed passage (31) closes against actuation valve (4) the pressure in actuation chamber (6) builds to the flow's static pressure in main flow passage (111) at actuation chamber inlet (21) through inlet bleed passage (211), and main seal (3) moves away from actuation valve (4) opening outlet bleed passage (31). Thus main seal (3) oscillates between main seal seat (5) and actuation valve seal (41) and flow is throttled.
In case of a downstream pressure surge of which the pressure is higher than the upstream stagnation pressure, flow in the valve will reverse. As the flow enters main flow passage (111) from main outlet (9) through main seal seat (5), the surge's stagnation pressure builds in actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31).
As the surge's stagnation pressure is higher than the static pressure of the reverse flow between main seal (3) and main seal seat (5), the pressure differential across main seal (3) moves main seal (3) towards main seal seat (5) in a closing direction, thus preventing backflow.
FIG. 12 shows a unidirectional flow control valve (10) with a solenoid as actuation mechanism (7) and a radial main inlet (8) in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, with the actuation valve shaft (42) as the plunger and made of a low reluctance steel, a low reluctance magnetic core (71), a copper wire coil (72), an air gap (73) and a loaded spring (74). When the coil (72) is not actuated with an electrical current, spring (74) keeps actuation valve seal (41) in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and the unidirectional flow control valve (10) is closed. Actuating coil (72) with an electrical current induces actuation valve shaft (42) to move towards the air gap (73) and away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33), opening outlet bleed passage (31) and thereby opening unidirectional flow control valve (10).
When the current is removed from coil (72), the spring (74) induces actuation valve shaft (42) to move into contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) closing outlet bleed passage (31), and unidirectional flow control valve (10) closes.
The present invention offers specific advantages over other types of flow control valves. One advantage of the present invention is that it provides a simple, robust and cost effective construction. When used with a piston as main seal (3), most parts can be made out of ChromeCore or a similar valve steel allowing the valve to be safely used to control high pressure flow and allowing large pressure differences between main inlet (8) and main outlet (9), for both compressible and incompressible fluids, whether they are aggressive in nature or not.
Regardless of the pressure differences between main inlet (8) and main outlet (9) the present invention requires a low actuation force for controlling fluid flow through the unidirectional flow control valve (10).
Another advantage of the present invention is it allows the unidirectional flow control valve (10) to be designed with a rated pressure drop across the valve when open to capacity, by design of the area and flow path of main inlet (8), main valve chamber (11), main flow passage (111), main seal (3), main seal seat (5) and main outlet (9). In combination with the anti fluid hammer features the present invention allows a large main seal (3) stroke without the risk of the valve self destructing on closing, and a large main seal (3) stroke allows the rated pressure drop across unidirectional flow control valve (10) to be low. The anti fluid hammer feature of the present invention also reduces valve noise and fluid hammer significantly, and the anti contamination feature prevents valve malfunctioning due to small particles in the flow.
The present invention delivers a combined flow control and check valve which is an advantage in case both functionalities are required in a flow design, and the speed with which the unidirectional flow control valve (10) opens and closes can be customised by design by varying the main seal radius (34) in actuation chamber outlet (23), the main seal seat contact radius (35) and the interval timing defined by the variation of actuation valve shaft cross section (421) with which actuation valve shaft (42) closes inlet bleed passage (211).
While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described, it is not intended that these embodiments illustrate and describe all possible forms of the invention. Rather, the words used in the specifications are words of description rather than limitation and various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:
1. A unidirectional flow control valve (10), comprising: a) a valve body (1) defining a main inlet (8), a main outlet (9), and a main valve chamber (11) in communication with main inlet (8) and main outlet (9), and a main seal seat (S) between main inlet (8) and main outlet (9);
b) an actuation body (2) defining an actuation chamber inlet (21), an actuation chamber outlet (23) and an actuation chamber (6) in communication with actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23);
c) a main seal (3) defining an outlet bleed passage (31), an outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and a pressure shoulder (32);
d) an actuation valve (4) defining an actuation valve seal (41) and an actuation valve shaft (42);
wherein actuation body (2) is configured within main valve chamber (11) with a clearance that defines a main flow passage (111) through which main inlet (8), main outlet (9), actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23) are in communication; and
wherein main seal (3) is configured within actuation chamber outlet (23) as a moveable boundary of actuation chamber (6), with main seal (3) moveable to a position away from main seal seat (5) for permitting flow from main flow passage (111) to main outlet (9) and moveable to a position contacting main seal seat (5) for preventing flow from main flow passage (111) to main outlet (9); and
wherein actuation chamber (6) is in communication with main flow passage (111) through an inlet bleed passage (211), and with main outlet (9) through outlet bleed passage (31); and
wherein actuation valve (4) is configured through actuation chamber inlet (21), with actuation valve (4) moveable to a position in which actuation valve seal (41) is away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) for permitting flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9) and moveable to a position contacting outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) for preventing flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9); and
wherein the position of actuation valve (4) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21) is controlled by an actuation mechanism (7).
2. A unidirectional flow control valve (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein inlet bleed passage (211) is defined as the clearance between actuation valve shaft (42) and actuation chamber inlet (21).
3. A unidirectional flow control valve (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein inlet bleed passage (211) is a conduit from actuation chamber (6) to main flow passage (111).
4. A unidirectional flow control valve (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) depends on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21).
5. A unidirectional flow control valve (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein main seal (3) is configured as a reciprocating piston in actuation chamber outlet (23) thereby defining a piston clearance (231).
6. A unidirectional flow control valve (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein main seal (3) is configured as a reciprocating piston in actuation chamber outlet (23) thereby defining a piston clearance (231) which is sealed by a piston seal (232).
7. A unidirectional flow control valve (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein main seal (3) is configured as a flexible diaphragm configured in actuation chamber outlet (23).
8. A unidirectional flow control valve (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein actuation mechanism (7) is of mechanical or electromagnetic means.
9. A method of reducing the flow of contaminates into an inlet bleed passage (211) and an outlet bleed passage (31) of a unidirectional flow control valve (10) comprising the steps of: a) providing a valve body (1) defining a main inlet (8), a main outlet (9), and a main valve chamber (11) in communication with main inlet (8) and main outlet (9), and a main seal seat (5) between main inlet (8) and main outlet (9);
b) providing an actuation body (2) defining an actuation chamber inlet (21), an actuation chamber outlet (23) and an actuation chamber (6) in communication with actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23);
c) providing a main seal (3) defining an outlet bleed passage (31), an outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and a pressure shoulder (32);
d) providing an actuation valve (4) defining an actuation valve seal (41) and an actuation valve shaft (42);
wherein actuation body (2) is configured within main valve chamber (11) with a clearance that defines a main flow passage (111) through which main inlet (8), main outlet (9), actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23) are in communication; and
wherein main seal (3) is configured within actuation chamber outlet (23) as a moveable boundary of actuation chamber (6), with main seal (3) moveable to a position away from main seal seat (5) for permitting flow from main flow passage (111) to main outlet (9) and moveable to a position contacting main seal seat (5) for preventing flow from main flow passage (111) to main outlet (9); and wherein actuation chamber (6) is in communication with main flow passage (111) through an inlet bleed passage (211), and with main outlet (9) through outlet bleed passage (31); and
wherein actuation valve (4) is configured through actuation chamber inlet (21), with actuation valve (4) moveable to a position away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) for permitting flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9) and moveable to a position contacting outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) for preventing flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9); and
wherein the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21) is controlled by an actuation mechanism (7); and
wherein the inlet bleed passage (211) is configured with an inlet bleed passage seal seat (212); and
wherein in order to open unidirectional flow control valve (10), actuation valve (4) is moved from a position in contact with outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) to a position away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and in contact with inlet bleed passage seal seat (212), thereby closing inlet bleed passage (211).
10. The method of claim 9, wherein inlet bleed passage (211) is defined as the clearance between actuation valve shaft (42) and actuation chamber inlet (21).
11. A method of reducing fluid hammer occurring in a unidirectional flow control valve (10) comprising the steps of: a) providing a valve body (1) defining a main inlet (8), a main outlet (9), and a main valve chamber (11) in communication with main inlet (8) and main outlet (9), and a main seal seat (5) between main inlet (8) and main outlet (9);
b) providing an actuation body (2) defining an actuation chamber inlet (21), an actuation chamber outlet (23) and an actuation chamber (6) in 07 000071
19 communication with actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23);
c) providing a main seal (3) defining an outlet bleed passage (31), an outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) and a pressure shoulder (32);
d) providing an actuation valve (4) defining an actuation valve seal (41) and an actuation valve shaft (42);
wherein actuation body (2) is configured within main valve chamber (11) with a clearance that defines a main flow passage (111) through which main inlet (8), main outlet (9), actuation chamber inlet (21) and actuation chamber outlet (23) are in communication; and
wherein main seal (3) is configured within actuation chamber outlet (23) as a moveable boundary of actuation chamber (6), with main seal (3) moveable to a position away from main seal seat (5) for permitting flow from main flow passage (111) to main outlet (9) and moveable to a position contacting main seal seat (5) for preventing flow from main flow passage (111) to main outlet (9); and
wherein actuation chamber (6) is in communication with main flow passage (111) through an inlet bleed passage (211), and with main outlet (9) through outlet bleed passage (31); and
wherein actuation valve (4) is configured through actuation chamber inlet (21), with actuation valve (4) moveable to a position in which actuation valve seal (41) is away from outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) for permitting flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9) and moveable to a position in which actuation valve seal (41) contacts outlet bleed passage seal seat (33) for preventing flow from actuation chamber (6) through outlet bleed passage (31) to main outlet (9); and
wherein the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21) is controlled by an actuation mechanism (7); and wherein the flow rate from main flow passage (111) through inlet bleed passage (211) into actuation chamber (6) depends on the position of actuation valve shaft (42) relative to actuation chamber inlet (21).
PCT/MY2007/000071 2007-11-05 2007-11-05 Unidirectional flow control valve WO2009061166A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/MY2007/000071 WO2009061166A1 (en) 2007-11-05 2007-11-05 Unidirectional flow control valve

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/MY2007/000071 WO2009061166A1 (en) 2007-11-05 2007-11-05 Unidirectional flow control valve

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009061166A1 true WO2009061166A1 (en) 2009-05-14

Family

ID=39661457

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/MY2007/000071 WO2009061166A1 (en) 2007-11-05 2007-11-05 Unidirectional flow control valve

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009061166A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2270340A1 (en) 2009-07-02 2011-01-05 HAWE Hydraulik SE Pilot-operated hydraulic seat valve
US10428971B1 (en) 2018-03-06 2019-10-01 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Inline air valve nose cap for reduced contamination

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2625953A (en) * 1947-01-02 1953-01-20 Hays Mfg Co Self-closing valve
US2990155A (en) * 1959-03-30 1961-06-27 Honeywell Regulator Co Pressure operated valve
US5738138A (en) * 1997-03-10 1998-04-14 The Horton Company Reduced water hammer control valve

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2625953A (en) * 1947-01-02 1953-01-20 Hays Mfg Co Self-closing valve
US2990155A (en) * 1959-03-30 1961-06-27 Honeywell Regulator Co Pressure operated valve
US5738138A (en) * 1997-03-10 1998-04-14 The Horton Company Reduced water hammer control valve

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2270340A1 (en) 2009-07-02 2011-01-05 HAWE Hydraulik SE Pilot-operated hydraulic seat valve
US10428971B1 (en) 2018-03-06 2019-10-01 Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation Inline air valve nose cap for reduced contamination

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
RU2498139C2 (en) Valve assembly
EP3239570B1 (en) Volume control valve
US7828264B2 (en) Flow control valve
CN102308129B (en) Fluid control valve
US9732863B2 (en) Fluid control valve
JP4504243B2 (en) Control valve for variable displacement compressor
CN107883014B (en) Fluid valve
EP1186816A2 (en) Solenoid valve
US5732929A (en) Anti-hammer pilot operated valve with tortuous flow path between inlet and pilot chamber
JP5369400B2 (en) Flow control valve
JP2014181818A5 (en)
JP5966094B2 (en) Solenoid valve
JP2014152885A (en) Pilot-driven solenoid valve of piston structure
KR20100017252A (en) Engine valve with a combined engine oil filter and valve acutator solenoid
EP3129660A1 (en) Servo valve
JP2009036182A (en) Control valve for variable capacity compressor
KR101822282B1 (en) Valve device for vehicle
JP5848724B2 (en) Valve device with overflow prevention function
WO2009061166A1 (en) Unidirectional flow control valve
CN106415100B (en) Spiral pipe valve
WO2006132120A1 (en) Pilot solenoid valve
CN111692345B (en) Electromagnetic valve
EP2836749B1 (en) Valve
RU2360172C2 (en) Cutoff valve
RU2200266C2 (en) Electromagnetic valve

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 07834518

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase

Ref country code: DE

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 07834518

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1