WO2011130341A1 - Élément de régulation de débit réglable - Google Patents

Élément de régulation de débit réglable Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2011130341A1
WO2011130341A1 PCT/US2011/032212 US2011032212W WO2011130341A1 WO 2011130341 A1 WO2011130341 A1 WO 2011130341A1 US 2011032212 W US2011032212 W US 2011032212W WO 2011130341 A1 WO2011130341 A1 WO 2011130341A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
flow control
inner sleeve
orifice
outer sleeve
relative
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2011/032212
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Stuart L. Park
Jerome Kovach
Original Assignee
Kinetico Incorporated
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 Kinetico Incorporated filed Critical Kinetico Incorporated
Publication of WO2011130341A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011130341A1/fr

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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
    • F16K3/00—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing
    • F16K3/30—Details
    • F16K3/32—Means for additional adjustment of the rate of flow
    • 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
    • F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
    • F16K11/02—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
    • F16K11/06—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements
    • F16K11/072—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only sliding valves, i.e. sliding closure elements with pivoted closure members
    • 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
    • F16K11/00—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves
    • F16K11/02—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit
    • F16K11/08—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only taps or cocks
    • F16K11/085—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only taps or cocks with cylindrical plug
    • F16K11/0856—Multiple-way valves, e.g. mixing valves; Pipe fittings incorporating such valves with all movable sealing faces moving as one unit comprising only taps or cocks with cylindrical plug having all the connecting conduits situated in more than one plane perpendicular to the axis of the plug
    • 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
    • F16K3/00—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing
    • F16K3/22—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution
    • F16K3/24—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution with cylindrical valve members
    • F16K3/26—Gate valves or sliding valves, i.e. cut-off apparatus with closing members having a sliding movement along the seat for opening and closing with sealing faces shaped as surfaces of solids of revolution with cylindrical valve members with fluid passages in the valve member

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a flow control element and, in particular, relates to an adjustable flow control element for use in a fluid treatment system.
  • pressurized feed water from a pump enters the membrane chamber. A fraction of the water permeates through the membrane, and the remainder exits as concentrate water. Water efficiency of the system can be increased by the recirculation of a fraction of the concentrate water.
  • Pump flow rate and pressure are closely related. Pumps operate at points on a characteristic curve comprised of simultaneously occurring values of flow and pressure. If either of the two is known, the other is also known. If a device in the pump exit stream controls the flow, the pressure developed will be controlled as a result.
  • Membrane operation is closely related to the flow rate and pressure of the feed stream. All other operating parameters remaining constant, if the pressure is moderately increased, the permeate production rate will increase. Excessive pressure may lead to early fouling and/or pressure damage to the membrane. Also, if all other operating parameters remain constant, decreasing the flow rate of the feed stream will lead to quicker fouling of the membrane due to increasing levels of impurities in the feed stream.
  • a flow control apparatus for controlling fluid to be treated in a fluid treatment system includes an outer sleeve that extends along an axis and includes an input opening for receiving the fluid to be treated and. at least two first flow control openings. Each of the first flow control openings directs a portion of the fluid to an output of the flow control apparatus.
  • An inner sleeve is positioned within the outer sleeve and includes an input opening associated with the input opening of the outer sleeve for receiving the fluid to be treated and at least two second flow control openings. Each of the second flow control openings cooperates with one of the first flow control openings to define a first orifice and a second orifice.
  • the inner sleeve is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve about the axis to simultaneously adjust the cross-sectional area of the first orifice and the cross- sectional area of the second orifice to control fluid flow through the first and second orifices to the outputs of the flow control apparatus.
  • a flow control apparatus for controlling fluid to be treated in a fluid treatment system includes a flange having a series of teeth and an outer sleeve secured to the flange and extending along an axis.
  • the outer sleeve includes an input opening for receiving the fluid to be treated and at least two first flow control openings. Each of the first flow control openings directs a portion of the fluid, to an output of the flow control apparatus.
  • An inner sleeve is positioned within and rotatable relative to the outer sleeve and includes an input opening associated with the input opening of the outer sleeve for receiving the fluid to be treated and at least two second flow control openings.
  • Each of the second flow control openings cooperates with one of the first flow control openings to define a first orifice and a second orifice.
  • the inner sleeve further includes a series of teeth for mating with the teeth of the flange to hold the angular position of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve.
  • the inner sleeve is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve about the axis to simultaneously adjust the cross-sectional area of the first orifice and the cross-sectional area of the second orifice to control fluid flow through the first and second orifices to the outputs of the flow control apparatus.
  • a flow control apparatus for controlling a fluid to be treated in a fluid treatment system includes a first sleeve that includes an input opening for receiving the fluid to be treated and at least two first flow control openings. Each of the first flow control openings directs a portion of the fluid to an output of the flow control apparatus.
  • a second sleeve positioned within the first sleeve and including an input opening associated with the input opening of the outer sleeve for receiving the fluid to be treated and at least two second flow control openings.
  • Each of the second flow control openings cooperates with one of the first flow control openings to define a first orifice and a second orifice.
  • the first and second sleeves are rotatable relative to the one another to simultaneously adjust the cross-sectional area of the first orifice and the cross-sectional area of the second orifice.
  • Fig. I is a schematic illustration of a fluid treatment system in accordance with an aspect of the present invention.
  • Figs. 2A-B are schematic illustrations of an adjustable flow control element for the fluid treatment system of Fig. 1 ;
  • Figs. 3 A-B illustrate an outer sleeve of the adjustable flow control element of Figs. 2A-B;
  • Figs. 3C-E illustrate an inner sleeve of the adjustable flow control element of Figs. 2A-B;
  • Figs. 3F-H illustrate a flange of the adjustable flow control element of Figs. 2A-
  • Fig. 4 is a schematic illustration of an adjustable flow control element in accordance with another aspect of the present invention.
  • Figs. 5A-C illustrate an inner sleeve of the adjustable flow control element of
  • the present invention relates to an adjustable flow control element and, in particular, relates to an adjustable flow control element for use in a fluid treatment system.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a fluid treatment system 20 in accordance with the present invention.
  • the system 20 includes an R/O unit 30 connected to an input conduit or feed conduit 32 through which feed water to be purified is communicated to the R/O unit.
  • the R/O unit 30 also communicates with output conduits 40 and 43 through which "permeate” and "concentrate” are discharged, respectively, from the R/O unit.
  • the R/O unit 30 further includes a pump 70 for pumping the feed water through the R/O unit and a semi-permeable membrane 80 for processing the feed water into concentrate and permeate.
  • feed water supplied through the feed conduit 32 is applied to the membrane 80 at a pressure greater than the osmotic pressure.
  • Water passes through the membrane 80 and becomes permeate that is released into the permeate conduit 40, as indicated generally by arrow B, while dissolved solids in the feed water remain on the application side of the membrane and are eventually released into the output or concentrate conduit 43 and discharged into a drain conduit 60, as indicated generally by arrow C.
  • raw feed water is fed to the R/O unit 30 through the feed conduit 32.
  • a valve such as a solenoid valve 34, controls fluid communication between the feed conduit 32 and the R/O unit.
  • a drain opening (not shown) in the R/O unit 30 directs the concentrate out of the R/O unit and to the drain conduit 60, where the concentrate flows in the direction C to drain or waste (not shown).
  • a permeate check vaive 42 controls fluid communication between the R/O unit 30 and the permeate conduit 40. The permeate check valve 42 allows fluid to flow from the R/O unit 30 to the permeate conduit 40 but prevents reverse flow.
  • the permeate conduit 40 connects the R/O unit 30 to a process.
  • a permeate rinse conduit 54 fluidly connects a permeate storage tank 55 to the R/O unit 30.
  • a check valve 58 allows fluid to flow from the storage tank 55 to the R/O unit 30 but prevents reverse flow.
  • the permeate rinse conduit 54 allows the membrane 80 to be periodically rinsed with stored process permeate from the permeate storage tank 55, as indicated generally by the arrow D, in order to increase efficiency of the R/O unit 30 and prolong the life of the membrane.
  • the R/O unit 30 further includes a recycling conduit 90 for recycling leftover concentrate from the R/O process back through the membrane 80.
  • a recycling conduit 90 for recycling leftover concentrate from the R/O process back through the membrane 80.
  • concentrate that would otherwise exit the R/O unit 30 via the drain conduit 60 is recirculated back through the pump 70 and into the membrane 80 to undergo the R/O process again. Recirculating concentrate in this manner increases the efficiency of the R/O unit 30.
  • An adjustable flow control element 100 simultaneously controls the distri bution of the incoming con centrate from the output conduit 43 to both the recycling conduit 90 and the drain conduit 60.
  • the pump 70 is actuated and the inlet valve 34 is opened to allow feed water to enter the R/O unit 30 through the feed conduit 32 as indicated at arrow A.
  • the feed water may be supplied by an external source (not shown) that supplies the feed water under pressure at about 50 - 70psi.
  • the pump 70 forces the feed water through the semi-permeable membrane 80 via R/O, thereby separating the feed water into concentrate and permeate.
  • the permeate flows through the conduit 40 in the direction B and into the storage tank 55 where it is collected to be used at a later time to flush the membrane 80 via the rinse conduit 54 in the direction D, Flushing the membrane 80 with stored permeate from the storage tank 55 for a predetermined time removes built up particulates and debris from the membrane, thereby promoting longevity of the membrane.
  • the adjustable flow control element 100 regulates the flow rate and pressure of the concentrate within the R/O unit 30. More specifically, the flow control element 100 regulates the flow rate and pressure of concentrate passing from the output conduit 43 1) to be recycled by the membrane 80 via the recycling conduit 90 and 2) to be drained out of the R/O unit 30 via the drain conduit 60.
  • the flow control element 100 receives the single concentrate stream from the output conduit 43 of the membrane 80 and divides it evenly or unevenly into two streams, namely, a stream passing to the recycling conduit 90 and a stream passing to the drain conduit 60.
  • each orifice 102, 104 is adjustable to vary the resistance to flow of the respective concentrate stream to the recycling conduit 90 and the drain conduit 60.
  • the orifices 102, 104 may be separately or simultaneously adjusted.
  • the flow resistance value for one orifice 102 or 104 may be the same as or different from the flow resistance value for the other orifice 102 or 104 at any given time.
  • the combined flow resistance value of the two orifices 102, 104 may be constant or may vary over the adjustment range.
  • a constant total flow resistance serves to maintain a constant flow rate from the pump 70.
  • the adjustable flow control element is a continuously variable flow control element 100 as shown in Figs. 2A-B.
  • the flow control element 100 includes an outer sleeve 1 10, an inner sleeve 130 positioned within the outer sleeve, and a flange 150 that connects the inner sleeve to the outer sleeve.
  • the inner sleeve 130 is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 and the flange 1 50 to change the cross-sectional areas of the first and second orifices 102, 104 in order to achieve a desired flow pressure and rate through the first and second orifices to the recycling conduit 90 and drain conduit 60.
  • the outer sleeve 1 10 has a cylindrical or conical shape and extends along a longitudinal axis 1 12.
  • the outer sleeve 1 10 is made of a rigid material such as a metal or polymer and may be sterilized so as not to contaminate or alter the concentrate flowing therethrough.
  • the outer sleeve 1 10 includes a first opening 1 1.4 and a second opening 1 16 that extend through the outer sleeve toward the axis 1 12.
  • the first and second openings 1 14, 1 16 are located around the periphery of the outer sleeve 110 and may have any desired axial and/or peripheral spacing relative to one another.
  • the first opening 114 is in fluid communication with the recycling conduit 90 and the second opening 1 16 is in fluid, communication with the drain conduit 60.
  • the first and second openings 1 14, 1 16 each have a rectangular or square shape such that the width "W j " and "w 2 ", respectively, of the each opening relative to the axis 1 12 remains constant as each opening extends peripherally around the outer sleeve 1 10, e.g., perpendicular to the axis 1 12.
  • An inlet opening 1 18 extends through the outer sleeve 1 10 and is in fluid communication with the output conduit 43 of the membrane 80.
  • the inlet opening 1 ] 8 receives concentrate from the output conduit 43 leftover from the R/O process through the membrane 80.
  • the outer sleeve 1 10 further includes a groove 120 that extends around a portion of the periphery of the outer sleeve at the top of the outer sleeve as viewed in Fig. 2A.
  • the groove 120 is configured to mate with a portion of the flange 160 to secure the outer sleeve 1 10 to the flange when the flow control element 100 is assembled.
  • the inner sleeve 130 is configured for rotation within and relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 when the inner and outer sleeves are connected to the flange 150.
  • the inner sleeve 130 is made of a rigid material such as a metal or polymer and. may be sterilized so as not to contaminate or alter the concentrate flowing therethrough.
  • the inner sleeve 130 has a cylindrical or conical shape and extends along a longitudinal axis 132 aligned with the axis 112 of the outer sleeve 1 10.
  • the outer sleeve 1 10 and. inner sleeve 130 may alternatively have any shape or cross-section so long as the outer sleeve and inner sleeve have the same shape or cross-section and are capable of rotation relative to one another.
  • the inner sleeve 130 (Figs. 3C-E) includes a First opening 134 and a second opening 136 that extend through the inner sleeve to an interior 140 of the inner sleeve.
  • An inlet opening 138 also extends through the inner sleeve 110 and into the interior 140.
  • Each of the first and second openings 134, 136 has a shape with a variable width, e.g., a wedge or triangular shape, such that the width "w 3 " and "w 4 ", respectively, of each opening relative to the axis 132 changes in a direction extending along the periphery of the inner sleeve, e.g., perpendicular to the axis 132.
  • the opening 134 starts at a wider width ws a and terminates at a narrower width w 3b and the opening 136 starts at a wider width w 4a and terminates at a narrower width w 4b (not shown).
  • the first and second openings 134, 136 have the same triangular shape and are positioned about the periphery of the inner sleeve 130 such that each of the first and second openings tapers inwardly, i.e., the widths w 3 , w 4 become narrower relative to the axis 132, as the openings extend away from one another around the periphery of the inner sleeve.
  • each of the first and second openings 134, 1.36 may have any shape in which the widths w 3 , w 4 increase in a controlled manner, e.g., frustoconical or parabolic, as the openings extend away from one another around the periphery of the inner sleeve 130 (not shown).
  • the upper portion of the inner sleeve 130 includes an operating part or adjustment device 142 (Figs. 3C-E) for rotating the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 to control the angular position of the openings 134, 136 in the inner sleeve relative to the openings 1 14, 1.16 in the outer sleeve when the inner sleeve is connected to the flange 1.50 and positioned within the outer sleeve.
  • the adjustment device 142 may receive a tool, such as an alien wrench or screwdriver, to facilitate rotation of the inner sleeve 130 relative to the outer sleeve 1 1.0.
  • An adjustment marker 143 is formed on or affixed to the top surface of the adjustment member 142 for indicating the angular position of the inner sleeve 1 10 relative to the outer sleeve 330 during operation of the flow control element 100.
  • a plurality of axially extending teeth 1.44 extend from the periphery of the inner sleeve 130.
  • the teeth 144 cooperate with the flange 150 to fix or hold the angular position of the inner sleeve 130 relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 during operation of the flow control element 100.
  • An axially extending projection 146 on the inner sleeve 130 also cooperates with the flange 150 to limit the degree of relative rotation between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve 1 10.
  • the projection 146 has a greater length along the axis 132 than any of the teeth 1.44.
  • the flange 150 has a generally rectangular shape and receives both the outer sleeve 1 10 and the inner sleeve 130.
  • the flange 150 may be integrally formed with the outer sleeve 1 10 (not shown).
  • the flange 1.50 is formed from a rigid material such as a metal or polymer.
  • a plurality of mounting holes 154 are provided in the flange 1.50 to secure the flange and, thus, the flow control element 100 to a portion of the R/O unit 30.
  • the flange 1 50 includes a passage 152 for slidabty receiving the adjustment device 142 of the inner sleeve 130 and a projection 160 configured to mate with the groove 120 on the outer sleeve 1 10 to secure the outer sleeve to the flange.
  • the flange 150 further includes a series of teeth 158 that encircle the passage 152 and are configured to mate with the teeth 144 on the adjustment device 142.
  • a groove 162 extends around a portion of the teeth 1 58 and is configured to receive the projection 146 on the inner sleeve 130.
  • the groove 162 has a length that is approximately equal to the length of the openings 134, 136 in the inner sleeve 1.30.
  • the groove 162 terminates at end stops 164 formed at spaced-apart angular positions around the teeth 158.
  • Indicia 156 are formed on the top surface of the flange 150 and extend along a portion of the flange that corresponds with the path of extension of the groove 162, i.e., the indicia are aligned with the groove. Terminal position indicia 157 are provided at each end of the indicia 156 and correspond with each end stop 164 of the groove 162.
  • the outer sleeve 1 10 is inserted into the flange 150 such that the projection 160 on the flange is inserted into the groove 120 on the outer sleeve.
  • the inner sleeve 130 is then inserted into the outer sleeve 1. 10 and the flange 150 such that the adjustment device 142 extends into the passage 152.
  • the outer sleeve 1 10 and inner sleeve 1.30 are sized and configured to sealingly mate with one another to ensure that no fluid passes in between the inner and outer sleeves.
  • the inner sleeve 130 may have a flexible zone (not shown) that, when energized from the incoming fluid pressure, serves to enhance the sealing engagement between the inner sleeve and the outer sleeve 1 10 around the orifices 102, 104 to ensure that all fluid entering the flow control element 100 flows into the interior 140 of the inner sleeve.
  • the first and second openings 134, 136 of the inner sleeve 130 may be further defined by edges of the inner sleeve that are raised in the radially outward direction (not shown) to increase the localized sealing force on the inner surface of the outer sleeve 1. 10 at the resulting orifices 102, 104.
  • the teeth 144 on the adjustment device 142 of the inner sleeve engage the mating teeth 158 on the flange.
  • the indicia 1 56, 157 on the flange 150 correspond with predetermined radial settings or positions of the inner sleeve 130 relative to the outer sleeve 1 10.
  • the terminal position indicia 157 define the maximum angular travel of the adjustment device 142 relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 and, thus, the maximum rotation of the inner sleeve 130 about the axis 1 12 and relative to the outer sleeve in either direction.
  • the flange 150 and the inner sleeve 130 include cooperating structure that limits rotation of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 to the angular range defined between the terminal position indicia 1 57 on the flange.
  • the axially extending projection 146 on the inner sleeve 130 cooperates with the groove 162 and, more specifically, the end stops 164 in the flange 150 to limit rotation of the inner sleeve in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 and the flange.
  • the adjustment device 142 may rotate in either the clockwise or counterclockwise direction relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 and the flange 1 50 until the projection 146 engages the end stop 164 at either end of the groove 162 corresponding with either of the indicia 157, thereby preventing additional rotation of the inner sleeve 130 in either direction relative to the outer sleeve and the flange.
  • the inlet opening 138 of the outer sleeve is axially and radially aligned with the inlet opening 1.18 in the outer sleeve and, thus, the interior 140 of the inner sleeve is m fluid communication with the output conduit 43 from the membrane 80 (see Figs. 1 and 2B). Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 2 A, the first opening 134 in the inner sleeve 130 is placed in the same position along the axes 1 12, 132 as the first opening 1 14 in the outer sleeve 1 10.
  • the portion of the first opening 134 in the inner sleeve 130 that is also radially aligned with the first opening 1 14 in the outer sleeve 1 10 cooperates with the first opening 114 to form the first orifice 102. More specifically, the boundary edges of the first orifice 102 are defined by the area over which the first openings 1 14, 134 axially and radially overlap one another, i.e., the portion of the first opening 134 exposed by the first opening 1 14.
  • Fig. 2A also illustrates that the second opening 136 in the inner sleeve 130 is placed in the same position along the axes 1 12. 132 as the second opening 1 16 in the outer sleeve 1 10.
  • the portion of the second opening 136 in the inner sleeve 130 that is also radially aligned with the second opening 1 16 in the outer sleeve 11.0 cooperates with the second opening 1 16 to form the second orifice 104. More specifically, the boundary edges of the second orifice 1.04 are defined by the area over which the second openings 1 16, 1 36 axially and radially overlap one another, i.e., the portion of the second opening 136 exposed by the second opening 1 16.
  • the openings 1 34, 136 in the inner sleeve 130 are configured such that when the inner sleeve rotates relative to the outer sleeve 1 1.0 the size of the portion of the openings 134, 136 in the inner sleeve that is radially aligned with the corresponding openings 1 14, 1 16 in the outer sleeve varies.
  • the inner sleeve 130 is rotatable relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 via the adjustment device 142 to radially align different portions of the variable width first and second openings 134, 136 in the inner sleeve with the constant width first and second openings 1 14, 1 16, respectively, in the outer sleeve to change the cross -sectional area of the first and second orifices 102, 104.
  • the size of the portion of the variable width first opening 134 in the inner sleeve 130 that is radially aligned with the constant width first opening 1 14 in the outer sleeve increases, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area of the first orifice 102.
  • the size of the portion of the variable width second opening 136 in the inner sleeve 130 that is radially aligned with the constant width second opening 1 16 in the outer sleeve 1 10 decreases, thereby decreasing the cross-sectional area of the second orifice 104.
  • the change in size of the portions of the openings 134, 336 that are radially aligned with the corresponding openings 1 14, 1 16 is due to the tapered, non-uniform width of the openings 134, 136.
  • the size of the portion of the variable width first opening 134 in the inner sleeve that is radially aligned with the constant width first opening 1 14 in the outer sleeve decreases, thereby decreasing the cross-sectional area of the first orifice 102.
  • the size of the portion of the variable width second opening 136 in the inner sleeve 130 that is radially aligned with the constant width second opening 1 16 in the outer sleeve 1 10 increases, thereby increasing the cross-sectionai area of the second orifice 104.
  • the change in the size of the cross-sectional area of the first orifice 102 is inversely related to the change in the size of the cross-sectionai area of the second orifice 104 as the inner sleeve 130 is rotated relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 in either direction.
  • the orientation of the openings 134, 136 in the inner sleeve 130 may be reversed such that clockwise rotation of the inner sleeve in the direction R decreases the size of the cross-sectional area of the first orifice 102 while the cross-sectional area of the second orifice 1 04 increases.
  • the widths W3, ⁇ v 4 of the openings 134, 136 relative to the axis 1 32 may be configured to decrease - not increase - as the openings extend towards one another around the periphery of the inner sleeve ] 30 (not shown).
  • the total area of the portions of the openings 134, 136 radially aligned with the openings 1 14, 1 16 in the outer sleeve 1 10 remains substantially constant regardless of the angular position of the inner sleeve 130 relative to the outer sleeve 1 10. Since the openings 114, 11.6 have fixed widths wj, w 2 the total cross-sectional area of the orifices 102, 104 is therefore substantially constant regardless of the angular position of the inner sleeve 1 30 relative to the outer sleeve 1 10. The combined fluid flow resistance through the orifices 102, 104 also remains substantially constant regardless of the angular position of the inner sleeve 130 relative to the outer sleeve 1 10.
  • the openings 1.14, 1 16 and 134, 136 in the sleeves 1 10 and 130, respectively, provide the only means by which fluid, i.e., concentrate, may exit the flow control element 100 from the interior 140 of the inner sleeve.
  • the variable width openings 134, 136 in the inner sleeve 1.30 therefore dictate the flow rate and pressure of fluid flowing to the constant width openings 1 14, 1. 16 in the outer sleeve 110 and, thus, dictate the fluid flow out of the flow control element 100.
  • the flow control element 100 provides continuously variable. flow proportion outputs to the recycling conduit 90 and the drain conduit 60.
  • variable width openings 134, 136 in the inner sleeve 130 provide continuousiy variable flow proportions through the orifices 102, 104
  • the marker 143 of the adjustment device 142 may be set to any position between and including the end indicia 157 corresponding with predetermined flow proportions through the flow control element 100.
  • the fineness or number of mating teeth 144, 1.58 on the inner sleeve 130 and the flange 1.50 dictate the number of positions between the end indicia 157 in which the inner sleeve 130 can be locked or held relative to the outer sleeve 1 10.
  • One end indicia 157 i.e., where the projection 146 abuts one end stop 164 of the groove 162, correlates with an angular position of the inner sleeve 130 relative to the outer sleeve 110 in which a predetermined minimum-sized portion of the second opening 136 in the inner sleeve is radially aligned with the second opening 1.16 in the outer sleeve such that the second orifice 104 exhibits a predetermined minimum cross- sectional area. In this position, the largest portion of the first opening 134 is radially aligned with the first opening 1 1.4 such that the first orifice 102 exhibits a
  • the other end indicia 1.57 correlates with an angular position of the inner sleeve 130 relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 in which the first opening 134 in the inner sleeve is completely out of radial alignment with the first opening 1 14 in the outer sleeve such that the first orifice 102 has a cross-sectional area of zero, thereby preventing concentration flow through the first orifice.
  • the largest portion of the second opening 136 is radially aligned with the second opening 1 16 such that the second orifice 104 exhibits a predetermined maximum cross-sectional area.
  • the inner sleeve 130 can be set to angular positions in which at least a portion of both openings 134, 136 are aligned with the openings 1 14, 1 16 in the outer sleeve 1 10, i.e., both orifices 102, 104 have non-zero cross-sectionai areas, or an angular position in which only the second opening 336 is aligned with the second opening 1 16 in the outer sleeve, i.e., only the second orifice has a non-zero cross-sectional area.
  • the inlet openings 1 18, 138 in the outer and inner sleeves 1 10, 130 are always at least partially axialiy and radially aligned with one another regardless of the angular position of the inner sleeve relative to the outer sleeve to ensure that concentrate from the output conduit 34 of the membrane 80 can always enter the flow control element 100.
  • the concentrate residue from the membrane 80 flows through the inlet openings 1 1 8, 138 and into the interior 140 of the inner sleeve 130 (see Figs. 1 -2B).
  • the fluid pressure within the flow control element 100 biases the teeth 144 on the inner sleeve 130 into engagement with the teeth 158 on the flange 1 50 to maintain the inner sieeve In a single angular position relative to the outer sleeve 1 10.
  • a spring or other mechanical biasing member may be provided to supplement the biasing force of the fluid pressure in the flow control element 100 in order to further bias the inner sleeve into engagement with the flange during operation of the flow control element.
  • the incoming concentrate is then split by the flow control element 100 according to a preset flow proportion in order to direct the concentrate out of the flow control element through the first orifice 102 to the recycling conduit 90 and through the second orifice 104 to the drain conduit 60.
  • the adjustment device 142 may be used to rotate the inner sleeve 130 relative to the outer sleeve 1.10 during operation of the fluid treatment system 20 in order to vary the flow proportion through each orifice 102, 104 by adjusting the size of the portions of the openings 134, 136 in the inner sleeve that are radially aligned with the openings 114, 116 in the outer sleeve.
  • the flow control element 100 may thereby continuously vary the flow proportions of concentrate to the recycling conduit 90 and the drain conduit 60 depending on desired performance criterion in accordance with the present invention. Since the fluid pressure within the flow control element 100 biases the teeth 144 of the inner sleeve 1 30 into mating engagement with the teeth 158 of the flange 150, the fluid pressure prevents the inner sleeve from drifting or changing angular positions relative to the outer sieeve once the desired flow proportions have been set by the adjustment device 142.
  • the adjustment device 142 is forced downward along the axes 1 12, 132 of the sleeves 1 10, 1 30 and relative to the outer sleeve and flange 1 50 to disengage the mating teeth 144, 1 58 from one another.
  • the projection 146 on the inner sleeve 130 is configured to remain within the groove 162 of the flange 1 50 when the adjustment device 142 is depressed and the teeth 144, 1 58 disengaged from one another.
  • the depressed adjustment device 142 is then rotated relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 to place the inner sleeve 130 in the desired angular position relative to the outer sleeve by aligning the alignment marker 143 on the adjustment device with the appropriate indicia 156 or 1 57 on the flange 1 50.
  • the end stops 164 on the groove 162 cooperate with the projection 146 to limit the degree of rotation of the inner sleeve 1 30 relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 to between the end indicia 157.
  • the downward force on the adjustment device 142 is released to allow the fluid pressure to bias the mating teeth 144, .158 back into engagement with one another, thereby locking or holding the angular position of the inner sleeve 130 and, more specifically, of the marker 143 on the adjustment device 142, relative to the outer sleeve 1 10 at the desired indicia 156 or 157 to maintain the flow proportion through the flow control element 100 at the new desired amount.
  • the adjustment process can be repeated as many times as is necessary to meet performance criterion or system conditions as the fluid treatment system 20 operates.
  • variable cross-section openings 134, 136 may be provided on the outer sleeve 1 10 and the constant cross-section openings 1 14, 1 16 may be provided on the inner sleeve 130.
  • the outer sleeve 1 1 0 may be rotated relative to a stationary inner sleeve 130.
  • more or fewer orifices 102, 104 may be provided depending on the number of outputs used on the fluid treatment device 20.
  • Figs. 4-5C illustrate a flow control element 100a In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. Elements in Figs. 4-5C that are identical to corresponding elements in Figs. 1 -3H have the same reference character whereas elements in Figs, 4-5C that are different from corresponding elements in Figs, 1 -3 ' H are given the suffix "a".
  • the continuously variable width openings 134, 136 in the inner sleeve 130 are replaced with a series of discrete, spaced-apart openings 134a, 136a that sequentially increase in width around the periphery of the inner sleeve.
  • the flow control element 1.00a provides discrete variations in flow pressure and rate to the recycling conduit 90 and drain conduit 60 rather than continuously variable flow pressure and rate.
  • the opening 134a in the discrete flow control element 100a constitutes a plurality of discrete openings that sequentially increase in width (w 5 , w 6 , . . w tone) relative to the axis 1 32 around the periphery of the inner sleeve 130a, e.g., left to right as viewed in Fig. 5A.
  • the opening 136a constitutes a plurality of openings that sequentiaiiy decrease in width (w 7 , w 8 , . .
  • the first orifice 102a is thereby defined by the constant width first opening 1 14 in the outer sleeve 1 10 and whichever discrete opening 134a in the inner sleeve 130 that is radially aligned with the first opening 1 14 at that time.
  • the second orifice 104a is defined by the constant width second opening 1 16 in the outer sleeve 1 10 and whichever discrete opening 136a in the inner sleeve 130 that is radially aligned with the second opening 116.
  • the sizes of the orifices 102a, 104a formed by the openings 1 14, 134a and 1 16, 1 36a, respectively, are inversely related, i.e., as the size of the orifice 1.02a increases, the size of the orifice 104a decreases, while maintaining a constant total flow area and pressure through the discrete flow control element 100a.
  • the teeth 144 on the inner sleeve 130a and the teeth 158 on the flange 150 are spaced and configured such that the inner sleeve can only be locked to or held by the flange in angular positions that place one of the sets of discrete openings 134a, 1 36a in partial or full radial alignment with the openings 1 14, 1 16 in the outer sleeve 1 10 to allow concentrate to flow out of the fluid control element 100a.
  • the inner sleeve 1.30a cannot be locked in an angular position in which both openings 1 14, 1 16 in the outer sleeve 1 10 are completely radially offset from the openings 134a, 136a in the inner sleeve 130, which would prevent concentrate from exiting the flow control element 100a.
  • the indicia 156, 157 on the discrete flow control element 100a may correlate with predetermined flow pressures and rates to the recycling conduit 90 and the drain conduit 60.
  • the indicia 156, 157 on the flow control element 100a may correlate with the relative flow proportions shown in Table 3 :
  • Table 1 represent relative flow proportions of concentrate directed to the recycling conduit 90, i.e., recirculation, and concentrate directed to the drain conduit 60, i.e., waste, by the orifices 102a, 104a in the discrete flow control element 100a.
  • Table 1 further illustrates that the cumulative flow of concentrate directed by the discrete flow control element 100a remains constant regardless of the setting or flow proportions.
  • the adjustment device 142 on the inner sleeve 1.30a is depressed to overcome the fluid pressure within the flow control element 100a in order to disengage the teeth 144 on the inner sleeve from the mating teeth 158 on the flange 150.
  • the adjustment device 142 is then rotated to vary the size of the discrete openings 134a, 136a in the inner sleeve 130a that are radially aligned with the openings 1 14, 1 16, respectively, in the outer sleeve 1 10 until a desired flow pressure and rate through the orifices 102a, 304a is achieved .
  • Visual verification of the flow proportion through the orifices 102a, 104a is achieved via the alignment marker 143 and the indicia 156 or 157.
  • the downward force on the adjustment device 142 is released to allow the fluid pressure in the discrete flow control element 100a to bias the teeth 144 of the inner sleeve 130a back into engagement with the teeth 158 on the flange 1 50.
  • the inner sleeve 130a is thereby locked, in the desired angular position relative to the outer sleeve 130 corresponding with the desired concentrate flow proportions through the flow control element 100a to the recycling conduit 90 and the drain conduit 60.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pipe Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de régulation de débit comprenant une gaine extérieure qui s'étend le long d'un axe et comprend une ouverture d'entrée et au moins deux premières ouvertures de régulation de débit. Chacune des premières ouvertures de régulation de débit dirige une partie du fluide vers une sortie de l'appareil de régulation de débit. Une gaine intérieure est placée à l'intérieur de la gaine extérieure et comprend une ouverture d'entrée associée à l'ouverture d'entrée de la gaine extérieure et au moins deux deuxièmes ouvertures de régulation de débit. Chacune des deuxièmes ouvertures de régulation de débit définit en coopération avec une des premières ouvertures de régulation de débit un premier orifice et un deuxième orifice. La gaine intérieure peut tourner par rapport à la gaine extérieure autour de l'axe afin de régler simultanément l'aire de la section du premier orifice et l'aire de la section du deuxième orifice afin de réguler le débit de fluide par le premier et le deuxième orifice.
PCT/US2011/032212 2010-04-14 2011-04-13 Élément de régulation de débit réglable WO2011130341A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US32398310P 2010-04-14 2010-04-14
US61/323,983 2010-04-14

Publications (1)

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WO2011130341A1 true WO2011130341A1 (fr) 2011-10-20

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Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2894535A1 (fr) * 2014-01-10 2015-07-15 Flowcon International ApS Vanne de contrôle
US20190145528A1 (en) * 2017-11-16 2019-05-16 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Pressure control valve and apparatus and method for processing a substrate including the same
US11137076B1 (en) 2020-05-20 2021-10-05 Borgwarner, Inc. Spool valve plug
US11261106B2 (en) 2018-02-19 2022-03-01 Pentair Filtration Solutions, Llc Methods for water blending control
IT202100019184A1 (it) * 2021-07-20 2023-01-20 Bonomi Ind S R L Assieme di comando a parzializzazione portata

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US1551530A (en) * 1925-09-01 Donald r
GB550783A (en) * 1941-07-23 1943-01-25 Procter & Gamble Method of and apparatus for filling cans and like containers with liquid, plastic orsemi-liquid materials
GB662983A (en) * 1949-04-29 1951-12-12 Metal Propellers Ltd A device for dividing a stream of fluid into two or more portions in a variable ratio
US2622614A (en) * 1947-08-01 1952-12-23 Cincinnati Milling Machine Co Rate valve
US2713972A (en) * 1953-07-17 1955-07-26 Gordon A Geise Thermostatic mixing valve
US4651969A (en) * 1983-10-07 1987-03-24 Telektron Limited Valve actuator

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1551530A (en) * 1925-09-01 Donald r
GB550783A (en) * 1941-07-23 1943-01-25 Procter & Gamble Method of and apparatus for filling cans and like containers with liquid, plastic orsemi-liquid materials
US2622614A (en) * 1947-08-01 1952-12-23 Cincinnati Milling Machine Co Rate valve
GB662983A (en) * 1949-04-29 1951-12-12 Metal Propellers Ltd A device for dividing a stream of fluid into two or more portions in a variable ratio
US2713972A (en) * 1953-07-17 1955-07-26 Gordon A Geise Thermostatic mixing valve
US4651969A (en) * 1983-10-07 1987-03-24 Telektron Limited Valve actuator

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2894535A1 (fr) * 2014-01-10 2015-07-15 Flowcon International ApS Vanne de contrôle
DK201400012A1 (en) * 2014-01-10 2015-07-20 Flowcon Internat Aps A control valve
DK178181B1 (en) * 2014-01-10 2015-07-27 Flowcon Internat Aps A control valve
US9273787B2 (en) 2014-01-10 2016-03-01 Flowcon International Aps Control valve
US20190145528A1 (en) * 2017-11-16 2019-05-16 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Pressure control valve and apparatus and method for processing a substrate including the same
US10865886B2 (en) * 2017-11-16 2020-12-15 Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. Pressure control valve and apparatus and method for processing a substrate including the same
US11261106B2 (en) 2018-02-19 2022-03-01 Pentair Filtration Solutions, Llc Methods for water blending control
US11897792B2 (en) 2018-02-19 2024-02-13 Pentair Filtration Solutions, Llc Systems for water blending control
US11137076B1 (en) 2020-05-20 2021-10-05 Borgwarner, Inc. Spool valve plug
IT202100019184A1 (it) * 2021-07-20 2023-01-20 Bonomi Ind S R L Assieme di comando a parzializzazione portata

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