WO2023104393A1

WO2023104393A1 - Insert with flow diverting surface for pressure-responsive valve

Info

Publication number: WO2023104393A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/080345
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tilen THALER
Original assignee: Danfoss A/S
Priority date: 2021-12-09
Filing date: 2022-10-31
Publication date: 2023-06-15

Abstract

The present invention relates to an insert element (200) for a pressure-controlled valve (100) with a flow path from a fluid inlet (101) to a fluid outlet (102), the flow path passing a valve chamber (116). The insert element (200) is formed with a housing contacting part (205) adapted to be positioned in relation to an opening (300) within the pressure-controlled valve (100), the housing contacting part (205) being formed with an insert inlet opening (210) adapted to be positioned as part of the flow path. The insert element (200) further comprises a flow diverting surface (215) positioned at a distance to the housing contacting part (205), the flow diverting surface (215) defining a main part extending at an angle relative to a direction of an output flow of fluid from the insert inlet opening (210).

Description

INSERT WITH FLOW DIVERTING SURFACE FOR PRESSURE-RESPONSIVE VALVE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a pressure-controlled valve comprising at least one fluid inlet and at least one fluid outlet, a pressure-responsive valve seat, and a pressure-responsive valve element arranged movably with respect to the pressure-responsive valve seat. The valve may comprise a diaphragm which controls the position of the pressure-responsive valve element with respect to the pressure-responsive valve seat, and a biasing element may be configured to bias the pressure-responsive valve element in a direction away from the pressure-responsive valve seat.

The pressure-responsive valve element may be cup-shaped, formed with a wall enclosing an internal space and having a valve edge forming the contact to a valve seat, where the biasing element may be positioned within the internal space. If the flow is turbulent and with vortexes this reduces the energy efficiency of the valve.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of embodiments of the invention to provide an insert element for a pressure- controlled valve which reduces turbulence in a fluid flow passing the valve.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides an insert element for a pressure-controlled valve with a flow path from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet, the flow path passing a valve chamber, the insert element being formed with:

- a housing contacting part adapted to be positioned in relation to an opening within the pressure-controlled valve, the housing contacting part being formed with an insert inlet opening adapted to be positioned as part of the flow path, and

- a flow diverting surface positioned at a distance to the housing contacting part, the flow diverting surface defining a main part extending at an angle relative to the direction of output flow of fluid from the insert inlet opening.

Thus, according to the first aspect, the invention provides an insert element which is adapted to be positioned in a flow path through a pressure-controlled valve. In the present context the term 'pressure-controlled valve' should be interpreted to mean a valve in which an opening degree, and thereby the fluid flow through the valve, is controlled in accordance with pressure levels prevailing at or near the valve. The opening degree may, e.g., be controlled in accordance with a differential pressure across the valve.

The insert element comprises a housing contacting part and a flow diverting surface. The housing contacting part is adapted to be positioned in relation to, i.e. at or near, an opening within the pressure-controlled valve. The housing contacting part is further formed with an insert inlet opening which is adapted to be positioned as part of the flow path. Thus, when the insert element is positioned in a valve, the housing contacting part is arranged in contact with a part of the valve housing where an opening is defined, and the inlet opening of the insert element is arranged in contact with the opening of the valve housing, in such a manner that the inlet opening of the insert element forms part of the flow path through the valve. Accordingly, the insert element is arranged in the flow path through the valve, i.e. fluid flowing through the valve flows through the insert element.

The flow diverting surface is positioned at a distance to the housing contacting part, and the flow diverting surface defines a main part which extends at an angle relative to a direction of an output flow of fluid from the insert inlet opening. Thus, fluid which enters the insert element via the insert inlet opening encounters the flow diverting surface after having travelled a distance inside the insert element. Since the flow diverting surface extends at an angle relative to flow direction of the fluid flowing through the insert inlet opening, the fluid flow will thereby be diverted.

The diversion of the fluid flow described above results in a reduction of turbulences and vortices in the fluid flow, thereby creating a more uniform and/or laminar flow and reducing energy loss due to turbulences.

The flow diverting surface may be adapted to be positioned within the valve chamber. According to this embodiment, the reduction in turbulence described above takes place within the valve chamber of the pressures-controlled valve.

The flow diverting surface may be adapted to be positioned to direct flow towards an inner flow conduit connecting the valve chamber with the fluid outlet. According to this embodiment, it is ensured that the fluid is guided, with low turbulence level, towards the inner flow conduit, and further on towards the fluid outlet of the valve.

The flow diverting surface may be positioned perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the direction of the output flow of fluid from the insert inlet opening. According to this embodiment, the fluid flow passing through the insert element is diverted substantially 90° when encountering the flow diverting surface. This efficiently reduces the turbulences in the fluid flow.

The flow diverting surface may be formed with flow diffusers positioned perpendicularly to an extension plane of the flow diverting surface. The flow diffusers may, e.g., interconnect the flow diverting surface and the housing contacting part, and/or the flow diffusers may be positioned in a spoke like arrangement extending from a common centre towards an edge of the flow diverting surface.

According to this embodiment, the flow diffusers assist in reducing turbulences and vortices in the fluid flow by redirecting the fluid to flow substantially perpendicularly towards the pressure-responsive valve element of the valve. This provides a very energy efficient turbulence reduction, since no force is induced due to the dynamic pressure of the pressure- responsive valve element, in the direction of movement of the pressure-responsive valve element.

The housing contacting part may be positioned in the opening within the pressure-controlled valve. According to this embodiment, the housing contacting part of the insert element is positioned in direct contact with the opening of the pressure-controlled valve, and thereby a direct fluid connection is established between the opening and the insert element.

Accordingly, it is ensured that the insert element forms a natural part of the flow path through the valve.

The housing contacting part may comprise a threaded surface at an outside surface, and the threaded surface may be adapted for the insert element to be screwed into the opening. According to this embodiment, the insert element can be easily mounted in the valve, simply by rotating the insert element relative to the valve housing in such a manner that matching threads formed on an inside surface of the opening of the valve and on the outside surface of the housing contacting part, respectively, engage.

The flow diverting surface may be formed with a projecting feature forming the first contact of fluid to the flow diverting surface. In an embodiment, the flow diverting surface may curve substantially smoothly from the projecting feature towards the main part of the flow diverting surface.

According to this embodiment, the projecting feature ensures that the fluid flow is guided smoothly through the insert element, towards the fluid outlet of the valve, thereby significantly reducing turbulences and vortices in the fluid flow. The main part of the flow diverting surface may be essentially plane and straight.

The main part of the flow diverting surface may comprise only declining section(s) towards its edge.

The main part of the flow diverting surface may comprise declining and inclining section(s) towards its edge.

The main part of the flow diverting surface may be curving towards its edge.

The various designs of the main part of the flow diverting surface described above all ensure a substantially laminar flow along the main part of the flow diverting surface.

According to a second aspect, the present invention provides a pressure-responsive valve comprising the insert element according to the first aspect of the invention, as described above. Accordingly, the remarks set forth above with reference to the first aspect of the invention are equally applicable here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a pressure-responsive valve with a cup-shaped pressure responsive valve element,

Fig. 2 shows an example of a cup-shaped pressure responsive valve element,

Figs. 3A and 3B shows an embodiment of an insert element according to the present invention,

Fig. 4 is an illustration of an embodiment insert element according to the present invention inserted into a pressure-responsive valve,

Figs. 5A, 5B and 5C are illustrations of different embodiments of a flow diverting surface of the insert element being mainly plane and with flow diffusers,

Figs. 6A and 6B are illustrations of different embodiments of a flow diverting surface of the insert element being mainly plane and with flow diffusers, where the surface is curved, Figs. 7A and 7B are illustrations of different embodiments of a flow diverting surface of the insert element being mainly plane where the surface is curved and without flow diffusers,

Fig. 8 is an illustration of another embodiment insert element with a cylindrical valve contact part,

Fig. 9 is an illustration of another embodiment insert element with a cylindrical valve contact part inserted into a pressure-responsive valve element, and

Fig. 10 is an illustration of an insert element with first and second cleaning chambers.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description and specific examples, while indicating embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description.

Fig. 1 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment pressure-controlled valve 100, as also seen in the patent publication EP3483691, where the present invention with advantage could be implemented. The pressure-controlled valve 100 shown in Fig. 1 comprises one fluid inlet 101 and one fluid outlet 102, a pressure responsive valve seat 103, a pressure responsive valve element 104, a diaphragm 105, a biasing element 106, and an insert element 200.

The pressure-responsive valve element 104 is arranged movably with respect to the pressure-responsive valve seat 103. The position of the pressure-responsive valve element 104 with respect to the pressure responsive valve seat 103 defines a first opening degree of the pressure-controlled valve 100.

The diaphragm 105 has a first side (top) and a second side (lower). The first side of the diaphragm 105 is in contact with the pressure-responsive valve element 104 and is exposed to a first pressure Pl. The second side of the diaphragm 105 is exposed to a second pressure P2. The diaphragm 105 is configured to deflect in response to variations in a pressure difference between the first Pl and second P2 pressure and thereby control the position of the pressure-responsive valve element 104 with respect to the pressure-responsive valve seat 103. The biasing element 106 is configured to bias the pressure-responsive valve element 104 in a direction away from the pressure-responsive valve seat 103.

The pressure-controlled valve 100 further comprises a flow control part which comprises a flow control valve seat 109, one channel connecting the inlet 101 and the outlet 102, a valve stem 111, and a flow control valve element 112. The flow control valve element 112 is arranged movably with respect to the flow control valve seat 109. The position of the flow control valve element 112 with respect to the flow control valve seat 109 defines a second opening degree of the flow control part of the pressure-controlled valve 100.

The opening 300 forms part of the fluid flow path from inlet 101 to outlet 102.

The pressure-controlled valve 100 is further provided with a pressure conduit 113. The pressure conduit 113 has a first end 114 and a second end 115. The first end 114 of the pressure conduit 113 is in pressure communication with the inlet 101 therefore the pressure from the inlet 101 is reflected through the conduit 113 to the second side of the diaphragm 105 as the second end 115 of the pressure conduit 113 is in pressure communication with the second side of the diaphragm 105. The first side of the diaphragm 105 is exposed to the pressure at the outlet 102 via the insert element 200 and pressure-responsive valve element 104. The pressure difference acting on the diaphragm 105 is therefore a difference between pressures at the outlet 102 and inlet 101. If, for instance, the pressure at the outlet 102 is higher than the one at the inlet 101, the diaphragm 105 will deflect in the direction away from the pressure-responsive valve seat 103, increasing the first opening degree of the valve 100.

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a pressure-responsive valve element 104 where the present invention with advantage could be applied. The illustrated pressure-responsive valve element 104 is essentially 'cup'-shaped forming of a wall 160 enclosing an internal space, or hollow, 170, such as at the full circumference.

At the one end the wall 160 has a valve edge 150 with a curving circumference, such as a circular, oval, oblong, etc., circumference. The valve edge 150 is configured to cooperate with the valve seat 103, so as to define the first opening degree of the pressure-controlled valve 100.

At the second end of the wall 160 the valve element 104 is closed and may be connected to the diaphragm 105. By the term 'closed' is meant either that the valve element 104 itself is formed with a bottom wall being an integral part of the wall 160, or that the wall 160 is attached to an element forming the bottom wall, such as the diaphragm 105. The internal space 170 of the valve element 104 is configured to accommodate the biasing element 106 configured to bias the pressure responsive valve element 104 in a direction away from the pressure responsive valve seat 103, and thus is positioned between the bottom of the valve element 104 and the valve seat 103.

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment where an insert element 200 is squeezed between the valve seat 103 and the biasing element 106, and in the same manner an insert could be squeezed between the bottom of the valve element 104 and the biasing element 106. Such insert elements, however, are optional, the biasing element 106 could simply contact respectively the valve seat 103 and/or bottom of the valve element 104 directly.

The valve element 104 is moving under the deflection of the diaphragm 105 and under the tension of the biasing element 106. In embodiments, such as the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1, there are no further guiding elements of the movement of the valve element 104, to ensure that the valve element 104 follows a straight line along an axis 190, but due to changes in the diaphragm 105 deflections, and under the interacting forces of the fluid flow, the valve element 104 may wobble along around the axis 190, meaning it may be pushed slightly off the possible symmetric alignment to the axis.

Fig. 3A illustrates an embodiment insert element 200 formed with a housing contacting part 205 adapted to be connected to the valve housing, or at least within the valve housing, such as being adapted to be fixed within the opening 300 or to be squeezed against the pressure- responsive valve seat 103, or alternatively against an inner surface of the pressure valve chamber 116 where the pressure-responsive valve element 104 is positioned. An insert inlet opening 210 allows fluid flow to pass through the insert element 200 as part of the flow path from the fluid inlet 101 to the fluid outlet 102 of the valve, and may be aligned with the opening 300 of the flow control valve seat 109.

In the illustrated embodiment of Fig. 3A the housing contacting part 205 is threaded 205a at the outside matching internal threads of the opening 300, thereby allowing it to be fixed within the opening 300 by a rotation.

At the upper side facing the incoming fluid flow the housing contacting part 205 may be formed with cleaning chambers 212. The cleaning chambers 212 are open towards the incoming fluid flow but closed at the bottom, thereby preventing the fluid flow form passing through the cleaning chambers 212.

The cleaning chambers 212 capture small particles traveling in the pipes and passing the pressure-controlled valve 100. Such small particles may damage the internals of the pumps and other moving equipment in, for example, a heating system where the valve is inserted. The cleaning chambers 212 may be positioned at the circumference of the insert inlet opening 210, as particles tend to move at the outer sections of the fluid flow, especially at the lower section, and many particles, thus, would be captured by the cleaning chambers 212 and settle at the bottom. The pressure-controlled valve 100, thus, could be serviced by taking out the insert element 200, cleaning the cleaning chambers 212 and reinsert the insert element 200.

At the upper side facing the incoming fluid flow the housing contacting part 205 may further be formed with a soft sealing edge 211 adapted to prevent flow at the outside of the housing contacting part 205.

Fluid flows from the inlet 101 through the opening 300 towards the fluid outlet 102 and thus may undergo multiple changes in the flow direction and may observe turbulences and vortices leading to losses in energy. It is therefore an advantage if the flow could be aided in the path towards the outlet 102.

In order to provide this the, housing contacting part 205 connects to a flow diverting surface 215 adapted to direct the flow passing the opening 300, and optionally the insert inlet opening 210, towards an inner flow conduit 117 connecting the valve chamber 116 with the fluid outlet 102 of the valve 100 (see Fig. 1). The flow diverting surface 215 is positioned at a distance relative to a lower edge of the housing contacting part 205, seen in the direction of the fluid flow. The section between the flow diverting surface 215 and the housing contacting part 205 defines an insert outlet opening 213. In other embodiments the flow diverting surface 215 and the housing contacting part 205 may be connected by an outer wall formed with an insert outlet opening 213.

The insert outlet opening 213 may be formed at the full circumference of the flow diverting surface 215 to allow fluid to distribute in the valve chamber 116 and not affect the insert element 200.

The flow diverting surface 215 is formed and positioned such that it calms or reduces turbulences and vortices in the fluid flow when positioned in the pressure-controlled valve 100. This makes the flow more uniform or laminar, and thus reduces energy loss due to turbulences.

Fig. 3B shows the same insert element 200 as Fig. 3A, but with a half being 'cut-away' in order to better illustrate the interior parts of the insert element 200. In an embodiment the flow diverting surface 215 is formed with a projecting feature 215a, possibly formed at its centre and forming the first contact of fluid to the flow diverting surface 215. From the projecting feature 215a, the flow diverting surface 215 may curve substantially smoothly towards the main part of the flow diverting surface 215, which in the illustrated embodiment is substantially plain and straight.

Flow diffusers 230 may be positioned in the flow path from the opening 300 to the inner flow conduit 117. They may be arranged to interconnect the flow diverting surface 215 and connected to the housing contacting part 205, or in connection with either of these.

In the illustrated embodiments the flow diffusers 230 are seen connecting to the projecting feature 215a and may merge forming it.

The projecting feature 215a may be reaching into the insert inlet opening 210.

The flow diffusers 230 may be positioned in a spoke like arrangement extending from a common centre towards the edge of the flow diverting surface 215, as illustrated. In other embodiments the flow diffusers 230 may only reach in some directions, such as towards the inlet to the inner flow conduit 117.

The flow diffusers 230 may be plate like, e.g. having a height in the direction orthogonal to the extension plane of the flow diverting surface 215 being seen from the housing contacting part 205. Their length reach towards the flow diverting surface 215 edge. Their width being parallel to the plane of the extension of the flow diverting surface 215 is substantially smaller than their height and length, the height and length could be substantially equal or the one larger than the other. The flow diffusers' 230 top surfaces facing the incoming fluid may be curved, pointed, triangular, etc.

The flow diffusors 230 assist in calming or reducing the turbulences and vortices in the flow, thereby making the flow more uniform or laminar and reducing loss of energy loss due to turbulences, by redirecting the fluid to flow perpendicularly towards the pressure-responsive valve element 104 (correspondingly towards its internal space 170), which has been found to give the best and most energy efficient functioning. In this case, no force due to the dynamic pressure of the pressure-responsive valve element 104 is induced in the vertical direction being the direction of movement.

In the illustrated embodiment the valve contact part 220 is simply the outer edge surface of the flow diverting surface 215. The insert element 200 may be formed with a valve contact part 220 adapted to contact the pressure responsive valve element 104. The valve contact part 220 at the outside is in contact with the inside surface of the pressure-responsive valve element 104. This allows up and down movements of the pressure-responsive valve element 104 under the deflection of the diaphragm 105 to be held substantially stable in the movement by the valve contact part 220. The pressure-responsive valve element 104 is, thus, prevented from wobbling, etc., but is kept at a movement along an essentially straight course.

The pressure-responsive valve element 104 is, thus, prevented from wobbling, etc., by the valve contact part 200, but is kept at a movement along an essentially straight course.

Fig. 4 shows the insert element 200 in position with the valve contact part 220 positioned within the inner hollow 170 of the pressure responsive valve element 104. Fig. 4 further illustrates an embodiment where the lower surface of the housing contacting part 205 facing the insert outlet opening forms the pressure-responsive valve seat 103.

The biasing element 106 (for example a spring) in the illustrated embodiment is positioned in the inner hollow 170, and contacts and is squeezed between the bottom of the pressure- responsive valve element 104 and the side of the flow diverting surface 215 element facing the inner hollow 170, and thus biases the pressure-responsive valve element 104 in the closing direction. The side of the flow diverting surface 215 element facing the inner hollow 170 may be formed with a spring holding feature 250 adapted for the biasing element 106 to be fixated relative to the side. The spring holding feature 250 illustrated is a ring-shaped projection.

In Fig. 4 the flow diverting surface 215 is seen inserted in the internal space 170 of the pressure-responsive valve element 104, or in other words, the inner surfaces of the pressure- responsive valve element 104 extend at each side of the valve contact part 220. The insert element 200, or at least the valve contact part 220, is positioned substantially stable and unmovable in connection to the valve housing, or within the pressure-controlled valve 100, whereas the pressure-responsive valve element 104 moves in opening and closing directions relative to the pressure-responsive valve seat 103 formed either as part of the insert element 200, as illustrated in Fig. 4, as part of the inner surface of the valve chamber, as illustrated in Fig. 1, etc.

The fluid entering via insert inlet opening 210, thus, faces the flow diverting surface 215, rather than the inner of the internal space 170 formed between the lower surface of the pressure-responsive valve element 104 and the insert inlet opening 210, and where, e.g., the biasing element 106 is positioned. The fluid flow is therefore diverted from directly entering the inner of the flow diverting surface 215, this being excluded from the flow path from the insert inlet opening 210 to the inner flow conduit 117.

The inner of the internal space 170 is not sealed from the fluid, but fluid is free to enter at the outside edge of the valve contact part 220 to equalize pressure.

The valve contact part 220 may be formed with first guiding features 225 adapted to match second guiding features 240 formed in the inner surface of the pressure-responsive valve element 104. The first guiding features 225 and second guiding features 240 are not seen in Figs. 2-4, but are seen and explained in relation to the embodiment of Figs. 8 and 9.

Fig. 5A shows a side view of the flow diverting surface 215 with the projecting feature 215a curving substantially smoothly towards the main part of the diverting surface 215 which is essentially plane and straight. The main part in general is the section between parts like the projecting feature 215a and flow diffusors 230, and possibly curved transitions therebetween.

Fig. 5B shows the same flow diverting surface 215 without the projecting feature 215a, but still formed with flow diffusors 230, and in Fig. 5C the flow diverting surface 215 is angled relative to the inner flow conduit 117.

In another embodiment, the flow diverting surface 215 may be curving concavely. In an embodiment, the flow diverting surface 215 may be formed with a projecting feature 215a, possibly formed at its centre and forming the first contact of fluid to the flow diverting surface 215. From the projecting feature 215a the flow diverting surface 215 curves substantially smoothly towards the inner flow conduit 117, and may have an edge at the level of the bottom edge of the inlet to the inner flow conduit 117.

In one embodiment, the curving embodiment flow diverting surface 215 may comprise only declining section(s) 215b towards the inner flow conduit 117 (see Fig. 6A), and in another embodiment, it may comprise a declining section 215b and an inclining section 215c (see Fig. 6B), seen from the highest point, such as the projecting feature 215a.

Figs. 7A and 7B corresponds to Figs. 6A and 6B, but without a projecting feature 215a.

Fig. 8 further shows an embodiment of the insert element 200 formed with another valve contact part 220 adapted to contact the pressure responsive valve element 104. Fig. 9 shows the insert element 200 in position with the valve contact part 220 positioned within the inner hollow 170 of the pressure responsive valve element 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the valve contact part 220 is essentially cylindrical extending from the flow diverting surface 215, and may also have an inner hollow within the pressure responsive valve element 104 inner hollow 170. In another embodiment, the valve contact part 220 may be formed of legs or ribs extending from the flow diverting surface 215 into the inner hollow 170.

The valve contact part 220, at the outside, is in contact with the inside surface of the pressure-responsive valve element 104, allowing the pressure-responsive valve element 104 up and down movement under the deflection of the diaphragm 105, while being held substantially stable in the movement by the valve contact part 220. The pressure-responsive valve element 104 is, thus, prevented from wobbling, etc., but is kept at a movement along an essentially straight course.

The valve contact part 220 may be formed with first guiding features 225 (see Fig. 8) adapted to match second guiding features 240 (see Fig. 9) formed in the inner surface of the pressure-responsive valve element 104. The first guiding features 225 may be recesses formed in the inner surface of the valve contact part 220, and the second guiding features 240 may be projections matching the first guiding feature 225 recesses. Alternatively, the first guiding features 225 may be projection formed at the inner surface of the valve contact part 220, and the second guiding features 240 may be recesses matching the first guiding feature 225 projections.

The first guiding features 225 and the second guiding features 240 may extend in the desired direction of movement of the pressure-responsive valve element 104.

The interaction of the first guiding features 225 and second guiding features 240 assists in guiding the movement of the pressure-responsive valve element 104 and prevents it from radial/rotational movement.

Pressure measuring openings 235 may be formed, e.g. in the housing contacting part 205, to measure the pressure differential, e.g. on the flow control valve, with a flow control valve opening defined by the flow control valve seat 109 and flow control valve element 112.

Flow measuring can, e.g., be based on an inexpensive pressure differential manometer and information of the flow control valve opening. Out of these two data points one can infer volumetric flow through the flow control valve.

The pressure measuring openings 235 could be formed in the section of the housing contacting part 205 inserted within the opening 300, and could in one embodiment be adapted for a pressure sensor part to be positioned between the outer wall of the housing contacting part 205 and the inner surface of the opening 300 being in contact with, or even positioned within, the pressure measuring openings 235.

In a related embodiment, the pressure sensor part may be positioned within openings formed in the inner surface of the opening 300, the pressure measuring openings 235 being adapted to align with said inner surface openings.

In another embodiment, pressure conduits may be formed in the valve housing with openings formed in the inner surface of the opening 300, the pressure measuring openings 235 being adapted to align with said inner surface openings.

The pressure conduits may then allow pressure to be communicated, etc., to the outside of the valve housing in order to be registered.

The measured pressure differential may be between the fluid within the insert inlet opening 210 and a position upstream of the insert inlet opening 210.

In one embodiment, the pressure-controlled valve 100 may include the flow control valve with flow control valve seat 109 and flow control valve element 112, and may be positioned upstream of the insert inlet opening 210, and the differential pressure may be over the flow control valve 109, 112.

In Fig. 4 the cleaning chambers 212 for capturing small particles traveling in the pipes passing the pressure-controlled valve 100 were presented. Fig. 10 shows another embodiment. The cleaning chambers 212a connected in relation to the insert inlet opening 210 could be referred to as first cleaning chambers 212a. As illustrated in Fig. 10, additional cleaning chambers 212b, also referred to as second cleaning chambers 212b, are connected in relation to the lower part of the valve chamber 116, such as close to the diaphragm 105.

The second cleaning chambers 212b are positioned to protect the diaphragm 105 from debris and other impurities and particles falling inside the valve chamber 116.

The second cleaning chambers 212b may form part of the insert element 200 and thus be connected to the housing contacting part 205 at the outside of the pressure-responsive valve element 104, the connection optionally assisting the valve contact part 220 in preventing the pressure-responsive valve element 104 from wobbling, etc. In another embodiment, the second cleaning chambers 212b may be a separate insert element 200' that, like the insert element 200, could be removed to be cleaned, e.g. at the bottom of the valve housing of the pressure-controlled valve 100. In one embodiment, the separate insert element 200' thus could be removed independently from the insert element 200.

A separating element 400 may be positioned in the valve chamber 116 separating the main part of the valve chamber 116 from the diaphragm 105. The second cleaning chambers 212b are in direct contact to the main part, allowing the debris, etc., falling within the main part to fall into the cleaning chambers 212b. The diaphragm 105 is in pressure communication with the fluid in the main part by a separating element pressure conduit 410 formed in the separating element 400. The separating element pressure conduit 410 may be so small that it allows the fluid to reach the diaphragm 105, but obstructs the debris etc. The separating element 400 may be formed and positioned in relation to the second cleaning chambers 212b, in such a manner that the debris, etc., which is prevented from entering the separating element pressure conduit 410 will tend to fall into the second cleaning chambers 212b.

References

100 - Pressure-controlled valve

101 - Fluid inlet

102 - Fluid outlet

103 - Pressure-responsive valve seat

104 - Pressure-responsive valve element

105 - Diaphragm

106 - Biasing element

109 - Flow control valve seat

111 - Valve stem

112 - Flow control valve element

113 - Pressure conduit

114 - Pressure conduit first end

115 - Pressure conduit second end

116 - Valve chamber

117 - Inner flow conduit

150 - Valve edge 160 - Wall

170 - Internal space, or hollow 200 - Insert element

200' - Separate insert element 205 - Housing contacting part

205a - Threaded surface

210 - Insert inlet opening

211 - Soft sealing edge

212 - Cleaning chambers

212a - Cleaning chambers

212b - Cleaning chambers

213 - Insert outlet opening

215 - Flow diverting surface

215a - Projecting feature

215b - Declining section

215c - Inclining section

220 - Valve contact part

225 - First guiding feature

230 - Flow diffusers

235 - Pressure measuring openings

240 - Second guiding feature

250 - Spring holding feature

300 - Opening

400 - Separating element

410 - Separating element pressure conduit

Claims

1. Insert element (200) for a pressure-controlled valve (100) with a flow path from a fluid inlet (101) to a fluid outlet (102), the flow path passing a valve chamber (116), the insert element (200) being formed with:

- a housing contacting part (205) adapted to be positioned in relation to an opening (300) within the pressure-controlled valve (100), the housing contacting part (205) being formed with an insert inlet opening (210) adapted to be positioned as part of the flow path, and

- a flow diverting surface (215) positioned at a distance to the housing contacting part (205), the flow diverting surface (215) defining a main part extending at an angle relative to a direction of an output flow of fluid from the insert inlet opening (210).

2. Insert element (200) according to claim 1, wherein the flow diverting surface (215) is adapted to be positioned within the valve chamber (116).

3. Insert element (200) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the flow diverting surface (215) is adapted to be positioned to direct flow towards an inner flow conduit (117) connecting the valve chamber (116) with the fluid outlet (102).

4. Insert element (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flow diverting surface (215) is positioned perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the direction of the output flow of fluid from the insert inlet opening (210).

5. Insert element (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flow diverting surface (215) is formed with flow diffusers (230) positioned perpendicularly to an extension plane of the flow diverting surface (215).

6. Insert element (200) according to claim 5, wherein the flow diffusers (230) interconnect the flow diverting surface (215) and the housing contacting part (205).

7. Insert element (200) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the flow diffusers (230) are positioned in a spoke like arrangement extending from a common centre towards an edge of the flow diverting surface (215).

8. Insert element (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the housing contacting part (205) is positioned in the opening (300).

9. Insert element (200) according to claim 8, wherein the housing contacting part (205) comprises a threaded surface (205a) at an outside surface, and the threaded surface (205a) is adapted for the insert element (200) to be screwed into the opening (300).

10. Insert element (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the flow diverting surface (215) is formed with a projecting feature (215a) forming the first contact of fluid to the flow diverting surface (215).

11. Insert element (200) according to claim 10, wherein the flow diverting surface (215) curves substantially smoothly from the projecting feature (215a) towards the main part of the flow diverting surface (215).

12. Insert element (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main part of the flow diverting surface (215) is essentially plane and straight.

13. Insert element (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main part of the flow diverting surface (215) comprises only declining section(s) (215b) towards its edge.

14. Insert element (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main part of the flow diverting surface (215) comprises declining (215b) and inclining (215c) section(s) towards its edge.

15. Insert element (200) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the main part of the flow diverting surface (215) is curving towards its edge.

16. Pressure-responsive valve (100) comprising the insert element (200) according to any of the preceding claims.