Fluid-flow control device

A process fluid-flow control device comprising:

• an inlet, an outlet, an actuation mechanism and a diaphragm;
• wherein:
• the diaphragm is in direct operational communication with the outlet and/or the inlet;
• the mechanism comprises a driving piezoelectric component, and the device is configured to allow:
• employing the driving piezoelectric component to adjust force exerted on the diaphragm and thereby regulating flow of the process fluid through the device within a first rate range;
• and
• the mechanism further comprising at least one non-piezoelectric driving component in direct operational communication with the diaphragm, wherein the device is further configured to allow:
• employing the driving piezoelectric component to adjust force exerted on the non-piezoelectric driving component, and
• the at least one non-piezoelectric driving component to apply force on the diaphragm and thereby reducing or shutting off flow of the process fluid through the device;
• and
• the device is normally closed;
• the device further comprising pneumatic means for applying force on the at least one non-piezoelectric driving component,
• wherein the device is configured to allow employing the piezoelectric component to allow flow of pressurized air via pneumatic means to the at least one non-piezoelectric driving component and thereby allowing flow of the process fluid through the device.

A process fluid-flow control device comprising:

• an inlet, an outlet, an actuation mechanism and a diaphragm;
• wherein:
• the diaphragm is in direct operational communication with the outlet and/or the inlet;
• the mechanism comprises a driving piezoelectric component, and the device is configured to allow:
• employing the driving piezoelectric component to adjust force exerted on the diaphragm and thereby regulating flow of the process fluid through the device within a first rate range;
• and
• the mechanism further comprising at least one piston having a first end in contact with the diaphragm and a second end in contact with the piezoelectric driving component, wherein the device is further configured to allow:
• employing the driving piezoelectric component to adjust force exerted on the at least one piston, and
• the at least one piston to apply force on the diaphragm and thereby reducing or shutting off flow of the process fluid through the device.

A method for control of fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet, the method comprising:

• providing a diaphragm in direct operational communication with the outlet and/or inlet;
• providing a driving piezoelectric component;
• employing the driving piezoelectric component to adjust force exerted on the diaphragm and thereby regulating flow of the fluid through the device within a first rate range;
• providing at least one piston having a first end in contact with the diaphragm and a second end in contact with the piezoelectric driving component;
• employing the driving piezoelectric component to adjust force exerted on the least one piston;
• and
• subsequently the at one piston applying force on the diaphragm and thereby reducing or shutting off flow of the fluid through the device.

A method for control of fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet, the method comprising:

• providing a diaphragm in direct operational communication with the outlet and/or inlet;
• providing a driving piezoelectric component;
• employing the driving piezoelectric component to adjust force exerted on the diaphragm and thereby regulating flow of the fluid through the device within a first rate range;
• providing at least one non-piezoelectric driving component in direct operational communication with the diaphragm;
• applying pressurized air on the at least one non-piezoelectric driving component;
• employing the driving piezoelectric component to adjust force exerted on the non-piezoelectric driving component;
• subsequently the at least one non-piezoelectric driving component applying force on the diaphragm and thereby reducing or shutting off flow of the fluid through the device;
• and
• employing the piezoelectric component to allow flow of pressurized air to the at least one non-piezoelectric driving component and thereby allowing fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet.