US 5,655,568 A · Passive flow regulating device

Abstract

A self-regulating flow control valve that combines a variable area flow meter and a flow control valve. In one embodiment, a tapered frusto-conical float is installed in a concentric cylinder. This cylinder has an inlet port below the float and an outlet port above the float. Both the inlet and outlet ports are in fluid communication with the cylinder. During normal flows, the float raises and reaches an equilibrium position. The upper portion of the cylinder has a flow tube installed within the tube. The lower portion of this tube acts as a valve seat for the float. The flow tube is set at a particular level of flow. As the flow changes, the float level changes. As the float approaches the flow tube, the flow rate stabilizes at the desired set point due to valving action. The set point can be changed by adjusting the position of the valve flow tube. The flow rate may be read off a scale that can be affixed to the valve body, or by means of graduations formed on the flow tube.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A self-regulating flow control valve comprising:

a) an outer case, having an interior;
b) an inlet port, fixedly installed on the outer case;
c) an outlet port, fixedly installed on the outer case, wherein the outlet port is spaced apart from said inlet port, forming an open channel therebetween;
d) a float, slidably placed within said outer case and being interposed between said inlet port and said outlet port within said open channel, and having a vertical travel, said float also having a valve seat surface, wherein said valve seat surface is aligned with said outlet port such that said valve seat surface acts as a valve seat within said self-regulating flow control valve;
e) means for moving said float in proportion to a flow of fluid through said outer case, wherein said means for moving said float includes a variable flow area formed in said open channel, such that said float, operating within said open channel, acts to control the flow of fluid through said self-regulating flow control valve;
and
f) an adjustable means for restricting the vertical travel of said float within said outer case.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Passive flow regulating device

Life of this patent

Passive flow regulating device

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20