Flow control device and flow control method

A flow control method for use with a flow control device having a first fluid path to allow fluid to flow from an inlet port provided on an inlet side of the device to an outlet port provided on an outlet side of the device, and a closure element arranged to prevent fluid flow along the first fluid path in a direction from the outlet port to the inlet port, the closure element comprising a movable body arranged to allow changes in at least one of velocity properties and composition of the fluid flowing along the first fluid path to result in changes to forces acting on the movable body as a result of the Bernoulli principle, to autonomously adjust the flow of fluid through the flow control device,

• the method comprising the step of providing or using an arrangement to open a second fluid path, different along at least part of its length from the first fluid path, in dependence upon the pressure of fluid at the outlet side, the second fluid path allowing fluid to flow from a first relief port provided on the outlet side to a second relief port provided on the inlet side,
• wherein said autonomous adjusting using the Bernoulli principle comprises autonomously closing the first fluid path.

A flow control method for use with a flow control device having a first fluid path to allow fluid to flow from an inlet port provided on an inlet side of the device to an outlet port provided on an outlet side of the device, and a closure element arranged to prevent fluid flow along the first fluid path in a direction from the outlet port to the inlet port, the closure element comprising a movable body arranged such that changes in velocity and/or properties and/or composition of the fluid flowing along the first fluid path result in changes to forces acting on the movable body as a result of the Bernoulli principle, thereby autonomously adjusting the flow of fluid through the flow control device,

• the method comprising the step of providing or using an arrangement to open a second fluid path, different along at least part of its length from the first fluid path, in dependence upon the pressure of fluid at the outlet side, the second fluid path allowing fluid to flow from a first relief port provided on the outlet side to a second relief port provided on the inlet side,
• wherein at least one of the first relief port and the second relief port is formed independent of the outlet port and the inlet port, respectively, and has no communication with the first fluid path before the arrangement opens the second fluid path upon the pressure of fluid at the outlet side.