U.S. patent application number 13/878014 was filed with the patent office on 2013-11-14 for fluid diverting system.
This patent application is currently assigned to AMIAD WATER SYSTEMS LTD.. The applicant listed for this patent is Ra'anan Ben-Horin, Yoram Bentor, Ud Mussel, Eatay Pomeranz. Invention is credited to Ra'anan Ben-Horin, Yoram Bentor, Ud Mussel, Eatay Pomeranz.
Application Number | 20130299014 13/878014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45044637 |
Filed Date | 2013-11-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130299014 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ben-Horin; Ra'anan ; et
al. |
November 14, 2013 |
FLUID DIVERTING SYSTEM
Abstract
Provided is a fluid flow diverting system including a housing
configured with at least one fluid conduit and being selectively
open or closed by a plane blade-type gate member configured with
one or more openings and displaceable between at least one open
position facilitating fluid flow through one or more of the at
least one fluid conduit, and at least one closed position
prohibiting fluid flow through one or more of the at least one
fluid conduit.
Inventors: |
Ben-Horin; Ra'anan; (D.N.
Jordan Valley, IL) ; Mussel; Ud; (D.N. Lower Galilee,
IL) ; Bentor; Yoram; (Kibbutz Bet Zera, IL) ;
Pomeranz; Eatay; (Kibbutz Ein Carmel, IL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Ben-Horin; Ra'anan
Mussel; Ud
Bentor; Yoram
Pomeranz; Eatay |
D.N. Jordan Valley
D.N. Lower Galilee
Kibbutz Bet Zera
Kibbutz Ein Carmel |
|
IL
IL
IL
IL |
|
|
Assignee: |
AMIAD WATER SYSTEMS LTD.
D.N. Upper Galil 1
IL
|
Family ID: |
45044637 |
Appl. No.: |
13/878014 |
Filed: |
October 6, 2011 |
PCT Filed: |
October 6, 2011 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IL11/00784 |
371 Date: |
June 25, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61390823 |
Oct 7, 2010 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
137/544 ;
137/597 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 137/794 20150401;
B01D 29/0079 20130101; F16K 3/30 20130101; F16K 11/0655 20130101;
B01D 29/682 20130101; Y10T 137/87249 20150401; B01D 29/19 20130101;
B01D 2201/082 20130101; B01D 2201/186 20130101; B01D 35/153
20130101; B01D 29/70 20130101; B01D 29/684 20130101; B01D 29/52
20130101; B01D 29/6446 20130101; B01D 29/33 20130101; B01D 29/668
20130101; B01D 29/48 20130101; B01D 29/908 20130101; B01D 29/688
20130101; B01D 2201/583 20130101; B01D 29/114 20130101; F16K 11/074
20130101; B01D 46/0068 20130101; B01D 2201/0415 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
137/544 ;
137/597 |
International
Class: |
F16K 3/30 20060101
F16K003/30 |
Claims
1. A fluid flow diverting system comprising a housing configured
with at least one fluid conduit extending through a gate space and
being selectively open or closed by a plane blade-type gate member
configured with one or more openings and displaceable between at
least one open position facilitating fluid flow through one or more
of said at least one fluid conduit, and at least one closed
position prohibiting fluid flow through one or more of said at
least one fluid conduit.
2. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the gate member is displaceable about a plane transecting said one
or more fluid conduits.
3. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the gate member is displaceable within housing in a sealed fashion,
whereby a sealing arrangement is provided between the gate member
and the respective fluid conduits, to thereby prevent fluid leak
therebetween.
4. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the fluid flow diverting system is used in conjunction with a
filtering assembly.
5. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
manipulating gate member between the open position and the closed
position takes place at a single stroke.
6. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the gate member is displaceable within the housing between its
respective closed/open positions in a planner fashion, and is
slidingly received within the gate space at the housing.
7. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the gate member is displaceable within the housing between its
respective closed/open positions in a planner fashion, and is
slidingly received within the gate space at the housing and wherein
the gate member is linearly displaceable within the gate space of
the housing.
8. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the gate member is displaceable within the housing between its
respective closed/open positions in a planner fashion, and is
slidingly received within the gate space at the housing and wherein
the gate member is rotationally displaceable about a pivot point
within the gate space of the housing.
9. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the gate member is displaceable about an axis substantially normal
to the fluid conduits within the housing.
10. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the gate member is displaceable about an axis slanted with respect
to the fluid conduits within the housing.
11. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the gate member is articulated to a manipulator for displacing it
between the respective closed/open positions.
12. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the one or more fluid conduits extend within the mono-block housing
into a planner gate space defined between two parallely extending
wall faces, and defining therebetween a planner gate space, wherein
the gate member is displaceable within said gate space.
13. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the one or more fluid conduits extend within the mono-block housing
into a planner gate space defined between two parallely extending
wall faces, and defining therebetween a planner gate space, wherein
the gate member is displaceable within said gate space and wherein
each of the fluid conduits is configured with a first opening
extending at a first wall surface of said gate space and coaxially
extending with a second opening configured at an opposite, second
wall surface.
14. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the one or more fluid conduits extend within the mono-block housing
into a planner gate space defined between two parallely extending
wall faces, and defining therebetween a planner gate space, wherein
the gate member is displaceable within said gate space and, wherein
each of the fluid conduits is configured with a first opening
extending at a first wall surface of said gate space and coaxially
extending with a second opening configured at an opposite, second
wall surface and wherein the respective first openings and second
openings are configured with a sealing member whereby the gate
member is displaceable substantially flush over the first openings
and second openings, in a sealing tight fashion.
15. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the one or more fluid conduits extend within the mono-block housing
into a planner gate space defined between two parallely extending
wall faces, and defining therebetween a planner gate space, wherein
the gate member is displaceable within said gate space and, wherein
each of the fluid conduits is configured with a first opening
extending at a first wall surface of said gate space and coaxially
extending with a second opening configured at an opposite, second
wall surface and wherein the respective first openings and second
openings are configured with a sealing member whereby the gate
member is displaceable substantially flush over the first openings
and second openings, in a sealing tight fashion and wherein the
gate space is configured by a cut-out portion configured at one or
both of said first wall surface and the second wall surface.
16. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the one or more fluid conduits extend within the mono-block housing
into a planner gate space defined between two parallely extending
wall faces, and defining therebetween a planner gate space, wherein
the gate member is displaceable within said gate space and, wherein
each of the fluid conduits is configured with a first opening
extending at a first wall surface of said gate space and coaxially
extending with a second opening configured at an opposite, second
wall surface and wherein the respective first openings and second
openings are configured with a sealing member whereby the gate
member is displaceable substantially flush over the first openings
and second openings, in a sealing tight fashion and wherein the
gate space is configured between two spacer members fixedly secured
to the first wall surface and the second wall surface of the
housing.
17. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
either one or both of the gate member and the gate space is
configured with guide members to facilitate restricted linear
displacement and in desired orientation only.
18. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1,
configured for articulating in series to one or more like fluid
flow diverting systems, wherein at least some of the flow conduits
co-extend between neighboring fluid flow diverting systems.
19. The fluid flow diverting system according to claim 1, wherein
the housing thereof constitutes part of a housing of a fluid
treating device articulated thereto and being in fluid
communication with one or more fluid flow conduits of the fluid
flow diverting system, and configured for cooperation in
conjunction therewith.
20. The flow diverter for a filtering assembly, comprising a
control assembly for use in conjunction with a filtering assembly,
said flow diverter comprising a mono-block type flow diverter
configured with one or more fluid of inlet ports and one or more
fluid outlet ports, said ports being selectively open or closed by
a blade-type gate member displaceable between a filtration mode and
a backwash/rinsing mode, for opening/closing respective ports at
one stroke, in accordance with the design of the filtration
assembly.
Description
FIELD OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER
[0001] The presently disclosed subject matter is concerned with a
fluid flow control and divert valve and system.
[0002] More specifically the disclosed subject matter is concerned
with a blade type valve of the type comprising a shut-off member
disposed within a flow path and configured for displacing between a
closed and an open, thereby governing fluid flow through said flow
conduit.
[0003] Such valves are referred to at times as `fluid diverters` or
`shut-off valves` or `blade/knife valves`, `edge gates` or
`guillotine valves`.
BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER
[0004] Valves of the aforementioned type, namely `shut-off valve`,
`blade/knife valve`, `edge valve`, `guillotine valve`, are known
and are employed primarily, though not exclusively` in the field of
transfer, dispensing and dosing of loose particle material (e.g.
granular material, powder, etc) contained in a hopper and the
like.
[0005] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,309,057 presents a guillotine
valve, used for example in pipelines includes a single block body
incorporating sealing elements, each in the form of an annular hose
section, which are made of an elastomeric material and which are
hollow along their entire circumference, each providing an airtight
pneumatic circumferential chamber filled with air. Due to the
compressibility of the chambers the contact faces of the hose
sections deform uniformly in relation to a closing blade. Convex
contours on the internal faces of the hose sections result in a
further sealing effect due the pressing together of the contact
faces by the pressure of the pipeline fluid. The hose sections can
each also incorporate a T-shaped metal core comprising an axial
portion and a radial portion.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSED SUBJECT MATTER
[0006] The disclosed fluid flow diverting assembly is a fluid flow
diverting system (flow diverter) comprising a mono-block housing
configured with at least one fluid conduit, said at least one fluid
conduit being selectively open or closed by a blade-type gate
member configured with one or more openings and displaceable
between at least one open position facilitating fluid flow through
one or more of said at least one fluid conduit, and at least one
closed position prohibiting fluid flow through one or more of said
at least one fluid conduit.
[0007] A fluid flow diverting system according to the present
disclosure is configured for diverting fluid flow from one or more
flow conduits to one or more other flow conduits. Fluid flow can
take place in either direction, i.e. fluid flow in one or more
conduits can be in one sense whilst fluid flow in other conduits
can take place in an opposite sense. The fluid flow diverting
system is also configured for shutting fluid flow through one or
more conduits, regardless of the flow state (open/closed) through
other conduits in the system.
[0008] The blade-type gate member is displaceable about a plane
transecting said one or more fluid conduits.
[0009] The blade-type gate member is displaceable within the
mono-block housing in a sealed type fashion, whereby a sealing
arrangement is provided between the gate member and the respective
fluid conduits, to thereby prevent fluid leak therebetween.
[0010] The term mono-block suggests, according to some particular
embodiments, that one or more of housing components of the fluid
flow diverting system constitute a house component of a fluid
treating device (e.g. filtration unit and the like).
[0011] Accordingly, the housing thereof constitutes part of a
housing of a fluid treating device articulated thereto and being in
fluid communication with one or more fluid flow conduits of the
fluid flow diverting system, and configured for cooperation in
conjunction therewith.
[0012] Furthermore, one or more fluid flow diverting systems
according to the disclosed subject matter can be configured for
modular configurations, i.e. assembled in series, whereby at least
some of the fluid conduits continuously extend between neighboring
fluid flow diverting systems and wherein each fluid flow diverting
system is associated with a fluid treating device. The arrangement
is such that each of the fluid flow diverting systems is controlled
independently.
[0013] According to one particular application, the fluid flow
diverting system is used in conjunction with a filtering assembly
and it is appreciated that filtering assembly disclosure can be any
type of filtering media such as a stack of filtering disks, a
filtering screen (i.e. a fine mash of material) or a thread-type
cylinder, etc. in the context of a filtering assembly the fluid
flow diverting assembly is used for controlling and manipulating
(diverting) inlet ports and outlet ports between a filtration mode
and a backwash/rinsing mode, for opening/closing respective
ports.
[0014] According to a particular design of the fluid flow control
assembly, manipulating between the open position and the closed
position takes place at a single stroke.
[0015] The blade-type gate member is displaceable within the
housing between its respective closed/open positions in a planner
fashion, and is thus slidingly received within a slot at the
housing. According to a first configuration the gate member is
linearly displaceable within the hosing and according to another
configuration the gate member is angularly displaceable (rotary)
about a pivot point within the hosing.
[0016] According to yet a configuration the blade-type gate member
is displaceable within the housing about an axis substantially
normal to the inlet ports and outlet ports and according to a
different example the gate member is displaceable within the
housing about an axis inclined (slanted) with respect to the inlet
ports and outlet ports. It is however appreciated that a
combination of the above configurations can be employed with a
fluid flow control assembly of the present disclosure.
[0017] It is appreciated that the set-up of the inlet/outlet ports
and the openings at the gate member can be configured such that a
single stroke (linear or rotary) simultaneously opens or closes all
ports, whilst according to other configurations the gate member is
displaceable between more than one closed and/or more than one
closed position, whereby several strokes of the gate member are
required.
[0018] The gate member is articulated to a manipulator for
displacing it between the respective closed/open positions, said
manipulator can be of any type, e.g. hydraulic, electric,
electromagnetic, pneumatic, etc.
[0019] Activating the manipulator is facilitated by a controller
generating a control signal.
[0020] According to a specific configuration of the fluid flow
diverting assembly, the one or more fluid conduits extend within
the mono-block housing into a planner gate space defined between
two parallely extending wall faces, and defining therebetween a
planner gate space, wherein the gate member is displaceable within
said gate space. The fluid conduits are each configured with a
first opening extending at a first wall surface of said gate space
and coaxially extending with a second opening configured at an
opposite, second wall surface. The first and second openings are
respective inlet/outlet openings depending on the fluid flow
direction within the respective fluid conduit.
[0021] The respective first openings and second openings are
configured with a sealing member, e.g. an O-ring, whereby the gate
member is displaceable substantially flush over the first openings
and second openings, in a sealing tight fashion.
[0022] The gate space is a gap formed between the first wall
surface and the second wall surface of the housing. Said gap can be
configured by a cut-out portion configured at one or both of said
first wall surface and the second wall surface, or within an
adapter/spacer member disposed between said walls.
[0023] As may be desired, inserts can be provided between the gate
member and the first wall surface and the second wall surface. For
example, said inserts can be made of a material easier to machine
than the mono-block housing.
[0024] It is appreciated, that in any configuration, a fluid
conduit can be referred to as an inlet conduit or as an outlet
conduit, configured with an inlet port and an outlet port,
respectively, depending on the context and the particular
application for which the fluid flow diverter is configured to be
used.
[0025] Furthermore, fluid flow can take in either direction through
the gate member, and even more so, fluid can flow simultaneously in
one direction through one or more conduits, and at an opposite
direction through other conduits.
[0026] Either one or both of the gate member and the gate space can
be configured with guide members, e.g. rails or limiting members,
to facilitate restricted linear displacement and in desired
orientation only.
[0027] The term fluid as used in the specification and claims
denotes any flowable matter, i.e. gas or liquid, regardless its
purpose, degree of contamination, particle size, viscosity,
pressure or any other parameters. Hence, herein in the
specification and claims the term fluid is used in its broadest
sense.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0028] In order to understand the disclosed subject matter and to
see how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be
described, by way of non-limiting examples only, with reference to
the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0029] FIG. 1A is a schematic perspective exploded view of a fluid
flow diverting system according to the present disclosure;
[0030] FIG. 1B is a schematic plane section along line I-I in FIG.
1A;
[0031] FIGS. 2A to 2C are schematic representations illustrating
three respective positions of the fluid flow diverting system of
FIG. 1;
[0032] FIGS. 3A to 3D are schematic representations illustrating
four respective positions of a variation of a fluid flow diverting
system of the type illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D;
[0033] FIGS. 4A to 4D are schematic representations illustrating
four respective positions of another modification of a rotary fluid
flow diverting system according to the present disclosure;
[0034] FIG. 5A is an isometric view of a mono-block fluid flow
diverting system according to the disclosed subject matter, used in
conjunction with a filtration assembly;
[0035] FIG. 5B is a longitudinal isometric section along line X-X
in FIG. 5A;
[0036] FIG. 5C is an isometric exploded view of only principle
components of the mono-block fluid flow diverting system of FIGS.
5A and 5B;
[0037] FIG. 5D is a longitudinal plane section along line XI-XI in
FIG. 5A;
[0038] FIG. 5E is a view of the mono-block fluid flow diverting
system seen in FIGS. 5A to 5D, with the filtration assembly
removed;
[0039] FIG. 6 illustrate a mono-block fluid flow diverting system
according to the disclosed subject matter, in conjunction with a
filtration assembly according to the disclosed subject matter, at a
backwash/rinsing mode; wherein:
[0040] FIG. 6A is an isometric view of the assembly;
[0041] FIG. 6B is a longitudinal isometric section along line XI-XI
in FIG. 6A;
[0042] FIG. 6C is a longitudinal plane section along line XI-XI in
FIG. 6A;
[0043] FIG. 6D is a view of the mono-block fluid flow diverting
system seen in FIGS. 5A to 5D, with the filtration assembly
removed;
[0044] FIG. 7A is a further example of filtration assembly
configured with a fluid flow diverting system according to the
present disclosed subject matter, at its filtration mode;
[0045] FIG. 7B is a section along the gate member of the fluid flow
diverting system seen in FIG. 7A;
[0046] FIG. 8A illustrates the filtration assembly of FIG. 7A at
the backwash/rinsing mode;
[0047] FIG. 8B is a view taken along the gate member of the fluid
flow diverting system, with the filtration unit, however with the
mono-block housing removed.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[0048] Attention is first directed to FIGS. 1 and 2 of the
drawings, schematically illustrating a fluid flow diverting system
according to the disclosed subject matter and generally designated
20.
[0049] The fluid flow diverting system 20 comprises a mono-block 22
composed of a first block 24 and a second block 26 securely coupled
to one another (e.g. by bolts; not shown). In the particular
example, the first block 24 is configured with three through going
conduits 30A, 30B and 30C, and the second block 26 is configured
with four through going conduits 32A, 32B and 32C extending
coaxially opposite those conduits in the first block 24, as can be
seen in FIG. 1B. It is seen that conduits 30A and 30B have their
respective axis X.sub.1 and X.sub.2 coaxially disposed.
[0050] The first block 24 is configured with a first wall surface
36A depressed with respect to surface 38 and facing a second wall
surface 36B of the second block 26, said wall surfaces 36A and 36B
being substantially parallel to one another and defining
therebetween a gate space/gate gap 40 (FIG. 1B).
[0051] Slidingly disposed within the gate space 40 there is a gate
member 42 in the form of a flat/planer blade like member with
substantially smooth side wall faces 44A and 44B and configured for
sliding displacement within the gate space 40, as will be discussed
hereinafter.
[0052] It is seen that each of the fluid conduits 30 and 32 is
configured at least at its respective opening within the gate space
40, with a fluid seal in the form of an O-ring 42A and 42B,
respectively, wherein the gate member 42 displaces flush against
the surfaces 36A and 36B, and sealingly against the O-rings 42A and
42B.
[0053] Further there is provided a manipulating mechanism
schematically designated M for displacing the gate member 42
between its respective closed/open positions, as will be discussed
hereinafter. The manipulator M can be of any type, e.g. hydraulic,
electric, electromagnetic, pneumatic, etc. and receives an
operating signal from an appropriate controller (not shown).
[0054] It is further seen that the gate member 42 is configured
with four through going openings 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D,
corresponding in size and location with the conduit openings formed
in the first block 24 and second block 26 of the housing. The
purpose of the fourth opening 33D will become apparent herein after
with reference to FIG. 2). It is also noted that the length l of
the gate member 42 is shorter then the length L of the gate space
40 (i.e. of the depression formed in surface 38 of the first block
24), thereby facilitating sliding displacement of the gate member
42 within the gate space 40.
[0055] Turning now to FIGS. 2A to 2B, the fluid flow diverting
system 20 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in a schematic fashion, in three
respective positions. For sake of clarity the mono-block housing is
designated as a flat member designated B and the gate member 42 is
supper imposed thereover, distinguished by thick lines. Likewise,
the conduit apertures in the block member are designated 30A, 30B
and 30C, and openings in the gate member are designated 33A, 33B,
33C and 33D, their position and size corresponding with those of
the conduits in the block member B.
[0056] In a first position shown in FIG. 2A the fluid flow
diverting system 20 is illustrated in its so called fully closed
position, wherein neither of openings 33A, 33B, 33C and (i.e.
concides) 33D of gate member 42 extends coaxial with the conduits
30A, 30B and 30C of the block member B, thus prohibiting any fluid
flow therethrough.
[0057] However, in the fully open position of FIG. 2B, the gate
member 42 has displaced one move in direction of arrow 50, whereby
the openings 33A, 33B and 33C extend coaxially (coincide) opposite
respective conduit openings 30A, 30B and 30C (and conduits 32A, 32B
and 32C of the second block, not shown), thus facilitating fluid
flow through the three respective conduits.
[0058] In the position of FIG. 2C the gate member 42 has displaced
two moves in direction of arrow 52, whereby only opening 33D
coincides coaxially with a corresponding fluid conduit 30C,
facilitating fluid flow therethrough, whilst the fluid conduits 30A
and 30B remain sealed (as the openings 33A, 33B and 33C now extend
opposite wall portions of surface 36, rather than opposite the
openings of the conduits).
[0059] It is appreciated, in accordance with any of the
configurations disclosed herein, that the gate member is
displaceable between different positions and it can fully or
partially exposed the fluid conduits to facilitate fluid flow at
different rates there through, or cab completely shut said fluid
conduits, in a sealed fashion.
[0060] The example schematically illustrated in FIGS. 3A to 3D is
directed at a fluid flow diverting system 20' similar to that
disclosed in connection with the examples of FIGS. 1 and 2, however
with the blade member configured for displacement in an X-Y
planer-like matrix.
[0061] The mono-block housing designated B' and the gate member 42'
is supper imposed thereover, distinguished by thick lines. Like in
the previous example, the conduit apertures in the block member are
designated 30A, 30B, 30C and 30D and openings in the gate member
are designated 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D, their position and size
corresponding with those of the conduits in the block member
B'.
[0062] In a first position shown in FIG. 3A the However, in the
fully open position of FIG. 2B, the gate member 42 has displaced
one move in direction of arrow 50, whereby the openings 33A, 33B
and 33C extend coaxially (coincide) opposite respective conduit
openings 30A, 30B and 30C (and conduits 32A, 32B and 32C of the
second block, not shown), thus facilitating fluid flow through the
three respective conduits.
[0063] is illustrated in its so called fully closed position,
wherein neither of openings 33A, 33B, 33C and 33D of gate member
42' extends coaxial (i.e. coincides) with the respective conduits
30A, 30B, 30C and 30D of the block member B', thus prohibiting any
fluid flow therethrough.
[0064] However, in the fully open position of FIG. 3B, the gate
member 42' has displaced one move in direction of arrow 56, whereby
the openings 33A, 33B and 33D extend coaxially (coincide) opposite
respective conduit openings 30A, 30B and 30D (and respective
conduits 32A, 32B and 32D of the second block, not shown), thus
facilitating fluid flow through the three respective conduits. It
is however noticeable that in this position the fluid conduit 30C
remains closed, since there is no corresponding opening of the gate
member 42' opposite it.
[0065] In FIG. 3C the gate member 42' has displaced one move in
direction of arrow 58 (with respect to the already displaced
position of FIG. 3B), whereby opening 33B of the gate member 42'
now coincides with conduit 30A of the block B'. In this position
fluid flow is facilitated only through the conduit 30A, whilst
conduits 30B, 30C and 30D remain sealingly closed.
[0066] In FIG. 3D the gate member 42' has displaced one move in
direction of arrow 60 (with respect to the original, start position
of FIG. 3A), whereby opening 33C of the gate member 42' now
coincides with conduit 30C of the block B'. In this position fluid
flow is facilitated only through the conduit 30C, whilst conduits
30A, 30B and 30D remain sealingly closed.
[0067] Yet a schematic representation is illustrated with reference
to FIGS. 4A to 4D, directed at a rotary type fluid flow diverting
system generally designated 66. The mono-block housing is
configured with a circular blade gap designated B'' and a circular
gate member 42'' is supper-imposed thereover, distinguished by
thick lines. Likewise, the conduit apertures in the block member
are designated 30A, 30B and 30C, and openings in the gate member
are designated 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D and 33E, their position and size
corresponding with those of the conduits in the block member B. it
is noticed that the respective openings in the gate member 42''
extend about the same radii with respect to the respective (i.e.
designated) conduit apertures formed at the blade gap B'' (namely
conduit 30A and openings 33A and 33B are disposed about a first
radii, conduit 30B and opening 33C are disposed about a second
radii, and conduit 30C and openings 33D and 33E are disposed about
a third radii), the reason of which to become apparent
hereinafter.
[0068] In the fully closed, sealed position of FIG. 4A, neither of
the openings of the gate member 33A, 33B, 33C, 33D and 33E
coincides with any of the conduit apertures in the block member
30A, 30B and 30C, whereby fluid flow is prohibited.
[0069] Turning now to FIG. 4B, the gate member 42'' is rotated in
direction of arrow 70 at an extent .alpha..degree., whereby
openings 33A, 33C, 33D now coincide with conduit apertures 30A, 30B
and 30C, respectively, facilitating fluid flow therethrough.
[0070] Further rotation of the gate member 42'' in same direction,
at an extent .beta..degree. results in that the conduit 30A remains
open as it coincides with opening 33B of the gate member 42'',
whilst all other conduits, namely conduits 30B and 30C become
sealed by the surface of the gate member 42''.
[0071] Once in the start-point position of FIG. 4A, if the gate
member 42'' is rotated in direction of arrow 73 at an extent
.gamma..degree. into the position illustrated in FIG. 4D, the
conduit 30C becomes open as the opening 33E now coincides with it,
whilst conduits 30A and 30B remain sealingly closed.
[0072] It is appreciated, that in any configuration, a fluid
conduit can be referred to as an inlet conduit or as an outlet
conduit, configured with an inlet port and an outlet port,
respectively, depending on the context and the particular
application for which the fluid flow diverter is configured to be
used.
[0073] FIGS. 5 to 8 illustrate how a fluid flow diverting system
according to the present disclosed subject matter can be used, by
way of example, with a fluid filtration system.
[0074] It is however appreciated that the filter unit in the
following examples may be any type of filtering media such as a
stack of filtering disks, a filtering screen (i.e. a fine mash of
material) or a thread-type cylinder, and the following embodiments
are mere examples.
[0075] In the following figures the filtration assembly is
generally designated 500 and is composed of a filtration assembly
generally designated 510 and a mono-block flow control system
(diverter) generally designated 520 used in conjunction therewith.
As mentioned hereinabove, the filtration assembly can be replaced
by any filtration assembly and likewise, the mono-block flow
diverting system can be replaced by a different system.
[0076] Filters in accordance with the disclosed subject matter may
be used for filtering different fluid media, including gaseous
material and different liquids such as fresh water, irrigation
water, sea water, contaminated water including sewage, emulsions,
viscous liquids, with the range of fluid pressure and other
parameters thereof being substantially unlimited.
[0077] The following is a list of terminology used throughout the
description concerned with the filtration assembly:
[0078] Filter unit--a unit comprising one or more fluid filtering
media, of one or more types, through which raw fluid is passed for
filtration thereof;
[0079] Raw fluid--(identified in the relevant drawings by `R`
indexed arrows)--denotes a fluid (gas or liquid) to be
filtered;
[0080] Rinsing fluid--(identified in the relevant drawings by `C`
indexed arrows)--denotes a fluid (gas and/or liquid) used for
rinsing/flushing the filter unit or filtering media or other
components of the filter assembly. It should be noted that in some
cases filtered fluid serves as a rinsing fluid;
[0081] Filtered fluid--(identified in the relevant drawings by `F`
indexed arrows)--denotes the fluid/liquid obtained after a
filtration process, namely after removing particles and
contaminating matter.
[0082] Drain/waste fluid--a fluid carrying dirt and waste after a
rinsing/cleaning process.
[0083] The filter unit 510 comprises a block housing 517 fitted
with a cylindrical housing 530 accommodating a filtration unit
generally designated 532 configured with a filtration media 536
(which in the present example is a stack of filtration disks). The
filter unit 510 is configured with a raw fluid inlet port 540
extending from the mono-block fluid flow diverting system 520 (a
partial exploded view of which is provided in FIG. 5C) into the
space 542 of the filtration assembly. An internal space 550 of the
filter unit 532 is in fluid communication with a drain chamber 552
and via a drain tube 556 into a fluid collecting chamber 558 of the
housing.
[0084] Extending from the chamber 558 there is a filtered fluid
outlet port 560 extending through the mono-block flow diverter 520,
extending substantially parallel to the raw fluid inlet 540. It is
however noticed that the filtered fluid outlet port 560 is
configured substantially above the end of the tube 556 whereby the
bottom space 558 serves as a filtered fluid accumulation
chamber.
[0085] It is thus noted that the housing component of the fluid
flow diverting system constitutes a house component of the
filtration unit. Accordingly, the housing thereof constitutes part
of a housing of the filtration unit articulated thereto and is in
fluid communication with one or more fluid flow conduits of the
fluid flow diverting system, and configured for cooperation in
conjunction therewith, as will be explained herein after in further
details.
[0086] Configured within the mono-block fluid flow diverter 520
there is further provided a rinsing fluid outlet port 564 (serving
as a drain port) being in flow communication with the space 542 of
the filter assembly. The mono-block flow diverter 520 is further
configured with a pressurized fluid inlet port 568 extending into
the chamber 558, the purpose of which to become apparent
hereinafter.
[0087] Turning now to the mono-block fluid flow diverter 520 it is
noted that the raw to fluid inlet port 540, the rinsing fluid
outlet port 564, the pressurized fluid inlet port 568 and the
filtered fluid outlet port 560 extends substantially co-planar
within the block 570 of the mono-block flow diverter 520 and
typically said fluid ports extend co-planar and parallel to one
another whereby a blade-type gate member 580 is configured in the
form of a flat member configured with openings corresponding with
the location of said inlet/outlet fluid flow ports, said gate 580
being articulated to a manipulating piston assembly generally
designated 586 being a hydraulic/pneumonic piston or otherwise
controlled activator (e.g. solenoid operated and the like)
configured for displacing the gate member 580 between a filtration
mode (FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5D and 5E) and a backwash/rinsing mode (FIGS.
6A to 6D).
[0088] As can best be seen in FIG. 5C, the fluid flow diverter 520
is configured with a housing composed of a first block portion 570
(not shown in FIG. 5C) and the second block portion 517 (being part
of the filter unit). Each of the block portions 517 and 570 is
configured with a recessed groove like portion 523A (best seen in
FIG. 5E) and 523B (best seen in FIG. 5C), defining together space
fixedly accommodating a pair of made of a machineable material e.g.
light metal alloy, plastic material etc.
[0089] Each of the inserts/spacers 525A and 525B is configured with
through going openings 527A, 527B and 527C and 529A, 529B and 529C,
respectively, said openings coinciding (coaxially extending) with
respect to openings 540, 564 and 560 formed in the second block
portion 517, and corresponding openings formed in the first block
portion 570. Sealing O-rings 575 are provided around each opening
between the block portions and the respective insert plate.
[0090] A blade gap extends between facing surfaces 531A and 531B of
the inserts/spacers 525A and 525B, said blade gap slidingly
accommodates, in flush relationship, a blade seal (cut-off) member
580, configured with openings 540', 564' and 560', corresponding
with the conduits and openings of the block portions and the
inserts, respectively. A set of sealing O-rings collectively
designated 575 is provided, received within grooves configured at
the static (fixed) inserts 525A and 525B and extending around each
opening 527A, 527B and 527C and 529A, 529B and 529C, and an oval,
large O-ring surrounding each of the smaller O-rings and defining
the extreme displacement of the gate member 580.
[0091] The gate member 580 is coupled to the manipulating piston
assembly generally designated 586, as discussed above.
[0092] In the filtration mode, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5D
and 5E, the raw fluid inlet port 540 and the filtered fluid outlet
port 560 are open by virtue of displacement of the gate 580 into
its downward position designated by arrowed line 589 whilst the
rinsing fluid outlet port 564 and the pressurized fluid inlet port
568 are sealingly blocked by the gate member 580.
[0093] In this position, raw fluid enters in direction of arrow 592
through the raw fluid inlet port 540 whereby it is forced to flow
through the filtering media 536 in direction of the arrowed lines
594 and then down through the tube segment 556 into the chamber 558
and then out, along the fluid flow path indicated by the arrowed
lines 594 through the filtered fluid outlet port 560 from which it
is to be consumed via suitable piping coupled to the mono-block
flow diverter 520 (not shown). At the filtration mode, the filtered
fluid accumulates at the bottom chamber 558 and filtered fluid will
remain within the chamber 558 also upon shutting the supply of raw
fluid into the system.
[0094] Turning now to FIGS. 6A to 6C, the assembly is illustrated
at its backwash/rinsing mode wherein, as mentioned hereinabove, a
residual amount of filtered liquid resides at the bottom chamber
558 and upon displacement of the gate member 580 into its upward
position as indicated by arrowed line 599 the raw fluid inlet port
540 as well as the filtered fluid outlet port 560 sealingly shut
whilst the rinsing fluid outlet port 564 as well as the pressurized
fluid inlet port 568 open, whereby pressurized fluid (pressurized
air in the particular example) is forced through the pressurized
fluid inlet port 568, causing the liquid received within chamber
558 to propel upwards through the tube 556 and via chamber 552 out
through the filtering media 536 in a reverse direction to the
filtering mode, thereby rinsing any dirt particles from the
filtering media, wherein the rinsing liquid together with the dirt
are now forced along the dashed line 611 through the space 542 and
then out through the rinsing fluid outlet port 564. The rinsing
fluid flow path is represented by dashed line 609.
[0095] Thus, it is appreciated that the liquid filtered during the
filtration mode (FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5D and 5E) accumulated at the bottom
chamber 558 serves during the backwash/rinsing mode as the
rinsing/washing liquid which is then forced in a reverse direction
along the dashed arrows 611 to rinse the filtering media and is
then evacuated through the mono-block.
[0096] It is appreciated that a fluid flow diverting system
according to the present disclosure fluid flow diverting system can
be configured for modular configurations, i.e. assembled in series,
whereby at least some of the fluid conduits continuously extend
between neighboring fluid flow diverting systems and wherein each
fluid flow diverting system is associated with a fluid treating
device. The arrangement is such that each of the fluid flow
diverting systems is controlled independently. For that purpose,
the housing 570 of the fluid flow diverting system 520 is
configured with a removable sealing plate 573, removal of which
exposes the fluid conduits of the diverter and further facilitates
sealingly coupling of a like neighboring fluid flow diverting
system, whereby the fluid conduits of the neighboring systems
coextend in a sealing fashion.
[0097] Furthermore, one or more fluid flow diverting systems
according to the disclosed subject matter can be configured for
modular configurations, i.e. assembled in series, whereby at least
some of the fluid conduits continuously extend between neighboring
fluid flow diverting systems and wherein each fluid flow diverting
system is associated with a fluid treating device. The arrangement
is such that each of the fluid flow diverting systems is controlled
independently.
[0098] Turning now to the example illustrated in connection with
FIGS. 7 and 8 there is illustrated a filtration assembly generally
designated 600 comprising a filtering unit 602 integrated with a
mono-block flow diverter unit generally designated 604 wherein the
filtration assembly 602 comprises a housing 610 accommodating a
filtration unit generally designated 612 within the internal space
614 of the housing. The filtering media 617 is a stack of
filtration disks 617 supported over a central colon 620 and
configured with a disk-compacting mechanism 624 fitted with a
loaded spring 626.
[0099] The mono-block 604 is fitted with a raw fluid inlet port 650
and a filtered fluid outlet port 652 the latter extending from a
draining chamber 654 being in fluid communication with the inside
space 618 of the filter unit 612.
[0100] The mono-block fluid flow diverter 604 is further configured
with a rinsing fluid inlet port 670 being in flow communication
with the chamber 654 and further there is provided a rinsing fluid
drain port 674 which is in flow communication with the internal
space 614 of the filtration assembly.
[0101] It is appreciated that suitable sealing arrangements are
provided to prevent fluid leakage, such as sealing gaskets CO
rings') 675.
[0102] A blade-type gate member 680 is slidingly supported within
the mono-block housing 605, said blade 680 is configured with four
openings (best seen in FIGS. 7B and 8B, respectively), configured
and registered with the respective inlet/outlet ports 650, 674, 652
and 670, said blade being axially displaceable in direction of
arrow 689 by means of a displacing mechanism 690 which is for
example a gate displaceable between two extreme positions by a
hydraulic/pneumonic valve, an electric solenoid, etc.
[0103] It is however appreciated that the number of openings in the
blade can be configured depending on different designs and the
respective number and positioning of the conduits.
[0104] At the filtration mode of FIGS. 7A and 7B the gate 680 is
displaced in its downwards position as illustrated by arrowed line
689 wherein the raw fluid inlet port 650 and the filtered fluid
outlet port 652 are open, whilst the rinsing fluid outlet port 674
and the rinsing fluid inlet port 670 are closed by the gate member
680. At this position, raw fluid enters in direction of arrowed
line 698 through the raw fluid inlet port 650 into the space 614 of
the filter assembly 602, wherein the raw fluid is forced through
the tightly compacted filtration disks 617 into the space 618 where
it is filtered and allowed to drain, along arrowed lines 699 into
the chamber 654 and then out through the filtered fluid outlet port
652.
[0105] Upon displacement of the gate member 680 into its
backwash/rinsing mode of FIGS. 23A and 8A, the compacting
arrangement 624 displaces upwards in direction of arrow 625 thereby
allowing loosening of the filtration disks to facilitate their
rinsing and backwashing. Then, upon displacement in direction of
arrowed line 700, the raw fluid inlet port 650 and the filtered
fluid outlet port 652 now shut by the gate member 680 whilst the
rinsing fluid inlet port 670 and the rinsing fluid outlet port 674
(namely drain port) now open whereby rinsing fluid flowing in
direction of dashed arrowed line 702 is forced through the internal
space 618 of the filter unit 612 and then, through the loosened
filtration disks 617 out to the space 614 and from there along the
dashed arrows 704 through the rinsing fluid outlet port 674 to a
suitable drain. It is however appreciated that the configuration
disclosed herein is an example illustrating the association of a
fluid flow diverting system with a fluid treating device, in
conjunction therewith. It is however appreciated that a plurality
of other combinations are possible too.
[0106] For example, in connection with the example of FIG. 7 fluid
collecting chamber 558 can be avoided, wherein fluid flow can
extend directly from chamber 552 to filtered fluid outlet port
560
* * * * *