U.S. patent application number 15/294862 was filed with the patent office on 2017-08-10 for poultry drinker system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Plasson Ltd.. Invention is credited to Yonatan BERNAT, Oded KATZ.
Application Number | 20170223932 15/294862 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57994101 |
Filed Date | 2017-08-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170223932 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
KATZ; Oded ; et al. |
August 10, 2017 |
POULTRY DRINKER SYSTEM
Abstract
A drinker system, comprising: a central pressure regulator
configured regulate a fluid pressure to a regulated input pressure;
and a plurality of pressure reducers each comprising: a
high-pressure zone configured to receive the fluid from the
regulator at the regulated input pressure, a low-pressure zone
configured to provide the fluid to one of multiple drinker lines at
a low output pressure maintained at a constant proportion to the
regulated input pressure, and a moveable integral piece comprising
a small diaphragm rigidly connected to a large diaphragm, wherein
the small diaphragm is disposed in the high pressure zone and the
large diaphragm is disposed in the low pressure zone, and wherein
the constant proportion between the low output pressure and the
regulated input pressure corresponds to the ratio between the
surface area of the small diaphragm and the surface area of the
large diaphragm.
Inventors: |
KATZ; Oded; (D.N. Menashe,
IL) ; BERNAT; Yonatan; (D.N. Menashe, IL) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Plasson Ltd. |
D.N. Menashe |
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IL |
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Prior
Publication: |
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Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
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US 20170042127 A1 |
February 16, 2017 |
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Family ID: |
57994101 |
Appl. No.: |
15/294862 |
Filed: |
October 17, 2016 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13558632 |
Jul 26, 2012 |
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15294862 |
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PCT/IB2011/051077 |
Mar 15, 2011 |
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13558632 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A01K 39/0213 20130101;
F02M 21/0239 20130101 |
International
Class: |
A01K 39/02 20060101
A01K039/02 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jan 27, 2010 |
GB |
1001294.6 |
Claims
1. A drinker system, comprising: a central pressure regulator
configured to receive a fluid from an external source and regulate
the pressure of the fluid to a regulated input pressure; a
plurality of drinker lines, each having a plurality of drinker
nozzles; and a plurality of pressure reduction valves each in fluid
connection with the central pressure regulator and one of the
plurality of drinker lines, wherein each pressure reduction valve
comprises: a high pressure zone configured to receive the fluid
from the central regulator at the regulated input pressure, and a
low pressure zone configured to receive the fluid from the high
pressure zone, reduce the regulated input pressure to a low output
pressure, and provide the fluid to the plurality of drinker nozzles
of the one of the drinker lines at the low output pressure, wherein
the low output pressure is maintained at a constant proportion to
the regulated input pressure, a moveable integral piece comprising
a small area diaphragm rigidly connected to a large area diaphragm,
wherein the small area diaphragm is disposed in the high pressure
zone and the large area diaphragm is disposed in the low pressure
zone, wherein the constant proportion between the low output
pressure and the regulated input pressure corresponds to the ratio
between the effective surface area of the small area diaphragm and
the effective surface area of the large area diaphragm.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the motion of the
moveable integral piece controls a flow passage from the high
pressure zone to the low pressure zone, wherein the small area
diaphragm is configured to transfer a net high pressure zone force
on the moveable integral piece that expands the flow passage,
wherein the net high pressure zone force corresponds to the
regulated input pressure exerted on the effective surface area of
the small area diaphragm, and wherein the large area diaphragm is
configured to transfer a low pressure zone force on the moveable
integral piece that constricts the flow passage and counterbalances
the net high pressure zone force, thereby maintaining the flow
passage at a fixed size and maintaining the constant proportion,
and wherein the low pressure zone force corresponds to the low
output pressure exerted on the effective surface area of the large
area diaphragm.
3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the effective surface
area of the small area diaphragm comprises a difference between the
actual surface area of the small area diaphragm and the actual
surface area of a regulating valve disposed at the flow passage in
the high pressure zone.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the small area
diaphragm is made of a substantially stiff material that is
configured to substantially transfer the net high pressure zone
force to the moveable integral piece while enabling the motion of
the moveable integral piece and sealing the high pressure zone.
5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the small area
diaphragm has a maximum compression set of approximately 25% over
22 hours, at 70.degree. C.
6. The system according to claim 1, wherein the constant proportion
ranges between 1:40 and 1:60.
7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the large area
diaphragm comprises a flexible periphery configured to enable the
motion of the moveable integral piece and seal the low pressure
zone.
8. The system according to claim 7, wherein each pressure reduction
valve further comprises a stiff support plate supporting a
substantial portion of the large area diaphragm and configured to
substantially transfer the low pressure zone force to the moveable
integral piece, wherein the stiff support plate does not support
the flexible periphery.
9. The system according to claim 1, further comprising a
calibrating mechanism configured to add a differential force to the
net high pressure zone force such that the low output pressure is
uniform for all of the drinker lines, wherein the differential
force compensates for a variation in any of the small and large
area diaphragms.
10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the calibrating
mechanism comprises a calibrating spring configured to exert the
differential force, and an adjusting knob, wherein an adjustment of
the adjusting knob adjusts a compression and a decompression of the
calibrating spring, thereby adjusting the differential force.
11. A method for reducing fluid pressure for a drinker system,
comprising: a) receiving a fluid from an external source; b)
regulating the pressure of the fluid to a regulated input pressure;
c) receiving the fluid at each one of a plurality of pressure
reduction valves; at each pressure reduction valve: d) receiving
the fluid, from the central regulator at the regulated input
pressure, at a high pressure zone; e) receiving the fluid from the
high pressure zone at a low pressure zone; f) reducing, in the low
pressure zone, the regulated input pressure to a low output
pressure; g) maintaining the low output pressure at a constant
proportion to the regulated input pressure via a moveable integral
piece comprising a small area diaphragm rigidly connected to a
large area diaphragm, wherein the small area diaphragm is disposed
in the high pressure zone and the large area diaphragm is disposed
in the low pressure zone, wherein the constant proportion between
the low output pressure and the regulated input pressure
corresponds to the ratio between the effective surface area of the
small area diaphragm and the effective surface area of the large
area diaphragm; and h) providing the fluid to a plurality of
drinker nozzles of one of a plurality of drinker lines at the
maintained low output pressure.
12. The method according to claim 11, wherein the maintaining
comprises: i) transferring a net high pressure zone force onto the
moveable integral piece via the small area diaphragm, wherein the
net high pressure zone force corresponds to the regulated input
pressure exerted on the effective surface area of the small area
diaphragm, wherein the motion of the moveable integral piece
controls a flow passage from the high pressure zone to the low
pressure zone, wherein the net high pressure zone force expands the
flow passage, and j) transferring a low pressure zone force onto
the moveable integral piece via the large area diaphragm, wherein
the low pressure zone force corresponds to the low output pressure
exerted on the effective surface area of the large area diaphragm,
wherein the low pressure zone force constricts the flow passage and
counterbalances the net high pressure zone force, thereby
maintaining the flow passage at a fixed size.
13. The method according to claim 11, wherein the effective surface
area of the small area diaphragm comprises a difference between the
actual surface area of the small area diaphragm and the actual
surface area of a regulating valve disposed at the flow passage in
the high pressure zone.
14. The method according to claim 11, further comprising
substantially transferring the net high pressure zone force to the
moveable integral piece via the small area diaphragm, wherein the
small area diaphragm is made of a substantially stiff material
configured to enable the motion of the moveable integral piece
while sealing the high pressure zone.
15. The method according to claim 11, further comprising
substantially transferring the low pressure zone force to the
moveable integral piece via a stiff support plate supporting a
substantial portion of the large area diaphragm, wherein the large
area diaphragm comprises a flexible periphery that is not supported
by the stiff support plate, wherein the flexible periphery is
configured to enable the motion of the moveable integral piece
while sealing the low pressure zone.
16. The method according to claim 11, further comprising
calibrating the plurality of pressure reduction valves by: prior to
performing steps a) to h), releasing a calibration spring of each
of the pressure reduction valves, performing steps a) to h),
determining the maximum low output pressure for all the pressure
reduction valves, and adjusting the calibration spring to add a
differential force to any pressure reduction valve having a low
output pressure that is less than the maximum low output pressure,
until the low output pressure is uniform for all of the pressure
reduction valves, wherein the differential force compensates for a
variation in any of the small and large area diaphragms.
17. The method according to claim 16, wherein adjusting the
calibration spring comprises adjusting a calibrating screw via a
calibration knob.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a Continuation in Part of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/558,632, filed Jul. 26, 2012, which is a
national stage application of International PCT Application No.
PCT/IB2011/051177 entitled "Poultry Drinker System", which claims
priority to United Kingdom Patent Application No. GB 1001294.6,
entitled "Poultry Drinker System", filed on 27 Jan. 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Drinker systems for supplying drinking water or the like to
poultry typically include several drinker lines, each line having a
plurality of water dispensers (e.g. nozzles, nipples or the like).
Relatively high pressure water from a common water source is
delivered to one or more regulators that provide water to the
drinker line at a low/reduced pressure.
[0003] It is believed that the drinker systems disclosed in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,967,167 and U.S. Pat. No. 6,253,708 well describe the
present state of the art.
[0004] On the one hand, it is advantageous to keep human
interference to a minimum--i.e. provide for as much automatic
control of the drinking process as possible to reduce labor and
avoid disturbing the flock; while on the other hand, it is
advantageous to avoid the use of electrical wires and such due to
the corrosive atmosphere in poultry houses; as well as to avoid
complicated systems which tend to be expensive.
[0005] It is also important to be able to change (control) the
water pressure to the poultry in order to encourage proper
consumption, especially in the case of growing chicks whose water
requirements rapidly increase as they grow. In simpler system,
changing the water pressure typically requires adjustment to each
drinker line, i.e. each pressure regulator and/or pressure
reduction device associated with each drinker line. Further, it is
desirable to design for purging (flushing) of the drinker lines to
flush residual material and the like from the lines, however,
without undo complication to the system to avoid expensive
design.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described
and illustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods
which are meant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in
scope.
[0007] There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment, a
drinker system, comprising: a central pressure regulator configured
to receive a fluid from an external source and regulate the
pressure of the fluid to a regulated input pressure; a plurality of
drinker lines, each having a plurality of drinker nozzles; and a
plurality of pressure reduction valves each in fluid connection
with the central pressure regulator and one of the plurality of
drinker lines, wherein each pressure reduction valve comprises: a
high pressure zone configured to receive the fluid from the central
regulator at the regulated input pressure, and a low pressure zone
configured to receive the fluid from the high pressure zone, reduce
the regulated input pressure to a low output pressure, and provide
the fluid to the plurality of drinker nozzles of the one of the
drinker lines at the low output pressure, wherein the low output
pressure is maintained at a constant proportion to the regulated
input pressure, a moveable integral piece comprising a small area
diaphragm rigidly connected to a large area diaphragm, wherein the
small area diaphragm is disposed in the high pressure zone and the
large area diaphragm is disposed in the low pressure zone, wherein
the constant proportion between the low output pressure and the
regulated input pressure corresponds to the ratio between the
effective surface area of the small area diaphragm and the
effective surface area of the large area diaphragm.
[0008] In some embodiments, the motion of the moveable integral
piece controls a flow passage from the high pressure zone to the
low pressure zone, wherein the small area diaphragm is configured
to transfer a net high pressure zone force on the moveable integral
piece that expands the flow passage, wherein the net high pressure
zone force corresponds to the regulated input pressure exerted on
the effective surface area of the small area diaphragm, and wherein
the large area diaphragm is configured to transfer a low pressure
zone force on the moveable integral piece that constricts the flow
passage and counterbalances the net high pressure zone force,
thereby maintaining the flow passage at a fixed size and
maintaining the constant proportion, and wherein the low pressure
zone force corresponds to the low output pressure exerted on the
effective surface area of the large area diaphragm.
[0009] In some embodiments, the effective surface area of the small
area diaphragm comprises a difference between the actual surface
area of the small area diaphragm and the actual surface area of a
regulating valve disposed at the flow passage in the high pressure
zone.
[0010] In some embodiments, the small area diaphragm is made of a
substantially stiff material that is configured to substantially
transfer the net high pressure zone force to the moveable integral
piece while enabling the motion of the moveable integral piece and
sealing the high pressure zone.
[0011] In some embodiments, the small area diaphragm has a maximum
compression set of approximately 25% over 22 hours, at 70.degree.
C.
[0012] In some embodiments, the constant proportion ranges between
1:40 and 1:60.
[0013] In some embodiments, the large area diaphragm comprises a
flexible periphery configured to enable the motion of the moveable
integral piece and seal the low pressure zone.
[0014] In some embodiments, each pressure reduction valve further
comprises a stiff support plate supporting a substantial portion of
the large area diaphragm and configured to substantially transfer
the low pressure zone force to the moveable integral piece, wherein
the stiff support plate does not support the flexible
periphery.
[0015] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a
calibrating mechanism configured to add a differential force to the
net high pressure zone force such that the low output pressure is
uniform for all of the drinker lines, wherein the differential
force compensates for a variation in any of the small and large
area diaphragms.
[0016] In some embodiments, the calibrating mechanism comprises a
calibrating spring configured to exert the differential force, and
an adjusting knob, wherein an adjustment of the adjusting knob
adjusts a compression and a decompression of the calibrating
spring, thereby adjusting the differential force.
[0017] There is provided, in accordance with an embodiment, a
method for reducing fluid pressure for a drinker system,
comprising: a) receiving a fluid from an external source; b)
regulating the pressure of the fluid to a regulated input pressure;
c) receiving the fluid at each one of a plurality of pressure
reduction valves; at each pressure reduction valve: d) receiving
the fluid, from the central regulator at the regulated input
pressure, at a high pressure zone; e) receiving the fluid from the
high pressure zone at a low pressure zone; f) reducing, in the low
pressure zone, the regulated input pressure to a low output
pressure; g) maintaining the low output pressure at a constant
proportion to the regulated input pressure via a moveable integral
piece comprising a small area diaphragm rigidly connected to a
large area diaphragm, wherein the small area diaphragm is disposed
in the high pressure zone and the large area diaphragm is disposed
in the low pressure zone, wherein the constant proportion between
the low output pressure and the regulated input pressure
corresponds to the ratio between the effective surface area of the
small area diaphragm and the effective surface area of the large
area diaphragm; and h) providing the fluid to a plurality of
drinker nozzles of one of a plurality of drinker lines at the
maintained low output pressure.
[0018] In some embodiments, maintaining comprises: i) transferring
a net high pressure zone force onto the moveable integral piece via
the small area diaphragm, wherein the net high pressure zone force
corresponds to the regulated input pressure exerted on the
effective surface area of the small area diaphragm, wherein the
motion of the moveable integral piece controls a flow passage from
the high pressure zone to the low pressure zone, wherein the net
high pressure zone force expands the flow passage, and j)
transferring a low pressure zone force onto the moveable integral
piece via the large area diaphragm, wherein the low pressure zone
force corresponds to the low output pressure exerted on the
effective surface area of the large area diaphragm, wherein the low
pressure zone force constricts the flow passage and counterbalances
the net high pressure zone force, thereby maintaining the flow
passage at a fixed size.
[0019] In some embodiments, the effective surface area of the small
area diaphragm comprises a difference between the actual surface
area of the small area diaphragm and the actual surface area of a
regulating valve disposed at the flow passage in the high pressure
zone.
[0020] In some embodiments, the method further comprises
substantially transferring the net high pressure zone force to the
moveable integral piece via the small area diaphragm, wherein the
small area diaphragm is made of a substantially stiff material
configured to enable the motion of the moveable integral piece
while sealing the high pressure zone.
[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises
substantially transferring the low pressure zone force to the
moveable integral piece via a stiff support plate supporting a
substantial portion of the large area diaphragm, wherein the large
area diaphragm comprises a flexible periphery that is not supported
by the stiff support plate, wherein the flexible periphery is
configured to enable the motion of the moveable integral piece
while sealing the low pressure zone.
[0022] In some embodiments, the method further comprises
calibrating the plurality of pressure reduction valves by: prior to
performing steps a) to h), releasing a calibration spring of each
of the pressure reduction valves, performing steps a) to h),
determining the maximum low output pressure for all the pressure
reduction valves, and adjusting the calibration spring to add a
differential force to any pressure reduction valve having a low
output pressure that is less than the maximum low output pressure,
until the low output pressure is uniform for all of the pressure
reduction valves, wherein the differential force compensates for a
variation in any of the small and large area diaphragms.
[0023] In some embodiments, adjusting the calibration spring
comprises adjusting a calibrating screw via a calibration knob.
[0024] In addition to the exemplary aspects and embodiments
described above, further aspects and embodiments will become
apparent by reference to the figures and by study of the following
detailed description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] The invention may be understood upon reading of the
following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary
embodiments thereof, with reference to the following drawings, in
which:
[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a poultry
drinker system of the present invention;
[0027] FIGS. 2A-2C are sectional views of a proportional pressure
regulating/reduction valve device particularly adapted for use in
the present drinker system, the device in: (a) the closed (no
flow), non-flushing state; (b) the normal flow, non-flushing state;
and (c) in the flushing state, respectively;
[0028] FIGS. 2D-2E illustrate a close-up perspective view and a
cross-sectional view, respectively, of a small diaphragm of the
pressure regulating valve of FIGS. 2A-2C, in accordance with an
embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a proportional pressure
regulating/reduction valve device in accordance with a relatively
simplified embodiment of the present invention; and
[0030] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for calibrating the system
of FIG. 1.
[0031] The following detailed description of the invention refers
to the accompanying drawings referred to above. Dimensions of
components and features shown in the figures are chosen for
convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily
shown to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will
be used throughout the drawings and the following description to
refer to the same and like parts.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0032] FIG. 1 shows a drinker system in accordance with embodiments
of the invention for receiving water or other liquid from a
relatively high pressure liquid/water source (not shown), for
example at mains pressure, while providing the liquid at a
relatively low pressure, to animals, such as poultry. The drinker
system includes a central pressure regulator 10 for providing a
first pressure reduction to the water from the water source; a
plurality of drinker lines 12, each line having a plurality of
drinker nozzles 14; and a plurality of pressure reduction valve
devices 16, one such device associated with each drinker line, for
providing the liquid at a relatively low pressure to the at least
one drinker line.
[0033] Water flowing from central pressure regulator 10 to pressure
reduction devices 16 is typically run through piping 18 preferably
having a height well above the floor of the watering area in which
the poultry are situated and even more so above the height of
humans, for example, about 2.5 m in order to prevent the piping
from disturbing the poultry and for ease of human movement in the
poultry house if required. As a result, the minimum pressure at
which water arrives to the pressure reduction devices 16 is equal
to the head of the water or about 250 cm water column. Piping 18
leads to inlets 20 of the pressure reduction devices 16; and
drinker lines 12 are fed by outlets 22 of the pressure reduction
devices.
[0034] Also notable in FIG. 1 is a drinker line pressure indicator,
for example, a transparent site glass or site tube 24 associated
with each pressure reduction device 16 for measuring and displaying
the outlet pressure, i.e. water pressure delivered to each drinker
line 12; and a pressure zeroing knob 26 for initial calibration
(setting/zeroing) of the pressure reduction devices' outlet
pressure. In some embodiments, the system further includes an
electronic pressure controller 28 for automatic adjustment of the
central pressure regulator 10.
[0035] In practice, high pressure water arriving from the high
pressure water source is regulated via central pressure regulator
10 to a relatively intermediate pressure, typically in the range of
0.25-3.0 bar. The water is distributed via piping 18 to each of the
plurality of pressure reduction valve devices 16 where the water
pressure is reduced again, in a manner proportional to the pressure
set by central pressure regulator 10 (as will be explained in more
detail below). The pressure of the water delivered to the drinker
lines 12 (i.e. to the poultry) can therefore be controlled by
controlling central pressure regulator 10. This is significant as
it is important to maintain proper pressure, which changes as the
poultry grows and due to other conditions, in order to positively
affect the health and growth of the poultry, especially rapidly
growing chicks, for example.
[0036] In FIGS. 2A-2C there is shown an embodiment of the pressure
reduction devices 16 by way of sectional views thereof in various
states of operation. The devices 16 include a housing 29 with an
upper housing portion 30 and a lower housing portion 32, the upper
housing portion defining a first relatively high pressure zone 34
(at a pressure regulated by central pressure regulator 10) which
during drinking (normal flow) receives water via inlet 20. In high
pressure zone 34 is a relatively small area diaphragm 36 fixed at
its periphery between a cap 38 and upper housing portion 30 and
supported by a relatively small area support plate 40. Upper
housing portion 30 also defines a tubular by-pass or flushing valve
receiving portion 42 for receiving an integrated internal by-pass
or flushing valve 44 of the valve device 16.
[0037] Upper housing portion 30 also includes a pressure
measurement connection or nipple 46 to which site tube 24 is
connected. The site tube 24 communicates with a relatively low
pressure zone 48 of the proportional pressure reducing valve device
16. Low pressure zone 48 is generally defined by upper housing
portion 30 and a relatively large area diaphragm 50, which is
supported by a relatively large area support plate 52. Small
diaphragm 36 is operably connected to large diaphragm 50 via a
rigid connector, for example bolt 54 and nut 56. Surrounding bolt
54 in high pressure zone 34 is a first rigid sleeve 58.
[0038] The ratio of the areas of the diaphragms 36 and 50 provide
for a pressure reduction valve device outlet pressure that is
proportional to the valve device's inlet pressure, i.e. the
pressure set by the regulator 10. A typically pressure ratio is
about 40:1. Thus, for example, controlling the central pressure
regulator 10 in a range of 0.25-3.0 bar results in a drinker line
pressure about 0.0065-0.075 bar (6.5-75.0 cm water column).
[0039] A first end of sleeve 58 interfaces with diaphragm 36 and a
valve seal 60 is disposed within a second end of the sleeve. The
valve seal 60 interfaces with a valve seat 62 when the valve device
16 is in the closed (no flow) state (FIG. 2A). The valve seal 60
and valve seat 62 form a regulating valve 63 of the pressure
reduction valve device 16. A second rigid sleeve 64 surrounds the
bolt 54 in low pressure zone 48.
[0040] Housed in lower housing portion 32 is a calibration
mechanism 65 having a calibration or zeroing spring 66, which is
adjustable by the pressure zeroing knob 26 and a calibrating screw
mechanism 88, comprising a screw post 88b coupled with a threaded
nut 90. The calibration mechanism 65 is used to affect/adjust the
initial outlet pressure of the valve devices, which is sometimes
not completely consistent from device to device due to minor
tolerances in the components thereof.
[0041] Calibrating spring 66 is configured to exert a differential
force to compensate for these inconsistencies. Adjusting knob 26
adjusts calibrating screw mechanism 88 which adjusts the
compression and decompression of calibrating spring 66, thereby
adjusting this differential force, and which will be described in
greater detail below. Typically, a one-time setting/calibration
("zeroing") is all that is required to coordinate the outlet
pressure of the plurality of valve devices 16, which is verifiable
by the site tubes 24.
[0042] FIG. 2A shows the pressure reduction valve device 16 in a
closed (non-flow) state, which occurs when the pressure in the
drinker line 12, or more specifically the pressure in low pressure
zone 48, is not below the pressure in the high pressure zone 34
divided by the pressure reduction factor. The desired pressure of
water fed to the drinker lines 12 (i.e. in the low pressure zone
48), is the pressure in the high pressure zone 34 divided by the
ratio of areas of the large diaphragm 50 to the small diaphragm 36
(pressure reduction factor). Thus, the pressure pushing (down) on
the large diaphragm 50, translated to its support plate 52, pulls
(down) on bolt 54, to close the regulating valve 63, i.e. close
seal 60 to seat 52.
[0043] FIG. 2B shows the pressure reduction valve device 16 in an
open (normal-flow) state, which occurs when the pressure in the
drinker line 12, or more specifically the pressure in low pressure
zone 48, is below the pressure in the high pressure zone 34 divided
by the pressure reduction factor, which occurs when the drinker
nozzles 14 (not shown) are opened, such as when the chicks are
drinking. Thus, the relatively high pressure in the high pressure
zone 34 pushes (up) on its support plate 40, moving (raising) bolt
54, to open the regulating valve 63, i.e. open seal 60 from seat
52.
[0044] FIG. 2C shows the pressure reduction valve device 16 in a
bypass (flushing/purging) state, which shall be described in
conjunction with a description of details of integrated internal
by-pass or flushing valve 44. Flushing valve 44 has an extension 68
extending into flushing valve receiving portion 42 and with a
by-pass channel 70 and a normal flow channel 72, at the distal end
thereof. Normal flow channel 72 has a channel inlet 74 which is
aligned with valve device inlet 20 when the by-pass valve 44 of the
valve device 16 is in the non-flushing state (FIGS. 2A and 2B); and
not aligned with the valve device inlet 20 when in the flushing
state (FIG. 2C). By-pass channel 70 has an opening 76 which is
aligned with valve device inlet 20 when the by-pass valve 44 of the
valve device 16 is in the flushing state (FIG. 2C); and not aligned
with the valve device inlet 20 when in the non-flushing state
(FIGS. 2A and 2B). By-pass channel 70 further has an outlet 78
which is aligned with a flushing aperture 80 of the upper housing
portion 30 when in the flushing state (FIG. 2C).
[0045] In one exemplary alternative embodiment (not shown), the
by-pass valve 44 is designed to be insertable and partially
withdrawn (for example having an inward/outward screwing mechanism)
in order to align apertures or channels with the valve device's
inlet 20 to vary flow between a flushing and non-flushing state,
mutatis mutandis.
[0046] By-pass valve has a manual operation knob 82 for convenient
actuation of the flushing state, however, in some embodiments (not
shown), the valve device 16 includes an automatic flush-activation
mechanism, for example, including a small motor for rotating the
by-pass valve 44 between the flushing and non-flushing states (or
other such mechanisms, for example wherein the by-pass valve is
moved inward and outward to provide flow passage switching between
a flushing and non-flushing mode). Another example of an automatic
flushing mechanism (by-pass mechanism) is an electrically operated
valve (not shown) having an inlet connected externally at or near
inlet 20 and having an outlet connected to the flushing valve
receiving portion 42 wherein the receiving portion 42 is
hydraulically separated (e.g. by an internal wall) from the inlet
20 so as to deliver the flushing liquid directly to flushing
aperture 80 of the upper housing portion 30.
[0047] Thus, there is provided a cost effective and uncomplicated
drinker system and pressure reduction valve device therefor. The
pressure in the drinker lines 12 is conveniently controllable by
controlling the pressure at the central pressure regulator 10.
[0048] Further, the drinker lines 12 and the low pressure zone 48
of the pressure reduction valve device 16 are conveniently
flushable without need for expensive or complicated auxiliary
systems. While the by-pass mechanism described in embodiments of
the present drinker system and valve device therefor, does not
rinse the high pressure zone 34, this is typically not a practical
concern.
[0049] A more detailed description of the internal mechanism of
pressure reduction valves 16 with respect to FIGS. 1, 2A-2C, and 3
is now disclosed. The terms `up` and `down`, `upper`, and `lower`
relate to the orientation of device 16 as shown in the drawings for
illustrative purposes only, and are not meant to be limiting in an
absolute sense. The drinker system includes central pressure
regulator 10 that receives a fluid from an external source, such as
a main water supply, and regulates the pressure of the fluid from
the pressure supplied by the external source to a regulated input
pressure P.sub.IN. For example, the pressure provided by the main
supply may be substantially high and may fluctuate, and the
regulator 10 may regulate the varying pressure to a relatively
high, and steady input pressure, in accordance with a setting
controlled by a user.
[0050] Multiple pressure reduction valves 16 are provided, each in
fluid connection with regulator 10 and one of the plurality of
drinker lines 12, each line 12 having a plurality of drinker
nozzles 14.
[0051] Each pressure reduction valve 16 includes high pressure zone
34 insulated from a low pressure zone 48 by an inner wall 86. Fluid
flowing from central regulator 10 at the regulated input pressure
is received by valve 16 at high pressure zone 34. The fluid flows
from high pressure zone 34 via a flow passage 84 penetrating inner
wall 86, shown in FIG. 2B, to low pressure zone 48, where the
regulated input pressure is reduced to a low output pressure
P.sub.OUT. Flow passage 84 may be controlled by regulating valve
63. The fluid flows out of valve 16 from low pressure zone 48 to
each of the drinker lines 12, where it is provided to each of
drinker nozzles 14 at the low output pressure P.sub.OUT. Valves 16
operate to maintain the low output pressure at a constant
proportion to the regulated input pressure, where the constant
proportion corresponds to the ratio between the effective, or `net`
surface area of small area diaphragm 36 and the effective surface
area of the large area diaphragm 50, or:
P.sub.IN/P.sub.OUT=AREA.sub.LARGE DIPHRAGM/AREA.sub.SMALL
DIAPHRAGM
[0052] This ratio is maintained as follows:
[0053] Each pressure reduction valve 16 has a small area diaphragm
36 disposed at the top of high pressure zone 34 and rigidly
connected via bolt 54 to large area diaphragm 50 disposed at the
bottom of low pressure zone 48. Small area diaphragm 36 connected
to large area diaphragm 50 form an integral piece that is moveable
with respect to housing 29. The motion of the integral piece
controls regulating valve 63, which controls the size of flow
passage 84. Thus, controlling the motion of the integral piece
allows controlling the fluid flow from high pressure zone 34 to low
pressure zone 48.
[0054] On receiving the fluid at the regulated input pressure
P.sub.IN in high pressure zone 34, the net high pressure zone
force, corresponding to the regulated input pressure exerted on the
effective surface area of small area diaphragm 36, is transferred
by small area diaphragm 36 onto the integral piece. Optionally,
small area diaphragm 36 is made of a sufficiently stiff material
that substantially transfers the net high pressure zone force to
the moveable integral piece while still enabling the motion of the
moveable integral piece within housing 29 and sealing high pressure
zone 34. This net high pressure zone force pushes the integral
piece upwards with respect to housing 29, opening valve 63 and
expanding flow passage 84.
[0055] Optionally, the effective surface area of small area
diaphragm 36 is the difference between the actual surface area of
the small area diaphragm and the actual surface area of regulating
valve 63 disposed at flow passage 84 in high pressure zone 34, and
thus represents the net surface area of small area diaphragm 36
that is affected by the fluid pressure. Optionally, the effective
surface area of small area diaphragm 36 accounts for any distortion
and/or absorption of fluid pressure due to any non-rigidity of
small area diaphragm 36. For example, the size of small area
diaphragm 36 may account for any expected loss of force created by
fluid pressure due to absorption and/or distortion of small area
diaphragm 36, such as if small area diaphragm 36 is made of a
material that has an amount of flexibility.
[0056] Thus, the net high pressure zone force, F.sub.HIGH, is the
difference between the upwards force resulting from the input
pressure exerted on small diaphragm 36 less the downwards force
resulting from the input pressure exerted on valve 63:
F HIGH = F SMALL DIAPHRAGM - F VALVE = P IN ( AREA SMALL DIAPHRAGM
- AREA VALVE ) ##EQU00001##
[0057] On receiving the fluid from high pressure zone 34 at low
pressure zone 48, a low pressure zone force, F.sub.LOW is
transferred by diaphragm 50 onto the moveable integral piece.
F.sub.LOW corresponds to the low output pressure P.sub.OUT exerted
on the effective surface area of large area diaphragm 50,
AREA.sub.LARGE DIAPHRAGM:
F.sub.LOW=P.sub.OUT.times.AREA.sub.LARGE DIAPHRAGM
This low pressure zone force constricts flow passage 84 in a manner
that counterbalances the net high pressure zone force, i.e.
F.sub.HIGH=F.sub.LOW, to maintain flow passage 84 at a fixed size,
acting as a pressure resistance to create a pressure drop from the
high pressure P.sub.IN to the low pressure P.sub.OUT, and thereby
maintains the constant proportion between the low output pressure
P.sub.OUT and the regulated input pressure P.sub.IN.
[0058] Optionally, a sufficient portion of diaphragm 50 is
supported by a stiff support plate 52 that allows the substantial
transfer of the low pressure zone force onto the moveable integral
piece.
[0059] Optionally, support plate 52 has a smaller surface area than
diaphragm 50, such that diaphragm 50 has a flexible peripheral
region that is not supported by support plate 52. The flexible
periphery may enable the motion of the moveable integral piece with
respect to housing 29 while sealing the low pressure zone. The
flexible periphery may be sufficiently small with respect to the
surface area of diaphragm 50 such that any low pressure zone force
absorbed by a distortion of the peripheral region is negligible.
The width of the flexible periphery may range from 5 mm to 35 mm,
and may be approximately 25 mm.+-.10%.
[0060] Calibrating mechanism 65 may be provided with each valve 16
to add a differential force to the net high pressure force
F.sub.HIGH This differential force may slightly adjust the size of
passageway 84, and thereby calibrate valves 16 of the drinker
system, such that the low output pressure, P.sub.OUT, is
substantially uniform for all the drinker lines 12.
[0061] To achieve this effect, spring 66 may be supported by nut
90, the height of which is adjustable by rotating screw post 88b
within threaded nut 90, as shown in FIG. 2B. The height of nut 90,
and thus the compression of spring 66, may be adjustable, either
manually or electro-mechanically, via adjusting knob 26
mechanically connected to screw post 88b. Screw post 88b may be
axially fixed relative to lower housing portion 32. Nut 90 may be
rotationally fixed to lower housing portion 32 but free to move
axially (up and down). Turning knob 26 rotates screw post 88b
within the threads of nut 90, either clockwise or counter-clockwise
depending on the direction that knob 26 is turned. Since the
position of screw post 88b is axially fixed relative to lower
housing portion 32, rotating screw post 88b within the threads of
nut 90 pushes nut 90 upwards or downwards, causing spring 66, which
rests on nut 90, to compress or decompress accordingly. Thus the
compression of spring 66 may be controlled in advance, via the
calibrating mechanism, to exert the differential upward force on
regulating valve 63 required to slightly widen the gap of the
passageway 84, such that all the devices 16 output substantially
the same output pressure P.sub.OUT to the drinker lines 12. This
customized differential force may compensate for any individual
variations in any of small and large area diaphragms 36 and 50
across each of valves 16 such as variations in surface area,
thickness, flexibility, to name a few, such that each of valve's 16
output pressure is substantially the same.
[0062] Reference is now made to FIG. 4 which illustrates a
flowchart of a method for calibrating the drinker system of FIG. 1,
in accordance with an embodiment. Prior to introducing fluid to the
system, the calibrating springs 66 of each pressure reduction valve
16 may be fully released, such as by adjusting pressure zeroing
knob 26, resulting in a minimal height for diaphragm 50 and a
minimal sized flow passage 84 (Step 400). Fluid may be received at
central regulator at a high and/or varying pressure, such as from a
main water source as described above (Step 402). The pressure may
be regulated by regulator 10, and the pressure regulated fluid may
be provided to the multiple pressure reduction valves 16 (Step
404). Each valve may reduce the pressure at a constant proportion
corresponding to the ratio between the surface areas of the large
area diaphragm 50 and small diaphragm 36 disposed with each valve
16. Due to slight variations in the diaphragms of each valve 16,
such as variations in size, thickness, stiffness, or other
property, the low output pressure P.sub.OUT of each valve 16 may
vary accordingly. Since spring 66 may increase the output pressure
of any of valves 16 by raising the integral piece with respect to
house 29, opening valve 63 and expanding flow passage 84, spring 66
may be used to correct and/or compensate for these variations and
provide a uniform fluid pressure for all of the drinker lines 12.
Another way to evaluate the contribution of spring 66 in adjusting
the output pressure P.sub.OUT is to consider the differential force
F.sub.SPRING added by spring in the direction of the high pressure
zone force F.sub.HIGH and which is counterbalanced by F.sub.LOW as
follows:
F.sub.HIGH=F.sub.SMALL
DIAPHRAGM-F.sub.VALVE+F.sub.SPRING=F.sub.LOW
[0063] The maximum low output pressure, MAX(P.sub.OUT) provided by
any of valves 16 may be determined (Step 406). For example, the
output pressure of each of valves 16 may be read from site tube 24.
Calibration spring 66 may be adjusted to add a differential force
F.sub.SPRING to any of pressure reduction valves 16 having a low
output pressure P.sub.OUT that is less than the maximum low output
pressure, MAX(P.sub.OUT), until the low output pressure is uniform
for all of the pressure reduction valves. Thus, F.sub.SPRING
increases the output pressure at each valve 16 until the output
pressure for all the valves 16 is uniform. For example, after
calibrating, all the valves 16 may deliver fluid to drinker lines
12 at MAX(P.sub.OUT). The central pressure regulator 10 may then be
adjusted to fine tune the output pressure to a desired level.
[0064] For example, when valve 16 is configured to reduce pressure
at a ratio of 50:1, fluid exiting regulating valve 10 and entering
high pressure zone 34 of valve 16 at a regulated pressure of 2.0
bar is reduced to approximately 0.0.04 bar (40 milibar) in low
pressure zone 48, and is subsequently provided to drinker lines at
the low pressure of 0.0.04 bar. Regulating valve 10 may provide a
relatively constant pressure, and thereby account for fluctuations
in fluid pressure from the external source.
[0065] Reference is now made to FIGS. 2D-2E which illustrate a
close-up perspective view and a cross-sectional view, respectively,
of small diaphragm 36, in accordance with an embodiment. Diaphragm
36 may be made of any suitably flexible sealing material, such as
natural rubber, butyl rubber, ethylene propylene (EPDM),
polystyrene. Diaphragm 36 may have a maximum compression set
ranging from 20%-30% over a time span ranging from 20-25 hours at a
temperature ranging from 65.degree. C.-75.degree. C. Optionally,
diaphragm 36 has a maximum compression set of approximately 25%
over 22 hours, at 70.degree. C. Diaphragm 36 may have an outer
sealing rim 36A configured to seal high pressure zone 34 at the top
portion of housing 30, a beveled edge 36B, an inner sealing rim 36C
that is configured to sealingly enclose bolt 54 positioned within
an opening 36D. The elasticity of diaphragm 36 may allow the
integral piece to move relative to housing 30 while maintain an
intact seal between high pressure zone 34 and the outside
atmosphere. The size of opening 36D may be approximately 10
millimeters (mm).+-.10%. The height of diaphragm 36 in its normal,
uncompressed or stretched state is approximately 4.8 mm.+-.10%. The
total diameter of diaphragm 36 may be approximately 33.75 mm.+-.0.3
mm.
[0066] The exposed surface of valve 63 may be ring-shaped,
corresponding to a disk-shape less the surface area of bolt 54
encased by rigid sleeve 58. The thickness of the ring may range
from 2 to 10 mm, and may be approximately 5 mm.+-.10%. The radius
from the original of the ring until the outer edge may range from 5
mm to 20 mm and may be approximately 12 mm.+-.10%.
[0067] The ratio between large diaphragm 50 and small diaphragm 36
and, and thus the ratio between P.sub.OUT and P.sub.IN may range
between 1:40 and 1:60, or optionally between 1:49 and 1:51.
Optionally, the sizes of small diaphragm 36 and large diaphragm 50
may be designed to provide a ratio slightly higher than the desired
constant proportional reduction in fluid pressure, to allow
adjusting to the desired ratio by adding the differential force as
described above. For example, if the desired constant proportion is
1:50, allowing an input fluid pressure of 2 bar to be provided to
nozzles 14 at an output pressure of 0.0.04 bar, the diaphragms may
be manufactured to have an actual ratio of 1:49. If the actual
ratios of the valves vary within an acceptable tolerance such that
one of the valves approaches the desired constant proportion of
1:50, the remaining valves may be adjusted via spring 66 to achieve
this constant proportion, such that all the valves reduce the
pressure at the desired constant proportion of 1:50.
[0068] FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of the present invention
wherein there is no zeroing mechanism and thus no zeroing spring 66
or zeroing knob 26.
[0069] Operation: the poultry drinker system is operated by
adjusting a central pressure regulator, such as regulator 10, to
control the pressure in the drinker lines 12, which can include
periodically operating an integrated flushing/by-pass mechanism,
for example, constituted by integrated internal by-pass or flushing
valve 44 integrated into each of the plurality of pressure
reduction valve devices 16, in order to flush the drinker
lines.
[0070] It should be understood that the above description is merely
exemplary and that there are various embodiments of the present
invention that may be devised, mutatis mutandis, and that the
features described in the above-described embodiments, and those
not described herein, may be used separately or in any suitable
combination; and the invention can be devised in accordance with
embodiments not necessarily described above.
* * * * *