U.S. patent number RE32,197 [Application Number 06/418,435] was granted by the patent office on 1986-07-08 for high energy loss fluid control.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Control Components, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard E. Self.
United States Patent |
RE32,197 |
Self |
July 8, 1986 |
High energy loss fluid control
Abstract
High energy loss fluid control is attained by subdividing flow
of high pressure fluid into a plurality of individual streams in
respective passageways having a long length to diameter ratio to
impart high frictional resistance losses to the fluid flow, the
passageways being in and between laminar surfaces and configurated
along their lengths. For extremely high efficiency the passageways
are in labyrinth formation.
Inventors: |
Self; Richard E. (Los Alamitos,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Control Components, Inc.
(Irvine, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
27411189 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/418,435 |
Filed: |
September 15, 1982 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
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809645 |
Aug 24, 1977 |
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599229 |
Dec 5, 1966 |
3451404 |
Jun 24, 1969 |
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Reissue of: |
730978 |
May 6, 1968 |
03514074 |
May 26, 1970 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
251/127; 137/549;
137/625.28; 137/625.3; 138/42; 251/205 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F15D
1/14 (20130101); F16K 3/34 (20130101); F16K
47/04 (20130101); F16K 47/08 (20130101); F16L
55/02781 (20130101); F16L 55/02763 (20130101); Y10T
137/86734 (20150401); Y10T 137/8085 (20150401); Y10T
137/86718 (20150401) |
Current International
Class: |
F15D
1/14 (20060101); F15D 1/00 (20060101); F16K
3/34 (20060101); F16K 47/00 (20060101); F16K
3/00 (20060101); F16L 55/027 (20060101); F16L
55/02 (20060101); F16K 47/08 (20060101); F16K
47/04 (20060101); F15d 001/04 () |
Field of
Search: |
;137/549,625.28
;138/41,42,43,44,45,46 ;251/118,126,127,205
;181/230,275,270,268,254,241,272 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
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1008977 |
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May 1957 |
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DE |
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1142479 |
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Jan 1963 |
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DE |
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444102 |
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Jul 1912 |
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FR |
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Other References
Catalogue Publication TA 22586203 of Reinische Armaturen--Und
Machinenfabrik, Albert Sempell of Monchengladbach, West Germany,
Aug. 1962..
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Primary Examiner: Rosenthal; Arnold
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Bryan; Roland T.
Parent Case Text
The present application is a .Iadd.continuation of Ser. No.
809,645, filed Aug. 24, 1977, now abandoned, which is a reissue of
Ser. No. 04/730,978, filed May 6, 1968, now U.S. Pat. No.
3,514,074, granted May 26, 1970, which is
.Iaddend.continuation-in-part of my application, Ser. No. 599,229
filed Dec. 5, 1966, now U.S. Pat. No. 3,451,404 granted June 24,
1969.
Claims
I claim as my invention:
1. In a high energy loss flow control .[.device.]. .Iadd.valve
including a reciprocal valve plug to regulate the quantity of fluid
flowing therethrough .Iaddend.for installation in a fluid transfer
system where a potentially destructive or noise generating fluid
pressure differential exists .Iadd.such that heretofore cavitation,
erosion and severe noise will occur.Iaddend.:
a rigid structure comprising a stack of members having abutting
faces enclosing therebetween a plurality of individual passageway
grooves angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the
fluid and provide a substantially longer fluid flow length than the
distance between the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each
passageway groove having an effective long length to diameter ratio
cooperating with the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to
impart high frictional resistance losses to fluid flow therethrough
.Iadd.to a degree that damaging cavitation, erosion and severe
noise do not occur in said passageways.Iaddend.; and
means for compelling flow of the fluid through said passageways
whereby potential energy will be dissipated and velocity of the
fluid will be controlled.[...]..Iadd., said plug being in slidable
contact with said stack of members, said inlet ends being
positioned relative to said plug so they are selectively opened and
closed to flow by the reciprocal action of said plug..Iaddend.
2. A device according to claim 1, in which said members comprise
annular disks.
3. A device according to claim 2, in which said grooves are located
on respective sectoral areas of said disks.
4. A device according to claim 3, in which each of said grooves has
at least one angular turn in its length.
5. A device according to claim 3, in which each of said grooves
defines a tortuous path.
6. A device according to claim 5, in which the tortuous path of
each of the grooves comprises a plurality of reverse bends.
7. A device according to claim 5, in which the tortuous path
spreads circumferentially .Iadd.and generally radially
.Iaddend.from the .[.radially .]. inner .Iadd.opening .Iaddend.to
the .[.radially.]. outer .Iadd.opening on the circumference
.Iaddend.portion of the .[.respective sector.]. .Iadd.sectoral
.Iaddend.area.
8. A device according to claim 5, in which said grooves have a
plurality of substantially right angular turns.
9. A device according to claim 8, in which said turns direct the
fluid alternately radially and circumferentially.
10. A device according to claim 9, in which each of the grooves has
a plurality of successive sections in each of which there is a
plurality of similar turns.
11. A device according to claim 10, in which each of the sections
has eight turns.
12. .[.A device according to claim 10, in which.]. .Iadd.In a high
energy loss flow control device for installation in a fluid
transfer system where a potentially destructive or noise generating
fluid pressure differential exists:
a rigid structure comprising a stack of members having abutting
faces enclosing therebetween a plurality of individual passageway
grooves angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the
fluid and provide a substantially longer fluid flow length than the
distance between the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each
passageway groove having an effective long length to diameter ratio
cooperating with the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to
impart high frictional resistance losses to fluid flow
therethrough; and means for compelling flow of the fluid through
said passageways whereby potential energy will be dissipated and
velocity of the fluid will be controlled, said members comprise
annular disks said grooves are located on respective sectoral areas
of said disks, each of said grooves defines a tortuous path, said
grooves have a plurality of substantially right angular turns, said
turns direct the field alternately radially and circumferentially,
and each of the grooves has a plurality of successive sections in
each of which there is a plurality of similar turns, .Iaddend.each
of the grooves has a circumferentially extending section which
joins successively radially located and successively increasing
number of sections having the respective pluralities of turns.
13. A device according to claim 1, in which each of the grooves
provides a labyrinth flow path.
14. .[.A device according to claim 13, in.]. .Iadd.In a high energy
loss flow control device for installation in a fluid transfer
system where a potentially destructive or noise generating fluid
pressure differential exists:
a rigid structure comprising a stack of members having abutting
faces enclosing therebetween a plurality of individual passageway
grooves angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the
fluid and provide a substantially longer fluid flow length than the
distance between the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each
passageway groove having an effective long length to diameter ratio
cooperating with the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to
impart high frictional resistance losses to fluid flow
therethrough; and means for compelling flow of the fluid through
said passageways whereby potential energy will be dissipated and
velocity of the fluid will be controlled, each of the grooves
provides a labyrinth flow path, .Iaddend.which .[.the labyrinth
flow path.]. progressively increases in length and cross-sectional
flow area from the inlet to the outlet.
15. .[.A device according to claim 13,.]. .Iadd.In a high energy
loss flow control device for installation in a fluid transfer
system where a potentially destructive or noise generating fluid
pressure differential exists:
a rigid structure comprising a stack of members having abutting
faces enclosing therebetween a plurality of individual passageway
grooves angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the
fluid and provide a substantially longer fluid flow length than the
distance between the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each
passageway groove having an effective long length to diameter ratio
cooperating with the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to
impart high frictional resistance losses to fluid flow
therethrough; and means for compelling flow of the fluid through
said passageways whereby potential energy will be dissipated and
velocity of the fluid will be controlled, each of the grooves
provides a labyrinth flow path, which progressively increases in
length and cross-sectional flow area from the inlet to the outlet
and .Iaddend.in which the outlet for each of the .[.grooved
passageways.]. .Iadd.passageway grooves .Iaddend.has a plurality of
openings.
16. .[.A device according to claim 1,.]. .Iadd.In a high energy
loss flow control device for installation in a fluid transfer
system where a potentially destructive or noise generating fluid
pressure differential exists:
a rigid structure comprising a stack of members having abutting
faces enclosing therebetween a plurality of individual passageway
grooves angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the
fluid and provide a substantially longer fluid flow length than the
distance between the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each
passageway groove having an effective long length to diameter ratio
cooperating with the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to
impart high frictional resistance losses to fluid flow
therethrough; and means for compelling flow of the fluid through
said passageways whereby potential energy will be dissipated and
velocity of the fluid will be controlled, and .Iaddend.having, in
combination, a valve housing having a fluid passage of substantial
cross-sectional flow area therethrough, said device comprising an
annular structure mounted in said housing and across said passage
to compel all fluid flowing through said passage to travel
therethrough, and a valve plug movable in controlling relation
reciprocably within said annular structure.
17. A combination according to claim 16, in which said annular
structure comprises a stack of annular disks having said
passageways in their faces and extending between and having
openings at the inner and outer perimeters of the annular structure
and adapted to be selectively opened and closed by movement of said
plug in the annular structure.
18. .[.A device according to claim 1,.]. .Iadd.In a high energy
loss flow control device for installation in a fluid transfer
system where a potentially destructive or noise generating fluid
pressure differential exists:
a rigid structure comprising a stack of members having abutting
faces enclosing therebetween a plurality of individual passageway
grooves angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the
fluid and provide a substantially longer fluid flow length than the
distance between the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each
passageway groove having an effective long length to diameter ratio
cooperating with the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to
impart high frictional resistance losses to fluid flow
therethrough; and means for compelling flow of the fluid through
said passageways whereby potential energy will be dissipated and
velocity of the fluid will be controlled, and .Iaddend.having, in
combination, a muffler hood, said rigid structure being mounted in
said hood, means defining .[.said.]. .Iadd.a .Iaddend.fluid passage
connected with said structure to compel all fluid to pass through
said passageways, and a fluid path through said hood leading from
said structure and having a plurality of baffles defining a
tortuous flow path for the fluid after it leaves said
structure.
19. In a combination according to claim 18, said structure
comprising an annular disk stack in which said passageways comprise
grooves on the faces of the disks, and a valve plug operable within
the disk stack to control flow of the fluid therethrough.
20. A device according to claim 1, having at least one restriction
and a succeeding abrupt expansion portion in the length of each of
the grooves.
21. In a high energy loss flow control .[.device.]. .Iadd.valve
including a reciprocal plug to regulate the fluid flowing
therethrough .Iaddend.for installation in a fluid transfer system
where a potentially destructive or noise generating fluid pressure
differential exists .Iadd.such that heretofore cavitation, erosion
and severe noise will occur: .Iaddend.
a rigid structure comprising members having abutting faces and
enclosing therebetween a plurality of individual passageways
grooves each having at least one restriction and a succeeding
abrupt expansion portion in its length between inlet and outlet
ends thereof and each having an effective long length to diameter
ratio to impart high frictional resistance losses to fluid flow
therethrough.[.;.]. .Iadd.to a degree that damaging cavitation,
erosion and severe noise do not occur in said passageways
.Iaddend.and means for compelling flow of the fluid into the inlet
ends of said passageways .Iadd.whereby potential energy will be
dissipated and velocity of the fluid will be controlled, said plug
being in slidable contact with said members, said inlet ends being
positioned relative to said plug so they are are selectively opened
and closed to flow by the reciprocal action of said plug.
.Iaddend..[.22. In a high energy loss fluid control device having
means defining a fluid flow passage, the improvement of means in
said passage subdividing and confining fluid flow through the
passage into a plurality of individual passageways, each having a
long length to diameter ratio and a substantial number of abrupt
turns between the inlet and outlet ends thereof creating a
frictional drag and pressure drop on fluid flowing therethrough to
dissipate potential
energy of the fluid and control velocity of the fluid..]. 23.
.[.The device of claim 22.]. .Iadd.In a high energy loss fluid
control valve having means defining a fluid flow passage including
a reciprocal valve plug to regulate the quantity of fluid flowing
therethrough, the improvement of means in said passage subdividing
and confining fluid flow through the passage comprising members
having abutting faces enclosing a plurality of individual
passageways, said individual passageways being arranged in said
means so that there are a plurality of circumferentially spaced
entrances of said passage ways on an axial level of said means, and
a plurality of levels of said entrances, said plug in sliding
contact with said members and all of said passageway entrances to
selectively open and close said passageways to flow to thereby
control the quantity of flow, each passageway having a long length
to diameter ratio and a substantial number of abrupt turns between
the inlet and outlet ends thereof creating a frictional drag and
pressure drop on fluid flowing therethrough to dissipate potential
energy of the fluid and control velocity of of the fluid to a
degree that damaging cavitation, erosion and severe noise do not
occur in said passageways, said improved second named means
.Iaddend.wherein the passageways increase in flow area from the
inlet to the outlet ends thereof to accommodate expansion of fluid
as the pressure
thereon is reduced. .Iadd.24. In a high energy loss flow control
device for installation of a fluid transfer system where a
potentially destructive or noise generating fluid pressure
differential exists:
a rigid annular structure comprising members having abutting faces
and enclosing therebetween a plurality of fixed resistance
individual passageway grooves in parallel flow at spaced positions,
each passageway groove configurated along its length (1) to have at
least one restriction and a succeeding abrupt expansion portion in
its length between inlet and outlet ends thereof and (2) to have an
effective long length to diameter ratio to impart fixed high
frictional resistance losses to fluid flow therethrough to
dissipate potential energy of the fluid and control velocity of the
fluid to a degree that damaging cavitation, erosion and severe
noise do not occur in said passageways;
and means for compelling flow of the fluid into the inlet ends of
said passageways, said means including a valve housing having a
fluid passage of substantial cross-sectional flow area
therethrough, said rigid annular structure mounted in said housing
and across said passage to compel all fluid flowing through said
passage to travel therethrough, and a valve plug in controlling
relation to said plurality of passageways at spaced positions
movable reciprocably within said annular structure. .Iaddend.
.Iadd.25. In a high energy loss flow control device having means
defining a fluid flow passage, the improvement of means in said
passage subdividing and confining fluid through the passage into a
plurality of individual passageways in parallel flow at spaced
positions, each passageway having a long length to diameter ratio
and a substantial number of abrupt turns between the inlet and
outlet ends thereof creating a frictional drag and pressure drop on
fluid flowing therethrough to dissipate potential energy of the
fluid and control velocity of the fluid said first-mentioned means
including a valve housing having a fluid passage of substantial
cross-sectional flow area therethrough, said last-mentioned means
comprising an annular structure mounted in said housing and across
said passage to compel all fluid flowing through said passage to
travel therethrough, and a valve plug in controlling relation to
said plurality of passageways at spaced positions movable
reciprocably within said annular structure, and the passageways
increase in flow area from the inlet to the outlet ends thereof to
accommodate expansion of fluid as the pressure therein is
reduced..Iaddend. .Iadd.26. In a high energy loss flow control
device for installation in a fluid transfer system where a
potentially destructive or noise generating fluid pressure
differential exists: a valve housing having a fluid passage of
substantial cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a rigid annular
structure mounted in the housing and across the passage to compel
all fluid flowing through the passage to travel therethrough, the
annular structure comprising a stack of annular disks, each
adjacent pair of disks having abutting faces enclosing therebetween
a plurality of sectoral areas for parallel fluid flow, each
including an individual passageway grooves configured along its
length to be angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn
the fluid and provide a substantially longer fluid flow length than
the distance between the inlet and outlet ends thereof and to have
an effective long length to diameter ratio cooperating with the
angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to impart high
frictional resistance losses to fluid flow therethrough, and a
valve plug movable in controlling relation reciprocably within the
annular structure..Iaddend. .Iadd.27. A device according to claim
26, wherein each of said passageways has only one inlet..Iaddend.
.Iadd.28. A device according to claim 27, wherein each of said
passageways has more than one outlet..Iaddend. .Iadd.29. In a high
energy loss flow control device for installation in a fluid
transfer system where a potentially destructive or noise generating
fluid pressure differential exists: a valve housing having a fluid
passage of substantial cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a
rigid annular structure mounted in the housing and across the
passage to compel all fluid flowing through the passage to travel
therethrough, the annular structure comprising members having
abutting faces and enclosing therebetween a plurality of axially
and circumferentially spaced individual passageway grooves
configured along their length so that each has two restrictions and
an abrupt expansion portion intermediate the restrictions in its
length between inlet and outlet ends thereof and has an effective
long length to diameter ratio to impart high frictional resistance
losses to fluid flow therethrough, and a valve plug movable in
controlling relation reciprocably within said annular
structure..Iaddend. .Iadd.30. In a high energy loss flow control
device for installation in a fluid transfer system where a
potentially destructive or noise generating fluid pressure
differential exists: a valve housing having a fluid passage of
substantial cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a rigid annular
structure mounted in the housing and across the passage to compel
all fluid flowing through the passage to travel therethrough, the
annular structure comprising members having abutting faces and
enclosing therebetween a plurality of axially and circumferentially
spaced individual passageway grooves configured along their length
so that each has one turn and two restrictions and an abrupt
expansion portion intermediate the restrictions in its length
between inlet and outlet ends thereof and has an effective long
length to diameter ratio to impart high frictional resistance
losses to fluid flow therethrough, and a valve plug movable in
controlling
relation reciprocably within said annular structure..Iaddend.
.Iadd.31. In a high energy loss flow control device for
installation in a fluid transfer system where a potentially
destructive or noise generating fluid pressure differential exists,
a valve housing having a fluid passage of substantial
cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a rigid annular structure
mounted in the housing and across the passage to compel all fluid
flowing through the passage to travel therethrough, the structure
comprising a stack of members having abutting faces enclosing
therebetween a plurality of individual passageway grooves extending
between the inner and outer perimeters of the annular structure and
angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the fluid and
provide a substantially longer fluid flow length than the distance
between the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each passageway
groove having an effective long length to diameter ratio
cooperating with the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to
impart high frictional resistance losses to fluid flow
therethrough, and means including a valve plug movable in
controlling relation reciprocably within the annular structure for
compelling flow of the fluid through the passageway grooves whereby
potential energy of the fluid will be dissipated and velocity of
the fluid will be controlled..Iaddend. .Iadd.32. In a high energy
loss flow control device for installation in a fluid transfer
system where a potentially destructive or noise generating fluid
pressure differential exists, a valve housing having a fluid
passage of substantial cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a
rigid annular structure mounted in the housing and across the
passage to compel all fluid flowing through the passage to travel
therethrough, the structure comprising a stack of discs having
abutting faces enclosing therebetween a plurality of individual
passageway grooves extending between the inner and outer
circumferential walls of the structure, each passageway groove
configurated along its length to be (1) angular between inlet and
outlet ends thereof to turn the fluid and provide a substantially
longer fluid flow length than the distance between the inlet and
outlet ends thereof, and (2) to have an effective long length to
diameter ratio cooperating with the angular turn-inducing
configuration thereof to impart high frictional resistance loses to
fluid flow therethrough, and means including a valve plug movable
in controlling relation reciprocably within the annular structure
for selectively compelling flow of the fluid through the passageway
grooves whereby potential energy of the fluid will be dissipated
and velocity of the fluid
will be controlled..Iaddend. .Iadd.33. In a high energy loss fluid
control device having means defining a fluid flow passage, the
improvement of means in said passage subdividing and confining
fluid flow through the passage into a plurality of individual
passages, said last named means including a rigid annular structure
comprising a stack of members having abutting faces forming axially
separated rows of generally radially directed passageways extending
between the inner and outer circumferential walls of the structure,
the passageways of each row each having an effective long length to
diameter ratio and a substantial number of abrupt turns between the
inlet and outlet ends thereof creating a frictional drag and
pressure drop on fluid flowing therethrough to dissipate potential
energy of the fluid and control velocity of the fluid, and a valve
plug movable in controlling relation reciprocably within the
annular structure to selectively open and close the passageways of
each row to flow of fluid therethrough..Iaddend. .Iadd.34. A device
according to claim 33, wherein each of said passageways provides a
labyrinth flow path progressively increasing in cross-sectional
flow area from the inlet to the outlet ends..Iaddend. .Iadd.35. A
device according to claim 33, wherein each of said passageways
provides two restrictions and an abrupt expansion portion
intermediate the restrictions between the inlet and outlet
ends..Iaddend.
.Iadd.36. In a high energy loss flow control device for
installation in a fluid transfer system where a potentially
destructive or noise generating fluid pressure differential exists,
a valve housing having a fluid passage of substantial
cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a rigid annular structure
mounted in the housing and across the passage to compel all fluid
flowing through the passage to travel therethrough, the structure
comprising a stack of discs having abutting faces enclosing
therebetween a plurality of individual passageway grooves extending
between the inner and outer perimeters of the structure and angular
between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the fluid and provide
a substantially longer fluid flow length than the distance between
the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each passageway groove
having an effective long length to diameter ratio cooperating with
the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to impart high
frictional resistance losses to fluid flow therethrough, and means
including a valve plug movable in controlling relation reciprocably
within the annular structure for selectively compelling flow of the
fluid through the passageway grooves whereby potential energy of
the fluid will be dissipated and velocity of the fluid will be
controlled..Iaddend. .Iadd.37. A device according to claim 36,
wherein each of said passageway grooves provides a labyrinth flow
path progressively increasing in cross-sectional flow area from the
inlet to the outlet ends..Iaddend.
.Iadd.38. A device according to claim 36, wherein each of said
passageway grooves provides two restrictions and an abrupt
expansion portion intermediate the restrictions between the inlet
and outlet ends..Iaddend. .Iadd.39. In a high energy loss flow
control device for installation in a fluid transfer system where a
potentially destructive or noise generating fluid pressure
differential exists, a valve housing having a fluid passage of
substantial cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a rigid annular
structure mounted in the housing and across the passage to compel
all fluid flowing through the passage to travel therethrough, the
structure comprising a stack of members having abutting faces
enclosing therebetween axially separated rows of individual
passageway grooves extending between the inner and outer perimeters
of the structure and angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof
to turn the fluid and provide a substantially longer fluid flow
length than the distance between the inlet and outlet end thereof,
and each passageway groove having an effective long length to
diameter ratio cooperating with the angular turn-inducing
configuration thereof to impart high frictional resistance loses to
fluid flow therethrough, and means for compelling flow of the fluid
through the passageway grooves so that potential energy of the
fluid will be dissipated and velocity of the fluid will be
controlled, said last named means including a valve plug movable in
controlling relation reciprocably within said annular structure to
selectively open and close the passageway
grooves of each row to flow of fluid therethrough..Iaddend.
.Iadd.40. In a high energy loss flow control device for
installation in a fluid transfer system where a potentially
destructive or noise generating fluid pressure differential exists,
a valve housing having a fluid passage of substantial
cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a rigid annular structure
mounted in the housing and across the passage to compel all fluid
flowing through the passage to travel therethrough, the structure
comprising a stack of members having abutting faces enclosing
therebetween a plurality of individual passageway grooves angular
between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the fluid and provide
a substantially longer fluid flow length than the distance between
the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each passageway groove
having an effective long length to diameter ratio cooperating with
the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to impart high
frictional resistance losses to fluid flow therethrough, and means
including a valve plug movable in controlling relation reciprocably
within the annular structure for compelling flow of the fluid
through the passsageway grooves whereby potential energy of the
fluid will be dissipated and velocity of the fluid will be
controlled.
.Iaddend. .Iadd.41. In a high energy loss flow control device for
installation in a fluid transfer system where a potentially
destructive or noise generating fluid pressure differential exists,
a valve housing having a fluid passage of substantial
cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a rigid annular structure
mounted in the housing and across the passage to compel all fluid
flowing through the passage to travel therethrough, the structure
comprising a stack of members having abutting faces enclosing
therebetween axially separated rows of generally radially directed
individual passageway grooves extending between the inner and outer
circumferential walls of the structure and angular between inlet
and outlet ends thereof to turn the fluid and provide a
substantially longer fluid flow length than the distance between
the inlet and outlet ends thereof, the passageway grooves of each
row each having an effective long length to diameter ratio
cooperating with the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof to
impart high frictional resistance losses to fluid flow
therethrough, and means including a valve plug movable in
controlling relation reciprocably with the annular structure for
compelling flow of the fluid through the passageway grooves whereby
potential energy of the fluid will be dissipated and velocity of
the fluid will be
controlled..Iaddend. .Iadd.42. In a high energy loss flow control
device for installation in a fluid transfer system where a
potentially destructive or noise generating fluid pressure
differential exists, a valve housing having a fluid passage of
substantial cross-sectional flow area therethrough, a rigid annular
structure mounted in the housing and across the passage to compel
all fluid flowing through the passage to travel therethrough, the
structure comprising a stack of discs having abutting faces
enclosing therebetween a plurality of individual passageway grooves
extending between the inner and outer perimeters of the structure
and angular between inlet and outlet ends thereof to turn the fluid
and provide a substantially longer fluid flow length than the
distance between the inlet and outlet ends thereof, and each
passageway groove having an effective long length to diameter ratio
cooperating with the angular turn-inducing configuration thereof in
order that potential energy of the fluid will be dissipated and
velocity of the fluid will be controlled, and means including a
valve plug movable in controlling relation reciprocably within the
annular structure for selectively compelling flow of the fluid
through the passageway grooves. .Iaddend.
Description
This invention relates to velocity control of high pressure flowing
fluids and .[.having.]. .Iadd.has .Iaddend.equal efficiency in
respect to liquids and gases.
In the handling of flowing high pressure fluids, it has been
customary to utilize orifice means having a high velocity short
throat section, or valve means, to attain energy losses or high
pressure drop. If the fluid is in a liquid state and liable to
flash, that is, vaporize or turn to gaseous condition on the
downstream side of the orifice or valve opening, it may condense
implosively and induce damaging shock waves, cause erosion, and the
like. For example, hot water or other liquid may flash or cavitate
to steam or gas as it passes through the throat of the orifice or
valve opening and may then recondense downstream with implosive
action, resulting in energy losses but inducing high energy shock
waves that may severely damage and erode the downstream section of
a pipe or valve.
Of special importance to control valve operation, life and
application, is the high velocity attained by the flowing medium as
it passes through the valve. As the velocity of the fluid in the
valve exceeds the velocity of the fluid in the line, several
disturbing reactions occur. The most serious and immediate problem
is rapid erosion of the valve seat and plug by direct impingement
of the liquid or droplets and suspended foreign particles in either
a gas or liquid. Additional erosion results from cavitation--high
speed implosion of vapor against the trim and body. In addition to
the severe problems resulting from erosion, the increased velocity
also causes the flow characteristics of the valve to become
unpredictable and erratic. This occurs because the changes in
velocity significantly affect the valve vena contracta vortices and
fluid enthalpies. Other objectionable problems created by the high
fluid velocity in the valve are severe noise generation, trim
fatigue and possible degradation of flowing fluid materials such,
for example, as polymers.
These problems associated with high internal valve velocity have
been widely recognized throughout the valve industry for many
years. Attempted solutions have been to use much harder alloys, and
more recently velocity containment. While these have helped
somewhat, they have not eliminated the basic problem, namely, high
velocity.
An important object of the present invention is to effect energy
losses in high pressure flowing fluid without increasing velocity
and shock wave reaction by subdividing the flow into a plurality of
small, long .[.passages.]. .Iadd.passageways .Iaddend.with abrupt
turns creating a drag and pressure drop on the fluid, thus avoiding
damage and erosion in the equipment.
Another object of the invention is to provide new and improved
means for controlling and limiting fluid velocity to substantially
that within the associated line or piping while quietly effecting
energy losses.
A further object of the invention is to provide a stack of disks
with .[.passages.]. .Iadd.passageways .Iaddend.for dividing and
controlling a high pressure flow stream in a plurality of smaller
flow streams in each of which the fluid is directed in an angular
energy absorbing path.
Still another object of the invention is to provide new and
improved means for .Iadd.reducing .Iaddend.pressure of a flowing
pressurized fluid in a manner to eliminate problems of erosion,
control, noise, and fatigue.
A yet further object of the invention is to provide high energy
loss fluid control means having a wide range of versatility and
usefulness.
Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention
will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of
certain preferred embodiments thereof taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional detail view through a high
energy loss fluid control device in the form of a valve;
FIG. 2 is an illustrative view of one of the friction loss
subdividing passage disks such as may be employed in the device of
FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is an illustrative view of another such disk;
FIG. 3A illustrates another modification of the disk;
FIG. 4 is a plan view of a further modification of the disk showing
a segmental area labyrinth arrangement;
FIG. 5 is a plan view of another modification of subdividing
passage disk showing another segmental area labyrinth
arrangement;
FIG. 6 is a side elevational and vertical sectional view disclosing
the adaptation of a stack arrangement of multi-passage velocity
control disks in a muffler;
FIG. 7 discloses in a vertical sectional detail view an arrangement
employing a stock of the multi-subdivision passage disks in a
relief valve; and
FIG. 8 discloses the use of the stacked disk velocity control
device in a combination vent valve and muffler.
According to the present invention, high energy loss control of
pressure fluid flow is attained by subdividing and confining the
fluid in a plurality of individual streams each extending
throughout a substantial length of travel, having a long length to
diameter ratio to impart high frictional resistance losses to the
fluid flow, being configurated along their length to assure
efficient frictional resistance to fluid flow, and provided in and
between laminated faces.
In one application of the principles of the invention, as shown in
FIG. 1, a control valve assembly 25 includes a valve housing 27
within which a valve plug 28 is mounted in controlling relation to
a passage 29 which extends through angularly related portions 30
and 31 having respective flanges 32 and 33 at their open ends by
which the housing is adapted to be secured in fluid-tight
communication with other members serving as continuations of the
passage 29 in a flow system. For controlling the passage 29, the
valve plug 28 is reciprocably mounted in the housing section 31
which has a head extension 34 within which the plug is slideably
received in the fully open condition of the valve and from which
the plug is projectable into throttling relation across the passage
29 to effect incremental closing between a fully open and a fully
closed position wherein an annular valve shoulder 35 seats on a
complementary valve seat 37 defining the juncture of the body
sections 30 and 31 about which is an encompassing chamber 17.
Reciprocal movements of the valve plug 28 are adapted to be ffected
through a calve stem 28a extending through a packing gland 34a in
the head end of the head chamber 34.
To attain energy losses in the flowing medium in the passage 29, in
either selective direction, without damaging velocities and abrupt
pressure drop all fluid passing the plug 28 is subdivided into a
plurality of individual streams of respective small cross-sectional
flow area and substantial length to impose frictional resistance
energy loss on the flowing fluid medium. In this instance, a
plurality of stacked annular disks 38 is mounted within the chamber
17 and provides a continuation of the plug guiding surface afforded
by the housing head 34 concentric with the housing portion 31 and
extending across that part of the passage 29 in the housing portion
30. Frictional resistance controlling flow of the fluid through the
annular column of the disks 38 is effected through subdividing and
confining ducts or flow passageways 39 (FIG. 2) on at least one
face of each of the disks, extending between and opening through
the inner and outer perimeters or edges of the respective disks and
closed from one another by the intervening land areas of the
grooved disk and the abutting laminar face of the contiguous disk
in the stack or surface at the end of the stack. In the form shown,
the passageways 39 are of convolute angular form each occupying a
sectoral area of the disk face and the loops increasing in length
from the inner edge to the outer edge of the disk. This greatly
extends the respective lengths and effectiveness of the
passageways. Further, the passageways 39 are shown as comprising a
substantial number of very small cross-sectional flow area grooves,
which may be shallow scratch-like depressions in the face of the
disk. In FIG. 3, the disk 38' has grooves 39' of different
angularity in their length, in this instance of curved or spiral
extent, and of substantial depth, as compared to the grooves 39. In
FIG. 3A, each of the grooves 39' has at least one restriction or
abrupt contraction 36 (in this instance two) and then a succeeding
abrupt expansion portion 36a in its length to increase the energy
loss effectiveness of the grooves. It will be appreciated that the
length, configuration and depth of the grooves 39, 39' may be
varied as preferred or needed to meet requirements. While all of
the disks in the stack may be equally equipped with the fixed
frictional resistance surface grooves 39, 39', any preferred
variation in the number, length, depth and configuration of the
grooves may be provided on any disk in the stack or in various
portions of the stack. Furthermore, the number and diameter of the
disks may be varied as preferred or required. Great versatility to
meet all kinds of situations is thus attained.
As the plug 28 is moved from fully open position within the head 34
toward .Iadd.closed .Iaddend.or shut-off position, it progressively
closes off the control passageway 39, 39' across the successive
disks and thus progressively diminishes the flow through the
passage 29. All of the flow that does pass the plug 28 from fully
open to fully closed position is subjected to frictional resistance
energy loss in passing through the control passageways.
In the more or less schematic showing of FIG. 1, the valve housing
27 has been shown as a one-piece structure, as has also the valve
plug 28. It will be appreciated, however.Iadd., .Iaddend.that any
preferred multi-part structure may be afforded in either the
housing or the valve plug or both. While the stack of disks 38 may
be assembled with the housing as part of a casting or molding
operation, the housing may, and desirably is, suitably separable to
insert and remove the stack of disks 38 at will, and to enable
dismounting of the disks for cleaning, and the like.
As pointed out hereinbefore, the basic problem in controlling valve
operation, life and application is the high velocity attained by
the flowing media as it passes through the valve. The velocity
phenomenon can be simply stated as V=.sqroot.2gh wherein V is
velocity, g is the gravitational constant, and h is the variable
static pressure head across the valve seat. In all valves, V is a
direct function of the pressure across the valve seat. In all
valves, V is a direct function of the pressure across the valve
seat, and V increases correspondingly with increasing pressure
drop.
By dividing the flow stream into a plurality of small flow streams
in the individual configurated passageways containing turns and/or
restrictions, each turn and restriction reduces the pressure by one
velocity head per turn, with the resultant effect of altering the
basic velocity .[.equlation.]. .Iadd.equation .Iaddend.to
V=.sqroot.2gh/N with N representing the number of turns in the
series in the individual passageways. This concept and technique
enables control of both velocity and pressure to any degree desired
.Iadd.by providing passageways configurated along their length to
have effective long length to diameter ratios to impart high
frictional resistance losses to fluid flowing through
them.Iaddend..
For additional advantageous utilization of the principles of the
invention in the development of resistance to flow, efficient
accommodation to expansion of gases in the controlling passageways,
ease of cleaning, compactness, ability to pressure-balance the
valve poppet or plug and the ability to easily incorporate the most
efficient valve sealing techniques, a generally labyrinth
arrangement of the flow control passageways has been devised and
has proved highly successful. One such arrangement is depicted in
FIG. 4, wherein an annular disk 38" has on at least one face
thereof a plurality of flow subdividing and confining control
passageways 39", there being one of such passageways in each of a
plurality of sectoral areas, graphically outlined by the radial
sector lines S applied to FIG. 4, and in this instance three equal
sectors. For large expansion capacity, a single passageway 39"
starting with one entrance opening at the inner edge of the disk
38" progresses by multiple turns and branches to a plurality of
outlets at the outer edge of the disk. As will be observed all of
the turns in the passageways are substantially right angle turns.
In a first section.[.,.]. 40, of the passageway into which its
entrance .[.and.]. .Iadd.end .Iaddend.extends there are shown eight
successive substantially right angle turns, four of which are in
circumferential direction and four of which are in radial
direction, and one of which is in a radially inward direction while
three are in a radially outward direction. From the first section
40, the passageway spreads in two directions circumferentially in
an arcuate section 41 which is shorter than its portion of the
sector and at each end of which there is a right angular radial
turn leading into a respective multi-angular section 42 in which
there are eight substantially right angle turns corresponding
generally to the turns in the section 40. From the sections 42, the
passageway 39" progresses into an arcuate section 43 of a length
substantially equal to the width of its portion of the sector and
from which leads a plurality of, herein four, angular sections 44,
each of which has eight substantially right angular turns, and
which discharge into a final arcuate section 45 also extending
throughout substantially the entire width of its portion of the
sector. In its final progressive phase, the passageway 39"
comprises a plurality of eight-turn sections 47 of a greater number
than the sections 44, and herein comprising six, leading from the
arcuate section 45 and each discharging from the outer edge of the
disk 38". In addition to a progressive increase in number of
angular sections, the flow area of each of the progressive groove
sections may be enlarged with respect to the immediately preceding
section or sections.
.Iadd.In addition to the passageways 39" subdividing or branching
flow streams, they may also cause the recombination of previously
subdivided or branched flow streams. As shown in FIG. 4, for
example, in final arcuate section 45 of passageway 39", at the
position 46, and similar or analogous positions, there is a
recombination of portions of the subdivided flow streams exiting
the angular sections 44 intermediate arcuate section 43 and final
arcuate section 45..Iaddend.
In another desirable permutation, a disk 38" may have on at least
one of its faces a substantially greater number of sectors,
identified by identifying graphic sector lines S' and herein shown
as twelve in number. Each sector may be provided with a respective
control passageway groove 39"'. In this arrangement, each of the
grooves 39"' progresses in a generally labyrinth pattern in its
sector by successive generally right angular, pressure reducing
turns continuously along generally circumferentially lying S-shaped
sections 48 alternating with similar but reversely extending
sections 49 and which become progressively longer from the radially
inner to the radially outer end of the passageway. It will be
observed that in each of the sections 48 and 49 the fluid stream is
subjected to eight turns. To avoid undue pressure drop at the exit
end of the passageway 39".Iadd.'.Iaddend., while nevertheless
taking advantage of the final angular turn, the exit may be
provided with a plurality, herein three, openings 50.
In the operation of any of the disclosed arrangements, or other
permutations thereof, the desirable relationship between the main
stream and the controlling subdividing and confining passageways is
such that the velocity in the latter approximates the velocity in
the main stream downstream from the passageways. As a result the
greatest amount of energy or pressure head is dissipated,
cavitation eliminated, erosion of seat or trim in a valve structure
eliminated, noise associated with cavitation or high velocity
eliminated, vena contracta effects on valve control predictability
eliminated, the destructive separation damage to molecular chains
or polymers as a result of high valve velocity eliminated, and the
like.
In addition to use of the invention in control valve applications,
many other uses for the highly efficient high energy loss fluid
control will readily present themselves. For example, in FIG. 6 a
high efficiency high pressure muffler 51 is depicted comprising a
generally frustoconical shell hood 52 into which extends a delivery
pipe tube 53 having on its inner end a laterally outwardly radial
annular flange 54 between which and a narrow end closure 55 of the
hood is mounted a stack 57 of control disks 58 provided with any
preferred arrangement of the flow subdividing and confining flow
passageways hereinbefore described by which high pressure fluid
from the delivery tube 53 is dissipated with a large volume
pressure drop further controlled by movement through a tortuous
path in the expansion chamber provided by the hood 52 from the
control disk stack 57 to the opposite wider end of the hood. As the
expanding fluid flows on through the hood it is further muffled by
being forced to travel a tortuous multi-angle path when the fluid
on leaving the outer perimeter of the disk stack 57 is diverted by
the hood wall to travel axially toward an annular intercepting
baffle 59 extending inwardly from the hood wall into spaced
concentric relation about the tube 53 providing an angular turn in
fluid flow toward a second intercepting baffle 60 extending
radially from the tube spaced downstream from the baffle 59 and of
smaller diameter than the surrounding hood wall such that fluid is
again forced to travel angularly toward the hood wall whence it is
again angularly directed toward a third annular baffle 61 extending
inwardly from the hood wall in axially spaced relation relative to
the baffle 60 into spaced relation about the tubular inlet 53.
Movement of the expanding fluid substantially repeats the movement
forced by the baffle 59, and a succeeding annular inwardly bafffle
62 on the stem substantially repeats the fluid movement effected by
the baffle 60 and the fluid finally moves angularly toward and past
an end baffle 63 on the hood wall and toward an outward deflection
baffle plate 64 carried by the tube 53 in suitable spaced relation
beyond the wider end of the hood and the baffle 63. Thence, the now
muffled and much expanded fluid flows outwardly from the gap
between the baffles 63 and 64 to the atmosphere about the muffler
51 .[.and.]. which may be within a chamber in an industrial process
or the natural atmosphere as preferred.
In another useful application of the invention, a high pressure
relief valve (FIG. 7) is provided having an annular stack 67 of
disks 68 having on at least one of their respective faces
subdividing and confining passageways according to the principles
of the invention and embodying any of the forms of such passageways
hereinbefore described. In this instance the annular disk stack 67
provides part of the valve body with opposite end flange members 69
and 70 comprising the remainder of the body and secured together in
clamping relation to the disk stack as by means of the tie bolts
71. This leaves the internal circumference and the outer
circumference of the disk stack free for controlled fluid flow
therethrough.
In this instance, the relief valve 65 is of the automatic pop-off
type including a plunger or cup shaped plug 72 normally biased by
means of a spring 73 into closing relationship on a seat 74 about
the inner end of an inlet passage 75 in the housing flange member
70 concentric with the bore defined by the disk stack 67. For
adjusting the compression and thus the pressure with which the
spring 73 seats the valve plug 72, an end portion of the spring
extends beyond the plug into a chamber provided within a cap
portion 77 of the flange member 69 and a compression flange 78
thrust against the end of the spring and has a threaded stem-like
stud 79 threadedly engaged in the end closure portion of the cap 74
whereby the spring 73 is readily adjustable for a desired pop-off
pressure. As pressures increase beyond the pop-off pressure, and
the plug 72 is driven progressively further from the seat 74
progressively greater area of the control disk stack or cage 67 is
directly exposed to the pressure fluid which passes through the
control passageways in the disks 68 as indicated by the directional
arrows, and to the same effect as hereinbefore described.
In a combination .[.or.]. .Iadd.of .Iaddend.relief or vent valve
and muffler 80 (FIG. 8) a generally frusto-conical shell housing 81
has within its narrowest end portion an annular stack 82 of disks
83 provided with suitable subdividing and confining individual
passageways to impart high frictional drag losses to high pressure
fluid introduced into the inner end portion of the bore of the
stack through an inlet pipe 84 suitably attached to the inlet end
of a flange member 85 secured as by means of suitable spider
structure 87 to the inside of the hood and in supporting relation
to the stack 82. Control of fluid flow from the inlet through the
stack is by means of a tubular valve plunger or plug 88 which is
slidably engaged within the bore of the disk stack and is
reciprocably operable by means of a valve stem 89 attached fixedly
to the valve plug by means of a spider 90. For illustrative
purposes, the plug 88 is shown in a partially open position
relative to the control disk stack, but it is operable between full
open and fully closed positions by means of the stem 89. In the
fully closed position an annular radially outward tapered valve
flange 91 on the inner end of the plunger 88 closingly engages a
complementary seat 92 on the innermost disk of the control stack
and an annular valve surface 93 on the outer end of the plunger
closingly engages a complementary seat 94 on an end pressure seal
bonnet flange member 95 compressibly engaging the outer end of the
control disk stack 82 and removably held in place by a retaining
ring clamping flange 97 secured as by means of screws 98 to an
attachment flange 99 on the narrow end of the muffler hood 81.
Operation of the valve stem 89 to control the position of the plug
88 is effected in a preferred system-responsive or demand manner,
as through an operating device 100 which may comprise a pressure
responsive piston, a solenoid, and the like. As shown, the
operating device 100 is mounted on a guide extension 101 for a
plunger 102 extending from the device and to which the valve stem
89 is fixedly connected. Mounting of the guide 101 on the bonnet
flange 95 is through a central flange extension 103 provided with a
packing gland 104 through which the stem 89 extends.
On opening of the valve plug 88 high pressure fluid flows in
energy-dissipating controlled relation through the stack 82 and
into the muffler chamber and in a circuitous path therethrough to
exit in substantially the same fashion as described in respect to
the muffler 51, being successively diverted angularly inwardly by
an inward first baffle 105, an annular outward second baffle 107,
an annular inward third baffle 108, an annular .[.inward.].
.Iadd.outward .Iaddend.fourth baffle 109, and finally inwardly to
an exit opening defined by a fifth and inwardly directed annular
baffle 110 on the widest end of the muffler hood. As it issues from
the exit of the muffler hood, the expanded fluid is diverted
radially by an annular baffle plate 111 on the inlet tube 84 spaced
a preferred distance beyond the outlet end of the muffler hood.
.Iadd.As indicated in the drawings and preceding description, there
are disclosed rigid members having abutting faces forming
therebetween a plurality of parallel flow passageways or ducts for
the fluid at spaced levels or incremental positions along the axis
of the rigid structure comprising the valve trim. Where, for
example, the rigid structure is in the form of a vertically
oriented right annular cylinder as shown in FIGS. 1, 6, 7 and 8,
the spacing along the axis thereof between each grouping of a
plurality of passageways can be said to be vertical. Consequently a
control valve according to the embodiment of FIG. 1 has pluralities
of parallel flow passageways arranged in vertically-spaced
groupings. Most preferably there will be a significant number of
such groupings so arranged with respect to each other that the
valve plug will, in the course of its stroke from a fully closed to
a fully open position or a position intermediate these points,
essentially simultaneously open or close a plurality of parallel
flow passageways at each level of valve position while opening or
closing a plurality of groupings or sets of such parallel flow
passageways in series. Thus a preferred embodiment of the invention
can be said to include a rigid structure comprising a stack of
members forming therebetween a plurality of individual passageways
in parallel flow at spaced positions. Where, for example, a device
is constructed to the general teachings of FIG. 1, the rigid
structure is annular and comprising a stack of members, in this
case disks, having abutting faces forming axially separated rows of
generally radially directed passageways extending between the inner
and outer circumferential walls of the structure..Iaddend.
To afford an indication of the wide range of utility and
applicability of the present invention a selected few specific
examples may be given, namely, feed pump recirculation,
desuperheater spray, turbine bypass, steam pressure reducers,
relief valves, gas regulators, feedwater bypass, hotwell control,
circulating pump seal, reheat spray, drum or steam blowdown, steam
back pressure control, pump loading, level control, temperature
control, pressure control, turbine load, superheater bypass, flash
tank drain, let down for ammonia or various polymers such as
polyethylene, urea and the like. Numerous other uses will readily
suggest themselves and will become apparent.
It will be understood that variations and modifications may be
effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel
concepts of this invention.
* * * * *