Isolation valve with valve in drain

• US 20070169827A1
• Filed: 09/23/2004
• Published: 07/26/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: NIBCO Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Webstone Company Incorporated
• Inventors: Reck, Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,681,596 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 137/887
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/0873 the plug being only rotatable around one spindle
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/0876 one connecting conduit having the same axis as the spindle
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 11/22 with an actuating member for each valve, e.g. interconnected to form multiple-way valves
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 27/065 with cylindrical plugs
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 5/0605 with particular plug arrangements, e.g. particular shape or built-in means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86493 Multi-way valve unit
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86549 Selective reciprocation or rotation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/86871 Plug
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87837 Spring bias
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87877 Single inlet with multiple distinctly valved outlets
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87909 Containing rotary valve

Abstract

A fluid isolation valve having a valve body with a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port with a valve in the fluid drain port. The valve body also defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, wherein the valve portion is disposed in the valve body to be communicated with the first fluid flow port, the second fluid flow port and the fluid drain port A flow diversion device is also provided and is disposed within the valve portion. The flow diversion device is configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when the flow diversion device is in the first configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the second fluid flow port Consequently, when the flow diversion device is in the second configuration the first fluid flow port is communicated with the fluid drain port. The fluid flow can be decrease or stop by use of the valve within the fluid drain port.

Claims

1. A fluid isolation valve comprising:

a valve body, said valve body having a first fluid flow port, a second fluid flow port and a fluid drain port, wherein said valve body defines a fluid flow channel, a drain flow channel and a valve portion, said valve portion being disposed to be communicated with said first fluid flow port, said second fluid flow port and said fluid drain port; and

a flow diversion device disposed within said valve portion, said flow diversion device being configurable between a first configuration and a second configuration, such that when said flow diversion device is in said first configuration said first fluid flow port is communicated with said second fluid flow port and when said flow diversion device is in said second configuration said first fluid flow port is communicated with said fluid drain port.

2. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 1, wherein said flow diversion device is a ball valve unit comprising:

a ball section, said ball section defining a stem chamber and a ball chamber, said stem chamber disposed adjacent to and extending outwardly from said ball chamber;

a stem disposed within and extending outwardly from said stem chamber and connected to said ball disposed within said ball chamber, an exposed portion of said stem extending beyond said stem chamber,

a handle connected to said exposed portion of said stem disposed within said stem chamber and connected to said ball, wherein actuation of said handle effects actuation of said ball for operating said ball valve unit;

a main section disposed separate from and adjacent to said ball section; and

a drain port communicating with said main section.

3. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 2, wherein said drain port has drain port valve disposed within.

4. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 3, wherein said drain port valve is a ball valve unit.

5. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 3, wherein said drain port valve is a stem and seat valve.

6. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 2, wherein a flange formed as a continuous portion of at least one of said main section and said ball section, said ball section including said stem chamber and said ball chamber, wherein said flange, said main section and said ball section including said stem chamber and said ball chamber being formed as a single piece formed of a rigid material.

7. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 1, wherein said main section and said ball section are made of brass.

8. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 1, further including an end cap attached to at least one of said main section and said ball section.

9. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 8, wherein said main section is made of brass.

10. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 1, wherein said first fluid flow port is fitted with a union connection and said second fluid flow port is fitted with a threaded connection.

11. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 10 wherein said union connection further comprises a union connection insulator.

12. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 1, wherein said handle is wing-shaped.

13. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 4, wherein said drain port ball valve has a handle that is a single wing.

14. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 4, wherein an inner diameter of said chamber is substantially equal to an inner diameter of said end cap.

15. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 2 wherein said ball valve unit has a first valve seat, a second valve seat, a third valve seat and a fourth valve seat.

16. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 15 wherein said valve seats sealably position said ball within said ball valve unit.

17. The fluid isolation valve according to claim 15 wherein said valve seats are made of a polymeric material.