Pressure compensated flow control valve

• US 5,934,317 A
• Filed: 05/17/1996
• Issued: 08/10/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 05/17/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Fluor Daniel Hanford, Inc. (Fluor Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Fluor Daniel Hanford, Inc. (Fluor Corporation)
• Inventors: Minteer, Daniel J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hepperle, Stephen M.
• Application Number:
  US08/650,080
• Time in Patent Office: 1,180 Days
• Field of Search: 137/504, 137/501, 454/26, 454/255
• US Class Current: 137/504
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 7/0146 the in-line sensing element being a piston or float without flexible member or spring
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/7792 Movable deflector or choke

Abstract

The invention is an air flow control valve which is capable of maintaining a constant flow at the outlet despite changes in the inlet or outlet pressure. The device consists of a shell assembly with an inlet chamber and outlet chamber separated by a separation plate. The chambers are connected by an orifice. Also located within the inlet chamber is a port controller assembly. The port controller assembly consists of a differential pressure plate and port cap affixed thereon. The cap is able to slide in and out of the orifice separating the inlet and outlet chambers. When the pressure differential is sufficient, the differential pressure plate rises or falls to maintain a constant air flow. Movement of the port controller assembly does not require the use of seals, diaphragms, tight tolerances, bushings, bearings, hinges, guides, or lubricants.

Claims

1. An air flow control valve comprising:

a. a shell assembly with an exterior and an interior, said interior further comprising;

(i) an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber separated by a separation plate;

(ii) an inlet opening, therein, said opening connecting the inlet chamber to the exterior;

(iii) an outlet opening, therein, said opening connecting the outlet chamber to the exterior

(iv) said separation plate having a shell cap orifice, therein, said orifice connecting the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber;

(v) a shell cap affixed to the separation plate, said cap projecting into the outlet chamber; and

(vi) a plate rest located in the inlet chamber;

b. a port controller assembly within the inlet chamber further comprising;

(i) a differential pressure plate;

(ii) a port cap fixed to the differential pressure plate and said port cap inserted in the shell cap orifice; and

(iii) a means for adjusting the airflow, said means comprising an air inlet collar for adjusting volume at said inlet, and a linkage connected to said collar, wherein flow control is achieved at device differential pressures ranging from 1/3" wg to fan capacity, and air flow rate is achievable at from 25 scfm to fan capacity.

2. An air flow control valve comprising:

a. a shell assembly with an exterior and an interior, said interior further comprising;

(i) an inlet chamber and an outlet chamber separated by a separation plate;

(ii) an inlet opening, therein, said opening connecting the inlet chamber to the exterior;

(iii) an outlet opening, therein, said opening connecting the outlet chamber to the exterior

(iv) said separation plate having a shell cap orifice, therein, said orifice connecting the inlet chamber to the outlet chamber;

(v) a shell cap affixed to the separation plate, said cap projecting into the outlet chamber; and

(vi) a plate rest located in the inlet chamber;

b. a port controller assembly within the inlet chamber further comprising;

(i) a differential pressure plate;

(ii) a port cap fixed to the differential pressure plate and said port cap inserted in the shell cap orifice; and

(iii) a means for adjusting the airflow, said means comprising an orifice inside the differential pressure plate and a weight added to the port controller which weight serves as an orifice adjustment means, wherein flow control is achieved at device differential pressures ranging from 1/3" wg to fan capacity, and air flow rate is achievable at from 25 scfm to fan capacity.