Ocean thermal energy conversion valve
A fluid flow control valve to be interposed in the fluid passageway of a large diameter casing projecting downwardly below the ocean thermocline for moving cold water to the surface is described. The depending end portion of the casing wall is provided with inlet ports. A sleeve valve, having a length at least greater than the vertical limit of the ports, is coaxially disposed in the casing and includes spaced-apart upper and lower floatation chambers slidably contacting the casing inner wall surface for opening and closing the passageway. Inflatable seals, surrounding and supported by the floatation chambers, are selectively inflated or deflated. The floatation chambers also are selectively inflated or deflated to provide or remove buoyancy of the sleeve valve in its passageway opening and closing action. Stops, secured to the inner wall surfaces of the casing above the upper limit of the ports, prevent upward movement of the sleeve valve beyond a passageway closed position.
- Assignee:
- TIC; ERA-05-005542; EDB-80-004569
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4151977
- OSTI ID:
- 5876826
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 1 Mar 1978
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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