Ocean thermal energy conversion valve
A fluid flow control valve is disclosed to be interposed in the depending end portion of a large diameter casing projecting downwardly below the ocean thermocline and forming a cold water passageway for moving water to the surface. The valve includes a jacket surrounding the casing and spanning a transverse partition and ports in the casing wall above the partition. A control line supported sleeve valve, having a length at least equal to the spacing between the partition and upper limit of the casing ports, is coaxially disposed in the casing and includes upper and lower flotation chambers slidably contacting the inner surface of the casing wall and spaced-apart a distance at least as great as the vertical extent of the casing ports. Inflatable seals, surrounding the flotation chambers, are selectively inflated with the flotation chambers to provide buoyancy and for opening and closing the passageway in accordance with the position of the sleeve valve.
- Assignee:
- TIC; ERA-04-022176; EDB-79-035160
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4094334
- OSTI ID:
- 6438391
- Resource Relation:
- Patent File Date: Filed date 23 Jun 1977
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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