Flow Split Venturi, Axially-Rotated Valve
- Laramie, WY
- Sheridan, WY
- Murrieta, CA
The present invention provides an axially-rotated valve which permits increased flow rates and lower pressure drop (characterized by a lower loss coefficient) by using an axial eccentric split venturi with two portions where at least one portion is rotatable with respect to the other portion. The axially-rotated valve typically may be designed to avoid flow separation and/or cavitation at full flow under a variety of conditions. Similarly, the valve is designed, in some embodiments, to produce streamlined flow within the valve. An axially aligned outlet may also increase the flow efficiency. A typical cross section of the eccentric split venturi may be non-axisymmetric such as a semicircular cross section which may assist in both throttling capabilities and in maximum flow capacity using the design of the present invention. Such a design can include applications for freeze resistant axially-rotated valves and may be fully-opened and fully-closed in one-half of a complete rotation. An internal wide radius elbow typically connected to a rotatable portion of the eccentric venturi may assist in directing flow with lower friction losses. A valve actuator may actuate in an axial manner yet be uniquely located outside of the axial flow path to further reduce friction losses. A seal may be used between the two portions that may include a peripheral and diametrical seal in the same plane. A seal separator may increase the useful life of the seal between the fixed and rotatable portions.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FC02-91ER75680
- Assignee:
- Bighorn Valve, Inc. (Sheridan, WY)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 6026845
- Application Number:
- 09/121650
- OSTI ID:
- 879543
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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