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Title: Flow Split Venturi, Axially-Rotated Valve

Abstract

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. Amore » 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.

Inventors:
 [1];  [1];  [2];  [3]
  1. Laramie, WY
  2. Sheridan, WY
  3. Murrieta, CA
Issue Date:
Research Org.:
Univ. of Wyoming, Laramie, WY (United States)
OSTI Identifier:
879543
Patent Number(s):
6026845
Application Number:
09/121650
Assignee:
Bighorn Valve, Inc. (Sheridan, WY)
Patent Classifications (CPCs):
E - FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS E03 - WATER SUPPLY E03B - INSTALLATIONS OR METHODS FOR OBTAINING, COLLECTING, OR DISTRIBUTING WATER
F - MECHANICAL ENGINEERING F16 - ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS F16K - VALVES
DOE Contract Number:  
FC02-91ER75680
Resource Type:
Patent
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

Citation Formats

Walrath, David E, Lindberg, William R, Burgess, Robert K, and LaBelle, James. Flow Split Venturi, Axially-Rotated Valve. United States: N. p., 2000. Web.
Walrath, David E, Lindberg, William R, Burgess, Robert K, & LaBelle, James. Flow Split Venturi, Axially-Rotated Valve. United States.
Walrath, David E, Lindberg, William R, Burgess, Robert K, and LaBelle, James. Tue . "Flow Split Venturi, Axially-Rotated Valve". United States. https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/879543.
@article{osti_879543,
title = {Flow Split Venturi, Axially-Rotated Valve},
author = {Walrath, David E and Lindberg, William R and Burgess, Robert K and LaBelle, James},
abstractNote = {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.},
doi = {},
journal = {},
number = ,
volume = ,
place = {United States},
year = {Tue Feb 22 00:00:00 EST 2000},
month = {Tue Feb 22 00:00:00 EST 2000}
}