Fluid handling – Systems – Multi-way valve unit
Patent
1998-02-17
1999-12-14
Lee, Kevin
Fluid handling
Systems
Multi-way valve unit
13762519, 137597, F16K 11087
Patent
active
060004304
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
A distributing valve of the afore-mentioned type is known to have been manufactured earlier by Oil States Industries in the U.S.A. In the known distributing valve the housing comprises a number of inlets, one for each ingoing current, placed symmetrically at a mutual distance about the axis of rotation of the rotatable distributing element within the housing. In the rotatable distributing element there is designed a branch pipe the opening of which can be aligned one after the other with each inlet into the housing, depending upon which position the valve element is turned to. The branch pipe forms an outlet from the distributing element in the form of a straight pipe piece which extends axially of the axis of rotation of the valve element. The valve element is arranged so that it largely occupies space in the upper part of the housing. The fluids which flow into the housing through the inlets are mixed within the distributing valve, at the lower edge of the distributing element, and flow out of the housing through an outlet which is locating obliquely relative to the axis of rotation of the element.
The straight pipe piece thus extends through the portion of the chamber where the ingoing fluids are mixed for further transportation. The pipe thus empedes of the flow and occupies a large portion of the volume of the mixing chamber. The two outlets lead out of the housing from the mixing chamber in almost the same direction. Pockets are formed in the mixing chamber where in addition there is the danger of deposits from solid matter in the fluid, and turbulences will easily arise during the flow.
Another circumstance with the known solution is that at least one of the currents of fluid from the inlets must be flow-turned almost 360.degree. in order to be able to flow out through the outlet in a mixture with the other currents. However the fluid from the diametrically opposite inlet gets an approximately linear flow path through the mixing chamber and out into the outlet.
The two afore-mentioned constructional details of the known distributing valve of Oil States Industries, results in the distributing valve really having a very undesirable technical flow construction.
As mentioned the straight pipe run stands in the way of the flow of fluid, and also at least one of the currents of fluid must turn about 360.degree.. This means that the distributing valve can become exposed to great wear by the through flow of fluids, and especially if the fluids for example comprise solid particles to an appreciable degree.
The object of the present invention is to produce a new and better construction for a distributing valve of the type mentioned by way of introduction, and which will eliminate in large part the disadvantages mentioned.
Briefly, the invention provides a distribution valve which has a plurality of inlets and two outlets wherein several currents of fluid may be delivered into the valve and mixed with the mixture being drawn off through one outlet and in which a selected one of the inlet flows may be removed through the second outlet.
The valve has special application for the extraction of oil and gas from an installation where oil flows into the distribution valve through separate conduits from a number of wells. However, the valve may also be used in connection with the handling of fluid currents, generally, for example, within the chemical processing industry.
The distribution valve includes a housing having a plurality of inlet openings for the introduction of fluid, a first main outlet opening in communication with the inlets for conducting an outflow mixture of fluids and a second outlet opening opposite the first outlet opening.
The distribution valve also includes a rotatable distributing element rotatably mounted in the housing. This element has a fluid mixing chamber in communication with the inlet openings and a duct having an inlet for selective communication with a respective one of the inlet openings in the housing and an outlet in communication with the second outlet opening in the housing.
The
REFERENCES:
patent: 2821998 (1958-02-01), Mayhew
patent: 2996083 (1961-08-01), Huska
patent: 3047020 (1962-07-01), Barrett, Jr.
patent: 3166098 (1965-01-01), Jennings
patent: 3927693 (1975-12-01), Johnston
Oil States Industries, Rotary Selector & Valve Actuator.
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