US20090032619A1 - Check valve - Google Patents
Check valve Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20090032619A1 US20090032619A1 US11/832,776 US83277607A US2009032619A1 US 20090032619 A1 US20090032619 A1 US 20090032619A1 US 83277607 A US83277607 A US 83277607A US 2009032619 A1 US2009032619 A1 US 2009032619A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- valve
- spray nozzle
- check valve
- assembly according
- nozzle assembly
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 29
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000011144 upstream manufacturing Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims 1
- 239000008267 milk Substances 0.000 description 9
- 210000004080 milk Anatomy 0.000 description 9
- 235000013336 milk Nutrition 0.000 description 9
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 7
- 238000001694 spray drying Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000889 atomisation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000011065 in-situ storage Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 230000008439 repair process Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000356 contaminant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004810 polytetrafluoroethylene Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001343 polytetrafluoroethylene Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B12/00—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area
- B05B12/08—Arrangements for controlling delivery; Arrangements for controlling the spray area responsive to condition of liquid or other fluent material to be discharged, of ambient medium or of target ; responsive to condition of spray devices or of supply means, e.g. pipes, pumps or their drive means
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B05—SPRAYING OR ATOMISING IN GENERAL; APPLYING FLUENT MATERIALS TO SURFACES, IN GENERAL
- B05B—SPRAYING APPARATUS; ATOMISING APPARATUS; NOZZLES
- B05B1/00—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means
- B05B1/30—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages
- B05B1/3006—Nozzles, spray heads or other outlets, with or without auxiliary devices such as valves, heating means designed to control volume of flow, e.g. with adjustable passages the controlling element being actuated by the pressure of the fluid to be sprayed
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16K—VALVES; TAPS; COCKS; ACTUATING-FLOATS; DEVICES FOR VENTING OR AERATING
- F16K15/00—Check valves
- F16K15/02—Check valves with guided rigid valve members
- F16K15/025—Check valves with guided rigid valve members the valve being loaded by a spring
- F16K15/026—Check valves with guided rigid valve members the valve being loaded by a spring the valve member being a movable body around which the medium flows when the valve is open
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/7722—Line condition change responsive valves
- Y10T137/7837—Direct response valves [i.e., check valve type]
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
- Y10T—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER US CLASSIFICATION
- Y10T137/00—Fluid handling
- Y10T137/7722—Line condition change responsive valves
- Y10T137/7837—Direct response valves [i.e., check valve type]
- Y10T137/7904—Reciprocating valves
Definitions
- This invention relates to a check valve which is specifically adapted to be used with spray drying nozzles, but could also be used in association with other nozzles.
- valve when associated with spray drying of milk.
- Spray drying techniques are well known and in these milk is sprayed through nozzles into a chamber where the liquid part of the milk is evaporated away and milk powder either falls to the floor of the chamber and is removed therefrom.
- a first such disadvantage is that the valves caused a limitation in liquid flow therethrough and there was a large pressure drop over the valve. This meant that in order to operate a plant to capacity, it was either necessary to use higher pressures or larger diameter pipes and valves to enable the optimum flow through the nozzles.
- valves normally had a soft seal, such as an O-ring and it was found, in practice, that this seal could be destroyed during use which would enable parts of the O-ring to pass to the chamber, again polluting the product.
- check valves have had a complex design which requires the use of many seals and multiple sealing points. As a result there are many stagnant points such that milk products can build up and, if overheated, catch fire. Additionally soft seals are prone to failure and consequent leakage. As such check valves are generally welded together any repairs are extremely difficult.
- check valves have used metal to metal seals which increases the wear rate and as discussed above access for repair is difficult in conventional valves.
- An object of the invention is to provide a check valve for spray drying nozzles, and other nozzles, which causes little restriction in the flow through the nozzle but which, at the same time, does not have any parts which are likely to be passed into the fluid stream.
- the invention is a check valve in a spray nozzle assembly which includes a body adapted at one end to receive a liquid source and at the other end to engage with a spray nozzle and having a bore therethrough, said bore having a first component adjacent the upstream end of the body said first component having a smaller diameter than a second downstream component such that a valve seat is provided at the junction of these components, a valve assembly located generally in the second component and having a valve member having a generally curved end directed towards the seat and bias means to normally hold the member against the seat until the pressure at the inlet reaches a predetermined minimum.
- the curved end of the valve member be either generally hemispherical or conical in shape.
- the curved end of the valve member be manufactured from some sacrificial material and that this end form a seal with the valve seat when the valve is closed.
- valve seat be a removable and replaceable component.
- valve seat be provided with an O ring seal to the body to prevent any leakage during the sealing phase.
- valve member be provided with guide means to locate it axially within the annular recess such that liquid can flow around the valve member when the valve is in its open position and that this guide means preferably be adjacent the curved end of the valve member.
- this guide means have a plurality of arms extending from an axial portion to the sides of the first bore component such that fluid flow is relatively unimpeded over it.
- bias means be a spring and that engagement between the valve and spray nozzle is effected using bayonet fittings or screw means.
- the spring be housed in a “spring cage” which both houses and guides the spring along its axial travel. It is further preferred that in order to facilitate flow past the spring valve when it is unseated the cage is provided with apertures through it along its length and around its diameter.
- a bayonet type retaining means locates the cage within the valve body.
- receiving bayonet type slot for the body to receive the cage lugs have ramped or sloped side walls to facilitate cage insert removal and the escape of dried product.
- the cage be adapted to be used with a large range of spring types and a large range of sealing membranes.
- FIG. 1 shows the check valve connected to an associated spray nozzle
- FIG. 2 shows an exploded diagram of the assembly shown in FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the body of the valve
- FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a check valve associated with an air atomising nozzle
- FIG. 5 Shows a perspective view of a valve member and spring assembly
- FIG. 6 Shows perspective views of the bayonet fitting receptors in the valve body and the cage with lugs to cooperate with the receptors;
- FIG. 7 Shows a diagrammatic representation of a valve body having a threaded spring guide and crown assembly and the press fit seat with O ring seal to the body.
- the check valve body 10 can be considered to be generally cylindrical with a central bore 11 and may be made of any metal suitable for the purpose to which it is to be put.
- the bore is adapted to be connected to a supply pipe for the liquid passing through the nozzle, in this case, this will be considered to be milk.
- Suitable sealing means may be provided between the pipe and the valve body which could include an O-ring or the like in an annular groove in either the body, the pipe end or both.
- the other end of the body 14 is threaded 15 to engage with a nozzle body 20 having a corresponding screw thread arrangement.
- the nozzle body 20 is adapted to receive an orifice disc which causes the atomisation of the milk as it passes therethrough.
- the end 14 of the body 10 may have a bayonet type fitting over which a nozzle body having a corresponding bayonet arrangement is fitted.
- a bayonet type fitting over which a nozzle body having a corresponding bayonet arrangement is fitted.
- the screw fitting enables ready disassembly of the nozzle for cleaning and/or maintenance and, as will be seen from the description hereafter, without disturbing the check valve.
- the central bore 11 located in the valve body has two components namely a first annular bore 16 and, partway along the length thereof, a second annular bore 17 having a larger diameter than that of bore 16 .
- valve seat 18 which as shown in FIG. 3 slopes towards the smaller bore 16 .
- a valve assembly 30 as shown in FIG. 2 has a valve member 31 on the upstream side thereof and which has a diameter smaller than the diameter of bore 17 and this has a portion 35 directed towards the nozzle with which a spring 32 may be associated which spring can abut a further annulus adjacent the downstream end of the nozzle and act against an annular portion of the valve assembly so as to normally bias the valve member 31 towards the valve seat 18 .
- valve seal and spring device are not unitary and are as shown in FIG. 5 where the part of the valve which contacts the valve seat is also shown to be generally hemispherical in shape.
- the valve seat 18 is manufactured from a sacrificial material and is a removable and replaceable component.
- the valve seat is further provided with an O ring seal to the body to prevent any leakage during the sealing phase.
- valve and spring assembly are located in a perforated tube 40 which acts as the spring retainer and which, in turn, can be fitted within the valve body 10 .
- the tube 40 acts to hold spring 32 in compression and is provided with retaining means which is a bayonet fitting such that the check valve assembly remains assembled when disconnected from the spray nozzle.
- This arrangement causes the components of the check valve to be housed in its body in an integral fashion such that the spray nozzle can be serviced without interfering with the check valve.
- check valve If access to the check valve is required it can be disconnected from the spray nozzle and the retaining tube 40 released by releasing its bayonet fitting which in turn causes the spring to no longer be in compression such that the valve member assembly can be removed.
- the spring cage 40 has large lugs 41 which are adapted to engage in the slots 42 having ramped side walls 43 .
- This unique ramping facilitates easier cage insert removal and at the same time, on disassembly, assists the exit of any build up of dried product which has occurred.
- retaining options of the cage design include a full length spring guide and crown assembly 13 as shown in FIG. 7 or alternatively a cage insert of a similar design but exclusive of a thread being a simple slip in design of similar diameter to the receiving bore in the body exclusive of any retaining design other than that of the carrier assembled over the top compressing it into place.
- the crown providing the stop on the body end.
- This figure also shows a press fit seat with O ring seal 19 .
- the valve member may be made of any required material but in this embodiment of the invention it includes a metal body 31 and metal generally triangular guide member 34 between a hemispheric component 33 which is of a synthetic plastics material such as PTFE or some other engineering grade plastic which can be machined or moulded.
- the guide member 34 consists of a plurality of arms, preferably 3, which extend from a central portion to the sides of bore 16 and therefore provide little obstruction to fluid flow. In fact the pressure drop across the check valve is kept to a minimum by the fluid path passing from the downstream end of the valve member, through the perforations in the retaining means and through the spring to be directed down the middle of the spray nozzle in a straight path.
- This component 33 seats in valve seat 18 when the valve is closed when fluid pressure upon the valve member is reduced and is of a sacrificial material compared with the metal valve seat 18 . It is also possible to replace the valve member without having to machine the seat.
- the component 33 described here is generally hemispherical and is adapted to seat in the truncatedly conical valve seat 18 . In another embodiment of the invention it may be preferred that this valve component 33 be conical in form.
- valve member In operation, when there is no pressure in the milk line, the valve member abuts the seat and provides a good seal therebetween preventing any liquid in the line from passing through the nozzle.
- valve body When the pressure in the line increases to a pressure which would be sufficient for the nozzle to operate correctly, the valve body is caused to move against the spring towards the nozzle. Guide means 34 permits fluid flow past it and maintains the valve assembly 30 coaxially within bore 11 .
- valve member moves towards the upstream end until the valve contacts the seat and further liquid is prevented from passing to the nozzle and thus to the product being treated.
- the arrangement is such that the nozzle body can readily be removed by operation screw fitting for cleaning or replacement of the orifice disc without, in any way, adversely effecting the check valve.
- FIG. 4 shows the check valve of the invention when used in association with an air atomising nozzle.
- the operation of the valve is essentially the same as previously described however air passages 70 are present in the assembly as shown and the air aids in the break up of the fluid by air atomisation.
- valve is particularly useful in spray drying milk it can readily be used in other applications where it is undesirable that product passes through the nozzle other than under full pressure and being atomised.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Nozzles (AREA)
Abstract
A check valve which includes a body adapted at one end to receive a liquid source and at the other end to engage with a spray nozzle and having a bore therethrough, an internal annular recess within the body, the upstream end of which body provides a valve seat, a valve assembly located in the recess and having a valve member having a generally curved end directed towards the seat and bias means to normally hold the member against the seat until the pressure at the inlet reaches a predetermined minimum.
Description
- This invention relates to a check valve which is specifically adapted to be used with spray drying nozzles, but could also be used in association with other nozzles.
- For ease of description, we shall refer to the valve when associated with spray drying of milk.
- Spray drying techniques are well known and in these milk is sprayed through nozzles into a chamber where the liquid part of the milk is evaporated away and milk powder either falls to the floor of the chamber and is removed therefrom.
- Historically, on completion of operation the spray drying industry simply stopped pumping the liquid through the nozzles and as the pressure dropped, a certain percentage of the liquid simply fell as drops from the nozzles, without being atomized, and this material could well lead to pollution of the product in the chamber.
- Check valves have been proposed but in practice have suffered from major disadvantages.
- A first such disadvantage is that the valves caused a limitation in liquid flow therethrough and there was a large pressure drop over the valve. This meant that in order to operate a plant to capacity, it was either necessary to use higher pressures or larger diameter pipes and valves to enable the optimum flow through the nozzles.
- The second disadvantage was that these valves normally had a soft seal, such as an O-ring and it was found, in practice, that this seal could be destroyed during use which would enable parts of the O-ring to pass to the chamber, again polluting the product.
- In fact most of these check valves have had a complex design which requires the use of many seals and multiple sealing points. As a result there are many stagnant points such that milk products can build up and, if overheated, catch fire. Additionally soft seals are prone to failure and consequent leakage. As such check valves are generally welded together any repairs are extremely difficult.
- Other check valves have used metal to metal seals which increases the wear rate and as discussed above access for repair is difficult in conventional valves.
- An additional disadvantage with previous check valves is that as fluid flow is not necessarily smooth through them and stagnant deposits can form they are difficult to keep clean.
- An object of the invention is to provide a check valve for spray drying nozzles, and other nozzles, which causes little restriction in the flow through the nozzle but which, at the same time, does not have any parts which are likely to be passed into the fluid stream.
- A further object of the invention is to provide such a check valve which can remain in situ while the system is cleaned and which can also permit interchange of nozzles without the valve itself being disturbed. Another object of the invention is to provide such a valve which is easily cleaned.
- The invention is a check valve in a spray nozzle assembly which includes a body adapted at one end to receive a liquid source and at the other end to engage with a spray nozzle and having a bore therethrough, said bore having a first component adjacent the upstream end of the body said first component having a smaller diameter than a second downstream component such that a valve seat is provided at the junction of these components, a valve assembly located generally in the second component and having a valve member having a generally curved end directed towards the seat and bias means to normally hold the member against the seat until the pressure at the inlet reaches a predetermined minimum.
- It is preferred that the curved end of the valve member be either generally hemispherical or conical in shape.
- It is also preferred that the curved end of the valve member be manufactured from some sacrificial material and that this end form a seal with the valve seat when the valve is closed.
- It may also be preferred that the valve seat be a removable and replaceable component.
- It may further be preferred that the valve seat be provided with an O ring seal to the body to prevent any leakage during the sealing phase.
- It is further preferred that the valve member be provided with guide means to locate it axially within the annular recess such that liquid can flow around the valve member when the valve is in its open position and that this guide means preferably be adjacent the curved end of the valve member.
- It is further preferred that this guide means have a plurality of arms extending from an axial portion to the sides of the first bore component such that fluid flow is relatively unimpeded over it.
- It is also preferred that the bias means be a spring and that engagement between the valve and spray nozzle is effected using bayonet fittings or screw means.
- It is preferred that the spring be housed in a “spring cage” which both houses and guides the spring along its axial travel. It is further preferred that in order to facilitate flow past the spring valve when it is unseated the cage is provided with apertures through it along its length and around its diameter.
- As previously stated it is preferred that a bayonet type retaining means locates the cage within the valve body.
- It is further preferred that the receiving bayonet type slot for the body to receive the cage lugs have ramped or sloped side walls to facilitate cage insert removal and the escape of dried product.
- It is also preferred that the cage be adapted to be used with a large range of spring types and a large range of sealing membranes.
- In order that the invention may be more readily understood we shall describe by way of non limiting example one particular embodiment of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.
-
FIG. 1 shows the check valve connected to an associated spray nozzle; -
FIG. 2 shows an exploded diagram of the assembly shown inFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 shows a cross section through the body of the valve; -
FIG. 4 shows a sectional view of a check valve associated with an air atomising nozzle; -
FIG. 5 Shows a perspective view of a valve member and spring assembly; -
FIG. 6 Shows perspective views of the bayonet fitting receptors in the valve body and the cage with lugs to cooperate with the receptors; -
FIG. 7 Shows a diagrammatic representation of a valve body having a threaded spring guide and crown assembly and the press fit seat with O ring seal to the body. - The
check valve body 10 can be considered to be generally cylindrical with acentral bore 11 and may be made of any metal suitable for the purpose to which it is to be put. - At the
upstream end 12, the bore is adapted to be connected to a supply pipe for the liquid passing through the nozzle, in this case, this will be considered to be milk. - Suitable sealing means may be provided between the pipe and the valve body which could include an O-ring or the like in an annular groove in either the body, the pipe end or both.
- In this embodiment of the invention the other end of the
body 14 is threaded 15 to engage with anozzle body 20 having a corresponding screw thread arrangement. Thenozzle body 20 is adapted to receive an orifice disc which causes the atomisation of the milk as it passes therethrough. - In another embodiment of the invention the
end 14 of thebody 10 may have a bayonet type fitting over which a nozzle body having a corresponding bayonet arrangement is fitted. The precise form of connection not being restricted in the invention and it is to be understood that any preferred engagement means may be used. - The screw fitting enables ready disassembly of the nozzle for cleaning and/or maintenance and, as will be seen from the description hereafter, without disturbing the check valve.
- The
central bore 11 located in the valve body has two components namely a firstannular bore 16 and, partway along the length thereof, a secondannular bore 17 having a larger diameter than that ofbore 16. - The junction between
bores valve seat 18 which as shown inFIG. 3 slopes towards thesmaller bore 16. - A
valve assembly 30 as shown inFIG. 2 has avalve member 31 on the upstream side thereof and which has a diameter smaller than the diameter ofbore 17 and this has aportion 35 directed towards the nozzle with which aspring 32 may be associated which spring can abut a further annulus adjacent the downstream end of the nozzle and act against an annular portion of the valve assembly so as to normally bias thevalve member 31 towards thevalve seat 18. - In this preferred embodiment of the invention the valve seal and spring device are not unitary and are as shown in
FIG. 5 where the part of the valve which contacts the valve seat is also shown to be generally hemispherical in shape. - The
valve seat 18 is manufactured from a sacrificial material and is a removable and replaceable component. The valve seat is further provided with an O ring seal to the body to prevent any leakage during the sealing phase. - In this embodiment of the invention the valve and spring assembly are located in a
perforated tube 40 which acts as the spring retainer and which, in turn, can be fitted within thevalve body 10. Thetube 40 acts to holdspring 32 in compression and is provided with retaining means which is a bayonet fitting such that the check valve assembly remains assembled when disconnected from the spray nozzle. This arrangement causes the components of the check valve to be housed in its body in an integral fashion such that the spray nozzle can be serviced without interfering with the check valve. - If access to the check valve is required it can be disconnected from the spray nozzle and the
retaining tube 40 released by releasing its bayonet fitting which in turn causes the spring to no longer be in compression such that the valve member assembly can be removed. - As shown in
FIG. 6 thespring cage 40 haslarge lugs 41 which are adapted to engage in theslots 42 having rampedside walls 43. This unique ramping facilitates easier cage insert removal and at the same time, on disassembly, assists the exit of any build up of dried product which has occurred. - In further embodiments of the invention other retaining options of the cage design are provided. These include a full length spring guide and
crown assembly 13 as shown inFIG. 7 or alternatively a cage insert of a similar design but exclusive of a thread being a simple slip in design of similar diameter to the receiving bore in the body exclusive of any retaining design other than that of the carrier assembled over the top compressing it into place. The crown providing the stop on the body end. This figure also shows a press fit seat with O ring seal 19. - The valve member may be made of any required material but in this embodiment of the invention it includes a
metal body 31 and metal generallytriangular guide member 34 between ahemispheric component 33 which is of a synthetic plastics material such as PTFE or some other engineering grade plastic which can be machined or moulded. - The
guide member 34 consists of a plurality of arms, preferably 3, which extend from a central portion to the sides ofbore 16 and therefore provide little obstruction to fluid flow. In fact the pressure drop across the check valve is kept to a minimum by the fluid path passing from the downstream end of the valve member, through the perforations in the retaining means and through the spring to be directed down the middle of the spray nozzle in a straight path. - This
component 33 seats invalve seat 18 when the valve is closed when fluid pressure upon the valve member is reduced and is of a sacrificial material compared with themetal valve seat 18. It is also possible to replace the valve member without having to machine the seat. - By use of a sacrificial material seated into a metal seat a good seal can be maintained without the use of soft O-rings which may otherwise break down and act as contaminants to the fluid being sprayed.
- The
component 33 described here is generally hemispherical and is adapted to seat in the truncatedlyconical valve seat 18. In another embodiment of the invention it may be preferred that thisvalve component 33 be conical in form. - In operation, when there is no pressure in the milk line, the valve member abuts the seat and provides a good seal therebetween preventing any liquid in the line from passing through the nozzle.
- When the pressure in the line increases to a pressure which would be sufficient for the nozzle to operate correctly, the valve body is caused to move against the spring towards the nozzle. Guide means 34 permits fluid flow past it and maintains the
valve assembly 30 coaxially withinbore 11. - In this way the amount of restriction presented to the fluid passing through the valve body is not great and the efficiency of the nozzle is not degraded to a degree sufficiently substantial to adversely effect the operation of the nozzle.
- When the pressure in the line drops, the valve member moves towards the upstream end until the valve contacts the seat and further liquid is prevented from passing to the nozzle and thus to the product being treated.
- This means there is no likelihood of the product being polluted by material which has a drop size very much greater than the normal atomised drops from the nozzle from which the liquid evaporates in the chamber.
- Also the arrangement is such that the nozzle body can readily be removed by operation screw fitting for cleaning or replacement of the orifice disc without, in any way, adversely effecting the check valve.
- Also cleaning and maintenance can be effected with the check valve in situ so the existence of this valve does not increase the time taken for normal maintenance tasks.
- Whilst we have, in this specification, described one particular mechanical arrangement of the valve, it will be understood that other forms, which operate in the same manner as that described, can readily be utilised in the invention.
- A further example of the check valve of the invention is shown in
FIG. 4 and shows the check valve of the invention when used in association with an air atomising nozzle. The operation of the valve is essentially the same as previously described howeverair passages 70 are present in the assembly as shown and the air aids in the break up of the fluid by air atomisation. - In addition it is to be understood that whilst the valve is particularly useful in spray drying milk it can readily be used in other applications where it is undesirable that product passes through the nozzle other than under full pressure and being atomised.
- All such modifications and applications are deemed to be within the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (18)
1. A check valve in a spray nozzle assembly, comprising:
a body having an upstream end for receiving a liquid source and a downstream end for engaging a spray nozzle with bore running through said body from said upstream end to said downstream end;
a first component adjacent said upstream end of said body;
a second component adjacent said downstream end of said body, said first component having a smaller diameter than a diameter of said second component;
a valve seat at a junction of said first component and said second component;
a valve assembly located substantially in said second component and having a valve member with a curved end directed towards said valve seat; and,
biasing means for holding said valve member against said valve seat until pressure at an inlet of said valve member attains a predetermined minimum pressure.
2. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said curved end of said valve member is substantially hemispherical in shape.
3. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said curved end of said valve member is substantially conical in shape.
4. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said curved end of said valve member is made of a sacrificial material and forms a valve seal with said valve seat when said valve assembly is in a closed position.
5. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 4 , wherein said valve seat is shaped as a truncated cone.
6. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said valve includes guide means for locating said valve member axially within the bore for permitting liquid to flow around said valve member when said valve assembly is in an open position.
7. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 6 , wherein said guide means is positioned upstream of, and adjacent to, the curved end of said valve member.
8. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 7 , wherein said guide means includes a plurality of arm members extending between an axial component of said guide means to about a surface of said first component, so that fluid flow over said guide means is minimally obstructed.
9. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said biasing means is a spring.
10. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 9 , wherein said curved end of said valve member forms a valve seal with said valve seat when said valve assembly is in a closed position, said valve seal being connectable to said spring via a screw.
11. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 further comprising releasable retaining means for retaining said valve assembly within said body for providing a unitary check valve.
12. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 11 , wherein said releasable retaining means is a perforated sleeve passing over said biasing means and retaining said biasing means in a compression state when not released.
13. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 11 , wherein said releasable retaining means is bayonet fittings.
14. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 13 , wherein said biasing means is a spring cage and said bayonet fittings comprise lugs on said spring cage for engaging with bayonet slots in an interior of said body, said bayonet slots having sloping, or ramping, side walls.
15. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein fluid flows through said check valve in a substantially axial direction to the spray nozzle.
16. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising at least one air passage passing through said body for entraining air into a fluid flow at said downstream end of said body when fluid is flowing through said body.
17. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said valve seat is a removable, replaceable wear device having a push-fit construction.
18. The check valve in a spray nozzle assembly according to claim 1 , wherein said valve seat is used with a coaxial O-ring.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/832,776 US20090032619A1 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2007-08-02 | Check valve |
US13/650,067 US8596560B2 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2012-10-11 | Check valve |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US11/832,776 US20090032619A1 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2007-08-02 | Check valve |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/650,067 Division US8596560B2 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2012-10-11 | Check valve |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20090032619A1 true US20090032619A1 (en) | 2009-02-05 |
Family
ID=40337189
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US11/832,776 Abandoned US20090032619A1 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2007-08-02 | Check valve |
US13/650,067 Active US8596560B2 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2012-10-11 | Check valve |
Family Applications After (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US13/650,067 Active US8596560B2 (en) | 2007-08-02 | 2012-10-11 | Check valve |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US20090032619A1 (en) |
Cited By (13)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110036931A1 (en) * | 2008-04-22 | 2011-02-17 | Stuart Morgan | Spray nozzle assemblies |
US20120272956A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-11-01 | Rusher Michael J | Airway pressure control devices |
WO2014028142A1 (en) * | 2012-07-13 | 2014-02-20 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Valve assemblies and methods of inflating or deflating a tyre |
US20140150801A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2014-06-05 | MichaelJ. Rusher | Airway pressure control devices with flutter valve |
CN105599253A (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2016-05-25 | 歌尔声学股份有限公司 | Sealability detection method for screw non-return ring of injection molding machine |
KR101736276B1 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2017-05-16 | 김상일 | 3D-printer head for foaming material and 3D-printer having the same |
US10030781B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2018-07-24 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Valve assembly for a tire pressure management system |
US10214059B2 (en) | 2015-10-16 | 2019-02-26 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Tire pressure management system and method of decreasing tire pressure |
US10259272B2 (en) | 2014-01-03 | 2019-04-16 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Assembly for a central tire inflation system |
US10836220B2 (en) | 2015-08-06 | 2020-11-17 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Control and supply valve assembly for a tire pressure management system |
US10843511B2 (en) | 2015-08-06 | 2020-11-24 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Channel valve assembly for a tire pressure management system |
US10864783B2 (en) | 2016-01-29 | 2020-12-15 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Valve assembly for a tire inflation system |
US11452838B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2022-09-27 | Michael J. Rusher | Positive expiratory pressure devices with flutter valve |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP3302814B1 (en) | 2015-06-11 | 2020-09-30 | Spray Nozzle Engineering Pty Ltd | High-pressure spray nozzle assembly |
US10330209B2 (en) | 2017-01-26 | 2019-06-25 | Fresenius Medical Care Holdings, Inc. | Check valve and method of forming a check valve |
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US2590772A (en) * | 1943-06-11 | 1952-03-25 | Power Jets Res & Dev Ltd | Liquid fuel burner and the like |
US3590770A (en) * | 1969-10-29 | 1971-07-06 | William Wagner | Fire alarm |
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US4432495A (en) * | 1982-05-10 | 1984-02-21 | L. R. Nelson Corporation | Pop-up sprinkler with independently biased drain valve |
US4805664A (en) * | 1985-08-01 | 1989-02-21 | Mattei Spartaco F | Spa valve |
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Cited By (15)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20110036931A1 (en) * | 2008-04-22 | 2011-02-17 | Stuart Morgan | Spray nozzle assemblies |
US9027860B2 (en) * | 2008-04-22 | 2015-05-12 | Stuart Morgan | Spray nozzle assemblies |
US20120272956A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2012-11-01 | Rusher Michael J | Airway pressure control devices |
US11452838B2 (en) | 2011-04-28 | 2022-09-27 | Michael J. Rusher | Positive expiratory pressure devices with flutter valve |
US20140150801A1 (en) * | 2011-04-28 | 2014-06-05 | MichaelJ. Rusher | Airway pressure control devices with flutter valve |
US9573428B2 (en) | 2012-07-13 | 2017-02-21 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Valve assemblies and methods of inflating or deflating a tyre |
WO2014028142A1 (en) * | 2012-07-13 | 2014-02-20 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Valve assemblies and methods of inflating or deflating a tyre |
US10259272B2 (en) | 2014-01-03 | 2019-04-16 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Assembly for a central tire inflation system |
US10030781B2 (en) | 2014-06-30 | 2018-07-24 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Valve assembly for a tire pressure management system |
US10836220B2 (en) | 2015-08-06 | 2020-11-17 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Control and supply valve assembly for a tire pressure management system |
US10843511B2 (en) | 2015-08-06 | 2020-11-24 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Channel valve assembly for a tire pressure management system |
US10214059B2 (en) | 2015-10-16 | 2019-02-26 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Tire pressure management system and method of decreasing tire pressure |
KR101736276B1 (en) | 2015-11-03 | 2017-05-16 | 김상일 | 3D-printer head for foaming material and 3D-printer having the same |
CN105599253A (en) * | 2015-12-30 | 2016-05-25 | 歌尔声学股份有限公司 | Sealability detection method for screw non-return ring of injection molding machine |
US10864783B2 (en) | 2016-01-29 | 2020-12-15 | Dana Heavy Vehicle Systems Group, Llc | Valve assembly for a tire inflation system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8596560B2 (en) | 2013-12-03 |
US20130240060A1 (en) | 2013-09-19 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
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STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |