Automatic dump valve
US4300585A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 19, 1979 |
| Grant date | Nov 17, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 19, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87812
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A valve for automatically dumping a load of solids entrained within a fluid transport medium in response to flow interruption is disclosed. The automatic dump valve is particularly well-suited for use in combination with a nodule transport riser in deep ocean mining operations. The automatic dump valve system is combined with a tubular conduit defining a longitudinally extending flow passage having a sidewall opening defining a dump port. The automatic dump valve assembly includes a movable dump port cover plate and a hydraulic actuator coupled to the cover plate. The hydraulic actuator is operably responsive to pressure changes within the flow passage relative to the pressure exerted by a surrounding body of water to open and close the dump port. The hydraulic actuator is formed by the combination of a sidewall portion of the tubular conduit constricting the flow passage thereby defining a venturi flow region, and a pressure chamber housing enclosing the conduit section and defining an annular pressure chamber. The pressure chamber is divided by a movable piston into a first chamber which is connected in fluid communication with the venturi passage, and a second pressure chamber w…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.