Pressure responsive actuator for use with an automatic dump valve
US4429622A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1980 |
| Grant date | Feb 7, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2000 |
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 module 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 assemby 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 whi…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.