Separator valve

US5348041A · kind A · utility

Inventor

• Stephen E. Clark · Norfolk, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 21, 1993
• Grant date: Sep 20, 1994
• Expiry date: May 21, 2013

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/87917
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

Automatically resetting mechanical valve is used to control unwanted discharge of liquids less dense than water, principally oil, which may be present in waste water flows. The valve is closed by the sinking of a primary flow which closes a primary orifice, and the floating of a secondary float which closes a smaller secondary orifice. The primary float is less dense than water but more dense than oil. The secondary float is less dense than both oil and water. When the primary float becomes sufficiently immersed in oil, the primary float sinks and effectively closes the primary orifice in an outlet conduit. In the event of evaporation or removal of liquid from the valve, the (smaller) secondary orifice automatically opens, thereby allowing hydrostatic pressure inside and outside of the outlet conduit to equalize. Upon reintroduction of water to the device, the primary float unseats and the valve automatically re-opens. Additionally ingress of liquid causes the secondary float to float, thus closing the secondary orifice.