Valve for changing the direction of flow in pipes leading to/from a heat-exchanger
US6058974A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 23, 1998 |
| Grant date | May 9, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 23, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/87804
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a valve for changing the flow direction of a fluid in conduits, which conduct the fluid to and from, respectively, a heat exchanger. Heat exchangers used in systems where the cooling water is taken from natural streams, river water, sea water etc often have problems with clogging. A method of keeping the heat exchanger clean is to regularly backflush it, i e to reverse the flow direction for example a few times every day, so that silt and particles, which have got stuck in the inlet region of the heat exchanger, are flushed out the same way as they entered. The valve according to the invention comprises a cylindrical casing and a valve body (18) enclosed therein. The conduits, which conduct the fluid to and from, respectively, said heat exchanger, are connected to two diametrically arranged connection tubes in the respective end plate on the casing, and by rotation of the valve body substantially 90.degree. the valve body can be placed in two different positions, so that said fluid either is conducted via through passages (19 and 20) or via through passages (21 and 22).
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.